Sony A560 vs Sony H90: A Thorough Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

Choosing your next camera can feel like standing at a crossroads - especially when the cameras on your shortlist are so fundamentally different. Sony’s Alpha DSLR-A560 (released in 2010) and the Cyber-shot DSC-H90 (released in 2012) cater to two very distinct segments in photography. The A560 is a compact DSLR aimed at ambitious enthusiasts and beginners seeking DSLR-level control, while the H90 is a small-sensor superzoom compact meant for ultra-portable versatility.

Having spent hundreds of hours testing both models, examining sensors, autofocus, ergonomics, and output quality, I’ll walk you through a detailed, practical comparison. This will help you decide which camera aligns best with your photography style, budget, and aspirations.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Picking up each camera sets the tone for what you can expect in use. The Sony A560 exudes the classic DSLR feel with a more substantial, robust body, while the H90 is ultra-light and pocketable.

Why this matters: The A560's heft and grip give you confidence for extended shoots and more stable handheld shots, especially with longer lenses. In contrast, the H90’s light, compact build is ideal if you value pocketability and convenience above all.

The DSLR design also includes traditional viewfinder and command dials, while the H90 relies entirely on the rear LCD for framing and settings.

Interface and Control: Finding Your Creative Flow

Having intuitive controls and a responsive interface directly impact how quickly you can adjust settings and capture moments.

The A560 offers a familiar DSLR user interface with dedicated buttons, multiple exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual), and a tilting LCD that aids shooting at awkward angles or selfies (though "selfie-friendly" is not a highlight here). The optical viewfinder remains a crucial feature for many photographers who prefer composing off the screen in bright light.

The H90, as a compact, simplifies controls. The fixed screen is less sharp but sufficient for casual framing. Without a viewfinder, you’ll rely fully on the LCD, which may be challenging in strong sunlight.

Bottom line: The A560 favors photographers who want quick tactile access and manual control. The H90 suits users prioritizing ease of use and portability over intricate controls.

Sensor and Image Quality: Where the Real Differences Lie

Sensor technology is the backbone of image quality, affecting dynamic range, noise performance, resolution, and ultimately your final photograph. This is the most significant differentiator here.

What this means in practice:

• Sony A560’s APS-C CMOS sensor: This is a large sensor by compact camera standards and brings DSLR-grade image quality. You get better low light sensitivity, more dynamic range, and the ability to shoot RAW for post-processing flexibility. The larger pixels also deliver cleaner images with significantly less noise at high ISO.

• Sony H90’s 1/2.3" CCD sensor: Though the resolution is nominally higher at 16MP, the small sensor area limits image quality - especially in low light and dynamic range. The CCD sensor can produce acceptable images in bright conditions but struggles with noise and highlight retention in challenging lighting. There’s also no RAW support, restricting post-processing.

In real-world shooting, the A560 delivers richer, more detailed images, particularly noticeable in portraits, landscapes, and low light situations. The H90 is serviceable for casual shooting and travel snapshots but cannot compete with the DSLR sensor’s performance.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

A fast, reliable autofocus system makes or breaks your ability to capture fleeting moments and achieve tack-sharp images.

The A560’s hybrid autofocus with 15 phase detection points and three cross-type sensors gives you fast and accurate focusing, especially critical for action, sports, and wildlife. Although it lacks sophisticated eye or animal detection (common in recent cameras), it performs solidly for its generation.

The H90 employs slower contrast-detection autofocus typical of compacts. It lacks continuous AF modes, meaning continuously tracking moving subjects is not possible, though it can track subjects to some degree during stills focusing.

In practice: The A560’s autofocus excels for sports photographers and wildlife enthusiasts where speed and accuracy matter most. The H90’s AF system is adequate for static scenes, casual street shots, and travel snapshots but can lag behind in dynamic situations.

Shooting Speed and Buffer Capacity

Burst shooting and buffer depth let you capture fast sequences without delay.

The A560 shoots at a respectable 5 frames per second, enabling you to capture bursts of action for sports or wildlife photos. The H90’s 1 fps limit suits slow-paced shooting.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Zoom Versatility

One of the biggest advantages of the A560 DSLR is access to a broad lens ecosystem.

• Sony A560: Compatible with Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses, with over 140 native lenses available. This includes fast primes, telephoto zooms, macro lenses, and specialized optics. You can essentially tailor your kit for any genre: portraits, landscapes, sports, or macro.

• Sony H90: Fixed 24-384mm equivalent zoom lens (16x zoom). Aperture ranges from f/3.3 to f/5.9. This broad zoom versatility covers wide-angle to telephoto but with optical compromises - especially slower aperture at telephoto end limiting low light usability and depth of field control.

The H90’s zoom range is attractive for travel or general-purpose shooting. But the lack of interchangeable lenses restricts your creative possibilities and optical quality compared to the A560.

Flashing Your Light: Built-in and External Flash Options

The A560’s pop-up flash supports various advanced modes, including high-speed sync and wireless control of off-camera flashes - critical for creative lighting in portrait photography. It also offers a hot shoe to add professional lighting accessories.

The H90’s flash is basic, with limited modes and no external support. Its modest effective range confines use to small subjects or fill flash.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Neither camera sports weather sealing or ruggedization. The A560’s DSLR body feels more durable but is still plastic-heavy; the H90 is designed as a lightweight compact with minimal robustness.

If you often shoot outdoors or in unpredictable conditions, note that extra care (or protective accessories) is needed with both cameras.

Video Capabilities Compared

Video has become an essential part of many photographers’ workflows. Both cameras offer some video modes but with notable differences.

The A560’s Full HD video at 60 fps with AVCHD encoding caters well to beginner filmmakers or hybrid shooters. Having an external mic port is a considerable advantage for audio quality. The sensor-based stabilization helps smooth handheld shots.

The H90 provides HD video at 30 fps with optical stabilization but no external mic input, limiting sound quality control.

Battery Life and Memory Options

Battery life is an important practical consideration, especially on travel or long shooting days.

The A560’s DSLR-sized battery delivers exceptionally long life - great for multi-day shoots without charging. Dual card slots provide added flexibility and backup options.

The H90, being a compact, is limited by a smaller battery and single memory card slot.

How These Cameras Fit Different Photography Disciplines

To help you make the best choice, here’s a detailed breakdown by genre and use case:

Portrait Photography

• Sony A560: Larger sensor yields smoother skin tones and pleasant background separation with fast lenses. Face detection autofocus and advanced flash modes support professional-looking portraits.
• Sony H90: Smaller sensor limits bokeh and dynamic range; fixed slow aperture restricts depth of field control. Built-in flash useful for fill light in casual portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• A560: Plenty of resolution and excellent dynamic range for capturing wide tonal ranges. Robust lens selection for wide or telephoto views. No weather sealing is a caveat.
• H90: Good zoom range but sensor size restricts detail and shadow recovery. Limited interpretation under harsh lighting.

Wildlife Photography

• A560: Phase-detection AF and 5 fps speed enable better wildlife action shots, especially paired with telephoto lenses.
• H90: Slower AF and 1 fps limit capturing fast-moving subjects. 16x zoom handy but slow aperture hampers sharpness at extremes.

Sports Photography

• A560: Fast AF and burst rate make it suitable for amateur sports shooters, though limited tracking is a weakness.
• H90: Unsuitable for fast-action due to slow AF and frame rate.

Street Photography

• A560: Bulkier and less discreet; optical viewfinder aids composition but size may be intrusive.
• H90: Compactness and silent operation make it more stealthy in urban environments.

Macro Photography

• A560: Interchangeable macro lenses and sensor stabilization aid close-up detail.
• H90: 5cm macro focus range allows casual close-ups but limited by fixed optics.

Night and Astro Photography

• A560: Good high ISO performance and manual exposure modes support long exposures.
• H90: Small sensor struggles with noise; limited shutter speed and ISO max hinder night use.

Video Recording

• A560: Full HD 60p, external mic support, and better low-light options.
• H90: Basic 720p video, no mic input, suitable for casual family footage.

Travel Photography

• A560: Versatile but heavier; longer battery life and interchangeable lenses make it flexible but less pocketable.
• H90: Ultra-portable, extensive zoom, and lightweight make it ideal for travel when convenience is paramount.

Professional Use

• A560: RAW capture, extensive lens choices, advanced exposure control, and support for external flash gear fit professional workflows.
• H90: Compact style limits professional application beyond casual documentation.

Summarizing Performance Scores

Based on extensive testing and referencing standard benchmarks, here are the overall and genre-specific ratings, distilled in a visual format.

In these charts, the A560 consistently outperforms the H90 across most demanding categories, while the H90 shines in portability and zoom reach.

Final Verdict: Which Sony is Right for You?

Choose the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 if:

• You want DSLR image quality with a large APS-C sensor and RAW files.
• You desire fast autofocus and more control over exposure and shooting parameters.
• You plan to use interchangeable lenses and advanced lighting setups.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, or video frequently.
• You don’t mind the additional bulk and weight for professional-level results.
• You want the flexibility to grow your photography skills and kit.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H90 if:

• You want an all-in-one camera with extensive zoom range and simple operation.
• Portability and lightweight design are high priorities for casual shooting or travel.
• You shoot mostly in good light and want an affordable second camera.
• You prefer a point-and-shoot experience without changing lenses or complex controls.
• Budget is a critical consideration and you don’t require RAW or professional video.

Hands-On Tips for Getting the Most from Each Camera

• With the A560: Take advantage of the tilting LCD for creative angles. Experiment with manual modes to control depth of field and motion. Invest in prime or macro lenses for best image quality. Use the external flash and off-camera setups for dramatic lighting effects. Always shoot RAW when possible for image flexibility.

• With the H90: Use the extensive zoom creatively - wide angles for sweeping vistas, telephoto for distant subjects. Shoot in good light to minimize noise. Utilize the macro focus at minimum distances for close-up shots. Carry extra batteries due to limited capacity. Keep the firmware updated for best autofocus performance.

Conclusion

Sony’s A560 and H90 embody different philosophies - precision DSLR versus convenient superzoom compact. Your choice depends on what you prioritize most: image quality and creative control with the A560, or pocketable versatility with the H90.

By understanding the strengths and limitations highlighted in this comparison, you can confidently select the camera that aligns with your photography goals and budget. Whichever you pick, both cameras offer rewarding learning experiences and can produce beautiful images with the right care and creativity.

Ready to step up your photography adventure? Check out these models in person if possible, and match your shooting style to their unique capabilities. Whether capturing portraits, landscapes, or everyday life, the right tool makes all the difference.

Sample Images from Both Cameras for Visual Reference

See how each camera translates real-world scenes differently in terms of detail, color reproduction, and noise under various conditions.

Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back Sony H90 front Sony H90 screen back

Thank you for joining us on this comprehensive journey comparing these two intriguing Sony cameras. May your next shot be your best yet!