• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony DSLR-A500 advantages over Fujifilm XF1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 2/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.55 vs 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 1.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    772 vs 199 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1000 vs 300 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Less shutter lag
    0.18 vs 0.33 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Fujifilm XF1 advantages over Sony DSLR-A500

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Thinner
    30 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    460k 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    6.8 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Cool retro styling bolstered by a quality build and design; Fast f/1.8 lens at wide angle; Fast autofocus and low shutter lag; Tons of customizability and creative options, including Fuji's special EXR and Film Simulation modes; Full 1080p HD video; PASM controls; RAW still capture.

  • Special modes have somewhat steep learning curve; Maximum aperture drops quickly as you zoom; Lens cover doesn't lock when storing; Larger sensor doesn't necessarily translate to better photo quality than competitors; Demosaicing errors and moderately high chromatic aberration.

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 XF1
Pentax K20D
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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 XF1
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

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 XF1
Sony DSLR-A560
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Olympus XZ-10

Sony DSLR-A500
Olympus XZ-10
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Fujifilm XF1
Olympus XZ-10
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Fujifilm XQ1

Sony DSLR-A500
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
Fujifilm XF1
Fujifilm XQ1
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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