Samsung EX2F vs Sony A58: A Thorough Comparative Review for Enthusiasts and Professionals

When diving into the world of photography gear, choosing the right camera hinges on numerous factors - from sensor technology and image quality to ergonomics, autofocus prowess, and lens ecosystems. Today, we’re placing two intriguing mid-tier cameras side-by-side: the Samsung EX2F, a small-sensor compact from late 2012, and the Sony A58, an entry-level DSLR launched nearly a year later. While these cameras cater to somewhat different segments, an informed choice requires understanding their capabilities in depth, especially for enthusiasts and professionals weighing portability against performance.

Drawing from my extensive hands-on testing of hundreds of cameras over the years, I’ll guide you through the nuanced strengths and shortcomings of both models, dissecting technical specs and real-world application across all photographic disciplines. By the end, you’ll see clearly which camera aligns best with your creative vision and workflow.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

If you’re like me, the feel of a camera in hand often sets the tone for the entire photographic experience. The Samsung EX2F is a compact, pocketable marvel, while the Sony A58 steps into the bulkier mirrorless/DSLR territory.

The EX2F, weighing in at a mere 294 grams and measuring just 112×62×29mm, is clearly designed for travel and casual shoots where discretion and lightness count. The compact design, paired with a fully-articulated 3-inch AMOLED screen, lends itself to spontaneous shooting angles and selfie-friendliness.

Compare that to the A58’s more substantial 492 grams and chunkier dimensions (129×95×78mm), built around a traditional DSLR form factor with a comfortable grip and substantial presence. The increased heft often translates to better stability during shooting, especially with longer lenses or slower shutter speeds - a factor landscape and wildlife shooters frequently appreciate.

Ergonomically, the A58 offers more extensive direct controls, strategically laid out for quick access, whereas the EX2F’s minimal button array trades off tactile control for simplicity. This is evident at the top view, where the DSLR’s command dials and buttons vastly outnumber the compact’s streamlined interface.

In summary, the Samsung EX2F focuses on portability and simplicity, ideal for shooters who prize convenience. The Sony A58 is aimed more at users wanting tactile control and DSLR-like handling, at the cost of increased size and weight.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The sensor has a pivotal role in determining image quality, low-light capability, and dynamic range. Here, the Sony A58 sports a substantial APS-C CMOS sensor (23.2 x 15.4mm), while the EX2F relies on a much smaller 1/1.7” BSI-CMOS sensor (7.44 x 5.58mm).

This nearly 8.4x larger area on the Sony translates directly to superior light-gathering capability, influencing noise performance, dynamic range, and detail retention. The respective sensor resolutions (20MP on the A58 vs. 12MP on the EX2F) further enhance the DSLR's potential for cropping flexibility and large prints.

To validate this, I analyzed real-world files through DxO Mark benchmarks - widely regarded as industry standards. The Sony A58 scores an impressive 74 points overall, with a color depth of 23.3 bits, dynamic range of 12.5 EV, and low light ISO performance rating around 753, enabling cleaner images in dim conditions.

The EX2F's smaller sensor earns a more modest 48-point score, with color depth at 20 bits, dynamic range at 11.5 EV, and a low light ISO rating of 209. Practically, this means you’ll observe higher noise levels and less tonal gradation, especially above ISO 800.

When shooting landscapes or scenes with high contrast, the Sony’s wider dynamic range will preserve details in highlights and shadows more effectively. Meanwhile, the EX2F might occasionally struggle, leading to clipped highlights or muddy shadows under challenging lighting.

Display and User Interface: Framing and Playback Ease

Both cameras feature articulating LCDs, but the technology and resolution differ.

The Samsung EX2F's 3-inch AMOLED screen is vibrant and excellent for previewing images even in bright conditions, contributing nicely to its travel/compact appeal. Unfortunately, its resolution is unspecified and tends to suffer from moderate pixelation, which can be frustrating during manual focusing or critical review.

The Sony A58 offers a 2.7-inch tilting LCD with 460k-dot resolution - less vivid but perfectly adequate for framing and image evaluation in most circumstances. Crucially, the A58’s 100% coverage electronic viewfinder with a 1440k-dot resolution vastly outperforms the EX2F, which lacks a built-in EVF, instead offering an optional electronic viewfinder attachment only.

This makes a definitive difference for users habituated to composing via a viewfinder, especially in bright sun when the rear screen can reflect too much ambient light.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

AF performance can make or break certain photographic genres, from sports to wildlife.

The Sony A58 employs a hybrid autofocus system combining phase detection (15 points with 3 cross-type) and contrast detection, enabling real-time subject tracking, face detection, and continuous autofocus during bursts. This system is versatile and quick to lock focus on moving subjects, a legacy of Sony’s SLT series with the semi-transparent mirror technology.

Conversely, the Samsung EX2F relies on contrast-detection AF only, with no phase detection and no real-time AF tracking features. It lacks face or eye detection capabilities and provides no continuous AF during high-speed shooting.

In practical field tests - such as capturing birds in flight or fast-moving sports scenes - the A58’s AF performance showed significant superiority with quick focus acquisition and reliable tracking. The EX2F, by contrast, is better suited for static subjects or casual street photography where the pace is more measured.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Action Ready?

If you shoot sports or wildlife, frames per second (fps) and buffer capacity are key considerations.

The Sony A58 impresses with an 8.0 fps continuous shooting rate, allowing photographers to capture decisive moments with ease. This high-speed burst, combined with excellent AF tracking, places the A58 firmly in the action enthusiast’s toolkit.

The Samsung EX2F does not emphasize continuous shooting, with no official burst mode speed specified, reflecting its compact category focus where speed is less critical.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Performance

The lens system is a critical factor in professional-level work and creative versatility.

The Sony A58’s Sony/Minolta Alpha mount opens access to an extensive native lens catalogue - over 143 lenses as of now - ranging from affordable primes to pro-grade telephotos and fast apertures covering wide to super-telephoto ranges. Third-party manufacturers also support the mount extensively.

The Samsung EX2F, by design, features a fixed 24-80mm (equivalent) zoom lens with an impressively fast aperture range of f/1.4–2.7. This bright lens is excellent for low-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field effects, uncommon in compacts. However, the zoom range is limited, and there's no ability to swap lenses, limiting creative flexibility beyond the built-in optics.

Practical Image and Sample Gallery

Enough with specs - how do these cameras produce images in typical shooting scenarios? I tested both cameras in identical conditions, from portraits to landscapes.

Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back Sony A58 front Sony A58 screen back

Notice the vibrant, smooth bokeh produced by the EX2F’s bright lens in portrait shots, creating beautifully smooth skin tones and eye separation - though the smaller sensor does limit depth-of-field control compared to full-frame standards.

Conversely, the A58’s larger sensor and higher resolution deliver sharper details in landscapes, with superior highlight retention and more refined rendering of textures such as leaves and rocks.

Low light images show stark contrast: the A58 maintains lower noise and clearer details at ISO 1600+ compared to the grainier and less detailed output from the EX2F.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

Different photography genres impose unique demands; here’s a distilled evaluation.

• Portraits: EX2F’s bright lens excels in creating creamy bokeh and natural skin tones, but limited resolution and dynamic range constrain final quality. Sony A58’s sensor and lens options yield sharper results with nuanced tonality.

• Landscape: Sony A58 dominates given dynamic range, resolution, and weather sealing (note: neither camera is officially weather-sealed, but the DSLR’s build is more robust).

• Wildlife: A58’s fast AF and 8 fps burst put it in the lead; EX2F struggles with focus speed and zoom reach.

• Sports: A58 again leads with tracking accuracy and frame rate.

• Street Photography: EX2F’s compact size and discretion give it a slight edge for candid shooting.

• Macro: Neither camera specializes here, but A58 benefits from interchangeable macro lenses and better focusing options.

• Night/Astro: A58’s low light performance and longer exposures are preferable.

• Video: Both offer Full HD 1080p, but A58 supports external microphone input, beneficial for higher-quality recordings.

• Travel: EX2F is lighter and more portable; A58 is more versatile but bulkier.

• Professional Use: A58’s raw mode, broad lens ecosystem, and robust file handling tilt the balance.

Durability, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Build quality differences are subtle but notable.

Both lack official weather sealing, but the A58’s more substantial DSLR frame generally withstands more rugged use.

The A58 boasts an impressive battery life rated around 690 shots per charge, ideal for long outings. The EX2F omits official battery life specs, but typical compacts of its class usually yield fewer frames per charge.

On connectivity, both have HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, but only the EX2F has built-in wireless (albeit basic and not Bluetooth or NFC enabled). The A58 supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfers, facilitating faster workflows.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings

To end on a consolidated note, here’s how the cameras stack up overall.

• Samsung EX2F: Score 48/100 - excellent portability and a bright lens but limited by sensor and AF.

• Sony A58: Score 74/100 - stronger all-rounder, superior sensor, AF, and lens lineup.

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

• Choose the Samsung EX2F if:

  • Portability and pocketability are key priorities.
  • You often shoot portraits or casual travel scenes under good lighting.
  • You appreciate a fast fixed lens and simplified controls.
  • Video is a secondary consideration.
  • Budget constraints lean towards a compact alternative.

• Choose the Sony A58 if:

  • You require sharp image quality with high resolution.
  • You shoot action, wildlife, or sports requiring fast AF and bursts.
  • You desire access to a broad and affordable lens system.
  • Low light shooting and dynamic range are important.
  • You want professional workflow compatibility and manual control depth.

Final Thoughts: Past-Present Perspective and Value Considerations

Since these cameras hail from the early 2010s, they both represent strong value propositions depending on user needs but show their age compared to newer cameras with advanced hybrid AF systems, 4K video, and improved sensor tech.

In my experience, the Sony A58 remains a relevant choice for entry-level DSLR users who want solid image quality and versatility at a moderate price. Meanwhile, the Samsung EX2F’s niche compact design and fast lens retain appeal for travelers and portrait enthusiasts who prize size and simplicity over blistering performance.

Armed with these insights and having scrutinized every pixel and feature, I trust you can better navigate the trade-offs and confidently select the camera that complements your workflow and creative ambitions.

Happy shooting - and remember, the best camera is the one that gets you inspired!