Advanced Feature Set Includes 12 fps Shooting, Full HD (60p) Video Capture, New Auto Portrait Framing and more
SAN DIEGO, March 12, 2012 -- A wider palette of creative options is
now accessible to more shooters with the α57 camera, the newest addition
to Sony's popular line of A-mount cameras employing Translucent Mirror
Technology.
The innovative Translucent Mirror design
directs incoming light to the CMOS image sensor and the AF sensor at the
same time, allowing full-time continuous AF during both still and video
shooting. Users can also frame, focus and preview shots in real-time on
the high-resolution Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder, which offers a
wide viewing angle and 100% field of view. This allows photographers to
capture exactly what they see on the screen.
A natural
successor to Sony's acclaimed α55 camera, the α57 is positioned for a
wide audience of DSLR users. It can shoot still images at up to 12
frames per second, capture full HD video at 60p, 60i or 24p frame rates
and has a variety of creative modes including Auto Portrait Framing, a
world's first technology
"Today's DSLR consumer is looking
for a higher level of control and flexibility in their camera," said
Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha camera business group for Sony
Electronics. "With the introduction of the new α57, we're bringing
blazing fast response rates, enhanced artistic capabilities and other
advanced features to the mainstream DSLR marketplace, offering
professional-grade performance at affordable prices."
With
the α57 camera, shooting speeds of up to 12 frames per second are
achieved in new Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode,
maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure with fixed aperture.
Magnifying the central portion of the sensor's image by 1.4x, it's
perfect for capturing split-second action close-ups with a burst of
sharply focused images, even when the subject is moving. In this
shooting mode, aperture is fixed at either f/3.5 or the maximum aperture
of lens in use (whichever is smaller) and image size of photos is about
8.4 megapixels.
Additionally, the α57 camera lets people
create powerfully expressive Full HD movies. Responsive full-time
continuous phase detection AF ensures that moving subjects stay sharply
focused, just like with still shooting. Support for the AVCHD™ Ver. 2.0
(Progressive) format means that Full HD resolution movies can be
captured with 60p frame rate: ideal for capturing smooth, blur-free
action. Shooting in 24p is also available to give footage a rich,
cinematic look. Movie-making options are enhanced further with full
control over P/A/S/M shooting modes for virtually limitless creative
expression.
The α57 model shares the α65's 15-point AF
system with three cross sensors delivering fast, accurate TTL phase
detection autofocus. Newly enhanced Object Tracking AF keeps faces or
other selected objects in sharp focus – even if a target is obscured
momentarily by another passing object.
Even the novice
photographers can now easily create pro-style portraits with the α57
thanks to new Auto Portrait Framing, a world's first technology. Using
face detection and the compositional 'rule of thirds,' the camera
identifies a subject's position, trimming the scene to create tightly
framed, professional-looking pictures in portrait or landscape
orientation while maintaining a copy of the original image. Saving both
the original photo plus the adjusted version allows for easy comparison
between the two images, offering photographers inspiration to refine
their portrait skills.
To get closer to the subject, 2x
Clear Image Zoom digital zoom technology doubles the effective
magnification of your lens and is a highly practical alternative to
travelling with a bigger, bulkier telephoto lens. The camera uses Sony's
"By Pixel Super Resolution Technology" to ensure that cropped and
zoomed images retain full pixel resolution.
Additionally,
the model's range of popular in-camera Picture Effect modes includes 11
different effects and 15 total variations – offering a generous palette
of 'PC-free' artistic treatments, including Pop Color, HDR Painting,
Miniature Mode and much more. Results can be previewed directly in live
view mode on the LCD screen or in the new Tru-Finder™ electronic
viewfinder while shooting either Full HD video or stills.
Still and video shooting, framing, focusing and real-time preview of
exposure adjustments are a pleasure with the new Tru-Finder™ electronic
viewfinder. With ultra-detailed 1440k dot resolution and a 100% field of
view, it rivals quality optical viewfinders. There's a choice of
selectable high-resolution information displays with a wide
viewing-angle to help consumers shoot with confidence, including a
digital level gauge and framing grid. Information can be displayed
either directly in the viewfinder or on the angle-adjustable 7.5 cm
(3.0-type) Xtra Fine LCD™ display.
Ensuring detail-packed
images, the 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor is teamed
with a latest-generation BIONZ® engine. Refined by Sony during the
development of its flagship α77 and high-end α65 cameras, this powerful
processor effortlessly handles large amounts of image data for flawless,
low-noise images and Full HD video.
Thanks to the BIONZ
processor, creative shooting opportunities are boosted by an outstanding
sensitivity range of ISO 100-16,000. Users will experience consistently
natural, low-noise images – whether shooting at fast shutter speeds to
freeze dynamic action or handheld without flash in low light.
Pricing and Availability
The new α57 interchangeable lens camera will be available this April
with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens for $800 (model SLT-A57K). It will also be
offered as body-only for about $700 (model SLT-A57).
Sony
will also be introducing a new battery-powered LED video light, model
HVL-LE1, which broadens options for recording video indoors or in low
light. This new accessory will be available this month for about $250.
The camera, camera kit and a wide variety of Alpha accessories are
sold at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized
dealers nationwide.
