Sony Alpha a580

usability, performance, image quality, color, design

price, sensor, focus

100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

performance, portability, price, usability, image quality

screen

97% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Beautiful still image and video quality. Fast auto-focus with optical viewfinder or in Live View mode. Articulating LCD. Innovative in-camera software for noise reduction, HDR, and panoramic photos.

Manual focus-only video recording. No control over shutter speed while recording video. Limited selection of video modes.

There are two other noteworthy image-merging tricks in the A580's bag. First is a simple in-camera HDR (high dynamic range) photo mode. Most cameras allow you to auto-bracket, or take 3 consecutive images at three different exposures (one underexposed,...

Excellent image quality ; Cool panoramic and noise reduction features ; Very fast burst rate ; Well-designed layout

No Program Shift feature ; Many shooting features only support JPEG files ; No autofocus while shooting video

If you want video capability, the A580 has it--but as with all SLRs, you should be aware of the limitations before you commit to this camera for its video functions. The Alpha A580 is, first and foremost, a great still camera.

live view users, low light shooters, gadget lovers

traditionalists, photographers who only use the optical viewfinder for framing

The Sony DSLR-A580 is an excellent all-round performer but also offers a range of innovative features. It's a great alternative to more 'traditional' DSLRs and Sony's unique dual live view system makes it the ideal compromise for those who like the...

The Sony A580 is a more traditional alternative to the headline-grabbing A55 model, and an excellent DSLR camera in its own right. It doesn't offer the continuous auto-focus during video recording or the small size and light weight of the A55, but its...

Solid feature set ; Good performance ; Good video options

Some image quality issues

In the five years since Sony's Alpha range was conceived, the camera market has changed decidedly. Notably, the addition of mirrorless models to many manufacturers' stables has provided an alternative means of achieving high-quality results in a...

This may be a bulkier option than the A55 but with many of the same features for £100 less – including a top whack light sensitivity setting of ISO 12800 – those on a tighter budget or who prefer its more robust proportions, may consider it the better...

A cheaper alternative to the A55 with identical resolution and many of the same core technologies

Chunky build

This may be a bulkier option than the A55 but with many of the same features for £100 less – including a top whack light sensitivity setting of ISO 12800 – those on a tighter budget or who prefer its more robust proportions, may consider it the better...

While the A580 lacks any major innovations, its general performance is solid and consistent and while it lacks creative filters, its HDR and panorama modes work surprisingly well.