An upgrade that was worth it

In January 2011, I sent into retirement and made me to look for a new, better camera after 5 years my faithful Canon PowerShot S3 IS Bridge. My short test run with the Panasonic FZ100 was very sobering and brought me due to the catastrophic noise performance to the realization that small sensors are no longer sufficient to me.
I have a Sony SLT-A33 gained by intensive research, which has also been a pleasure to me now and I have now switched to the more recent SLT-A57. Reasons for the upgrade and improvements to A33 follow under the heading: "from the A33 to the A57"

--- WHY SLT OF SONY? ---

With the fixed partially reflective mirror is Sony a different path than the competition. Ridiculed by some and reviled by the electronic viewfinder as "half a DSLR", have made me the following benefits of SLT technology for sale:

+ The high speed continuous shooting (A57: 10 frames / sec in full, 12 B / s including in reduced resolution Full-time AF.)
+ Live View with full AF function
+ The good video function in Full HD and full AF function

The downside of the fixed mirror is the resulting loss of light, also have to do without an optical viewfinder and take an electronic Vorlieb. I do not mind that because there all recording parameters incl. Electronic level can be displayed in two levels.

In addition to the benefits of SLT technique is the following features of the Sony Alpha series has had a positive impact on my purchasing decisions:

+ Auto HDR Capture (from 3 images with different exposures - even the original image is stored)
+ Sweep Panorama (horizontally and vertically - in good quality, very clean cut edges)
+ Multi Frame Noise Reduction (GENIAL - From 6 pictures in quick succession is calculated a noise freer,
so that there is in ISO 6400 only moderate noise and even shooting with ISO 12800 are still
sometimes quite useful - but only suitable for static subjects)
+ Face Detection incl. Face registration (not with A33) and automatic "triggering Smile".
+ The rotatable and foldable display (essential for me now offer as well as other manufacturers)

--- THE A57 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HAND ---

The A57 is very comfortable to hold, the housing corresponds to the A65 and is also for my relatively small hands (for a man) just yet easy to operate. The buttons are all easily accessible and the menu navigation very intuitive, but I knew already from the A33.

Nevertheless, should get along quite quickly and newcomers, the most important parameters can be changed by the associated key, either directly or otherwise, from the Quick Menu via "FN" key - either via the arrow keys or the little dial with the index finger.

The flash is either extended, depending on the program selection automatically or in the P / A / S / M modes by pressing a button and simply pushed verrichtetem service again manually into the housing.

The display can be folded out completely and turn, so you can be photographed if necessary even without "blind" pull the trigger. The display engages noticeably on the back of a, as desired in the open or closed position. The mechanism makes this a very strong impression - nothing wobbles, perfect!

--- For everyone PROGRAM ---

The choice of programs is actually standard. Anyone who wants to check the acquisition parameters yourself, working in the P / A / S / M modes, for those who prefer the camera leaves the settings, can make do with 2 fully automatic programs that automatically detect the scene (to) and for optimum settings carry the camera. Here also the individually adjustable parameters are very limited!

There are also programs for
+ Panorama
+ 3D Images
+ Scene programs (eg Sports, Portrait, Macro, Landscape)
+ Video (Videos can also be recorded directly by pressing a button in other programs but)
+ Continuous AE priority (10 frames / sec in full, 12 frames / sec in a reduced resolution of 8.4 MP)

I have not tested all the programs in detail, because I move to 95% percent in the P / A / S mode and receiving videos directly on the appropriate button.

--- Excellent image quality even in the high-ISO AREA ---

In the "Auto ISO" setting the range between ISO 100 and ISO 3200 (compared to ISO 100-1600 in A65) is used. Unfortunately, an individual adjustment of the upper and lower limit as the A77 is absent.

The noise performance itself is very compelling. Until ISO 1600 hardly annoying noise can be seen, the pictures look very detailed. In ISO 3200, it depends very much on the light conditions, in some situations the noise already falls on disturbing, most of the images remains presentable and usable. The above-mentioned "Multi Frame Noise Reduction", for which there is also an "Auto ISO" are functional, moreover, provides in an emergency but Remedy and allows usable shots until incl. ISO 6400, with small drawbacks even partially even at ISO 12800, depending on .. claim

--- High-quality video and full HD ---

A reasonable Video function was a basic requirement for the camera of my choice for me. The SLTs from Sony offer this, namely either in Full HD and a maximum of 50p. The result is very fluid and supple, the focus react quickly enough and the electronic image stabilizer doing an excellent job. Of course having a fast memory card is required for the highest resolution and frame rate.

The only drawback: the video autofocus, depending on the lens more or less can be heard loudly. Unfortunately Whoever sets on good sound value can not avoid an external microphone.

--- FEATURES AND GADGETS ---

In addition to the previously mentioned features (Panorama, Auto HDR, face detection, Multi Frame NR) The A57 has a number of other "goodies":

+ Internal Lens Correction
The new SLTs offer internal automatic lens corrections for:
Vignette (Randabdunkelung)
Chromatic aberration (color variations)
Distortion (distortion)
Unfortunately, the whole works only with lenses from Sony, but I'm already working hard on saving,
so that I can call my own one day a SAL 16-80Z and SAL 70-400G. ;)

+ MF Peaking
A very useful feature when the AF time is off target. Here is the manual focus of
-focus range as desired dyed color. The whole thing works very reliably
and you can save the Magnifier - thumbs up for that!

+ Object tracking
Here, in the viewfinder or live view an object can be selected, then on the focus
"Stuck". If for me in the category of "nice" because the prosecution responded very lame
and not so suitable for fast moving objects - a pity, because the idea itself
is not bad.

+ Auto-Portrait
If the camera detects that a portrait is photographed, stores in addition to the original
a photographed image "their opinion" optimized cut the scene. I also find rather "nice"
although admittedly occasionally one or the other "lucky shot" this is. ;)

+ Clear Image Zoom
Behind it hides a digital zoom, in which the zoomed image returns to its full resolution
is extrapolated. A short test but has confirmed my guess that this one
Optical zoom can not be replaced approximately. Although the images seem marginal
more detailed than an enlarged detail, but the effect is so small that there is a for me
"Gimmick" remains and will in future probably not very often used.

+ Special Effects
Sony still donated a series of image effects. Various monochrome, Teilfarben-
Monochrome and Retro filters are represented as well as the special effects "Toy Camera"
"Blurred", "Soft High-Key" or "HDR Painting". Of course, all is well
subsequently via software feasible, but if such special effects are already on board with,
and a button deliver good results, which is for "post-muffle" like me
simply perfect! ;)

--- BITCH AT A HIGH LEVEL ---

As good as the A57 is also, as there are still two tiny criticisms:

- When playing you have to switch between still photos and videos.
I would have hoped that this little evil is finally gone - unfortunately, no!

- The lack of GPS module.
That would have been the icing, but honestly: Who buys then another A65? ;)

--- From the A33 to the A57 ---

Finally, I would like to touch on why I switched from the already very good A33 to A57, and what improvements the "big sister" brings.

First, the improved technical data:
+ Higher resolution (16 MP to 14 MP)
+ The noticeably better video function with 50 frames / sec (25 frames / sec with the A33)
+ The higher continuous shooting speed of 12 frames / sec (7 at the A33)
+ The much better picture quality - not just in high-ISO performance
+ The higher battery capacity coupled with a shorter charging time

Additional Features:
+ The Peaking in MF mode - a huge relief, not only because one
Magnifier spared.
+ The face registration with priority focus
+ In the "P" mode can be changed via the mode dial, the aperture / shutter speed combination

Some "little things" that were easily solved better in A57:
+ The calculated ISO value in the "Auto ISO" setting is now before the recording
displayed. (Took me personally very disturbed at the A33)
+ Shutter lag with internal flash thing of the past
+ The release is faster and quieter
+ The stabilization in video mode is now electronically and no longer on the sensor movement.
the old "overheating problem" of the A33 and A55 should be solved.

Subjectively, I also have the feeling that in addition to the face detection and the image stabilizer works a tad better than the A33. Especially with the Tamron SP70-300 F / 4-5.6 Di USD succeed much more sharp shots at the long end of my faith. It is possible that the steady shot was slightly optimized, perhaps it is also the electronic focal plane shutter or just in my imagination.

--- --- RECOMMENDATIONS

Check + firmware - I recommend to keep the firmware up to date. My unit was shipped already with the current version, otherwise download from Sony's website, the installation will be explained in detail.

+ Screen Protector - Who does not want to bother with streaks and stubborn fingerprints on the display, this should be fitted with a protective film. I use, as with the A33 the Vikuiti ADQC27 Screen Protector, which is very high quality, extremely fit and also protects against scratches.

Register + camera - Who wants to come into the enjoyment of the SERP-warranty extension, should not forget to register the camera, otherwise s is only 1 instead of 2 years warranty.

--- --- CONCLUSION

I am simply convinced by the technology of the Sony SLTs. The advantages of the fixed mirror outweigh the disadvantages for me, as the electronic viewfinder and the slight loss of light by far. The upgrade from entry-level to mid-range A33 A57 was the right move for me. Cull teething, improved features and additional features are worth a switch in any case.

Despite the small drawbacks I can recommend the A57 highly enough and forgive the full score - 5 out of 5 stars.