• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000

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Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Sony A57

  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video

Sony A57 advantages over Sony A55

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 550 vs 330 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

  • We haven’t finished our review of the Sony A57, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.

The Competition

Compared to Canon T2i

Sony A55
Canon T2i
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Sony A57
Canon T2i
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C
Sony A57
Sony A33
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Nikon D5100

Sony A55
Nikon D5100
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Sony A57
Nikon D5100
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A55
Sony A35
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Sony A57
Sony A35
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A55
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Sony A57
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
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