• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A37 advantages over Nikon D780

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Nikon D780 advantages over Sony A37

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 4.82 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 450 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More telephoto lens reach
    120 mm vs 83 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    15 vs 3
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    5 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 77k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    24.5 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • More AF points
    51 vs 15
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 5.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 25600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A37
Sony A35
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • More dots on screen
Nikon D780
Sony A35
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony A57

Sony A37
Sony A57
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Higher-res screen
Nikon D780
Sony A57
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A37
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Nikon D780
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Sony A37
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2349
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2349
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Sony A37
Pentax K-1 II
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
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