Sony SLT Alpha 58
Sony · DSLR · 20.1 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | SLT Alpha 58 |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2013 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 20, 2013 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 129 x 95 x 78 mm |
| Camera weight | 492 g |
Optics63/100 | |
About the OpticsSony SLT Alpha 58 Overview and OpticsThe Sony SLT Alpha 58 receives a score of 63/100 for its optics. With 20.1 megapixels, a shooting speed of 5 frames per second, and a CMOS sensor, this camera provides satisfactory image quality. The Bionz processor and a DXOMARK sensor score of 74 contribute to its performance. The camera features an APS-C sensor size, Sony Alpha DT lens mount, image stabilization, and a 3:2 aspect ratio. In the current market, the Alpha 58’s specifications are considered average. Many newer cameras offer higher megapixels, faster shooting speeds, and improved sensor technology. However, the Alpha 58 still holds its ground as a reliable option for those seeking a camera with decent performance and image quality. The Sony SLT Alpha 58 is not the most advanced camera available, but its optics score and features make it a suitable choice for photographers who value simplicity and reliability over cutting-edge technology. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20.1 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 5456 x 3632 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony Alpha DT |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 160003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 160003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 150300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 144000009900000 |
Video43/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony SLT Alpha 58 has a video score of 43 out of 100. Its maximum video resolution is Full HD, with dimensions of 1920 x 1080. The camera supports a maximum video frame rate of 24fps. However, it does not have built-in time-lapse functionality. Compared to the current market, the Alpha 58’s video capabilities are not exceptional. Many modern cameras offer 4K resolution and higher frame rates, providing smoother video quality. The lack of time-lapse functionality also limits the creative options for users. The Sony SLT Alpha 58’s video capabilities are satisfactory for casual use, but may not meet the demands of professional videographers or enthusiasts seeking advanced features. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 24 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. | No |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | AVCHD, MP4 |
Features34/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony SLT Alpha 58 receives a feature score of 34/100. With a screen size of 2.7 inches and a resolution of 460,000 dots, it may not impress users accustomed to larger, high-resolution screens. The camera lacks a touchscreen, which is now a common feature in modern cameras. However, it does come with a flip screen, providing flexibility for various shooting angles. Missing contemporary features such as GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth, the Alpha 58 struggles to compete in today’s market. These omissions limit its connectivity and convenience, making it less appealing to potential buyers. Taking these factors into account, the Sony SLT Alpha 58 falls short in delivering the desired features found in current camera models. Its limitations in screen size, resolution, and connectivity options hinder its competitiveness and overall appeal. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | No |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 2.7" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 4600001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery32/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony SLT Alpha 58 receives a storage and battery score of 32/100. It has only one memory card slot, which is compatible with SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, as well as Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards. The camera’s battery life offers 690 shots per charge, using the NP-FM500H battery type. However, it does not support USB charging. Compared to current market standards, the Alpha 58’s storage and battery specifications are not exceptional. Having a single memory card slot and no USB charging limits its functionality for demanding users. The 690-shot battery life is decent but not outstanding. The camera’s storage and battery capabilities may suffice for casual photographers, but professionals might seek more advanced options. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FM500H |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 690 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |