Sony A580 vs Sony A850

On this page, we will be looking at the Sony A580 and Sony A850, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are created by Sony. There is a significant difference among the resolutions of the A580 (16MP) and A850 (25MP) and the A580 (APS-C) and A850 (Full frame) boast different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The A580 was released 14 months later than the A850 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summation of how the A580 matches up against the A850 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The complete galleries are available at Sony A580 Gallery and Sony A850 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Sony A580 has got external measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs) while the Sony A850 has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") and a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Check the Sony A580 and Sony A850 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the A580 versus the A850.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the A580 and A850 is 64 and 54 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing simply by checking out technical specs. The visual underneath should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the A580 and A850.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The A580 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony A850 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 9MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern A580 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.