Sony A560 vs Sony RX100: A Deep Dive into Two Iconic Cameras for Enthusiasts and Professionals Alike

Choosing the right camera can feel like navigating a maze, especially when the options come from the same trusted manufacturer but cater to vastly different needs. Today, we’re putting two distinct Sony models under the microscope: the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560, an entry-level DSLR known for its approachable design and solid imaging chops, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100, a trailblazing large sensor compact renowned for packing impressive performance into a pocketable form.

From sensor tech to ergonomics, autofocus to video, and beyond, we’ll unpack their strengths and weaknesses across all major photography disciplines. Whether you're a budding enthusiast, a seasoned pro, or somewhere in between, this comparison will help you understand which camera fits your creative journey best.

A Tale of Two Designs: DSLR Bulk vs. Compact Convenience

When selecting a camera, physical size and user experience form the foundational aspects of your purchase decision.

The Sony A560, released in 2010, embodies the traditional DSLR form factor: robust but bulky. Its dimensions (137 x 104 x 84 mm) and weight (~599 g) provide a reassuring heft many photographers appreciate for stability, especially during longer shoots with heavier lenses. Its grip is sculpted for comfort over extended use, and the body supports interchangeable lenses via the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, opening a vast array of creative options.

Contrastingly, the Sony RX100 targets a different audience: photographers valuing portability without a dramatic compromise in image quality. At just 102 x 58 x 36 mm and 240 g, it fits snugly in a pocket or small bag. The fixed 28-100 mm equivalent zoom lens (f/1.8-4.9 aperture) allows versatility for travel and street photography while staying remarkably discreet.

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs, but the A560’s tilting screen provides more flexibility in composing shots from challenging angles, such as low or high perspectives - a plus for macro and landscape photographers. The RX100’s fixed screen integrates WhiteMagic TFT LCD technology, offering bright and clear viewing even under daylight.

Sensing the Difference: Image Quality Rooted in Sensor Design

Central to any camera’s imaging prowess is its sensor. This comparison pivots around the A560’s APS-C sensor versus the RX100’s 1-inch sensor.

• Sony A560:

  • Sensor size: 23.5 x 15.6 mm (APS-C)
  • Resolution: 14MP
  • Sensor area: 366.6 mm²
  • Sensor type: CMOS with anti-alias filter

• Sony RX100:

  • Sensor size: 13.2 x 8.8 mm (1-inch)
  • Resolution: 20MP
  • Sensor area: 116.16 mm²
  • Sensor type: CMOS with anti-alias filter

Technical Implications

The A560's larger sensor surface naturally gathers more light, contributing to superior dynamic range, color depth, and low-light sensitivity. DXOmark ratings confirm this, with the A560 scoring overall 70 compared to RX100’s 66 - slight but meaningful. For example, the A560 achieves a low-light ISO score of 817, nearly double the RX100’s 390, which translates to cleaner images at higher ISOs.

The RX100’s smaller but higher-resolution sensor is engineered for detail-rich images in daylight and moderate lighting conditions. Its f/1.8 max aperture at the wide end also helps compensate for sensor size during low light shooting.

Viewing and Interface: Optical vs Electronic Experiences

The Sony A560 relies on a pentamirror optical viewfinder, covering about 95% of the scene with 0.53x magnification. While traditional and low latency, pentamirror finders tend to be less bright and accurate than pentaprisms or modern electronic viewfinders (EVFs). You’ll find the optical viewfinder offers natural framing and zero lag, great for speed shooting and battery savings.

The RX100 forgoes a viewfinder entirely - its compact body restricts space - so you compose exclusively on the LCD. The RX100’s bright and sharp LCD improves usability outdoors. While some may miss an EVF, workflow adjustments will help you adapt.

Autofocus Performance: Precision Meets Speed

Autofocus (AF) efficiency can make or break your shooting experience, especially in dynamic settings.

The A560 features a 15-point phase-detection AF system, excellent for horizontal and vertical edge detection. This system excels in bright light with rapid subject acquisition - ideal for portrait and sports shooters who need precise focus tracking.

Meanwhile, the RX100 employs contrast-detection autofocus with 25 points. While inherently slower than phase detection, the RX100 adds sophisticated face detection and AF tracking, which improve subject lock in video and stills. Its autofocus speed is brisk for a compact but may lag in fast-action wildlife or sports scenarios.

Shake Reduction and Stabilization: Keeping It Steady

• Sony A560: Sensor-based image stabilization compensates for camera shake across all mounted lenses.
• Sony RX100: Incorporates optical image stabilization directly into the lens assembly.

Practical tests show both deliver solid image stabilization, but the sensor-based system on the A560 allows stabilization with specialized lenses and generally performs better with longer telephoto focal lengths. This benefit is significant for handheld wildlife and macro photography.

The RX100’s optical stabilizer is extremely effective for its class and length range, making handheld shots crisp in low light or at telephoto zooms.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Burst speed is a critical factor for sports and wildlife photographers.

With 10 frames per second, the RX100 doubles the A560's burst speed, perfect for catching fleeting moments in street or wildlife action. Do note, however, that the A560's phase-detection AF can maintain focus more reliably in continuous shooting modes for moving subjects.

Low-Light and High ISO Use: Seeing in the Dark

The A560 lets you shoot up to ISO 12,800 and boost ISO 25,600, while the RX100 matches with a native ISO range up to 25,600.

In practice:

• Sony A560’s larger sensor produces lower noise and retains more detail at elevated ISOs. This advantage extends your shooting flexibility into darker venues, event spaces, or night portraits.
• Sony RX100, while capable of higher ISO outputs, will demonstrate increased noise in comparison, especially from ISO 1,600 upward.

For astrophotography or night photography, the A560’s superior dynamic range (12.3 EV vs. RX100's 12.4 EV with minimal difference) and cleaner high ISO tend to win out long exposure captures requiring minimal noise.

Image and Video Quality in Everyday Use

Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back Sony RX100 front Sony RX100 screen back

Both cameras shoot Full HD video (1920 x 1080) with 60fps capabilities, though:

• The A560 records in MPEG-4, AVCHD, and H.264, with microphone input for external audio. Handy for interviews or vlogs.
• The RX100 also uses MPEG-4 and AVCHD but lacks a microphone port, limiting audio options.

For video enthusiasts, the A560’s ability to attach external mics and its interchangeable lens system provides greater creative control over focal length and depth of field, making it a better video tool - especially for professional applications.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

The A560’s battery life is exemplary, capable of over triple the shots per charge compared to the RX100. This makes the DSLR better suited for longer outings without access to charging. Dual card slots offer advanced storage management, such as overflow or backup, important for professionals backing up critical work on the fly.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras support Eye-Fi card connectivity for Wi-Fi transfers, but:

• The RX100 adds NFC for quick pairing with compatible devices.
• Neither offers Bluetooth or GPS, and HDMI output is standard on both.

While not groundbreaking, these features enable easy image sharing and remote control for casual photographers.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither model offers weather sealing or waterproofing; expect both to perform best under typical indoor or fair weather conditions. For more demanding environments, additional protective gear is recommended.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

The A560’s strength lies in its extensive Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount system with over 143 compatible lenses, from fast primes to super telephotos - covering every creative photography discipline.

The RX100 is fixed-lens, boasting a 28-100 mm equivalent zoom with an aperture range of f/1.8 to f/4.9. This offers versatility for general photography but lacks the creative flexibility of interchangeable optics.

Ergonomics, Controls, and User Experience

The DSLR-style buttons, dials, and the tilting screen of the A560 empower detailed manual control, matching well with photographers who prefer tactile engagement. The RX100’s controls are minimalist by design to maintain its compact size, with intuitive menus suited for quick shooting but less extensive customization.

Pricing and Value: What Do You Get for Your Investment?

*Prices vary by retailer and condition.

The RX100 offers impressive imaging in a pocket-friendly package at a lower entry cost. The A560 delivers a more expansive photographic toolkit with its interchangeable lenses and optical viewfinder at roughly a similar price point used today. Your choice boils down to prioritizing image quality and lens versatility vs. portability and convenience.

How Each Camera Serves Different Photography Genres

Let’s assess how these cameras perform in various photography practices.

Portrait Photography

• Sony A560 shines with better skin tone rendition due to its larger sensor and 15 AF points with face detection. The ability to swap lenses lets you use fast primes for creamy bokeh.
• Sony RX100 provides sharp results and face detection AF, but limited lens optics restrict creative depth of field control.

Landscape Photography

• Larger sensor and greater dynamic range of A560 deliver superior detail and tonal gradation.
• RX100 is handy for travel landscapes but with some noise compromise and narrower framing options.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• A560 features phase-detection AF and stabilization aiding in tracking moving subjects, albeit with moderate frame rates (5fps).
• RX100 boasts faster 10fps burst, but autofocus speed and accuracy may lag behind in fast-action situations.

Street Photography

• RX100’s compact size, silent operation, and fast zoom range excel for candid shooting.
• A560 is more conspicuous and heavier but offers superior image quality in tricky lighting.

Macro Photography

• A560 supports macro with specialized lenses and sensor stabilization.
• RX100 has 5cm close-focus but limited magnification compared to dedicated macro lenses.

Night/Astro Photography

• A560’s better ISO performance and longer exposure speeds make it preferable.
• RX100 can manage casual night shots but with more noise.

Video Uses

• A560 supports external mics and more manual controls, better for serious video projects.
• RX100 is fine for casual Full HD clips with simple audio needs.

Travel Photography

• RX100 wins on portability and convenience.
• A560’s battery life and lens adaptability suit longer, planned trips.

Professional Work

• A560 supports RAW files, dual card slots, and tethering (via USB 2.0); better suited for professional workflows.
• RX100 supports RAW too but limited external control options.

Overall Performance Summaries

Final Recommendations: Choosing the Right Fit for You

When to Choose the Sony A560

• If your priority is image quality, IS versatility, and longer battery life.
• When you want to explore manual settings deeply and experiment with a wide range of lenses.
• For portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or professional work where optical viewfinder and phase-detection AF are advantages.
• If you shoot video seriously and need external microphone support.

When to Choose the Sony RX100

• If compact size, ease of use, and convenience top your list.
• You frequently shoot travel, street, or casual everyday photography without the burden of changing lenses.
• If you appreciate fast burst speeds and can tolerate some compromise on low-light performance.
• When you desire quick sharing via NFC and Wi-Fi without bulky gear.

Getting the Most from Your Camera

Regardless of which camera you choose, bridging the gap between technical specs and creative output is where the magic lies. To maximize your Sony A560 or RX100:

• Invest in quality lenses (for A560) or experiment with manual controls on RX100.
• Learn and practice manual focus, exposure, and composition techniques.
• Explore RAW shooting and post-processing to unlock the full potential of your images.
• Use stabilization techniques and accessories to enhance sharpness.
• Test video features with external or built-in audio solutions.

Wrapping Up

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 represent two unique philosophies in photography: classic DSLR versatility vs. innovative compact excellence. Each brings a distinct set of strengths shaped by their sensor sizes, form factors, and intended use cases.

Whether you prefer the hands-on approach and image quality of the A560 or the pocketable convenience and fast performance of the RX100, both cameras are capable creative tools worthy of your investment.

Now that you have this detailed comparison, why not visit a local store to handle both cameras? Try their controls, feel their weight, and see which fits your style. And don’t hesitate to explore lenses, accessories, and tutorials to get your journey started with confidence.

Happy shooting!

This article reflects hands-on testing, technical analysis, and years of experience evaluating camera performance across photography disciplines. We aim to empower your decision-making with clear, practical insights grounded in authoritative expertise.