Sony announced the 16.2-megapixel DSLR-A580 Alpha Digital Camera with a new-generation Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor processor, 15-point phase-detection autofocus system, up to 7fps shooting, and Full HD Movie shooting. 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.
The Sony DSLR-A580 Alpha digital SLR camera has all the features of the DSLR-A560 Alpha (also just announced), yet offers more megapixels and faster frame recording in Fine, RAW, and JPEG modes. See complete comparison chart (pdf).
The DSLR-A580 can freeze fleeting photo opportunities at up to 7 fps 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 DSLR-A580 is compatible with the full α range of over 30 A-mount interchangeable lenses of Sony and Carl Zeiss 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
The A580 offers 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 enables exciting new possibilities for framing and viewing the highest-quality still images and video. 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.
The camera also features 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 α 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 DSLR-580 camera accepts 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 Sony DSLR-A580 Alpha (α580) digital SLR camera will be available in Europe and Asia in October 2010. Pricing was not announced at this time.
