α57 camera from Sony with Translucent Mirror Technology lets everyone grab the action at 12fps

PRESS RELEASE

Power-packed camera with unique features including Full HD progressive recording and new Auto Portrait Framing at an accessible price   

• High speed 12 fps shooting with full-time continuous autofocus (in Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode)
• Full HD 50p video with full P/A/S/M control
• World's first* Auto Portrait Framing
• Clear Image Zoom for detail-packed close-ups
• New high-resolution Tru-Finder^TM with 100% coverage
• 16.1 effective megapixels Exmor^TM APS HD CMOS sensor plus latest BIONZ processor
• Extended sensitivity range ISO 100 - 16000
• 15-point AF system with 3 cross sensors

 * As of December 2011. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras.

Limitless creative options are even more accessible with a brand-new addition to the Sony camera range employing Translucent Mirror Technology.

This innovative 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. Framing, focusing and real-time preview can be achieved on the high-resolution Tru-Finder^TM that 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 the acclaimed α55, the α57 is priced to appeal to a wide audience of DSLR camera users. It shares many of the premium features - plus sophisticated styling and ergonomics - found on the enthusiast-focused α65. For the first time, entry-level photographers can shoot stills and Full HD video with razor-sharp responses and creative flexibility you'd expect from a camera in the class above.

Ensuring detail-packed images, the 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor^TM APS HD CMOS sensor is teamed with a latest-generation BIONZ engine. Refined by Sony during development of the flagship α77 and α65, this powerful processor effortlessly handles large amounts of image data for flawless, low-noise stills and Full HD video.

The α57 allows incredible shooting speeds of up to 12frames per second in new Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE mode. 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 your subject's moving.

Shared with the α65, the 15-point AF system with 3 cross sensors assures fast, accurate TTL phase detection autofocus. Newly-enhanced Object Tracking AF keeps faces or other selected objects in sharp focus - even if your target's obscured momentarily by another passing object.

The α57 also lets you 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. AVCHD (Ver. 2.0) Progressive compatibility means that Full HD resolution movies can be captured at up to high 50p (progressive)frame rate: ideal for capturing silk-smooth, blur-free action. 25p shooting is also selectable for giving your footage that rich, cinematic look. Movie-making options are enhanced further with full control over P/A/S/M shooting modes for virtually limitless creative expression.

Even beginners can effortlessly create pro-style portraits with the α57. In a world first, Sony introduces new Auto Portrait Framing. Using face detection and the compositional ‘rule of thirds', the camera identifies your subject's position, trimming the scene to create tightly-framed,professional looking pictures in vertical (portrait) orhorizontal (landscape) orientation. By Pixel Super Resolution Technology by Sony ensures that cropped, zoomed images retain a full pixel count. The original photo is saved together with the optimally-trimmed image. This allows easy comparison between the two versions, offering photographers inspiration to refine their own portrait skills.

If you want to get closer to your subject, 2x Clear Image Zoom doubles the effective magnification of your lens. Unique to Sony, By Pixel Super Resolution Technology maintains superb image detail, even with super-zoom shots. It's a highly practical alternative to travelling with a bigger, bulkier telephoto lens.

Framing, focusing and real-time preview of exposure adjustments are a pleasure with the new Tru-Finder^TM 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 wideviewing-angle to help you shoot with confidence, including a digital level gauge and framing grid. Information can be displayed either in the Tru-Finder^TM or on the angle-adjustable 7.5 cm (3.0-type) Xtra Fine LCD.

Thanks to the BIONZ processor, creative shooting opportunities are boosted by an outstanding sensitivity range of ISO 100-16000. You'll experience consistently natural, low-noise images - whether you're using fast shutter speeds to freeze dynamic action or shooting handheld without flash in low light.

Already popular with creative photographers, the range of in-camera Picture Effects includes 11 effect types and 15 variations - offering a generous palette of ‘PC-free' artistic treatments. Results can be previewed in live view mode on the LCD screen on in the Tru-Finder^TM, whether you're shooting Full HD video or stills.

A range of optional accessories makes an ideal match for the α57. The battery-powered HVL-LE1 LED video light broadens options for recording video indoors or in low light. Ideal for active shooters, the ACC-FM1A accessory kit bundles a spare NP-FM500H rechargeable battery with the compact, versatile LCS-AMB travel case that protectively cradles the camera while offering quick access.

The new SLT-A57 Translucent Mirror camera from Sony is available from April 2012.

Technical specifications: α57

About Sony:

Sony is a leading global innovator of audio, video, communications and information technology products for both the consumer and professional markets. Sony is renowned for its audio-visual products, such as the BRAVIA^TM LCD high-definition (HD) television, Cyber-shot^TM digital camera, Handycam® camcorder, "α" (pronounced Alpha) digital SLR camera, and Walkman® MP3 player as well as its VAIO^TM personal computers and 3D HD professional broadcast equipment. Offering a complete end-to-end 3D value chain and with its electronics, music, pictures, game and online businesses, Sony is one of the world's leading digital entertainment brands, employing approximately 170,000 people worldwide. 

Through its long-term football partnerships as an official sponsor of the UEFA Champions League, Official FIFA Partner and global sponsor of the FIFA World Cup^TM, Sony is inspiring a sense of excitement for the millions of football fans around the world.