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Sony Alpha SLT-A57 Preview
Meet the newest A-mount camera from Sony, the Alpha SLT-A57, or α57, which employs Translucent Mirror Technology to direct light into a 16.1 megapixel CMOS image sensor and the Auto Focus sensor simultaneously to allow continuous auto focus while shooting either still photographs or high definition video. While the A57 is the successor to the A55, the body design is actually based on the higher-end A65.
In terms of performance, the themes here are speed and creativity. Thanks to the new BIONZ processor, you can shoot still images at up to 12 frames per second at full resolution, or full HD video at 1080/60p, 1080/60i, or 1080/24p. The camera's Tru-Finder high resolution electronic viewfinder offers 100% field of view, and is boasts 40% more effective pixels than the unit found in the A55. And while we never recommend using digital zoom, Sony's Pixel Super Resolution Technology is a relatively mild 2x digital zoom extension, taking the camera's 55mm kit lens up to a 100mm equivalence.
Check out the full list below, but there are over a dozen Auto and Picture Effects mode to spruce up the shots of pros and novices, including the new Auto Portrait Framing, which uses the rule of thirds to create a second photo, already cropped to feature your subject in a stylish portrait (but don't worry, the original remains untouched).
Sony Alpha SLT-A57 Features include:
- 16.1-megapixel HD CMOS senor (same sensor as the NEX-5N)
- 3.0-inch Tilting Xtra Fine LCD (921K dots)
- BIONZ image processor
- Upgraded Tru Viewfinder
- Full 1080p at 60p/60i/24p (AVCHD 2.0)
- Quick AF Full HD Movie
- Upgraded 15-point AF system with 3 cross sensors
- More advanced Object Tracking AF
- SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization
- High ISO: 100-16000
- Better shutter performance
- 12fps with over 20 shot buffer depth - cropped
- 10fps at full res
- Auto Portrait Framing
- Clear Image Zoom (2x digital zoom)
- Picture Effects:
- HDR Painting
- Soft Focus
- Miniature
- Rich-ton Monocrhome
- Partial Color (Yellow)
- Partial Color (Blue)
- Partial Color (Red)
- Pop Color
- Posterization (B/W)
- Retro Photo
- Soft High-key
- Toy Camera
- High Contrast Monochrome
- Posterization (Color)
- Superior Auto Mode
- Intelligent Auto Mode:
- Night View
- Landscape
- Backlight Portrait
- Portrait
- Tripod Night View
- Backlight
- Macro
- Night Portrait
- Spotlight
- Low Light
- Infant
- 3D sweep Panorama
- Compatible with all E-mount Lenses
- MS Duo / SDXC memory card slots
Sony's Alpha SLT-A57 will be available April of 2012 in two forms: 1) Body Only with an MSRP of $699, and 2) a kit for $799, which includes an 18-55mm lens.
Additional Product Views:
Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.
