After capturing our attention with the first-ever mold-breaking Single Lens Translucent cameras (SLTs), the Sony Alpha a55 and Sony Alpha a33, Sony has produced additional high-performance models proving to be increasingly capable of competing with the powerful DSLR. These models include the Sony Alpha a77, Sony Alpha a77 Mark II, the Sony Alpha a77 Mark II, and the Sony Alpha a77 Mark III.
The new Sony Alpha a57 boasts several tweaks and upgrades over its predecessors that look good on paper and could take Sony’s DSLT range one step closer to knocking its DSLR rivals off their respective pedestals. The new Sony Alpha a57 incorporates Sony’s innovative SLT design, which features a semi-transparent mirror instead of the DSLR’s traditional mirror box arrangement. In addition, the new Sony Alpha a57 boasts several improvements over its predecessor.
Sony Alpha A57 16.1 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor
- 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Up to 12 FPS continuous shooting
- ISO 100-16000 (Auto 100-3200)
- 1080 24p / 60p HD movies in AVCHD format
- 3" Articulated LCD with 921,000 dots
- 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Up to 12 FPS continuous shooting
- ISO 100-16000 (Auto 100-3200)
- 1080 24p / 60p HD movies in AVCHD format
- 3" Articulated LCD with 921,000 dots
- Focus peaking manual focus aid
- Stereo microphones and mic input socket
The Sony Alpha a57 is a digital single-lens reflex camera that resembles a DSLR. Its design is comparable to the Sony Alpha a65, aimed at photography enthusiasts. It has various high-end capabilities in addition to its excellent 16-megapixel CMOS sensor.
Sony a57 Features
The 16.1-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor in the Sony Alpha a57 was taken from the Sony NEX-5N, a popular model among Sony’s line of small system cameras (CSCs).
Even though this may offer no real advantage over an older Sony a55 with the exact resolution, Sony’s decision to pair the swapped sensor with its most recent generation of the BIONZ processor looks promising in terms of the improved image quality that may be possible.
SLT cameras can deliver very responsive performance, in addition to impressive features such as the Sony Alpha a57’s class-leading 12fps continuous burst mode; for example, because of Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology (TMT), which offers several benefits, not the least of which is fast, full-time Phase Detection AF.
A high-resolution 3-inch LCD screen with 921,000 dots is included with the Sony Alpha a57. This screen can be flipped out from the back panel and swiveled in any direction, making it easy to compose shots even when the subject is at an unusual angle. In addition, full High-Definition (1080p) movie recording with stereo sound is also included with the Sony Alpha a57.
Sony a57 Build Quality.
The Sony Alpha a57 is not an exception to the rule regarding the camera’s build quality since we have not yet encountered a Sony DSLR or DSLT that skimps on construction. The most recent model in the company’s entry-level lineup looks very similar to that of its more advanced sibling, the Sony Alpha a65. Additionally, this camera has a sturdy build and a weight that is comforting to hold.
Even though it does not have the weather-sealed or metal construction of some of the more expensive Sony Alpha cameras, the solid plastic build of the Sony Alpha a57 still feels more than capable of coping with everyday use, and it compares favorably to its competitors who are in a comparable price range.
The front grip, which is rubberized and has an ergonomic form, is quite pleasant and works well in tandem with the rear thumb pad, which is beautifully curved and covered in rubber to offer a secure grasp. The camera’s body is adorned with quite a few controls, and even though there are many, they are all appropriately sized and well-labeled. This makes the interface of the Sony Alpha a57 relatively easy to understand and get a handle on right from the start.
Sony a57 Performance
The full-time Phase Detection AF system on the Sony Alpha a57 is outstanding. It can find a positive lock rather quickly and maintains high accuracy even in well-lit environments. In addition, three cross-type sensors are included in the 15-point system, adapted from the more sophisticated Sony Alpha a65.
You will also gain advantages from the newly developed Object Tracking AF function, which was discussed before. This works well, and it can keep a lock on human faces or other subjects moving across the screen even if they happen to momentarily leave the camera or become shortly covered by something in the front. This is a handy feature. However, as the number of available light decreases, the camera becomes increasingly challenging. This is true even when the autofocus assist lighting is turned on to aid it.
When shooting Full HD videos with the Sony Alpha a57, the fast autofocus mechanism is another feature that comes in very handy. This easily accessible feature – shot at 50p (progressive) – produces relatively smooth and highly detailed movies, with reasonably good sound recorded by the camera’s built-in stereo microphones. This feature can be accessed via the mode dial or a dedicated button on the back of the camera.
Sony a57 Auto Portrait Framing
Sony has introduced a new function called Auto Portrait Framing, and they say it is the first of its type. After analyzing your portraits using Face Detection and the time-tested Rule of Thirds, the frame will be cropped in such a way as to achieve the ideal composition automatically.
Those who struggle to create compositions with a sense of balance while photographing people may find this tool helpful.
Once you’ve taken the picture, the camera analyses its composition and uses the Rule of Thirds to correct for any improper framing automatically. As the name suggests, this happens when you press the shutter button.
After it has completed this, the image will be cropped (note that you may end up with the final shot in the opposite orientation to your original, depending on what the camera deems to be the most pleasing).
Sony a57 Clear Image Zoom
When using the 2x Clear Image Zoom on the Sony Alpha a57, an improved alternative to the notoriously destructive digital zoom feature that we have frequently criticized, By Pixel Super Resolution Technology is also utilized. This technology has a great name and sounds very impressive.
This system is distinct from others in that the magnification that is offered (by cropping into the original shot to give the effect of doubling the most extended focal length of the lens) is not simply left in its low-res state; instead, it is reconstructed in its newly composed form to produce an image with the full resolution once more. Again, this is accomplished by cropping into the original shot.
The Sony Alpha a57 has many in-camera picture customization options, making it an excellent choice for photographers.
There is a good variety of options to refine the colors and style of your photographs without having to go anywhere near a computer. This is in addition to handy features such as the Auto HDR mode discussed earlier and the DRO (Dynamic Range Optimiser) settings.
Sony a57 Image Quality
As a part of our examination of the Sony Alpha 57’s image quality, we took pictures of a resolution chart while the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM lens was mounted on the camera.
When you view our crops of the central section of the resolution chart at 100% (or Actual Pixels), you will see that the Sony Alpha 57 is capable of resolving up to approximately 24 (line widths per picture height x100) in the JPEG files that have the highest Quality. This is the case when the ISO is set to 100.
Sony a57 Specs
| Body type | Compact SLR |
|---|---|
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 4912 x 3264 |
| Other resolutions | 4912 x 2760, 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2000, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376 |
| Image ratio w h | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 17 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filters |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 16000 (25600 with boost) |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 25600 |
| White balance presets | 9 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (1) |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Normal |
| File format | RAW RAW + JPEG JPEG FineJPEG Standard |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Phase DetectMulti-area selective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Built-in Flash type |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2x Clear Image Zoom) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 15 |
| Lens mount | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 921,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | Xtra Fine TFT drive with TruBlack technology |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.04× (0.69× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 1,440,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Exposure modes | iAUTOFlash OffSuperior AutoScene SelectionSweep Panorama3D Sweep PanoramaContinuous Advance Priority AEMovie, Programmed AE (P)Aperture priority (A)Shutter-speed priority (S)Manual (M) |
| Scene modes | PortraitLandscapeMacroSports ActionSunsetNight PortraitNight ViewHand-held Twilight |
| Built-in flash | Yes (Pop-up) |
| Flash Range | 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless) |
| Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High-Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/160 sec |
| Drive modes | Single ShotContinuous (Hi/Lo)Self-timer (10/2 sec. delay)Bracketing (Cont., Single, White Balance), Remote Control (with optional RM-DSLR1) |
| Continuous drive | 12.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes (3 frames, H/L selectable) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264 |
| Videography notes | 1080p60 or 24 on NTSC models, 50p or 25p in PAL countries |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (Mini Type C) |
| Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected |
| Remote control | Yes (Optional) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | Rechargeable NP-FM500H battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 550 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 618 g (1.36 lb / 21.80 oz) |
| Dimensions | 132 x 98 x 81 mm (5.2 x 3.86 x 3.19″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Sony a57 Verdict
Sony Alpha A57 16.1 MP Exmor APS HD CMOS Sensor
- 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Up to 12 FPS continuous shooting
- ISO 100-16000 (Auto 100-3200)
- 1080 24p / 60p HD movies in AVCHD format
- 3" Articulated LCD with 921,000 dots
- 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Up to 12 FPS continuous shooting
- ISO 100-16000 (Auto 100-3200)
- 1080 24p / 60p HD movies in AVCHD format
- 3" Articulated LCD with 921,000 dots
- Focus peaking manual focus aid
- Stereo microphones and mic input socket
The Sony Alpha a57 comes with a kit lens with a launch price of £700 in the UK and $800 in the US. This price seems a little high, especially considering that you can purchase the Sony Alpha SLT-a65, which has 24.3 megapixels and GPS capabilities, for roughly the same price, or even less if you make some comparison shopping online.
Having said that, once the newcomer has been on the market for a short period, the street price will most certainly settle at a more reasonable position, bringing it closer to its DSLR competitors, such as the Nikon D5100 and the Canon EOS 600D.
When it comes to the features, on the other hand, we do not feel cheated in the slightest. On the contrary, the Sony Alpha a57 has several improvements and a few outstanding additions that lift it beyond the earlier Sony a55 that it replaces while preserving the same philosophy for making the shooting experience as streamlined and straightforward as feasible.
Sony a57 FAQs
How old is the Sony A57?
Since it was first introduced in 2012, the Sony A57 will be approximately 11 years old by 2023.
Is the Sony A57 mirrorless or DSLR?
The Sony A57 is not a mirrorless but a DSLR (digital single-lens reflex) camera.
How do I use my Sony A57 camera?
Turn the camera on, connect a charged battery and memory card, attach a lens to the camera body, and then change the settings to your preferred preferences. These steps must be completed before you can use your Sony A57 camera.
What mount is Sony A57?
The Sony A57 utilizes the Sony A-mount, so it is only interoperable with lenses that also use the Sony A-mount.
Can you connect Sony A57 to the phone?
Using the Sony PlayMemories software and a WiFi connection, users can connect the Sony A57 to a mobile device such as a smartphone or computer.
