Sony A580 vs Sony A99

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Sony A580 and Sony A99, former is a Entry-Level DSLR while the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both are designed by Sony. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the A580 (16MP) and A99 (24MP) and the A580 (APS-C) and A99 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The A580 was manufactured 18 months earlier than the A99 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the A580 matches up against the A99 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Sony Alpha DSLR-A580 & Sony SLT-A99. The entire galleries are viewable at Sony A580 Gallery & Sony A99 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Sony A580 has outside 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 A99 has proportions of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") with a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Take a look at the Sony A580 and Sony A99 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the A580 and the A99.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the A580 and A99 is 64 and 57 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The image below should give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the A580 and A99.

As you can see, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The A580 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony A99 will resolve extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged A580 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.