Our Verdict
It is easy to see why the Alpha 580 slipped under the radar while the Alpha 55 grabbed most of the attention. While in reality the key functions are all much alike, the Alpha 55 edges the Alpha 580 on more counts. The Alpha 55 is smaller, lighter, offers a faster frame rate and its SLT technology boasts quicker AF.
In its own right, the Alpha 580 is likely to please amateur photographers. It produces good-quality images, gives easy access to handy shooting modes and its higher resolution alone just about merits the extra money over the lesser Alpha 560. It is unfortunate for the Alpha 580 that with four Sony cameras similarly priced and specified, it is more likely to be the one deemed to be an excess.
