• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A57 advantages over Sony A7C

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • More telephoto lens reach
    83 mm vs 60 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Sony A7C advantages over Sony A57

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 4.82 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Thinner
    59 mm vs 80 mm
    Thinner
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    3 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • 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

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

User reviews

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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
Sony A7C
Nikon D5100
  • $1665
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • More telephoto lens reach

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
Sony A7C
Sony A37
  • $1665
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More telephoto lens reach

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
Sony A7C
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $1665
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon EOS RP

Sony A57
Canon EOS RP
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Larger sensor
Sony A7C
Canon EOS RP
  • $1665
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • 35mm
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compared to Sigma fp

Sony A57
Sigma fp
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1672
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Sony A7C
Sigma fp
  • $1665
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $1672
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
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