Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Pro Reviews

The Sony Alpha 58 (SLT-A58K) offers an upgraded OLED EVF and kit lens, but it isn't the top D-SLR in Sony's lineup.

It's a challenge to weigh the pros and cons of the Sony A58, but we think the advances in image quality make the camera a true step-up from the A57 rather than a compromise between it and the A37. Even our field reviewer, who owns an A57 himself, was eager to make the switch! Not only that, we think the A58 produces arguably the best photos across the board -- including in low light, high ISO situations -- of any entry-level DSLR we've tested to date. With the A58, Sony has once again served notice to Canon and Nikon that it's a force to be reckoned with in the DSLR arena. If that doesn't make the camera a Dave's Pick, then we don't know what does.

In a tough sector, having a unique selling point is key, and that's what has made Sony's SLT stand out from the crowd. But with the Sony A58, its advantages have been diluted considerably. While the AF is solid, the burst rate to back this up and make it a natural choice for action photographers over its rivals has all but disappeared. 5fps at full resolution doesn't even make it the best in class – you're better of with the Pentax K-30, that can not only shoot at 6fps, but can sustain that rate for 47 frames. The Tele zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode at 8fps might be handy now and again, the reduced resolution and JPEG-only shooting won't be for everyone. The increased resolution to 20.1MP sees the Sony A58 resolving greater levels of detail than its siblings, but its compromised at high ISOs, with results just not as useable as its closest rivals. When you factor in the smaller screen and the skimping on a metal lens mount, the A58 seems a step back from the A57 it replaces, but at the same time, it's also an improvement on the A37 that it also replaces. The Sony A58 seems to be a muddied compromise between the two cameras it replaces, but it just doesn't do enough to excel in any one area, and with such stiff competition in the shape of the Canon EOS 650D, Nikon D3200 and Pentax K-30, it's hard to recommend the A58 above them.

The new Sony A58 offers most of its predecessor's design, features and performance at an aggressive price-point, which can only be good news for us consumers. Look under the hood and you do find a few corners have been cut to keep the cost down, but all things considered, this is simply a very good interchangeable lens camera at a very attractive price.

The screen on the A57 was a very nice 3inch screen with 921k dots, and it's a shame to see a smaller, lower resolution screen on the A58. However, with a low introduction price of roughly £440 with 18-55mm kit lens, the A58 feels more like a replacement for the A37 rather than a replacement for the A57, with those looking for a more advanced camera better off looking at the Sony Alpha A65. For those looking for a Digital SLR with a high resolution sensor, and good continuous shooting speed, at an entry level price, this is perhaps one of the better models, with quick focus and continuous shooting at 5fps, at the full 20 megapixel resolution. Battery life is also impressive offering up to 700 shots, with the info-lithium battery keeping you informed as to exactly how much is left. The Sony Alpha A58 is not the smallest or lightest Digital SLR, with the A37, D3200 (just), 100D, and K-30 smaller, however it does give a good size hand grip and feels small enough and light enough for anyone looking for a reasonably compact and portable SLR. If you want a smaller model then the small size of mirrorless lenses and cameras would make the Panasonic Lumix G5 or newer G6 a more compact package. Despite an increase in resolution over the Sony Alpha A37, noise is well controlled with decent results at ISO3200 and even ISO6400. Rather than seeing this as a downgraded A57, the A58 is more of an upgraded A37, and offers improved detail in images and excellent value for money. If you shoot with Sony lenses, and want to upgrade your body for better image quality then the Sony Alpha A58 is highly recommended.

Less unusual than previous SLT cameras but still a strong contender on all fronts, particularly for value