Sony Unveils 20.1-Megapixel a58 dSLR, Offers 8fps Shooting Mode

The newly announced a58 from Sony is a dSLR camera that utilizes Translucent Mirror technology and offers a variety of features for just about every type of photographer. The 20.1-megapixel a58 utilizes the BIONZ image processor, which is known for its low-noise and high ISO sensitivity. This interchangeable lens camera supports A-mount lenses, of which there are 35 options available.

The Sony a58 combines an Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor, BIONZ processing engine, and SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization to produce images that are low-noise, blur-free, and high-resolution. The biggest advantage of this camera over other dSLRs in its range is the Translucent Mirror technology, which directs lights onto two compontents in the camera – the image sensor, and the autofocus sensor. By doing so, there's no use for a mirror, and images stay in focus at all times. This makes the unit particularly attractive to those who frequently photograph moving subjects.

Another handy feature for those who take action photography is the Telezoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode, which allows users to snap photos at 8 frames-per-second. This works in combination with a 15-point auto focus and Lock-On auto focus to ensure each image taken is blur-free. In addition, the a58 is equipped with a high resolution OLED Tru-Finder and a tilt-angle LCD, providing two ways to get the shot you want.

Like the recently announced NEX-3N camera from Sony, the a58 features Auto Object Framing, the next step up from Auto Portrait Framing. With this feature, the camera determines the subject of an image and auto-crops the photograph so that the subject is framed in a professional manner, no effort required. After the image is taken, 15 photo filters are available to select from, including Mono, Partial Color, and Toy Camera.

The Sony a58 will be available in April.

[via Sony]