What makes the Sony A57 so special?

With the introduction of the Sony a57, Sony is once again relying on a strength of SLT technology with its fixed, semi-transparent mirror: at a full resolution of 16 megapixels, the digital camera takes a rapid ten images per second. This makes it predestined for action shots and for capturing a specific moment of a motion sequence.

What is Sony A57 ‘clear image zoom’ digital zoom?

The A57 brings Sony’s ‘Clear Image Zoom’ digital zoom function to its SLT range – this function was seen previously in Cyber-Shot models. Clear Image Zoom uses an image database to interpolate between captured pixels for what Sony claims to be full resolution output without noticeable quality loss.

What does SLT-A57 mean?

And the A57 features the latest iteration of the company’s BIONZ processor. The Sony SLT-A57 is a noticeably larger camera than its nominal predecessor, the SLT-A55. In fact, it is virtually indistinguishable in appearance from the model sitting above it in Sony’s lineup, the SLT-A65.

Is the Sony SLT-A57 an iterative release?

With the Sony SLT-A57, the company updates the A55 without the fanfare that accompanies game-changing technology. In fact, there is precious little in the way of features or handling here that does not currently exist elsewhere in Sony’s SLT lineup. But that’s not to say that the A57 should be dismissed simply as an iterative release.

The A57 also has a clever eye level sensor that switches off the rear screen’s info display as you bring your eye close to the excellent optical viewfinder, plus a facility that automatically flips the same display through 90° should you turn the camera on its side to shoot in portrait fashion.

Can the A57 record 720p movies?

The A57 can record 1080p HD 1920 x 1280 pixel movies at either 50fps or 25fps (PAL), or 60fps and 24fps (NTSC) in the AVCHD format, or 1440 x 1080 pixels at 30fps/25fps in the MPEG-4 format, useful as this format can currently be shared more easily. There’s also a 640 x 480 VGA mode at 25fps, but no 720p mode.

How do I connect the A57 to a TV?

The HDMI port allows you to connect the A57 to a high-def TV set, but only if you purchase the optional HDMI mini-cable. As with Live View, continuous phase-detection AF is possible whilst shooting movies on the A57, a distinct advantage over most DSLR cameras and fast enough to rival Compact System Cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GH series.

What kind of LCD does the Nikon A57 have?

The A57 features an adjustable rear 3-inch LCD, still a relative rarity on a digital SLR. This is bracketed at the bottom and can be tilted down and then swivelled to the left and right through 270 degrees, and can also be flipped around to face inward to help protect it from scratches.