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

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Differences

Sony DSLR-A580 advantages over Sony A33

  • Higher effective ISO
    1,123 vs 591 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1050 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    32 vs 13 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Sony A33 advantages over Sony DSLR-A580

  • Less expensive
    $750 vs $900 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.73x vs 0.53x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder

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
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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-A380

Sony DSLR-A580
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Less shutter lag
Sony A33
Sony DSLR-A380
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • External Mic Jack
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Nikon D3100

Sony DSLR-A580
Nikon D3100
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Sony A33
Nikon D3100
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

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
Sony A33
Sony A55
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS

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
Sony A33
Nikon D5100
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

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
Sony A33
Sony A35
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
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