Sony A580 vs Sony NEX-5R: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Cameras for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing your next camera can feel a bit like navigating a maze, especially when options come from the same brand but cater to very different photographic philosophies. Today, I’m taking a close look at two Sony cameras that arrived on the scene within a year of each other but serve markedly different user needs: the Sony Alpha DSLR-A580, a traditional entry-level DSLR, and the Sony Alpha NEX-5R, a compact, mirrorless rangefinder-style camera.

Whether you’re a hobbyist weighing physical heft against portability, a portraitist hunting for nuanced skin tones, or a landscape shooter curious about dynamic range, this detailed comparison will break down everything from sensor performance to ergonomics, and from autofocus to video capabilities. I’ll share insights gathered not only from spec sheets but actual, hands-on testing that helps paint a full picture of what it's like to use these cameras in the field.

Let’s jump in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Physical Design

When picking a camera, the very first tactile experience often sets the tone. The Sony A580 is unmistakably a classic DSLR - substantial, with a traditional vertical grip and optical pentamirror viewfinder. Weighing in at around 599 grams with dimensions 137x104x84mm, it feels solid and sturdy in the hand.

On the other hand, the Sony NEX-5R takes a very different approach, being a mirrorless camera with a sleek, compact body weighing just 276 grams and measuring 111x59x39mm. Its rangefinder-style design offers a minimalist footprint that’s easy to slip into a jacket pocket or small bag.

For those who prioritize a robust grip and familiarity, the A580’s ergonomic design tends to inspire confidence during long shoots. You have that firm DSLR feel, complete with physical buttons and a strong handhold.

Conversely, the NEX-5R’s compactness makes it an outstanding companion for travel photography and street shooters who want to move light and fast. The tradeoff? Less pronounced physical controls - more touch and screen-based interaction - which can feel a tad delicate in intense shooting sessions.

I particularly appreciate the NEX-5R’s tilting touchscreen, which brings modern convenience absent on the A580. This screen allows easier shooting from challenging angles - think low ground macro shots or high perspective landscapes.

The A580 also offers a tilting screen, but it lacks touchscreen capability and, frankly, its user interface feels slightly dated amid today’s standards.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Diving Beneath the Surface

Both cameras feature APS-C CMOS sensors measuring nearly identical dimensions (A580: 23.5x15.6mm, NEX-5R: 23.4x15.6mm), supporting resolutions around 16 megapixels. However, the Sony A580 incorporates an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens fine detail but minimizes moiré patterns. The NEX-5R also has an anti-alias filter, maintaining classic Sony sensor characteristics.

Digging into technical measures from DXOmark, the A580 scores a slight edge in overall image quality (Score: 80) compared to the NEX-5R (Score: 78). This difference is subtle but can be felt in color depth (A580: 23.8 bits vs. NEX-5R: 23.7 bits) and dynamic range (13.3 EV vs. 13.1 EV). Low-light sensitivity favors the A580 with a DXO low-light ISO rating of 1121 compared to 910 on the NEX-5R.

What does this mean practically? In controlled portrait environments and landscape shooting with challenging shadow and highlight details, the A580’s sensor gives you a slightly richer tonal range and more flexibility for post-processing. Shooting at base ISO 100, images have a more refined gradation and better color fidelity.

However, this is by no means a knockout. The NEX-5R’s sensor performs admirably despite its compact body and slightly less sophisticated heat dissipation, and with modern processing, you can still extract clean, vibrant images up to moderately high ISOs. If your shooting centers around daylight and well-lit events, the NEX holds its own quite respectably.

Autofocus Systems: Tracking Your Moments with Precision

Here we find some of the most appreciable differences between these two Sony models, crucial depending on your subject matter.

The A580 employs a traditional DSLR autofocus system with 15 focus points, including 3 cross-type sensors. It uses phase-detection AF which generally offers quick and accurate focusing in good light. The camera supports continuous AF tracking, face detection, selective AF modes (multi-area, center-weighted), and even live view contrast detection. However, it lacks modern refinements like eye-detection AF and animal eye AF, which are coveted by portrait and wildlife shooters today.

In contrast, the NEX-5R features a much denser 99 autofocus points, which is exceptional for a mirrorless camera from its era. It combines phase-detection and contrast-detection AF, yielding fast, accurate focus acquisition even on moving subjects. Bonus points for its touch AF system, allowing you to tap the screen to shift focus instantly - an enthusiast’s delight for quick composition adjustments.

One vital limitation: the 5R does not have face or eye-detection autofocus, which slightly hampers portrait precision. But its impressive continuous autofocus and tracking make it a better choice for action, street, and travel photographers who need rapid focus response.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

If you’re a professional or serious enthusiast planning shoots in adverse conditions, build quality and weather sealing can be deal-breakers.

Both cameras lack formal weatherproofing or dust sealing. The A580 features a polycarbonate body with a metal chassis, yielding a moderately rugged feel. While it’s no tough pro-body, it will withstand cautious enthusiast use.

The NEX-5R’s rangefinder-style body is predominantly plastic and noticeably more delicate feeling. This camera was clearly designed for portability and convenience over durability. I would recommend extra care or protective housing if you plan to shoot outdoors in harsh conditions.

If you value weather resistance, neither camera fully satisfies, but the A580’s more substantial construction allows for more confidence in challenging environments.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Where Button Layout Meets Usability

A camera is only as good as how well it interacts with you, the user, especially in fast-paced scenarios.

The A580 embraces a classic SLR configuration: physical dials for exposure, a traditional mode dial, dedicated buttons for ISO, white balance, AF modes, and more. The viewfinder coverage is about 95% with moderate magnification. For users accustomed to DSLRs, this offers immediate tactile feedback and manual control without fuss.

The NEX-5R’s design favors minimalism. It sheds the optical viewfinder for live view on a tiltable touchscreen. Controls are fewer; many adjustments - like ISO, shutter speed, and exposure - are accessed via on-screen menus or dedicated buttons with secondary functions.

I find the NEX-5R’s touchscreen boosts usability in casual, travel, and street settings, giving rapid adjustments, but the lack of physical control can slow down those transitioning from DSLRs who like direct access to settings.

Both cameras support common exposure modes: manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program. A580 adds useful exposure bracketing features absent in the NEX-5R, benefitting experimental shooting such as HDR workflows.

Lens Ecosystem and Mount Compatibility

Lens choice often determines how far you can stretch a camera system creatively and professionally.

The Sony A580 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha (A-mount), a mature ecosystem with around 143 lenses ranging from budget zooms to professional-grade glass, including Sony, third-party, and legacy Minolta lenses. This mount supports adapters for some manual lenses too.

The NEX-5R is fitted with the modern compact Sony E-mount, designed for mirrorless bodies. It holds about 121 native lenses, including excellent primes and zooms from Sony and its partners. The E-mount’s future-proofing and optical correction firmware give it a slight edge for newer, compact optics.

Practically, if you already own A-mount lenses, the A580 will let you use your glass natively. If starting fresh with compact travel lenses and can afford adapters, the NEX might tempt you with lighter combos.

Battery Life and Storage Options: The Power to Keep Shooting

Tackling long shoots or travel assignments means you need sustainable battery life and enough storage flexibility.

The A580 is notable here, boasting an impressive 1050 shots per charge on its NP-FM500H battery. This long endurance is a boon for events, daylight landscapes, or extended wildlife sessions where changing batteries can be prohibitive.

In contrast, the NEX-5R’s battery supports about 330 shots, reflecting its compact size and mirrorless design. Consequentially, I’d recommend carrying at least one spare battery for serious outings.

Both support popular storage options - SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony’s Memory Stick formats - but the A580 advantages users with two card slots, enabling backup or overflow storage that pros can appreciate seriously.

Special Features and Connectivity

Reviewing other aspects that can tip the scale:

• Image Stabilization: The A580 features sensor-based image stabilization helping reduce camera shake with non-stabilized lenses; the NEX-5R lacks in-body stabilization, relying on stabilized lenses instead.

• Video: Both can shoot Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps, but the NEX-5R shoots AVCHD with generally superior compression for better quality. The A580 offers a microphone port, beneficial for external audio recording, which the NEX-5R lacks - a consideration for video creators.

• Wireless Connectivity: The NEX-5R offers built-in Wi-Fi for direct image transfer, a convenience missing from the A580 (which relies on Eye-Fi SD cards for wireless transfer).

• Flash: The A580 has a built-in flash with versatile modes including wireless flash control; the NEX-5R has no internal flash, requiring external units for fill light.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Let’s translate specs into practical field use:

Sony A580 front Sony A580 screen back Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back

Portrait Photography

Skin tone rendering, bokeh quality, and eye detection matter here.

• Sony A580 - The DSLR’s sensor and color depth give nuanced skin tones and smooth gradients. The 15-point AF lacks eye detection but handles face detection decently. The in-body stabilization helps with handheld portraits, and native lenses offer beautiful aperture control for creamy bokeh.

• Sony NEX-5R - Higher AF point density aids composition flexibility, but no eye AF hampers critical focus on eyes. Touchscreen AF is handy for creative framing. Lenses like prime E-mount options deliver excellent background separation.

Recommendation: For portraitists seeking classic DSLR handling and slightly richer colors, A580 edges ahead; casual portraits and street-style portraits benefit from NEX-5R’s agility.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range, resolution, and sturdiness are vital.

The A580’s stronger dynamic range and robust weather sealing potential give it an edge for challenging environments. Higher battery count helps long field days. The 95% viewfinder coverage can require careful framing.

The NEX-5R, more compact and portable, invites spontaneous landscape shooting but falls slightly short in battery life and dynamic range.

Wildlife Photography

Fast AF and burst rates matter tirelessly here.

The A580 offers 7 fps continuous shooting, respectable for DSLR amateurs. The 15 AF points offer targeted accuracy.

The NEX-5R’s 10 fps is impressive in mirrorless terms, with 99 AF points enabling quick subject tracking.

Winner: NEX-5R slightly better for burst and AF coverage, but longer battery life on A580 counters for day-long shoots.

Sports Photography

High frame rates and tracking are key.

NEX-5R’s 10fps and dense AF points offer strong tracking for fast action but the smaller body may affect grip stability.

A580’s 7fps and classic DSLR ergonomics afford steady handling, though slower AF may miss tricky movement.

Street Photography

Portability and discretion win here.

The tiny NEX-5R, with its silent electronic shutter and inconspicuous design, is perfect for candid shots.

The bulkier A580 can feel intrusive and slow.

Macro Photography

Precise focusing and stabilization help.

A580’s in-body stabilization and robust build assist critical macro focus and stability, although shutter sound may interfere.

NEX-5R offers touchscreen focus and tilt screen aiding difficult angles but lacks stabilization.

Night/Astro Photography

High ISO and long exposures tested.

A580’s better low-light ISO score and longer battery life allow extended night sessions.

NEX-5R’s compactness invites casual night shots but lower ISO performance limits professional astro pursuits.

Video Capabilities

Solid HD recording on both.

A580’s external mic port is a big plus for serious video.

NEX-5R’s touchscreen autofocus and lighter body favour run-and-gun style recording.

Travel Photography

Nearly a deciding factor for many solo travelers.

NEX-5R’s light weight and compactness cater perfectly for travel flexibility; shockingly long battery life on A580 is a counter-argument for trips with charging constraints.

Overall Performance and Scores

Aggregated scores reflect the balanced nature of these entries. The A580 leads marginally in image quality and handling, while the NEX-5R scores higher in autofocus and burst shooting.

Summing It Up: Which One Is Right for You?

Let me lay it out plainly:

• Choose the Sony A580 if:

  • You prefer DSLR ergonomics with a substantial grip and traditional control dials.
  • You shoot a lot of landscapes, portraits, or events where battery life and image quality slightly edge the scale.
  • You want in-body stabilization and built-in flash versatility.
  • You already own or want access to the mature Sony/Minolta A-mount lens ecosystem.
  • You don’t mind a heavier footprint and optical viewfinder.

• Choose the Sony NEX-5R if:

  • You favor a compact, lightweight camera for travel, street, and action.
  • You want a dense autofocus system with touchscreen control.
  • Video shooting with lightweight walk-and-shoot is a priority.
  • You seek a more modern, mirrorless system with access to the versatile E-mount lens family.
  • You’re ready to manage shorter battery life in exchange for portability.

Final Thoughts and Personal Notes

I’ve pushed both the A580 and NEX-5R through a battery of tests - from studio portraits to mountain landscapes and urban hustle. I appreciate what both bring to the table. The A580 remains a charming choice for enthusiasts embracing a conventional DSLR experience with solid fundamentals and durability. Meanwhile, the NEX-5R feels ahead of its time, introducing features that have now become standard in mirrorless cameras - touchscreen AF, high frame rates, and wireless connectivity - though at a cost of some concessions in battery life and physical controls.

If I were to recommend for 2024 uses, I’d say the NEX-5R’s mirrorless design better suits photographers valuing mobility and speed, especially street and travel shooters. Yet the A580 holds practical value for those who demand longer shooting days, classic handling, and in-body stabilization.

Sony’s dual approach here reflects the transitional era from DSLRs to mirrorless systems - owning either means stepping into an impressive legacy of imaging innovation.

Happy shooting!

If you'd like to see real-world image samples and side-by-side controls, refer back to the galleries and images provided above. They truly help in grasping the tangible differences beyond specs.

Article images integrated as requested:

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• Sony A580 front Sony A580 screen back Sony NEX 5R front Sony NEX 5R screen back