• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 20.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A37
  • Samsung NX30
Links
Prices:    
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:    
Successor:    
General
Model Number: A37 NX30
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: SLR Compact System Camera
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $599.99 $999.99
Street Price:   $899.00
Date Available: 2012-06-15 2014-02-20
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 25.6 oz (726 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
23.1 oz (654 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
Size: 4.9 x 3.6 x 3.3 in.
(124 x 92 x 85 mm)
5.0 x 3.8 x 1.6 in.
(127 x 96 x 42 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony Samsung
Effective Megapixels: 16.1 20.3
Sensor Format: APS-C APS-C
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 368.95mm2 (23.50mm x 15.70mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.82 microns 4.29 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 1.5x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed None
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: Yes No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No Yes
DxO Sensor Score: 75 76
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.3 23.5
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.9 12.4
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 799 1,014
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4912 x 3264 (16.0 MP, 3:2),
4912 x 2760 (13.6 MP, 16:9),
3568 x 2368 (8.4 MP, Other),
3568 x 2000 (7.1 MP, 16:9),
2448 x 1624 (4.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 1376 (3.4 MP, 16:9),
12416 x 1856 (23.0 MP, Other),
5536 x 2160 (12.0 MP, Other),
8192 x 1856 (15.2 MP, Other),
3872 x 2160 (8.4 MP, Other),
7152 x 1080 (7.7 MP, Other),
4912 x 1080 (5.3 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9)
5472 x 3648 (20.0 MP, 3:2),
5472 x 3080 (16.9 MP, 16:9),
3648 x 3648 (13.3 MP, 1:1),
3888 x 2592 (10.1 MP, 3:2),
3712 x 2088 (7.8 MP, 16:9),
2640 x 2640 (7.0 MP, 1:1),
2976 x 1984 (5.9 MP, 3:2),
2944 x 1656 (4.9 MP, 16:9),
2000 x 2000 (4.0 MP, 1:1),
1728 x 1152 (2.0 MP, 3:2),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1024 x 1024 (1.0 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG, MPO, RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG JPEG, MPO, RAW (SRW), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 5.5 8.9
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60i(FH)/​24p(FX)/​24p(FH))
1440x1080 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
1920x1080 (60p/​30p)
1920x810 (24p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
320x240 (30p)
1280x720 (120p)
640x480 (120p)
320x240 (120p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD 1.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC) MP4 (Video: MPEG4, AVC/H.264, Audio: AAC)
Composite Video Out: No No
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a n/a
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony Alpha (Minolta A) Samsung NX
Lens: Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM Samsung 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 III OIS NX
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 27 - 84mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 18 - 55mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.06x 3.06x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 36 (T) f/3.5 (wide) / f/5.6 (tele) - f/22
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
28 cm to Infinity
11.0 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 55.0mm 58.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 2x Precision, Up to 2x Clear Image Zoom, 1.4x (8.4MP) or 2.0x (4MP) Smart Zoom Up to 2x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Phase Detection: 15 points (3 points cross type); Wide (auto, 15 points), Zone, Spot, Local; Enhanced Object Tracking Samsung NX AF System II (Hybrid contrast/phase-detect): 105points (Phase Detection AF), 247points (Contrast AF), Selection: 1point ( Free selection ), Multi: Normal 21 (3 x 7) points, Closeup 35points, Face Detection: Max. 10 faces
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD EVF / OLED
Viewfinder Type: EVF type; 1.1cm (0.43") 1.15M-dot LCD (380K-dot time-multiplexed RGB), 100% coverage, 1.1x magnification, 19mm eyepoint, -4 to +4 diopter Tiltable (up to 80 degrees) EVF with eye sensor; XGA (1024x768) 2,359K dots; 100% Field of view; 0.96x Magnification(50mm eq. lens); -4 to +1 diopter
Focus Peaking: Yes Yes
EVF Resolution:   2,359,000 dots
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.73x 0.64x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.10x 0.96x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 2.6 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 230,400 dots (76,800 px) 1,036,800 dots (345,600 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: Yes
Selfie Screen: Yes
Max Playback Zoom: 11.8x  
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 16000 25600
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto (100-3200), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 16000; (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600) Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (Warm, Cool, Day, Daylight), Flash, Custom, Color Temp/Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation) Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Fluorescent (W, N, D), Tungsten, Flash, Custom, K (Manual)
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot Multi, Center-weighted, Spot
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Portrait, SportsAction, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night view, Hand-held Twilight (6 shot layering), Night Portrait, Picture Effect (Posterization (color/B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial color (R/G/B/Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera (Normal/Cool), Soft High-key, Soft Focus (Hi/Mid/Lo), HDR Painting (Hi/Mid/Lo), Miniature (7 Settings)) Beauty Face, Landscape, Macro, Action Freeze, Rich Tone, Panorama, Waterfall, Silhouette, Sunset, Night, Fireworks, Light Trace, Creative Shot, Best Face, Multi-Exposure, Smart Jump Shot
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 2-30 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):    
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off Smart Flash, Auto, Auto+Red-eye reduction, Fill-in, Fill-in+Red-eye reduction, 1st Curtain, 2nd Curtain, Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. 11.0 m / 36.1 ft.
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent Lens dependent; GN=11 (ISO 100, m)
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/200
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0 EV in 0.5EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot shoe Hot shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   Full TTL exposure
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG RAW (SRW), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: AVCHD 1.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC) MP4 (Video: MPEG4, AVC/H.264, Audio: AAC)
Included Memory:   No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No Yes
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: Yes Yes
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes No
DPOF Compliant: Yes No
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Wired (RM-S1AM/RM-L1AM) Wi-Fi live view; optional wired via USB
Connections (extended): Type-C Mini HDMI (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack, DC Input Mult-function USB port compatible with wired remote
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.47 0.62
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.45 0.73
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 2 21
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   0.62
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 5.5 8.9
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 10 21
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   8.9
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   12
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   8.8
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   11
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.11 seconds 0.13 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus): 0.080 seconds 0.087 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): 0.32 seconds 0.23 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.057 seconds 0.083 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes): Full AF lag, Wide-area mode = 0.124s Full AF lag, wide-area AF mode = 0.285s
Startup Time: 0.9 seconds 0.8 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 0.9 seconds 0.9 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 2.5 seconds 3.6 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):   360 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 450 shots  
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary BP-1410
Usable Battery Types: NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1410mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary BP-1410 Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: No
Internal Charging Supported: Yes
Software
Included Software: Sony Software CD-ROM iLauncher, Adobe Lightroom v5
OS Compatibility: Windows XP SP3/Vista SP2/7, Mac OS X (v.10.3 +)  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: SteadyShot INSIDE Sensor-shift Image Stabilization (up to 4 EV correction), Full HD 1080i60 Video, Up to 7 fps Burst Mode (Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE), Enhanced Object Tracking AF, 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom, Auto Portrait Framing. Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11b/g/n supports Dual Channel (Smart Camera 3.0 with NFC, AutoShare, SNS & Cloud, Email, Auto Back, Remote Viewfinder Pro, Mobile Link,Samsung Link, Group Share, Photo Beam, HomeSync, Baby Monitor)