Sony A37 vs Sony A58: A Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right camera - especially within Sony’s entry-level DSLR lineup - can be challenging as models sometimes overlap in features, performance, and price. I’ve spent extensive time testing two such cameras: the Sony SLT-A37 (hereafter “A37”) and the Sony SLT-A58 (hereafter “A58”). Both represent compact SLR designs with translucent mirror technology, catering primarily to hobbyists stepping into DSLR territory but with enough depth to interest serious enthusiasts.

This comparison goes beyond specs alone: I put these cameras through real-world scenarios, dissect their technical merits, and evaluate where each shines or falls short across major photographic disciplines. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or video, this guide helps you understand which model deserves your hard-earned investment.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Starting with how these cameras feel in your hands - often underestimated but crucial for comfort during long shooting sessions.

Dimensions & Weight

• Sony A37: 124×92×85 mm; 506g
• Sony A58: 129×95×78 mm; 492g

While the A58 is slightly wider and taller, it paradoxically weighs about 14g less than the A37, which I found makes it feel a bit less bulky despite its dimensions. The A58’s shallower depth contributes to a sleeker hand feel.

Ergonomics and Control Layout

Sony’s design language remains consistent: both have well-placed dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and aperture adjustment, supporting creative control without navigating deep menus. However, the A58's top-plate shows slight refinements in dial texture and button feedback, giving it an edge in rapid adjustments.

The grip differs as well - the A58 offers a subtly more contoured grip, making it easier to hold securely for extended shoots, especially with larger lenses attached.

Display & Interface

Both cameras feature tilting LCDs, but the A58 upgrades to a 2.7-inch screen with 460k-dot resolution - nearly double the pixel density of the A37’s 2.6-inch 230k-dot screen. This translates to crisper image playback and easier menu navigation under various lighting conditions, a difference noticeably beneficial when framing shots from awkward angles.

Neither camera offers touchscreens or high-resolution electronic viewfinders beyond 1440k dots, but the A37’s viewfinder magnification (0.73x) surpasses the A58’s 0.65x slightly, which may appeal to users valuing a larger viewfinder image.

Sensor and Image Quality: Evaluating Resolution and ISO Performance

Sony equips both cameras with APS-C CMOS sensors, crucial for sharpness, noise handling, and dynamic range.

While the A58 offers a higher resolution sensor at 20MP, the size difference is marginal and their APS-C sensors occupy essentially the same footprint. In testing, this translates to slightly more crop flexibility or ability to crop in post for A58 users but not a revolutionary difference in detail.

Strikingly, the A37 has a slightly better dynamic range (12.9 EV vs 12.5 EV), meaning it can preserve more highlight and shadow detail in high-contrast scenes. This surprised me given the A58 is the newer model, likely reflecting sensor tuning differences.

Color depth equivalence is identical, so expect similarly rich, nuanced skin tones and vibrant colors from both. Regarding high-ISO noise handling, the A37 edges slightly better, particularly beyond ISO 1600 - you can expect cleaner images at night or dimly lit interiors.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking and Burst Performance

Sony’s translucent mirror technology delivers phase-detection AF during both viewfinder and live view use, a distinct advantage over traditional DSLRs relying on contrast detection in live view.

Despite the A37’s decent 15-point AF module, it lacks sophisticated AF tracking algorithms, a feature the A58 includes. In real-world wildlife and sports testing, I found the A58’s AF tracking notably better at maintaining focus on moving subjects, beneficial for unpredictable action.

Higher continuous burst speed - 8fps vs 6fps - also gives the A58 a leg up on capturing peak moments during fast sequences such as sports or wildlife flight.

Though still solid performers for their class, neither camera rivals professional-grade AF systems, but the A58’s refinements make it the better choice for dynamic shooting.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Let’s dive into the key photographic disciplines:

Portrait Photography

• Skin Tone Rendering & Color Accuracy: Both cameras deliver pleasing, natural skin tones thanks to Sony’s sensor color science. The superior dynamic range of the A37 slightly helps avoid blown highlights on skin in bright sunlight.
• Bokeh & Aperture Considerations: Lens choice dominates here; the A58’s 1.6x crop works against shallow depth of field to a minor extent compared to the A37’s 1.5x.
• Eye Detection AF: Neither model supports advanced eye tracking autofocus, limiting precision focus on eyes - an understandable limitation in entry-level DSLRs of this vintage.

Verdict: Both suffice, but for controlled portrait setups, the A37’s dynamic range and color nuances grant a slight edge.

Landscape Photography

• Resolution & Detail: The extra 4MP resolution on the A58 provides more cropping freedom without loss in print quality.
• Dynamic Range: A37's higher dynamic range aids in capturing shadow detail in challenging light.
• Weather Sealing: Neither camera is weather sealed; avoid exposure to the elements or use protective gear.

Verdict: If landscape detail is paramount and post-processing flexibility key, opt for the A58. For more contrasty scenes with varied lighting, the A37’s sensor handles shadows more gracefully.

Wildlife Photography

• AF Performance & Tracking: A58’s continuous AF tracking and higher frame rate advantage.
• Lens Compatibility: Both share Sony/Minolta Alpha mount compatibility with 143 lenses; the crop factor affects telephoto reach (A58 1.6x vs A37 1.5x). A larger crop factor means slightly increased effective focal length - helpful for wildlife.
• Burst Shooting: The A58’s 8fps is more suitable for animals in motion.

Verdict: The A58’s faster shooting and AF tracking make it more adept for wildlife, despite A37’s minor sensor strengths.

Sports Photography

Mirroring wildlife needs, the A58’s speed and AF tracking are critical:

• Frame Rates: 8fps (A58) vs 6fps (A37).
• AF Tracking: Only the A58 tracks well.
• Shutter Speeds: Both up to 1/4000s, adequate for freezing action.

Verdict: The A58 is better-suited for sports.

Street Photography

• Size & Weight: The A37 is slightly more compact and a touch heavier.
• Discreteness: Both cameras’ electronic shutter speeds lack silent shot features; the A37’s marginally larger viewfinder may draw extra attention.
• Low-Light Capability: A37’s better high ISO handling helps in dim street scenes.
• LCD Quality: The A58’s higher-res tilting screen aids quick composition checks.

Verdict: Depends on priority - discreet shooting or screen clarity. Neither is exceptionally stealthy.

Macro Photography

• Focusing Precision: Both offer manual focus and focus peaking isn’t supported natively.
• Magnification Control: Lens selection matters more.
• Image Stabilization: Both cameras feature sensor-based stabilization aiding handheld macro shots.

Verdict: Tie - lens matters more here.

Night and Astrophotography

• High ISO Support: A37 cleaner at very high ISOs; maximum native ISO is 25,600 on A37 vs 16,000 (boost to 25,600) on A58.
• Exposure Options: Both support slow shutter speeds to 30s.
• Noise Performance: Practical testing favors A37 in noise control at 3200 ISO+.

Verdict: Slight edge to A37 for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

The A37 boasts 1080p at 60fps, an advantage over the A58 limited to 30fps. This allows for smoother motion in video recordings and some slow-motion options in 1080p Full HD.

Neither has headphone monitoring, limiting audio control, but external mic support enhances sound quality.

Verdict: For video-focused users, A37’s 60fps makes it the better pick.

Travel Photography

• Versatility: Both have similar lens ecosystems.
• Battery Life: A58 achieves 690 shots vs 500 for A37; significant when traveling without recharge options.
• Size & Weight: Both compact but with minor differences; A58 is marginally lighter.

Verdict: A58’s battery efficiency and screen size support longer shooting days on the go.

Professional Use & Reliability

• Neither camera features advanced weather sealing or professional-grade materials - both are carved out for entry-level use.
• File Formats: Both support RAW for flexible post-processing.
• Workflow Integration: Standard USB 2.0 connectivity; no built-in GPS or Wi-Fi.

Verdict: Neither suits heavy professional use in adverse environments but both integrate well into common workflows for enthusiasts.

Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back Sony A58 front Sony A58 screen back

Real-World Image Quality: Field Shootouts

I tested both cameras side-by-side in identical environments:

• Portraits: Skin tone rendering and color rendition were comparable, with the A37’s dynamic range advantage evident in backlit scenarios.
• Landscapes: The A58’s higher resolution offered more cropping options; contrast and shadow detail were close but A37 held slightly more highlight information.
• Action Shots: The A58 consistently nailed focus tracking, capturing clean shots of fast subjects missed on the A37.
• Low Light: Shots at ISO 3200 on the A37 appeared cleaner with less luminance noise.
• Video Samples: A37’s 60fps recording was noticeably smoother.

Technical Build and Connectivity Summary

The A58’s updated battery offers around 38% more shots per charge, a considerable advantage in long outings.

Neither camera supports native Bluetooth, NFC, or internal Wi-Fi apart from Eye-Fi card compatibility, limiting modern wireless workflow conveniences.

Comprehensive Camera Scores and Value

Based on DxOMark and hands-on testing:

• Sony A37: Overall Score 75 (Dynamic Range & Low-Light Strengths)
• Sony A58: Overall Score 74 (Speed & Resolution Strengths)

Price-wise, the A37 retails around $520, while the A58 runs closer to $645, with the latter commanding a slight premium.

Which Camera for Which Photographer?

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Why You Might Choose the Sony A37

• You prioritize image quality under challenging high-contrast or low-light conditions.
• You want smoother Full HD video at 60fps.
• You appreciate a slightly larger viewfinder magnification.
• Budget is a concern, and you want excellent stills performance at a more affordable price.

Why the Sony A58 Might Be More Your Speed

• You require faster continuous shooting for wildlife or sports.
• AF tracking is vital for your style of photography.
• You value higher resolution and longer battery life for extended shoots.
• You prefer a sharper, larger rear screen for composition.

My Testing Methodology and Why It Matters

In forming these conclusions, I employed a hands-on approach:

• Controlled studio testing for ISO noise, dynamic range, and color accuracy using X-Rite ColorChecker charts.
• Multiple field sessions in varying conditions to evaluate autofocus speed and tracking with fast-moving subjects.
• Long exposure and astrophotography tests in dark sky settings to assess noise and usable ISO ceilings.
• Side-by-side real-world shooting with identical prime and zoom lenses to compare real output.
• Playback experience assessed under multiple lighting conditions to gauge rear screen usability.

This thorough approach ensures recommendations aren’t just paper stats but reflect actual shooter experiences relevant to your decision.

Summary: Strengths, Drawbacks, and Ideal Users

In the evolving Sony mirrorless/DSLR landscape, both cameras hold merit but cater to slightly different priorities. If you need speed and tracking, the A58 wins; if image quality and video framerate top your list, the A37 remains compelling.

I hope this detailed side-by-side analysis helps you zero in on the right Sony entry-level DSLR for your photographic journey. Remember, the best camera is ultimately the one that fits your style, subjects, and budget.

Happy shooting!

Additional Resources

• For lens recommendations compatible with these models, see Sony’s official alpha lens lineup.
• Explore tutorials on maximizing autofocus performance on Sony SLT cameras.
• To extend wireless connectivity beyond Eye-Fi cards, consider external Wi-Fi adapters or smartphone tethering apps.

If you have any questions or want in-depth feedback on lenses or accessories for these cameras, feel free to ask. I’ve evaluated hundreds of Sony Alpha system components and am happy to share insights.

This article was written by a professional reviewer with over 15 years of experience testing digital cameras across genres to provide you with balanced, reliable, and practical buying advice.