• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.3 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800
  • APS-C 364.3mm2
  • 19.6 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

Buy From

Differences

Sony DSLR-A500 advantages over Sigma sd Quattro

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.55 vs 4.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sigma sd Quattro advantages over Sony DSLR-A500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    8 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1620k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.73x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    19.6 vs 12.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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
  • 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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony DSLR-A500

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sigma sd Quattro
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 30mm f/1.4 Art Lens
All sd Quattro Deals

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

Sigma sd Quattro
Pentax K20D
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma sd Quattro 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

Sigma sd Quattro
Sony DSLR-A550
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $859
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma sd Quattro 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

Sigma sd Quattro
Sony DSLR-A560
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma sd Quattro vs Sony DSLR-A560

Compared to Sony A3000

Sony DSLR-A500
Sony A3000
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony DSLR-A500 vs Sony A3000

Sigma sd Quattro
Sony A3000
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • HDMI out
  • $598
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Sigma sd Quattro vs Sony A3000

Compared to Fujifilm X-H1

Sony DSLR-A500
Fujifilm X-H1
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony DSLR-A500 vs Fujifilm X-H1

Sigma sd Quattro
Fujifilm X-H1
  • $699
  • APS-C
  • More dots on screen
  • $1199
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sigma sd Quattro vs Fujifilm X-H1

Compare Other Cameras?