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Sony SLT Alpha 57 Specs and Scores

Optics
Video
Features
Storage & Battery
Sony SLT Alpha 57
52%
General
52%
Price
Brand
Sony
Model
SLT Alpha 57
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.
March 12, 2012
Camera Type
DSLR
Camera Size
Camera Weight

The Sony SLT Alpha 57 scores a 52 out of 100 in our review. This DSLR camera, announced on March 12, 2012, and released the same year, initially retailed for $700. Measuring 132 x 98 x 81mm and weighing 618g (1.36lbs), the Alpha 57 offers a compact and lightweight design. However, considering its age, the camera’s specifications may struggle to compete with more recent models in today’s market. Nevertheless, the Alpha 57 still serves as a decent option for those seeking a budget-friendly DSLR.

Sony SLT Alpha 57 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony SLT Alpha 57 receive a score of 59/100. This camera features a 16.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, paired with a Bionz processor. The shooting speed is 12 frames per second, providing decent performance for capturing fast-moving subjects. The DXOMARK score for the sensor is 75, which is a respectable result in the market.

This camera supports a Sony Alpha lens mount, offering compatibility with a wide range of lenses. The built-in image stabilisation helps to reduce camera shake, ensuring sharp images. The aspect ratio of 3:2 is a standard format for photography, allowing for versatile cropping options.

When compared to other cameras in today’s market, the Sony SLT Alpha 57 offers solid optical performance. However, there are newer models with higher megapixel counts and better sensor technology. As a result, the Alpha 57 may not be the top choice for those seeking the latest advancements in camera optics.

Optics
Optics
59%
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
16.1 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.
12 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 57 Video Performance

The Sony SLT Alpha 57 received a video score of 56 out of 100. It is capable of capturing Full HD videos with a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The camera supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, which is suitable for recording smooth, high-quality footage. However, it lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which could be a drawback for some users.

In today’s market, the Alpha 57’s video capabilities are decent but not exceptional. Many modern cameras offer higher resolutions like 4K and have built-in time-lapse features. Despite its limitations, the Alpha 57 still delivers satisfactory Full HD video performance for casual users and those who do not require advanced video features.

The Sony SLT Alpha 57’s video capabilities are suitable for those seeking a camera with decent Full HD performance, but it may not meet the needs of users looking for more advanced features and higher resolution.

Video
Video
56%
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.
60 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, MP4, MPEG-4 AVC

Sony SLT Alpha 57 Features and Benefits

The Sony SLT Alpha 57 receives a feature score of 41 out of 100. This score reflects the camera’s available features, which include a 3-inch screen with a resolution of 921,000 dots. However, it lacks a touchscreen, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities.

In the current camera market, a 3-inch screen with 921,000 dots resolution is relatively standard. The absence of a touchscreen may disappoint some users, as touch functionality has become more common in recent cameras. The flip screen offers versatility in shooting angles, but the lack of GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth makes sharing and geotagging photos more challenging.

Considering these specifications, the Sony SLT Alpha 57 falls short in the features department compared to its competitors. While the flip screen is a positive aspect, the lack of connectivity options and a touchscreen limits its appeal to modern photographers.

Features
Features
41%
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
TFT 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
3"
Screen Resolution
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
921,000 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 57 Storage and Battery

The Sony SLT Alpha 57 receives a storage and battery score of 29/100. This camera has one memory card slot, compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. The battery life allows for 550 shots, using the NP-FM500H battery type. However, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities.

In the current market, the Alpha 57’s storage and battery specifications are somewhat limited, as many modern cameras offer multiple memory card slots and USB charging. Despite these shortcomings, the camera remains functional for casual and hobbyist photographers who may not require extensive storage or battery life.

Storage and Battery
Storage and Battery
29%
Memory Card
SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual Memory Card Slots
Battery Type
NP-FM500H
Battery Life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
550 shots
USB Charging
DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK
Overall Score
DXOMARK overall sensor score.
75%
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.'
23.4 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.'
13 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'
785
Scores
User Scores
B&H photo video
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