• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 550.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A560 advantages over Nikon S9500

  • 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
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1050 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 614k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    13 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S9500 advantages over Sony DSLR-A560

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $750 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    30 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    18.1 vs 14.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony DSLR-A500

Sony DSLR-A560
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Less shutter lag
Nikon S9500
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Nikon D5100

Sony DSLR-A560
Nikon D5100
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon S9500
Nikon D5100
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Sony A57

Sony DSLR-A560
Sony A57
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video
Nikon S9500
Sony A57
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Panasonic ZS30

Sony DSLR-A560
Panasonic ZS30
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
Nikon S9500
Panasonic ZS30
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $319
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Panasonic ZS25

Sony DSLR-A560
Panasonic ZS25
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $470
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Thinner
  • Shoots 1080p video
Nikon S9500
Panasonic ZS25
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $470
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
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