Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Digital Camera W/18-55mm Lens
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The Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Digital Camera W/18-55mm Lens is a camera that answers all of your questions before you can even ask. High resolution (14.2MP) APS-C sensor? Yes. Brilliant, tiltable (+/- 90°), large (3") display with superb resolution (921,600 pixels)? Sure. Dazzling video in high definition (1080i)? Of course. You want faster focusing? Using the same "phase detection" auto focus for Live View as for the optical viewfinder, plus autofocus that begins as soon as you raise the camera to your eye, you'll catch fast action that others miss. High quality zoom lens? You got it--a 3x F3.5-5.6 18-55mm Sony Alpha (35mm equivalent 27-82.5mm) lens.
How about capturing the absolute best quality possible, with RAW and JPEG file formats? Wouldn't you like to create a 3D panoramic photo without breaking a sweat? Abolish camera shake forever with image stabilization and reduced-noise high sensitivity (up to 12,800 ISO)? With the A560, you get this and much more.
The built-in HDR (High Dynamic Range) function combines 3 quick photos of a high contrast scene and combines them to give you one photo with the correct shadow, mid-tone and highlight tones for a beautifully balanced image. 6 scene selections and 6 style modes, including Portrait, Sports Action, Landscape, Sunset, Night Portrait and Hand-held Twilight modes are available. Face Detection recognizes and adjusts the camera for faces in a given scene, and Smile Shutter only takes a picture when it sees a smile on your subject's face.
There's a built-in pop-up flash. You can shoot up to 7 frames per second if you want to, and you can save your images on Memory Stick PRO Duo or Pro-HG Duo; SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards. A lens is not included. Any questions?
- 14.2 MP Resolution
- This camera's 14.2 MP resolution makes for incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. The Sony Exmor CMOS image sensor ensures state-of-the-art response. The large APS-C format means high sensitivity and powerful depth-of-focus control.
- 18-55mm Zoom Lens
- Sony A-mount DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 (35mm equivalent 27mm-82.5mm) lens with 7 groups, 8 elements (2 aspheric surface) and a minimum focus distance of 9.84" (0.25m)
- Responsive High-speed Shooting
- Focus on a subject fast with the α560's 15-point autofocus sensor. Capture the decisive moment in sports or get the ideal baby photo with a fast shutter speed and up to 7 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting in Speed Priority mode. You can also shoot at up to 3 fps with Quick Auto Focus Live View.
- Stunning Panorama Shots in 3D
- Capture vast scenic vistas and 16:9 shots in spectacular 3D. As you sweep across the panorama, the camera records separate right-eye and left-eye images that make landscapes come alive on your compatible 3D television.
- Superb Images and Detail
- A 14.2-megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor and BIONZ image processing engine delivers significantly improved image quality with high-sensitivity shooting at up to ISO 12800 (ISO 25600 in Multi Frame Noise Reduction mode). Plus, separate chroma and luminance processing reduces noise in high sensitivity shots without blurring fine detail.
- Full HD 1080/60i movies
- The DSLR-A560L captures Full HD video at 1920x1080/30p and records in 1920x1080/60i and is one of the very few DSLRs with exactly the same resolution and frame rate as most broadcast and cable HDTV channels. You also have the option of recording HD video in 720p in web friendly MP4 format.
- More Responsive Live View
- The A560 is just as responsive in Quick Auto Focus Live View mode as in optical viewfinder mode. That's because, unlike other cameras, the A560 uses the same "phase detection" auto focus for Live View as for the optical viewfinder. While other Live View systems may be restricted, Sony's performs superbly any time-even if you're shooting handheld or chasing after moving subjects like kids or pets.
- Multi-Frame NR
- Experience incredible low-light shooting without a flash. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data from all six, it creates a single image with a reduction in noise equivalent to two additional steps of ISO sensitivity. Sensitivity selectable up to ISO 25600. (Recommended for still subjects.)
- Manual Focus Check Live View
- For critical focus in macro and tripod shooting, the DSLR-A500 also offers Manual Focus Check Live View. Temporary 7x and 14x zoom views enable you to focus on extremely fine detail while the 1x view shows 100% framing in the LCD.
- AUTO+ (Advanced Auto) mode
- Get cleaner, more dynamic pictures and fewer missed shots. Unifies and simplifies Sony intelligent technologies, the camera automatically recognizes the correct scene mode, then quickly shoots and combines up to six shots to produce images with greater clarity, optimum dynamic range using Auto HDR technology and lower image noise using 6 shots layering technology.
- Face Detection Technology
- The DSLR-A560 enhances Quick AF Live View shooting with Face Detection technology which helps you get the best shot by recognizing faces and applying the proper focus, exposure, and white balance.
- Smile Shutter Technology
- A Quick AF Live View enhancement, Smile Shutter enables the camera to automatically take the shot when your subject smiles. It works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments.
- Tiltable 3.0" LCD
- The 3.0" LCD features 921,000 pixels and Sony's Clear Photo LCD display technology. It helps to frame high- and low-angle shots and the LCD tilts up or down 90 degrees. 1
- Up To 7 FPS of Continuous Shooting
- Up to 7 frames per second in Speed Priority mode can capture the decisive moment in sports or get the ideal baby photo. You can also shoot at up to 3 fps with Quick Auto Focus Live View.
- Auto HDR Built Into Camera
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography captures more scene contrast by combining two exposures into one shot. The DSLR-A560 has Auto HDR built in to handle severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes. 2
- Dynamic Range Optimizer
- Dynamic Range Optimizer improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Normal DRO improves detail using standard gamma curves for fast shot-to-shot response time, while Advanced DRO adjusts dynamic range area-by-area for greater accuracy.
- SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization
- Image stabilization helps you take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization is built into the camera body itself.
- Smart Teleconverter 2x Digital Zoom
- In Quick Auto Focus Live View mode you can extend the optical zoom of your lens with digital zoom. One touch zooms in at 1.4x while a second touch advances to 2x zoom. The system reproduces pixels on a 1:1 basis so there's no degradation of picture quality.
- Powerful Supplied Software
- The DSLR-A560 is equipped with comprehensive computer software which includes Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR, and Picture Motion Browser (PMB). 3
- BIONZ Image Processor
- Sony's BIONZ image processor uses chroma noise reduction to deliver high-resolution and low-noise photos at up to ISO 12800 sensitivity. Large Scale Integrated (LSI) circuitry also delivers fast processing for quick response on data-intensive images.
- Help Guide and Graphic Display
- An informative on-screen Help Guide and Graphic Display provide ready reference to advanced camera functions. The Help Guide explains the camera's modes and settings while the Graphic Display clarifies the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.
- HDMI Output for HD viewing
- Connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and play back images in high definition. The DSLR-A560 includes an HDMI output. The BRAVIA Sync system works with compatible Sony BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television's remote. 4
- Eye-Start Autofocus
- For maximum speed, Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as the camera is raised to your eye.
- 15-Point AF Sensor
- To get the best shot under a wide range of situations, the A560 uses 11 AF points with four assist points make for flexible shot composition. Three cross sensors maximize precision.
- Built-in Auto Pop-Up Flash
- To help you shoot more effectively, the built-in flash automatically pops up and fires as needed when the camera is set to certain scene selection modes. The flash also triggers a wireless accessory flash (sold separately). An integrated hot shoe enables the expansion of lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).
- Low Noise Sensor Processing
- The camera gives you clean photographs, even in low light, thanks in part to two stages of noise reduction right in the Exmor image sensor.
- RAW Image Capture
- Saves your pictures as compact JPEG files or ultra-high quality RAW files or both. RAW files save images prior to de-mosaicing, white balance, sharpness and color enhancement. This retains maximum latitude for enhancing the image on your PC.
- Anti-Dust Technology
- Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS imager clean, resulting in consistently better pictures. First a static-free coating on the CMOS filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the CMOS each time the camera is shut off.
- Up To 1050 Shots of Battery Life
- Take up to 1050 shots on a single charge (optical viewfinder mode) when fully charged and take up to 560 shots (Live View mode) with Sony Stamina battery power. Sony's InfoLITHIUM battery system enables you to see the percent of power remaining, so you can keep shooting in confidence. 5
- PhotoTV HD Compatibility
- PhotoTV HD compatibility enables you to automatically create high-resolution thumbnails optimized for viewing on a compatible Sony® BRAVIA® HDTV. 6
- Six Scene Selection Modes
- To help you get the shot, Scene Selection Modes optimize the camera settings for common shooting situations. Just turn the Mode Dial to select from Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, and Night View modes.
- Index and Slide Show Display
- Quickly review your photos using 4- or 9-frame index views, or as an automatic slide show with fade-in/fade-out effect.
- Dual Media Slots
- Memory Stick PRO-HG and SD/SDHC media (sold separately).
- Warranty
- Limited Warranty Term: 1-Year Parts & Labor.
Go To
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Camera Type | Digital SLR with Interchangeable lenses |
| Lens Mount | Sony E Mount |
| Camera Format | APS-C / (1.5x Crop Factor) |
| Resolution |
Effective Pixels: 12.3 Megapixels |
| Sensor Type / Size | CMOS, 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
| File Formats |
Still Images: JPEG, RAW Movies: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 Audio: AAC |
| Memory Card Type |
Memory Stick Pro Duo Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo SD SDHC SDXC |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| AV Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Recording | Yes, NTSC |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3, 16:9 |
| Audio Recording | With Video, Stereo |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | Auto |
| Viewfinder/Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder Type | Optical |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 95% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.80x |
| Diopter Adjustment | - 2.5 to +1.0 m |
| Display Screen | 3" Rear Screen LCD (921600) |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| ISO Sensitivity | 100-12800 |
| Metering Method | Multi-zone metering |
| Exposure Modes | Modes: Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Cloudy, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Manual, Shade |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Yes: Flash On |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 7 fps |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Self Timer | 2 sec, 10 sec |
| Connectivity | AV Output, USB 2.0 |
| Software Requirements |
Windows: XP (SP3), Vista (SP2), 7 Mac: OS X 10.4 or later |
| Power | |
|---|---|
| Battery | 1x NP-FM500H Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Operating/Storage Temperature | 32 to 104 °F (0 to 40 °C) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 5.37 x 4.12 x 3.33" / 13.64 x 10.46 x 8.46 cm |
| Weight | 24 oz / 680 g Without battery, memory card, accessories |
| Kit Lens | |
|---|---|
| Focal Length |
18 - 55 mm Comparable APS-C Focal Length: 27 - 82.5 mm |
| Aperture |
Maximum: f/3.5 - 5.6 Minimum: f/22 - 22 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.84" (24.99 cm) |
| Groups/Elements | 7/8 |
| Autofocus | Yes |
| Filter Thread | Front: 55 mm |
| Dimensions (DxL) | Approx. 2.75 x 2.75" (6.99 x 6.99 cm) |
| Weight | 7.5 oz (213 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 7 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
86%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good image quality (7)
- High ISO performance (7)
- Easy to use (6)
- Tilt /swivel LCD (5)
- Fast / accurate auto-focus (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape/scenery (7)
- Sports/action (6)
- Travel (6)
- Wildlife (6)
- Low light (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual photographer (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (6)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 7 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-7
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Digital Camera W/18-55mm Lens:
I use this product for shooting headshots and filming. I love this camera so very much. It has great quality and crystal clear images.
- Ease of Operation:
- 10
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Quiet
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Digital Camera W/18-55mm Lens:
Easy to use,
Many auomatic settings;
No protection for the LCD
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
- Noisy At High ISO
- Uncomfortable grip
Best Uses
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Digital Camera W/18-55mm Lens:
I use the camera mostly for macro, portrait and landscape photography. For macro i really like the live view focus check, that allows you to zoom in to the picture up to 14x to get precise manual focus. I like the relatively good noise performance and fast repetitive shooting(7fps with bracketing of focus and exposure or 5fps normal). I also like that you can sync a flash up to 1/320 (according the the specs 160) which helps when overpowering the sun. Auto focus is super fast with the kit lens and image stabilization works nice even at 1/15, which i really like because i shoot mostly in low light. This camera is a good buy, you get a lot of bang for the buck, and also the ability to use the older (cheaper) Minolta glass. One thing that i have a problem with is the grip, it doesn't feel big enough to hold all your fingers, but i think this can be remedied with a vertical grip. Also pictures don't look sharp enough with the kit lens, but you can fix that with unsharp mask. Overall a nice camera at an attractive price, long life battery, many cool (mostly unusable) features like panorama and auto hdr. I would recommend to friends looking for a beginner camera that will allow them to grow creatively.
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast / Accurate Auto-Focus
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- Good Image Stabilization
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Quiet
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Landscape/Scenery
- Travel
- Video
Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Digital Camera W/18-55mm Lens:
This is the best APS-C DSLR I've used. The optical finder plus the convenient live view LCD is fantastic. The 14mp sensor is just right. The featire is rich. The image quality is amazine.The kit zoom lens has the good price. I paid [$] for it. But I found the 35mm/1.8 prime is a much better choice. You might consider to skip this zoom.
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Bracketing
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Panoramic shots
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
- Can have saturated images
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Digital Camera W/18-55mm Lens:
Love this camera for the live view mode as well as view finder mode. The live view mode (aka LCD screen = viewer) with tilt LCD makes taking shots easy. For example, a bunch of people are blocking your sunset view, you can raise the camera, tilt the LCD down and use live view to get your unobstructed shots.
The panoramic mode is also pretty cool -- except to move slowly when sweeping across. If you sweep too quickly, it will either complain or you'll get really choppy panoramic images.
I find the HDR mode ok but would probably prefer to do it myself in Photoshop. Instead, I love the bracket mode. It will auto bracket and take x shots for you instead of waiting for you to press the shutter x times.
The in camera stabilization is ok, but make sure you turn it OFF when taking night shots with long exposure.
Auto white balance is very good most of the time, but just like most cameras, you need to change AWB according to your lighting condition (duh!) If you forget, you can always correct it later, assuming that you took them as RAW.
It has smile detection which is pretty fun if you're trying to do self portraits (set it up on a tripod, walk in front of it, smile a bunch of times)
Battery life is pretty good if you don't constantly use live-view mode. Video quality is pretty good, the in camera mic is pretty sensitive so it will pick up noise around the camera (annoying). Also, if you're trying to zoom into/out, the default lens (18-55mm) will make your video look bad b/c the zooming won't be smooth. I would recommend getting an add-on mic and smoother lens so that you don't hear your lens zooming in the video. If you're not zooming, the quality of the video is actually quite good.
The color on Sony sensors does saturate at times -- so keep that in mind. I didn't find my picture that saturated, but my wife begs to differ.
over all, the weight and the pictures it takes, I'm pretty satisfied with this camera!
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Built in Features
- Easy To Use
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
- Large Clear LCD
- Long battery life
- Tilt /Swivel LCD
Cons
- Limited Bracket Options
- Limited Video Options
Best Uses
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Digital Camera W/18-55mm Lens:
When shopping for my first DSLR, I began looking at the Nikon d3100 and Canon T1i. They both were missing features which I deemed as being necessary for me. The Nikon was missing exposure bracketing and a High-res screen. The Canon was missing in body AF and vibration reduction, as well as a mic input. That would make lenses more expensive. The Sony had all of this and more like in body HDR, much faster burst speed, tilting screen, mic input, two memory card slots, very long battery life, and the ability to use Minolta Maxxum lenses w/o having to search for special VR or AF lenses. Only things that I wish could be better are better selection of exposures to bracket (only give you .3 and .7 as options), ability to use HDR with RAW, and a night shot mode for video like their camcorders. Besides these minute details, I love this camera
- Ease of Operation:
- 8
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Fast Shutter Speed
- Good Image Quality
- High ISO Performance
Cons
Best Uses
- Family Photos
- Indoors/Low Light
- Landscape/Scenery
- Sports/Action
- Travel
- Video
- Weddings/Events
- Wildlife photos
Comments about Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 Digital Camera W/18-55mm Lens:
i bought this because i had a sony alpha 350 and i wanted to buy a better camera, the change was grate, the image quality is so much better and the noise reduction its very good.
- Ease of Operation:
- 9
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-7
Memory Cards
Required item: Memory is not included so be sure to have enough storage capacity.
- Price: $4.95
Batteries & Power
Always keep a spare battery handy so you won't get caught without power.
- Price: $47.94
-
- Original: $24.95
- Save: $2.49
- Price: $22.46
Lenses
Get a wide-angle, zoom, or other effect for various photography applications.
- Price: $248.00
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect.
- Price: $18.50
Lens Hoods
Shade your lens from unwanted stray light.
- Price: $12.95
Flash & Accessories
Get a flash to add light to your picture.
- Price: $348.00
-
- Original: $255.00
- Save: $12.75
- Price: $242.25
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $39.95
Slings & Straps
Carry or wear your camera in comfort & style.
- Price: $17.95
Tripod & Support
Produce higher quality photos with the support and stability you need.
- Price: $156.50
What's in the Box
- Rechargeable Battery (NP-FM500H)
- Battery Charger (BC-VM10)
- Shoulder Strap
- Body Cap
- USB Cable
- CD-ROM
- 1-Year Parts & Labor Warranty
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