Sony α580L DSLR Camera and Lens

Dslra580l
Model number: DSLRA580L
Rated 5.0 out of 5 Stars
Model Features: 16.2MP, Exmor™ APS sensor, 1080/60i Full HD movies, two types of Live View, Face Detection, 3D Sweep Panorama, tiltable 3.0" LCD, up to 7 fps continuous shooting, 18-55mm DT zoom lens included.

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( Rated 5.0 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 11 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot )

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7 of 11 (63%) customers would recommend this product to a friend

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

Ratings Snapshot
Performance
100%
Design
100%
Reliability
80%
Value
100%

Very Worth Buying

Reviewer: Lukenorrellnow (Texas)

Date 25-Dec-2010

I've had this product forless than a month

16of17 people found this helpful

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This camrea is a special camera and has done EVERYTHING i have asked it to do. It is a great photographers camera and does great action shots. I couldn't ask it to do anything better. I am trying to take pictures of a business called dairyland and it has let me to fantastic photos for calendars, mouse pads and much more! Worth Buying

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

Ratings Snapshot

The Best Non-pro Camera Available

Pros: Low-light performance; fast-focus LV; compositing features

Cons: None worth citing.

Reviewer: TheEnthusiast (Huntsville, AL)

Date 4-Jan-2011

I've had this product forless than a month

35of35 people found this helpful

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Like its forerunner the A550, this camera has industry-leading low-light capability, owing to both its sensor and its in-camera stabilization. The latter allows it to work its magic with all compatible lenses, including Minolta AF. Add to that the new hand-held twilight mode, which, for near-stationary scenes, produces a composite image that drastically reduces noise further. Your need for a tripod has gone way down. This camera also leads the industry in DSLR live-view (LV) focusing performance. LV means using the display on the back of the camera instead of the optical viewfinder. Besides Sony, only Olympus has decently focusing LV, but Olympus doesn’t have the tilt screen, which allows you to shoot over crowds and over fences, shoot from ground level without laying down, or shoot macro without having to squat or bend over. Nikon and Canon are pathetic when it comes to LV focusing, although Nikon does have an even better tilt-screen similar to the A55/35. The built-in high dynamic range (HDR) capability is unique as well, and is improved in the A580 over the already excellent A550. It will reveal detail in formerly blacked-out shadows (again, on near-static scenes) like you won’t believe. It does this by taking three quick shots at different exposures and creating a composite image (compositing again) that applies high exposure to dark areas and low exposure to light areas of the scene. It greatly reduces noise relative to the DRO alternative feature that it has in common with other DSLRs. HDR is all automatic, and, again, you don’t need a tripod. Another compositing feature is the sweep panorama, which allows you to pan the camera while it fires rapidly. It then knits the images together perfectly to create a super-high-resolution panoramic image. The biggest addition over the A550 is video. The A580 allows you to operate video in aperture priority mode to control depth of focus. It does not focus while shooting, however. The A55/35 reverses these two: only wide-open aperture, but with dynamic autofocus. The A580 shoots 1080p/30 video with sharpness that will put your consumer-quality camcorder to shame; plus, you can switch lenses and take advantage of the tilt rear display. To get the benefit of compositing features like those mentioned, you used to need a tripod, mulitple manual shots, special software on your computer, and lots of time on your hands. There are many, many more great features, some of which are improvements over the A550. I carried an A550 through 10 European cities this summer, and absolutely love it. The fact is, though, that the A580 is even better. We can conclude that when Sony bought the highly innovative “Mind of Minolta,” melded it with their own superlative engineering abilities, and applied the financial muscle of one of the world’s largest multi-media corporations, they had no intention of playing for third or fourth place in the DSLR league. Sony’s pro-sumer camera bodies, led by the A580, are already well beyond the competition, and it’s abundantly clear that Sony isn’t slowing down. I also have an A850. I’m waiting for Sony to merge the A900 and the A580 and give us the best of both worlds. (I know that means more processing power, but that gets cheaper every day.) While you’re at it, Sony, how about an option to record a RAW, medium exposure image instead of the extra jpeg in HDR mode? Do all this, and I’ll buy the first one off the line.

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

Ratings Snapshot
Performance
100%
Design
100%
Reliability
100%
Value
100%

Amazing Camer for the price

Pros: so far everything

Cons: none found yet

Reviewer: BirdmanofBuffalo (Buffalo NY)

Date 11-Apr-2011

I've had this product for1-3 months

14of16 people found this helpful

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I have owned the 350 and 550 and were very happy! I love to take wildlife pictures and wanted to get in flight bird shots, so I thought that this camera was the one! I was right it takes amazing bird pictures! I use it with my sony G 70-400 lens!

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No Caption Blue Jay with his nut!
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APS-C size HD CMOS image sensor

With 19.5 times the area of the typical camcorder8 image sensor, APS-C makes the difference between amateur and professional-looking video. The DSLR-A580L delivers an exceptional combination of high resolution capture, high sensitivity performance, and gorgeous, defocused backgrounds.

Focus Check Live View

For critical focus in macro and tripod shooting, the A580L also offers 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 HDR built into camera

Captures more scene dynamic range than a single exposure can handle—and more range than photo film. Combines the best highlight detail from one shot, the best mid-tones from a second and the best shadow detail from a third for one incredible shot. Captures in a split second. (Recommended for still subjects.)

Tiltable 3.0" LCD3

Even if you're completely comfortable with the optical viewfinder, Sony's tiltable LCD empowers your photography with a different point of view. Helps you frame high and low-angle shots that would otherwise be hit or miss. The LCD tilts up or down 90 degrees to capture a child's first steps or shoot over a crowd.

15-Point Auto Focus Sensor

To get the best shot under a wide range of situations, the A580L uses 11 AF points with four assist points make for flexible shot composition. Three cross sensors maximize precision.

Help Guide

Provides ready reference to advanced camera functions, helping to develop your confidence and skills as a photographer.

Powerful Supplied Software

To help you refine and manage your images, the A580L is equipped with comprehensive computer software, including Image Data Converter SR, Image Data Lightbox SR and Picture Motion Browser (PMB).9

Sony® Exmor™ technology

Conventional image sensors use only a handful of analog-to-digital (A/D) converters, which can slow you down. The Exmor™ sensor provides more than 4,000 column-parallel A/D converters. This helps enable continuous shooting at up to 7 frames per second.

Up to 5 fps continuous shooting

Up to 5 fps with continuous Auto Focus and Auto Exposure (optical viewfinder mode). Up to 3 fps continuous shooting (Quick AF Live View mode).

Six Creative Style settings

Control how the camera processes your images with six finishing styles: Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset and B&W. You can even fine-tune contrast, saturation, and sharpness to your personal taste.

Up to a 1050 Shots of battery life6

Take up to 1050 shots on a single charge (optical viewfinder mode)6; up to 560 shots (Live View mode)6 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.

PhotoTV HD compatibility7

Optimizes compatible BRAVIA® televisions7 for gorgeous display of digital pictures.

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.

16.2 megapixels; amazing pictures

You get incredible detail and gorgeous enlargements. Thanks to the APS-C sensor size and Sony's Exmor™ APS HD CMOS technology, the camera achieves high resolution with no penalty in low-light sensitivity or sensor noise.

Quick Auto Focus Live View

Unlike competing cameras, the DSLR-A580L is just as responsive in Quick Auto Focus Live View mode as in optical viewfinder mode. That's because, unlike the others, the A580L uses the same "phase detection" auto focus for Live View as for the optical viewfinder. While other Live View systems are severely 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.)

Sweep Panorama™ mode

Capture expansive landscapes automatically. Press the shutter and sweep vertically or horizontally. The camera does the rest, continuously shooting images and stitching them together. Up to 23 MP image size.

7 fps 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.

Face Detection technology

The A580L 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.

Graphic Display

Clarifies the relationship between aperture and shutter speed, as well as the effect each has on photographic results.

BIONZ® image processor

The newest version of Sony's BIONZ® image processor uses chroma noise reduction to deliver high-resolution, low-noise photos even at ISO 12800 sensitivity. This powerful Sony® Large Scale Integrated circuit (LSI) also delivers fast processing for quick response on data-intensive 14.2 megapixel images.

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.

HDMI™ output for HD viewing4

Connect your camera to a compatible HDTV and play back your images in stunning high definition.4 The A580L includes an HDMI™ output (HDMI cable required, sold separately). In addition, the BRAVIA® Sync system works with compatible Sony® BRAVIA HDTVs to let you control camera playback using the television's remote5.

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 built-in flash can trigger a wireless accessory flash (sold separately). The integrated hot shoe enables you to expand your lighting options with a range of accessory flashes (sold separately).

Slot for two media types

For cost-effective, convenient storage and sharing of your images, the camera accepts Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™ and SD/SDHC/SDXC media (Class 4 or higher recommended). (Media sold separately.)

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.

Remote capability

Works with the RMT-DSLR1 Remote Commander® wireless remote control, sold separately.

Full HD 1080/60i movies2

The DSLR-A580L 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

Some Live View systems take a painfully long time to focus. Some even black out the LCD before focus. Either can cause you to miss shots. Sony's Quick Auto Focus Live View solves these problems, making it easier to get the best shot.

Hand-held Twilight

Get cleaner and sharper nighttime pictures—beyond the capability of traditional cameras—without using flash or a tripod. The camera captures six images in a fraction of a second. Combining the data with separate algorithms for still and moving parts of the picture reduces blur, minimizes noise and enables extraordinary detail.

3D Sweep Panorama™mode1

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 3D television1. Records both JPEG and MPO file formats.

ISO 12800 sensitivity

Sony's Exmor™ CMOS image sensor employs new low-noise processing, for uncommonly clear pictures. The BIONZ® image processor with chroma noise reduction helps achieve low noise all the way up to ISO 12800, without sacrificing resolution.

Smile Shutter™ technology

Another Quick AF Live View enhancement, Smile Shutter™ technology automatically takes the shot when your subject smiles. Works with Quick Auto Focus Live View to capture spontaneous moments, making the difference between a missed shot and a cherished memory.

SteadyShot™ INSIDE stabilization

Image stabilization helps you take blur-free shots by compensating for camera shake. Typical DSLR systems build image stabilization into selected lenses only. SteadyShot™ INSIDE image stabilization is built into the camera body itself. You'll reduce blur with every a-mount lens, including macro and wide-aperture standard zoom lenses.

921K dot Xtra Fine LCD™ screen

Sony's Xtra Fine LCD™ monitor has 921K dots for superb resolution. The Anti Reflection (AR) coating increases visibility in direct sunlight.

Dynamic Range Optimizer

Improves results with backlit subjects and recovers details hidden in shadows. Settings include Auto, Level with a choice of five operating levels and Off.

Eight 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, Sports Action, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night View, Night Portrait and Hand-held Twilight modes.

Anti-Dust Technology

Anti-Dust Technology helps keep the CMOS imager clean, resulting in consistently better pictures. First a static-free coating on the sensor’s low-pass filter helps repel dust. Then vibration automatically dislodges dust from the sensor each time you shut off the camera.

Eye-Start Autofocus

For maximum speed, Eye-Start Autofocus begins focusing as soon as you raise the camera to your eye. So the camera is ready to catch the perfect moment.

P/A/S/M exposure modes

The camera offers a full range of controls from the beginner's AUTO+ mode to P/A/S/M: Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual. On-screen prompts help you refine your skills, build your confidence and exercise greater creative control.

Product Specifications

Recording

  • Media Type : Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™ media; SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card
  • Color Space : sRGB, AdobeRGB
  • Still Image Mode : JPEG (Standard, Fine), RAW, RAW+JPEG
  • Still Image Size 16:9 : L: 4912 x 2760 (14M) M: 3568 x 2000 (7.1M) S: 2448 x 1376 (3.4M)
  • Still Image Size 16:9 : L: 4912 x 2760 (14M) M: 3568 x 2000 (7.1M) S: 2448 x 1376 (3.4M)
  • Still Image Size 16:9 : L: 4912 x 2760 (14M) M: 3568 x 2000 (7.1M) S: 2448 x 1376 (3.4M)
  • Still Image Size 3:2 : L: 4912 x 3264 (16M) M: 3568 x 2368 (8.4M) S: 2448 x 1624 (4M)
  • Still Image Size 3:2 : L: 4912 x 3264 (16M) M: 3568 x 2368 (8.4M) S: 2448 x 1624 (4M)
  • Still Image Size 3:2 : L: 4912 x 3264 (16M) M: 3568 x 2368 (8.4M) S: 2448 x 1624 (4M)
  • Panorama Still Image Size : Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M) 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M)
  • Panorama Still Image Size : Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M) 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M)
  • Panorama Still Image Size : Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M) 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M)
  • Panorama Still Image Size : Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M) 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M)
  • Panorama Still Image Size : Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M) 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M)
  • Panorama Still Image Size : Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M) 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M)
  • Panorama Still Image Size : Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M) 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M)
  • Panorama Still Image Size : Horizontal Wide: 12,416 x 1,856 (23M) Horizontal Std.: 8,192 x 1,856 (15M) Vertical Wide: 2,160 x 5,536 (12M) Vertical Std.: 2,160 x 3,872 (8.4M) 3D Sweep Panorama: Horizontal Wide: 7152 X 1080 (7.7M) Horizontal Std.: 4912 X 1080 (5.3M) 16:9: 1920 X 1080 (2.1M)
  • Video Format : AVCHD / MP4 (MPEG-4 AVC (H.264))
  • Video Mode : AVCHD: 1920 x 1080/ 60i (59.94i Interlace recording, 29.97 progressive image sensor output) Approx. 17Mbps (Average bit-rate) MP4 HD: 1440 x 1080/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 12Mbps (Average bit-rate) MP4 VGA: 640 x 480/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 3Mbps (Average bit-rate)
  • Video Mode : AVCHD: 1920 x 1080/ 60i (59.94i Interlace recording, 29.97 progressive image sensor output) Approx. 17Mbps (Average bit-rate) MP4 HD: 1440 x 1080/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 12Mbps (Average bit-rate) MP4 VGA: 640 x 480/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 3Mbps (Average bit-rate)
  • Video Mode : AVCHD: 1920 x 1080/ 60i (59.94i Interlace recording, 29.97 progressive image sensor output) Approx. 17Mbps (Average bit-rate) MP4 HD: 1440 x 1080/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 12Mbps (Average bit-rate) MP4 VGA: 640 x 480/ 30p (29.97 Progressive) Approx. 3Mbps (Average bit-rate)
  • Video Resolution : 1920x1080/60i (59.94i, 29.97p sensor output)
  • Video Signal : NTSC color, EIA standards
  • Audio Format : Stereo Dolby Digital (AC-3) / MPEG-4 AAC-LC
  • Microphone/Speaker : Built-in Stereo Microphone

LCD Display

  • LCD Type : 3.0" TFT Xtra Fine™ LCD (921,600 pixels)
  • Angle Adjustment : Yes(Up/Down by 90 degrees (from the camera back))
  • Brightness Control : Auto/Manual (5 steps between -2 and +2)/Sunny Weather
  • Coverage : 100%
  • Live View : Continuous Live View (LCD/EVF Auto, selectable)
  • Real-time image adjustment display : Reflects: exposure compensation, white balance, creative style
  • Histogram : Yes (On/off)
  • Grid Display : Yes (On/off)
  • Customization : Grid, Histogram display, Digital Level Gauge, Grid Line, Magnified display for playback

Drive System

  • Burst Buffer : JPEG Standard (45 shots) JPEG Fine (44 shots) RAW (22 shots) RAW+JPEG (20 shots)
  • Burst Buffer : JPEG Standard (45 shots) JPEG Fine (44 shots) RAW (22 shots) RAW+JPEG (20 shots)
  • Burst Buffer : JPEG Standard (45 shots) JPEG Fine (44 shots) RAW (22 shots) RAW+JPEG (20 shots)
  • Burst Buffer : JPEG Standard (45 shots) JPEG Fine (44 shots) RAW (22 shots) RAW+JPEG (20 shots)
  • Continuous Shooting Speed : Continuous (up to 5fps(OVF), up to 3fps (Live View)) Speed Priority (7fps)
  • Continuous Shooting Speed : Continuous (up to 5fps(OVF), up to 3fps (Live View)) Speed Priority (7fps)
  • Drive Mode : Single-shot, Continuous shooting (Hi/Lo selectable), Self-timer (10/2 sec delay selectable), Remote commander (RMT-DSLR1 Sold Separately)
  • Flash Sync Speed : 1/160 seconds
  • Self-timer : 2-sec. or 10-sec. delay,
  • Shutter Speeds : 1/4000 to 30 seconds, bulb
  • Shutter Type : Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter

Interface

  • Microphone Input : Yes
  • Accessory Shoe : Yes (Alpha)
  • BRAVIA® Sync™ : Yes, via HDMI with compatible BRAVIA HDTV
  • DVDirect : Yes, via USB
  • HD Output : HDMI (TypeC mini)
  • Memory Card Slot : Dual memory card slot: Memory Stick PRO Duo™/Pro-HG Duo™ media - SD, SDHC and SDXC memory card
  • PhotoTV HD : Yes, with BRAVIA Sync™ enabled HDTV and HDMI cable
  • USB Port(s) : USB2.0 Hi-speed (mass-storage, PTP)

Software

  • Supplied Software : PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 5.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.2 Image Data Lightbox SR 2.2
  • Operating System Compatibility : Windows XP SP3 (64-bit and Starter Editions are not supported,Windows Image Mastering API(IMAPI)Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function for creating discs.) Windows Vista SP2 (Starter Edition is not supported) Windows 7; Mac OS X(v10.4-ｖ10.6) (Image Data Converter & Image Data Lightbox only, PMB is not Mac compatible)
  • Operating System Compatibility : Windows XP SP3 (64-bit and Starter Editions are not supported,Windows Image Mastering API(IMAPI)Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function for creating discs.) Windows Vista SP2 (Starter Edition is not supported) Windows 7; Mac OS X(v10.4-ｖ10.6) (Image Data Converter & Image Data Lightbox only, PMB is not Mac compatible)
  • Operating System Compatibility : Windows XP SP3 (64-bit and Starter Editions are not supported,Windows Image Mastering API(IMAPI)Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function for creating discs.) Windows Vista SP2 (Starter Edition is not supported) Windows 7; Mac OS X(v10.4-ｖ10.6) (Image Data Converter & Image Data Lightbox only, PMB is not Mac compatible)
  • Operating System Compatibility : Windows XP SP3 (64-bit and Starter Editions are not supported,Windows Image Mastering API(IMAPI)Ver.2.0 or later is required to use the function for creating discs.) Windows Vista SP2 (Starter Edition is not supported) Windows 7; Mac OS X(v10.4-ｖ10.6) (Image Data Converter & Image Data Lightbox only, PMB is not Mac compatible)

Camera

  • Lens Compatibility : Sony A-mount lens
  • Lens Mount : Sony A-mount
  • Camera Type : Sony A-mount interchangeable lens digital camera

Optics/Lens

  • Lens Mount Type : Sony A-mount
  • Aperture : f/3.5 - 5.6
  • Aperture (Max.) : f/3.5 - 5.6
  • Aperture (Min.) : f/22 - 36
  • Focal Length (35mm equivalent) : 27mm - 82.5mm
  • Filter Diameter : 55mm
  • Lens Construction : Plastic
  • Lens Groups-Elements : 7 groups, 8 elements (2 aspheric surface)
  • Minimum Focus Distance : 9.84" (0.25m)
  • Angle of View : 76° - 29°
  • Aperture Blade : 7 blades (Circular aperture)
  • Aspheric Elements : 2 (3 surface)
  • Dimensions (Max. Diameter x Length) : 2-3/4 x 2-3/4" (69.5x69mm)
  • Distance Encoder : Yes
  • Internal Motor : Yes (SAM motor)
  • Lens Weight : 7.4 oz (210g)
  • Maximum Magnification : 0.34x (APS-C)

Focus Control

  • Focus System : TTL phase detection AF (CCD line sensors)
  • Focus Points : 15 points (3 points cross type), 11 points in Viewfinder mode
  • AF Modes : Single-shot AF, Automatic AF, Continuous AF, Manual Focus
  • Focus Area : Wide, Spot, Local (15 local areas selectable, 11 local areas in Viewfinder mode)
  • Focus Sensitivity : -1 EV to +18 EV (at ISO100 equivalent)
  • Focus Features : Predictive Focus Control, Focus Lock
  • AF Illuminator : Built-in flash, Range: approx. 3' - 15' (1m-5m)

Flash

  • Flash Compensation : +/-2EV in 0.3EV steps
  • Flash Coverage : 18mm (focal-length printed on the lens body)
  • Recycling Time : Approx. 4 sec.
  • Flash Bracketing : 3 exposures in 0.3/0.7 EV steps
  • Flash Metering System : ADI, Pre-flash TTL
  • Flash Modes : Auto, Fill-flash, Slow Sync., Rear Sync., Hi-speed sync., Red-eye reduction (on/off selectable for Autoflash and fill-flash mode), Wireless
  • Flash Type : Built-in, Pop-up Auto
  • Guide Number : 12 (in meters at ISO100)

Weights and Measurements

  • Dimensions (Approx.) : Approx. 5-3/8 x 4-1/8 x 3-1/3” (137 x 104 x 84 mm) (W/H/D) excl grip & lens mount
  • Weight (Approx.) : Approx. 24 oz (679g) (excl battery & media) Approx. 21.1 oz (599g) (w/battery & media)
  • Weight (Approx.) : Approx. 24 oz (679g) (excl battery & media) Approx. 21.1 oz (599g) (w/battery & media)

Service and Warranty Information

  • Limited Warranty Term : 2 Years, Parts & Labour

Imaging Sensor

  • Imaging Sensor : Exmor™ APS HD CMOS sensor (23.5 X 15.6mm)
  • Processor : BIONZ™ image processor
  • Anti Dust : Charge protection coating on Low-Pass Filter and Image Sensor-Shift mechanism
  • Pixel Gross : Approx. 16.6 megapixels
  • Effective Picture Resolution : Approx. 16.2 megapixels
  • Focal Length Conversion Factor : 1.5x
  • Color Filter System : RGB primary color filters

Viewfinder

  • Type : Optical Viewfinder
  • Diopter Adjustment : -2.5 to +1.0m-1
  • Field of View : 95%
  • Focusing Screen : Spherical Acute Matte Screen
  • Magnification : 0.80x (with 50mm lens at infinity, -1m-1 )

Exposure System

  • Metering : Advanced 1200-zone evaluative metering (In Viewfinder mode: TTL shutter-open metering)
  • Metering Modes : Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
  • Metering Sensitivity : Live View Mode: 1 EV to 17 EV on all metering mode (ISO 100 equivalent with F1.4 lens) Viewfinder Mode: 2 EV to 20 EV (4 EV to 20 EV on spot metering mode) (ISO 100 equivalent with F1.4 lens)
  • Metering Sensitivity : Live View Mode: 1 EV to 17 EV on all metering mode (ISO 100 equivalent with F1.4 lens) Viewfinder Mode: 2 EV to 20 EV (4 EV to 20 EV on spot metering mode) (ISO 100 equivalent with F1.4 lens)
  • Exposure Compensation : ±2.0 EV (in 0.3 EV steps)
  • Exposure Settings : Auto (AUTO), Program Auto (P), Aperture priority (A), Shutter-speed priority (S), Manual (M), Sweep Panorama (2D/3D), Continuous Advance Priority AE
  • Scene Mode(s) : Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports action, Sunset, Night portrait, Night View, Handheld Twilight
  • D-Range Optimizer : Yes: (Auto, Level 1-5, off)
  • Auto Exposure Lock : Yes (AE Lock button)
  • Color Temperature : 2500 - 9900 k with 19-step Magenta / Green compensation
  • Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W (Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness adjustable in +/-3 steps)
  • Creative Style : Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Sunset, B/W (Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness adjustable in +/-3 steps)
  • ISO : Auto: 100 - 1600; Selectable: 100 - 12800; Multi Frame NR (up to ISO 25600)
  • Noise Reduction : Long exp. NR: (On/Off, available of shutter speeds longer than 1 sec.) High ISO NR: (Auto/Weak) Multi Frame NR: (Auto/ISO100-25600)
  • Noise Reduction : Long exp. NR: (On/Off, available of shutter speeds longer than 1 sec.) High ISO NR: (Auto/Weak) Multi Frame NR: (Auto/ISO100-25600)
  • Noise Reduction : Long exp. NR: (On/Off, available of shutter speeds longer than 1 sec.) High ISO NR: (Auto/Weak) Multi Frame NR: (Auto/ISO100-25600)
  • White Balance Mode : Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Setting the color temperature, Custom

Advanced Features

  • Advanced User Interface : Easy-to-understand Graphic Display and on-screen Help Guide User-friendly function menu
  • Auto High Dynamic Range : Yes, (Off/On, Auto Exposure Difference, Exposure difference Level (1-6 EV at 1.0 EV step)
  • Sweep Panorama : Yes (2D/3D)
  • Face Detection : Off, Auto, Child Priority, Adult Priority (up to 8 faces detectable)
  • Smile Shutter™ technology : Yes - Off, Slight, Normal, Big
  • Image Stabilization : SteadyShot INSIDE in-body image stabilization

Power

  • Battery Type : InfoLITHIUM® NP-FM500H (7.2V)
  • Number of Still Images : Approx. 1050 images with viewfinder, 560 images with LCD monitor (CIPA standard)

In the Box

  • Rechargable Battery (NP-FM500H)
  • USB Cable
  • SAL-1855 SAM lens, lens cap
  • Shoulder Strap
  • CD-ROM
  • Battery Charger (BC-VM10)
  • Body Cap

Product Profile

Support

Product Warranty

Product Reviews

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( Rated 5.0 out of 5 Stars AVERAGE RATING | 11 REVIEWS Ratings Snapshot )

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7 of 11 (63%) customers would recommend this product to a friend

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

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Performance
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Design
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Reliability
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Value
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Reviewer: Lukenorrellnow (Texas)

Date 25-Dec-2010

I've had this product forless than a month

16of17 people found this helpful

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Very Worth Buying

This camrea is a special camera and has done EVERYTHING i have asked it to do. It is a great photographers camera and does great action shots. I couldn't ask it to do anything better. I am trying to take pictures of a business called dairyland and it has let me to fantastic photos for calendars, mouse pads and much more! Worth Buying

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

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Reviewer: TheEnthusiast (Huntsville, AL)

Date 4-Jan-2011

I've had this product forless than a month

35of35 people found this helpful

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The Best Non-pro Camera Available

Pros: Low-light performance; fast-focus LV; compositing features

Cons: None worth citing.

Like its forerunner the A550, this camera has industry-leading low-light capability, owing to both its sensor and its in-camera stabilization. The latter allows it to work its magic with all compatible lenses, including Minolta AF. Add to that the new hand-held twilight mode, which, for near-stationary scenes, produces a composite image that drastically reduces noise further. Your need for a tripod has gone way down. This camera also leads the industry in DSLR live-view (LV) focusing performance. LV means using the display on the back of the camera instead of the optical viewfinder. Besides Sony, only Olympus has decently focusing LV, but Olympus doesn’t have the tilt screen, which allows you to shoot over crowds and over fences, shoot from ground level without laying down, or shoot macro without having to squat or bend over. Nikon and Canon are pathetic when it comes to LV focusing, although Nikon does have an even better tilt-screen similar to the A55/35. The built-in high dynamic range (HDR) capability is unique as well, and is improved in the A580 over the already excellent A550. It will reveal detail in formerly blacked-out shadows (again, on near-static scenes) like you won’t believe. It does this by taking three quick shots at different exposures and creating a composite image (compositing again) that applies high exposure to dark areas and low exposure to light areas of the scene. It greatly reduces noise relative to the DRO alternative feature that it has in common with other DSLRs. HDR is all automatic, and, again, you don’t need a tripod. Another compositing feature is the sweep panorama, which allows you to pan the camera while it fires rapidly. It then knits the images together perfectly to create a super-high-resolution panoramic image. The biggest addition over the A550 is video. The A580 allows you to operate video in aperture priority mode to control depth of focus. It does not focus while shooting, however. The A55/35 reverses these two: only wide-open aperture, but with dynamic autofocus. The A580 shoots 1080p/30 video with sharpness that will put your consumer-quality camcorder to shame; plus, you can switch lenses and take advantage of the tilt rear display. To get the benefit of compositing features like those mentioned, you used to need a tripod, mulitple manual shots, special software on your computer, and lots of time on your hands. There are many, many more great features, some of which are improvements over the A550. I carried an A550 through 10 European cities this summer, and absolutely love it. The fact is, though, that the A580 is even better. We can conclude that when Sony bought the highly innovative “Mind of Minolta,” melded it with their own superlative engineering abilities, and applied the financial muscle of one of the world’s largest multi-media corporations, they had no intention of playing for third or fourth place in the DSLR league. Sony’s pro-sumer camera bodies, led by the A580, are already well beyond the competition, and it’s abundantly clear that Sony isn’t slowing down. I also have an A850. I’m waiting for Sony to merge the A900 and the A580 and give us the best of both worlds. (I know that means more processing power, but that gets cheaper every day.) While you’re at it, Sony, how about an option to record a RAW, medium exposure image instead of the extra jpeg in HDR mode? Do all this, and I’ll buy the first one off the line.

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

Ratings Snapshot
Performance
100%
Design
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Value
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Reviewer: BirdmanofBuffalo (Buffalo NY)

Date 11-Apr-2011

I've had this product for1-3 months

14of16 people found this helpful

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Amazing Camer for the price

Pros: so far everything

Cons: none found yet

I have owned the 350 and 550 and were very happy! I love to take wildlife pictures and wanted to get in flight bird shots, so I thought that this camera was the one! I was right it takes amazing bird pictures! I use it with my sony G 70-400 lens!

Reviewer Images: (click to see full-size image)

No Caption Blue Jay with his nut!

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

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Reviewer: Jonabel (Salinas, CA)

Date 23-Oct-2011

I've had this product forless than a month

5of5 people found this helpful

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Great Camera!

Pros: Sweep Panorama is a good addition

Just received this camera yesterday and we went to Big Sur to test it out. I love the added Sweep Panorama feature as I was able to capture more details to fit in one photo. And like my old alpha100 and 900, this camera is so easy to use. I'm not a professional photographer and I don't have time to read and understand complicated manuals but I love taking pictures. Sony cameras are so easy to use that the "auto" mode gives me almost everything that I need. I need a camera that captures what I see in the viewfinder and almost all the time, Sony delivers. I LOVE SONY!

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Big Sur, California

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

Ratings Snapshot
Performance
100%
Design
80%
Reliability
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Value
100%

Reviewer: shooter96

Date 10-Mar-2011

I've had this product for1-3 months

12of12 people found this helpful

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An overall great camera!

Pros: Many useful features and take great photos

Cons: No autofocus and manual adjustments for video shooting

The camera is overall fantastic! It is very easy to use and the interface is very userfriendly. You can shoot what ever you want and you can also manually adjust evrything. Altough it is an dSLR camera it offers more feature when using the liveview mode. The focus check mode is a great example for that. The shoots also great viedos but you can't adjust the aperture manually while shooting. It also can't automatically focus wihle shooting a video but autofocus while taking photos is great. It has 15 point autofocus system and it works very fine. So I am very happy with my a580 and I recommend it to those people who are not yet fully professional but also not semi-pro.

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

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Reviewer: CBrooks (Elgin, IL)

Date 3-Oct-2011

I've had this product for1-3 months

9of9 people found this helpful

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Best DSLR in any class

Pros: Night photography, image quality, size,

Cons: None that I can think of.

After reviewing many cameras over the course of about 8 months I settled on the a580 and I am very pleased with it's performance. I have had this camera for about a month and a half and have taken a few thousands photos. The Focus Check LV mode works fantastic. You can zoom in on the subject to make sure you are in focus and then take the picture. Great low light shooting. I absolutely love this camera. I purchased the DT50 prime lens for a photo shoot and the pictures came out amazing. I have received many compliments and have been asked to shoot a couple weddings and several individual photo shoots because of the images that I have been able to capture. I highly recommend the a580 over any Nikon or Canon in this price range.

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Chicago Skyline from Lake Michigan Multiple shots of a car and bike show.

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

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Reviewer: Juancho (San Salvador, El Salvador, Central America)

Date 1-Feb-2012

I've had this product for1-3 months

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Great improvement

Pros: Video & panoramic shot capability

Cons: Doesn´t have the 1.4 2 X magnification, Dipoter adjustement not enough and too light

Got the A580 to replace my stolen A550, the camera is a great improvement over the A550 it only lacks the 1.4 & 2 X capability of the A550 and unfortunatly the lens that came with it is not AF and it is hard to adjust for clear pictures, hope to get an A77 or A65 when available, Sony, keep up the excelent work

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Say AHHHHHHH

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

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Reviewer: MikeChicago (Chicago, IL)

Date 15-Feb-2011

I've had this product forless than a month

17of18 people found this helpful

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Excellent DSLR - Best in the Lineup

Pros: Amazing image quality, fast, hight quality display, great layout of functional buttons

Cons: None

I have spent a lot of time comparing cameras. I used to shoot with Alpha 330 and was ready to upgrade to something more capable. I consulted with other photographers (most recommended D90, D5000, or D7000 and Rebel D2i) as well as many online publications.Several professional reviews are in and the verdict seems to always be the same - excellent camera, often scored better than Nikon and Cannon competition. Sony nailed it with this one. DXO Mark reveals amazing image quality in its tests (best in class, in fact). After taking the first few photos I have to say this is a very competent camera. I absolutely love it and highly recommend to anyone looking for a mid-range solid performer.

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

Ratings Snapshot
Performance
100%
Design
80%
Reliability
100%
Value
100%

Reviewer: Chlamchowder (Gaithersburg, Maryland)

Date 22-Jan-2011

I've had this product for1-3 months

29of29 people found this helpful

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Best camera for the price

Pros: Excellent low light capability, very fast, very good battery life

Cons: Viewfinder a little small (compared to full frame), autofocus unreliable in poor light

This is probably the best low light camera you can get for under $1000. With a fast lens, like the Minolta 50/1.7 (or the Sony 50/1.8), you can shoot in almost total darkness and still get good pictures. You also get stabilization with these fast lenses, unlike Nikon and Canon equivalents. The mirror blackout time is also very, very short (like blinking), so tracking moving subjects at 7fps is quite easy. 7fps is also overkill for most situations. At 7fps, the photos look like animations if you flip through them. It's really useful for sports. The viewfinder could be brighter and larger, but that's a limitation shared by all cameras below $1700 or so. The autofocus could also be better, but to be fair, I do ask it to focus on something I can barely see quite often. Usually the AF is fast and snappy in good light. The battery life is also amazing. If you barely use the LCD screen, you can probably squeeze more than the 1000 shots specified by Sony for a single charge. I shot about 30 images once (with LCD screen usage), and the battery was still at 100%. After over 300 images and a few video clips, I still had around 70% left. Impressive. The LCD screen is good too. It almost looks like a good photo print, and judging manual focus on it is easy, so not having autofocus during video isn't really a limitation. With this camera, I have shot in challenging situations like sports games and dark auditoriums, and I'm impressed by it's performance and image quality. This camera should get more attention, especially from people looking to work with available light.

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No Caption Very low light (ISO 3200)

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

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Performance
100%
Design
100%
Reliability
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Value
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Reviewer: NewWorldDude (Saratoga County, NY)

Date 12-Feb-2011

I've had this product for1-3 months

34of36 people found this helpful

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Buy this! Not that!

Pros: Build Quality, Speed, Pic Quality, Ergonomics, Price/Value

Cons: Jealous friends with Canon and Nikon equivalents

If you are considering cameras in this price range, but this one. This Camera compares to Canon and Nikon Cameras that cost 300-400 dollars more. Other brands in this price range do not have the quality or features this camera does. Something to keep in mind is that glass (lenses) for Sony cameras are much cheaper, since the VR(vibration reduction) is in the body and not the lenses. Check prices on lenses on line and you will see they are twice as expensive. Do yourself a favor if you buy this camera, purchase the 50mm 1.8 lense, you'll love it. I've been using this camera for about a month with the following lenses: Sony 70-200 2.8f G lense (Amazing fotos!!!!) Sony 50mm 1.8f SAM lense (Amazing fotos) Tamron af 17-50 if xrDiII sp 2.8f (amazing fotos) I've taken about 3000 pictures with these lenses in the last month and I find myself deleting less photos than ever, so buy yourself a large external drive and a couple of nice lenses. The kit lense that comes with the 580L model is not very good, so buy the body only and save the 100 bucks. For Mac users, if you are using Aperture, you'll need to upgrade to version 3 for the mac to recognize the new RAW format. Absolutely love this camera. Upgraded from an A300. Next stop A900 (in a couple of years). Many people like Canon or Nikon and I did before as well. Now I know how wrong I was. Sony really makes more sense... If you don't believe me, price out the lenses....

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No Caption

Rated 5.000000 out of 5 Stars Ratings Snapshot

Ratings Snapshot
Performance
100%
Design
100%
Reliability
100%
Value
100%

Reviewer: Snellemin (Houston, Tx)

Date 17-Jan-2011

I've had this product forless than a month

19of20 people found this helpful

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Best in it's price range!

Pros: Makes me a better photographer.

Cons: Doesn't auto zoom in Video mode.

I love taking pics of daily live. I've been a Minolta fan and finally made the jump from film to digital when the A580 came onto the market. It has everything I need and to me is the best in it's price range. Nikon and Canon are just too much money and I personally can't tell much difference in picture quality between them. I love the fact that I can use all my old AF Minolta lenses and not needing to buy adapters for my Cokin filters. The previous reviewer pretty much summed up all the great features.

VIEW FOOTNOTES

  1. 3D viewing requires 3D HDTV, a high speed HDMI™ cable (supporting at least 10.2 Gbps) connection and 3D glasses (all sold separately).
  2. Movie recording is limited to segments of 29 minutes, maximum. When using movie mode Memory Stick PRO Duo with MARK2 logo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, or Class 4 or higher for SD/SDHC media are recommended.
  3. Viewable area measured diagonally.
  4. HD Viewing requires a mini-HDMI-to-HDMI cable and compatible HDTV, both sold separately.
  5. Works with other BRAVIA® Sync or Theatre Sync™ labeled HDTVs when connected via HDMI interface.
  6. When fully charged. Actual results may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions. Battery capacity decreases over time and use.
  7. PhotoTV HD viewing requires compatible BRAVIA® HDTV and HDMI™ or component cable (all sold separately). Specifications for BRAVIA HDTV shown vary according to market region.
  8. More than 19.5 times the area of 1/2.88-inch type sensor of the Sony HDR-CX560V.
  9. PMB requires Microsoft® Windows® XP SP3/ Windows Vista® SP2/ Windows 7. Mac OS® not supported. Movie format is compatible with iMovie® ‘09 or later versions.

© 2010 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony is not responsible for typographic and photographic errors. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Sony, BIONZ, BRAVIA, Exmor, InfoLITHIUM, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo, Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo, the Memory Stick logo, Remote Commander, Sweep Panorama, Smile Shutter, Stamina, SteadyShot, Theatre Sync, and Xtra Fine LCD are trademarks of Sony. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Mac OS and iMovie are trademarks of Apple Computers, Inc. HDMI is a trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.