α560/α580 are coming

[dynax800si]

The Sony A560 is a classic DSLR (not a pellix camera) with very similar A33 features:

* 14MP sensor
* ISO range of 100-12800
* 1080i video
* 15 AF points, some of them cross-point
* 5 fps
* dual memory slots (not sure what type)
* swivel display



The Sony A580 has 16 Megapixel.


One more photo at SAR:
http://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sr5-also ... ts-leaked/

[bfitzgerald]

I've 3 letters to say
M L U

Let's see if they really have listened!
I'll also be looking for some customisation as well the current A5xx range is completely lacking in this regard. They really should have a hard button for WB on the body too.

[Dusty]

Well, we'll all know in less than a week, won't we?

Dusty

[bfitzgerald]

I guess we will! At least the DOF preview button is back and evidently ISO 100 so I'll give them some credit..took long enough to sink in.
Would love to see a Film 7 DOF readout though that's a snazzy feature and useful.
Then we'll have to wonder if the lens release lock on/off is back as well another sticky point for some.

I don't care much for the on/off power placement but it's not a deal breaker. It at least looks more solid than the last batch of models texturing on the plastic etc.

[KevinBarrett]

The top plate buttons have been rearranged a little more smartly, and there's a Sweep Panorama symbol on the mode dial. Also, gone is that dastardly "Smart Teleconverter" button!

[Javelin]

Just to screw with Barry that button is programable for DOF preview or MLU not both

[Greg Beetham]

Yeh he he, it could be the button for the GPS for all we know, or some kind of sweep PAN mode button, or a mike toggle on off button or a .....
Greg

[Dusty]

Why is it I can pre-order a 560, but not a 580? It thought that the 580 (from what the press release said) was supposed to arrive first.

Dusty

[bfitzgerald]

Evidently the A580 is EU market only? Or UK only not sure.
As the only apparent difference is a few megapixels (unless mistaken) I'd not lose much sleep over that one.

[David Kilpatrick]

The EU press release says 580 October, 560 '1st quarter 2011' - the US press release appears to say 560 October, 580 to follow. They have done this before and split releases between markets.

David

[Fotogeorge]

I'm interested in the A55 and the A580 as upgrades for my still photography. I don't care about video, 1080i, 3-D, auto panorama, smile capture whatever, or any of those other gimmicks SONY brought to DSLRs from P&S cameras. I don't view my images on my wide screen TV. I don't have storage capacity for video files. Unfortunately, I would have to purchase a SONY DSLR online without ever having a chance to actually test or hold the cameras. I won't find these cameras in any store in my area. I still haven't been able to find the A550. Maybe...I was fortunate not to have found an A550.
I depend on detailed online reviews to make an educated decision. From what I've read, both Alphas have an improved LCD panel. I suspect Sony may be using the new scratch proof, unbreakable Corning glass. I wonder if the LCD panels may still have viewing problems outdoors in bright light. I can't use my A350's LCD panel in bright light. I want to know how good is the OVF in the A580 and the EVF in the A55. Both may have shallow eye points. I really like to see clearly what I am shooting, especially using manual focus. Does the EVF and LCD panel in the A55 go dim when using a large numbered F-stop? If the OVF in the A580 isn't rated any better than the A550, I would pass it up. I like that the A55 has a on-demand grid screen and orientation level gauge. Does the A580 have a on-demand grid screen like the one in the A550? How good are 2 additional megapixels? In addition to MLU and DOF preview, I'd like to have a silent, or almost silent shutter. How silent are the shutters of the A580 + A55? Another option: invest in better glass, until the A7xx comes along.

[Scooterman]

To be honest I have the A-550 and the A-700 and an A-850, and I use the A-550 most of all, for my type of shots that I do, with a grip it fits my hands just right.
The metering is just about spot on AF is fast and good all round, a very usable tool, as many of you, I don’t do video, tried it don’t like it leave it to those who do.
Unless the A-580 is miles ahead of the A-550 my money will wait for the A-7xx.

[alphaomega]

Scooterman stated

To be honest I have the A-550 and the A-700 and an A-850, and I use the A-550 most of all, for my type of shots that I do, with a grip it fits my hands just right.
The metering is just about spot on AF is fast and good all round, a very usable tool, as many of you, I don’t do video, tried it don’t like it leave it to those who do.
Unless the A-580 is miles ahead of the A-550 my money will wait for the A-7xx.

Must admit I more or less agree. I own A700/350 and now A550. Mostly use A550 as well. Could do with DOF but otherwise just fine image wise although location of AEL button and Control Dial a pain. AEL should be in same location as on A350. My guess is that for the still image shooter the A560 will not improve on the A550 and time will show if a 16Mp image from A580 will beat a slightly uprated A550 image at different ISO levels.

[bakubo]

I just read that the A560/A580 has the 2 second self timer mirror lockup.

[WaltKnapp]

Evidently the A580 is EU market only? Or UK only not sure.
As the only apparent difference is a few megapixels (unless mistaken) I'd not lose much sleep over that one.

Wasn't the 580 the only one of the two with GPS.

Funny, if so, the US, the inventer of and maintainer of the GPS system and sony leaves off the camera with it

Walt