• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A560 advantages over Pentax K-r

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1050 vs 470 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More AF points
    15 vs 11
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.1 fps vs 5.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Pentax K-r advantages over Sony DSLR-A560

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 3
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Less shutter lag
    0.10 vs 0.29 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    30 vs 13 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

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
  • 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
  • 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-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
Pentax K-r
Sony DSLR-A500
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Pentax K-x

Sony DSLR-A560
Pentax K-x
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Pentax K-r
Pentax K-x
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • External Mic Jack
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Nikon D3100

Sony DSLR-A560
Nikon D3100
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Pentax K-r
Nikon D3100
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Nikon D5100

Sony DSLR-A560
Nikon D5100
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Pentax K-r
Nikon D5100
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Higher effective ISO

Compared to Sony A57

Sony DSLR-A560
Sony A57
  • $750
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoots 24p video
Pentax K-r
Sony A57
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • External Mic Jack
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
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