• 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.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A500 advantages over Fujifilm XQ1

  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1000 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Fujifilm XQ1 advantages over Sony DSLR-A500

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
    33 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    920k 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
  • 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
    12.0 fps vs 4.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    9 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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

  • 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
  • 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

User reviews

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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

Compare Sony DSLR-A500 vs Pentax K20D

Fujifilm XQ1
Pentax K20D
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Pentax K20D

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

Compare Sony DSLR-A500 vs Sony DSLR-A550

Fujifilm XQ1
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Sony DSLR-A550

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

Compare Sony DSLR-A500 vs Sony DSLR-A560

Fujifilm XQ1
Sony DSLR-A560
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Sony DSLR-A560

Compared to Fujifilm XF1

Sony DSLR-A500
Fujifilm XF1
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Sony DSLR-A500 vs Fujifilm XF1

Fujifilm XQ1
Fujifilm XF1
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Fujifilm XF1

Compared to Canon S120

Sony DSLR-A500
Canon S120
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony DSLR-A500 vs Canon S120

Fujifilm XQ1
Canon S120
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Canon S120

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