The Sony Alpha a58 DSLR is a compact DSLR camera that blends high imaging performance with a host of intelligent and intuitive features to help achieve optimal results for both still and moving imagery. The a58 houses a 20.1 megapixel APS-C-sized Exmor HD APS CMOS sensor and BIONZ image processor, which work together to produce clear, detailed imagery with impressive low-light sensitivity to ISO 16000 and fast performance that enables up to 5fps full-resolution continuous shooting. The processor and sensor combination are also significantly benefited by the unique Translucent Mirror Technology, which effectively directs light to both the image sensor and focus sensor simultaneously. This enables the 15-point AF system to work continuously even while recording video and photographing in a continuous shooting mode. In regard to video, full HD 1920 x 1080 video is supported at up to 60i or 24p, in the AVCHD version 2.0 format. The Internet-friendly MP4 format is also available when recording 1440 x 1080/30p movies for a more streamlined and efficient workflow.
The Translucent Mirror Technology also provides two means for image compositions, playback, and menu navigation: an electronic viewfinder and a rear LCD monitor. The SVGA Tru-Finder OLED EVF has a 1,440k-dot resolution to permit crisp live view monitoring of subjects and also allows you to preview the effects of camera settings while using an eye-level viewfinder. The rear 2.7" 460.8k-dot Clear Photo LCD monitor features a tilting design to greatly benefit working from both high and low angles, and the larger size is well-suited for image review.
For refining the overall look and appearance of imagery, an array of imaging features are incorporated into the a58 that allow you to both achieve optimal exposure results as well as apply creative effects. Auto HDR works to extend the dynamic range of a single exposure by combining three separate exposures-one over, one neutral, and one under-to garner the greatest tonal detail within a single frame. Multi Frame NR and Hand-held Twilight both work to enable hand-held shooting capabilities and noise reduction processes to aid shooting in dimly-lit conditions. When working with portraiture and still lifes, Auto Object Framing and Auto Portrait Framing work to create aesthetically pleasing compositions, based on the rule of thirds, automatically from original images. These modes utilize a system of intelligent detection and exposure methods to crop and enhance the look of imagery to create a new image that is both compositionally and tonally balanced in addition to the original image taken.
Also included with the a58 digital camera is the Sony DT 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 SAM II lens, which provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range of 27-82.5mm to provide from wide-angle to portrait-length perspectives. This lens features the SAM (Smooth Autofocus Motor) to offer quick and quiet performance that facilitates video recording and subject tracking. In regard to the lens construction, two aspherical elements and one ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element are incorporated to help reduce chromatic aberration throughout the zoom range while also helping to produce sharper imagery.