• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 750.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony A57 advantages over Canon SX700 HS

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 550 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Canon SX700 HS advantages over Sony A57

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX700 HS

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5100

Sony A57
Nikon D5100
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Canon SX700 HS
Nikon D5100
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Sony A37

Sony A57
Sony A37
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Higher-res screen
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Canon SX700 HS
Sony A37
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A57
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Canon SX700 HS
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Panasonic ZS40

Sony A57
Panasonic ZS40
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Canon SX700 HS
Panasonic ZS40
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster shutter
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon SX710 HS

Sony A57
Canon SX710 HS
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Canon SX700 HS
Canon SX710 HS
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More pixels
Compare Other Cameras?