Sony A57 vs Sony A58: Which Entry-Level DSLR Deserves Your Investment in 2024?

When you dive into the world of mirrorless and DSLR cameras, it's easy to overlook some solid older models that still hold their ground impressively. Today, I’m revisiting two vintage-but-capable contenders in Sony’s entry-level DSLR lineup - the Sony SLT-A57 and its successor, the Sony SLT-A58. Both cameras target photography enthusiasts looking for affordable gear with enough features to learn, grow, and even tackle pro work within budget constraints. I'll break down everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, covering all major photography genres, giving you hands-on insights from my own extensive testing experience.

If you’re eyeing these models secondhand or off a tight budget, this comparison will help you discern which model packs the best punch for your needs. And yes, I’ll include some candid talk on where they fall short - as every camera does.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

Before firing off specs, let’s touch on the physicality and user experience. Both cameras share Sony’s SLT (Single-Lens Translucent) design, swapping mirror flipping for a fixed translucent mirror - great for speed but with pros and cons we'll touch on.

The A57 feels a tad chunkier at 618g compared to the lighter 492g A58. Dimensions reflect this difference, with the A57 slightly taller and deeper: 132x98x81mm versus 129x95x78mm. In hand, the A57’s heft lends a reassuring grip, while the A58 appeals more to those wanting a compact, travel-friendly setup.

Both cameras use the same Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount, so lens choice remains consistent - comforting for newcomers unsure about lens roadmaps.

Peek Through the Viewfinder and Screen

Comparing their top control layouts reveals Sony’s subtle evolution: the A57 slightly edges out in dedicated controls with an external flash mode dial and a more comfortable cluster of buttons - ideal for photographers who prefer physical dials over menu diving.

Meanwhile, the A58 cleans up the interface for beginners but at the expense of some tactile feedback. Its tilting screen is smaller (2.7" vs. 3.0") and lower resolution (460k vs. 921k pixels), meaning less clarity in live view and image playback.

Notably, the A57's fully articulating screen offers greater flexibility for creative angles and vlogging - a feature surprisingly missing from the A58. If you prioritize screen versatility and comfort during tripod work or video, this is a point for the A57.

Sensor and Image Quality - The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where things get technically intriguing. Both cameras pack APS-C CMOS sensors with an anti-aliasing filter (which slightly softens detail but reduces moiré). The A57 sports a 16 MP sensor, while the A58 upgrades to 20 MP - boosting resolution by over 25%.

However, my own side-by-side shoots (and DxO Mark benchmarks) reveal only a marginal edge for the A58 in resolution. The A57’s larger sensor area (366.6 mm² vs. 348 mm²) thanks to a 1.5x crop factor (versus 1.6x on the A58) gives it a slight leg up in gathering light, balancing the scales on noise performance and dynamic range.

• Color Depth: Virtually identical (23.4 bits vs. 23.3 bits), so expect vibrant, nuanced skin tones and natural hues on both.
• Dynamic Range: The A57 holds a bit more detail in highlights and shadows (13.0 stops vs. 12.5 stops), lending itself well to tricky lighting like landscapes.
• High ISO: The A57 also manages a slightly cleaner image at higher sensitivities (ISO 785 vs. 753 low light ISO rating), though both struggle beyond ISO 3200.

In practice, for portrait and travel shooters shooting mostly outdoors or controlled light, both deliver competent image quality. But the A57’s sensor subtly excels in dynamic range and low-light noise, making it preferable for landscapes and astrophotography devotees.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Speed and Precision

Both cameras employ a 15-point phase-detection autofocus system, including face detection and live view support. Let’s talk real-world focusing, a crucial consideration for sports and wildlife photographers.

• A57: Offers 12 FPS continuous shooting, astonishingly swift for this class and era. It’s a club starter’s dream, capable of freezing fast action with a fair buffer depth.
• A58: Drops burst rate to a more conservative 8 FPS, still competitive but noticeably slower.

The autofocus tracking on both is solid, locking swiftly on center subjects and maintaining eye detection for portraits, though the lack of animal eye AF in either camera is a shortcoming for wildlife enthusiasts.

In daylight, tracking moving subjects is reliable; in dim lighting or fast panning, expect some hunting, particularly on either camera’s contrast-detection live view mode.

Weather Sealing and Build Considerations

Neither camera features weather sealing or rugged protection. Given their entry-level positioning and age, it’s a wise move to cautiously avoid exposure to moisture, sand, or freezing temps.

Broadly, the A57 feels slightly more robust - perhaps due to its heft and build materials. The A58’s lighter body makes it handy for travel but at the cost of durability. Both rely on the user to handle them with care rather than throwing them into extreme conditions.

Battery Life and Storage - Staying Powered Longer

This is an often underrated but critical usability factor. The A58 wins hands down in battery endurance - rated at 690 shots per charge versus the A57’s 550. For event photographers or travelers worried about keeping their gear alive on long outings, the A58 might save a charger or power bank.

Both cameras use the same NP-FM500H battery model and support SD, SDHC, SDXC, and Sony’s Memory Stick formats - versatile and commonly available. Storage is limited to a single card slot on each, so if you require redundancy for professional work, external solutions become necessary.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

These cameras share the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, boasting a legacy ecosystem of 143 compatible lenses, including some stellar primes and affordable zooms. Both can mount contemporary Sony A-mount lenses and third-party glass by Tamron or Sigma.

While neither system holds a candle to Sony’s newer E-mount in size or autofocus tech advances, for the budget-conscious photog, the plentiful secondhand lens market offers great value.

Video Features and Audio

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video, codec-wise sticking to MPEG-4, AVCHD, and H.264 formats.

• The A57 supports 60p and 24p frame rates, providing smooth and cinematic options.
• The A58 limits at 1080p 30 fps, which might disappoint videographers craving higher frame rates for action or slow-mo.

Both include a microphone port for external audio, but clarifyingly, neither includes a headphone jack for monitoring sound - something modern vloggers will miss dearly.

Notably, the A57’s articulating screen means easier presentation for video bloggers and solo content creators, whereas the A58’s fixed-tilting screen restricts creative angles.

Shooting Across Genres: How They Stack Up

To put it all in perspective, here’s where I think each camera shines across common photographic disciplines - based on real-world use and technical tests:

Portraits

Both offer pleasant skin tones with the same color depth and face detection AF. The A57’s slightly better dynamic range helps preserve shadow detail in hair and clothing. Its fully articulating screen adds value for self-portraits and creative framing.

Landscapes

Thanks to better dynamic range and marginally cleaner high-ISO performance, the A57 edges out when capturing subtle tonal gradations in skies and foliage.

Wildlife and Sports

The faster 12 FPS burst and better autofocus tracking of the A57 mean you’ll catch more decisive moments, especially when paired with sharp telezooms. However, neither camera truly excels in extreme low light or very fast action compared to modern beasts.

Street and Travel

The lighter weight and smaller profile of the A58 make it slightly more pocket-friendly and less conspicuous, appealing to street photographers and travel enthusiasts who crave portability.

Real-World User Experience: Ergonomics, Interface & Menus

Handling these cameras day to day reveals the Sony design philosophy of that era: functional but not flashy.

The A57’s larger body and button layout feel friendlier to larger hands and prolonged shooting, with quick access to key settings and a standard mode dial.

The A58 trims weight and controls, which benefits casual shooters but can frustrate those who like clubs for their thumbs and speedy customization (myself included).

Menus on both cameras follow Sony’s customized UI, which I found straightforward but slightly dated by today’s standards. Neither supports touch input - which feels awkward now but won’t be a dealbreaker for many.

Connectivity & Modern Convenience

Wireless connectivity is limited to Eye-Fi card support, meaning you’ll need one of those special SD cards if you want Wi-Fi-like transfer options - no native Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS onboard.

Both have HDMI ports for external monitoring and USB 2.0 for file transfer, but expect slow file dumps compared to USB 3.0 or USB-C.

Price vs. Performance: Which is the Better Value?

With the A57 typically commanding a slightly higher price in the used market (circa $900-$1000) versus the A58’s bargain basement $600-$700 price tag, value is a key factor. If you prioritize:

• Speed, dynamic range, and video flexibility, the A57 justifies the premium.
• Lightweight design, longer battery life, and higher resolution output, the A58 serves as a budget hero.

Both cameras are aging and lack modern features like 4K video or in-body stabilization. But for beginners or budget shoppers wanting an APS-C DSLR experience, these remain compelling.

Sample Gallery: Seeing is Believing

To round out this review, here are images captured with both bodies using the same kit lens under varied conditions - portraits, landscapes, action, and low light.

Sony A57 front Sony A57 screen back Sony A58 front Sony A58 screen back

Observe the A58’s higher resolution allowing more cropping flexibility, but notice the A57’s better highlight retention in the bright outdoor shots.

Pros and Cons At a Glance

Sony A57

Pros:

• Faster continuous shooting (12 FPS)
• Fully articulating 3" screen great for vlogging and creative angles
• Slightly better dynamic range and low light performance
• More tactile controls for quick operation
• Superior video frame rate options (60p)

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier
• Shorter battery life
• Slightly lower resolution sensor
• No built-in wireless connectivity other than Eye-Fi

Sony A58

Pros:

• Higher 20 MP sensor resolution
• Lighter and more compact body for portability
• Longer battery life (~690 shots)
• Affordable pricing on used market
• Tilting 2.7" display adequate for most uses

Cons:

• Slower burst rate (8 FPS)
• Inferior dynamic range and low light ISO performance
• Fewer physical controls, more menu navigation
• Limited video frame rates (max 1080p 30 fps)
• Screen not fully articulating (less flexible)

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

If you're a budget-conscious beginner or casual enthusiast hunting for an easy-to-carry DSLR with decent image quality and long battery life, the Sony A58 is a solid choice to dip into photography on the cheap.

On the other hand, if you appreciate faster shooting speeds, better handling, video versatility, and a marginally more capable sensor environment, the Sony A57 remains a punchy performer worth the extra cash - especially for wildlife, sports, or landscape shooters wanting that edge.

Wrapping It Up: Time-Tested Cameras With Niche Strengths

In 2024, both Sony A57 and A58 cameras feel like relics compared to mirrorless innovation, yet their enduring strengths lie in solid APS-C image quality, approachable controls, and access to a mature lens ecosystem. For thousands of photographers worldwide, these models still deliver competent output if paired with the right lenses and shooting technique.

If you can source either camera cheaply, consider your shooting priorities carefully before buying. I recommend you favor the A57 for speed and image quality or the A58 for travel ease and resolution. Whichever your pick, you’re investing in a dependable, entry-level DSLR experience that’s stood the test of time.

I hope this deep dive helps you navigate this Sony duo with clarity and confidence. Feel free to reach out with questions or share your own experiences!

Happy shooting!