Sony 14.2 Megapixels Alpha DSLR-A560 DSLR Camera Review by ImagingResource

In addition to the new SLT A55 & A33 cameras, Sony also introduced a new DSLR: the 14.2 Megapixels Alpha DSLR-A560. The A560 features the Sony's Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, Multi-frame Noise Reduction, Sweep Panorama mode, 3D Sweep Panorama and Full HD 1920x1080 60i video capture.

The A560 offers the same features of its predecessor, the DSLR-A550, which introduced Quick AF Live View, 7fps continuous shooting and Auto HDR to the step-up DSLR class. The A560 uses a 15-point AF system with 3 cross-type points, an increase from the 9-point AF system on board the A550. The A560 comes with the Sweep Panorama technology which enables it to capture shots up to 180 degree horizontal or 126-degree vertical shots (18 mm focal length). With 3D Sweep Panorama mode, the camera can shoot 3D panoramic still images with a single lens. The high-speed burst of frames is stitched together using innovative processing techniques to automatically create detail-packed 3D panoramas. These files can be viewed on compatible 3D televisions. The In-camera High Dynamic Range (HDR) function has been further enhanced incorporating three shots. It can capture highlights, midtones and shadows. The feature handles severe backlighting and other high-contrast scenes like looking out a window into bright daylight. The in-camera auto HDR technology combines the highlight, midtone and shadow detail of three separate captures into one remarkably natural looking image. The A560 offers a maximum Auto HDR range of 6EV. Below is a table comparing the Sony Alpha DSLR-A290, DSLR-A390, DSLR-A550 and DSLR-A560.

The DSLR-A560 body will cost about $650, or $750 with the 18-55mm kit lens. Here's the summary of a review by ImagingResource:

"Sony has taken the steps necessary to make a compelling digital SLR for the enthusiast in the continued absence of a replacement for the A700. Though some of us thought it was a little thick front to back, there's no denying that the Sony A560 is a formidable camera, with a faster live view autofocus mode than anything else on the market. The Depth of Field Preview button is also an important inclusion, heretofore conspicuously absent from the A200, A300, and A500 Alpha models, and its return is welcome. Slick tricks like Sweep Panorama and Handheld Twilight are quite useful modes that have worked their way up from Sony's pocket cameras, then into the NEX series, and are now found in the new SLT line and both the A560 and A580. The Sony A560 looks like a good choice for the intermediate photographer who wants to try some of Sony's helpful features with the improved image quality we first saw in the Sony NEX cameras.

We've broken down the test results on the Image Quality and Optics pages, where we also show conversions from RAW, white balance performance, color, flash, and how the various special modes like HDR and DRO perform. Be sure to check those out. Auto white balance is a little warm in tungsten lighting, but that's not uncommon among SLRs, unfortunately. The Sony A560's image quality is quite good, using the same sensor used in the NEX cameras, which frankly blew us away with their high ISO performance. Its JPEG images are capable of outputting excellent 20x30-inch prints from ISO 100 to 400, and ISO 800 and 1,600 shots look good at 16x24, which is really remarkable. All told, the Sony A560 impressed us as a quality digital SLR camera with plenty of speed and very high image quality, making it a Dave's Pick."