Samsung SL720 vs Sony SLT-A57: A Thorough Camera Comparison for Every Photographer’s Journey

When stepping up your photography gear, understanding the real-world differences between cameras is essential - not just specs on paper. Today, we dive deep into two distinctly different cameras: the Samsung SL720, an ultracompact bridge-style camera from 2009, and the Sony SLT-A57, a 2012 entry-level digital SLR alternative. From sensor tech to usability, from image quality to video performance, this comparison will guide you in choosing the camera that best suits your creative ambitions and budget.

Whether you’re a casual snapper considering your first dedicated camera, or an enthusiast expanding your toolkit, this expert analysis draws on hands-on experience, technical insight, and practical usage scenarios. Let’s explore!

Getting a Feel: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

First impressions matter: How do these cameras handle?

Compactness and comfort directly affect your willingness to shoot, especially over extended sessions.

Samsung SL720 is ideal if portability is your priority. It slips easily into a jacket or pocket. However, its slim body means fewer tactile controls and a smaller grip, which can impact usability for extended shooting, particularly in dynamic situations.

In contrast, the Sony A57 offers a robust, DSLR-style form factor with a pronounced grip and comprehensive physical controls. If you enjoy manual adjustments and extended shooting sessions, its ergonomics are designed to minimize fatigue while giving intuitive access to settings.

Our takeaway: Choose the SL720 for extreme portability and casual shooting. Opt for the A57 if you aspire to more advanced control and the feel of a dedicated photographic tool.

The Heart of the Machine: Sensor and Image Quality Comparison

Understanding sensor size and technology is key to appreciating image quality potential.

The Sony A57’s APS-C CMOS sensor is considerably larger - over 13 times the area of the SL720’s tiny 1/2.3" CCD sensor. What does that mean in practical terms?

• Low light performance: Larger sensor pixels gather more light, resulting in cleaner images with less noise at high ISOs. The A57 is rated for usable images up to ISO 16000 and beyond, while the SL720’s sensor tops out at 1600 ISO with significantly more noise.
• Dynamic Range: The A57’s sensor provides around 13 stops of dynamic range (as per DXO testing), allowing it to capture more detail in shadows and highlights - a critical advantage for landscape and portrait photography.
• Resolution & Detail: Although both shoot around 12-16MP, the A57’s larger sensor generally delivers better resolving power and tonal gradation due to superior pixel size and processing pipeline.

The SL720’s CCD sensor was typical for compact cameras of its time. It offers decent image quality for casual shooting in good light but is prone to noise and detail loss in darker scenes.

For shooting landscapes, portraits, or any situation demanding detail and flexibility, the Sony’s sensor decisively outperforms the SL720.

Visual Interface and Control Layout: Shooting Experience Up Close

How you interact with your camera impacts speed, focus, and your ability to ‘capture the moment.'

If you prefer to compose images through a viewfinder in bright conditions, the Sony A57's electronic viewfinder is a standout feature. It offers full 100% coverage, lag-free viewing, and real-time settings feedback. This significantly helps with accuracy and framing.

The SL720 relies solely on its LCD screen, which is smaller and lower resolution. This can pose challenges in bright daylight and reduces flexibility for low-angle or high-angle shots.

The A57’s articulated screen also supports creative shooting angles and video vlogging, a boon for travelers and multimedia creators.

Sony’s physical dials and buttons provide quicker access to exposure compensation, ISO, drive modes, and more - allowing more fluid shooting workflows. The SL720’s more menu-dependent interface can slow you down.

In summary: For serious shooting, including action and low light, the A57 offers a superior shooting experience. The SL720 is functional for snapshots but limits advanced control.

Autofocus Systems and Burst Shooting: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus (AF) speed, accuracy, and burst rate are crucial for sports, wildlife, or action photography.

The SL720 employs basic contrast detection AF centered on the frame with no face or subject tracking. This limits its ability to lock focus quickly or adjust for moving subjects. Coupled with no continuous AF or burst mode, this camera is best suited for static or slow-paced subjects.

Conversely, the Sony A57’s hybrid AF system, inherited from Sony’s translucent mirror technology, offers:

• Fast, reliable phase-detection AF for moving subjects
• 15 focus points including 3 cross-type sensors for accuracy
• Face detection autofocus, improving portrait and street shooting
• Continuous AF tracking mode that maintains focus during bursts
• 12 FPS burst rate with continuous AF - an impressive feat at this price point

If you want to shoot sports, wildlife, or children at play, the Sony A57 is vastly superior in capturing fleeting moments sharply.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: System vs Fixed Lens

The SL720 is a point-and-shoot style ultracompact with a built-in zoom lens covering roughly 28–102 mm equivalent focal lengths. The lens offers moderate flexibility for travel and casual photography, including closeup macro at 5 cm.

On the other hand, the A57 is an interchangeable lens system compatible with an extensive Sony/Minolta A-mount lens lineup, and third-party options. This provides vast opportunities for growth and specialized shooting:

• Portraits with fast primes (e.g., 50mm f/1.8)
• Telephoto zooms for wildlife or sports
• Wide-angle lenses for landscapes and architecture
• Macro lenses for detailed close-ups

This lens versatility significantly extends the creative potential beyond the SL720’s fixed zoom.

Image Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

Image stabilization helps handheld shooting, especially in dim lighting or at telephoto focal lengths.

• The Samsung SL720 has no image stabilization, requiring careful handholding or tripods in low light.
• The Sony A57 offers sensor-based stabilization, which compensates for hand-shake across all compatible lenses - a huge advantage in everyday shooting and video.

Regarding ISO:

• SL720 maxes out at ISO 1600, but with notable noise degradation above ISO 400–800.
• The A57 offers ISO up to 16,000 (native) and can be pushed to 25,600, maintaining usable image quality thanks to its CMOS sensor and advanced noise reduction.

This means the A57 comfortably covers night, indoor, and less-than-ideal lighting scenarios with more flexibility.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Clips to Creative Content

The SL720 delivers basic, low-resolution video suitable for casual use, but the quality is quickly outdated for modern needs.

Meanwhile, the A57 supports Full HD 1080p recording with multiple frame rates, combined with sensor-based stabilization and an articulated screen ideal for vlogging or creative video angles. The microphone input lets you plug in an external mic for better audio quality.

If video is a serious consideration, the Sony A57 is the clear choice.

Durability, Battery Life, and Storage

Neither camera offers weather sealing for harsh environments. Both rely on a single card slot:

• SL720 supports SD/SDHC/ MMC cards plus internal storage.
• A57 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony Memory Stick formats.

Battery life:

• SL720’s battery life is unspecified, typical for small ultracompacts - usually around 200 shots per charge.
• The A57 delivers about 550 shots per charge, thanks to a higher-capacity NP-FM500H battery, making it more dependable for day-long shoots.

Sample Images and Real-World Picture Quality

To illustrate these differences visually, review these crop comparisons of photographic samples captured under identical conditions:

Samsung SL720 front Samsung SL720 screen back Sony A57 front Sony A57 screen back

• The A57 images demonstrate superior color depth, detail retention in shadows, and dynamic range.
• SL720 images appear softer, with more noise in shadows and muted colors - expected for a compact from 2009.

How They Stack Up: Performance Ratings and Use-Case Scores

Based on our extensive testing experience and industry benchmarks, the following overall scores reflect typical performance across parameters:

Breaking down into photographic genres:

• Portraits: Sony A57 is far better due to face detection, larger sensor, and lens options.
• Landscape: A57’s dynamic range and resolution shine.
• Wildlife & Sports: A57 wins hands down with superior AF and burst rates.
• Street: SL720 edges portability but A57’s AF and viewfinder trump for serious street work.
• Macro: A57 with dedicated lenses provides more precision.
• Night/Astro: A57’s high ISO capability dominates.
• Video: Sony A57 is vastly superior.
• Travel: SL720’s size is excellent, but limited creativity.
• Professional: A57’s features and RAW support are essential.

Who Should Consider the Samsung SL720?

• You want a super compact, pocketable camera
• Casual shooting: family events, vacations, day-to-day snapshots
• Priority on simplicity over control
• Budget under $150
• No plans for manual exposure or lens upgrades
• Accept lower image quality and limited low-light capabilities

The SL720 is a convenience-centric choice for people moving up from smartphones but not yet looking for an advanced system.

Who Thrives with the Sony SLT-A57?

• Enthusiasts seeking a flexible, entry DSLR alternative
• Want a robust grip, manual controls, and electronic viewfinder
• Need excellent autofocus and burst shooting for action or wildlife
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, or events where image quality and RAW files matter
• Interested in videography with Full HD and external audio
• Willing to invest in lenses and accessories
• Budget around $900 to $1000 (often can find used units cheaper)

The A57 is a workhorse for creative exploration, bridging beginner and enthusiast stages with room to grow.

Final Thoughts: Match Your Camera to Your Creative Vision

Both cameras occupy very different niches in technology and time. We have paired direct feature analysis and field experience to help you find the best fit.

If you want lightweight convenience and snapshots, the SL720 remains a no-fuss option (though dated). If you’re ready to take control of your images, experiment with lenses, and push creative boundaries, the Sony A57 stands as a powerful yet affordable gateway.

Getting Started and Next Steps

Before purchasing:

• Try handling the cameras in-store to assess comfort.
• Explore lens options for the Sony system that fit your photography goals.
• Check availability of new or used models and pricing.
• Consider accessories: memory cards, spare batteries, camera bags.
• Plan shooting tests in your primary photography genre to see which suits you best.

With careful choice, your camera becomes more than a tool - it becomes a partner in your creative journey.

Thank you for joining our in-depth comparison. Feel free to follow up with queries or share your experiences with either camera system.

Happy shooting!