• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A580 advantages over Canon T8i

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 3.72 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo

Canon T8i advantages over Sony DSLR-A580

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 3
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    515g vs 694g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    24.1 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • More AF points
    45 vs 15
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon T2i

Sony DSLR-A580
Canon T2i
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Canon T8i
Canon T2i
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A55

Sony DSLR-A580
Sony A55
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • External Mic Jack
Canon T8i
Sony A55
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Sony A33

Sony DSLR-A580
Sony A33
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Canon T8i
Sony A33
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Nikon D5100

Sony DSLR-A580
Nikon D5100
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon T8i
Nikon D5100
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compared to Sony A35

Sony DSLR-A580
Sony A35
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Canon T8i
Sony A35
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Lens selection
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
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