Both reviews praised still-image detail, battery endurance and accessible controls, but criticised automatic movie exposure and missing recording autofocus. Imaging Resource especially valued the dual live-view systems and compositing modes, while noting occasional review-unit focusing errors. Reviewed found live-view focusing compromises and the bulky grip less comfortable; its tested zoom lens also limited edge sharpness.
Approximately 14.6 million total pixels; current Sony UK and original Hong Kong table specify 23.4 × 15.6 mm for A560; the shared Sony Asia sheet prints 23.5 × 15.6 mm without distinguishing the two bodies
Image formats
JPEG, RAW and RAW+JPEG; Sony ARW 2.2; sRGB and Adobe RGB
ISO detail
Standard single-frame ISO 100–12800; six-frame Multi Frame NR reaches ISO 25600 and requires a sufficiently static scene; Auto ISO 200–1600
Image processor
BIONZ
Lens and shooting
Lens mount
Sony A-mount
Stabilisation
Sensor shift
Maximum continuous burst
7 fps
Autofocus
TTL phase detection, 15 points including three cross-type points in live view, 11 in optical-viewfinder mode; current Sony UK states EV −1 to 18 at ISO 100; contrast AF selectable in Focus Check Live View
Shutter
Electronically controlled focal-plane shutter; 30 seconds to 1/4000 second and Bulb; flash sync 1/160 second; two-second self-timer mirror-up function
Burst detail
Maximum approximately 7 fps in Speed Priority with focus and exposure locked at the first frame; normal continuous approximately 5 fps with optical viewfinder or 3 fps in live view. Maker buffer approximately 27 Fine JPEG, seven RAW or seven RAW+JPEG images, depending on card and conditions
Stabilisation detail
SteadyShot INSIDE sensor shift; Sony claims approximately 2.5–4 shutter-speed steps depending on lens and conditions
Flash
Automatic pop-up flash, guide number 12 m at ISO 100; ADI and pre-flash TTL; proprietary Alpha accessory shoe and compatible wireless flash control
Exposure controls
P/A/S/M and scene modes; 40-segment optical metering and 1,200-zone live-view metering; ±2 EV in 1/3 EV steps; three-exposure Auto HDR, 2D/3D Sweep Panorama and Hand-held Twilight
Video
Highest video resolution
1920 × 1080 at 25 fps
Video detail
PAL AVCHD 1920 × 1080 encoded at 50i from 25 fps sensor output, approximately 17 Mbps; MP4 1440 × 1080 or VGA at 25 fps. NTSC versions use 59.94i from 29.97 fps output. No recording autofocus; movie shutter, aperture and ISO remain automatic (Imaging Resource and Reviewed)
Xtra Fine LCD tilts approximately 90° up and down; dots count colour subpixels. Dedicated-sensor Quick AF Live View covers approximately 90%; main-sensor Focus Check Live View covers 100% with 7×/14× magnification
Viewfinder detail
Pentamirror optical viewfinder; approximately 95% coverage and 0.80× magnification with a 50 mm lens at infinity
Connections and design
Battery life (maker's claim)
1050 photographs
Body weight
599 g
Release detail
Sony Hong Kong specified early 2011 and European launch coverage first quarter 2011; PConline's 26 January 2011 Guangzhou retail report confirms the camera already on sale, giving the January month used here. Sony UK's original newsroom page promised October 2010 for both models; Imaging Resource reports the delayed US launch and March availability, so that original promise is not treated as actual first sale
Recording media
Separate Memory Stick PRO Duo/PRO-HG Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC slots, with a manual card selector
Ports
USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, mini HDMI Type C, remote-release terminal and stereo microphone input
Battery life detail
NP-FM500H; maker CIPA claim approximately 1,050 shots with optical viewfinder or 560 in live view; BC-VM10 charger supplied
Dimensions
Approximately 137 × 104 × 84 mm (width × height × depth, excluding protrusions)
Weight detail
Approximately 599 g body only; 679 g with battery and Memory Stick PRO Duo (original Sony Hong Kong table)
