Sony unveils A580 and A560 DSLR cameras

Sony extends its DSLR cameras with two new models,  the 16.2 megapixel A580 and 14.2 megapixel A560. Both camera feature new-generation Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor, enhanced BIONZ imaging processor and are capable to record 1080p full HD movies,  and up to 7 fps in continuous shooting mode.

The new DSLR cameras have 3 -inch  TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution and  2-way tilting mechanism, a newly developed 15-point phase-detection autofocus system and advanced imaging functions including Focus Check Live View mode, Auto HDR and Multi Frame Noise Reduction.

Sony A560

The cameras also feature ISO ranges between 100 – 12,800, can capture HD videos with stereo sound in a choice of AVCHD 1080i or web-friendly MP4 formats, supports Memory Stick Pro Duo and SDHC/SDXC cards, and are  compatible with the full α range of over 30 A-mount interchangeable lenses of Sony and Carl Zeiss. Both camera also feature refined Auto HDR, which combines data from a burst of three frames, into a single image with extended highlight and shadow detail, as well 3D Sweep Panorama, which allowing photographers to capture detail-packed extra-wide panoramas with a huge field of view and then enjoyed on any compatible 3D HD television.

Sony A580

The new DSLR-A580 is available from October 2010, while the A560 will be available within the first quarter of 2011.

Key Features

DSLR-Α580 / DSLR-A560

Type

Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with built-in flash

Lens Compatibility

Sony α lens, Minolta and Konica Minolta AF lens

Image Sensor

A580

Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 16.2 effective megapixels (approx.)

A560

Exmor™ APS HD CMOS 14.2 effective megapixels (approx.)

Processor

BIONZ™ image processor

ISO Sensitivity Range

ISO 100 – 12800 (Extended: ISO 25600 in Multi-Frame NR Mode)

Image Quality Modes

JPEG (fine, standard), RAW, RAW + JPEG

HDMI Connector and BRAVIA Sync

HDMI mini connector (Type C), BRAVIA Sync (Sync menu), PhotoTV HD

Image Size: 3:2 (pixels)

A580

L size:  4912×3264 (16M)

M size:  3568×2368 (8.4M)

S size:  2448×1624 (4M)

A560

L size:  4592×3056 (14M)

M size:  3344×2224 (7.4M)

S size:  2288×1520 (3.5M)

HD movie record

AVCHD: 1920 x 1080i (16:9) (59.94i recording, 29.97 fps image sensor output / Average bit rate 17 Mbps)

MP4: 1440 x 1080 (16:9) (29.97 fps / Average bit rate 12 Mbps) / 640 x 480 (4:3) (29.97 fps / Average bit rate 3 Mbps)

Max record time: Without SteadyShot Inside 29 minutes, with SteadyShot Inside 14minutes on the α580 and 24 minutes on the α560

at a room temperature

Viewfinder

Fixed eye-level, penta-Dach-mirror type Optical Viewfinder

Approx. 95% coverage, 0.8x magnification (with 50mm lens at infinity)

LCD

7.5cm (3”) TFT (Xtra Fine LCD) with 921k dot resolution; 2-way tilting mechanism

Live View System

Quick AF Live View (pentamirror tilt system)

Focus Check Live View

Focus system TTL phase detection system / Contrast AF selectable

Display Real-time image adjustment display (reflects exposure compensation, white balance, Sunset / B&W of Creative Style )*

* Available only during AE lock

SteadyShot INSIDE

YES

Anti-dust System

Coating on low pass filter, plus image-sensor shift

Focus Modes

AF/MF selectable

AF modes: Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF

Autofocus System

TTL 15-point phase detection AF system with 3 cross sensors (11-point with optical viewfinder)

Exposure Modes

Programmed AE (AUTO, AUTO – Flash Off, P), Aperture priority, Shutter priority, Manual, Scene selection

Exposure Metering System

(Live View): 1200-zone evaluative

(Viewfinder): 40-segment honeycomb pattern

Exposure Metering Modes

Multi-segment, Centre-weighted, Spot

Scene Selection

Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait/Night view, Hand-held Twilight

Creative Style Settings

Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W

Sweep Panorama

YES (2D and 3D)

Auto HDR

YES (available in P/A/S/M modes)

Shutter Speed

1/4000-30sec, Bulb

Exposure Bracketing

3 continuous exposures, in 0.3 or 0.7 EV steps

White Balance Settings

Auto / 6 presets / Colour Temperature/Colour Filter /  Custom WB

Continuous Advance Shooting

Up to 7 fps in Speed Priority mode (AF/AE fixed at first frame)

Up to 5 fps with optical viewfinder

Up to 3 fps in Quick AF Live View mode

Approx. no. of Shots

Approx. 1050 images with optical viewfinder, approx. 560 images in live view mode (CIPA standard)

Built-in Flash

Auto pop-up, GN 12 at ISO 100, FOV coverage up to 18mm

Flash Modes

Flash-off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow sync, Rear Sync., Wireless*, Hi-speed sync.*,

*With compatible external flash

Media

MemoryStick PRO Duo / PRO-HG Duo / SD memory card / SDHC memory card / SDXC memory card

Dimensions (WxHxD)

Approx. 137 x 104 x 84mm (W/H/D, excluding protrusions)

Weight

Approx. 599g (excluding battery, media and accessories)


with stereo audio in both AVCHD 1920×1080 60i or MP4 (QuickTime Motion JPEG) formats