Sony introduces A560 and A580 DSLRs with HD video shooting
August 24, 2010
by Sean P. Aune
Sony is increasing the size of its Alpha DSLR line with new entrants, the A560 and A580. It appears it doesn’t matter which one you get, you’ll still be getting a pretty nice system.
Both of Sony’s new Alpha cameras are sporting Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor processors, making the only real difference between the units the number of pixels you want for your shot. The new bodies will be able to shoot up to a blistering 7 frames per second (fps), making sure you never miss that important shot. In addition, both cameras are capable of shooting HD video at nearly 30 fps.
There isn’t a whole lot of differences between the two beyond their sensors, so we’ll do one specification list and just denote the differences.
Sony A560 & A580 Tech Specs
- New 15-point phase-detection autofocus system for rapid, accurate AF tracking
- 16.7 million total pixels, 16.2 million effective pixels (A580)
- 14.6 million total pixels, 14.2 million effective pixels (A560)
- Image sizes – 3:2 Aspect ratio 4912 x 3264 (L), 3568 x 2368 (M), 2448×1624 (S) 16:9 Aspect ratio 4592 x 2576 (L), 3344 x 1872 (M), 2288 x 1280 (S) (A580)
- Image sizes – 3:2 Aspect ratio 4592 x 3056 (L), 3344 x 2224 (M), 2288 x 1520 (S) 16:9 Aspect ratio 4592 x 2576 (L), 3344 x 1872 (M), 2288 x 1280 (S) (A560)
- Video formats – 1920 x 1080, 59.94i (from 29.97fps sensor output), Motion JPEG, 1440 x 1080, 29.97p or 25p, depending on region, 640 x 480, 29.94 fps
- Image formats – RAW (.ARW), RAW + JPEG Fine, RAW + JPEG Standard, JPEG Fine, JPEG Standard
- Compatible with Sony Alpha lenses, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lenses
- Shooting modes – Programmed AE (Auto, Flash off, P), Aperture priority AE, Shutter priority AE, Manual, Scene Selection
- ISO 100 – 12800, Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi-Frame NR Mode
- White balance – Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color temperature/filter (2500 – 9900 K), Manual (Custom)
- Color modes – Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B&W
- Storage – SD/ SDHC/ SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro HG Duo
