Sony Alpha DSLR SLT A57 Translucent Mirror Digital Camera with DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens

2013-06-10T21:00:00

Since I didn't have an A77 in hand to compare to I had to go off images from reviews. What I found was the A57 had better image quality than the newer A77. If I wanted to spend the extra I could have got the Canon T5i but even that one seemed to have about the same image quality even up at iso 3200 and 6400. I could have spent more yet and got the A99 which is a very nice camera with excellent images. In the end I landed on the Sony line because only Sony seems to have a full frame sensor camera, the A99, that has a swivel screen. At least I didn't see any in the Cannon or Nikon line up that did. So if I decided to upgrade I have a path to follow since the swivel screen is a requirement for me. I was truly amazed that the A57 performed(performs) so well.

Carl U.

2013-05-15T21:00:00

Extremely happy with the purchase. All my minolta bear works wonderfully. Amazing at a bargain price!

proudgeek

2013-05-15T21:00:00

After all of the research I put into finding the perfect camera in this price range,I could not be more happier with the performance of the A57 !!! You will not be disappointed with your purchase... I ordered on a Monday and got it on Thursday !!!! I will be going back for Lenses and accessories in the near future...

BamaNation

2013-05-15T21:00:00

The A57 is a great product at a very good price point. I ordered this on Monday and it was delivered on Thursday.I will be buying my lenses and accessories from Adorama!!!!! This was the Best online purchasing experience to date......

BamaNation

2013-05-07T21:00:00

great camera, great pictures, awesome video

wally

2013-05-07T21:00:00

I'm a beginner DSLR user. At this point, I primarily use the two "auto" modes. Keep this in mind. When buying this camera, it came down to the Sony A57 or the Nikon D5100. I like the camera, but I don't have much to compare it to, other than raw data. The price was good, and I like the speed component of the camera. I also wanted to be able to do solid HD video. I only have two real issues with the camera at this point. 1)The LCD swivels on the bottom. I thought I might not like it, but noone else mentioned it. I don't like it. I prefer the side swivel (I have used it before). 2)The microphone picks ups an lot of noise when the autofocus is functioning. I could use manual focus, and avoid this to some degree, but it's difficult and you end up making other noises as you handle the camera. I'm experimenting with external microphones, but the proprietary hot shoe is a headache. Also, I don't know how much of a difference it will make. There is a video review of this camera, which briefly addresses this issue. Check it out if you have time, and you will hear what I'm talking about. Other than that, I don't have any complaints. I wish it had come with a power cable, so I didn't have to run it off the battery during video playback. This isn't specific to this product, but I also wish I had bought the body only, and then bought a different lens. The stock lens only has 5x zoom, which isn't even enough to zoom across your back yard. I'd get a 18-200 or 18-300 if I could do it over. You can save $100 initially, and then spend $200 to get the other lens. In the end, I have a little buyers remorse with this purchase. I kindof wish I had gone with the Nikon, given the better photo quality and the little LCD swivel issue. I'd be willing to bet that you will get the same autofocus noise with the video mode, but I honestly don't know. It's probably six of one... half a dozen of the other. I'd trust what some of the more experienced reviewers have to say, if pro-quality photos are your only need. Hope this helps.

Nathan

2013-05-06T21:00:00

Easy to use and produces fast and beautiful images.

TURHAND A.

2013-05-06T21:00:00

This is my first SLR/SLT (non P&S) camera. I studied a lot of products and finally determined that this is the camera that gives best value for my money. Unique features that I like are: proximity sensing view finder, highly flexible LCD, auto-cropping, and light sensing LCD. I am very happy with my purchase.

Sudhi

2013-04-29T21:00:00

The Sony SLT a57 is an excellent entry or higher level camera. The kit lens is good for what it is, but should be the first item you find alternatives to. With higher quality lenses, the photos taken with this camera are up there with some of the "pro" models. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is interested in a DSLR.

Devilish54

2013-04-29T21:00:00

This camera is great for the novice, like me. There is some to learn with all the dials and buttons but is simple to use especially with auto mode. Pictures even with kit lense look fantastic. Highly recommend.

KJW

2013-04-29T21:00:00

I purchased last year's model because the reviews on the A58 weren't as great as I thought they would be. But the A57 is loaded with what I want and more than I need.

Enjin95

2013-01-28T19:00:00

Outstanding camera. Pictures come out great, even with the kit lens. Video is good as well. The only minor flaw is the positioning of the LCD screen's hinge on the bottom rather than at the side.

ERIC N.