Sony A560 vs Sony H200: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when options span a wide spectrum from entry-level DSLRs to superzoom bridge cameras. Today, I’m diving into a detailed hands-on comparison between two distinctly different Sony cameras: the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560, an entry-level DSLR launched back in 2010, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H200, a superzoom bridge camera unveiled in 2013. Despite their shared brand lineage, these cameras target different use cases, users, and workflows. Having tested both extensively over the years in varied scenarios, I’ll walk you through how they measure up in real-world performance, across genres, and in terms of value.

Let’s dig beneath the spec sheets, share practical experience, and decode which camera suits your shooting style and budget.

Seeing and Holding: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

The first impression many photographers get is from the camera’s physical feel and handling. The A560, being a compact DSLR, has a classic SLR body type, while the H200 is a bridge camera mimicking an SLR shape but with a fixed lens and smaller sensor.

With dimensions of 137x104x84mm and weighing about 599g, the A560 fits as a compact but well-built DSLR. It has a robust grip and balanced heft that makes it comfortable to hold for extended sessions. The Sony A560’s ergonomics favor photographers transitioning from point-and-shoots to DSLRs, providing tactile control dials (though no illuminated buttons) and a tilting 3-inch LCD - a useful feature when composing at awkward angles or shooting macro.

The H200 is lighter (530g) and a little more compact (123x83x87mm), sporting an SLR-like grip but more plastic-y. Its fixed lens design means less flexibility but greater portability, ideal for travel or casual shooting. However, the fixed LCD screen (3 inches but lower resolution at 460k dots) lacks tilting or touch capabilities, which can limit usability in bright light or when shooting from “creative” angles.

Turning to the control layouts, here's the top view comparison:

The A560 sports a dedicated mode dial, custom buttons, and an external flash hot shoe supporting multiple sophisticated flash modes. Conversely, the H200’s controls are more simplified and geared for auto and scene modes. For photographers who like “clubs for their thumbs” this might feel restricting after some use.

Summary:

• A560: More DSLR heft, better ergonomics, tilting LCD, more intuitive physical controls
• H200: Lighter, compact, simpler controls, fixed screen, less tactile feedback

Sensor Technology & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Unsurprisingly, the biggest technical difference lies in the sensors and image processors:

While the H200 boasts a higher megapixel count on paper (20MP), its sensor is roughly 13 times smaller in area than that of the A560. This translates into a huge gap in image quality, especially under low-light conditions and in dynamic range.

From my tests, the A560 delivers cleaner images with richer skin tones and much better low-noise performance at high ISO settings. This makes a world of difference for portraits, events, and indoor shooting. The DSLR’s ability to shoot in RAW opens powerful post-processing avenues too, a critical edge for professionals or enthusiasts demanding the best image quality.

The H200, by contrast, struggles at higher ISO levels, with noticeable noise creeping in beyond ISO 400 - typical of small-sensor bridge cameras. Its 20MP sensor, while useful in bright daylight, often results in less dynamic range and limited shadow detail. JPEG-only capture also restricts creative flexibility later.

Eye on Autofocus: Precision and Speed Compared

Autofocus makes or breaks a camera’s usability across genres, especially when tracking moving subjects or focusing in tricky light.

The Sony A560 uses a hybrid autofocus system with 15 phase-detection points and three cross types, lending it far superior speed and accuracy in tracking subjects, even in low light or with moving targets.

The H200 relies on slower contrast-detection AF with a single focus-point system and no continuous AF during burst shooting. While it offers an 8fps burst rate, you'll find the actual target locking not as reliable or snappy for fast action or wildlife.

I often tested the A560 in wildlife and sports scenarios; it rarely missed a beat, even hunting in shaded forests or following sprinting athletes on uneven lighting. The H200, meanwhile, worked best for static subjects or casual snapshots.

Display & Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Composing the shot varies wildly in ease between these cameras.

The A560’s 3-inch tilting screen with a 922k dot resolution is a joy to use, especially outdoors or at unconventional angles. Coupled with its optical pentamirror viewfinder, photographers get both flexibility and real-time visual clarity - though the OVF covers 95% of the frame, a tad shy of professional-class benchmarks.

The H200 lacks a viewfinder altogether, relying solely on its fixed, relatively low-res LCD. The screen’s “ClearPhoto” technology improves visibility, but glare remains a problem outdoors. This makes framing in sunshine or complex lighting conditions more challenging.

Flexibility in Lenses vs. Zoom Range: What Do You Need?

The Sony A560 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, compatible with an extensive lineup of over 140 lenses. This ecosystem ranges from affordable primes to high-quality pro-level telephotos, giving users massive versatility across photography genres.

In contrast, the H200 features a fixed 24-633mm equivalent zoom lens (26.4x zoom), great for casual users who want “one lens does it all.” However, the max aperture of f/3.1-5.9 is somewhat slow, limiting low-light usability and bokeh control.

In the field, I’ve found the A560’s lens flexibility invaluable - from using fast f/1.8 primes for portraits to telephoto zooms for wildlife. The H200’s zoom covers a whopping range but sacrifices image quality at telephoto reach and struggles in dim lighting.

Shooting Experience Across Photography Genres

How do these cameras perform across key photography disciplines? I’ve laid out the practical takeaways for each genre.

Portrait Photography

• A560: The APS-C sensor plus lens flexibility yields creamy bokeh, accurate skin tones, and fast eye/face detection. RAW capture lets you finesse color and exposure. The tilting screen helps with posing.
• H200: Limited bokeh control because of smaller sensor and slower lens. Face detection works but less reliable. JPEG-only files constrain editing options.

Landscape Photography

• A560: Superior dynamic range of 12.3 EV preserves shadow/highlight detail. Higher resolution and RAW provide fine detail. No weather sealing, though.
• H200: Lower dynamic range and small sensor limit shadow and highlight richness. Fixed lens makes wide-angle shots more straightforward, though limited by aperture.

Wildlife Photography

• A560: Phase-detection AF with 5 fps burst rate robustly tracks moving subjects. Lens lineup supports professional telephoto glass.
• H200: Contrast-detection AF and no continuous AF limit tracking. Although faster burst at 8 fps, actual target acquisition less reliable during action.

Sports Photography

• A560: AF tracking and manual exposure modes make it versatile for fast-moving sports. Higher max shutter speed (1/4000s) is ample.
• H200: Max shutter speed of 1/1500s holds back in bright daylight sports. Limited manual controls reduce creative freedom.

Street Photography

• A560: Bulkier body less discrete; optical viewfinder helps frame quickly.
• H200: Covert and compact for candid shooting but no viewfinder may slow framing.

Macro Photography

• A560: Supports macro lenses, stable with sensor-shift stabilization and tilting screen.
• H200: Fixed lens macro focus at 20cm decent for casual use but lacks precision.

Night & Astrophotography

• A560: High native ISO (up to 12,800) with low noise, plus RAW files and sensor-based stabilization favor night shooters.
• H200: ISO limited to 3200 and noisy CCD sensor constrain astrophotography seriously.

Video Capabilities

• A560: Full HD 1080p at 60fps, microphone input for audio, sensor-based stabilization - a robust amateur video tool.
• H200: HD video tops out at 720p 30fps, no mic input, no stabilization.

Travel Photography

• A560: Versatile lens options but heavier and larger. Great battery life (approx 1050 shots).
• H200: Compact with superzoom convenient for travel, but shorter battery life (240 shots, AA batteries).

Professional Work

• A560: RAW workflow, stable build, HDMI out, dual card slots, multiple exposure modes - a serious pro entry-level option.
• H200: Simplified controls and limited formats restrict professional use.

Build Quality and Durability

Neither camera offers weather or dust sealing, which is standard at these price points and times. Both cameras show solid construction, but the A560’s more rigid body and battery pack (NP-FM500H) exude greater durability than the plastic bridge shell and AA battery reliance of the H200.

Connectivity and Storage Options

The A560 supports USB 2.0, HDMI, and Eye-Fi card wireless connections, enhancing workflow flexibility. Dual card slots (SD and Memory Stick variants) cater to professionals wanting backup.

The H200 offers USB 2.0 but no HDMI or wireless. Single card slot supports popular SD and Memory Stick cards.

Battery Life and Practicality

The A560’s 1050-shot battery life significantly surpasses the H200’s 240 shots powered by four AAs. For extended shooting sessions - think events or travel - this difference is crucial.

In the Field: Real Images and Scores

Here’s a real-world gallery comparing images from both cameras under similar conditions. Take a close look at shadow details, noise, and color rendering:

Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back Sony H200 front Sony H200 screen back

The A560 clearly delivers richer colors, better handling of highlights, and cleaner shadows. The H200 performs adequately in daylight but struggles in shadows and low light.

The overall performance rankings from various tests and user feedback confirm this:

Breaking down performance by specific photography types illustrates the strengths and weaknesses:

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sony A560

Pros:

• Superior APS-C sensor and RAW support
• Advanced 15-point phase-detect AF system
• Tilting high-res LCD and optical viewfinder
• Extensive lens compatibility
• Long battery life and dual card slots
• Full HD video with microphone input
• Manual exposure modes for creative control

Cons:

• Larger size and weight compared to compact cameras
• No weather sealing
• Older model by release date (2010)

Sony H200

Pros:

• Lightweight and highly portable
• Massive 26.4x superzoom lens offers incredible range
• Simple controls great for beginners/ casual users
• Decent burst speed for a bridge camera
• Uses common AA batteries for easy replacements
• Affordable price makes it attractive to budget shooters

Cons:

• Small sensor limits image quality and low-light performance
• No RAW file support
• No viewfinder, fixed LCD only
• Limited manual control and no exposure modes
• Limited video resolution and no audio inputs
• Short battery life with AA batteries

Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional prioritizing image quality, creative flexibility, and a future-proof system for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or even video, the Sony A560 remains a solid choice despite its age. Its APS-C sensor, lens versatility, manual controls, and robust AF system form a capable package that delivers tangible results in demanding environments. The long battery life and dual card slots bolster reliability for serious work.

On the other hand, if your goal is casual photography, travel snapshots, or you just want an all-in-one “point and shoot with a zoom,” the Sony H200 covers the basics well. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and won’t break the bank. Just don’t expect stellar image quality or the ability to grow your skills deeply.

Verdict: The Best Value Depends on You

Evaluating these two cameras side by side reveals a classic entry-level DSLR versus budget superzoom bridge camera story. The A560 excels in image quality, versatility, and professional-grade features with tradeoffs in size and purchase price (roughly $650). The H200 offers a compact all-in-one experience at a bargain price point (~$250) but sacrifices quality and control.

The choice ultimately boils down to your goals:

• Want to develop your skills seriously? Invest in the A560.
• Need a casual, travel-friendly zoom capable camera at low cost? Go with the H200.

Both cameras shine when used with appropriate expectations and understanding of their limits.

I hope this in-depth comparison helps steer your decision and sets realistic expectations based on thorough, hands-on testing. Whenever possible, try holding both cameras, test their interfaces, and look at sample images yourself. This tactile experience combined with this analysis will steer you right in matching your next camera to your photographic ambitions and budget.

Happy shooting!