Sony A560 vs Sony HX100V: Expert Comparison to Guide Your Next Camera Choice

Choosing the right camera becomes increasingly challenging with so many strong contenders from Sony’s lineup, especially when they target different use cases yet overlap in price and features. Today, we’ll dive deep into the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 (A560) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V (HX100V) - two unique cameras from the early 2010s, both lauded for their versatile image-making abilities but aimed at different photographers.

Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and technical know-how, we’ll guide you through their core strengths and limitations. By combining sensor technology, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and performance across photography genres, our intention is to help you find the model best aligned with your creative goals - whether you’re an aspiring DSLR shooter or an enthusiast craving an all-in-one bridge zoom.

First Impressions: Body Design, Size, and Handling

At a glance, the A560 and HX100V share the classic DSLR and bridge camera silhouettes but differ substantially in handling and controls.

• Sony A560 sports a robust compact SLR body weighing 599g, with physical dimensions of 137x104x84mm. It features a deep, contoured grip and classic DSLR controls optimized for one-handed shooting.
• Sony HX100V is lighter (577g) yet chunkier in depth (122x87x93mm), reflecting its superzoom bridge style with a long built-in lens dominating the front.

Ergonomics and User Interface:

• A560’s body gives DSLR fidelity with tactile buttons, a mode dial, and a noticeably responsive shutter release, enhancing precision shooting.
• HX100V opts for fewer physical controls but maintains quick access to zoom and drive modes. Its handling suits casual walk-around and travel photographers prioritizing lens reach over DSLR feel.

The design and handling differences reflect their target audiences: the A560 for users prioritizing manual control and optics interchangeability; the HX100V caters to convenience seekers enamored by its vast zoom and lightweight portability.

Control Layout and Interface: How You Interact with Your Camera

Taking a closer look at the top panel and user interface, here’s how both cameras invite you to frame and capture:

• The A560 features a dedicated mode dial (including manual, shutter priority, aperture priority) and well-marked buttons for ISO, exposure, and drive modes.
• The HX100V’s control scheme is simplified but includes a zoom ring around the lens, a lever switch near the shutter for quick mode changes, and a smaller mode dial.

Neither model has illuminated buttons, which is common for cameras of their era but can affect usability in dim settings.

Both provide tilting 3-inch LCD displays (resolutions ~920K dots), but the HX100V’s screen benefits from XtraFine TruBlack technology for richer outdoor visibility. The A560’s optical pentamirror viewfinder covers 95% frame coverage, maintaining a DSLR’s classic shooting approach, while HX100V uses an electronic viewfinder (EVF) offering real-time exposure previews but at lower clarity.

If classical, tactile control and optical viewing matter most - especially for manual adjustment lovers - the A560 prevails. The HX100V appeals with modern flexibility and screen tech but trades off some tactile DSLR feel.

Sensor Technologies: Where Image Quality Begins

This section uncovers the core difference: sensor size and tech, the foundation of image quality and creative possibility.

The A560’s much larger APS-C sensor provides a crucial edge in dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, and color fidelity. Though the HX100V offers slightly higher pixel count, the smaller sensor size limits noise performance and tonal range, especially at higher ISOs.

Practically, this means:

• Portraits and low light photos from A560 display smoother skin tones, richer color depth, and less noise.
• The HX100V shines in bright daylight with good detail but struggles with shadow nuance and nighttime clarity.

From a professional standpoint, sensor size means everything - if you are serious about image quality and post-processing flexibility, the A560 is the superior choice. For travel or casual everyday shooting where convenience trumps absolute image quality, HX100V’s sensor and lens zoom combination still deliver very good results.

Viewing Experience: LCD and Viewfinder Quality

Looking through the camera is your literal window into image creation, so let’s inspect the A560’s optical viewfinder versus the HX100V’s electronic one.

• Sony A560 Optical Viewfinder: Pentamirror design with 95% frame coverage and 0.53x magnification, common for entry-level DSLRs. It offers a bright, lag-free view, great for tracking fast subjects and shooting in bright light.
• Sony HX100V Electronic Viewfinder (EVF): Provides approximately 100% coverage but lower resolution and refresh rate compared to DSLRs. EVFs allow previewing exposure, white balance, and focus peaking but can suffer from lag in low light.

LCD Screens on both tilt for creative angles:

• The A560’s screen resolution of 922K dots is crisp but lacks touchscreen functionality.
• The HX100V’s screen features advanced TruBlack tech, enhancing contrast and visibility under direct sunlight.

If you prefer shooting instinctively through an optical viewfinder - crucial for wildlife, sports, or street - the A560’s pentamirror, despite modest coverage, is preferable. The HX100V’s EVF and advanced LCD give more immediate visual feedback on image adjustments, useful for videographers and casual users.

Autofocus Systems and Speed: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus (AF) performance is pivotal, especially for wildlife, sports, and fast-moving subjects.

The Sony A560’s 15-point phase-detection AF system, including 3 cross-type sensors, provides relatively quick, accurate focusing with face detection capabilities. This helps tremendously in portraits and action photography through the optical viewfinder.

In contrast, the HX100V uses a contrast-detection AF with fewer focus points. This system generally offers slower focus acquisition and no continuous AF tracking. However, the HX100V compensates somewhat with a faster burst shooting rate of 10fps, useful for capturing fleeting moments in casual sports or wildlife snapshots.

Real-world testing shows:

• The A560 excels in locking focus on eyes and faces swiftly, delivering dependable tracking in daylight and moderate light - critical for portraits and event shooters.
• The HX100V provides adequate focus in daylight for static or slow subjects but struggles rapid AF or low-light accuracy.

If your photography requires reliable, quick autofocus for moving subjects, especially with interchangeable lenses, the A560’s hybrid AF system outperforms the HX100V.

Lens Ecosystem and Zoom Flexibility

A defining difference lies in their lens setups:

• Sony A560 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount supporting 143 native lenses, including primes and zooms across wide-angle to super-telephoto.
• Sony HX100V features a fixed 27-810mm (30x) optical zoom lens with an aperture range of f/2.8–5.6, covering everything from wide to extreme telephoto in one package.

Why this matters:

• On the A560, you can tailor your optical arsenal to your style - prime lenses for portraits with exquisite bokeh, wide zooms for landscapes, fast telephotos for sports and wildlife. The sensor size also synergizes with premium lenses for optimum image quality.
• The HX100V’s all-in-one lens offers unparalleled convenience for travel and casual photography. You have a massive zoom range for everything from sweeping vistas to distant wildlife without lens changes, but image quality is limited by sensor size and lens design compromises.

For photographers craving flexibility and professional-grade optics, the A560’s lens mount and ecosystem are unmatched. The HX100V is best if you want simplicity and zoom reach without fussing over multiple lenses.

Burst Shooting and Video Capabilities

In this segment, we consider shooting speed and video features critical for sports, wildlife, and multimedia creators.

*The A560’s video capabilities feature a solid 1080p at 60fps implementation for the era, allowing smooth motion capture, with manual exposure controls and external mic input - an advantage for vloggers or interviewers.

The HX100V also captures 1080p at 60fps, but lacks an external mic input, limiting audio quality customization.

Although the HX100V doubles the frame rate in burst shooting, the A560’s video interface offers more control and better audio options, which may attract multimedia professionals.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Battery Life

Neither camera is fully weather-sealed or ruggedized, so you’ll want to keep them covered in harsh environments.

• The A560’s build feels more robust due to its DSLR construction and guaranteed tighter ergonomics.
• The HX100V’s bridge style is sturdy but made of lighter plastics to keep weight down.

The Sony A560 boasts an impressive battery life of approximately 1050 shots per charge (CIPA standard), utilizing the NP-FM500H pack, beneficial for day-long shoots with minimal power anxiety.

Conversely, the HX100V’s battery life is less documented and estimated lower, given its smaller internal battery and large zoom motor consumption.

Connectivity, Storage, and Extras

Both cameras support Eye-Fi card connectivity, allowing wireless image transfers. Neither includes Bluetooth or NFC, reflecting their production period.

Storage options are:

• A560: Dual card slots supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick formats.
• HX100V: Single memory card slot supporting the same formats.

The A560’s dual-slot setup allows safer shooting when critical, during events or professional assignments.

HX100V features built-in GPS, enabling geotagging your travels - a boon for landscape and travel photographers.

Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back Sony HX100V front Sony HX100V screen back

How They Perform Across Photography Genres

We tested both cameras across different real-world scenarios to see where each excels or lags.

Portrait Photography

• Sony A560 delivers natural skin tones and creamy backgrounds thanks to its APS-C sensor and support for fast primes. Face detection AF locks onto eyes, aiding sharp focus.
• Sony HX100V, despite more megapixels, produces portraits with less smooth transition and noisy shadows at higher ISOs. Lack of face detection limits ease of focus.

Landscape Photography

• High dynamic range and 14MP resolution of A560 make it the clear winner for detailed, richly toned landscapes.
• HX100V covers a lot of ground with convenience but yields flatter colors and less shadow detail.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The A560’s phase detection AF, solid burst rate, and interchangeable long lenses make it more dependable for fast, distant subjects.
• HX100V’s 10fps burst and superzoom lens make it handy for casual wildlife shots but AF lag undermines consistency.

Street Photography

• The HX100V offers compactness and quiet operation, appealing for candid shots.
• A560’s size and louder shutter may intimidate some but offers better image quality in diverse lighting.

Macro Photography

• Using dedicated macro lenses, the A560 can focus very closely with high detail.
• HX100V’s fixed lens limits macro distances but provides respectable close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

• Superior ISO performance and long exposure capabilities make the A560 better suited for stars and nighttime.
• HX100V struggles in low light due to sensor noise and lack of manual exposure control precision.

Video Work

• A560 offers an edge with mic input and manual exposure.
• HX100V suits casual filming but limited audio and manual controls restrict creative flexibility.

Travel and Everyday Use

• The HX100V’s zoom versatility and tilt screen make it a great grab-and-go camera.
• A560 better serves photo enthusiasts who want high image quality and lens adaptability on travels.

Professional Use

• The A560 supports RAW file capture, dual card slots, and offers fuller manual controls, suiting workflows needing reliability and post-production latitude.
• HX100V lacks RAW and external flash support.

Verdict: Which Sony Model Matches Your Photography Passion?

With strengths and compromises laid bare, here’s how to decide which camera aligns best with your needs and budget.

Go for the Sony A560 if you:

• Desire DSLR-quality images with richer color and detail, especially for portraits, landscapes, and low light.
• Value manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and reliable, fast autofocus for active shooting.
• Are prepared to invest in lenses and accessories for photography growth.
• Want robust battery life for all-day shooting.
• Need RAW support and dual card slots for professional reliability.

Consider the Sony HX100V if you:

• Prioritize portability with a versatile all-in-one lens covering ultra-wide to super-telephoto.
• Prefer ease of use for travel, street photography, or casual wildlife shooting.
• Want built-in GPS for location tagging on adventures.
• Shoot chiefly in daylight and don’t need RAW or fast autofocus tracking.
• Have a limited budget but want a capable zoom bridge camera with good video.

Final Thoughts: Explore and Create

Both cameras reflect Sony’s thoughtful engineering tailored to distinct creative journeys. The DSLR-style A560 gives you the foundation for serious photo skills and high image quality that holds up over years. The HX100V invites adventure with convenience and an astonishing zoom range in a compact package.

We encourage you to get hands-on if possible: feel the grip, test focusing, examine the viewfinder - those tactile experiences reveal much about daily comfort. Whichever camera you choose, complement it with quality lenses (for the A560), memory cards, and a sturdy bag. The right gear is an investment in your artistic potential.

Embark confidently on your photographic path - whether crafting studio portraits, chasing wildlife, or capturing street moments. Sony’s precision and innovative design in both models will help you tell your stories, frame by frame.

Happy shooting!

This article integrates extensive technical testing, user feedback, and industry benchmarks to empower you with balanced, actionable insight.