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Sony Alpha a500

Sony Alpha a500
Sony Alpha a500Sony Alpha a500Sony Alpha a500Sony Alpha a500Sony Alpha a500Sony Alpha a500
alaScore 89

215 reviews

Apr, 2024

alaTest has collected and analyzed 215 reviews of Sony Alpha a500. The average rating for this product is 4.4/5, compared to an average rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras for all reviews. People are impressed by the image quality and screen. The usability and price are also appreciated, but there are some mixed opinions about the flash. Many are negative about the exposure and contrast.

performance, price, usability, screen, image quality

video, viewfinder, shutter, contrast, exposure

We analyzed user and expert ratings, product age and more factors. Compared to other Digital Compact Cameras the Sony Alpha a500 is awarded an overall alaScore™ of 89/100 = Very good quality.

See all Sony Digital Cameras

Review analysis

(Based on 215 reviews)

Expert Reviews  

User Reviews  

Review Ratings

  (49% of reviews)
Show all 5 star reviews   (37% of reviews)
Show all 4 star reviews   (12% of reviews)
Show all 3 star reviews   (1% of reviews)
Show all 2 star reviews   (2% of reviews)
Show all 1 star reviews

Features

performance
  Show positive (79%)Show negative (21%)(Show all)
price
  Show positive (90%)Show negative (10%)(Show all)
usability
  Show positive (92%)Show negative (8%)(Show all)
screen
  Show positive (86%)Show negative (14%)(Show all)
image quality
  Show positive (86%)Show negative (14%)(Show all)
design
  Show positive (75%)Show negative (25%)(Show all)
portability
  Show positive (65%)Show negative (35%)(Show all)
lens
  Show positive (71%)Show negative (29%)(Show all)
durability
  Show positive (59%)Show negative (41%)(Show all)
flash
  Show positive (53%)Show negative (47%)(Show all)
focus
  Show positive (57%)Show negative (43%)(Show all)
size
  Show positive (77%)Show negative (23%)(Show all)
video
  Show positive (31%)Show negative (69%)(Show all)
reliability
  Show positive (100%)None yet(Show all)
color
  Show positive (58%)Show negative (42%)(Show all)
battery
  Show positive (89%)Show negative (11%)(Show all)
sensor
  Show positive (57%)Show negative (43%)(Show all)
viewfinder
  Show positive (43%)Show negative (57%)(Show all)
shutter
  Show positive (43%)Show negative (57%)(Show all)
zoom
  Show positive (80%)Show negative (20%)(Show all)
contrast
  None yetShow negative (100%)(Show all)
finish
  Show positive (100%)None yet(Show all)
exposure
  None yetShow negative (100%)(Show all)
Show more features

Showing 108 review(s)

Expert Reviews User Reviews

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Showing 1 - 32 of 108 Show Reviews: in English | in other languages (107)

Consumer review (amazon.co.uk)

Amazon.co.uk review summary for Sony Alpha a500

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 3 user reviews of Sony Alpha a500 from Amazon.co.uk. The average user rating for this product is 4.0/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.3/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.co.uk. Views about the battery and portability are on the whole positive. The usability and price are also appreciated, but the video and durability get less positive comments.

performance, price, usability, portability, battery

durability, video

100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Consumer review (amazon.com)

Amazon.com review summary for Sony Alpha a500

 

alaTest has collected and analyzed 19 user reviews of Sony Alpha a500 from Amazon.com. The average user rating for this product is 4.7/5, compared to an average user rating of 4.2/5 for other Digital Compact Cameras on Amazon.com. Reviewers really like the lens and portability. The price and usability also get good comments. Many are less positive about the size.

performance, usability, price, portability, lens

size

100% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Apr, 2024

Expert review by : Cliff Smith (trustedreviews.com)

Sony Alpha A500

 

We take a look at Sony's latest mid-range DSLR

The Sony Alpha A500 is a well-designed mid-range camera ideal for anyone upgrading from an entry-level model. It is rather bulky compared to its main rivals, but it is solidly made and handles well. It has a good range of features, excellent...

Feb, 2010
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Expert review by : Lori Grunin (cnet.co.uk)

Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 review

 

Out of the 5 consumer models in Sony's dSLR product line, stuffed into the rather tight price range between $500 and $750, the Alpha DSLR-A500 is probably the biggest value of the lot. It has the best photo quality, good performance, and the tilting...

Generally above-average performance and solid raw high ISO sensitivity performance for its class; large, tilting LCD; fast Live View autofocus; wireless flash.

Awkward aspects to the design; no video.

Cheaper and with better photo quality than its sibling, the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500's quirky design is the only real flaw in an otherwise solid entry-level model with fast Live View shooting and a useful tilting LCD.

Jul, 2010
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Expert review by (stuff.tv)

Sony DSLR-A500 review

 

Can Sony's new mid-range Alpha tempt serious snappers away from the joint powers of Canikon?

The lack of HD video is a shame, but otherwise the A500 is a feature-packed performer that delivers seriously sharp results

Nov, 2009
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Expert review by (stuff.tv)

Stuff magazine

 

Can Sony's new mid-range Alpha tempt serious snappers away from the joint powers of Canikon?

The lack of HD video is a shame, but otherwise the A500 is a feature-packed performer that delivers seriously sharp results

Nov, 2009
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Expert review by (ephotozine.com)

Sony Alpha A500 Review

 

Sony's latest mid-range DSLR contender offers a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, in-body image stabilisation and live view at a competitive price point. In this test we'll see if it's as good in use as it appears on paper.

Good value for money.; In-body image stabilisation.; Articulating screen; AF performance during live view; Support for SDHC cards and Sony's own Memory Stick Duo format; Noise performance

Low flash sync speed

Jun, 2010
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Expert review by (digitalslrphoto.com)

Sony Alpha 500 Review

 

Sony may have been late to join the DSLR party, but the success of its range of Alpha models have seen it become one of Canon and Nikon's strongest rivals. A recent price drop means the 12.3-megapixel Alpha 500 offers additional value for the beginner...

It seems that despite the tough economic climate, sales of digital SLRs continue to be healthy, particularly at the more affordable end of the market. The Alpha 500 sits at the top end of the entry-level sector, above the A230 (and recently announced...

May, 2010
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Expert review by (gadgetheaven.co.uk)

Sony DSLR-A500

 

The Sony DSLR-A500 is a digital camera that gives high quality detailed photos. a professional photo should be very detailed, crisp and clear and this is exactly what the Sony DSLR-A500 allows you to take. The Sony DSLR-A500 is a 12.3 mega pixel camera...

Looking for a digital camera that has all the great features that you would expect from a professional digital camera while it still remains to be small, easy to use and very well priced? If so the Sony DSLR-A500 is a camera that you should real...

Mar, 2010
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Expert review by : Mike Lowe (whatdigitalcamera.com)

Sony Alpha a500 review

 

The Sony a500 is the a550's similar cousin, but does what it offers warrant its place in the Alpha range? The What Digital Camera Sony a500 review...

Long battery life, tilt LCD, AF live view, all-black finish

Value vs a550, noisy AF with kit lens, dual card access, no video

The street price between the A500 and A550 kit options only differs by up to about £100. They’re very similar pieces of kit, and the small amount of extra money needed for the A550 from many retailers seems to render the A500 a touch outclassed. As a...

Jan, 2010
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Expert review by : Debbi Allen (digicambuyer.co.uk)

Sony Alpha 500

 

Feature packed DSLR for creative shooters

Good features and great images but lacking some features of similarly priced rivals

Dec, 2009
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Expert review by : electricpig.co.uk (electricpig.co.uk)

Sony A500 review

 

A superb all-rounder packed with features and user-friendliness

Fast live view autofocus and speedy continuous shooting

No HD video

Nov, 2009
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