Paul
The new Sony A58 is a camera that accepts interchangeable lenses and utilizes Sony’s proprietary Translucent Mirror Technology to provide high-speed shooting in a far more compact chassis.
The 20.1-megapixel A58 has a burst shooting speed of 8 frames per second with a new Lock-on Autofocus, the ability to record full HD video at 25 frames per second with control over exposure and continuous autofocusing, a 15-point phase-detection autofocus system with three cross sensors, an ISO range of 100-16000, a 2.7-inch tilting LCD screen, a high-resolution OLED Tru-Finder with 100% coverage, Sweep Panoramas, Auto HD.
The body of the Sony A58 with the 18-55mm zoom lens can be purchased for $600 in the United States and £450 in the United Kingdom. Buying both lenses together will set you back $600.
Sony A58K Digital SLR
- 20.1 MP Exmor HD APS sensor with 5 FPS shooting
- Translucent Mirror Technology accelerates AF performance
- 1080/60i/24p Full HD or 1080/30p MP4 movies w/ Quick AF
- Lock-on AF for even easier focusing of moving subjects
- 20.1 MP Exmor HD APS sensor with 5 FPS shooting
- Translucent Mirror Technology accelerates AF performance
- 1080/60i/24p Full HD or 1080/30p MP4 movies w/ Quick AF
- Lock-on AF for even easier focusing of moving subjects
- SVGA OLED True-Finder optimizes eye-level framing
Sony a58 Build Quality.
The new Sony SLT-A58 replaces the older model known as the A57 and is virtually indistinguishable from that device. However, the Sony A58 is a little more compact and lightweight model than the A57, with dimensions of 128.6 x 95.5 x 77.7 millimeters and a mass of 492 grams respectively.
The A58 is a solid piece of kit with build Quality that is on par with rival DSLR cameras in the same price range, even feeling plasticky. However, we are disappointed that the A57’s metal lens mount has been replaced with a less durable plastic version.
As was the case with its before, the A58 lacks an optical viewfinder in favor of an electronic one. In addition, it uses a fixed semi-translucent mirror instead of the movable non-translucent mirror found in DSLRs.
Because the mirror of the A58 is translucent, sufficient light can pass through it to the sensor, enabling it to remain fixed at all times. Additionally, the A58 can reflect some of the light onto a phase-detection auto-focus array located at the top of the camera’s body.
Because of this combination, the A58 can offer full-time DSLR-like focusing speeds, even while recording video. Additionally, it can provide an excellent Live View system with 100% scene coverage and a quick continuous shooting rate of 8fps, all while being physically smaller and lighter than a comparable DSLR.
Sony a58 Image Quality
During our evaluation, the Sony A58 captured photographs of exceptionally high Quality. The Sony A58 features an impressively wide ISO range of 100-16000, which is also quite useable. The range from 100 to 800 ISO is noise-free, while the range from 1600 to 6400 ISO delivers results that are more than acceptable, and even ISO 12800 and the fastest setting of 16000 are appropriate for usage in an emergency.
However, the RAW examples show how much processing the camera undertakes by default since they are significantly noisier than their JPEG counterparts across the board, regardless of the ISO value.
The 20-megapixel images come out of the camera a little soft when using the Standard creative style as the default. For the best results, you should sharpen them more by utilizing an application like Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you can adjust the level of sharpening that the camera applies automatically.
The built-in flash performed admirably indoors, preventing red-eye and producing photographs with adequate exposure overall. The night shot turned out well thanks to the camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and its Bulb mode, which allow lots of room for creative experimentation during nighttime shooting. The built-in SteadyShot anti-shake feature performs quite well, In addition to shooting at slower shutter speeds while holding the camera by hand.
Sony a58 Specs
| Body type | Compact SLR |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 5456 x 3632 |
| Effective pixels | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 20 megapixels |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| ISO | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 16000 (25600 with boost) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| White balance presets | 9 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (1) |
| Image stabilization | Optical |
| Image stabilization notes | SteadyShot INSIDE |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| Autofocus | Subject/scene modes |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 15 |
| Lens mount | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 2.7″ |
| Screen dots | 460,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder resolution | 1,440,000 |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | Yes |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Flash Range | Yes |
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
| MultiCenter-weighted spot | 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless) |
| Continuous drive | 5.0 fps |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedSpot |
| WB Bracketing | Yes (3 frames, H/L selectable) |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
| Videography notes | 50i or 25p in PAL countries |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (Mini Type C) |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected |
| Remote control | Yes (Optional) |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | Rechargeable NP-FM500H battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 690 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz) |
| Dimensions | 129 x 95 x 78 mm (5.08 x 3.74 x 3.07″) |
| GPS | None |
Sony a58 Conclusion
Sony A58K Digital SLR
- 20.1 MP Exmor HD APS sensor with 5 FPS shooting
- Translucent Mirror Technology accelerates AF performance
- 1080/60i/24p Full HD or 1080/30p MP4 movies w/ Quick AF
- Lock-on AF for even easier focusing of moving subjects
- 20.1 MP Exmor HD APS sensor with 5 FPS shooting
- Translucent Mirror Technology accelerates AF performance
- 1080/60i/24p Full HD or 1080/30p MP4 movies w/ Quick AF
- Lock-on AF for even easier focusing of moving subjects
- SVGA OLED True-Finder optimizes eye-level framing
The new Sony 58 delivers mid-range performance and features to the entry-level market, thereby replacing both the cheaper A37 model and the older A57 model. This allows the new Sony 58 to replace both versions effectively.
It is perhaps understandable that the A58 has a few downgrades compared to its more expensive predecessor, the most notable of which are a smaller LCD screen with a lower resolution, slower and more limited burst shooting, and plastic than a metal lens mount. Considering that the A58 costs roughly the same as the capable RX100 compact camera, it is perhaps understandable that the A58 has a few downgrades.
Despite this, the new OLED viewfinder, resolution of 20 megapixels, and useful Lock-on Autofocus option are all enhancements that make the far more affordable Sony A58 a true steal.
The Sony A58, just like the rest of the SLT family, flips the conventional design on its head to provide what is, in many ways, a better user experience than traditional DSLRs can achieve. Moreover, it does so at a competitive price that must indeed have Canon and Nikon worried about their position in the market.
The A58’s excellent OLED electronic viewfinder provides enough resolution and real-time feedback to take on a more conventional optical viewfinder. At the same time, the translucent mirror and EVF combination give fast auto-focus to both stills and video, as well as 100% scene coverage. On the other hand, the burst shooting mode is disappointingly slower and more limited in buffer size and file format than previous SLT cameras.
Sony a58 FAQs
Is the Sony a58 still a good camera?
Although the Sony a58 is an older camera, depending on the requirements and inclinations of the user, it is still capable of producing excellent results.
What is the picture quality of the Sony Alpha a58?
The Sony Alpha a58 has a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and a BIONZ image processor, contributing to the camera’s typically high-quality picture-taking capabilities.
Is the Sony a58 a mirrorless camera?
The Sony a58 is not a mirrorless camera but a DSLT camera, which stands for “Digital Single Lens Translucent.”
Does Sony a58 have WIFI?
Although the Sony a58 is not equipped with WIFI as a standard feature, it can connect to WIFI by purchasing a separate attachment.
How many fps is the sony a58?
The Sony a58 can record up to 5 frames per second in continuous photography mode.
What is the ISO range of the Sony a58?
The Sony a58 has an ISO range of between 100 and 16,000.
How many pixels is Sony a58?
The APS-C camera found in the Sony a58 has a resolution of 20.1 megapixels.
How do I connect my Sony a58 to my phone?
Utilizing the Sony PlayMemories Mobile application will allow you to link your phone to your Sony a58 camera.
How to use Sony a58?
You can begin learning how to use your Sony a58 by perusing the user instructions and becoming acquainted with the features, controls, and options available on the camera.
How do I use my Sony a58 as a Webcam?
Connecting your Sony a58 to a computer through a USB connection will allow you to use it as a webcam, and software such as Imaging Edge Webcam will be required.
