• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A57
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-G5
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Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Panasonic G3
G3 vs G5
Successor:   Panasonic G6
G5 vs G6
General
Model Number: A57 G5
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: SLR Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $799.99 $799.99
Street Price:   $549.95
Date Available: 2012-04-15 2012-09-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 29.2 oz (828 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
20.3 oz (575 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 5.2 x 3.8 x 3.2 in.
(132 x 98 x 81 mm)
4.7 x 3.3 x 2.8 in.
(120 x 83 x 71 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS Live MOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Panasonic
Effective Megapixels: 16.1 16.1
Sensor Format: APS-C 4/3
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 224.9mm2 (17.30mm x 13.00mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.82 microns 3.75 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 2.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: Yes No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 75  
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.4  
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 13.0  
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 785  
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4912 x 3264 (16.0 MP, 3:2),
4912 x 2760 (13.6 MP, 16:9),
3568 x 2368 (8.4 MP, Other),
3568 x 2000 (7.1 MP, 16:9),
2448 x 1624 (4.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 1376 (3.4 MP, 16:9),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
5536 x 2160 (12.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
3872 x 2160 (8.4 MP, Other),
7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other),
4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9)
4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3),
4608 x 3072 (14.2 MP, 3:2),
4608 x 2592 (11.9 MP, 16:9),
3456 x 3456 (11.9 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
2336 x 1720 (4.0 MP, Other),
2336 x 1560 (3.6 MP, 3:2),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1744 x 1744 (3.0 MP, 1:1),
1824 x 1368 (2.5 MP, 4:3),
1824 x 1216 (2.2 MP, 3:2),
1824 x 1024 (1.9 MP, 16:9),
1712 x 1712 (2.9 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG, MPO, RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW + JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 10.0 6.3
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60p(PS)/​60i(FX)/​60i(FH)/​24p(FX)/​24p(FH))
1440x1080 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC) AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch) or MP4 (Audio format AAC 2ch)
Composite Video Out: No Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a No
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony Alpha (Minolta A) Micro Four Thirds
Lens: Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM Panasonic LUMIX G VARIO 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA OIS
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 28 - 84mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 14 - 42mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.06x 3.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 36 (T) f/3.5 - f/22 (wide) / f.5.6 -f/ 22 (tele)
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
30 cm to Infinity
11.8 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 55.0mm 52.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 2x Precision, Up to 2x Clear Image Zoom, 1.4x (8.4MP) or 2.0x (4MP) Smart Zoom Magnification ratio depends on recording pixels and aspect ratio
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide (auto, 15 points), Zone, Spot, Local; Enhanced Object Tracking Contrast Detection: Face detection, AF Tracking, 23-area-focusing, 1-area-focusing, Pinpoint
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD EVF / LCD
Viewfinder Type: EVF type; 1.1cm (0.43") 1.44M/1.25M-dot LCD (480K/418K-dot time-multiplexed RGB), 100% coverage, 1.04x/0.97x magnification, 23.1/25.2mm eyepoint, -4 to +3 diopter EVF; 1,440K dots eq., 1.4x / 0.7x (35mm eq.) magnification, 17.5mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter, eye sensor
Focus Peaking: Yes No
EVF Resolution:    
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.69x 0.70x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.04x 1.40x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 920,000 dots (307,000 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen:
Selfie Screen:
Max Playback Zoom: 13.6x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 16000 12800
Minimum ISO (native): 100 160
ISO Settings: Auto (100-3200), 100 - 16000; (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600) Auto, Intelligent ISO, 160, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800; in 1/3 EV steps
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (4), Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation) Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2, Color Temperature Setting (2,500-10,000K in 100K steps)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 60 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot 144-zone Intelligent Multiple, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, SportsAction, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night scene, Hand-held Twilight (6 shot layering), Night Portrait; Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto Portrait Framing, Picture Effect (Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R,G,B,Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature), Dynamic Range Optimizer (Off/Auto/Level), Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child's Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing Nightscape, Artistic Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Clear Night Portrait, Soft Image of a Flower, Appetizing Food, Cute Dessert, Freeze Animal Motion, Clear Sports Shot, Monochrome
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 2, 10, 3 shots in 10 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. 8.3 m / 27.2 ft.
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent Lens dependent; GN=10.5 (ISO 160, m)
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/160
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot shoe Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:    
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG RAW, RAW + JPEG
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC) AVCHD (Audio format: Dolby Digital 2ch) or MP4 (Audio format AAC 2ch)
Included Memory:   No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Wireless or Wired  
Connections (extended): Type-C Mini HDMI (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack, DC Input Mini HDMI (Type-C), Remote Jack
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution):   0.45
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):   0.44
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):   8
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):    
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 10.0 6.3
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 25 18
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):    
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):    
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid):   0.19 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):   0.079 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):   0.47 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused):   0.063 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):   Full Autofocus lag, Multi-area AF mode = 0.191s
Startup Time:   1.3 seconds
Play -> Record Time:   0.6 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power:   3.8 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   310 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 550 shots  
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable 7.2v 1200 mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: Sony Software CD-ROM PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.2 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio 3.1 SE, Super LoiloScope (trial), USB Driver
OS Compatibility: Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.3 +)  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: SteadyShot INSIDE Sensor-shift Image Stabilization (up to 4.5 EV correction), Full HD 1080p60 Video, Up to 12 fps Burst Mode (Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE), Enhanced Object Tracking AF, 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom, New Auto Portrait Framing, Tilting 921K-dot LCD, 1.44M-dot EVF. Available in black, white, or silver in various kit options.