• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Ricoh R8 advantages over Sony DSLR-A580

  • Less expensive
    $410 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Thinner
    26 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    168g vs 694g
    Lighter weight

Sony DSLR-A580 advantages over Ricoh R8

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 1.69 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1050 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSC-W170

Ricoh R8
Sony DSC-W170
  • $410
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Sony DSLR-A580
Sony DSC-W170
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $225
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Canon SD890 IS

Ricoh R8
Canon SD890 IS
  • $410
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • More dots on screen
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Longer exposure
Sony DSLR-A580
Canon SD890 IS
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic DMC-ZR1

Ricoh R8
Panasonic DMC-ZR1
  • $410
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony DSLR-A580
Panasonic DMC-ZR1
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $280
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Sony A33

Ricoh R8
Sony A33
  • $410
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Sony DSLR-A580
Sony A33
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Sony A35

Ricoh R8
Sony A35
  • $410
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Sony DSLR-A580
Sony A35
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
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