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Sony Alpha 580
52
SCORE
Sony · DSLR · 16.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Sony Alpha 580

General 52Optics 58Video Performance 56Features and Benefits 41Storage and Battery 45
From $749.99 — 1 offer
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
ModelAlpha 580
Released2010
Announcement date24/08/2010
Camera typeDSLR

General 52

Brand
Sony
Model
Alpha 580
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2010
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
24/08/2010
Camera type
DSLR
Camera size
137 x 104 x 84 mm
Camera weight
599 g

Optics 58

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16.2 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
4912 x 3264
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
15.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
APS-C
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony Alpha DT
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
128003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
10030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
256003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
400080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
150300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder dots
N/A
Read our notes on optics

The Sony Alpha 580 has a score of 52/100, which reflects its performance as a DSLR camera. Announced on 08/24/2010 and released the same year, it initially retailed for $800. Measuring 137 x 104 x 84mm and weighing 599g (1.32lbs), the Alpha 580 is a decade-old model. Despite its age, this camera still has some decent specifications. However, when compared to newer models in the market, it may not be the top choice for photographers seeking the latest technology.

Sony Alpha 580 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony Alpha 580 receives a score of 58/100. This camera features a 16.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, which is accompanied by the Bionz processor. With a shooting speed of 5 frames per second, the Alpha 580 is not the fastest camera on the market, but it is sufficient for casual photographers. The camera has a DXOMARK score of 80 for its sensor, which is a respectable score for a camera in this category.

The lens mount for the Alpha 580 is the Sony Alpha DT, which offers compatibility with a wide range of Sony lenses. The camera also comes with image stabilization, ensuring crisp and clear images even in challenging shooting conditions. The aspect ratio of 3:2 is standard among most cameras, and the Alpha 580 is no exception.

When compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony Alpha 580 holds its own in terms of optical performance. While it may not be the most advanced or feature-rich camera available, it offers a reliable and solid option for photographers looking for a capable camera with good optics. The score of 58/100 reflects the Alpha 580’s dependable performance in the realm of optics.

Sony Alpha 580 Video Performance 56

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 1080
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
AVCHD, MP4
Read our notes on sony alpha 580 video performance

The Sony Alpha 580 receives a video score of 56 out of 100. It offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080, providing decent quality footage. The camera can record at a maximum frame rate of 60fps, allowing for smooth motion capture. However, it lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, limiting its creative potential in this area.

Comparing the video capabilities of the Sony Alpha 580 to current cameras on the market, it falls short in some aspects. Many modern cameras now offer 4K video resolution and built-in time-lapse features, making the Alpha 580 less competitive. Despite its limitations, the camera still produces satisfactory video quality for casual users or those not requiring advanced video features.

Sony Alpha 580 Features and Benefits 41

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
Yes
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
No
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9216001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
No
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 580 features and benefits

The Sony Alpha 580 features score is 41 out of 100. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 921,600 dots, the screen provides a clear display. However, it does not have a touchscreen. The flip screen feature is present, enabling users to capture images from various angles.

In today’s market, the lack of GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities puts the Sony Alpha 580 at a disadvantage. These features are now common in most modern cameras, allowing for easy sharing and geotagging of photos. The absence of such specifications may deter potential buyers.

The Sony Alpha 580 offers decent features, but its limitations in connectivity and touchscreen functionality may not satisfy the needs of current photography enthusiasts. As a result, it may struggle to compete with other cameras in the market.

Sony Alpha 580 Storage and Battery 45

Memory card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots
No
Battery type
NP-FM500H
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
1050 shots1505000
USB charging
No
Read our notes on sony alpha 580 storage and battery

The storage and battery of the Sony Alpha 580 receive a score of 45 out of 100. This camera is equipped with only one memory card slot, accepting SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. Compared to modern cameras with multiple card slots, this feature may not be as competitive.

The Sony Alpha 580’s battery life lasts for 1050 shots, powered by an NP-FM500H battery. While this battery life is decent, it does not support USB charging, which is a common feature in today’s market. This lack of convenience may be a drawback for some users.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Sony Alpha 580’s storage and battery capabilities are satisfactory but may not meet the expectations of users seeking more advanced features.