Sony Announce A57 DSLR Camera [VIDEO]
Image Credit: Sony

Key Features:

  • 16.1MP CMOS sensor
  • Latest Bionz processor
  • Larger, FM500H battery (same as A65 and A77)
  • ISO 100-16000
  • 1,440,000 dot LCD electronic viewfinder
  • 920,000 dot bottom-hinged rear LCD
  • 10 frame per second continuous shooting mode with AF (12fps at 8.4MP crop)
  • 1080p AVCHD 2.0 movies at 60 or 24 fps (50 or 25 in Europe)

Sony has announced the successor to its popular a55 DSLR camera, witht he SLT a57 promising Full HD video capture, a larger body and the addition of Picture Effects mode.

Sony's new camera is larger than the a55 and is based around a 16.1 megapixel Exmor sensor but still uses the Single Lens Translucent (SLT) technology which directs incoming light to the CMOS image sensor and the AF sensor at the same time, allowing full-time continuous AF during both still and video shooting - a feature unmatched at the consumer end of the market.

Also included in the a57 is the latest-generation Bionz engine, seen in both the a77 and a65 cameras. The Bionz engine gives the a57 a sensitivity range of ISO 100-16,000 - meaning it should perform well in low light situations.

Additionally, the a57 feature teh same features a 15 point AF system with 3 cross sensors, as seen in the a65, which should to help with TTL phase detection autofocus. The object tracking AF has also been improved to allow it with minor interruptions during shooting.

Past this the a57 will be capable of capturing footage at 12 frames per second (fps) and recording Full HD video at 50 or 24 fps, though this is lower than the 60fps available on the US version of the a57.

The A57 is set to be available from April, packed with an 8-55mm kit zoom lens for around £510 pre-tax. Check back at the International Business Times UK for a full review of the camera.

Sony