See the official feature highlights and full specifications here:-
http://store.sony.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921666433223#specifications
The sensor is the same one used in the K-5 and K-01. It has a fine and large EVF with 100% coverage as EVF is actually the policy of Sony. Furthermore, the Full HD 1080p at 60 frames (per second) capability should be noted. As usual, Sony SLT is able to continuous auto-focusing and track the subject during video recording. So, every time whenever some Pentax boys still told that K-01 is new and strong in video recording, this really makes me laugh! :-D Indeed, what to rave about actually? H.264 motion compression in MP4 was what could be found in the old Pentax Optio MX, which I also had. Besides, re-focusing upon the press of a button was what the Canon DSLRs could do a few years ago! Nonetheless, we should also note that lately PF has commented that the AF is really slow under the video mode, too.
Of course, there are a lot of features that exist in the A57 but are missing from the K-01. The size and weight of the two bodies are close. Price wise I don't think the difference is huge. So, if you are just not a die-hard old fan of Pentax but have to choose a *large* new interchangeable lens camera based on features, price and performance, what would you choose? (I think the answer is clear cut!)
Logging you in...
bandymelis · 681 weeks ago
Only manually focused videos using a good follow focus system look normally.
Autofocus makes the thing look amateur, same as other settings in auto (ISO, Sv, Av).
John · 681 weeks ago
Dave's clichés · 681 weeks ago
An other thing, I've noticed an awful lot of criticism from disappointed Sony DSLR owners of the EVF system taking over from the OVF, there are already many jumping ship, we have not yet seen the new EVF Sonys being a great success so far!
The K01, as always at launch, is a bit expensive, but after a while the price will drop and I am sure like the K5 against the D7000 (the K5 is 2/3 rds the price of the K7000 now), the great attraction will be that it will be one of the bargain compacts taking thousands of Pentax lens without adapters giving DSLR quality photos. OK I would have liked to see a VF whatever it's form.
Art · 681 weeks ago
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/sonyslta57/5
K01 IQ might be marginally better (due to no SLT mirror), but as overall package (continuous AF in 10 fps, video AF, EVF, tiltable LCD), it falls behind.
Chris · 681 weeks ago
did it ever occur to you that Sony is financially much more capable? So what is your point in stating that Sony has an offer that in one respect (video AF speed) is better? It is the overall package that counts, and please give the smaller company a break.
Do you think the world would be better with only Sony, Canon and Nikon remaining? Reading your blog, I get the impression you think so.
C
Farty · 681 weeks ago
Denis · 681 weeks ago
Not that much. They still has PDAF array that needs to be adjusted. The translucent mirror isn't particularly cheap too.
> Resolution >10MP
Not that much again. The 5Mp is enough. SLR OVFs are also limited by their matte focusing screens and the better for MF means the lesser resolution.
> dynamic range >20bit
Don't confuse human overall scene DR and the instant DR of human vision. The latter is limited by 10-16 (depends on the moon phase, cannot be measured since it can vary during a day, etc) stops and it's the case when we are looking through the VF. Today EVF DR is limited by sensor LV output, that only has 6-8 EV stops DR capability. In the near future Sony (and Samsung too) will introduce larger sized sensor with RGBW pattern, where the W pixel will meter luminosity level and this will help to increase DR capability (at the cost of color resolution though). In that case the EVF may become the limiting factor (16.6 stops if declared 1:100000 contrast for OLED VF values are truth), but this is avoidable with the use of some DR compressing methods, like exposure fusion, etc.
Anyway, if you will shoot mostly with AF, then EVF is not your choice today. Even the latest sony NEX-7 one is still inferior IQ-wise to even tunnel like penta-mirror OVFs, it's just not ready yet. And the A57 VF is even worse, it's the last generation LCD EVF from A55, so I would not advise anyone to buy this piece of cr4p.
The only thing where the EVF is actually better choice is MF with focus assists accuracy over APS-C viewfinders.
Sony could make this even better, but they left thing half baked, as usual (I meant better method to choose magnification center without touching the joystick)
But, to say, the EVF of A57 is not that one from A77, NEX-7, etc, but from A55, which is known to be the CRAP.
So, I would nevery advise anyone this camera.
Pwong · 681 weeks ago
John T · 681 weeks ago
The EVF is ok but it can't compare to an OVF and it's a Sony which should scrub it off anyone's list.
But yes it makes more sense than the K-01..but then so does every other camera
name · 681 weeks ago
Long live plastic bodies, EVFs, semi transparent mirrors and etc b@lshits.
kadajawi · 681 weeks ago
The EVF of the a55 was so so... quite good, but not there yet. I'm curious to see how the a57 will be.
I'd probably pick the Pentax though, it just looks so much better.
Pentax backlash · 680 weeks ago