Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 vs Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500
      61
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      54
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and the Fujifilm FinePix S1500, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 was introduced in August 2009 and Fujifilm FinePix S1500 was introduced in February 2009. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 Highlights

      • 12.3 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 230k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500 Highlights

      • 10.0 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 64 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Electronic Viewfinder
      • 1.4 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 640 x 480 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A500
      4. Advantage of Fujifilm FinePix S1500
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and Fujifilm FinePix S1500.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)
      •   Internal Storage

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 520 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.0 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.4 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64
      •   Weight - 630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 over Fujifilm FinePix S1500.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 vs Fujifilm FinePix S1500
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.3 Megapixel vs 10.0 Megapixel
      RAW Support vs
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.70"
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 8 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 1.4 fps
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A500.

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Advantage of Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      Fujifilm S1500
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Fujifilm FinePix S1500 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A500.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 vs Fujifilm FinePix S1500
      Video Capture vs
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 64
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 4272 x 2848 vs 3648 x 2736
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 100%
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Lighter 630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz) vs 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 23 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Fujifilm FinePix S1500.

      Olympus E-510
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Nikon D3000
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Samsung WB150F
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      1/2.3-inch

      14.2 MP

      Sony W310
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      1/2.3-inch

      12.1 MP

      Nikon D3100
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      APS-C

      14 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon D100
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Nikon D5100
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Fujifilm X-Pro1
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Olympus E-410
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      Micro Four Thirds

      10.0 MP

      Nikon D3200
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon P520
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      1/2.3-inch

      18.1 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 Fujifilm FinePix S1500
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 Fujifilm FinePix S1500
        Low Resolution Sensor12.3 Megapixel10.0 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot230k dot
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 has a 3.0" Tilting screen with 230k dot resolution and Fujifilm FinePix S1500 has a 2.70" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderFujifilm FinePix S1500 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder. Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 has 95% coverage with 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Fujifilm FinePix S1500 has 100% coverage magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 features a 12.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800. Fujifilm FinePix S1500 features a 10.0 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 64 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4272 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4272 x 2400, 3104 x 2072, 3104 x 1744, 2128 x 1416, 2188 x 1192 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Fujifilm FinePix S1500 can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3648 x 2432, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1944, 1600 x 1200, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      NFC on Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500 has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 520 shots and Fujifilm FinePix S1500 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Fujifilm FinePix S1500 has a single card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A500, and up to 1/2000 sec on Fujifilm FinePix S1500. Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Fujifilm FinePix S1500 can shoot continuously up to 1.4 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m on Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and 8.70 m Auto ISO on Fujifilm FinePix S1500. Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A500.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 body has dimensions of 137 x 104 x 84 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31") and Fujifilm FinePix S1500 body has dimensions of 103 x 73 x 68 mm (4.06 x 2.87 x 2.68"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 weighs 630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz) and Fujifilm FinePix S1500 weighs 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      137 mm

      104 mm

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      103 mm

      73 mm

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      104 mm

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      73 mm

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      84 mm

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      68 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and Fujifilm FinePix S1500 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      46
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      GOOD
      70
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 520 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.4 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 520 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      61
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.4 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Small Sensor
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      GOOD
      81
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 520 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A500 and Fujifilm FinePix S1500 and give them scores of 61 and 54 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      OVERALL
      61
      OVERALL
      54

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 64
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10.0 Megapixel
      •   64 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.4 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      POOR
      41
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 640 x 480

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      GOOD
      71
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      54
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A500

      Fujifilm FinePix S1500

      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 520 shots
      POOR
      46
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 345 g (0.76 lb / 12.17 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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