Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
      69
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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-A560 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-A560 was introduced in August 2010 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 was introduced in May 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Highlights

      • 14.2 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
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • 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-A580
      4. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      5. Screen and Viewfinder
      6. Sensor
      7. Photography Features
      8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      9. Other Features
      10. Physical Parameters
      11. For Different Types of Photography
      12. Evaluations
      13. 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-A560 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   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
      •   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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      •   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 - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 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)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A560.

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      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-A230
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A290
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
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      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      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-A390
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A380
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A500
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      APS-C

      12.3 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-A560.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 vs Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 16.2 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 4912 x 3264
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 7.0 fps
      Partial Metering vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 817 vs 1121
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.5 vs 23.8
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.3 vs 13.3
      Higher DxO Overall Score 70 vs 80

      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-A290
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A700
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      APS-C

      10.24 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
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      APS-C

      10.2 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-A330
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A300
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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

      Sony DSLR-A350
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      APS-C

      14.2 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-A560 Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor ShiftSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Type C Mini Type C
        Long Battery Life1050 shots1050 shots
        Many Storage Slots22
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Sony Alpha DSLR-A580
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Cross-type Focus Points33
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min30 min
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi is possible Eye-Fi is possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 have 3.0" Tilting screens with 922k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes cameras very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Cameras have built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinders. They both have 95% coverage and 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 features a 14.2 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 100 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. 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-A560 has a Mini Type C HDMI and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 come with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 1050 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Cameras have 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-A560, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps.


      Flash

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

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 bodies have the same dimensions of 137 x 104 x 84 mm (5.39 x 4.09 x 3.31") and they both weigh 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      137 mm

      104 mm

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      137 mm

      104 mm

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      104 mm

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      104 mm

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      84 mm

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      84 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k 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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      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
      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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      81
      •   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)
      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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      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
      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-A560 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 and give them scores of 69 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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      OVERALL
      69
      OVERALL
      70

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 70
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 80

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      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
      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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

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

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      72
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type 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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      74
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot
      GOOD
      74
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 922k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   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-A560

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A580

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 599 g (1.32 lb / 21.13 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1050 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      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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