• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • APS-C 368.2mm2
  • 16.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 6400

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A500 advantages over Fujifilm X-T1 IR

  • Less expensive
    $850 vs $1700 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.55 vs 4.82 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Fujifilm X-T1 IR advantages over Sony DSLR-A500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    46 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    8 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More dots on screen
    1040k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.77x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    16.3 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    8.0 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax K20D

Sony DSLR-A500
Pentax K20D
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Top deck display
Fujifilm X-T1 IR
Pentax K20D
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compared to Sony DSLR-A550

Sony DSLR-A500
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • More dots on screen
  • More pixels
Fujifilm X-T1 IR
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony DSLR-A560

Sony DSLR-A500
Sony DSLR-A560
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Less shutter lag
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More cross-type AF points
Fujifilm X-T1 IR
Sony DSLR-A560
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro2

Sony DSLR-A500
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Fujifilm X-T1 IR
Fujifilm X-Pro2
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1300
  • APS-C
  • Shoot 4K video
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Sony A6500

Sony DSLR-A500
Sony A6500
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $1303
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
Fujifilm X-T1 IR
Sony A6500
  • $1049
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1303
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
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