Sony SLT Alpha 37 Specs and Scores
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General
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Sony SLT Alpha 37
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Price | |
Brand | Sony |
Model | SLT Alpha 37 |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2012 |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | May 17, 2012 |
Camera Type |  DSLR |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight |
The Sony SLT Alpha 37 receives a score of 49/100 in our evaluation. This DSLR camera was announced on May 17, 2012, and released the same year with a launch price of $500. Measuring 124 x 92 x 85mm and weighing 506g (1.12lbs), the Alpha 37 has been in the market for quite some time. When compared to today’s market, the camera’s specifications may not be the most advanced, but it has its place for those seeking a budget-friendly option. Thus, the Sony SLT Alpha 37 is a decent choice for entry-level photographers.
Sony SLT Alpha 37 Overview and Optics
The Sony SLT Alpha 37 receives an optics score of 57 out of 100. This camera features a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor with an APS-C size, paired with a Bionz processor. These specifications result in a shooting speed of 5.5 frames per second and a respectable DXOMARK score of 75 for the sensor. The camera also supports a Sony Alpha lens mount and offers image stabilization.
When comparing the optics of the Sony SLT Alpha 37 to other cameras in today’s market, it falls behind in terms of resolution and performance. The 16-megapixel sensor is lower than the standard 24-megapixel sensors found in many current models, and the 5.5 fps shooting speed is not as fast as the competition. However, the image stabilization and compatibility with Sony Alpha lenses provide flexibility and adaptability for various shooting scenarios.
The Sony SLT Alpha 37’s optics are satisfactory, but there are more advanced options available in the market. The camera’s 3:2 aspect ratio, though standard, does not offer any standout features. While the optics are decent for an entry-level camera, those seeking higher performance should consider other options.
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Optics
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Sony SLT Alpha 37
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 4912 x 3264 px |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5.5 fps |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Sony Alpha |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 16,000 |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 25600 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 4000 s |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 15 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic |
Viewfinder Resolution | 1,440,000 dots |
Sony SLT Alpha 37 Video Performance
The Sony SLT Alpha 37 receives a video score of 43 out of 100. This camera offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080, allowing users to capture clear and detailed footage. However, the maximum video frame rate of 28fps may result in less smooth motion during recording.
In the current market, the Alpha 37’s video capabilities lag behind other cameras offering higher frame rates, 4K resolution, and various advanced video features. Unfortunately, this camera lacks time-lapse functionality, limiting its creative potential for videographers.
Considering these factors, the Sony SLT Alpha 37’s video performance does not stand out among its competitors. Users looking for superior video capabilities may want to explore other options in the market.
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Video
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Sony SLT Alpha 37
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 px |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 28 p |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |   |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Sony SLT Alpha 37 Features and Benefits
The Sony SLT Alpha 37 receives a feature score of 34/100. This score reflects the camera’s capabilities with a 2.6-inch screen size and a resolution of 230400 dots. Though it lacks a touchscreen, the Alpha 37 does offer a flip screen for flexible shooting angles. However, it misses out on modern connectivity options such as GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth.
Comparing these features to the current market, the Alpha 37 falls short in terms of screen size, resolution, and connectivity. Many contemporary cameras boast larger screens, higher resolutions, and seamless integration with smartphones and other devices through WIFI and Bluetooth. These missing features hinder the user experience, limiting the Alpha 37’s appeal to today’s tech-savvy photographers.
The Sony SLT Alpha 37 provides basic functionality with its flip screen but fails to meet the advanced features and connectivity options expected in today’s market. Its feature score of 34/100 highlights the camera’s limitations and positions it as a less competitive option for modern photographers.
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Features
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Sony SLT Alpha 37
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  |
External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
Screen Type | LCD |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  |
Screen Size |  2.6" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 230,400 dots |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
Sony SLT Alpha 37 Storage and Battery
The Sony SLT Alpha 37 receives a storage and battery score of 27/100. This camera has one memory card slot and accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, along with Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo cards. The battery life is 500 shots, utilizing an NP-FW50 battery type. However, USB charging is not available.
In today’s market, the storage and battery specifications of the Sony SLT Alpha 37 are not particularly outstanding. Many cameras now offer multiple memory card slots and longer battery life, as well as USB charging options. The Alpha 37’s specifications may not be sufficient for users who require more advanced storage and battery capabilities.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony SLT Alpha 37
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
Battery Type | NP-FW50 |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 500 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Sony SLT Alpha 37
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 23.3 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 12.9 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 799 |
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Scores
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Sony SLT Alpha 37
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User Scores
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Sony SLT Alpha 37
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B&H photo video |