A DSLR with an impressive 7fps burst rate, the Sony Alpha a580 looks to offer the aspiring photographer a well-featured alternative to Nikon and Canon

Product Overview

Overall rating:

87%

Sony Alpha A580

Overall score:87%
Features:90%
Value:85%
Performance:85%
Design:90%
Image Quality:85%

Pros:

  • Quick AF Live View, fast burst mode, decent movie

Cons:

  • Lack of movie controls, burst mode exceeds focus potential

Product:

Sony Alpha A580 Review

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:

£550.00

Image Quality

Sony A580 Review – Image quality

Unlike the A55’s translucent shutter, the Sony Alpha A580 has a standard shutter that lifts out of the way when shooting. As there’s no material ‘in the way’ of the sensor, there should be more available light that reaches it which, theoretically, could mean image quality is even better. In reality the differences between the two models are quite minor, especially when ISO sensitivity is taken into account.

Sony A580 – ISO & Image Noise

Sony a580 test images thumbnails

The A580 seemed reluctant to jump over the ISO 800 mark in Auto ISO mode, and the results when pushed beyond that comfort zone displayed why; the amount of image noise on display is fairly visible. Fortunately it’s less heavy handed than purely turning the tones on display into cartoon-like representations, leaving enough of the grain to make it visible without too much magnification.

Sony A580 – Tone and Exposure

Exposure proved to be impressively even when tested across number of different environments, although there was a slight tendency to favour the darker areas and lose an amount of detail in the highlights, although only marginal, the result were generally balanced.

Sony a580 test images thumbnails

Tone was again extremely even, although at times a touch too reserved to allow the more eye-catching images to dominate. As a result the flesh tones, although varied and well-represented, were a touch too pale.

Sony a580 test images thumbnailsSony A580 – Raw vs JPEG

At close inspection the difference between the Raw and JPEG images is minimal, with the benefits of minimal processing being the major incentive for opting for the larger file type. The tonal range is more subtle and colour cast less aggressive when using Raw, but otherwise you won’t lose a huge amount by opting for more file space.

Sony A580 – Sharpness and Detail

The detail levels produced by the A580 is impressive under the ISO 800 mark, but above and beyond that seems to suffer. Although the 18-55mm kit lens may be limited in focal length it performs admirably, but the best of the 16MP sensor can only truly be seen with the likes of a prime lens attached.

  1. 1. Sony Alpha A580 Review - Features
  2. 2. Performance
  3. 3. Design
  4. 4. Image Quality
  5. 5. Movie Mode
  6. 6. Value and Verdict
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