• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A57
  • Nikon D780
Links
Prices:   Compare Prices
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Nikon D750
D750 vs D780
Successor:    
General
Model Number: A57 D780
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: SLR SLR
Currently Manufactured: No Yes
Retail Price: $799.99 $2299.95
Street Price:   $1,830.28
Date Available: 2012-04-15 2020-01-25
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 29.2 oz (828 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
29.6 oz (840 g)
Size: 5.2 x 3.8 x 3.2 in.
(132 x 98 x 81 mm)
5.6 x 4.5 x 3.0 in.
(144 x 116 x 76 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony  
Effective Megapixels: 16.1 24.5
Sensor Format: APS-C 35mm
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 858.01mm2 (35.90mm x 23.90mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.82 microns 5.94 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x 1.0x
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 3:2
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes Yes
Sensor shift image stabilization: Yes No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No Yes
DxO Sensor Score: 75  
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.4  
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 13.0  
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 785  
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)
6048 x 4024 (24.3 MP, 3:2),
4528 x 3016 (13.7 MP, 3:2),
3014 x 2016 (6.1 MP, 3:2),
6048 x 3400 (20.6 MP, 16:9),
4528 x 2544 (11.5 MP, 16:9),
3024 x 1696 (5.1 MP, 16:9),
4016 x 4016 (16.1 MP, 1:1),
3008 x 3008 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2000 x 2000 (4.0 MP, 1:1),
3936 x 2624 (10.3 MP, 3:2),
2944 x 1968 (5.8 MP, 3:2),
1968 x 1312 (2.6 MP, 3:2)
Image File Format: JPEG, MPO, RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (NEF), lossless compressed, compressed 14 or 12-bit; RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 10.0 12.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60p(PS)/​60i(FX)/​60i(FH)/​24p(FX)/​24p(FH))
1440x1080 (30p)
640x480 (30p)
3840x2160 (30p/​25p/​24p)
1920x1080 (120p/​100p/​60p/​50p/​30p/​25p/​24p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC) MOV (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video with Linear PCM audio)
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) Nikon F
Lens: Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM Nikkor AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR; 17 elements in 13 groups, including 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 24 - 120mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 24 - 120mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.06x 5.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 36 (T) f/4 - f/22
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
45 cm to Infinity
17.7 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:    
Filter Thread: 55.0mm 77.0mm
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: No Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes No
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 2x Precision, Up to 2x Clear Image Zoom, 1.4x (8.4MP) or 2.0x (4MP) Smart Zoom n/a
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 OVF: 51-point (15 cross-type, f/8 supported by 11 points) TTL phase detection with 3D focus tracking via Nikon Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX II; Hybrid phase/contrast-detect AF in Live View mode
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes No
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD Optical / LCD
Viewfinder Type: EVF type; 1.1cm (0.43") 1.44M/1.25M-dot LCD (480K/418K-dot time-multiplexed RGB), 100% coverage, 1.04x/0.97x magnification, 23.1/25.2mm eyepoint, -4 to +3 diopter SLR type; fixed eye-level pentaprism, 100% coverage, 0.70x magnification, 21mm eyepoint, -3 to +1 diopter
Focus Peaking: Yes Yes
EVF Resolution:   n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.69x 0.70x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.04x 0.70x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.2
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 2,359,296 dots (786,432 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes Yes
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom: 13.6x  
Top Deck Display: No Yes
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 16000 51200
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto (100-3200), 100 - 16000; (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600) ISO 100 - 51,200, Lo-1 (ISO 50), Hi-1 (ISO 102,400), Hi-2 (ISO 204,800), Auto (adjustable)
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent (4), Flash, Custom, Color Temp./ Filter (2500-9900K with 15-step Magenta/Green compensation) Auto (3 types), natural light auto, direct sunlight, cloudy, shade, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), flash, choose color temperature (2500K-10,000K), preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored, spot white balance measurement available during live view photography), all except choose color temperature with fine-tuning
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/8000 - 900 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes Yes
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot 180,000-pixel RGB sensor; 3D Color Matrix Metering II (type G, E, and D lenses), Color Matrix Metering II (other CPU lenses); Center-weighted, Spot (1.5%) centered on selected focus area; Highlight-weighted
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, SportsAction, Macro, Landscape, Sunset, Night scene, Hand-held Twilight (6 shot layering), Night Portrait; Sweep Panorama, 3D Sweep Panorama, Auto Portrait Framing, Picture Effect (Posterization (Color, B/W), Pop Color, Retro Photo, Partial Color (R,G,B,Y), High Contrast Monochrome, Toy Camera, Soft High-key, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature), Dynamic Range Optimizer (Off/Auto/Level), EFCT Special effect modes: night vision; super vivid; pop; photo illustration; toy camera effect; miniature effect; selective color; silhouette; high key; low key; U1 and U2 user settings; Active D-Lighting
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 2/5/10/20 seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: Yes No
Flash Modes: Auto, Off, Fill-flash, Rear sync, Wireless, High-Speed sync, Slow sync, Red-eye reduction: On/Off Front-curtain sync, Slow sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent n/a
Max Flash Sync: 1/160 1/200
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps -3 to +1 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Hot shoe ISO-type Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:   No
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-II
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No Yes
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG RAW (NEF), lossless compressed, compressed 14 or 12-bit; RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC) MOV (H.264/MPEG-4 AVC video with Linear PCM audio)
Included Memory:   No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No No
Bluetooth: No Yes
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No Yes
Headphone Jack: No Yes
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 3.0 Super Speed,Bluetooth,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Wireless or Wired Via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth; optional wired or wireless
Connections (extended): Type-C Mini HDMI (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack, DC Input USB 3.1 Gen1 USB-C, Type-C Mini HDMI, Accessory Terminal, 3.5mm Stereo Mic Jack, 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Jack, Built-in Wi-Fi
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution):    
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames):    
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):    
Camera penalizes early shutter press?
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 10.0 12.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 25  
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   12.0
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):    
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   12.0
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):    
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid):    
Shutter lag (full AF, tele):    
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):    
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):    
Shutter Lag (prefocused):    
Shutter Lag (notes):    
Startup Time:    
Play -> Record Time:    
Flash cycle time, full power:    
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View):    
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 550 shots 2260 shots
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary EN-EL15b/EN-EL15a/EN-EL15
Usable Battery Types: NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable (ext. battery grip not supported)
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary EN-EL15b Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No Yes
Software
Included Software: Sony Software CD-ROM Nikon software available for download
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 4.5 EV correction), Full HD 1080p60 Video, Up to 12 fps Burst Mode (Tele-zoom Continuous Advance Priority AE), Enhanced Object Tracking AF, 2x Clear Image Digital Zoom, New Auto Portrait Framing, Tilting 921K-dot LCD, 1.44M-dot EVF.