Sony A57 Field Test

Check out the video from our TCSTV Production Workshop! Chris from The Camera Store checks out the Sony A57 camera, to see if the SLT design is worth all the hype.
This film was directed, filmed, recorded and lit by our entire class.
Marlene Hielema
Josee Perron
Ashwinth Mudumbi Raghu
Candice Edwards
Darwin Precoor
Mary Schidlowsky
Johnny Tran
Maria Colon
Raul Colon
Filmed on the 5D MK III

[@brettharris626]

This was my first camera, absolutely love it. Learnt so much about photography from this camera. And i still have it.. ! Even though now i own 3 A7's series cameras now. Anyone wanting a great ease of use in starting point in DLSR photography, i do recommend this. 👍👍👍

[@billr6983]

Found this camera and its 18-55 kit lens not long ago, along with batteries and a charger at a thrift shop for next to nothing. I bought it and of course had to see if TCSTV had done a video on it. I was very pleased to see they had. It's interesting to see the lads from back then as compared to now. It's also fun to hear them say things like a 921K back screen has a nice resolution when now they would be saying the resolution of 921K is abysmal! That being said (lol) it's a decent screen and very workable, and the camera as a whole is pretty good. Even by today's standards the focus is very quick. I plan on getting a few lenses (macro, telephoto etc.) on the used market to play around with some back yard nature photography. Should be fun.

[@stevemayne8067]

I have one too, use it mainly for motorsport ( rallying) considering taking the plunge into mirrorless. Have loved the a57 .

[@bowtiecigars]

best a57 review I have seen!!!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

You can disable stabilization in the menu. This is also the case for the A77 and A65. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I'd get the A57. The slow-mo is much better than the Canon T3i, especially regarding aliasing. You also gain double the resolution when shooting slow-mo, which can help when you need to reduce camera shake or rolling shutter artifacts. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The participants used several primes, the Canon 24mm F2.8 IS, Zeiss 18mm F3.5, Zeiss 35mm F1.4, Zeiss 100mm F2 Macro, Leica R 50mm F1.4, and Leica 80mm F1.4. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The walk & talk before 3:30 was the Canon 24mm F2.8 IS. The shot after was the Leica R 80mm F1.4. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I can't wait! One less adaptor in the bag! Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Look for Minolta AF lenses if the Sony system appeals to you. They can usually be had for very good prices. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@lindalu4248]

Will this camera still work in 2020

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Sigma and Tamron lenses are available in Sony's A-Mount. With the A57 you will want to disable stabilization on third party lenses.

[@tvbseb]

Very helpful and entertaining. Please post more on the A57. Pretty please, with a cherry on top.

[@NerdJourneys]

I would love a 'how it stacks up in 2020' version of this! I've got one, and I love it, but since I travel a lot I'm looking for something lighter in weight (and preferably with wifi). The only problem is, Sony has basically abandoned the idea of making new A-mount cameras! :(

[@DannysHauntedJourney]

We are both here for the same reasons. It's a good picture camera, but the video is severely lacking compared to my iPhone 11 Pro.

[@backupper180493]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's because the mirror is translucent so that it bounces 30% of the light on to a dedicated phase-detection auto-focus system, which allows the camera to have really fast autofocus while the other 70% goes to the sensor which translates the data onto a EVF while in a mirrorless camera with a EVF, all of the light that goes through the lens goes into the sensor. Hope that helps :)

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Chris and both think the Nikon AW100 is the best underwater camera on the market. We have a video on our channel about it. Check it out.

[@AgnostosGnostos]

At 2:55 he says the a bit of the light is kicking up into our EVF and that's how we can see our electronic display. This is completely wrong.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

There's a good chance we will. Chris and I are huge fans of the G3. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Both good options, but I'd give the A57 the edge, as you can shoot with the viewfinder and you have 1080/60P as an option for slow motion. The Rebel does have manual audio control, but I'd recommend recording audio externally anyways. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

I don't find the lack of manual controls to be a big deal, as I record my audio separately anyways. The preamps in all DSLRs are garbage. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

We're waiting for a production copy so we can run it through some tests. Might be a while, it doesn't until late October. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@Freeman93529]

I am a Loyal Nikon User, (Currently using D800) , I am pretty impressed by Sony DSLR, especially the entry level one, Fast frame rate, Decent auto focus, good ISO performance, EVF is good for instant view of your image, These features are great for someone who just started on photography. Most likely, I would like to have one of that for my Backup Body.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Review is now on our channel.

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Low light is pretty comparable. The Pentax does have slightly better dynamic range in the shadows though. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The Sony is a much faster shooter and focuser,and the video is better, but the Pentax is weather sealed, has a great optical viewfinder, and a better control layout. If video is important though, I'd go with the Sony. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@mbravos]

WeeManFoo is correct, in traditional DSLR the focusing system is at the bottom of the camera, but in Sony's SLT the used the free space left by the pentamirror/pentaprism and putted there the AF. The EVF image is directly from the main sensor.

[@rextheflexbaker]

Great Work.. Amazingly convincing. Bought one. Was that and more. Ended up buying another!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The Pentax shoots pretty good video, though I'm not crazy about the motion compression. The A57 shoots sharper video, with a 60P option for slow-motion. That said, I prefer the Pentax for stills. Great viewfinder, detailed RAW files, and much better build quality on the Pentax. It just depends what is more important to your shooting style. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@DCPhotography3]

The A57 is a great camera... Sony did a great job on it.

[@tobsmonster2]

The mirror is used for full time phase-detect autofocus. The EVF image is pulled straight off the sensor.

[@Rationalific]

You definitely have some of the best camera reviews on the web! I really enjoyed this one.

[@Neeper78]

This was a fun shoot! I learned a lot from Jordan and Chris! Now I just need to practice and conquer final cut. Watch out Spielberg, I'm coming!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

It's on my desk right now... Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@RizeeyRee32]

That was the best camera review ever made!

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

The Sony has a faster fps burst rate and better video, but the K-30 has much better ergonomics, better build quality, an optical viewfinder, and 'slightly' better high ISO performance in RAW. Which camera is better depends on what you're shooting. Jordan @ The Camera Store TV

[@guit156]

The equipment review was predictably good. But real credit should be given to the production crew participating in the TCSTV workshop. Very nicely done -- and that, to my mind, is more important than the nuances of the camera being reviewed. I was more interested in the work done by those learning the craft, than in learning the details of yet another camera. The nice thing about this video is that the production work itself did not detract from the subject. That's why this is an art.

[@iSOBigD]

The high ISO quality is pretty good for the price point and it can do long exposure for those star shots. I'm not sure if it has a built in timelapse feature like my D5100 though. Mine can be programmed to take X shots at X seconds apart at any shutter speed you like, so it can do timelapse videos without any extra devices.

[@GOJIN1980]

Great work by the students!

[@jeromy3272]

sony A57, you may have forgot to mention the a few plus points of this DSLR over its entry level competitors 1) D-range and HDR modes 2) Creative modes 3) 6 burst ISO stacking capability 4) Zonal AF 5) In camera Tilt adjustment 6) Auto Portrait Framing 7) Electronic shutter for faster shutter lag time

[@mcrazza]

I liked how each section of the review was directed by different members of the TCSTV workshop. Each section stood out from the last. Nice work. I found that your review of the Sony A57 was superior to DRTV's review in terms of info. DRTV's was entertaining but I got absolutely NOTHING from it. So yeah, good job, TCS. :) As for the camera, I think you *might* have sold me on the A57. For an entry-level camera it's really taking it to Canon and Nikon's own entry and upper entry-level offerings.

[@oceanistoosmall]

a57 is cheaper if you order online! A57 fits your bill, as it has Image stabilization and best video offerings with focus peaking!

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

I meant to say can you turn of image stabilization in video mode. I remember every was complaining about the A77 and A65 having a 1.8 crop for video. From what I remember the image stabilization could only be turned of for photos on the A77 and A65.

[@qelasta]

this camera is winning TIPA 2011 Award for Best Imaging Innovation. And i own this camera. you should see how this amazing camera handle low light.

[@DaddyEric222]

Very nice video i enjoyed watching!

[@MarcosBH]

Great, great job! I love your reviews!

[@JorizTheGreat]

how to change the language of this camera

[@Aviatorspot]

Hi great review! I just got my A57 and love at first first when hold the camera. I did some field test today, I was amazed the AF response was so fast! I just pointed the camera and it focus almost instantly! I was videoing in P mode. How do I take photos while record the video at the same time?

[@bbcake001]

I would suggest buying the one that vibrate uncontrollably! She would appreciate you more and forget what your lacking of :)

[@MuzafarUmarov]

wow, what an amazing review. I got the same camera. Good job. Really enjoyed watching it

[@Gayaseraphine]

Thanks guys for all the awsome videos!!! I laughed my ass off on this one! Know i would like to know what you guys think about the new Sony A58! I hope you guys will make a video about this camera. Again thanks for your reviews love watching them.

[@freeskierinsf]

Such a great review

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The first Sony SLT cameras, the α33 and α35 were introduced the same year the first Sony mirrorless cameras NEX-3 and NEX-5 were introduced. In 2010 Sony betted in two technologies the SLT that was based in the well established α-mount lenses and the mirrorless technology with new e-mount lens. The SLT was never a success but the mirrorless e-mount catapulted Sony to the leadership of photography.

[@rcassley]

Super review. I'll be getting one soon. It is a pain about the flash mount as I wanted to use a side flash bracket for my close up shots where required.

[@davidsl118]

TheCameraStoreTV Please do review the sony a58. It has a different sensor than the a57.

[@oceanistoosmall]

If noise is not an issue, A65 is a better camera! If you shoot low light a lot, a 57 is the way to go

[@andresref.2657]

Have the a57 still working great camera

[@LovePeugeot107]

I have the a57 too... And i love it!

[@ArrakisDunedt]

Well, for me it has been between the Nikon D5100 and the Sony's.. I do not use Canon, as I do not usually like the color output..I've had two alphas and I've used a SLT before, and had a Nikon D200, D300, D90, D40, a D80 and a D3100.. I still have a sony lens (tamron) and used Pentax also..From Canon I've used a couple of them, not since the 450D.. I was going back to Nikon because I felt the Sony A350 was a lack of luck (broke down the shutter curtain @ 5k) but I believe SLTs are the future..

[@TheCameraStoreTV]

Canon 5D MK III

[@photographerjonathan]

that creature looks very similar to the dude you took a bath with, I would like to see a video about 2X lens adapters on the Canon 70/200 L IS ll lens, and maybe also on the 400mm f2.8, also maybe from your camera store you could do a lens review of all the L lenses at the same time, have them all on a counter, and spend one minute on each one giving your overall rating of focus speed, sharpness, bokeh, and overall image quality, maybe have a couple of pro photographers with you discussing them

[@LasstUnsSpielen]

2:48 Say hello to Mr Dust on your "mirror"!

[@The501leviguy]

WOW guys - neat work and very informative. Just a shame you couldn't have shot the whole review on an A57. I am interested in the video side of it mainly and am slowly being pushed into seriously considering this for a short Western video I am embarking on next June 2013 in the US. I had considered the Canon 650 as an option but am veering towards the A57. What do you guys reckon?

[@gdjaybee742]

Chris... selling ice to the Eskimos!

[@dudkun]

Yes it is!

[@GabrielFFontes]

Faster burst rate would be good, but the buffer is smaller, i guess... I don't really shoot video. In low light, is the K-30 AF system worst than the A57s? I do have a couple of Pentax lens, since my last camera (i sold it to upgrade) was a Pentax K-r...so maybe jumping ship isn't a good idea, since Pentax has always been good to me :)

[@NickCasale]

great video!

[@SuneelGundlapalli]

Can you share what camera was used to shoot this video? The video quality looks great. I am guessing it was shot with a DSLR.

[@surajsinha.5910]

hello bro ,if i have to select the camera between A58 , nikon d3300& canon600d ,which one is the best one to select in three of this for cinematic on zoom ,plz tell us,kind regard

[@babbusukhdeep]

Sony a57 or a58 any one..

[@WhittledHartes]

pretty good review, chris!

[@moviemassi]

Hey man! First of all nice video! I'm going to upgrade my sony a35 wich is a beginner dslr. But i'm not sure if i'm going with the sony a57 or a65? I use my camera for shooting videos, and of course taking pictures, but for me the video function means alot. So i got some different questions: 1. How important is the megapixels when you talk about videos? 2. What would you choose, the a57, a65 or maybe the a55? 3. Do you have some good ideas when it comes lenses for videos?

[@MrSlimJimProductions]

reason I'm asking is because I like the 1080p at 60fps from the A57, but not too sure about the lack of 720p as a resolution. I'm completely sure what my computer can handle, and I don't want to go over budget. Also, I just really like the idea of 12fps continuous shots :D

[@fofdeejay]

Nice review

[@mbaksa]

> I don't find the lack of manual controls to be a big deal, as I record my audio separately anyways. The preamps in all DSLRs are garbage. I understand that. But from that perspective mic input is useless. It is unneccesary for those with external recorders, and inadequate for those without ext. rec. Nobody needs that kind of mic input! If manual controls would be present and one uses external rec, DSLR preamps are irellevant because you use ext rec amp., and it saves you from syncing in post.

[@leedarmanin]

I'm thinking about buying the d7000 / 650D or this camera. I'm mostly into stills rather than video and I was going for the Sony but what you said about the hot shoe really put me off. What do you suggest?

[@TanburaS]

good reviews. witch of these cams is the favourite? Sony a57, canon 650D or Nikon D5100?? Video is also important

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

Can you turn off the image stabilization on the Sony A57? I know the A77 and the A65 you can not turn off the image stabilization.

[@bogdanpamparau6233]

Would you recommend this camera over the d90? I want to buy my first dslr and so far there are too many bodies to choose from. Great video guys!

[@dzulk9]

Tested it. It is one responsive camera ! Very fast indeed.

[@baramin5kx]

i REALLY WISHED THIS WAS FILMED WITH AN A57 CUZ NOW I WANT THE MARK III BUT CANT AFFORD IT. AND NOT SURE IF THE QUALITY MATCHES UP

[@dynaudio8vs]

Glad I got one

[@rchapoteau]

Any comment on the A77? It looks like you guys do a great job with videos so I'd like to hear your opinion.

[@LouiseTopp]

Hi great video. I do landscapes and would like to know is the K-30 better then the Sony, or should I stick with Sony? Thanks.

[@stewiek]

the light does not reflect up to EVF..it is reflected for the phase-detection system

[@WhittledHartes]

Neat video! Thanks!

[@oceanistoosmall]

Yes, slightly faster and more silent AF and slightly better IQ, but i'd suggest you go with the 18-135, same AF speed!

[@wolf05374]

Lover your video!! Was hoping to get professional advise on my first DSLR camera purchase, I have done tons of research and being a newbie some is confusing and lots contradicts the last thing I read. I have a new baby boy so portraits, kids than landscape. I was leaning toward the 4Ti, alpha 57, D5100. Can you make a suggestion. Also I have several 67 mm filters wondering if they will fit the camera you suggest? One last thing what lenses would you suggest??

[@coolwaterdvr]

If the Panasonic LX7 comes out can you also do a review?

[@m00tmike]

I was loving what I saw from the a37 but the flip down screen really turned me off (I was to use it to film myself sometimes). BUT I just found out that the a57 supports live view to an external monitor! (any chance you could confirm that?) So I think I've made my decision. I was also looking at the 650D and possibly the gh2 (but even used it's at the top of my price range). Thanks for a great review.

[@airwasey]

Hey. I have an A57 PAL but i can't change NTSC. Do you know how?

[@kimpoy4589]

thanks a lot Chris =)

[@Wessam12345678910]

should i buy this or the canon 600d/rebel t3i ... i shoot picture alot but I'm more into videography ... which one do you recommend. Reply asap please !

[@mounty1957]

Great video, very usefull! Does the MF mode (with colors) work with al MF Lenses? F.A.: with a T2 adapter + an 500mm mirror lens. And does the AF keep searching in video mode or is it accurate?

[@kimflowers4746]

Hi, thanks for the review! I'm considering this camera or the Panasonic Lumix G5. I know on paper this camera should produce better stills than the G5, but have you had any direct experience with the G5 to either verify or refute this?

[@Jesusunlimited5314]

Which one came first a58 or a57? And which one is more costly?

[@JorgeAraujo]

Wait if it doesn't have an optical viewfinder, only an EVF.... why does it have a mirror at all?

[@mela28xcom]

Thank you

[@iProGamingOfficial]

thanks, im really stuck on what one to buy. i love to shoot wild life and portraits, and love to shoot video. in your opinion, whats a better all around camera?

[@hfx55]

I have never owned anything but very cheap point and shoots. I am looking at the a57 to ease my way into photography. I am very interested in night shots and shots with the stars in the background. Is the a57 up for the challenge?

[@MrSlimJimProductions]

When It comes to video, would you prefer the Canon Rebel T3i/600D or the Sony A57? I like to implement very clear slow motion shots in my videos. Would the 720p at 60fps for the 600D make much of a difference compared to the A57's 1080p at 60fps? I use Twixter with slow motion shots. So, which would you recommend?

[@brown55061]

I'm starting to get into time lapse and astrophotography. I just wonder if the 70/30% translucent mirror will still capture enough light in the night sky. With a nearly 100% dark photo it will be a good test for an A57. Good camera review though, you hit the major questions I had.

[@alexisfaith1987]

i don't think adding external mic will resolve the problem of inbuilt mic picking up the focussing sound while video taping!!

[@mela28xcom]

Hey Guys nice review. Will you also review leica monochrom?