Sony’s most hi-end SLT camera proves that a
tight budget doesn’t make any compromise with technical specs. Let’s analyze it
to see what’s right.
Introduced with NEX-F3 concurrently, Alpha
37 is designed to look more serious. Two models may share common specs but Sony
stated that the kinds of buyer would be different. While NEX-F3 aims at home
users who are looking for way to record children at holidays, Alpha 37 targets
people whose desire is to become photographer rather than to capturing simple
photo.
Apparently, Alpha 37 looks similar to basic
DSLR cameras. However, it is distinguishable because Alpha 37 is truly not DSLR
due to lack of the important pentaprism and moving mirror. Instead, this SLT compact
uses fixed semi-transparent mirror which can redirect 30% of the light to AF
sensor while the rest 70% goes straight to main sensor. At present, Sony has
launched SLT cameras for basic, mid-class and hi-end segments, with 2 DSLR models,
one mid-class model (Alpha 580) and one professional model (Alpha 900). SLT
seems to be Sony A-mount camera’s future but now can they rival best DSLR
cameras?
Sony
Alpha 37
Features
Alpha 37 is an upgrade of Alpha 35, which was
released in last June. This is such a short service life, even for a digital
camera, but the update aims at compact and basic SLT models, thus the decision
lies on how user wants to use their camera.
Like NEX-F3, Alpha 37 owns a 16.1MP Exmor
CMOS sensor powered by Bionz III processor. It can produce 3264x4912pixel
images or A3 paper at 300ppi resolution. File can be saved as JPEG or ARM
(Sony’s RAW) format. The device comes with Sony’s Data Converter SR program and
raw format is supported by latest updates fir Camera Raw of Adobe and Lightroom.
ISO sensitivity has been extended from 12,800 (on Alpha 35) to 16,000 (on Alpha
37). Though EV was raise by 1/3, the camera is still so impressive.
This new sensor makes it easy for HD video
recording – a field that has been watching manu progresses in digital cameras
over years. Anti-shock SteadyShot is also available, letting any lens benefit
from technology. This is what makes Alpha 37 different from NEX compact, which
should be born in mind of whoever wants to apply old lens onto the camera. As
Alpha 37 uses digital viewfinder, anti-shock based on sensor is an advantage for
any arrangement, helping to stabilize frame.
Light measurements haven’t changed since
Alpha 35. They provide users with 1200-zone evaluative metering in modes: Multi-segment,
Center-weighted, Spot. Exposure compensation – unchanged – seems quite limited with
-/+3EV while -/+5EV is now the standard in most models.
Normal PASM modes do present and gets improved
by a part of automatic modes and features giving for simpler and easier control
for some advanced features. Intelligent auto mode accompanies iAuto+ (Super
Auto), which includes auto scene detection, continuous shooting and HDR.
Therefore, if necessary, it will execute a mass of photos and process them into
one single file to deal with conditions having high contrast or low lighting. Sweep
Panorama is also included, enabling user to stick real-time photos in order to
create a panorama when casting the camera horizontally. Resulted photo can be
saved as 2D or 3D format.
7fps shooting, seeming impressive, is only
available in a limited scenario and the more modest 5.5fps is the maximum level
in practice and used in most modes. There’s option for fast shooting at 7fps on
disk and it provides 8.4MP images cropped plus EV automatically adjusted. In
fact, 5.5fps speed is quite enough for most users and in some real situation which
needs faster speed, cropped vision may be useful, bringing a widened range from
a specialized lens. And 8.4MP images are sufficient for most usages – beside
small file size saves more storage.
Using a high-speed Lexar Class 10 600x SHDC,
Alpha 37 reached 21fps in high-speed cropped mode. In standard 5.5fps
operation, frame rate reduced considerably, with 6 JPE pictures, 5 raw or 4
raw+ JPEG pictures. Writing a personal file took the camera 2.5 sec, for raw/JPEG
files – this proves the processor is quite fast. Cache memory was mainly blamed
for limiting the amount of shots.
Ratings:
7/10
Design and processor
Alpha 37 share similar size and appearance
to Alpha 33/35 but there’s a seeable concave part where user’s hand holds. The
device’s compact size means that most users will be able to place their two
fingers around its body thus this concave part plus rear area designed to fit
the thumb is high appreciated.
The camera’s case feels light but sturdy in
high build quality. Many large buttons are well arranged. Some EV buttons allow
wheel (before adjusting aperture or in manual mode) to switch from shutter
adjustment to aperture adjustment. However, this button’s corner is not
user-friendly unless you change the part where you hold the camera. Fn key gives
access to most controls, regardless main menu, and it’s pleasant to see ISO
control and white balance can be reached via fast 4-direction control disc. The
central button enters AF setting, from where you are able to configure local
and regional modes.
Alpha
37’s top view
Another smart feature presenting in most
Sony models is Eye-Start, which activates focus whenever lens is pointed to eyes,
reducing shooting time. It’s a pity that when the camera is placed at flank’s
level, Eye-Start may activate when sensor is covered, which makes AF’s engine
rattle while you are walking. It may be too noisy for camera attached with kit
lens and there may be beep sound. Besides, it consumes energy.
Ratings:
7/10
General
info
·
16MP CMOS sensor
·
Bionz III processor
·
ISO 100-16,000
·
2.7in tilt LCD screen
·
7fps continuous shooting
·
Price: $7,980
Specifications
·
Sensor: 16MP Exmor CMOS sensor
·
Output: 4,912x3,264 pixels
·
Lens mount: Sony A
·
File format: JPEG, ARW (raw)
·
Compression ratio: JPEG 2-stage
·
Shutter: Focal-plane
·
Shooting speed: 30-1/4000 sec with flash
·
Maximum flash sync: 1/120 sec
·
ISO: 100 – 16,000
·
Exposure modes: program, aperture priority,
shutter priority, manual, iAuto, iAuto+, 8 landscape modes, sweep panorama,
3D, tele-zoom continuous, film
·
Light meter: 1200-zone evaluative, multi,
spot, center-weighted
·
Exposure compensation: +/-3EV
·
White balance: auto, 9 presets, custom, manual
·
White balance bracket: Yes (3 frames)
·
Continuous shooting: 5.5fps (7fps in
tele-conversion mode)
·
Display: 2.7in LCD screen plus 230,000 pixels
·
Viewfinder: EVF (14.4MP equivalent)
·
Field of view: 100%
·
Diode correction: from -4 to +4
·
Focus modes: single, continuous, auto, manual
·
AF points: 15 points (plus 3 cross-type)
·
DoF preview: Yes
·
Flash available: Yes (GN 10m at ISP 100)
·
Video: 1080 50/60p HD (AVCHD), 1080 25p (MP4)
·
Microphone: Yes
·
Memory card: MemoryStick Pro Duo, SD/SDHC/SDXC
·
Battery: Li-Ion NP-FW50, rechargeable
·
Connectivity: USB 2.0, HDMI (C type)
·
Weight: 506g (including battery)
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