OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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REVIEWS
Scored using Cameras Methodology v1.0
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Sony A560 DSLR Review | 108 Data compared

Avg. price:~£700Sensor size:APS-CWeight:599 gBattery life (CIPA):1050 shots

Sony A560 DSLR Review: Compare 108 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Cameras category and whether it is worth buying.

5.5

Overall score

Score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the camera's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best cameras on the market.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 61% of models
Score components

90%

5.5

Technical score

10%

?

User score

â–²Better than 61% of cameras
5.5

Technical score

Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 64% of models
Score components

28%

6.2

Sensor & Image

25%

5.9

Photo Features

18%

4.1

Video & Audio

14%

5.0

Display & Design

8%

8.3

Battery & Power

7%

2.6

Connectivity & Storage

â–²Better than 64% of cameras
?

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • No image
No image

Best prices

    N/A~ £700

Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of camera Sony A560 DSLR

Technical score
Technical score
5.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Cameras category across these key areas: Sensor & Image, Photo Features, Video & Audio, Display & Design, Battery & Power, Connectivity & Storage.
When it matters
When you want to compare cameras based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 64% of models
Score components:

28%

6.2

Sensor & Image

25%

5.9

Photo Features

18%

4.1

Video & Audio

14%

5.0

Display & Design

8%

8.3

Battery & Power

7%

2.6

Connectivity & Storage

5.5
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.
When it matters
When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Popularity:
Sony A560 DSLR has a popularity score of 1, which is lower than 51.3% of cameras.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.9/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the camera's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Score components:

60%

5.5

Overall score

40%

6.8

Price

5.9
Sensor size
APS-C
Sensor size
APS-C
â–² Better than 57% of models
This camera uses a sensor classified as APS-C; it is larger than the sensor in 57.4% of cameras and the same size as the sensor in 25.7% of cameras.
Main camera megapixels
14.2 MP
Main camera megapixels
14.2 MP
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
This camera has a sensor resolution of 14.2 MP, which is lower than that of 73.3% of cameras and equal to that of 2.1% of cameras.
Main camera pixel size
5.07 µm
Main camera pixel size
5.07 µm
â–² Better than 83% of models
Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
This camera has sensor pixels measuring 5.07 µm, which are larger than those in 83.2% of cameras and the same size as those in 0.3% of cameras.
Base ISO
100
Base ISO
100
â–¼ Worse than 28% of models
Market range: <80 – >200
This camera has a base ISO of 100 which is higher than that of 19.9% of cameras and equal to that of 52.4% of cameras.
Max ISO
ISO 12800 ISO
Max ISO
ISO 12,800
â–² Better than 54% of models
This camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of ISO 12,800, which is higher than that of 54.4% of cameras and equal to that of 18.8% of cameras.
Show more
Lens mount
Sony A
Built-in focus motor
yes
Built-in focus motor
yes
â–² Better than 89% of models
This camera has a built-in focus motor. 10.9% of cameras have a built-in focus motor.
N. of focus points
15
N. of focus points
15
â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
Market range: <9 – >399
This camera has 15 focus points, fewer than the number offered by 57.5% of cameras and equal to the number offered by 2.8% of cameras.
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
yes
Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
yes
â–² Better than 63% of models
This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos. 37.3% of cameras support phase-detection autofocus for photos.
AF tracking
yes
AF tracking
yes
â–² Better than 12% of models
This camera supports AF tracking. This feature is available on 88% of cameras.
Show more
Max video resolution
1920 px
Max video resolution
1920 px
â–² Better than 29% of models
This camera supports 1920 px video recording which is higher quality than that of 28.7% of cameras and equal to that of 47.1% of cameras.
Video bitrate
17 Mbps
Video bitrate
17 Mbps
â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
Market range: <12 Mbps – >237 Mbps
This camera has a video bitrate of 17 Mbps which is lower than that of 77.1% of cameras and equal to that of 3.6% of cameras.
Video bit depth
8 bit
Video bit depth
8 bit
â–¼ Worse than 12% of models
This camera supports video at 8 bit, a bit depth higher than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 80.6% of cameras.
HDMI
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
Video chroma subsampling
4:2:0
â–¼ Worse than 22% of models
This camera supports 4:2:0 video chroma subsampling which is more advanced than that of 7.8% of cameras and equal to that of 69.9% of cameras.
Video codecs
H.264
Show more
Type
dslr
Weight
599 g
Weight
599 g
â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
Market range: <142 g – >812 g
This camera weighs 599 g which is heavier than 73.3% of cameras and equal to the weight of 0.5% of cameras.
Width
137 mm
Width
137 mm
â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
Market range: <96 mm – >142.6 mm
This camera has a width of 137 mm which is wider than 83.5% of cameras and equal to that of 0.6% of cameras.
Height
104 mm
Height
104 mm
â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
This camera has a height of 104 mm which is taller than 87.6% of cameras and equal to that of 1.3% of cameras.
Thickness
84 mm
Thickness
84 mm
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
This camera has a thickness of 84 mm which is thicker than 82.9% of cameras and equal to that of 0.4% of cameras.
Show more
Battery life (CIPA)
1,050 shots
Battery life (CIPA)
1,050 shots
★ Better than 96% of models
Market range: <210 shots – >700 shots
This camera has a CIPA-rated battery life of 1,050 shots, which is longer than that of 96.2% of cameras and equal to that of 0.4% of cameras.
Battery capacity
1,600 mAh
Battery capacity
1,600 mAh
â–² Better than 74% of models
Market range: <700 mAh – >2.2k mAh
This camera has a battery capacity of 1,600 mAh which is larger than the batteries in 73.5% of cameras and equal to those in 1.6% of cameras.
Removable battery
yes
Removable battery
yes
â–² Better than 1% of models
This camera has a removable battery, and 98.7% of cameras include one.
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
USB Power Delivery (PD)
no
â–¼ Worse than 10% of models
This camera does not support USB Power Delivery. 10.1% of cameras support USB Power Delivery.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 48% of models
This camera does not support Wi-Fi. 47.9% of cameras include this feature.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
Bluetooth connectivity
no
â–¼ Worse than 23% of models
This camera does not have Bluetooth. 22.7% of cameras support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
USB Type-C
no
USB Type-C
no
â–¼ Worse than 15% of models
This camera does not include USB Type-C. 14.6% of cameras use USB-C.
Show more

Sony A560 DSLR vs the average camera

246810TotalDisplay & DesignSensor & ImagePhoto FeaturesVideo & AudioBattery & PowerConnectivity & Storage
  • In-body stabilization
    Sensor-shift stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This camera supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • 720 shots more shots per charge
    Battery life (CIPA)
    1,050 shots
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <210 shots – >700 shots
    This camera has longer battery life than the average camera (1050 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
    1,050 shots vs 330 shots
  • 1.73 µm larger sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    5.07 µm
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
    This camera has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (5.1 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    5.07 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Has microphone input
    Microphone input
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This camera has microphone input, the average camera does not.
    3.5 mm mic input
  • Sensor cleaning system
    Sensor cleaning system
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This camera includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
    Sensor-shift dust reduction.
  • Better viewfinder type
    Viewfinder type
    optical
    â–² Better than 49% of models
    This camera uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (optical vs none).
    Pentamirror optical viewfinder.
    optical vs none
  • Built-in AF motor
    Built-in focus motor
    yes
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This camera has a built-in focus motor, the average camera does not.
  • Better viewfinder type
    Viewfinder type
    optical
    â–² Better than 49% of models
    This camera uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (optical vs none).
    Pentamirror optical viewfinder.
    optical vs none
  • 1.73 µm larger sensor pixels
    Main camera pixel size
    5.07 µm
    â–² Better than 83% of models
    Market range: <1.33 µm – >5.94 µm
    This camera has larger sensor pixels than the average camera (5.1 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
    5.07 µm vs 3.34 µm
  • Sensor cleaning system
    Sensor cleaning system
    yes
    â–² Better than 61% of models
    This camera includes a sensor cleaning system, the average camera does not.
    Sensor-shift dust reduction.
  • 6,400 ISO higher maximum sensitivity limit
    Max ISO
    12,800 ISO
    â–² Better than 54% of models
    Market range: <1.6k ISO – >40k ISO
    This camera has a higher maximum sensitivity than the average camera (12800 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a maximum sensitivity of 6400 ISO.
    12,800 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • In-body stabilization
    Sensor-shift stabilization
    yes
    â–² Better than 71% of models
    This camera supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
  • Phase-detect AF for photos
    Phase-detection autofocus (photos)
    yes
    â–² Better than 63% of models
    This camera supports phase-detection autofocus for photos, the average camera does not.
  • Built-in AF motor
    Built-in focus motor
    yes
    â–² Better than 89% of models
    This camera has a built-in focus motor, the average camera does not.
  • In-camera panorama mode
    In-camera panorama mode
    yes
    â–² Better than 56% of models
    This camera includes an in-camera panorama mode, the average camera does not.
    Sweep Panorama
  • Has microphone input
    Microphone input
    yes
    â–² Better than 62% of models
    This camera has microphone input, the average camera does not.
    3.5 mm mic input
  • 720 shots more shots per charge
    Battery life (CIPA)
    1,050 shots
    ★ Better than 96% of models
    Market range: <210 shots – >700 shots
    This camera has longer battery life than the average camera (1050 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
    1,050 shots vs 330 shots
  • 480 mAh larger battery capacity
    Battery capacity
    1,600 mAh
    â–² Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <700 mAh – >2.2k mAh
    This camera has a higher battery capacity than the average camera (1600 mAh vs 1120 mAh). The average camera has a battery capacity of 1120 mAh.
    1,600 mAh vs 1,120 mAh
  • More versatile card slots
    Memory card slot types
    Memory Stick Duo + SD
    â–² Better than 78% of models
    This camera uses more versatile card slots than the average camera (Memory Stick Duo + SD vs SD). The average camera supports SD memory card slot types.
    Memory Stick Duo + SD vs SD
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    AF low-light sensitivity
    -1
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <-5 – >1
    This camera has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (-1 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
    -1 vs -4
  • 5 % lower viewfinder coverage
    Viewfinder coverage
    95 %
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <95 % – >100 %
    This camera has a lower viewfinder coverage than the average camera (95 % vs 100 %). The average camera has viewfinder coverage of 100 %.
    95 % vs 100 %
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    RAW bit depth
    12-bit
    â–² Better than 36% of models
    This camera supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
    12-bit vs 14-bit
  • No continuous video AF
    Continuous autofocus (video)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This camera does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
  • Lower sensor resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    14.2 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This camera has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
    14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • 204 g heavier
    Weight
    599 g
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <142 g – >812 g
    This camera is heavier than the average camera (599 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    599 g vs 395 g
  • 13 Mbps lower video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    17 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <12 Mbps – >237 Mbps
    This camera has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (17 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
    17 Mbps vs 30 Mbps
  • 0.5 stops less CIPA-rated stabilization
    Image stabilization rating (CIPA)
    3.5 stops
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <2.5 stops – >7.5 stops
    This camera offers less CIPA-rated stabilization than the average camera (3.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average camera reaches 4 stops.
    3.5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 93% less popular
    Sony A560 DSLR is less popular than the average camera (1 vs 1.9).
    1 vs 1.93
  • 2.41x more expensive
    Sony A560 DSLR is more expensive than the average camera (£700 vs £290).
    £700 vs £290
  • 5.1% worse value for money
    Sony A560 DSLR has a worse value-for-money score than the average camera (5.9 vs 6.2).
    5.9 vs 6.2
  • 5 % lower viewfinder coverage
    Viewfinder coverage
    95 %
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <95 % – >100 %
    This camera has a lower viewfinder coverage than the average camera (95 % vs 100 %). The average camera has viewfinder coverage of 100 %.
    95 % vs 100 %
  • 204 g heavier
    Weight
    599 g
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <142 g – >812 g
    This camera is heavier than the average camera (599 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
    599 g vs 395 g
  • 30.1 mm taller body
    Height
    104 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 88% of models
    Market range: <57.6 mm – >105.8 mm
    This camera is taller than the average camera (104 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
    104 mm vs 73.9 mm
  • 38 mm thicker
    Thickness
    84 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models
    Market range: <21.9 mm – >92 mm
    This camera is thicker than the average camera (84 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
    84 mm vs 46 mm
  • 17.1 mm wider
    Width
    137 mm
    â–¼ Worse than 84% of models
    Market range: <96 mm – >142.6 mm
    This camera is wider than the average camera (137 mm vs 119.9 mm). The average camera has a width of 119.9 mm.
    137 mm vs 119.9 mm
  • Lower RAW bit depth
    RAW bit depth
    12-bit
    â–² Better than 36% of models
    This camera supports lower RAW bit depth than the average camera (12-bit vs 14-bit). The average camera supports 14-bit RAW capture.
    12-bit vs 14-bit
  • Lower sensor resolution
    Main camera megapixels
    14.2 MP
    â–¼ Worse than 73% of models
    This camera has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
    14.2 MP vs 16.2 MP
  • 2 older
    Release date
    2011
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This camera is older than the average camera (2011 vs 2013). The average camera was released in 2013.
    2,011 vs 2,013
  • 0.5 points lower DxOMark Portrait score
    DxOMark portrait score
    22.5 points
    â–¼ Worse than 64% of models
    Market range: <20.8 points – >25.2 points
    This camera has a lower DxOMark portrait score than the average camera (22.5 points vs 23 points). The average camera scores 23.0 points.
    22.5 points vs 23.0 points
  • 3 points lower DxOMark sensor score
    DxOMark sensor score
    70 points
    â–¼ Worse than 59% of models
    Market range: <52 points – >94 points
    This camera has a lower DxOMark sensor score than the average camera (70 points vs 73 points). The average camera has a DxOMark sensor score of 73 points.
    70 points vs 73 points
  • Worse low-light autofocus
    AF low-light sensitivity
    -1
    â–¼ Worse than 55% of models
    Market range: <-5 – >1
    This camera has a worse low-light AF sensitivity than the average camera (-1 EV vs -4 EV). The average camera reaches a low-light AF sensitivity of -4 EV.
    -1 vs -4
  • 0.5 stops less CIPA-rated stabilization
    Image stabilization rating (CIPA)
    3.5 stops
    â–¼ Worse than 60% of models
    Market range: <2.5 stops – >7.5 stops
    This camera offers less CIPA-rated stabilization than the average camera (3.5 stops vs 4 stops). The average camera reaches 4 stops.
    3.5 stops vs 4 stops
  • 0.7 fps slower mechanical burst
    Continuous shooting (mechanical)
    5 fps
    â–¼ Worse than 52% of models
    Market range: <1.08 fps – >10 fps
    This camera has a slower mechanical burst than the average camera (5 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera reaches 5.7 fps.
    5 fps vs 5.7 fps
  • 8 fewer AF points
    N. of focus points
    15
    â–¼ Worse than 58% of models
    Market range: <9 – >399
    This camera has fewer focus points than the average camera (15 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.
    15 vs 23
  • No continuous video AF
    Continuous autofocus (video)
    no
    â–¼ Worse than 71% of models
    This camera does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
  • 13 Mbps lower video bitrate
    Video bitrate
    17 Mbps
    â–¼ Worse than 77% of models
    Market range: <12 Mbps – >237 Mbps
    This camera has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (17 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
    17 Mbps vs 30 Mbps
  • Older HDMI version
    HDMI version
    1.3
    â–¼ Worse than 53% of models
    This camera uses HDMI 1.3, while the average camera uses HDMI 1.4.
    reported as 1.3a
    1.3 vs 1.4

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

R
reviewed.com
18/03/2011
Summary of the review
Sony A560 Digital Camera Review - Reviewed
D
dpreview.com
24/08/2010
Summary of the review
Sony releases DSLR-A580 and DSLR-A560 - DPReview
I
imaging-resource.com
24/08/2010
Summary of the review
Sony DSLR-A560 Review - Optics - Imaging Resource
I
imaging-resource.com
24/08/2010
Summary of the review
Sony DSLR-A560 Review - Operation - Imaging Resource
C
connect-living.de
03/11/2010
Summary of the review
Sony Alpha 560 Review
(Translated)Show original
D
digitalkamera.de
10/10/2010
Summary of the review
Sony Alpha 560 with 18-55mm standard zoom image quality review
(Translated)Show original
D
dxomark.fr
01/08/2010
Summary of the review
Sony Alpha 560 - DXOMARK Measurements and Scores
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

What we like about Sony A560 DSLR

  • Excellent image quality from the 14.2MP sensor
  • Stellar battery life, particularly when using the optical viewfinder
  • Fast phase-detection autofocus in Live View mode
  • Effective in-body sensor-shift image stabilization
  • High-speed burst shooting (up to 7 fps in speed priority mode)
  • Useful tiltable 3-inch high-resolution LCD screen
  • Advanced features like Auto HDR and Multi-Frame Noise Reduction

What we don't like about Sony A560 DSLR

  • Ergonomics can feel uncomfortable; the grip is described as slim and shallow
  • Body is somewhat bulky and thick compared to mirrorless alternatives
  • Lacks built-in GPS and a translucent mirror found in concurrent models like the A55
  • Separated playback modes for stills and video can be cumbersome to navigate
  • Default kit lens (18-55mm) often produces slightly soft images
  • AF-assist light requires the flash to be raised, which is limiting for low-light candid shots

Verdict

The Sony Alpha DSLR-A560 is a versatile mid-range DSLR featuring a 14.2-megapixel APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor and a BIONZ image processor, capable of capturing Full HD 1080i video and high-speed bursts up to 7 fps. Its standout characteristics include the Quick AF Live View system with a dedicated secondary sensor for fast phase-detection autofocus during live framing, a 3-inch tilting 921k-dot LCD, and 'SteadyShot INSIDE' sensor-shift image stabilization. Key pros include exceptional battery life (up to 1,050 shots), strong high ISO performance reaching 12,800 (expandable to 25,600 with Multi-Frame NR), and advanced in-camera features like Auto HDR and 3D Sweep Panorama. However, it suffers from a lack of autofocus during video recording, a relatively small and dim 95% coverage optical viewfinder, and the absence of a secondary control dial for quick exposure adjustments.

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