Sony RX10 III vs Sony A37: Bridging the Gap Between Superzoom and Entry-Level DSLR

When it comes to choosing a camera that can balance versatility and image quality, the options on the table can get overwhelming fast. Today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head evaluation between the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III - a large sensor superzoom bridge camera - and the Sony SLT-A37, an entry-level DSLR. Both hail from Sony’s well-regarded lineups but target different user bases and photographic ambitions. Having spent hours shooting with each and analyzing their technical chops, I’m here to help clear the fog with insights that matter.

Whether you’re a travel photographer wanting a do-it-all camera, a beginner stepping into DSLRs, or simply curious about what sets a bridge camera apart from a traditional digital SLR, this 2500-word exploration will walk you through every angle. Let’s start by feeling out the basics before moving into the meatier bits.

Getting a Grip: Size, Weight, and Handling

The moment you pick up a camera, the feel in hand starts influencing your experience. The Sony RX10 III weighs in at 1051 grams and measures 133 x 94 x 127 mm, lending it a substantial, SLR-like presence. Meanwhile, the Sony A37 is noticeably lighter and more compact at 506 grams with dimensions of 124 x 92 x 85 mm - roughly half the weight and a slimmer profile.

This size difference is palpable during extended handheld shooting. The RX10 III feels solid and reassuring, thanks to its generous grip and well-spaced buttons. It leans towards serious enthusiast ergonomics, while the A37, as an entry-level DSLR, has a more modest handhold that suits beginners and those preferring lighter gear.

Looking from above, the RX10 III showcases a more sophisticated control layout with an info-top screen and dedicated dials for quick settings changes, making it faster to adjust exposure or ISO during dynamic shooting scenarios.

The A37, while functional, lacks some of these refinements - its control scheme feels a bit more laid-back, which fits its entry-level status but can frustrate power users craving quick access controls. Plus, the single control dial can slow you down when juggling aperture and shutter speed combos.

In practice: If you prize a camera that feels like a professional tool in your hands, the RX10 III’s ergonomic design will not disappoint. Beginners or hobbyists who value portability might prefer the A37’s lightweight build despite the trade-off in convenient controls.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size Does Matter

Next, let’s talk about image quality, the heart of any serious camera discussion. The most obvious spec to jump out is sensor size. The RX10 III uses a 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8 mm, while the A37 sports a larger APS-C CMOS sensor at 23.5x15.6 mm.

This difference isn’t just technical jargon. The physical area of the APS-C sensor is nearly three times larger than the 1-inch sensor. Larger sensors typically deliver better image quality - greater dynamic range, improved low-light performance, and more pleasing depth-of-field control come naturally.

Platform-wise, the RX10 III’s 20MP resolution edges the A37’s 16MP slightly. However, despite this, the APS-C design’s bigger pixels make a tangible difference in image fidelity and noise handling.

According to DxOMark’s scores, the A37 scores an overall 75 compared to the RX10 III’s 70. Color depth (23.3 vs. 23.1 bits) and dynamic range (12.9 vs. 12.6 EV) slightly favor the A37, as does low-light ISO capability (799 vs 472).

This translates practically to richer tonality, cleaner shadows, and more flexibility for post-processing on the A37’s images. The RX10 III, while impressive for a bridge camera, isn’t quite as forgiving at high ISOs or under tricky lighting.

Real-world test: Shooting landscapes at dusk, the A37’s files retained beautiful detail in shadows without getting mushy or noisy. The RX10 III required more careful exposure but delivered surprisingly sharp results given its smaller sensor class.

The Viewfinder and Screen: Your Window to the World

Both cameras feature electronic viewfinders (EVF), which have become increasingly relevant as mirrorless tech advances.

The RX10 III offers a 2.36M-dot EVF with 100% coverage and 0.7x magnification - a bright, detailed window that feels responsive for composition. The A37’s EVF resolution is 1.44M dots, also with 100% coverage but slightly higher magnification at 0.73x.

In practice, the RX10 III’s EVF edges out its rival thanks to sharper detail and less lag, especially useful when tracking moving subjects.

Regarding rear screens, the RX10 III sports a 3-inch tilting screen with 1.23M-dot resolution, versus the A37’s smaller 2.6-inch 230K-dot display. The size and resolution disparity is noticeable: the RX10 III’s screen feels crisp and easy to navigate for reviewing shots or using live view, while the A37’s display looks dated and struggles under bright conditions.

The RX10 III’s tilting capabilities help framing shots from odd angles and make video composition more comfortable, a feature the A37’s simpler, limited tilt screen can’t quite match.

Autofocus and Speed: Where Fast Matters Most

Autofocus performance can make or break your shooting experience, especially in fast-paced genres like wildlife or sports.

The RX10 III employs a contrast-detection AF system with 25 points but lacks phase detection. It does offer continuous AF tracking and face detection, which works fairly well in good light but occasionally falters with fast-action or low-contrast scenes.

By contrast, the A37 uses Sony’s translucent mirror (SLT) technology, enabling phase-detection AF with 15 focus points, including 3 cross-type sensors. Phase detection traditionally offers faster, more reliable autofocus, especially for moving subjects.

Sony RX10 III front Sony RX10 III screen back Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back

Shooting a flock of birds in flight, I found the A37’s autofocus tracked subjects with better consistency, although its burst rate maxes out at 6fps. The RX10 III boasts an impressive 14fps burst speed, which is advantageous but somewhat undermined by AF lag due to its contrast-based system.

However, the RX10 III benefits from a broader focal range (24-600mm equivalent) and optical stabilization, making it versatile for distant wildlife without needing to swap lenses - a convenience the A37 cannot match without investing in an array of telephoto glass.

Lens Flexibility and Ecosystem

Speaking of lenses, here lies one of the biggest divide: the RX10 III comes with a fixed 24-600mm (25x zoom) lens with a relatively bright variable aperture of f/2.4-4.0. This built-in superzoom lens covers spectacularly broad focal lengths, from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife or sports action.

The A37, with its Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, supports a vast ecosystem of over 140 compatible lenses, ranging from budget primes to professional telephotos and macro optics.

From an enthusiast’s perspective, this means the A37 grows with your ambitions. Want to specialize in portraits with creamy bokeh? Pick up a fast 50mm prime. Into macro close-ups? A dedicated macro lens can deliver sharpness beyond any superzoom's reach.

Conversely, the RX10 III’s versatility comes from its all-in-one convenience, great for travelers or those who dislike carrying multiple lenses, but its maximum f/4 aperture at long focal lengths limits creative bokeh and low-light performance compared to prime lenses.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

The RX10 III’s build quality is robust with environmental sealing, offering dust and moisture resistance - an essential feature for outdoor and landscape shooters who brave the elements.

The A37 lacks weather sealing, which reflects its beginner-level positioning and cost-saving measures. This renders it less suitable for rigorous fieldwork or adverse conditions.

For photographers often shooting in the rain, dust, or cold, the RX10 III’s weather sealing could be a decisive advantage, extending reliability.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life plays a critical role on long shoots or travel excursions. Interestingly, despite its older tech, the A37 offers longer battery endurance at about 500 shots per charge, compared to the RX10 III’s 420 shots.

The difference might seem small, but paired with the A37’s lighter weight, it becomes a plus for extended handheld use. Also, both cameras use the same NP-FW50 battery model, which is convenient for users owning multiple Sony bodies.

Regarding storage, both accept SD cards, including SDXC, a standard that supports high-capacity memory cards for extended shooting.

Video: Beyond Stills

Video capabilities have become mandatory considerations in today’s hybrid shooters.

The RX10 III records UHD 4K video at 30p and 25p, as well as Full HD up to 60p with options for AVCHD, MPEG-4, and XAVC S codecs, providing quality and flexibility for creatives exploring videography. It also includes microphone and headphone ports, a boon for serious video users needing precise audio monitoring.

The A37 handles Full HD 1080p up to 60fps and records in AVCHD and H.264 formats but lacks 4K. It offers a microphone input but no headphone jack.

Both cameras feature built-in optical stabilization (sensor-shift for A37 and lens-based for RX10 III), which significantly smoothes handheld footage. The RX10 III’s larger sensor cropping in 4K mode can provide a slight telephoto effect, somewhat limiting wide-angle video but still very usable.

If video is a priority - especially 4K - the RX10 III emphatically wins.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how these cameras perform in different real-world photography disciplines.

Portrait Photography

The A37’s larger APS-C sensor provides more natural skin tones, better background separation, and smoother bokeh when paired with prime lenses. Its phase-detect AF aids in accurate eye detection and face tracking, although somewhat limited compared to modern cameras.

RX10 III's zoom lens, while versatile, produces less creamy backgrounds at telephoto due to smaller sensor and aperture constraints.

Landscape Photography

Both cameras serve well here, but the RX10 III’s weather sealing and broad 24mm wide-angle make it a better all-weather landscape tool. The A37’s bigger sensor yields higher dynamic range and detail, vital for large prints and shadow recovery.

Wildlife Photography

The RX10 III stands out for its long reach zoom lens and fast burst shooting - great for casual wildlife work where lens swapping is impractical.

The A37’s phase-detect AF is more reliable for tracking but requires appropriate telephoto glass, increasing cost and weight.

Sports Photography

The RX10 III’s 14fps burst speed and lens stabilization make it suitable for fast sports action at varying distances.

However, slower AF response can hamper capturing sharp images of very fast-moving subjects compared to dedicated sports cameras.

Street Photography

The A37’s smaller size and discreet operation suit street shooters better. The RX10 III’s bulk and superzoom lens are less covert but may provide creative framing flexibility.

Macro Photography

Neither camera shines in macro out of the box, but the A37, when paired with dedicated macro lenses, will outperform fixed-lens RX10 III for focusing precision and magnification.

Night and Astrophotography

The A37’s superior low-light ISO performance coupled with lens options allows for more capable night shooting.

The RX10 III’s smaller sensor introduces more noise but benefits from optical stabilization for longer handheld exposures.

Travel Photography

The RX10 III’s all-in-one lens and rugged build make it ideal travel companion, simplifying gear packing.

The A37 packs lighter body weight but requires multiple lenses to cover versatile focal lengths.

Professional Work

While neither camera is a pro-grade body, the RX10 III’s image stabilization and weather sealing lend durable reliability. The A37 covers basic professional needs with RAW support and lens flexibility.

Connectivity: Keeping Up in a Wireless World

Connectivity can ease sharing and workflow.

The RX10 III includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, facilitating seamless smartphone pairing and wireless image transfer. The A37 offers “Eye-Fi Connected” support, which is less convenient and often requires proprietary SD cards.

Neither camera features Bluetooth, but the RX10 III covers modern wireless needs better.

Price to Performance: The Bottom Line

At launch, the RX10 III priced around $1400, while the A37 came in notably lower at circa $520.

For the additional investment, the RX10 III offers superior lens versatility, 4K video, robust build, and faster burst - features appealing to advanced enthusiasts or travelers wanting one camera solution.

Meanwhile, the A37 delivers excellent image quality from its APS-C sensor, advanced autofocusing, and lens system flexibility, appealing to beginners or budget-conscious buyers aiming to explore DSLR photography.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose Sony RX10 III if:

• You want an all-in-one camera without juggling lenses
• You need rugged build quality and weather resistance
• You prioritize 4K video and fast continuous shooting
• You’re a travel or wildlife shooter valuing superzoom reach

Opt for Sony A37 if:

• You want larger sensor image quality and dynamic range
• You prefer flexibility to change lenses based on shooting needs
• You are starting DSLR shooting on a limited budget
• You value compactness and longer battery life

Final Thoughts: Bridging Past and Present

The Sony RX10 III and A37 represent two distinct philosophies: the RX10 III as a bridge camera pushing superzoom performance and integrated video capabilities, and the A37 as a more traditional DSLR entering point with solid sensor credentials and upgrade paths.

Both cameras carry their strengths and shortcomings, shaped by era and target audience. Having used the RX10 III’s beastly zoom on hikes and the A37’s traditional DSLR charm in portrait studios, I appreciate the unique joy each brings.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on your shooting style, priorities, and budget. For sheer convenience and video edge, RX10 III is formidable. For image quality potential and lens freedom in a compact package, the A37 holds strong.

Feel free to reach out if you want to discuss particular shooting scenarios - happy to geek out over cameras anytime.

Happy shooting!