• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 18.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A500 advantages over Canon T4i

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.55 vs 4.30 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.50 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1000 vs 440 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Less shutter lag
    0.18 vs 0.27 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)

Canon T4i advantages over Sony DSLR-A500

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More telephoto lens reach
    216 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • 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 pixels
    18.0 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    19 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • 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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • 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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Buy the Sony DSLR-A500

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Buy the Canon T4i
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-55mm Lens
All T4i Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality; 9 cross-type AF points; Stereo microphones; Built-in touchscreen; Multi-shot modes.

  • Slow Live View and video autofocus; High ISO performance is unimproved; Below-average battery life; No dedicated AF illuminator.

  • Read our Canon T4i Review

The Competition

Compared to Canon T5i

Sony DSLR-A500
Canon T5i
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony DSLR-A500 vs Canon T5i

Canon T4i
Canon T5i
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $539
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight

Compare Canon T4i vs Canon T5i

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

Canon T4i
Pentax K20D
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T4i 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

Canon T4i
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T4i 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

Canon T4i
Sony DSLR-A560
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T4i vs Sony DSLR-A560

Compared to Canon T3i

Sony DSLR-A500
Canon T3i
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony DSLR-A500 vs Canon T3i

Canon T4i
Canon T3i
  • $579
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C

Compare Canon T4i vs Canon T3i

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