Sony A580 vs Sony NEX-5T

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Sony A580 versus Sony NEX-5T, one is a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both of them are sold by Sony. The sensor resolution of the A580 (16MP) and the NEX-5T (16MP) is very similar and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (APS-C).

Photography Glossary

The A580 was introduced 3 years prior to the NEX-5T which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5T being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick view of how the A580 matches up versus the NEX-5T for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 and Sony Alpha NEX-5T. The whole galleries are available at Sony A580 Gallery and Sony NEX-5T Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Sony A580 provides exterior measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5T has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

See the Sony A580 versus Sony NEX-5T in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the A580 versus the NEX-5T.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the A580 and NEX-5T is 64 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions only by reading specifications. The pic here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the A580 and NEX-5T.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same MP so you should expect similar quality of pictures but you might want to factor the production date of the products into consideration. The more aged A580 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.