Sony Alpha A58 suit my needs?

[WatchTower]

I'd normally buy a Compact camera or use my mobile for photos. The problem is I enjoy visiting Castles in Wales such as Conwy and they look amazing at night. I've never been able to get a decent picture at night. I've never owned a DSLR before and don't want to be overwhelmed. The Alpha A58 seems reasonable priced at £325 I thought it maybe be worth spending a few more quid and get an entry level SDLR instead of using my mobile or compact camera. There's been so many things I've wanted to take a picture of in low light but cheaper cameras never seem to be able to focus when it get's too darker and all I have is street lights around me for example.

Sorry if I come across has an idiot I'm un-educated in this area apart watching youtube videos.

 

[Columbo]

There are no bad SLR's around these days so I'd say just pick the one which fits your budget and your hand the best.

But also if night photography is what you specifically want to do, you may also want to consider a decent tripod.

 

[K.C. Leblanc]

But also if night photography is what you specifically want to do, you may also want to consider a decent tripod.

I would go further and say it's basically a requirement. Red Snapper are fairly good at the cheaper end of the tripod market.

Also a remote control either infa-red or wired (I don't know what sort the Alpha uses) will be useful. Don't bother with the manufacturer's ones, there are loads of cheap ones on ebay.