Which is Better for Photography? Canon EOS 700D vs Sony SLT A58 with Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM Lens

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two cameras that often find themselves in the spotlight for their versatility and affordability are the Canon EOS 700D with its EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the Sony SLT-A58. Both cameras offer impressive features, but which one comes out on top? This detailed comparison will delve into their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.

Image Quality: A Tale of Two Sensors

The heart of any camera lies in its sensor, and both the Canon EOS 700D and Sony SLT-A58 boast APS-C sensors. However, they differ in size and technology. The Canon EOS 700D utilizes an 18-megapixel CMOS sensor, known for its excellent dynamic range and color reproduction. The Sony SLT-A58, on the other hand, employs a 16-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, featuring a unique Translucent Mirror Technology.
In terms of image quality, the Canon EOS 700D generally delivers slightly better detail and color accuracy. Its sensor excels in low-light conditions, producing images with less noise. While the Sony SLT-A58’s sensor is capable, it may struggle a bit more in low-light scenarios.

Autofocus: The Speed and Precision Showdown

Autofocus is crucial for capturing sharp images, especially when photographing fast-moving subjects. The Canon EOS 700D utilizes a 9-point autofocus system with a cross-type sensor in the center, providing reliable and accurate focusing. The Sony SLT-A58, however, stands apart with its unique Translucent Mirror Technology, which allows for continuous autofocus even during live view and video recording. It boasts a 15-point autofocus system, including 3 cross-type sensors.
In practice, the Sony SLT-A58’s continuous autofocus during live view and video recording is a significant advantage. It allows for more precise tracking of moving subjects, making it particularly suitable for wildlife and sports photography. The Canon EOS 700D, while offering reliable autofocus, might struggle with fast-moving subjects when shooting in live view mode.

Performance: Frames Per Second and Buffer Capacity

For photographers who need to capture fast-paced action, the shooting speed and buffer capacity are critical factors. The Canon EOS 700D can shoot at a continuous rate of 4 frames per second (fps) with a buffer that can hold around 11 RAW images. The Sony SLT-A58, on the other hand, offers a faster shooting speed of 8 fps with a buffer capacity of 12 RAW images.
The Sony SLT-A58’s faster shooting speed and larger buffer capacity make it a better choice for capturing fast-paced action, such as sports events or wildlife photography. The Canon EOS 700D, while capable, might fall short in these scenarios, especially when shooting in RAW format.

Video Capabilities: A Comparison of Features

Both the Canon EOS 700D and Sony SLT-A58 offer decent video recording capabilities, but they differ in their features and performance. The Canon EOS 700D can record 1080p video at 30fps with stereo sound. It also features a built-in microphone and the ability to record in H.264 format. The Sony SLT-A58, while also capable of recording 1080p video at 30fps, offers a wider range of frame rates, including 24fps and 60fps. It also features a built-in stereo microphone and supports AVCHD and MPEG4 recording formats.
The Sony SLT-A58’s wider range of frame rates and recording formats gives it an edge in video recording. However, both cameras offer decent video quality and features for everyday use.

Ergonomics and Design: A Look at Comfort and Handling

The design and ergonomics of a camera play a significant role in the overall user experience. The Canon EOS 700D features a classic DSLR design with a comfortable grip and a well-placed control layout. The Sony SLT-A58, on the other hand, adopts a more compact design with a smaller grip and a slightly more complex button arrangement.
The Canon EOS 700D’s design is considered more intuitive and user-friendly, especially for beginners. The Sony SLT-A58, while compact and lightweight, might require some time to get used to its button layout.

Connectivity and Features: The Extras that Matter

Both cameras offer a range of connectivity options, including HDMI, USB, and microphone ports. The Canon EOS 700D also features a built-in flash, while the Sony SLT-A58 offers a pop-up flash. In terms of additional features, the Canon EOS 700D boasts a Creative Filters mode, which allows for in-camera artistic effects. The Sony SLT-A58, on the other hand, includes a unique feature called “Translucent Mirror Technology,” which enables continuous autofocus during live view and video recording.
The choice between the two cameras ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. The Canon EOS 700D offers a more traditional DSLR experience with excellent image quality and user-friendly design. The Sony SLT-A58, with its faster shooting speed, continuous autofocus in live view, and wider video recording options, is better suited for action photography and videographers.

Choosing the Right Camera for You: A Final Decision

Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Here’s a quick recap of the key differences between the Canon EOS 700D with EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM lens and the Sony SLT-A58:
Canon EOS 700D:

• Strengths: Excellent image quality, user-friendly design, reliable autofocus, good dynamic range.
• Weaknesses: Slower shooting speed, limited buffer capacity, less advanced video features.

Sony SLT-A58:

• Strengths: Faster shooting speed, larger buffer capacity, continuous autofocus in live view, wider video recording options.
• Weaknesses: Slightly lower image quality, more complex button layout, less user-friendly design.

If you prioritize image quality, user-friendliness, and reliable performance, the Canon EOS 700D is a solid choice. However, if you need faster shooting speed, continuous autofocus in live view, and advanced video capabilities, the Sony SLT-A58 might be a better fit.

The Final Verdict: Beyond the Comparisons

Instead of simply declaring one camera as the winner, it’s important to recognize that both the Canon EOS 700D and Sony SLT-A58 are capable cameras with their own strengths and weaknesses. The best camera for you will depend on your individual needs, budget, and shooting style.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which camera is better for beginners?
A: The Canon EOS 700D is generally considered more user-friendly and intuitive for beginners due to its classic DSLR design and simple controls.
Q: Which camera is better for action photography?
A: The Sony SLT-A58 is a better choice for action photography due to its faster shooting speed, larger buffer capacity, and continuous autofocus in live view.
Q: Which camera is better for video recording?
A: The Sony SLT-A58 offers a wider range of frame rates and recording formats, making it a more versatile option for video recording.
Q: Which camera has better image quality?
A: The Canon EOS 700D generally delivers slightly better image quality with more detail and color accuracy, especially in low-light conditions.
Q: Which camera is more affordable?
A: Both cameras are generally affordable, but the Sony SLT-A58 is often priced slightly lower than the Canon EOS 700D.