Sony A37 vs Sony A57: Which Entry-Level DSLR Fits Your Photography Journey?

When Sony released the SLT-A37 and A57 within the same year - 2012, to be specific - it created a fascinating entry-level DSLR lineup with overlapping features yet clear distinctions. As someone who's logged thousands of hours test-driving cameras across genres and price points, I find comparing these two a rewarding deep dive. Whether you're an enthusiast stepping up from a compact or a pro looking for a trustworthy backup, these cameras have qualities that could fit your style. So, let's embark on a thorough, experience-rooted exploration of Sony’s A37 and A57, weighing their designs, sensor tech, autofocus, ergonomics, and performance across all photography disciplines.

When Size and Handling Matter: Physical Ergonomics First

You’ll want your camera to feel intuitive in hand because comfort directly affects shooting stamina and precision. The Sony A37 is more compact and lightweight, tipping the scales at just 506 grams and dimensions around 124x92x85mm, whereas the A57 is a bit bulkier at 618 grams and measures 132x98x81mm. That might not seem like a huge difference, but once you’re packing lenses for a day-long shoot or a travel trip, it definitely shows.

The A37 edges the convenience meter slightly, with a smaller grip and tighter body making it less conspicuous for street and travel photography. The A57's larger frame gives you a more robust feel and a higher confidence grip – that’s great for sports and wildlife where stability during burst shooting matters. Hands-on, the A57’s additional heft feels reassuring, but I never found the A37 uncomfortable even with larger lenses attached.

A Look From Above: Controls and Layout for Speed and Precision

Shooters who favor quick access to settings will appreciate the top panel design, and here the two cameras clearly diverge in user interface sophistication.

The A57 sports a more refined control layout, including a dedicated mode dial, more customizable buttons, and an improved shutter release with tactile feedback. The A37 offers all essential buttons but fewer shortcuts, which can slow down rapid adjustments during fast-paced sessions.

For instance, both cameras provide Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual modes essential for creative control, but toggling them feels smoother on the A57. While both lack touchscreen input, the A57’s layout encourages confident handling even for newcomers to DSLRs – it’s a subtle but meaningful advantage.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality is ultimately the deal-breaker (or maker), and both cameras pack a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Sony’s signature image processing. Let’s break down the numbers and what they mean practically.

• Resolution & Dimensions: Same 4912x3264 pixel output, standard APS-C size (23.5x15.6mm) with identical sensor area.
• ISO Range: A37 maxes at ISO 25600 native; A57 pushes the boosted ISO to 25600 but with a lower base maximum of 16000.
• Dynamic Range: A57 just edges a hair with a measured 13.0 EV versus 12.9 EV on the A37.
• Color Depth: Nearly identical with 23.4 bits for A57 and 23.3 for A37.
• Low-Light Performance: Scores within a whisker - DxOMark assigns 799 ISO for A37 versus 785 for A57.

In practical shooting, the A57’s sensor nuances translate to slightly better noise control at high ISO and marginally richer color rendition, especially in controlled studio portraits or low-light events. However, in bright daylight and landscape scenarios, the differences are imperceptible. Both deliver good detail and tonal gradations typical of mid-range DSLRs from that era.

The Interface That Guides Your Vision: LCD and Viewfinder Quality

If the sensor captures light, the screen and viewfinder let you interact with the image as you frame and tweak.

The A57’s 3.0-inch fully articulated LCD screen with a sharp 921k-dot resolution and “TruBlack” technology is a clear winner over A37’s 2.6-inch tilting screen at 230k dots. The articulating feature on the A57 provides versatility for shooting from awkward angles or self-recording - a practical boon for vloggers or macro shooters.

Both cameras incorporate 1.44M-dot electronic viewfinders, but the A57 slightly improves magnification to 0.7x (from 0.73x on A37, minor change), creating a clearer, brighter, and more accurate preview. The electronic viewfinder comfortably covers 100% of the frame in both, allowing precise composition and focus checking without guessing.

Autofocus and Continuous Shooting: Chasing Action and Pinpoint Focus

This is where the A57 clearly flexes more muscle, especially for wildlife and sports shooters.

The A37 uses Sony’s SLT phase-detection for live view with decent accuracy but no real-time tracking. This means it’s great for static subjects like portraits but struggles with quickly moving targets. The A57 doubles the burst rate to a blazing 12fps and adds reliable AF tracking, delivering sustained sharpness in action sequences.

In my field tests - capturing birds in flight or local soccer matches - the A57’s continuous shooting and tracking proved markedly superior. The A37’s slower performance felt a bit sluggish in comparison but remains perfectly competent if you shoot mostly stills drama or posed work.

Flash and Low-Light Handling: Getting the Light Right

Both models include a built-in flash with wireless slave capability and support for external flashes, catering to diverse lighting needs.

• Flash Range: A37 offers a stronger flash range (12m vs 10m on A57 at ISO 100).
• Sync Speed: Both max out at 1/160s flash sync.
• Image Stabilization: In-body sensor shift stabilization present on both, a major plus for hand-held low-light shooting.

I was surprised how well the A37 manages noise even when shooting indoors with flash fill. The A57’s advanced processor and sensor offer similar results but with a slight edge in color accuracy and highlight retention in mixed light settings.

Diving Into Photography Disciplines: Real-World Use Cases Compared

Let’s break down how these cameras perform across popular photography genres, from my hands-on testing and comparisons.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Both sensors capture natural skin tones well under varied lighting, thanks to Sony’s color science (circa 2012). However, the A57’s improved AF tracking and faster continuous shooting make capturing fleeting expressions easier.

The sensor’s 16MP resolution combined with quality lenses delivers nicely blurred backgrounds, though neither camera has the specialized algorithms of recent models for enhancing bokeh. Since both use the same Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, you can pair either with the superb range of portrait primes available, such as the Sony 50mm f/1.8 SAM, to get creamy defocus.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Resistance

Landscape shooters need detail, tonal range, and durability. The A57’s slight dynamic range advantage (13.0 EV vs 12.9 EV) means it squeezes out better highlight and shadow detail in complex scenes.

Neither camera offers notable weather sealing, so bring protection for adverse conditions. For high-resolution output or panoramic stitching, the 16MP sensor is decent but may feel limiting compared to modern flagships.

Wildlife and Sports: Tracking Speed and Burst Rates

The A57 stands out here with its 12fps continuous burst and AF tracking - vital for unpredictable movement. The A37’s 6fps and lack of continuous AF tracking put it at a disadvantage in these demanding environments.

Pairing either with 300mm f/4 or longer telephotos on the Alpha mount is straightforward, but the handling balance on the A57 makes long bursts and heavy glass more ergonomic.

Street and Travel: Discreteness and Portability

The A37’s smaller size and lighter weight make it less intrusive in urban settings or on the go. Its quieter shutter and compact body make it well-suited for candid moments.

The A57, while bulkier, offers a fully articulated screen which is great for creative compositions on the fly during travel. Battery life is slightly better on A57 - 550 shots vs 500 on A37 - which can matter over extended trips.

Macro Photography: Focus Precision and Stabilization

Both cameras lack built-in focus bracketing or stacking but feature sensor-based image stabilization vital for handheld close-ups.

The articulating A57 screen helps compose shots at difficult angles when working close. Manual focus is smooth on both but the higher resolution LCD on the A57 aids critical focus confirmation.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Low-light performance is comparable; I tested star fields and urban nightscapes and both rendered workable exposures up to ISO 3200 with minimal noise. The A57’s edge in high ISO stability proves useful for cleaner night images.

Neither supports long-exposure noise reduction as a dedicated feature, so astrophotographers may need external intervalometers or stacking software.

Video Capabilities: What About Moving Pictures?

Surprisingly solid for their time, both shoot Full HD 1080p video:

• A37 records at 60, 29.97fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4.
• A57 offers 60p and 24p options for cinematic effect.

Sony packs a microphone port on both, which is crucial for serious video users. Neither has a headphone jack, so audio monitoring is limited in-camera.

While Sony’s translucent mirror tech reduces mechanical movement noise (helpful for run-and-gun video), these models lack advanced in-body video stabilization present in modern hybrids.

Professional Usability: Workflow and Reliability

Despite their entry-level designation, both cameras shoot in RAW, essential for professional-grade post-processing. The A57’s enhanced autofocus and faster burst rates offer a workflow advantage when speed is critical.

Durability-wise, both bodies lack extensive weather sealing, so they sit at the lower tier for heavy professional use. Their lens mount compatibility with the impressive legacy Minolta and Sony Alpha lenses is a bonus for pros wanting budget-friendly glass.

Behind the Scenes Tech and Connectivity

Both cameras feature:

• Processor: Unspecified, but clearly the A57 runs on a more advanced generation.
• Connectivity: HDMI out, USB 2.0, and Eye-Fi card support for wireless image transfer.
• Memory: Single slot handling SD/SDHC/SDXC and Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo.

No Bluetooth or NFC, which is expected given their release timeline. Battery models differ - A37 uses NP-FW50, the lightweight workhorse; the A57 opts for the higher-capacity NP-FM500H, reflecting the slightly larger body and higher performance demands.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Which Makes More Sense?

As of initial release, the A37 was the more budget-friendly option around $522, while the A57 launched near $1000. Does doubling the price mean doubling the capability? Not quite.

Both achieve respectable DxOMark overall scores of 75, indicating balanced sensor performance. The A57 pulls ahead in autofocus sophistication, frame rate, and features like the articulated screen and improved viewfinder.

So if your budget allows and your photography leans toward action, video, or sophisticated journaling, the A57 is a worthy investment. If you prioritize portability, basic photography, and solid image quality without superfluous features, the A37 remains an excellent choice.

How They Score Across Photography Genres

Here’s a distilled analysis across popular photography types based on my practical and lab evaluations.

• Portrait: Tie – Both deliver great skin rendering; A57 edges on focus precision.
• Landscape: Slight edge A57 for dynamic range and screen size.
• Wildlife/Sports: Clear win for A57 due to AF tracking and 12fps.
• Street: A37 preferred for discreet size; A57 for versatility.
• Macro: A57 leads with articulated screen aiding composition.
• Night/Astro: Tie – ISO capabilities nearly identical.
• Video: A57 wins with frame rate and microphone input.
• Travel: Slight preference for A37’s size, but close.
• Pro Work: A57 preferred for speed and workflow capabilities.

Sample Gallery: See Them in Action

It’s always best to judge by images, right? Here are samples taken under varying conditions with both cameras.

Sony A37 front Sony A37 screen back Sony A57 front Sony A57 screen back

Notice how subtle highlight details hold up in the A57’s sky shots. The A37’s portraits are pleasingly rendered, with natural tones and good bokeh smoothness. In street shots, the A37's compact body allowed for candid captures with less attention.

Final Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

These two cameras embody Sony's distinct approach to an entry-level DSLR line - even now, they're capable performers.

• Choose the Sony A37 if you:

  • Want a lighter, more compact camera that fits well in travel and street settings.
  • Shoot mostly portraits, landscapes, and occasional casual video.
  • Are on a tighter budget and want solid image quality.
  • Prefer a simpler control scheme without extra frills.

• Choose the Sony A57 if you:

  • Need faster autofocus and tracking for wildlife, sports, or event shooting.
  • Value a high-resolution articulated LCD for creative flexibility.
  • Want slightly better low-light and video capabilities.
  • Don't mind paying more for enhanced performance and ergonomics.

Both cameras benefit from the rich Sony/Minolta Alpha lens lineup, in-body stabilization, and durable mechanical design. However, neither model includes modern weather sealing or touchscreen focusing found in today's successors.

In summary, these best-of-2012 models hold their own thanks to thoughtfully balanced features and reliable image quality. Your choice boils down to your shooting priorities: speed and versatility (A57) versus portability and simplicity (A37). Either way, you’re getting a DSLR that punches above its weight with sensor tech and usability, emblematic of Sony’s innovative SLT line.

Happy shooting! And as always, test these cameras yourself if you can - personal feel often trumps specs sheets.

Note: All hands-on testing included controlled studio environments, in-field sports and wildlife shoots, and extended real-world use. Data references come from DxOMark sensor evaluations, Sony official specs, and years of expert comparative reviews.