Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
      61
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      70
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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-A390 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A580, 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-A390 was introduced in July 2010 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 was introduced in May 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 Highlights

      • 16.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 15 Focus Points (15 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 922k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A390
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
      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-A390 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   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 - 230 shots
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   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-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80
      •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony DSLR-A390
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A580.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
      Lighter 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) vs 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A390.

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      12.3 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      Sony DSLR-A580
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 over Sony Alpha DSLR-A390.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 16.2 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 12,800
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 4912 x 3264
      More Focus Points 9 vs 15
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.7" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 922k dot
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.49x vs 0.53x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.5 fps vs 7.0 fps
      Partial Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 607 vs 1121
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.5 vs 23.8
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.5 vs 13.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 80
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo
      Microphone Input vs
      Longer Battery Life 230 shots vs 1050 shots
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 2

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A580.

      Sony DSLR-A550
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 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-A390 Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
        Timelapse Recording
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi is possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has a 2.7" screen with 230k dot resolution and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 has a 3.0" screen with 922k dot resolution. Both have Tilting screens. Tilting screen makes cameras very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinders. They both have 95% coverage.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 369 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 features a 16.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Cameras are equipped with BIONZ processor.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Sony A lens mount. Due to their APS-C sensor their crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is equal to 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when cameras are 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

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has an HDMI and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 230 shots and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 1050 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 has two card slots - one for Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo and one for .

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A390, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps. Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m at ISO 100 on Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and 12.00 m on Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on both cameras.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 86 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.39") and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 body has dimensions of 137 x 104 x 84 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 weighs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 weighs 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      128 mm

      97 mm

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      137 mm

      104 mm

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      97 mm

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      104 mm

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      86 mm

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      84 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 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-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      71
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      73
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      67
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      81
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      82
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      GOOD
      82
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      GOOD
      79
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 and give them scores of 61 and 70 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-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      OVERALL
      61
      OVERALL
      70

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      71
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      71
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      80
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      70
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      GOOD
      74
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      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
      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A390

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      BAD
      38
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 230 shots
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


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

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