Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 vs Sony A58: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct APS-C Cameras

When faced with the choice between the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 and the Sony A58, the decision isn’t as straightforward as it might appear from a spec sheet. Both cameras occupy different niches - Ricoh’s GXR is an intriguing, minimalist approach with a fixed 28mm lens, while Sony’s A58 offers a more traditional entry-level DSLR experience with interchangeable lenses. As someone who has tested thousands of cameras over two decades, I’m here to unravel what makes each tick, their practical merits, and who benefits most from each system.

First Impressions and Physical Design: Size Does Matter (Sometimes)

Upon first pick-up, the Ricoh GXR makes an unmistakable impression - small, compact, and rangefinder-esque in its styling. Weighing just 140 grams and with dimensions of roughly 113 x 70 x 56 mm, it feels like a highly pocketable companion for street and travel photography. This minimalist body, however, integrates a fixed 28mm F2.5 lens, meaning you’re committed to that perspective.

Flip to the Sony A58, and you’re holding a proper DSLR-style camera, weighing in at a substantial 492 grams with a bulkier 129 x 95 x 78 mm footprint. Ergonomics favor those who appreciate a solid grip and extensive controls, with nine times the physical volume of the Ricoh - built to accommodate lens swaps and a dedicated viewfinder.

This size and weight disparity inherently divides potential users. The GXR feels more discreet and portable; the A58 is a robust, traditional shooter. For me, the A58’s heft provides stability and a confidence-inspiring feel during extended sessions, especially when paired with heavier telephoto lenses.

The layout also reflects divergent philosophies. Ricoh’s sparse control suite trades tactile immediacy for simplicity, whereas Sony packs more buttons and dials, including a tilt-capable rear 2.7-inch LCD - more on that later.

Sensor and Image Quality: Clarity vs. Resolution, The APS-C Showdown

A critical factor in any camera comparison is the sensor - the core of image quality. Both cameras use APS-C sensors, yet the differences in resolution and tech tell a revealing story.

The Ricoh GXR sports a 12MP APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.6 x 15.7 mm, producing images at a maximum resolution of 4288 x 2848 pixels. On the flip side, the Sony A58 boasts a much higher 20.1MP sensor sized 23.2 x 15.4 mm, delivering 5456 x 3632 pixel images.

In real-world terms, the Sony’s sensor sharpens details and retains greater cropping flexibility - a clear advantage for landscape, wildlife, or sports photographers seeking fine detail and framing options. Ricoh’s "only" 12MP sensor, in contrast, is just about adequate for prints up to A3 size and excels in generating images with lower noise at base ISOs.

Both sensors include an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré but at a slight cost of sharpness. The Ricoh’s sensor is paired with Ricoh’s GR Engine III image processor, known for its efficient noise management and crisp color science, especially skin tones and natural hues - something I value for portraits. The Sony leverages a predecessor to its well-regarded BIONZ processor, attaining respectable color depth (23.3-bit according to DxOMark) and dynamic range (12.5 EV stops), outpacing Ricoh’s older technology.

When not pushed to extreme ISOs, both cameras provide pleasing image quality. But the A58 shines in versatility especially under challenging lighting or where fine detail capture is crucial.

Focusing on Autofocus: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus is the gateway to capturing decisive moments whether in sports, wildlife, or street photography. Here, the contrast between these two cameras is stark.

Ricoh GXR employs a contrast-detection AF system with 5 focus modes including face detection and manual focus. Its fixed 28mm lens-means focusing is a deliberate affair, with no phase-detection points and no AF tracking. Continuous shooting clocks in at 5 fps.

Sony’s A58, in contrast, adopts a hybrid autofocus system utilizing phase-detection with 15 AF points and 3 cross-type sensors. This system shines in AF tracking for moving subjects and can continuously shoot at an appreciable 8 fps - a big plus for sports and wildlife shooters. Face and eye detection are supported as well.

In my tests, Ricoh’s autofocus is reliable in controlled environments but noticeably slower in low-light or fast-motion scenarios. Sony’s SLT (Single Lens Translucent mirror) design with phase detection provides highly accurate tracking and snappy focus acquisition. You’ll feel the difference if you photograph action or unpredictable wildlife often.

Build Quality and Ergonomics: Handling the Real World

Neither camera offers weather sealing - so don’t plan to shoot either in a rainstorm without protections. However, ergonomics differ beyond just size.

The Ricoh sits well in the hand despite its slim profile, with a tactile front grip. Yet, the minimal button layout and absence of customizable dials is a limitation if you crave immediate manual control. The LCD is fixed 3-inch, 920k resolution, bright but non-touch.

Sony’s A58 is chunkier but designed for those who expect an extensive control suite. It features a tilting 2.7-inch 460k-pixel LCD as well as a 1.44M-dot electronic viewfinder that covers 100% of the frame at 0.65x magnification - a delight for manual composition and use in bright light.

The Sony interface is more traditional DSLR style but not intimidating. Though lacking touchscreen, its menus have remained accessible and efficient through my time with various Sony DSLRs.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: One Lens or Many?

Ricoh GXR’s fixed lens design is polarizing. The A12 module’s 28mm F2.5 lens is optically superb, renowned for sharpness and pleasing bokeh considering its focal length. However, it cannot be changed or paired with telephoto or macro options.

Sony’s A58 opens an impressive door - the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount supports over 140 lenses spanning primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics. That’s enormous versatility from budget-friendly kits to top-tier glass.

If you enjoy experimenting with focal lengths and shooting styles - or your passion spans multiple genres - Sony’s system wins hands down. Ricoh’s approach simplifies life, offering consistency and compactness but confines creative latitude.

Battery Life and Storage: Convenience Over Time

Sony’s A58 impresses with a 690-shot USB battery life rating (CIPA standard), meaning you can shoot all day and still have juice. Ricoh is rated for 320 shots, less than half, mainly because of its older battery tech and continuous LCD usage.

Both rely on SD cards (SDHC/SDXC for Sony, SD/SDHC for Ricoh). Sony additionally supports Memory Stick cards - a proprietary legacy holdover - which is nice if you already own those.

Long battery life is an underrated factor for travel or professional users, so Sony pulls ahead here.

Video Capabilities: From Modest to Entertaining

For casual video recording, both cameras offer HD capture, but here Sony carries the torch clearly.

The Ricoh GXR maxes out at 720p at 24 fps in MPEG-4 - serviceable for simple clips but limited in resolution and framerate, with no mic input or advanced features.

Sony’s A58 upgrades to full 1080p HD video at 60i/60p and 24p, with AVCHD and MPEG-4 encoding. It supports an external mic, which is a boon for vloggers wanting cleaner audio.

Neither offers 4K - but the A58’s video toolkit feels more modern and functional for hybrid shooters who want decent video alongside stills.

Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let's traverse the varied landscape of photographic needs and see which camera fits best.

Portrait Photography

Ricoh shines in skin tone reproduction and natural bokeh at f/2.5. The fixed 28mm can be a challenge for traditional portraiture perspective, tending toward environmental portraiture, but the image quality is excellent.

Sony’s 20MP gives more detail for retouching. The autofocus with eye detection tracking pulls focus accurately, even in dim lighting. Interchangeable lenses mean a 50mm or 85mm prime can give that creamy bokeh and flattering compression.

Winner: Sony for classic portraits; Ricoh for candid, environmental portraits.

Landscape Photography

Dynamic range and resolution are critical here. Sony’s 20MP sensor, higher ISO ceiling (up to 16,000 native), and 12.5 stops dynamic range outperform Ricoh’s modest 12MP and ISO max of 3200.

Lens versatility on Sony allows ultra-wide or tilt-shift lenses, enhancing creativity.

Winner: Sony, hands down.

Wildlife Photography

Autofocus tracking, burst frame rate, and telephoto lens compatibility define this genre. Sony’s 15 cross-focus points, 8 fps shooting, and access to long lenses position it as the superior choice.

Ricoh’s AF is too slow and fixed focal length too wide for this.

Winner: Sony.

Sports Photography

Similar to wildlife - fast-moving subjects require fast continuous AF and shooting speed.

Sony delivers 8 fps and accurate AF tracking; Ricoh’s 5 fps and contrast-detect AF limit usability here.

Winner: Sony.

Street Photography

Now here’s where Ricoh’s diminutive size and stealth factor come to life. Its compact form and quiet operation make it less intimidating, facilitating more natural shots.

Sony’s larger DSLR might attract more attention but offers versatility.

Winner: Ricoh.

Macro Photography

Sony’s ability to mount dedicated macro lenses gives it the edge.

Ricoh’s fixed 28mm with no mention of close-focus makes macro difficult.

Winner: Sony.

Night / Astro Photography

High ISO performance and manual exposure flexibility are keys.

Sony’s sensor excels at higher ISO (up to 16,000), offering cleaner images of stars or city lights.

Ricoh is limited to ISO 3200 and noisier images at high ISO.

Winner: Sony.

Video

Sony supports full 1080p with microphone input.

Ricoh maxes at 720p with no audio inputs.

Winner: Sony.

Travel Photography

Here, size, weight, battery life, and versatility mix.

Ricoh’s compact dimensions and rangefinder style help for discrete, long days with minimal gear.

Sony’s longer battery life and lens options offer versatility but at a notable size and weight cost.

Winner: Balanced - Ricoh for minimalists, Sony for those who want options.

Professional Work

For demanding workflows, raw support, reliability, and format flexibility matter.

Sony’s better buffering, higher resolution, and greater lens options cater more efficiently to professional needs.

Ricoh’s fixed lens limits professional applications - though its image quality is very good.

Winner: Sony.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Neither camera dazzles with wireless connectivity - Ricoh has no wireless or Bluetooth; Sony offers Eye-Fi compatibility, a legacy wireless SD card solution allowing some wireless transfer.

Both feature HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, sufficient for basic tethering. Sony’s broader software and lens compatibility help in professional workflows.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Which One Gives More Bang?

Ricoh GXR priced around $566 reflects a niche design philosophy - fixed 28mm compactness and quality at a budget-friendly investment.

Sony A58 at approximately $645, with its greater sensor resolution, AF speed, lens ecosystem, and features, offers more for landscape, sports, and general use photographers.

If budget is tight and you want pure simplicity, Ricoh might appeal. However, for more flexibility and future-proofing, the Sony represents stronger overall value.

Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 screen back Sony A58 front Sony A58 screen back

Checking real-world shots reinforces these contrasts: Ricoh’s images lean toward organic color tuning and minimal distortion; Sony excels in detail retrieval and adaptability to various lighting conditions.

Performance scoring, drawing on autofocus, image quality, ergonomics, and features, places Sony ahead in most categories, particularly action and low light, with Ricoh scoring strongly in portability and simplicity.

This genre-by-genre ranking reiterates Sony’s dominance across sports, wildlife, and landscape, with Ricoh holding its own in street and travel photography niches.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose What?

Here’s the bottom line, filtered through years of field experience and jaded review counters:

• Choose the Ricoh GXR GR Lens A12 28mm F2.5 if you:

  • Crave a compact, stealthy camera for street or travel photography.
  • Prefer a minimalist system that focuses on image quality over versatility.
  • Want excellent JPEG skin tones and color straight out of the camera.
  • Aren’t concerned with video quality or extensive autofocus features.
  • Appreciate fixed focal length discipline.

• Choose the Sony A58 if you:

  • Need a versatile APS-C system with access to hundreds of lenses.
  • Shoot a range of genres including landscapes, portraits, wildlife, and sports.
  • Want better autofocus performance and faster continuous shooting.
  • Film 1080p video with external microphones.
  • Desire longer battery life and a traditional DSLR handling experience.

While both cameras share the APS-C sensor size and solid fundamentals, they differ dramatically in purpose and performance. Ricoh’s GXR is the lean, pure photographer’s tool, while Sony’s A58 is the adaptable workhorse.

Ultimately, the choice boils down to your photography style, priorities, and workflow preferences. Consider your shooting scenarios carefully, and then pick the camera that complements your visual voice - not just the one with the highest megapixel count.

I hope this detailed comparison guides your decision confidently. Take these cameras for a hands-on spin if you can - you’ll quickly feel which suits your rhythm better.

Happy shooting!