Nikon D810A vs Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58
      70
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      68
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D810A and the Sony Alpha SLT-A58, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Nikon D810A was introduced in February 2015 and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 was introduced in November 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Nikon D810A Highlights

      • 36.3 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 51 Focus Points (51 Cross-type)
      • 3.2" 1,229k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58 Highlights

      • 20.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 16,000 Native ISO
      • 15 Focus Points (15 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 460k dot Tilting Screen
      • 1,440k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Nikon D810A
      4. Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A58
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D810A and Sony Alpha SLT-A58.

      PROS

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz)

      CONS

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      •   Price
      •   Sensor Resolution - 36.3 Megapixel
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Weight - 880 g (1.94 lb / 31.04 oz)
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 74
      •   Battery Life - 690 shots

      Advantage of Nikon D810A

      Nikon D810A
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D810A over Sony Alpha SLT-A58.

      Nikon D810A vs Sony Alpha SLT-A58
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Sensor Resolution 36.3 Megapixel vs 20.1 Megapixel
      Higher Boosted ISO 51,200 vs 25,600
      Max Image Resolution 7360 x 4912 vs 5456 x 3632
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 51 vs 15
      More Cross-type Focus Points 15 vs 3
      Center Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.2" vs 2.7"
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,229k dot vs 460k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.70x vs 0.65x
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher USB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec) vs USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
      Headphone Output vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 1200 shots vs 690 shots
      More Storage Slots 2 vs 1

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D810A.

      Nikon D850
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Nikon D800
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      Full Frame

      36.3 MP

      Nikon D810
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      Full Frame

      36.3 MP

      Nikon D800E
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      36.3 MP

      Canon R3
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      Full Frame

      24.1 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Nikon Z30
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Samsung NX30
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.3 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Fujifilm X-T1
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      APS-C

      16.3 MP

      Nikon 1 AW1
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      1-inch

      14.2 MP

      Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      Sony SLT-A58
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha SLT-A58 over Nikon D810A.

      Nikon D810A vs Sony Alpha SLT-A58
      Lower Native ISO 200 vs 100
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 16,000
      Image Stabilization vs Sensor Shift
      Screen Type Fixed vs Tilting
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 8.0 fps
      Lighter 880 g (1.94 lb / 31.04 oz) vs 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha SLT-A58.

      Sony SLT-A57
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A68
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A37
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A55
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A35
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A65
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A77
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A33
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A99 II
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Sony SLT-A77 II
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A99
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Sony a9
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Nikon D810A Sony Alpha SLT-A58
        Video Capture
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Mini Mini Type C
      WEAKNESSES Nikon D810A Sony Alpha SLT-A58
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min - 1920 x 1080@30 fps, 1280 x 720
      20 min - 1920 x 1080@50/60 fps      		30 min
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi via optional WT-5A transmitter or Eye-Fi Eye-Fi is possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Nikon D810A has a 3.2" Fixed screen with 1,229k dot resolution and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has a 2.7" Tilting screen with 460k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Sony Alpha SLT-A58 very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha SLT-A58 with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Nikon D810A has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinderSony Alpha SLT-A58 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,440k dot resolution. They both have 100% coverage.

      Sensor

      Nikon D810A features a 36.3 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.9 x 24 mm and a total area of 861.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800 and expands to 100 - 51,200 in boosted mode. Sony Alpha SLT-A58 features a 20.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.2 x 15.4 mm and a total area of 237.2 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 16,000 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Nikon D810A is equipped with EXPEED 4 processor and can take pictures up to 7360 x 4912 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like FX: 5520 x 3680, 3680 x 2456; 1.2: 6144 x 4080, 4608 x 3056, 3072 x 2040; 5:4: 6144 x 4912, 4608 x 3680, 3072 x 2456; DX: 4800 x 3200, 3600 x 2400, 2400 x 1600 with 5:4, 3:2 aspect ratios. Sony Alpha SLT-A58 can take pictures up to 5456 x 3632 resolution.


      Lens Mount

      Nikon D810A has Nikon F lens mount and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has Sony A lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Nikon D810A its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Sony Alpha SLT-A58 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. Nikon D810A has a Mini HDMI and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Nikon D810A comes with EN-EL15 battery pack with battery life of 1200 shots and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 690 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Nikon D810A has two card slots - one for SD/SDHC/SDXC and one for CompactFlash (Type I, compliant with UDMA). Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Nikon D810A has Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Nikon D810A, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A58. Nikon D810A can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Sony Alpha SLT-A58 can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Nikon D810A has 51 (15 cross-type) focusing points and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 has 15 (3 cross-type) focusing points. Nikon D810A has detection range from -1 to +19 EV.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 12.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D810A and 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) on Sony Alpha SLT-A58. They also accept external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe or PC Terminal or Wireless connection to Nikon D810A and via Hot Shoe to Sony Alpha SLT-A58. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A58.

      Physical Parameters

      Nikon D810A body has dimensions of 146 x 123 x 82 mm (5.75 x 4.84 x 3.23") and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 body has dimensions of 129 x 95 x 78 mm (5.08 x 3.74 x 3.07"). Nikon D810A weighs 880 g (1.94 lb / 31.04 oz) and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 weighs 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz).

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      146 mm

      123 mm

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      129 mm

      95 mm

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      123 mm

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      95 mm

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      82 mm

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      78 mm

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      Size comparisons of Nikon D810A and Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      Nikon D810A and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      70
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      71
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      GOOD
      71
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 690 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 690 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      80
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      GOOD
      80
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Street Photography

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      77
      •   Large Sensor
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 880 g (1.94 lb / 31.04 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      77
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 880 g (1.94 lb / 31.04 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots
      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 690 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Nikon D810A and Sony Alpha SLT-A58 and give them scores of 70 and 68 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      OVERALL
      70
      OVERALL
      68

      Sensor

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 36.3 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Sensor Resolution - 20.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 74

      Photo

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      72
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      83
      •   -1 EV Min AF Detection
      •   51 Focus Points
      •   15 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      73
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      75
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,229k dot
      GOOD
      70
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot

      Connectivity

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      83
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Nikon D810A

      Sony Alpha SLT-A58

      GOOD
      76
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 880 g (1.94 lb / 31.04 oz)
      •   Long Battery Life - 1200 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      POOR
      45
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 492 g (1.08 lb / 17.35 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 690 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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