With 16MP camera, Alpha 27 resolution’s
performance is a little disappointing and lower than NEX-F3’s one (due to
translucent mirror) though it, to some extent, surpasses Alpha 35. In basic ISO
100, the device gained a score of 24 (JPEG) and 26 (RAW). These results were
still maintained until ISO 1,600 was set then RAW’s result reduced down to 24. Noise
started increasing above ISO 1,600 and when noise reduction was activated, for
JPEG at ISO 6,400, speed dropped to 22.
In highest settings including ISO 12,800 or
6,400, performance was quite good and able to keep speed at 20-22 from JPEG to
RAW. Light interference appeared noticeable from ISO 6,400 for JPEG format
while RAW showed light interference from ISO 800 and a little color
interference at ISO 6,400. Though, the issue can be fixed easily.
Ratings:
26/30
Dynamic range
All Sony Alpha models, since the release of
Alpha 35 featuring 12.7EV, have performed well in test of dynamic range. Although
final measurement for Alpha 37 was not available, through our test the device’s
sensor seemed no less impressive. Shaded area consisted of many hidden details
which could be rescued by calibration tool, though, with little noise. This
means that by doing exposure for highlights, you are able to widen your range. Fast
frame rate means that in appropriate lighting, it can be manually done without
being blurred.
Ratings:
9/10
White balance and color
Auto-white balance did well in many
environments, delivering neutral color throughout the process. 4 different
options for fluorescent lighting appeared useful for indoor-capturing while custom
setting allowed for spot focus to select a neutral of white area as a reference
in the scene. They were extremely handy options when writing JPEG format though
it didn’t matter with RAW.
Live colors on camera’s screen looked
bright and vivid plus natural. Most JPEG photos could be considered ready for
printing without any adjustment. Creative styles provided by Fn menu featured vivid,
portrait, landscape and sunset, along with settings for contrast, saturation
and each preset’s sharpness.
Ratings:
8/10
Light metering
The 1200-zone meter supplied accurate
results, enabling the camera to deal with scene having unfriendly contrast. The
priority was for panorama, contrary to highlight which could be more preferred.
However, a 0.3EV correction ensured that all highlights were saved while
shadows could be restored by calibration tool.
Ratings:
8/10
Auto-focus
Alpha 37 owns a wide range for auto-focus
points, of which the total amount is 15. They are spread all over the frame,
including 3 cross-type points. In comparison, Nikon D3200 has 11 point and 1
cross-type and Canon EOS 1100D features 9 points plus 1 cross-type. Object-tracking
was well performed in local/wide/regional AF settings as well as tracking
object around the frame with the nearest AF point. Single focus was fast and
accurate whereas its value might fall due to noisy AF engine in kit lens.
Ratings: 8/10
LCD, viewfinder and video
LCD screen receives popular tilt control from
Alpha and NEX models, allowing it to rotate 55 degree downwards or 135 degree
upwards. It appears quite helpful in shooting photos that are over the head or
at flank’s level or close to the ground. However, it’s a downside that aside
from tilt level, the 2.7in screen’s resolution was reduced down to basic
230,000 pixels. Though usable and able to deal with reflection, it cannot
compete with 3in screen’s 921,000 pixels that we have long expected.
Tilting
rear screen
Though, viewfinder was renewed and superior
to Alpha 35’s one thanks to a 48% increase in pixel’s amount. This makes a
difference when drawing lay-out and, of course, prolongs the consistency of
digital viewfinder. In fact, with such information provided, it’s hard to
remember optical vision.
Video was recorded at 1920x1080pixel
resolution with 60/50i or 24/25p in AVCHD format, or 30p in MP4 format. This is
quite odd for a basic model; Alpha 37 has not only an integrated microphone but
also a port for external microphone.
Ratings:
7/10
Verdict
Like basic cameras, Alpha 37 provides many
benefits. The amount of its smart features enables you to achieve impressive
results. Nonetheless, the new sensor seems insufficient to fix the effect of
translucent mirror, resulting in image quality lacking details and getting
noise. Improvements for display’s resolution as well as noisy kit lens would help
this model very much. Whereas I sometimes think of EVF, I’m sure to choose
NEX-F3 rather than either NEX-F3 or Alpha 37.
Like
basic cameras, Alpha 37 provides many benefits.
Comment:
Very good
·
Features: 7/10
·
Design + processor: 7/10
·
Noise + resolution: 26/30
·
Dynamic range: 9/10
·
AWB + colors: 8/10
·
Light metering: 8/10
·
Auto-focus: 8/10
·
LCD + viewfinder: 7/10
