• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • Medium format 1,350.0mm2
  • 64.0 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Sony A57 advantages over Leica S3

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More cross-type AF points
    3 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • More AF points
    15 vs 1
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Leica S3 advantages over Sony A57

  • Less expensive
    $19 vs $800 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger sensor
    Medium format vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (DCI) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Newer
    5 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More viewfinder magnification
    1.09x vs 0.69x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    64.0 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    125 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 25 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 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
  • 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

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D5100

Sony A57
Nikon D5100
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Leica S3
Nikon D5100
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $650
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Sony A37

Sony A57
Sony A37
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Higher-res screen
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack
Leica S3
Sony A37
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Pentax K-5 IIs

Sony A57
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
Leica S3
Pentax K-5 IIs
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $497
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon 5DS R

Sony A57
Canon 5DS R
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Leica S3
Canon 5DS R
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • More cross-type AF points

Compared to Pentax K-1

Sony A57
Pentax K-1
  • $800
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
Leica S3
Pentax K-1
  • $19
  • Medium format
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $1800
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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