Sony a500 Digital SLR Camera, 12.3 Megapixel & 3.0" LCD Screen, with DT 18-55mm Lens

SKU: ISODSLRA500L

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2011-09-04T21:00:00

Rated 4 out of 5

Sony has A lot going on

I love this camera the onlty thing I would change is to make it light bit on the heavy side. I love that it takes my old minolta lenses.

KEVIN R.

2011-03-15T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Love, love, love!

This is the best camera I have owned. I have had it for several months now and have used it for sporting events, weddings and my daughters activities both inside and outside. I was very impressed with the pictures of her shot inside the cafeteria, they were more crisp and vivid than my previous camera. I would defiantly buy it again!

ColoradoMountains

2010-04-25T21:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Love this Camera!

Nice overall design, fits well in hand, love built in stability, and acepts my older Minolta lenses. I I had this camera now for two weeks, and have used it to shoot a soccer game, and some wildlife photos. The 5 fps is nice for both action and wildlife, it also comes in hand when shooting a 2 and 5 year old when they play. The ability to take my older lenses with the minolta a mount. This just added value to the camera and no need for me to buy more lenses. All featers work well on my old lenses also. I also like the high iso nice for low light work if needed, and the built in stability means i dont need is lenses which also cuts my cost down. This camera does not have video but i didnt want video so i dont miss it. I looked at both canon and nikon and went with sony. I am very happy with my choice!

KEVIN R.

2010-04-23T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

a500

I have been using my new a500 for about a week now, I was able to use it a youth soccer game and came away with some nice shots. With the 5 fps i was able to get some nice actions shots, and it take my old minolta lenses so that is a huge pluse. nice screen could be a bit brighter but is no problem yet. I have use a Canon xsi and I like the feel of the a500 a lot more feels much more substansale when you hold it but it is not at all heavy. Nice design and love the contol dial located on the left instead of the right make it easy to change modes while shooting.

wheelchairman

2010-04-13T20:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

made for me

I would consider myself an informed dabbler when it comes to photography. Not exactly entry level, but not advanced enough to be an expert, and this camera was just perfect for me. It truly eased me into the world of DSLR's with its user friendly settings and quick blurbs on how the settings affect your pictures. Compared to other DSLRs I've looked into, the specific settings are not as exstensive such as white balance. You can set it at outdoor, cloudy etc but other cameras have more options within those options. This wasnt important to me since the difference is negligable in the final picture and sometimes too many settings can be confusing for beginners. Its a good weight with its metal body and very nice grips help you hold it, an excellent value for the price. I found my pictures came out exactly as I wanted them since the controls were so easy to access. I love this camera and I definitely reccommend it for entry level, and advanced photographers.

fislam

2009-12-26T19:00:00

Rated 5 out of 5

Awesome Camera

This is so far the best Christmas Gift anyone can ever receive...specially if you are into taking pictures (shutter-bug)....... Nice body frame, fast shutter response, an excellent grip..... room for fingers nice.... really no complaints yet...only had this camera for a day........

PictureRed89

Sony A500 SLR 12.3MP 3in LCD Camera, DT 18-55mm Lens Specifications

  • Flash Compensation

    +/-2EV (in 1/3 EV-stop increments)

  • Flash Coverage

    18mm in focal-length of lens attached

  • Flash Metering System

    ADI flash (automatic change for Pre-flash TTL)

  • Guide Number

    12 (in meters at ISO100)

  • Flash Modes

    Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear sync, Wireless

  • Flash Recycling Time

    Approx. 4 sec.

  • Flash Type

    Auto Pop-up

  • Memory Card Slot

    Dual memory card slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo media SD and SDHC memory card

  • Tripod Mount

    Yes, 1/4"-20

  • USB Port(s)

    USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)

  • Anti-dust function

    Charge protection coating on low pass filter and image-sensor shift mechanism

  • BRAVIA Sync

    Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV

  • Creative Style

    Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W Setting Adj. for; Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness

  • Dynamic Range Optimizer

    DRO; off, Auto/Level (Lv1-5) Auto HDR; off, Auto Exp. (Up to 3EV between 1.0-3.0EV in 0.5EV steps)

  • Live View

    Quick Auto Focus Live View Manual Focus Check Live View

  • Scene Mode(s)

    Flash Off, Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night portrait

  • User Interface

    Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu

  • Camera Type

    Sony a Digital SLR camera with built-in flash and inter-changeable lenses

  • Color Filter System

    RGB primary color filters

  • Effective Picture Resolution

    Approx. 12.3 megapixels

  • Imaging Sensor

    APS-C size Exmor CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)

  • Lens Mount Type

    Sony a lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

  • Pixel Gross

    Approx. 12.9 megapixels

  • Processor

    BIONZ image processor

  • Recording Media Type

    Memory Stick PRO Duo media, SD and SDHC memory card

  • Recording Mode

    RAW, RAW+JPEG, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard

  • Still Actual 16:9

    L (10M): 4272 x 2400 M (5.4M): 3104 x 1744 S (2.5M): 2128 x 1192

  • Still Actual 3:2

    L (12M): 4272 x 2848 M (6.4M): 3104 x 2072 S (3.0M): 2128 x 1416

  • Operating System Compatibility

    Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional Windows XP*SP2 Windows Vista Mac OS X(v10.1.3) or later

  • Supplied Software

    PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR

  • AF modes

    Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, (AF/MF selectable)

  • Drive Mode

    Single-shot, Continuous, Self-timer, Bracketong; Cont./ WB, Remote Commander

  • Exposure Compensation

    +/-2EV (in 1/3 EV steps)

  • Exposure settings

    Auto, Auto Flash Off, Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter priority (S), Manual (M)

  • Focus Area

    Wide (Up to 9 active focus points), Spot, Local (9 local areas selectable)

  • Focus Features

    Manual Focus Check Live View Predictive control, Focus lock, Eye-start AF, AF illuminator

  • Focus Points

    9 points

  • Focus Sensitivity

    EV0 - 18 (ISO100)

  • Focus System

    TTL phase detection system

  • ISO

    Auto, 200 to 12800

  • Metering

    TTL metering w/ 40-segment honeycomb-pattern SPC

  • Metering Modes

    Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot

  • Metering Sensitivity

    2EV to 20EV (4EV to 20EV with Spot metering), (at ISO 100 conversion with F1.4 lens)

  • Scene Selection Modes

    Flash Off, Portrait,Landscape,Macro,Sports action,Sunset,Night portrait

  • White Balance

    Auto,Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color temp.,Color Filter, Custom

  • Diopter Adjustment

    -2.5 - +1.0m-1

  • Eye relief

    Approx. 19 mm from the eyepiece, Approx. 15 mm from the eyepiece frame at -1 diopter

  • Field of View

    95%

  • Focusing Screen

    Spherical Acute Matte Screen

  • Magnification

    0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity)

  • Viewfinder Type

    Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror

  • Angle Adjustment

    Yes(upward by up to 90 degrees, downward by up to 90 degrees)

  • Brightness Control

    Auto Brightness Control (Auto setting in 2 steps, manual setting in 5 steps)

  • Coverage

    100% (Playback), 90% (Live View)

  • LCD Display Type

    3" TFT Clear Photo Plus LCD4 (230,400 pixels)

  • Operating Temperature

    32 - 104 degrees F (0 - 40 degrees C)

  • Battery Type

    NP-FM500H

  • Number of Shots

    Approx. 1000 images with viewfinder, approx. 520 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)

  • Dimensions (Approx.)

    Approx. 137 X 104 X 84mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)

  • Weight (Approx.)

    Approx. 597g (without battery, memory card, accessories)

  • Warranty

    Sony 1 year parts and labor limited warranty

  • UPC Code

    027242748613

5 Accessories for Sony a500 Digital SLR Camera, 12.3 Megapixel & 3.0" LCD Screen, with DT 18-55mm Lens

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About Sony A500 SLR 12.3MP 3in LCD Camera, DT 18-55mm Lens

FEATURED REVIEWS

made for me

By fislam

I would consider myself an informed dabbler when it comes to photography. Not exactly entry level, but not advanced enough to be an expert, and this camera was just perfect for me. It truly eased me into the world of DSLR's with its user friendly settings and quick blurbs on how the settings affect your pictures. Compared to other DSLRs I've looked into, the specific settings are not as exstensive such as white balance. You can set it at outdoor, cloudy etc but other cameras have more options...

View full Review

Awesome Camera

By PictureRed89

This is so far the best Christmas Gift anyone can ever receive...specially if you are into taking pictures (shutter-bug)....... Nice body frame, fast shutter response, an excellent grip..... room for fingers nice.... really no complaints yet...only had this camera for a day........

Exceptional picture quality, super-fast response and maximum shooting versatility come together with the Sony a500 camera. A 12.3 megapixel Exmor CMOS image sensor and BIONZ image processing engine deliver amazing image quality with high-sensitivity shooting at up to ISO12800. You can also expand your shooting opportunities with two Live View modes, Quick Auto Focus Live View and Manual Focus Check Live View.

Plus, a 9-area tracking auto focus system makes it possible to capture high-speed shots with a fast shutter speed and up to 5 frames/sec continuous shooting. And it's easy to frame high and low-angle shots on the tiltable 3.0" LCD. The a550L comes with a DT 18-55mm lens zoom lens.

Sony A500 SLR 12.3MP 3in LCD Camera, DT 18-55mm Lens Features

  • 12.3 megapixels; 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
  • 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
  • Smile Shutter technology: Another Quick AF Live View enhancement, Smile Shutter technology automatically takes the shot when your subject smiles
  • Auto HDR built into camera: High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast than a single exposure can handle by combining two exposures into one incredible shot.
  • Smart Teleconverter 2x Digital Zoom: In Quick Auto Focus Live View mode, you can extend the optical zoom of your lens with digital zoom. One touch zooms in at 1.4x, while a second touch advances to 2x zoom.
  • Help Guide and Graphic Display: An informative on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display provide ready reference to advanced camera functions
  • 9-Point AF Sensor: To get the best shot under a wide range of situations, the a500 uses a 9-Point AF Sensor with Center Cross. In addition, predictive focus control automatically calculates the position of fast-moving subjects, perfect for pictures of kids and pets.
  • Anti-Dust Technology: Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS imager clean, resulting in consistently better pictures. First a static-free coating on the CMOS filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the CMOS each time you shut off the camera.
  • Six Scene Selection Modes: To help you get the shot, Scene Selection Modes optimize the camera settings for common shooting situations. Just turn the Mode Dial to select from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset and Night View modes.
  • Supplied zoom lens (DSLR-A500L kit): The DSLR-A500L kit comes with the SAL1855 DT 18-55mm zoom lens, which covers everything from wide angle to midrange telephoto shots. Sony's Smooth Autofocus Motor (SAM) delivers silent autofocus operation.
  • 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.
  • Manual Focus Check Live View: For critical focus in macro and tripod shooting, the a500 also offers Manual Focus Check Live View. Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100% framing in the LCD.
  • Tiltable 3.0" LCD: Even if you're completely comfortable with the optical viewfinder, Sony's tiltable LCD empowers your photography with a different point of view. Helps you frame high and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit or miss.
  • Dynamic Range Optimizer: Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Normal DRO improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater accuracy.
  • Powerful Supplied Software: To help you refine and manage your images, the a500 is equipped with comprehensive computer software, including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture Motion Browser (PMB).(Compatible computer required, not included)
  • HDMI output for HD viewing: Connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and play back your images in stunning high definition. The a500 includes an HDMI output (HDMI cable required, sold separately).
  • Six Creative Style settings: Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation and sharpness to your personal taste.
  • Up to a 1000 Shots of battery life: Take up to 1000 shots on a single charge (optical viewfinder mode); up to 520 shots (Live View mode) with Sony Stamina battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence.
  • Index and Slide Show Display: Quickly review your photos using 4- or 9-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.
  • 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.
  • Face Detection technology: The a500 enhances Quick AF Live View shooting with Face Detection technology, which helps you get the best shot by recognizing faces and applying the proper focus, exposure and white balance
  • Up to 5 fps of continuous shooting: Up to 5 frames per second (with optical viewfinder) can capture the decisive moment in sports or get the ideal baby photo. You can also shoot at up to 4 fps with Quick Auto Focus Live View.
  • SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization: Image stabilization helps you take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only
  • BIONZ image processor: A newest version of Sony's BIONZ image processor uses chroma noise reduction to deliver high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity
  • Eye-Start Autofocus: For maximum speed, Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as you raise the camera to your eye. So the camera is ready to catch the perfect moment.

What's in the box:

  • Sony a500 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera
  • SAL1855 SAM DT Lens
  • Power Cord
  • Software CD-ROM
  • BC-VM10 Battery Charger
  • Shoulder Strap
  • USB Cable
  • NP-FM500H Rechargeable Battery
  • Body Cap
  • Sony 1 Year Parts and Labor Limited Warranty