The Sony A580 and A560 are two new DSLR cameras that can both shoot Full HD movies. The 16.2 megapixel A580 and 14.2 megapixel A560 also offer up to 7fps shooting, an articulating 3 inch LCD, ISO 25,600, 15-point phase-detection autofocus system, in-body sensor shift image stabilisation, 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR and Multi Frame Noise Reduction. The new Sony DSLR-A580 and DSLR-A560 digital SLR cameras will be available from October 2010 for £650-700 and £550-600 respectively. In the US only the A560 will be released, with the 18-55mm kit lens costing about $750, with the body only costing about $650.

Sony UK Press Release

London, 24TH August 2010

Sony introduces high performance DSLR cameras with Full HD video

Fully-featured ?580 with newly developed 16.2M Exmor APS HD CMOS censor, up to 7fps shooting, and Auto HDR

• DSLR-A580 (16.2 megapixels) and DSLR-A560 (14.2 megapixels)
• Fast, responsive shooting up to 7fps
• New 15-point phase-detection autofocus system for rapid, accurate AF tracking
• Full HD Movie shooting
• Advanced imaging functions including 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto HDR and Multi Frame Noise Reduction

Appealing to photographers ready to explore sophisticated new creative possibilities, the DSLR-A580 and DSLR-A560 from Sony offer unparalleled levels of imaging refinement.

At the heart of both cameras is a new-generation Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor processor. Together with the latest iteration of Sony’s powerful BIONZ imaging processor, it supports high-speed continuous shooting plus a sophisticated range of digital image compositing and processing functions. This gives even greater artistic possibilities to beginners and photo enthusiasts alike.

The A580 and A560 can freeze fleeting photo opportunities at up to 7fps in Speed Priority Continuous Advance mode *. What’s more, Sony’s popular Quick AF Live View system is now more effective than ever. The benefits of live image preview are maximised by a newly developed 15-point phase-detection autofocus system that keeps even moving subjects in pin-sharp focus.

The A580 and A560 are compatible with the full ? range of over 30 A-mount interchangeable lenses of Sony and Carl Zeiss already available and offer SteadyShot INSIDE. This in-body sensor shift image stabilisation system provides up to 4 exposure steps of anti-shake correction when shooting handheld.

Full HD movie shooting
Both the A580 and A560 offer Full HD video shooting. Just touch the dedicated Movie button and record detail-packed HD videos and crisp stereo sound in a choice of AVCHD 1080i or web-friendly MP4 formats. Thanks to the large, high-resolution Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor, it’s possible to capture stunning HD movie clips with beautiful background defocus (‘bokeh’) effects.

Effortless composition and image viewing
The A580 and A560 enable exciting new possibilities for framing and viewing the highest-quality still images and video.

* Autofocus and Auto Exposure locked at first frame for entire burst

Articulating up or down for comfortable framing in any shooting position, the bright 7.5 cm (3.0”) Xtra Fine LCD offers a bright, high contrast view with superb detail and colours.

As an additional refinement, new Focus Check Live View mode simplifies critical assessment of the finest image details. A real-time ‘feed’ from the main sensor can be viewed on the LCD monitor, with switchable magnification allowing close-up confirmation of delicate manual focus adjustments. Contrast AF method is selectable in focus check Live View mode.

DSLR enthusiasts will also welcome the bright, high contrast optical viewfinder with 95% frame coverage that provides a supremely detailed view while composing still images.  Depth of field preview is now available at the touch of a button.

Both cameras feature 3D Sweep Panorama, allowing photographers to capture detail-packed extra-wide panoramas with a huge field of view. 3D panoramas can be enjoyed on any compatible 3D HD television.

Auto HDR is now refined further compared with previous-generation ? models. Data from a burst of three frames at bracketed exposure values is automatically combined, creating a single image with extended highlight and shadow detail. Multi-frame Noise Reduction ‘stacks’ a high-speed burst of six frames, creating a single low-noise exposure that boosts effective sensitivity as high as ISO 25600.

The new cameras accept both Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™) and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media (all sold separately).  Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 30MB per second transfer rate offers the best performance during cameras’ continuous shooting mode or when transferring the data to another media.

The new DSLR-A580 and DSLR-A560 digital SLR cameras from Sony will be available from October 2010.

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