Sony a580 vs Sony a290
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a580 and Sony a290. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.
These two camera models were both released 2010.Camera | Released |
Sony a580 | 2010 |
Sony a290 | 2010 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Sony a580 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Sony a290 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"
Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)
Resolution
Sony a580 has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a290 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony a580 |
16 MP
16032768 pixels 4912 x 3264 |
Sony a290 |
14 MP
14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056 |
Sony a580 has a 14 % larger resolution than Sony a290. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Sony a580 has a larger ISO-range than Sony a290. Sony a580 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Sony a290 has 100 to 3200.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony a580 | 100-12800 |
Sony a290 | 100-3200 |
Autofocus and lens compatibility
Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.
Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a580
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a290
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a580 can shoot up to 5 pictures per seconds and Sony a290 can shoot up to 2,5 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony a580 | 5 |
Sony a290 | 2,5 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Sony a580. Unfortunately Sony a290 does not support recording movies and movie clips.
Weight
The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.
Sony a580 weighs 599 gr (equal to 1.32 lb) which is 9% heavier than Sony a290 and its 549 gr (or 1.21 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony a580 | 599 gr 1.32 lb |
Sony a290 | 549 gr 1.21 lb |
Sony a580 vs Sony a290 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony a580 and Sony a290, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.
Product |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Name | Sony a580 | Sony a290 |
Manufacturer | Sony | Sony |
Release Date and Price |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Release Year | 2010 | 2010 |
Release Date | 2010-08-24 | 2010-06-09 |
MSRP | 799 USD | 499 USD |
Buy it today |
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Camera Type |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Camera Type | DSLR | DSLR |
Sensor |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CCD |
Resolution | 4912 x 3264 pixels | 4592 x 3056 pixels |
Megapixels | 16 MP | 14 MP |
Image Processor | Bionz | Bionz |
Image |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
ISO Range | 100 - 12800 | 100 - 3200 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 6 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization |
Yes (Sensor-Shift) |
Yes (Sensor-Shift) |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous Face Detection LiveView |
Phase Detect Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous |
Focus Points | 15 | 9 |
Lens Mount |
Sony A See Compatible Lenses |
Sony A See Compatible Lenses |
Focal Length Multiplier |
APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm |
Screen & Viewfinder |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fixed |
Screen size | 3” | 2.7” |
Screen dots | 921600 | 230400 |
Touch screen | No | No |
Screen type | N/A | N/A |
Live view | Yes | No |
Viewfinder Type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder Coverage | 95% | 95% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8× (0.53× 35mm equiv.) | 0.83× (0.55× 35mm equiv.) |
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | N/A |
Photography features |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Frames per second | 5 fps | 2,5 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
Built-in Flash Range | 12 meters | 10 meters |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | No |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Video recording | Yes | No |
Video format |
MPEG4 H.264 AVCHD |
N/A |
Video resolution |
1440 x 1080 1920 x 1080 |
N/A |
Built-in Microphone | Yes | No |
Built-in Speakers | No | No |
Storage |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Memory Card |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | No |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
No |
Remote Control | Yes (Optional) | Yes (Optional) |
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony a580 |
Sony a290 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | No |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Rechargeable NP-FM500H battery & charger
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Lithium-Ion NP-FH50 rechargeable battery & charger
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Battery Life (CIPA) | 1050 shots | 290 shots |
Width | 137 mm | 128 mm |
Height | 104 mm | 97 mm |
Depth | 84 mm | 86 mm |
Weight | 599 gram | 549 gram |