| Links | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prices: | Compare Prices | |
| Manufacturer URL: | Manufacturer website | Manufacturer website |
| Predecessor: |
Panasonic GH3
GH3 vs GH4 |
|
| Successor: |
Panasonic GH5
GH4 vs GH5 |
|
| General | ||
| Model Number: | DSLR-A500 | GH4 |
| Alternate Model Number(s): | ||
| Camera Format: | SLR | Compact System Camera |
| Currently Manufactured: | No | Yes |
| Retail Price: | $849.99 | $1500.00 |
| Street Price: | $898.50 | |
| Date Available: | 2009-10-08 | 2014-04-30 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes | Yes |
| Weight: |
31.7 oz
(900 g)
includes batteries, kit lens |
20.1 oz
(569 g)
includes batteries |
| Size: |
5.4 x
4.1 x
3.3 in. (137 x 104 x 84 mm) |
5.2 x
3.7 x
3.3 in. (133 x 93 x 84 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a | n/a |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type: | CMOS | Live MOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | Sony | Panasonic |
| Effective Megapixels: | 12.3 | 16.1 |
| Sensor Format: | APS-C | 4/3 |
| Sensor size: | 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) | 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 5.55 microns | 3.75 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | 1.5x | 2.0x |
| Aspect Ratio: | 3:2, 16:9 | 4:3 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG | RGBG |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed | Fixed |
| Self-Cleaning: | Yes | Yes |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | Yes | No |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No | No |
| DxO Sensor Score: | 64 | 74 |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 21.8 | 23.2 |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 11.6 | 12.8 |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 772 | 791 |
| Image Capture | ||
| Image Resolution: |
4272 x 2848
(12.2 MP,
3:2), 4272 x 2400 (10.3 MP, 16:9), 3104 x 2072 (6.4 MP, 3:2), 3104 x 1744 (5.4 MP, 16:9), 2128 x 1416 (3.0 MP, 3:2), 2188 x 1192 (2.6 MP, Other) |
4608 x 3456
(15.9 MP,
4:3), 4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2), 4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9), 3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1), 3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3), 3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2), 3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other), 2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1), 2336 x 1720 (4.0 MP, Other), 2336 x 1560 (3.6 MP, 3:2), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 1744 x 1744 (3.0 MP, 1:1), 1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3), 1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2), 1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9), 1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG, RAW | JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 4.9 | 12.8 |
| Video Capture | ||
| Can take movies: | No | Yes |
| Movie Resolution: |
4096x2160 (24p)
3840x2160 (30p/25p/24p) 1920x1080 (60p/60i/30p/24p) 1280x720 (60p/30p) 640x480 (30p) 1920x1080 (96p) |
|
| Movie File Format: | MOV (Audio format LPCM), MP4 (Audio format LPCM / AAC 2ch), AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch) | |
| Composite Video Out: | No | Yes |
| NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | n/a | No |
| Video Usable as Viewfinder: | n/a | Yes |
| HD Video Out: | Yes | Yes |
| HD Video Connection: | HDMI | HDMI |
| Lens & Optics | ||
| Lens Mount: | Sony Alpha (Minolta A) | Micro Four Thirds |
| Lens: | Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM | n/a |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 27 - 83mm | |
| Focal Length (actual): | 18 - 55mm | |
| Zoom Ratio: | 3.00x | |
| Aperture Range: | f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - ?? (T) | |
| Integrated ND Filter: | No | No |
| Normal Focus Range: | ||
| Macro Focus Range: | ||
| Filter Thread: | 55.0mm | n/a |
| Thread Type: | n/a | n/a |
| Optical Image Stabilization: | No | No |
| Digital Zoom: | No | Yes |
| Digital Zoom Values: | n/a | 2x, 4x; Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio |
| Auto Focus | ||
| Auto Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Focus Type: | 9-point TTL phase detection (one cross-type sensor) with eye-start AF; Wide, Spot, Local modes | Contrast Detection: Face/Eye detection, AF Tracking, 49-area-focusing, Custom Multi, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint (Full area touch is available) |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Focus: | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder: | Optical / LCD | EVF / OLED |
| Viewfinder Type: | SLR type; eye-level pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.80x mag., 19mm eyepoint, -2.5 to +1.0 diopter | EVF: 2,359K-dot OLED, 100% coverage, 1.34x / 0.67x (35mm eq.) magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, adjustable eye sensor |
| Focus Peaking: | No | Yes |
| EVF Resolution: | n/a | 2,359,000 dots |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.53x | 0.67x |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 0.80x | 1.34x |
| Display | ||
| Eye-level Viewfinder: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display: | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Rear Display Resolution: | 230,400 dots | 1,036,800 dots |
| Touchscreen: | No | Yes |
| Articulating Screen: | Yes | Yes |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | Yes | |
| Selfie Screen: | Yes | |
| Max Playback Zoom: | 13.4x | 16.0x |
| Top Deck Display: | No | No |
| Exposure | ||
| Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 | 25600 |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 200 | 200 |
| ISO Settings: | Auto (200-1600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 | Auto, Intelligent ISO, 200-25600; in 1/3 or 1 EV steps; expandable to ISO 100 |
| Auto ISO Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| White Balance Settings: | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2/3/4, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps) |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/4000 - 30 sec | 1/8000 - 60 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | 40-segment Multi Segment, Center-weighted, Spot; (1200 zone evaluative metering in Live View) | 1728-zone Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot |
| Program Auto Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Shutter Priority: | Yes | Yes |
| Full Manual Exposure: | Yes | Yes |
| Creative Exposure Modes: | Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night Portrait/Night View | No scene modes. Creative Control (Stills): Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, Sunshine; Creative Control (Movies): Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Fantasy, One Point Color |
| Self Timer: | 2 or 10 seconds | 2, 10, 3 shots after 10 seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | ||
| High Resolution Composite: | No | No |
| Flash | ||
| Built-in Flash: | Yes | Yes |
| Flash Modes: | Auto, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off | Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction (when iA, iA+), Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Off; Built-in flash supports wireless mode (4 channels, 3 groups) |
| Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. | 12.0 m / 39.4 ft. |
| Flash Range Description: | Lens dependent | Lens dependent; GN = 17m (ISO 200) |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/160 | 1/250 |
| Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps | +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps |
| External Flash Connection: | Hot shoe | Hot Shoe, PC Sync Socket |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | Full TTL exposure | |
| Image Storage | ||
| Usable Memory Types: | MS Duo / MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| UHS Support: | UHS-I | |
| Other Memory: | ||
| Dual Card Slots: | No | No |
| RAW Capture Support: | Yes | Yes |
| Uncompressed Format: | RAW | RAW, RAW + JPEG |
| Movie File Format: | MOV (Audio format LPCM), MP4 (Audio format LPCM / AAC 2ch), AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch) | |
| Included Memory: | No memory included | |
| Included Memory Type: | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | No | Yes |
| NFC: | Yes | |
| Bluetooth: | No | No |
| Built-In GPS: | No | No |
| Microphone Jack: | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack: | No | Yes |
| External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed | USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi |
| PictBridge Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| DPOF Compliant: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control: | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Control Type: | Optional Wireless or Wired | Optional wired DMW-RSL1 |
| Connections (extended): | DC input, mini-HDMI, Wired Remote | Micro HDMI (Type-D), 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm Mic Jack, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, DMW-YAGH IU Connections |
| Performance Timing | ||
| Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): | 0.48 | 0.35 |
| Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): | 0.47 | 0.40 |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): | 9 | Unlimited |
| Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): | 0.35 | |
| Camera penalizes early shutter press? | No | No |
| JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): | 4.9 | 12.8 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 5 | Unlimited |
| RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 11.8 | |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): | 21 | |
| RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 11.9 | |
| Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): | 21 | |
| Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): | 0.18 seconds | 0.19 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, tele): | ||
| Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR): | ||
| Shutter Lag (manual focus): | 0.182 seconds | 0.057 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): | 0.21 seconds | 0.35 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (prefocused): | 0.074 seconds | 0.050 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (notes): | Quick AF Live View: Center AF: 0.180s Wide-area AF: 0.181s | Full AF, wide-area AF mode = 0.186s |
| Startup Time: | 0.5 seconds | 0.8 seconds |
| Play -> Record Time: | 0.3 seconds | 0.7 seconds |
| Flash cycle time, full power: | 3.4 seconds | 4.2 seconds |
| Power | ||
| Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): | 530 shots | |
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 1000 shots | 500 shots |
| Battery Life, Video: | ||
| Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary NP-FM500H | Proprietary |
| Usable Battery Types: | Lithium-ion rechargeable | Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated Battery Charger Included: | Yes | |
| Internal Charging Supported: | No | |
| Software | ||
| Included Software: | Software/USB Driver CD-ROM | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.5 PE (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8); SILKYPIX Developer Studio 4.1 SE (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8, Mac OS X v10.5-10.8); LoiLoScope (trial version) (Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8) |
| OS Compatibility: | Windows 2000/XP/Vista, Mac OS X (v. 10.13+) | Windows, Mac OS X |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Notes & Features: | Exmore CMOS Sensor, Variable-angle LCD, SteadyShot In-body Sensor-shift Image Stabilization, Live View, Auto HDR, D-Range Optimizer (Auto, Level 1-5), HDMI Output. | Up to 4Kp30 Ultra HD video, higher-res EVF and OLED monitor, 12fps full-res burst mode, 1/8000s top shutter speed, 1/250 x-sync, 200K shutter, optional DMW-YAGH Interface Unit. |
