Sony Alpha SLT-A58

    68
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    Highlights

    • 20.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 16,000 Native ISO
    • 15 Focus Points (15 Cross-type)
    • Image Stabilization
    • 2.7" 460k dot Tilting Screen
    • 1,440k dot Electronic Viewfinder
    • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
    • 30 min Video Recording Limit
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 was announced in 2013 and is an APS-C (23.2 x 15.4 mm) SLT camera with 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 16,000 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. The camera has a Tilting 2.7" screen with 460k dot resolution and built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,440k dot resolution. It has a built-in Sensor Shift in body image stabilization.

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 can capture video up to 1920 x 1080 resolution.


    Here is the Sony Alpha SLT series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Sony Alpha SLT series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A99 II September
    2016
    42.4 MP
    Full Frame
    100 - 25,600 Articulated 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A68 November
    2015
    24.2 MP
    APS-C
    100 - 25,600 Tilting 2.7"
    461k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A77 II May
    2014
    24.3 MP
    APS-C
    50 - 25,600 Articulated 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A58 November
    2013
    20.1 MP
    APS-C
    100 - 16,000 Tilting 2.7"
    460k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A99 December
    2012
    24.3 MP
    Full Frame
    100 - 25,600 Articulated 3.0"
    1,229k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A57 September
    2012
    16.1 MP
    APS-C
    100 - 16,000 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A37 May
    2012
    16.1 MP
    APS-C
    100 - 25,600 Tilting 2.6"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A65 November
    2011
    24.3 MP
    APS-C
    100 - 12,800 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A77 October
    2011
    24.3 MP
    APS-C
    50 - 16,000 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A35 September
    2011
    16.2 MP
    APS-C
    100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A33 August
    2010
    14.2 MP
    APS-C
    100 - 12,800 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Sony SLT-A55 August
    2010
    16.2 MP
    APS-C
    100 - 12,800 Articulated 3.0"
    921k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Sony Alpha SLT-A99 II vs Alpha SLT-A68 vs Alpha SLT-A77 II vs Alpha SLT-A58 vs Alpha SLT-A99 vs Alpha SLT-A57.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha SLT-A58.

    PROS

    •   Video Capture
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Built-in Flash
    •   HDMI Output
    •   Light - 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz)

    CONS

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Focus Points
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 2.7"
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 74
    •   Battery Life - 690 shots

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Sony Alpha SLT-A58 to its predecessor Alpha SLT-A57 and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Sony Alpha SLT-A58 vs Sony Alpha SLT-A57
    Higher Sensor Resolution 20.1 Megapixel vs 16.1 Megapixel
    Max Image Resolution 5456 x 3632 vs 4912 x 3264
    Lighter 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz) vs 618 g (1.36 lb / 21.80 oz)
    Longer Battery Life 690 shots vs 550 shots
    DOWNGRADES Sony Alpha SLT-A58 vs Sony Alpha SLT-A57
    Screen Type Tilting vs Fully Articulated
    Smaller Screen 2.7" vs 3.0"
    Lower Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 921k dot
    Lower Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.65x vs 0.69x
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 8.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Lower DxO Low Light ISO 753 vs 785
    Lower DxO Color Depth 23.3 vs 23.4
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 12.5 vs 13.0
    Lower DxO Overall Score 74 vs 75

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Sony Alpha SLT-A58 vs Alpha SLT-A57.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Tilting screen

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has a 2.7" Tilting screen with 460k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards. Tilting screen makes this camera very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 with Tilting screen


    Electronic Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,440k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage and 0.97x (0.65x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 features a 20.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.2 x 15.4 mm and a total area of 357.3 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 16,000 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Sony Alpha SLT-A58's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.2 x 15.4 mm357.3 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera can take pictures up to 5456 x 3632 resolution.


    Lens Mount

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has Sony A lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha SLT-A58.

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input and HDMI Output

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. There is a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


    Battery

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 690 shots.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58's shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps.


    Flash

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has dimensions of 129 x 95 x 78 mm (5.08 x 3.74 x 3.07"). It weighs 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz), so it is a lightweight camera.

    129 mm (5.08")

    95 mm (3.74")

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    95 mm (3.74")

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    78 mm (3.07")

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    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 dimensions

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Sony Alpha SLT-A58 is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    70

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 gets a score of 70 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    GOOD
    71

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 gets a score of 71 and is GOOD choice for Sports photography.

    •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Battery Life - 690 shots

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    64

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 gets a score of 64 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Battery Life - 690 shots

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    80

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 gets a score of 80 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 2.7"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    83

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 gets a score of 83 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    81

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 gets a score of 81 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz)
    •   Battery Life - 690 shots

    Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Evaluation

    We evaluate Sony Alpha SLT-A58 and give score of 68 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    68

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    68

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A58 a score of 68 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 74

    Photo

    GOOD
    72

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A58 a score of 72 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

    Video

    POOR
    45

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A58 a score of 45 for Video parameters.

    •   Image Stabilization
    •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
    •   Low Video Recording Limit

    Focusing

    GOOD
    73

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A58 a score of 73 for Focusing parameters.

    •   15 Focus Points
    •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
    •   Face Detection
    •   Live View Autofocus

    Screen and Viewfinder

    GOOD
    70

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A58 a score of 70 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Tilting Screen
    •   Screen Size - 2.7"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
    •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot

    Connectivity

    GOOD
    78

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A58 a score of 78 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   HDMI Output
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    45

    We give Sony Alpha SLT-A58 a score of 45 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Light - 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz)
    •   Battery Life - 690 shots


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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