Sony A560 vs Sony HX90V: An In-Depth Showdown for the Discerning Photographer

When deciding between two Sony cameras as different as the DSLR-A560 and the Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V, it’s easy to get lost in specs and forget the practical, day-in-the-life use. I’ve spent years evaluating dozens of cameras, pushing each through rigorous testing - focusing on image quality, autofocus accuracy, ergonomics, and usability across genres. Let’s unpack how these cameras stack against each other in real-world scenarios to help you find the right fit for your unique photographic style, budget, and goals.

Physical size and ergonomics contrast - bulky DSLR vs nimble travel-friendly compact.

Understanding the Contenders: DSLR Versatility Meets Compact Convenience

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 (let’s call it the A560) hit shelves in 2010 as Sony’s focused entry-level DSLR option, particularly appealing for traditional enthusiasts craving timely manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and the tactile feedback of an optical pentamirror viewfinder.

Meanwhile, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V (hereafter HX90V), announced in 2015, is a markedly different beast: a pocketable, compact superzoom camera armed with a baked-in 24-720mm equivalent zoom lens. It beckons travelers and casual shooters craving versatility and convenience without the bulk of a DSLR.

This isn’t a battle of equals in a narrow niche but more of a comparison of fundamentally different photographic philosophies and designs. Still, each will appeal to overlapping audiences looking to balance quality, portability, and creative control.

Body Build and Handling: Bulk vs Travel-Ready Portability

Ergonomically, the A560 is unmistakably a DSLR - larger, heavier, and designed with a robust grip and tactile buttons that reward users accustomed to traditional camera handling. The dimensions are 137x104x84mm, and it tips the scales at 599 grams (battery included). The body feels solid in hand, and there’s a reassuring heft that lets you know you’re holding a serious tool.

The HX90V, conversely, is delightfully compact at 102x58x36mm and just 245g, fitting snugly into a jacket pocket or small purse - an ideal sidekick for urban exploration or travel without a dedicated bag. Despite its size, Sony manages to integrate a tilting 3” LCD and a pop-up electronic viewfinder, a rarity in compacts of this class.

Having owned similar DSLR-style cameras, I appreciated the A560’s physical dials and buttons when setting exposure quickly - particularly in unpredictable shooting environments like street or event photography. The smaller HX90V requires more menu diving for some settings, but controls remain intuitive for a compact, and its flip-up screen comes in handy for low or high angle shots.

Top control layout emphasizes DSLR’s tactile advantage vs compact’s streamlined design.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: APS-C Meets Small Sensor, Who Wins?

The most significant technical distinction between these two is sensor size:

• A560: APS-C CMOS sensor - 23.5 x 15.6 mm, 14MP
• HX90V: 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor - 6.17 x 4.55 mm, 18MP

The APS-C sensor area of the A560 clocks in at around 367mm² - over 13 times larger than the 28mm² of the HX90V’s sensor. This difference has huge ramifications for image quality. Larger sensors typically produce less noise at high ISOs, render a shallower depth of field for creamy bokeh, and deliver superior dynamic range.

Sony’s A560 scores well on DxOMark metrics for its generation, holding a solid overall score of 70, with 22.5 bits of color depth and 12.3 EV dynamic range. Meanwhile, the HX90V hasn’t been tested by DxOMark, which is common for compact superzooms, but we can safely infer its smaller sensor limits low-light performance and dynamic range.

In practice, images from the A560 show cleaner shadows, smoother gradations in colors, and far better noise control past ISO 800. The HX90V performs admirably in bright daylight and utilises advanced image processing to punch above its sensor size, but loses detail and suffers noise quickly once light drops.

Sensor size difference explained – larger APS-C equals better low light and dynamic range.

Viewfinder and Screen: Optical Seeing vs Electronic Preview

This is where classic DSLR magic and modern compact convenience diverge further:

• A560: Optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% frame coverage and 0.53x magnification. The rear screen is a 3” tilting LCD with 922k dots, no touchscreen.
• HX90V: Electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 638k dots and 100% coverage, plus a 3” tilting LCD with 921k dots.

Optical viewfinders don’t consume battery and provide a direct optical image unaffected by processing lag or electronic noise. However, pentamirror designs are not as bright or contrasty as pentaprism types and do not cover 100% of the scene. The A560’s 95% coverage means slight cropping outside the view.

On the other hand, the HX90V’s EVF offers exact framing with 100% coverage and can simulate exposure, white balance, and other adjustments live - a powerful tool in tricky lighting, albeit at the cost of battery life. The nice perk is in sunlight, where the EVF can often be easier to see than rear LCDs.

Overall, if you love the direct optical experience and priority over battery life, the A560’s viewfinder will please. If you want live previews and don’t mind occasional lag or electronic noise, HX90V’s EVF is quite competitive for a compact.

The A560 offers traditional tilting screen and optical viewing; HX90V balances with a high-res EVF and tilting LCD.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Action vs Snappy Snaps

AF systems have evolved massively over the past decade, so their difference here is stark:

• A560: 15-point phase-detection AF with 3 cross-type points, face detection, and AF assist lamp. Continuous AF and 5 fps burst.
• HX90V: Contrast-detection AF, face and eye detection available, tracking autofocus, 10 fps burst.

By modern DSLR standards, the A560’s autofocus is reliable but not blazing fast - perfect for portraits, landscapes, and casual action but less suited for critical sports or wildlife. Its phase-detect AF gives it an edge in manual focusing scenarios and continuous servo, though the limited 3 cross points are somewhat restrictive.

The HX90V’s contrast-detection is slower but delivers surprisingly decent subject tracking for a compact. Its 10 fps burst rate substantially outpaces the A560, a boon for fleeting moments on the street or wildlife glimpses, even though buffer depth is limited.

One notable limitation: the A560 lacks animal eye AF and advanced tracking found in recent models, and the HX90V relies on contrast AF with no phase detection, occasionally hunting under low contrast.

Lens Ecosystem vs Fixed Lens Convenience

Interchangeable lenses open creative avenues, and here the A560 excels with the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount system, supporting over 140 native lens options from Sony and third parties alike. From fast primes for portraits to specialized macros and ultra-wide landscapes, the choice is vast and affordable on the used market.

The HX90V’s fixed lens dials from 24-720mm equivalent with a modest aperture range of f/3.5-6.4. This enormous zoom range is unparalleled in a pocketable body, conveniently covering everything from wide-angle travel panoramas to distant wildlife shots. You won’t get the image quality of large glass optics or depth of field control that prime lenses offer, but answering the call of versatility is this camera’s forte.

For macro photographers, the HX90V focuses down to 5cm, which, combined with optical image stabilization, allows decent handheld close-ups of flowers or bugs that match casual shooting needs.

Low-Light and High ISO Scenarios: Noise and Stabilization Play

The APS-C sensor on the A560 handles high ISO with more grace - usable images at ISO 1600 and even ISO 3200 are achievable, especially with noise-reduction strategies in post. Its sensor-based image stabilization, which Sony calls SteadyShot INSIDE, grants about 2-3 stops of handholdable exposure advantage - great for dim interiors or dusk shots.

The HX90V benefits from optical (lens-based) image stabilization and a high zoom, critical for reducing shake at telephoto but hampered by the small sensor’s higher noise floor above ISO 800. Results can get grainy and lose fine detail quickly unless you keep ISO low and shutter fast.

In astrophotography or night landscapes, the A560’s wider dynamic range and ability to tether for long exposures provide a distinct edge. The HX90V’s tiny sensor and lens limit its astrophotography potential, though the tilting screen is a perk for composing long exposures on uneven ground.

Video Capabilities: Mixed Bag but Functional

Despite its age, the A560 records full HD 1080p at 60fps using AVCHD and MPEG-4 codecs. It has a microphone input (crucial for vloggers or indie filmmakers) but lacks a headphone jack. Stabilization aids handheld shooting.

The HX90V shoots 1080p video up to 60p as well, offers newer XAVC S format support for improved compression and quality, and benefits from built-in GPS tagging - a travel lover’s delight. However, it lacks any microphone input, which is a drawback for serious video work.

Neither supports 4K or advanced video features like log profiles, but for casual video, both perform admirably within their limitations.

Battery Life and Storage: An Unlikely Surprise

You might expect the larger DSLR to guzzle more battery, but the A560 offers an outstanding 1050 shots per charge (CIPA standard), ideal for all-day events or landscape hikes without worrying about spares.

The HX90V, despite efficiency gains in the Bionz X processor and smaller sensor, is rated for about 360 shots - fine for short excursions but inadequate for prolonged trips unless you pack extras.

The A560’s dual card slots (SD and MS Pro) give flexibility for backup or extended storage, while the HX90V sticks with a single slot supporting SD and Memory Stick Duo.

Connectivity and Extras: Prepping for Modern Workflows

Connectivity remains basic on both but with some contrasts:

• A560 offers USB 2.0 and HDMI, plus Eye-Fi card support - handy for select wireless transfers if you invest in an Eye-Fi card. No Bluetooth or NFC.
• HX90V boasts built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for straightforward remote control and sharing via smartphone apps - a sleek benefit for social media enthusiasts. It also includes built-in GPS, a rare feature for its class, automatically geo-tagging photos.

Both lack headphone ports, limiting audio monitoring during video shoots - consistent with their camera classes.

Weather Sealing and Durability: Neither Built for the Wild

Neither camera offers weather sealing, shockproofing, or freeze resistance - a reminder these are designed for regular daily or travel use, not harsh environments. If you shoot outdoors frequently in challenging conditions, you’ll want to consider ruggedized alternatives.

Putting It All Together: What Each Grew Ups to Best

Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back Sony HX90V front Sony HX90V screen back

Looking across the key photographic disciplines, here’s my breakdown based on extensive field tests and side-by-side shooting:

Portrait Photography

• A560: Larger sensor produces truer skin tones, creamier bokeh, and reliable eye detection. Manual lens focus control is a boon for creative portraiture.
• HX90V: Limited dof control, but decent face detection and great for spontaneous snaps.

Landscape Photography

• A560: High dynamic range and RAW support allow serious post-processing latitude; weather sealing lacking but manageable.
• HX90V: Great ultra-wide coverage for vast scenes; smaller sensor limits tonal gradation.

Wildlife & Sports

• A560: Phase-detection aids focus; 5fps burst is modest; limited tracking hampers fast action.
• HX90V: 10fps burst and powerful zoom excel, but autofocus can hunt.

Street & Travel

• A560: Bulky and conspicuous; excellent control for deliberate shooting.
• HX90V: Stealthy, pocketable, quick-reacting - perfect for candid moments.

Macro

• A560: Depends on your lens choice; excellent with dedicated macro optics.
• HX90V: Decent close focus with stabilization; limited magnification.

Night / Astro

• A560: Superior ISO handling and long exposure flexibility.
• HX90V: Limited by sensor size; best with tripod and low ISO.

Video

• A560: Solid mic support; no 4K; older codecs.
• HX90V: Modern codecs; built-in GPS; no mic input.

Professional Use

• A560: Raw support, customizable WB, exposure modes, and dual card support make it more professional.
• HX90V: Primarily aimed at enthusiasts and travelers; missing RAW is a dealbreaker for pros.

Numbers Don’t Lie: Performance Scores Visualized

Recommendations: Which Camera Should You Choose?

• Choose the Sony A560 if:
  You prioritize image quality, creative control, and a flexible lens system. You want a dependable entry-point DSLR for portraits, landscapes, and occasionally controlled events. You don’t mind the bulk and wish to learn manual photography fundamentals with a solid grip and viewfinder experience.

• Choose the Sony HX90V if:
  Portability, pocketability, and enormous zoom range are paramount. You want an easy-to-use camera for travel, urban exploration, and casual wildlife or street photography. Video and Wi-Fi connectivity matter, but you can accept compromises in sensor size and image quality.

• On a Budget: The HX90V’s lower price (~$440 at launch) suits photographers seeking a versatile travel companion without investing in lenses. If you can stretch, the A560 (~$650) delivers longer-term growth in quality and control.

Final Thoughts: Complementary Cameras Rather Than Duelists

For photography enthusiasts with an adaptable toolkit mindset, the Sony A560 DSLR and HX90V compact are complementary rather than direct competitors. The former excels as a learning platform and quality-first shooter, while the latter shines on the go, delivering an all-in-one experience with impressive zoom flexibility.

In taking thousands of shots across lighting, subject, and scenario variations, I found the A560’s image quality and depth of options too compelling to overlook for serious creative work. Yet for day trips or packing light, the HX90V encompasses a remarkable range of features in a sleek package - a camera that stops you from missing moments because you simply left gear behind.

Happy shooting - whichever Sony you decide to call your trusty companion!

If you want personalized recommendations based on your photography goals or shooting style, feel free to ask - I’ve got a vault of tested gear tales to share.