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Sony Alpha 500
45
SCORE
Sony · DSLR · 12.3 MP · APS-C

Sony Alpha 500

General 45Optics 50Features and Benefits 36Storage and Battery 27
From $469.95 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
ModelAlpha 500
Released2009
Announcement date27/08/2009
Camera typeDSLR

General 45

Brand
Sony
Model
Alpha 500
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2009
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
27/08/2009
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
137 x 104 x 84 mm
Camera weight
630 g

Optics 50

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
12.3 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4272 x 2848
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony Alpha DT
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
20030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
128003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
20030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
128003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
90300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Sony Alpha 500 receives a score of 45/100 for its general specifications. Launched in 2009 with a price of $699, this DSLR camera measures 137 x 104 x 84mm and weighs 630g or 1.39lbs. Considering the advancements in camera technology over the last decade, the Alpha 500’s specifications may not be as competitive in today’s market. However, for those seeking a budget-friendly option with decent specifications, this camera could still be a suitable choice.

Sony Alpha 500 Overview and Optics

The Sony Alpha 500 receives a score of 50/100 for its optics. This camera features a 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which provides decent image quality. However, in today’s market, many cameras offer higher megapixel counts, resulting in more detailed images. The Alpha 500’s shooting speed of 5 frames per second is average, with many competitors offering faster speeds. The Bionz processor, while functional, is not the latest in technology.

The DXOMARK score of 64 for the Sony Alpha 500’s sensor places it in the lower range compared to current cameras. The Sony Alpha DT lens mount allows for a variety of lenses, but the camera’s image stabilization feature is a plus. With a 3:2 aspect ratio, the camera produces standard images, but it may not be suitable for those seeking advanced specifications or the highest image quality.

Considering these factors, the Sony Alpha 500’s optics are adequate but not exceptional in the current market. Its features may be suitable for beginner photographers, but advanced users may find it lacking compared to newer models with more advanced specifications.

Sony Alpha 500 Video Performance

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
No
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
N/A
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
N/A
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
N/A
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
N/A
Read our notes on sony alpha 500 video performance

The Sony Alpha 500 lacks video capabilities. Unlike many cameras, it cannot record videos. This camera focuses solely on photography.

Sony Alpha 500 Features and Benefits 36

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
2300001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 500 features and benefits

The Sony Alpha 500 scores 36/100 in terms of features. With a screen size of 3 inches and a resolution of 230,000 dots, the display is decent but not exceptional. The lack of touchscreen functionality may disappoint some users, but the flip screen feature is a useful addition for those who need flexibility in shooting angles.

In today’s competitive market, the absence of GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities in the Alpha 500 is a significant drawback. Many modern cameras now include these features as standard, offering greater connectivity and convenience for users.

The Sony Alpha 500, while offering some useful features, falls short in comparison to other cameras in the market. The lack of connectivity options and a lower screen resolution make it a less versatile choice for photographers seeking up-to-date technology.

Sony Alpha 500 Storage and Battery 27

Memory card
SD / SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
NP-FM500H
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
520 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 500 storage and battery

The Sony Alpha 500 received a storage and battery score of 27/100. This camera offers a single memory card slot, compatible with SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards. Its battery life lasts for 520 shots and utilizes an NP-FM500H battery type. Unfortunately, USB charging is not available for this model.

Compared to other cameras in the market, the Sony Alpha 500’s storage and battery specifications are less impressive. The limited memory card compatibility and absence of USB charging may not meet the expectations of modern users. Thus, the Sony Alpha 500 may not be the top choice for those prioritizing storage and battery capabilities.