Sony SLT-A58

The Sony SLT-A58 is a 20.1-megapixel APS-C DSLR with Translucent Mirror Technology, an electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage, 8fps continuous shooting, Full HD 1080p video, a built-in flash, articulating LCD, and a shutter rated to 100,000 actuations — all in a body weighing just 492 grams.

Key Specifications

• Sensor: 20.1MP APS-C (1.5x crop factor), ISO 100–16000
• Continuous shooting: 8 fps at full resolution
• Viewfinder: Electronic, 100% coverage
• Video: 1920×1080 Full HD up to 24fps, with microphone jack
• LCD: Articulating screen, 460,800-dot resolution
• Shutter: 1/4000s–30s, rated to 100,000 cycles
• Lens mount: Sony A-mount — compatible with a vast range of Minolta and Sony A-mount glass
• Storage: SD card + Memory Stick dual compatibility
• Connectivity: HDMI out, Micro USB 2.0, microphone jack
• File formats: JPEG + RAW
• Weight: 492g (body only)

What makes the Sony SLT-A58 special?

The SLT-A58 sits in an interesting spot in Sony's camera lineup. Its Translucent Mirror Technology is what sets the SLT series apart from a traditional DSLR: a fixed, semi-transparent mirror lets light reach both the sensor and a dedicated phase-detection AF sensor simultaneously. That means the autofocus stays active during continuous shooting — something conventional DSLRs can't do at this price class — which is a big part of why you get a genuine 8fps burst rate with proper AF tracking.

Compared to its predecessor the Sony A57, the A58 brings a notably higher-resolution 20.1MP sensor (up from 16.1MP), which translates into more detail in your shots and more room to crop. The 100% electronic viewfinder is another practical win — you see exactly what the camera sees, with no clipping at the edges. The articulating LCD makes shooting from low angles or overhead far more comfortable than a fixed screen ever could.

Against contemporaries like the Nikon D5500 or Canon SL3, the A58 holds its own on resolution and burst speed. The Sony A65 is a step up in the same Sony SLT family if you need more advanced controls, while the Sony A6000 is a mirrorless alternative that shares the APS-C sensor size but uses a completely different, more compact form factor and a newer mirrorless platform.

Who is the Sony SLT-A58 for?

If you're stepping up from a smartphone or a basic compact and want a proper interchangeable-lens camera that won't overwhelm you, the SLT-A58 is a genuinely solid starting point. The body is described by users as sturdy and tight — not plasticky — and at 492g it's light enough to carry all day without complaints.

The 8fps burst with continuous AF makes it a capable companion for sports, kids, and action photography at an entry-level price. Videographers on a budget will appreciate the Full HD 1080p output with a dedicated microphone jack — useful for vlogging or event coverage where better audio matters.

Portrait shooters will find the Sony 50mm f/1.8 A-mount lens a natural partner — fast aperture, great subject separation, and excellent image quality at an accessible price. Travel and street photographers benefit from the articulating screen and relatively compact size for a DSLR-class body. If you already own Minolta A-mount glass from older film bodies, the A58 unlocks that legacy glass without any adapter.

The A58 is not the right fit if you need 4K video, weather sealing, or the latest mirrorless AF features. For those use cases, stepping up to a Sony A7 III would be the logical direction.

Buying a used Sony SLT-A58

The shutter is rated to 100,000 actuations. When buying a second-hand A58, always ask for or check the shutter count — a body with under 30,000 actuations still has most of its life ahead of it. The translucent mirror is a fixed element, but it can accumulate dust over time; check the viewfinder image for any smearing or dark spots.

The articulating LCD hinge is a mechanical point worth inspecting — open and close it a few times to make sure it moves smoothly and the screen remains bright with no dead zones. Check the hot shoe for corrosion if the camera was used with a lot of external flash.

Every pre-owned SLT-A58 on Camera-tweedehands.nl is individually inspected and photographed, so you can see its actual condition before buying. All used bodies come with a minimum 12 months warranty — the exact term is shown on the variant listing. Returns are accepted within 14 days if the item doesn't match its description.