What To Know
- In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Sony a580 vs a77, examining their specifications, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed choice.
- Additionally, the a77 has a larger 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots, compared to the a580’s 2.
- The Sony a580 has a slightly longer battery life than the a77, with a rating of approximately 500 shots per charge compared to 450 shots per charge for the a77.
When it comes to entry-level DSLRs, two cameras that have consistently stood out are the Sony a580 and the Sony a77. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, making them popular choices for aspiring photographers. However, there are some key differences between the two models that may influence your decision. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison of the Sony a580 vs a77, examining their specifications, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed choice.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Sony a580 features a 14.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the a77 boasts a larger 24.3-megapixel APS-C Exmor HD CMOS sensor. The higher resolution of the a77 allows for larger prints and more detailed images, especially in low-light conditions. However, the a580’s sensor is still capable of producing sharp and vibrant images, particularly in well-lit environments.
Autofocus System
One of the most significant differences between the two cameras lies in their autofocus systems. The a580 utilizes a 15-point contrast-detection autofocus system, which is adequate for most shooting situations. On the other hand, the a77 employs a more advanced 19-point phase-detection autofocus system, which provides faster and more accurate focusing, especially when tracking moving subjects.
Burst Shooting and Continuous Focus
The Sony a580 can shoot up to 7 frames per second (fps) with continuous autofocus, while the a77 can capture up to 12 fps with continuous autofocus. This makes the a77 a better choice for sports and wildlife photography, where capturing fast-moving subjects is crucial.
Viewfinder and LCD Screen
Both the a580 and a77 feature electronic viewfinders (EVFs) with a resolution of 1.4 million dots. However, the a77’s EVF has a higher refresh rate, which reduces lag and provides a more realistic preview of the scene. Additionally, the a77 has a larger 3-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots, compared to the a580’s 2.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots.
Video Recording
The Sony a580 can record 1080p video at 30 fps, while the a77 can capture 1080p video at 60 fps. The a77 also offers a wider range of manual controls for video recording, giving you more creative flexibility.
Battery Life
The Sony a580 has a slightly longer battery life than the a77, with a rating of approximately 500 shots per charge compared to 450 shots per charge for the a77. However, both cameras can be used with an optional battery grip to extend their shooting time.
Price and Value
At the time of their release, the Sony a580 was priced around $700, while the a77 was priced around $1,200. Today, you can find both cameras at significantly lower prices on the used market. The a580 offers a good value for photographers who are just starting out and don’t need the most advanced features. However, the a77 provides better image quality, faster autofocus, and more video capabilities, making it a more suitable choice for serious photographers.
Final Note: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs
Ultimately, the best choice between the Sony a580 and a77 depends on your individual needs and budget. If you’re looking for an affordable entry-level DSLR with solid performance, the a580 is a great option. However, if you’re serious about photography and want a camera that can handle fast-moving subjects and produce high-quality images, the a77 is the better choice.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which camera has a better sensor?
A: The Sony a77 has a higher-resolution 24.3-megapixel sensor compared to the a580’s 14.2-megapixel sensor.
Q: Which camera has a more advanced autofocus system?
A: The Sony a77 has a 19-point phase-detection autofocus system, while the a580 has a 15-point contrast-detection autofocus system.
Q: Which camera can shoot faster in continuous mode?
A: The Sony a77 can shoot up to 12 fps with continuous autofocus, while the a580 can shoot up to 7 fps with continuous autofocus.
