• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 10.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 3200
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A300 advantages over Sony DSLR-A580

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 6.12 vs 4.82 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • More telephoto lens reach
    105 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 32 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sony DSLR-A580 advantages over Sony DSLR-A300

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,123 vs 538 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.3 vs 11.3 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1050 vs 730 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    3 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.53x vs 0.49x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 10.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    15 vs 9
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.1 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A200

Sony DSLR-A300
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More viewfinder magnification
Sony DSLR-A580
Sony DSLR-A200
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $470
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Pentax K2000

Sony DSLR-A300
Pentax K2000
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More cross-type AF points
Sony DSLR-A580
Pentax K2000
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compared to Nikon D5000

Sony DSLR-A300
Nikon D5000
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Sony DSLR-A580
Nikon D5000
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compared to Sony A33

Sony DSLR-A300
Sony A33
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More dynamic range
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

Sony DSLR-A300
Sony A35
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Higher effective ISO
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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