hikergal Loc: North Idaho

I have no business even thinking of another camera but I just can't help myself. I know the Sony SLT A58 is just the upgrade from A37. The A57 is much more expensive and the only thing I can see that improves it is the articulated LCD. Also the MP. My idea is to be able to use all my old Minolta lenses from the old film days but also to get better and sharper shots. I can get the A57 body only but not the A58. Any opinions on which is just the better camera or are they so close it wouldn't even matter…maybe even a better LCD or better viewfinder…I also really need a built in level…I now shoot with a Sony RX10 and there's lots to like but the focusing issues and the slow zoom can be annoying… thanks for any help...

cntry Loc: Colorado

There's a good comparison here.. http://snapsort.com/compare/Sony-SLT-A57-vs-Sony-SLT-A58

I've never used either the A57 or the A58 but you might also check out the A65. Compare to the A57 here... http://snapsort.com/compare/Sony-A65-vs-Sony-SLT-A57

I have the A65 and I really love it! I upgraded from the A35 (and an A230 before that). It accepts all your A-mount Minolta lenses, has 24.3mp and a fully articulating screen (didn't think I'd ever use it, but found it's a lot better than laying on the ground for those low shots :wink: ). Battery life is excellent, has a built-in GPS, no Wifi, and is super easy to learn to use. The EVF is fantastic and the best learning tool I've ever used - you can see exactly what each setting change does to your pictures before you ever take the shot. And the 12fps is nice too.

The A65 is no longer in production but you might be able to find it new at a local camera store. Amazon has it used for ~$400. B&H also had it new with a kit lens. Here's a review... http://www.amazon.com/Sony-SLT-A65VL-24-3MP-Camera-18-55mm/dp/B00DS46BVW/ref=dp_ob_title_ce#dpr-review-summary-widget

You can see some of my pictures here...all are SOOC
http://www.viewbug.com/member/cntryfan77

The A77II is out, so prices have come down on the A77 - another great choice.

XD11

Agree with cntry, I love the a65, wish for the new a99.

XD11

I think they should have kept the a65 as the steppingstone.

TomV Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

The used price on a a65 or a77 is not a whole lot more but you get a lot more camera in either case than the a57. The increased resolution of the OLED viewfinder and sensor are much better than the a57 and add significantly to the photographing experience. Just a quick side-by-side comparison and you will understand what the other responders mean.

I own the a65 and just bought a used a99. The a65 will be my outdoor bird camera and the a99 more for low-light or indoor shooting. I have the Sony 70-400G and that was sweet for my recent Florida Everglades trip (a65 only).