Sony Alpha A580 Review (Part I)

December 2010, Carl Garrard (*Update 1-29-2011*)

A580 Review-Introduction

Sony announced no less than six new Alpha branded cameras in 2010, but only two of those cameras were actual traditional DSLRS. Of those two the Alpha A580 is the higher end model sporting a new 16.2 mp HD CMOS sensor and HD 1080p video capture. Just as well the A580 hosts many new improvements and additions compared to the DSLR it replaces in Sony's lineup, the Alpha A550. Sony's Alpha A580 retails at a lower initial cost than the A550 at introduction selling for $799.00 body only, and $899.00 w/the 18-55mm SAM kit lens in the US market. Although the NEX and SLT models have received most of the attention of the press this year, DSLR shooters shouldn't count out the A580 and A560 models or they could be looking over buried treasure. 

A580 Review- Overview

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Update 1-29-2011: The Alpha A580 has the highest ranked image quality of any Alpha to date, here, and now other sites as well. I don't usually defer to other websites information in support of my conclusions, but in this particular case I thought it relevant. My determinations of image quality come from a photographers handling and using perspective, with much experience reviewing and printing image quality from cameras. I don't have a lab or use testing facilities at all.

Yet before DXO published their tested results I was just shy of saying that the A580 had the best image quality of any Alpha to date- I eluded to it, but didn't fully make that claim 100%. I wish I had, because apparently my more traditional methods of evaluating image quality compare exactly with high tech lab results such as the ones at DXO Labs. Check this out:

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en/Camera-Sensor/Sensor-rankings

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The following A580 review is being completed in two parts, mainly because of the comprehensive and extensive nature of the changes made to the camera it replaces. Please enjoy part I of the A580 review, starting now.

Sony's Alpha A580 is a direct replacement and progressive evolution of the Alpha A550 introduced August of 2009. The A550 signaled the first of the 5 series DSLR's for Sony (generally the same class as the A100 model), and brought together Sony's Quick Auto Focus Live View (QAFLV) along with some new tools such Manual Focus Check Live view, Auto-HDR, 7fps Speed Priority Shooting, and a new 14.2mp CMOS Sensor. Both the A500 and A550 were considered evolutionary upgrades from the A300 and A350 DSLRS from the year before, bringing in a larger optical viewfinder and body, and some new tricks with improved resolution as well.

The Alpha A580 is really Sony's first DSLR that improves upon a single DSLR platform that isn't a complete redesign.

There are many features that remain the same as the A550 but as you will see, the A580 is a finely tuned evolved product which is a culmination of much feedback from the camera it replaces. New technology that was bound to make its way into the design anyways, but feedback was certainly considered. Technology such as 1080p AVCHD HD Video recording for example, puts the A580 on the map with competition, most of which have a level of HD video as a standard feature and have had for some time.

Where the A580 really excels against the competition is in its live view experience. Not only does it have phase detection auto focus Quick Auto Focus Live View (QAFLV), but a fully matured main sensor live view called Focus Check Live View (FCLV). Focus check live view differs from Manual Focus Check Live View in that now you can focus in two ways, phase detect and contrast detect autofocus (SAM and SSM lenses only on the latter however), whereas MFCLV you couldn't auto focus at all off the main sensor. So depending on your needs for live view, the Alpha A580 is prepared to deliver to your needs. No other DSLR (less the A560) can do live view as comprehensive in this respect.

This makes the A580 the most versatile live view DSLR in the world. Pretty cool, hah?

The Alpha A580 also gets Sony's new HD CMOS 16.2mp sensor which by all standards is one of the best sensors in the industry that comes out of Sony's semiconductor factory. Pentax and Nikon are both using a custom ordered version of this sensor and the test results from both of those cameras thus far show that this is probably one of the best APS-C sensors designed on the market thus far. At least Pentax and Nikon have been able to show off its full potential with each doing their own unique processing and noise reduction algorithms. 

Besides all  that the A580 has dual media card slots (one proprietary Sony, one Sandisk (SD), class leading battery life (rated to 1,050 shots on one charge), a tiltable 3" 920K LCD screen, 3, 5, and 7 (locked) frames per second image capture, in body focus motor (for legacy lenses), image stabilization built into the body, and a host of unique Sony-only scene modes and settings.

And if that weren't enough, the A580 capitalizes on the very decent platform of the A550 by refining the exterior handling of the camera by adding and moving buttons around to more appropriate and convenient places.  It also adds a few traditional features commonly found on DSLRS that weren't included in any of Sony's designs (less the A100) for under $1,000.00 USD. Depth of Field Preview, 2 second time Mirror Lock Up, Release w/out Lens, all add to the enthusiast appeal of the A580.

I've made a comprehensive list of the changes on the A580 compared to the Alpha A550 that will follow in this review. This list is quite long which tells me that the entire Alpha team were concerned about improving this model, from engineers to sales staff. Indeed Sony listened to feedback as well wanted this model to compete price and features wise with tough cameras such as the Canon t2i (550D), Pentax Kr, and Nikon D5000. A quick comparison of all four cameras is next.