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Potographyblog published a new Sony A580 test and get’s highly recommended by the reviewers: “When Sony launched the A55 and A580 cameras alongside each other, many questioned why they needed two such similar cameras in their line-up. While they do share a lot of common ground, the larger and easier-to-use A580 with its trusty optical viewfinder is a great DSLR, and thanks to its 16 megapixel sensor, full HD video and improved AF system, also a real rival to similar offerings from Canon and Nikon.”
Natioal Geographic Shooter Ben Horton reviewed the translucent verison f the A580…the Sony A55. Ben Horton is the same guy that compared Canon and Zeiss lens quality (and declared Zeiss as the clear winner!): “Shooting video with the A55 was a dream. The ability to use autofocus while shooting, coupled with being able to use the viewfinder as opposed to the LCD screen on the back of the camera makes this one of my top picks for HDDSLR shooting. The new Zeiss lenses focus silently, so they don’t interrupt your sound capture while filming.”
Direct shop links (Click on shop name to visit the product page and check price and availability):
Sony A580 at: Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, AmazonDE, AmazonFR, AmazonUK, eBay
Sony A55 at: Amazon, Adorama, BHphoto, AmazonDE, AmazonFR, AmazonUK, eBay
32 Responses
A55 a experimental camera that will obsolete soon lol 😀
Waiting until Jun and Sept is just too damm long! Please feed more rumors! damm long to wait 🙂
“Shooting video with the A55 is a dream” – yes, indeed – a dream, not a reality. In a world where 24p is necessary these days and where Canon has 4 models in various price ranges with beautiful 720p at 50 or 60p (and not 60i from a 30p sensor output), the A55 is nothing more than a low-end consumer HD-DSLR, lower than the 550D and 60D.
I just hope that the A77 and NEX7 will be a big blow to Canon, offering 1080p in all modes, ranging from 24 to 60.
“Shooting video with the A55 is a dream” – yes!!! after 5min over heated. use DREAM to shoot it! 😀
When did you see a scene in a movie that last longer than a minute? Usually a cut scene will usually last few seconds and 5 minutes are suffice for most people. If you shot continuous for 5 minutes, you will end up with a scene that is like watching paint dry or grass grow.
“In a world where 24p is necessary” – hmm? What are ya talkin’ about?
I live in Europe, where 24p is supposed to be native standard though every single device I have / got a chance to test fully supported 60i record, and more over: on my TV it’s clear that 60i record is better in fast-action shots than 24p is.
Neither of you used the tools correctly, hence the overheat.
Any tips on stopping the overheating? My partner is looking at getting one, and that’s the thing that put her off.
Off the SSS 😀 prolong shooting only. not fix!
It is a fix. You get exactly what Canon/Nikon gets – non-stabilized sensor – and 29 minutes of recording, or you can turn-on the afterburner and get SSS for the cost of record time.
Actually, you get MORE then Canon and Nikon offers – usable full-time AF (or MF if you choose so).
As said, turn off the SSS maybe. Otherwise, look for tips on stopping Canikon from overheating. It’s a fundamental issue.
You can say what ever you want but from a pro Nat Geo shooter. The a55 is a great camera. I have one too and I love it.
Commercial tactic 😀
Did some of the other brands hire you too for that purpose?
I am neutral no bias, that is the fact sony have today. if sony manage to fix it, sony will pawn its rivals for same level. if sorry continue with this in future new camera, then Sony->Sorry!
You sound as unbiased in your comments as my ex wife talking about my new wife.
How can you be unbiased with such a username?
maybe he’s shooting in antartica or the north pole…
I’ve known Ben off and on for years as he’s still a part of the local crowd for us here in Highlands Ranch. His experiences with Zeiss drove him to start looking at Sony gear. As soon as Alpha shows full frame with video, I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest to see him change gear.
As for the “need” for 24p… ridiculous. No one’s converting to film any more. It’s an archaic format hanging on more due to nostalgia than anything else. It’ll go the way of the dodo sooner or later.
Lastly, on the overheating matter: you can’t shoot long term on any DSLR right now. None of them do clips of quality past 12 minutes as it is. You’re not recording your kid’s recital with it. And no one ever claimed that ANY of the sub $1600 slrs would be built for professional use. None of these cameras are camcorders, truly, yet. All of the sensors have their issues.
Turn off the steadyshot and you’ll get your 12 minutes. DSLR stabilization’s nowhere near as good as a true camcorder’s is anyhow.
I just need to say that it’s nice to read positive reviews about Sony’s direction and the importance of lenses.
The main reason I’m still an A-mount shooter is because of the build and image quality from the a850/a900 series bodys in combination with the too few Zeiss lenses.
Good job Sony on the new consumer cameras, and I can’t wait to see the new enthusiast model a77 and one day hopefully a pro body to replace my current a850’s that will blow away the top end Nikon and Canon offerings.
I understand the importance on low priced quality glass for the consumer and enthusiast models, but hope to see many more top end Zeiss and G series lenses for professionals.
And from what I see, this is what Sony plans to do.
Again, nice review of the a55/a580
My only grudge against sony alpha is that in Canada only certain models are available. I don’t get it ! we are neighboors with the US, the nex5 and the a55 are a rare find here. The a560/a580 are not avail here ??? in the meantime spending my money on CZ glass until the a77 comes out…I would be extremely disapointed if it’s not avail here. I would buy it in the US but warranty would be a b%ch
Such a pity. I hope they shower Canada with a stock of a77.
12 bit dead.
Why?
Both Canon & Nikon have overcome 12bit, Sony should too (not in sight so far?! arg).
In theory, 14-bits should offer more advantages than 12-bits. However, there is no improvement in dynamic range. What advantages that do exist are negligible in real-world use. So what is your argument for 12-bits being “dead”?
In Popular Photography’s Guide it lists both a850 and a900 as having 14-bit RAW capture. My little Sony instruction manual has nothing on the specifications page about it.
So, if this is ture, and we are talking about the same 14-bits then Sony HAS been shipping a 14-bit body for years now.
And why is it dead exactly? Majority of cameras these days use 12bit RAW so… difficult to call thing majority uses a dead one.
I find it ridiculous that everyone expects a pro video camera on a $700 DSLR. 99% of people buying the a55 are only going to be shooting test footage of their cat or back yard and then posting it on YouTube with a gain filter and soundtrack and sending it to their family saying, “Look how awesome I am.”
As for me, I bought mine with the intention of making a short skit here and there and family reunions. If you are shooting for artistic purposes then there is no reason you need to shoot longer than 2-4 minutes per take at the most. If you really need to shoot longer then be the pro that you want to be and get a steady-cam because SSS doesn’t do much for video. You can pick them up for around $200. Problem solved. Saying all of this, it would be nice to have the extra features for kicks and it’s obvious the a55 can handle 60fps and 24p with the flick of a firmware switch.
Glad to see Sony is inching slowly towards Canon and Nikon in terms of imaging quality and collections of fine optics.
They have been, I guess they are just not as rushed.. he eh.
does anybody know which lens did Ben Horton use in his review? The article doesn’t mention it.