I am a beginner in photography but have occupied myself intensively with the matter and with the usual models for beginners. Ultimately, I decided for the Sony Alpha 58. Since kit lenses do not enjoy good reputation in the rule (as well as the A58), I bought the Tamron 17-50 additionally. One was already told in advance: I've been buying the Sony Alpha until today (the date of purchase: March 2014) 58 no regrets, but am quite the opposite absolutely thrilled.
The Sony technology
In the Alpha 58 is not a "normal" lens reflex camera (DSLR shortly) but a proprietary Sony technology - DSLT (... single lense banner). Here, the mirror does not flip to the light to direct the sensor as opposed to DSLR. If Sony is the mirror, as the name already suggests, translucent. A folding over is therefore not necessary. All who are interested in more detail on the technology made at this point on the Internet. Furthermore, Sony is typical that, is unlike many Mitbewerben, the optical image stabilizer in the camera body and not in the lens. To follow all the lenses are stabilized.
Viewfinder
In addition, the Alpha 58 has no optical, but an electronic viewfinder. Viewfinder? This is the "peephole" through which you look, if you would like a photo shoot. In my eyes this is a big advantage. You see a picture which is deflected over optics, mirrors, etc. in the viewfinder ... instead you see the actual digital photo, which "is" in the moment on the sensor. Here you have a full coverage of 100 percent. This means that you actually see everything that can be seen later in the photo. In many optical viewfinders, however, the cover is usually below 100% which means that you can not see the complete picture in the viewfinder can lead to problems (can by a little practice, however, be avoided). Another advantage of the electronic viewfinder: You have all the information through the viewfinder. So while you lay yourselves the subject in the viewfinder deal you have full overview of shutter speed, aperture, histogram and much. It is not necessary if necessary again to look at the display to check settings. Now, if you want to adjust something can easily navigate your "in" viewfinder image through the menus and make the desired settings. That's just great, I tell you!
Image Quality
The image quality, which are can be personalized with the kit lens, achieve at moderate light situations very well. Will there but increasingly dark reveal slight weaknesses of the kit lens. Here, the additionally acquired Tamrom comes into play. However, this is not the subject of the review. In brief: The image quality of the A58 + kit lens is very good. Even with a high ISO sensitivity Low noise performance can be seen. At this point I would also like to come to speak to the autofocus. This has 15 fields, three of which are cross-type sensors. By SLT technology increased speed results as compared to SLR models when tracking AF. This is particularly useful when creating movies. In an extra mode can be (can be selected via the Menu) to astounding 8 frames per second record. In this mode, however, no further settings are configurable. In the normal mode, however, 3 frames per second are possible.
Display
The somewhat small guessed display the A58 is sufficient for the initial evaluation of the photos taken. However, the display is the biggest criticism of the camera. This might have liked to be a little bigger. Less disturbing, but also not optimal, the resolution of the same. However, one should always keep in mind that this is an entry-level model. Commendable, however, is the ability to swivel the display (not sideways). Thus can be created from the top on a subject or to take pictures directly from the ground and conveniently photos.
Software / Operating System
The menu of the camera is in my opinion very user-friendly. An adjusted via the dial mode is indicated on the monitor with a small accompanying text. Here the user is shown what the selected mode is provided which settings manually and which are made automatically.
Furthermore, the camera has a detailed manual, which can be selected via the navigation cross the camera. There tips on various scenes and how to get these best counter to obtain an optimal photo. Of course, just photos are created in one of the two automatic modes - when it has to be fast times.
Summary and Conclusion
At this point I would like to take this opportunity once again the positive and negative aspects that I have noticed over the years at the Sony Alpha 58 list.
Positive noticed is me ...
Excellent price / performance ratio
Good ergonomics thanks shaped handle
Advantages of the high-resolution electronic viewfinder
Very intuitive menu guidance
Very beginner-friendly thanks to the help texts
Useful scene modes
Comparatively faster autofocus
Full HD video recording in 1080i
Connecting an external microphone possible (uncommon in the class)
Compatible with 256 GB memory cards
Very good image quality
Swivel Display
Good workmanship
Fast access to key functions thanks FN key
Very fast continuous shooting
About the App "RCCDroid (Pro)" the camera can be controlled remotely
The one negative I ...
Something small geratenes display
Bayonet not of metal
Continuous shooting not at full resolution
Low resolution of the display (not the viewfinder!)
No reprogramming of key assignments possible
Thus I come to the following conclusion:
The Sony Alpha 58 is an entry-level camera, which can also play in the field of advanced without difficulty. It delivers superb picture quality at an unbeatable price. Here only something small side monitor and its resolution (slightly) negative fall on. This goes however quite fast and you get used to it. Compared to entry-level competitors from Nikon and Canon, the Sony has the nose clear front! It is the digital DSLR or DSLT for beginners and advanced. Recommended is a small cash buffer for an extra lens and possibly a case for the safe transportation.
Absolute buy recommendation!
