More Sony A58 image samples…
A58 vs A57 and A37 size comparison by AlphaCorner (Thanks!).
If you want to see more images about the A58:
SLRclub published a new A58 vs A57 image comparison. Another comaprison using the same 100mm Sigma macro lens (Click here).
They also published the first 18-55 SAM vs 18-55 SAM2 comaprison (Click here). The author said that there is no big difference between the two lenses and that he only found a small image qaulity improvement on the mid range (around 35mm).
As a reminder, tomorrow at 8am New York Time all mjor online stores will accept preorders on the new Sony stuff!
ZPk!Qg~~60_35.JPG)
Sonia
4 months ago |Andrea
Sorry for the question but I am more excited by the Nex7n stuff…
When is it coming?
Any updated specs?
My heart and my brain are struggling between nex7n and Fuji x100s that has been just released…
Thanks
Soni-a
Fujica
4 months ago |+100!
I do have exactly the same dilemma !
Come on dear Admin, give us a tiny little SR4ish rumor about the 7n
Pleeeeeeeeeeease
Fuji-ca
Sky_walker
4 months ago |Get Fuji. It’s smaller than NEX ever will be with comparable lens.
nevercat
4 months ago |Can you tell me what Fuji ILC actualy is smaller then the Nex 7? I tried to look at the Fuji X-E1 (t6he smallest of both Fuji and find that in every way the Fuji is bigger.
Tried the 18-55mm 2.8 compared it with the 18-55 Sony lens, sony is smaller…
did the same with the Fuji 35mm 1.4 and the 35 mm 1.8 Sony lens again Sony is smaller
And Sony is cheaper too with the lens. IQ wise Fuji wins …
whistler
4 months ago |Why does Sony bother releasing a 2nd version of the 18-55 if it does not bring any IQ improovement? There are so many holes in the lineup and they dont care. How about a new beercan? New 300 f4, new 400 f4,5…
harvey
4 months ago |Well, there are a lot of reasons: the new one could be built more cost-effective (or cheaper if you wish), and even a small IQ-improvement will be noticed by the pixelpeeping world. Besides that, the lenses that you mention won’t be sold in big volumes, will they?
whistler
4 months ago |I am pretty sure a new version of the beercan would sell quite a lot
Simon T
4 months ago |Dream on yes it’s a huge gap in the Sony line up a new 70-210mm f4, but knowing Sony they’d charge £900 for it a new version so nobody would buy it anyway.
It is needed and badly they also lack an affordable 24mm – something, a reasonable cost 35mm and 28mm lens, an 85mm f1.8 prime so many gaps yet Sony waste dev money on an overpriced 50mm CZ prime!
Wake me up when Sony wake up..oh I forgot I think the wake up call comes when A mount is gone
Lofote
4 months ago |maybe faster af?
Mistral75
4 months ago |Quieter autofocus for video shots.
Sky_walker
4 months ago |How do you know it doesn’t bring any improvements? Cause I don’t know it, not after seeing this garbage-test. I could make better comparison in my backyard. It doesn’t say ANYTHING about the lens performance.
samdman
4 months ago |and don’t forget the new hybrid AF system and whatever Sony’s got up their sleeve’s tricks to work on the II generation of kit lens. Who knows? Only time will tell…
Tristan
4 months ago |the send comparion (by sigma 100/2.8 macro) looks great. the image from 58 is sharper, lots more details.
AG
4 months ago |A58 is a total misstep for Sony Imaging. That plastic lens mount is going to do a lot damage to Sony. Really a shame since A57 was well received and out shoots the D5xxxx and Rebels.
Frank
4 months ago |Only geeks care about the metal mount, most people this is aimed at will not care about it.
Sky_walker
4 months ago |Actually for most people buying A58 it’ll be an advantage – lighter camera == better.
sonikon
4 months ago |Wow just when it was starting to sound like a nice release it ends up with a plastic fantastic lens mount. Am I the only one that avoids even lenses with plastic mounts?
Looks like this camera is targeted to the crowd that don’t upgrade their kits lens but would still like to have that option in case they break it.
A Baby Beer Can will probably show up when the FF Nex camera does. It’ll even come with modernized pattern of the original zoom ring. Would be pretty cool IMO though I’ve never actually seen or shot with the legendary Beer Can.
GreenLens
4 months ago |It’s supposed to be an Easy Choice camera, hence plastic. All in all, it will be the best entry level camera of the year! Smart move, actually, for Sony.
Adhib
4 months ago |They put the plastic mount for weight reduction.
SonyCyberPunk
4 months ago |Remember the A100? Same cheap plastic mount. If they put plastic in the new 7 or full frame 10, then I’m done.
Sky_walker
4 months ago |Considering the price it might be best bang for a buck in entry level. But we’ll see how it goes when it actually hits the stores and reviewers run through it.
blog bretagne
4 months ago |Sorry , i dont understand Japanese and polski langages… translate?
Bosse
4 months ago |That plastic lens mount need not be that bad!
There are many advanced engineering plastic design materials that has better wear resistance than many metals! I’m an engineer and have worked with machine design where we changed certain wear-parts from metal to plastic to achieve a longer lifetime of the parts!
This new image comparison using the same 100mm Sigma macro lens shows a significant more detail resolution and detail sharpness for the Sony A58! It’s nice
CTPhotographX.com
4 months ago |Hi Boss… I get your point. But not convinced the reasoning for the change is for better performance here.
Jason
4 months ago |SLRclub needs to invest in a tripod. The hand-shake blur pretty much negates everything they are trying to do.
Frank
4 months ago |^^This
Cyrus
4 months ago |They should named It A38
To avoid such confusion and disappointment…
Klipsen
4 months ago |Plastic bayonet? Just how many cents will they save?
Rufus
4 months ago |A lot of nonsense being spoken about the plastic / composite lens mount here. Pure nonsense.
How many people actually see any wear on their lens mounts with a cheap DSLR camera? I don’t think many people here are going to be changing lenses every 5 minutes in the middle of an Afghan desert.
Besides, you do know that with many cameras ( even the might Canon 5D mk 111) although it looks like the lens mount is metal the reality is that it is secured to a plastic base.
A58 is not an expensive camera. The lens mount is absolutely irrelevant to 99% of users. Now get over it.
Phillip
4 months ago |Thank-you Rufus, it’s nice to hear someone speaking some sense in these forums.
This is a gateway camera folks, it’s meant for the soccer moms of the world who pull out the camera maybe once a week to chase the kids with. This user might own a secondary lens that will be used very occasionally, so there will be minimal wear and tear on the mount anyway.
Besides which, I’ve worked photo retail for 23 years, I have *never* seen a camera sent for repair due to a failed plastic lens mount. Has anyone here?
This camera should do quite well, specs are good for the price point. The sensor is improved. The AF is improved. The EVF is improved. Factors that *actually impact image quality* are what have been upgraded. The people who buy these cameras will likely be quite pleased with the camera and imagery it produces, and that’s what counts. Any camera company trying to cater to the pixel-peeping moaners in online forums might as well give up now, as that lot are never happy.
CTPhotographX.com
4 months ago |Could have been a great second/third body… But don’t think I’ll be swapping out any long lenses in the field on this camera. Like, ok I’ll use it, but won’t risk kissing it to the big beercan or 300/4 handheld.
Lens mounts sell for $10. Did they really need to save $10 on this camera?
Spoon
4 months ago |I haven’t seen Canon owners hesitate to mount large lenses to their 5DMKIII’s. Maybe they aren’t aware of the fact that those heavy lenses are attached to a *plastic* subframe.
Which goes to show that most of this discussion is based on preconceived ideas.
http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2eud8m7Pl1qj0y3o.jpg
Allan Olesen
4 months ago |Well, here is a thread about DIY replacement of the plastic mount on some alpha cameras which have a metal flange with plastic behind. Apparently, it tends to get bad electrical connections after some use with heavy lenses.
http://www.dyxum.com/dforum/mounts-shiny-yet-not-steel-plastic-body-flanges_topic90149.html
I don’t know how that mount compares to the a58 mount.
Simon T
4 months ago |The plastic mount is a disaster for Sony it shows how cheap the company is. Give us a break on the advanced engineering plastics nonsense it’s just a cheap plastic mount that will turn off buyers big time. This is the new Sony desperate to cut costs because they’re doing so badly in the market.
Anyone who tries to say it’s a positive move is living in a fantasy land. Canon and Nikon and Pentax ALL have FULL (not partial) metal mounts and they won’t do plastic ones because it will turn off buyers.
Wake up this is broke Sony being even more mean than they usually are. Even the cut down LCD on it’s own will ensure it’s a sales flop, and the plastic mount and the A58 is not going to sell well at all
Sky_walker
4 months ago |lol. Don’t you think that you are overreacting a bit?
You know that it’s A57 for lower price with better VF, better sensor and far lower weight (it’s lighter than even A37) ? These 3 were main targets for Sony and they got it quite nicely – you got brilliant camera (A57) with few improvements for lower price.
Simon T
4 months ago |Get real!
Sure nicer EVF and bracketing but smaller body, no remote socket, sensor looks like no improvement over the 16mp one, changed hot shoe won’t fit my flashes, lower res LCD smaller LCD.
Oh and yes cheaper build thanks to the plastic mount
The A57 is a FAR better buy overall
Sky_walker
4 months ago |No, Simon, you should get real.
Body as you see on the comparison is only a little bit smaller, but more importantly: It’s far lighter, something people asked for even here on SAR.
There is nor remote socket cause they use hotshoe port for that. They even released remote with the A580, but obviously: YOU DIDN’T PAY ATTENTION AND JUMPED INTO CONCLUSIONS RIGHT AWAY. And besides – let’s face it, how many people buying entry level camera know how to use it? 10%?
Sensor looks like no improvement in 1:1 crops for PIXEL PEEPERS, and if it’s the case than clearly: You get 4 MPx for free! That IS AN IMPROVEMENT. Even: Quite an important one cause Sony seem to struggle a bit with high-density sensors for DSLRs.
Change hotshoe… well… we’ve been through this 1000 times already. Yes, your flashes won’t work on it, but you can release them wirelessly. Still though I agree that new hotshoe was rather a bad idea.
As for LCD: Since when a resolution and size of rear LCD is such an importance?! 420k, so nowhere near the A37, and if it makes price of the camera lower – I’d prefer them to drop the resolution of LCD instead of putting crappy TFT viewfinder that A57 had. THAT IS IMPORTANT: VIEWFINDER. NOT LCD. It’s not dumb NEX. Here you shoot most of the time with viewfinder, so it’s by far more deciding factor than rear LCD. You need to sort out your priorities.
Sky_walker
4 months ago |*remote with A58 (not 580)
Simon T
4 months ago |So do explain how you fire the camera with a remote and flash attached then? Hmm not such a great idea using a hot shoe for a remote! Does it even have an IR remote option?
Also fps got halved from 10fps to 5fps on the A58 hmm so much for super fast fps on SLT models (Canon 650d can do 5fps thanks very much)
Sure the EVF is better but it’s the same res just OLED (yes better but hardly a huge update) Def not worth losing the excellent 3″ high res articulating LCD for. 50/60p video mode gone too
If Sony called this the “A38″ or A40 and charged £399 for it with a kit lens sure we might be able to accept that. But to call it the A57 update is frankly stretching things quite a bit. Had Sony announced a new A65 model with improvements new sensor and a few other bits the response from users might be less angry
If this is it for Sony’s entire SLT range at the entry point (one model) that’s pretty sad when the A57′s and A65′s are out of production
Sky_walker
4 months ago |So, this camera would be great if they’d name it A40 instead of A58? *facepalm*
I thought it’s more about quality to price and label is one of least important things. You really, really need to sort your priorities, cause you focus on completely meaningless things while skipping these that do matter.
GreenLens
4 months ago |Sony used to make ‘easy choice’ lenses with plastic mounts for quite some time. All they have excellent optical quality, low weight and low price. You can find them new mostly. Rare used copies fly off ebay in the blink of an eye. People rave about their IQ and I’ve never ever heard a single complain about broken or worn mount!
Sky_walker
4 months ago |They still do. Just few days ago was released most recent one, before that – in July last year we could see new 55-300.
AG
4 months ago |The new Sony DT 55-300 has a metal mount.
Frank
4 months ago |I do wish SLRClub would learn how to use a tripod and focus properly. Yet another useless comparison.
Denis
4 months ago |Another pointless crap comparison. Where are raws?
jva
4 months ago |https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=534727466561059&set=a.127633577270452.13581.103246489709161&type=1&theater
Sythrix
4 months ago |Why do people care so much when the cheaper model is… well.. cheaper. I mean, it isn’t exactly a shocker here. Better EVF + sensor = somethings got to give. For the Price point, yeah, they had to make some things cheaper. For a broke student such as myself who’s just getting into photography, this looks like an excellent camera. I could postulate as to how those things they took away could somehow improve my experience, but I honestly can’t think of any.
I’ve been living in the plastic fantastic generation for a long time now, and all I can say is… take care of your equipment. Plastic doesn’t just disintegrate of its own accord. Will this camera hold up less well in a fall? Probably. Is this camera 400 dollars cheaper than the a77? Yes. Do I expect the same quality from something with that large a margin in price? No. There are other options, quit complaining. The new professional models will be hot on its heals, this is simply a glimpse of a restructure. I don’t condemn Sony for trying to remain profitable.
As for the pictures… I’m with everyone else. They clearly don’t know what they’re doing and I could pick a better comparison shot with only being 4 weeks into Digital Photography 101. I’m not convinced they even have the new A58.
CTPhotographX.com
4 months ago |Because previous cheaper models still provided a metal mount.
Bosse
4 months ago |And that metal mount was mounted by six tiny small screws into the plastic body!!!
What difference will it make in the real world if it is a metal or plastic mount on this not pro camera? The six tiny small screws is probably the weakest point for the lens mount anyway…
Sythrix
4 months ago |A good point I read is that plastic usually breaks before it bends. At least if you drop your camera you know whether or not there’s any damage. If you’re using a really heavy lens, it probably would be better to have metal for support. Like you said however, how much benefit can that really provide to a plastic body? Guess it just depends on how much you expect from an entry level model, which no one is denying. The A58 looks like a lotta bang for the buck, even if it isn’t the monumental upgrade everyone was expecting… from a 600 dollar camera(with kit lens).
To me: Better sensor + OLED EVF > Rear LCD screen articulation and resolution + exterior metal ring on lens mount(The middle ring is also plastic on the A57, and both have metal inner rings).
Bosse
4 months ago |And if one do invest in such really heavy lenses, doesn’t one also invest in a more expensive camera then???
Sky_walker
4 months ago |Come on man, show me all these photographs and reports from people with broken bayonets.
Show me.
I’m still waiting.
So far we’ve only had loads of crap being discussed with no actual proofs. Opinions, random opinions everywhere. How about we discuss about a facts?
Cause I’d say that it’s meaningless if bayonet is plastic or metal. We don’t live in film camera era where each body had to survive 50 years. Most of your lenses will break before this plastic bayonet you whine so much about.
CTPhotographX.com
4 months ago |The 5 series has always been adequate for pro shooting, or 2nd/3rd body in the field. I’ll go out with a200/a700/a900 around my neck, and swap lenses between them with no question. 5 series could replace either a200 or a700. But not this one, because there would be one camera that I’d question every time, preventing a swap with certain lenses, like big beercan, Tammy 200-400, 300/4, all hand holdable without strap lugs on lens.
So out on the little league Soccer field, where parents are checking out the kit, they get curious and ask about the Sony gear. I’m literally an evangelist for the company… it’s good PR for Sony. And the a58 would be a great one to recommend to others… But I’d definitely have to warn my cautions about putting a long telephoto lens on the camera for handheld use… especially a lens that didn’t have its own strap lugs.
I literally could not recommend a little league parent buy the a58 to carry long lens from camera strap around the soccer field, or the zoo all day… or even a few hours. I’d have to say something negative about the camera… and recommend they purchase the older a57 to shoot tele images of their children on the sports field.
Sorry Sony… I wish I could recommend this cam for action shots with bigger hand held lenses. But I’ll still recommend it for birthday parties with kit lens… no problem.
CTPhotographX.com
4 months ago |Chinese lens adapters on eBay for $10… metal and chipped, my cost. Probably cost them $1.50. Did Sony really have to save $1.50? Plastic on the outside means a whole lot more on the inside. The “perceived quality” could have been upgraded for a very minimal cost.
Almazar80
4 months ago |The 5000, 5000i, 5xi, 500si all capable cameras for pro shooting (going back to Minolta)? All cameras can be used by capable professionals. The 600si camer out because the 500si wasn’t quite what advanced amateurs craved. BUT, these cameras, under expert hands, were certainly capable of turning out great work. I am sure the same thing will happen with the A58.
CTPhotographX.com
4 months ago |5 series is the new 3 series.
7 series is the new 5 series.
9 series is the new 7 series.
RX1 is the new 9 series.
NEX is the new Alpha.
Memo to public: “You’ve just been downgraded”.
Sony
Eat ‘em and Smile
kchepegram
4 months ago |How much better is metal attached to plastic than plastic attached to plastic…
CTPhotographX.com
4 months ago |That’s not the issue. See the little flanges on the mount that hold the bayonet on. Those three little flanges are the only thing keeping the lens on. They are thinner than the actual mount, because lens sits inside. They’re about half the thickness of the actual mount.
Don’t want them flexing when longer lens attached. Even the metal mounts flex, but to less degree than any plastic mount. As things flex, they tend to loosen. I’d constantly be checking, tightening the screws on that mount if it had longer lenses attached often. I even do that with the metal mounts.
Sythrix
4 months ago |Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind if I ever start wanting something that large. In the meantime, I’m going to accept it for what it is, and use caution. Probably won’t be using any extra long or heavy lenses on this one. I might look into an extended warranty, but I’m not paying anything too expensive. If it does break, I’d rather have them fix it. Really, I just want a cheaper one right now because:
1. I think I’m too novice to actually take advantage of the A99.
2. The A77 is nice, but I would want to buy the A78 when available… which just means more waiting, and a lot more money I’m guessing.
3. If I do upgrade to a full format later, I won’t feel quite as bad as if I had spent 1000+.
I totally understand this is a letdown for some people, but if you’re not starting out, and don’t mind waiting, I’m sure there’s better things on the horizon. I don’t have anything, however, so I’m gonna jump on this one if the reviews are good.
kchépegram
4 months ago |^ thats all fine and dandy but PURE speculation. oh i get it… you own an a58.
Sythrix
4 months ago |If anyone is interested, or hasn’t seen it, you can get a high rez image of the new plastic mount by looking at ephotozine’s A58 hands on preview. Just clicking on the picture of it will give you the high rez image. Looks like there’s still some metal on the inside. I’m guessing for support.
(one other thing, is posting links not allowed in comments? Mine never show up.)
Sythrix
4 months ago |Looks like on both the A57 and A58, the middle ring is plastic.
Austin
4 months ago |Has the plastic mount for the a100 ever been a problem? If so, why would the a58 have a problem here? And couldn’t you just swap out the plastic if you really wanted to with a metal mount from an old minolta camera?
Simon T
4 months ago |Plastic lugs yes a problem they can wear and lenses become looser fitting over time. The A58 has a completely plastic mount (not front mount metal) likely to wear even quicker.
Sythrix wake up a bit the metal is the aperture ring it is not for support. Guess what’s worse metal mount with plastic lugs or all plastic? Well no prizes for that one.
Sythrix
4 months ago |I’m a novice, which I’ve pretty much already stated in my posts. I don’t see why you are so confrontational, just correct me, I’m already awake. I also don’t see why it means this much to you. Do you not have a camera to use at the moment? Cause I sure don’t. If the A58 isn’t what you want, then get the A57, or wait for the A78. I don’t see the problem. Sony doesn’t owe anyone anything. They’re in this to make money, and yeah, a little metal front plate to an already mostly plastic camera might just save a few cents after you produce them in the numbers required for production, and it certainly wouldn’t increase my faith in durability. That’s like putting bars on your windows to prepare for earthquakes. If something happens, it happens. It will most likely be when you’re ready to trade up anyways. As I’ve said before… plastic doesn’t just disintegrate, it actually holds up quite well. If you’re buying professional lenses, then get something higher up.
Stu
4 months ago |Better not fly in any of the new modern planes by the sound of it. As most of them are ” plastic ” wings etc now. Maybe the wing flaps might fall off with all that movement.
Get real everyone. It’s an entry level camera.
Modern plastics are not like your old ice cream container strength. Many are stronger and alot lighter than steel these days.
I sail high performance skiff’s that have ” plastic ” ( Kevlar ) masts and hulls that are under huge pressure all the time. Do not underestimate modern plastic.
Nathan
4 months ago |True! Even the majority of firearms now are mostly some form of polycarb plastics and they are more durable and reliable than the old full metal constructions.
Simon T
4 months ago |Why not email Canon, Nikon and Pentax (and Oly and Pannie) and tell them to use a plastic mount on their cameras, they won’t because their customers will think they are cheap and too tight.
There is no advantage to the A58′s plastic mount it’s a camera not a gun nobody else uses plastic mounts because they were only used on ultra cheap 35mm bodies. WAY cheaper than the A58 will ever be.
davidlam
4 months ago |From the size and features comparison, I’d call it A48, but “4″ is not a lucky number in Chinese, but 58 didn’t sound any better…
Anyway, I’m not going to attach this camera to a 300/2.8 400/4.5 or 500/4, and the replacement costs of this camera is probably cheaper than repair cost on a a77 – should the lens mount be broken due to mishandling!
I hope Sony would come up with an upgraded a77 with better Dynamic Range, High ISO SNR and more importantly a deeper frame buffer (continuous max FPS at full res. shooting for 8-10 sec).
I’ll give EVF a try if the battery life, startup time and refresh rate can be further improved!
Peter
4 months ago |The A58 is an update to the A37 so should be called A38 but the plastic mount was a mistake.
I’m not sure where this firearms from plastic nonsense comes from plastic mounts were only used on super cheap 35mm bodies back many years ago. Makers stopped using them because they were cheap and nasty and buyers did not like them. No way a camera for £499 will wing it for a plastic mount.
Anyone who has ever used a plastic mount knows it wears and become loose over a short time. This is a bad move from Sony as it makes the brand look cheap and nasty.
I won’t buy one no way not even at £299 plastic is awful for a mount material. Even the Canon 1100d has a full metal mount.
Trigger 9
4 months ago |I have an A57 I’m surprised Sony have downgraded the camera in a lot of ways a few improvements but mostly backwards. I would still buy an A57 over the A58 as I think it’s a better camera (better LCD and metal mount)
I really don’t know why Sony think this A58 is going to sell in the market when it’s rivals are getting better all the time. Looks like Alpha is on the way out unless they have a new A65 coming out.
a58 too cut down and cheap NOT an upgrade for A57 users
a77 bad sensor and too expensive for all that noise
a99 really expensive and out of reach for most people
Looks like I’ll be going on ebay and buying s/h A mount bodies Sony have nothing new to offer us.
Batata
4 months ago |Exposure Bracketing : Cont./Single, w/ 1/3 EV,1/2 EV,2/3 EV,2.0EV,3.0 EV incmnts,3/5 frames (2.0EV,3.0EV:only 3 frs) sel
Bracketing has been improved… dont mind that.
Denis
4 months ago |Wow so that means Sony will have no real mid level body for A Mount for 2013. I read the A57 and A37 are end of life, and I expect the A65 to be discontinued soon too.
That’s really disappointing and surely going to hurt A mount for 2013.
We really need something a bit better than the A58 with it’s plastic lens mount and cut down LCD, a genuine mid level body with proper controls, a good sensor and maybe even a grip option.
Wake up Sony you are losing it and fast becoming irrelevant in the camera market
Simon T
4 months ago |Bracketing improvement is welcomed, but wait what about the firmware update that didn’t sort this out for their current users? Hmm not so good bad show Sony
Hexar
4 months ago |I was and am soo happy with the a57 so logically I was very exited when A58 was anounced.
Now to find out that the level of quality that came with the A58 has vapoured with the A58 and as it looks no upgrade like a A67 will ever surface. I am DISSAPOINTED !
I want no bigger cam than the A57 /A66 . A 77 is too and heavy for me ( street photographer).
I want steady product lines and expectations . SONY PLEASE GIVE US REAL PHOTOGRAPHERS WHAT WE WANT.
CHEERS
Bert-Jan Rietveld
Simon T
4 months ago |There is no suggestion that there will be a new A65, thus no new “mid level body” from Sony. A58 is just a cheaped out entry basic model and will bomb sales wise. If the information is right that means Sony will have no mid level body for 2013 at all, just the pricey A99 and noisy A77 (due an update)
A mount is going to lose an awful lot of customers in 2013, not that it had that many anyway. A58 is a slap in the face for A mount users and an insult to camera buyers.