The expert Sony technology found in the Sony SLT-A57 allows you to home in and capture every special moment that comes your way. And, because this digital camera is lightweight and compact, you are able to carry this baby with you wherever you go, so you never miss a moment. This entry-level DSLR camera impressed us, a lot. The Sony SLT-A57 is one of Sony's best entry-level DSLR cameras and has a long list of features and technologies that you can only find in a Sony DSLR camera. For its excellence in DSLR features, functions and technology, we present the Sony SLT-A57 with the TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award.
As technology is obviously our expertise here at TopTenREVIEWS, we never tire of discussing Sony and the ever-expanding list of precision technology that it adds to all of its consumer electronics. Thanks to the geniuses who work for Sony, this DSLR camera employs Translucent Mirror Technology. The translucent mirror directs light to the Phase Detection autofocus system.
The Sony SLT-A57 is compatible with Sony A-mount lenses. When you look through the lens of your DSLR camera in Live View, the LCD monitor and electronic viewfinder "provide a what-you-see-is-what-you-get preview of white balance, focus, depth of field, exposure and 100 percent framing accuracy," according to the Sony product page for this DSLR camera. The Live View feature is also made possible by the translucent mirror.
This DSLR camera has the ability to continually shoot up to 12 frames per second; combine that with the AUTO+ mode and Phase Detection autofocus, and you have one powerful photographic experience. Want even more power? Well, Sony delivers it. The Dynamic Range Optimizer specializes in clearing the shadows that surround the person or thing you wish to shoot, recovering details and improving the quality of the image by illuminating backlit situations. This DSLR camera shoots with up to 3200 sensitivity, but has extended modes that go beyond. And with Multi Frame Reduction mode, you can shoot six frames in quick succession and stack them to get an effective 25600 sensitivity. The BIONZ image processor reduces noise, and when coupled with the SteadyShot INSIDE stabilization technology, which reduces blurry photos, will yield high-resolution images every time.
Kids, sports, vacation, life, the Sonly SLT-A57 makes sure you don't miss a single moment. Not only can you take fabulous photos, this entry-level DSLR camera also has full HD movie capabilities. For a more cinematic flare, this DSLR camera employs a variety of creative effects, including the "rack focus" movie effect, which allows you to shift the focus between foreground and background images like a pro.
Panoramic shots truly capture the beauty of a landscape or cityscape. To capture your favorite scenes, you can use the Sweep Panorama Mode or the 3D Sweep Panorama mode. When using the regular Sweep Panorama Mode, simply press the shutter down and move vertically or horizontally to capture your scene. The DSLR camera will automatically stitch the images together. The 3D Panorama Mode divides the shooting process and records right-eye and left-eye images, which will provide a magnificent 3D experience on your 3D television.
Also worth noting is the A57's impressive battery life, which is around 550 shots per charge.
Although this DSLR camera has a host of professional-grade features and functions, it has an easy-to-use interface and excellent technology that take the guesswork out of shooting. If you ever have a technical question while shooting on location, the Sony SLT-A57 has a built-in Help Guide. Simply select the function button you are having issues with, and the Help Guide will show you the information provided for that selected function.
Many cameras use a moving mirror, which contributes to the size and weight of a camera. Thanks to translucent-mirror technology, the Sony SLT-A57 is lightweight and has a compact design. The Sony Alpha series is famous for its sleek styling that features well-placed buttons and dials, as well as high-quality finishes and handgrips. Our favorite design feature is the adjustable 3-inch LCD monitor. You are able to swivel the LCD monitor 270 degrees leftward, and you can tilt the monitor 180 degrees so you can take images and video high, low, left, right, under, over and everywhere else.
During our research for the best entry-level DSLR cameras on the market today, we have visited many sites and scoured their product pages. Most of these DSLR camera product pages have a support tab that is easily accessible. Navigating to the STL-A57's support page, however, requires that you go through a labyrinth of pages. But once you finally reach the Sony eSupport page, you have access to a customer forum, FAQs section, manuals, product registration, news, alerts and more.
Sony, once again, demonstrates its capability for making a fantastic product. The SLT-A57 indulges those with an appetite for new technology with its 3D capabilities, professional movie effects and the ability to shoot 12 frames per second. We believe the Sony SLT-A57 camera is definitely one that you can use as an entry-level photographer and continue to use as you develop in your photography skills.
