Sony Alpha DSLRA500 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body only) | 
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| Brand: Sony
Category: Photography
List Price: $637.99
Buy New: $449.95
You Save: $188.04 (29%)
New (6) from $449.95
Rating:  8 reviews
Sales Rank: 874
Media: Electronics
Floppy Disk Drive: None
Display Size: 3
Maximum Resolution: 12.3
Has Red Eye Reduction: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.6 x 6.9 x 6.6
MPN: DSLRA500
Model: DSLRA500
UPC: 027242748590
EAN: 0027242748590
ASIN: B002MPPRM2
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | 12.3-megapixel resolution for incredible detail; new Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor | | • | Body only; lenses sold separately | | • | Quick Auto Focus Live View for composing shots in the LCD monitor; Manual Focus Check Live View enables critical focus in macro and tripod shooting | | • | Auto HDR (High Dynamic Range) captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining two exposures into one shot | | • | Dual media slots for Memory Stick PRO Duo/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC media (sold separately) |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
For a higher level of performance, step up to the Sony A500 DSLR camera. Enjoy the freedom of Quick Auto Focus and Manual Focus Check Live View on the tiltable 3.0" LCD. Experience the responsiveness of up to 5fps Continuous Shooting. Relish the clarity of 12.3MP and up to ISO 12800 sensitivity. Capture the full range of light and shadow with Auto HDR.
FEATURES: - 12.3 megapixels for amazing pictures - This camera's 12.3-megapixel resolution makes for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. The all-new Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor ensures state-of-the-art response. The large, APS-C format means high sensitivity, powerful depth-of-focus control.
- Superb in low light (ISO 12800) - An all-new Sony's Exmor CMOS image sensor employs new low-noise processing, for uncommonly clear pictures. The BIONZ image processor with chroma noise reduction helps achieve low noise all the way up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing resolution.
- More responsive Live View - All DSLR Live View systems enable you to compose shots in the LCD monitor, just as you would with a point-and-shoot camera. But not all Live View systems are created equal. Some take a painfully long time to focus. Some even black out the LCD before focus. Either can cause you to miss shots. Sony's Quick Auto Focus Live View solves these problems, making it easier to get the best shot.
- Quick Auto Focus Live View - Unlike competing cameras, the DSLR-A500 is just as responsive in Quick Auto Focus Live View mode as in optical viewfinder mode. That's because, unlike the others, the a500 uses the same "phase detection" auto focus for Live View as for the optical viewfinder. While other Live View systems are severely restricted, Sony's performs superbly any time--even if you're shooting handheld or chasing after moving subjects like kids or pets.
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 8
Professional level camera August 18, 2010
Daniel T. Hayes
I just wanted to write a quick review of this camera highlighting the fact that although pitched by Sony to amateurs, this camera has performed exceptionally in demanding wedding and portrait shoot environments. Throw a good prime lens on there like the f/2.8 100 macro, or a super sharp f/1.4 50mm on it, and you can get amazing shots from this <$500 camera.
As a professional photographer of 5 years(and amateur most of my life), I can tell you that this camera is only limited by it's owner's abilities.
If you want to spend an extra $200, get the A550 for the 7 fps, but this camera is all you need!
Great Value. Worthy Replacement for my A300. $$$$$ August 16, 2010
P. Chin (San Francisco Bay Area)
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I'll try to review aspects of this camera body purchase, and not just to repeat "camera test" reports which you can find several by googling it. I am happy with the price and solid reputation of Amazon on this "fulfilled by Amazon" purchase. This is important as there are other lower prices offered by some dubious sellers. (Now you can get a good "sold by Amazon" price.)
The Sony A500 body replaces my A300 body, and the improvements (confirmed in my 2 day makeshift tests)are definitely there , while retaining the two best and also improved features that I treasure -- the tiltable screen and the best live-view system. On a value basis, I would give it 5+ stars. I agree with the previous reviewer that Sony is under-appreciated. Sony delivers value, best bang for the buck. As you can tell by the price, the camera has been heavily discounted, making it a tremendous value over Nikon and Canon, who I think are too traditional photography bound. They lack innovation and usable features. Who introduced dust removal, anti-shake, live view, tilt screen? Not them. (Don't respond to this. I am not trying to start a war with Canon fanatics. Oops, I mean fans.) To the pixel peeping Toms, Canon is the epitome. But Sony shooters can still use old Konica-Minolta AF lenses and have auto focus and anti-shake function because they are built into the camera, not in the lens. In the lower price category, the Sony A500 is a very capable camera, as others. So it boils down to personal preference on features or brand name when choosing a camera. The most important part of the camera however is the photographer. Composition is the key and post software editing does the rest. Go out and take some pictures. As previous reviewer noticed, the cameras are getting better and cheaper every year, just like other electronics.
You must also have a fairly good Point & Shoot to complement the DSLR. The P&S is good for portability, 25mm wide angle, a longer zoom and 720p movie. My camera equipment for my budget and style: Sony A200 body, A500 body, 18-55mm kit lens, various Minolta era lenses, 3 big flashes; Panasonic ZR1; and Pentax Optio WS80 (not good, but cheap and weather resistant)
 Ssony digital slr Alpha a500 Body August 9, 2010
jb
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
so far the camara has performed well. I am using it with the Minolta Maxxum lens. The night shots are good. I would have thought that the overall picture quality would have been a little better because it is an SRL camera.
jb
Great beginner or mid-level d-SLR May 13, 2010
Kristi W. (Minneapolis)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I have had my a500 for a few months and am very happy with my purchase. This is a great camera for someone wishing to switch from advanced point-and-shoot to full d-SLR. The menus are intuitive, and this camera is generally easy to use. It has some nice features like HDR imaging, manual live focus, and an amazing live view. I tested this camera with Nikon and Canon models in the same price range and felt this was the superior product. I also like that this camera has the autofocus motor inside the camera itself (unlike many similarly priced models by other brands), making it compatible with my 20-year old Minolta lenses. As you probably know, lenses are as important, if not more important, than the camera body so it's nice to be able to use older, reasonably-priced, solid glass. This generally takes nice low light shots although there is some noise at higher ISOs if you are really picky. This is to be expected from a camera in this price range. Also the kit lens is not the greatest, but this is usually the case with entry level SLR cams and I do feel that it's a lot better than the kit lens that comes with comparable Canons and Nikons. At any rate, I'd recommend buying the body only and picking up a used Minolta 50mm 1.7 prime lens (readily available and inexpensive). Then start shooting. I gave this 5 stars because it's great at what it is --- a starter SLR camera with some room for the photographer to grow. This of course can't compete with $2000-$3000 full frame models, but it has none-the-less exceeded my expectations. Great value. In general, I think this brand is underrated in the digital camera world. If you are in the market for your first d-SLR, give Sony a try.
a500: Adobe products and IR photography April 25, 2010
DK (Michigan)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I checked out the a500 with Adobe Lightroom 2.7; the program had no problem downloading the RAW files from the SONY. Since I tend to use Lightroom and Photoshop for image manipulation, I have not tested the ability of the camera to change such items as sharpness, white balance, etc.
The a100 is very sensitive to infrared. Using a 72 filter, I could get good IR photographs in bright sunlight at f8/1 sec. The a500 requires a 4-second exposure indicating a somewhat better IR filter.
Otherwise, the a500 has several features no offered by the a100, SONY's first DSLR. The viewing screen can be helpful, as can the new exposure modes. It's a bit easier to use since some of the menu items are accessed by a Fn (function) system.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 8
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