• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha SLT-A57
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40
Links
Prices:    
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:    
Successor:    
General
Model Number: A57 ZS40
Alternate Model Number(s):   TZ60
Camera Format: SLR Compact
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $799.99 $449.99
Street Price:   $379.99
Date Available: 2012-04-15 2014-02-01
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 29.2 oz (828 g)
includes batteries, kit lens 		8.5 oz (240 g)
includes batteries
Size: 5.2 x 3.8 x 3.2 in.
(132 x 98 x 81 mm) 		4.4 x 2.5 x 1.4 in.
(111 x 64 x 34 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony  
Effective Megapixels: 16.1 18.1
Sensor Format: APS-C 1/2.3 inch
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 28.0735mm2 (6.17mm x 4.55mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 4.82 microns 1.26 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x n/a
Aspect Ratio: 3:2 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed  
Self-Cleaning: Yes No
Sensor shift image stabilization: Yes No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 75 36
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 23.4 19.0
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 13.0 10.6
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 785 117
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) 		4896 x 3672 (18.0 MP, 4:3),
4896 x 3264 (16.0 MP, 3:2),
4896 x 2752 (13.5 MP, 16:9),
3664 x 3664 (13.4 MP, 1:1),
4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2672 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
3264 x 2448 (8.0 MP, 4:3),
3264 x 2176 (7.1 MP, 3:2),
3264 x 1840 (6.0 MP, Other),
2448 x 2448 (6.0 MP, 1:1),
2560 x 1920 (4.9 MP, 4:3),
2560 x 1712 (4.4 MP, 3:2),
2560 x 1440 (3.7 MP, 16:9),
1920 x 1920 (3.7 MP, 1:1),
2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3),
2048 x 1360 (2.8 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1536 x 1536 (2.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG, MPO, RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF v2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 10.0 10.0
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1920x1080 (60p(PS)/​60i(FX)/​60i(FH)/​24p(FX)/​24p(FH))
1440x1080 (30p)
640x480 (30p) 		1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
1280x720 (120p)
640x480 (240p)
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC) AVCHD or MP4 with stereo audio
Composite Video Out: No Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a No
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony Alpha (Minolta A) n/a
Lens: Sony 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DT SAM LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR, 12 elements in 9 groups with 5 Aspherical elements, 10 Aspherical surfaces and 3 ED elements
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 24 - 720mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 4.3 - 129mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.06x 30.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 36 (T) f/3.3 - 8.0 (W) / f/6.4 - 8.0 (T) Multistage Iris Diaphram
Integrated ND Filter: No No
Normal Focus Range: 25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity 		50 cm to Infinity
19.7 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:   3 cm to Infinity
1.2 in to Infinity
Filter Thread: 55.0mm n/a
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 4x
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 Contrast Detect: Face / AF Tracking / 23pt / 1pt / Spot / Touch Area
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: EVF / LCD EVF / 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 EVF: 0.2-inch, 200K dots equiv. LCD; 100% Coverage, Lens 19.6x Magnification: Approx. 2.56x / 0.46x (35 mm camera equivalent)
Focus Peaking: Yes Yes
EVF Resolution:    
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): 0.69x 0.46x
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): 1.04x 2.56x
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: Yes Yes
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots (307,200 px) 920,000 dots
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: Yes No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom: 13.6x 16.0x
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native): 16000 3200
Minimum ISO (native): 100 100
ISO Settings: Auto (100-3200), 100 - 16000; (Multi-frame NR mode up to ISO 25600) Auto, iISO, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400*, High Sensitivity mode (ISO 1600-6400); *Extended ISO
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, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, White Set
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/2000 - 30 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: 1200-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted, Spot Intelligent Multiple, Center Weighted, Spot
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), Panorama Shot, Scene (Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Handheld Night Shot,Food, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, High Sensitivity, Glass Through, HDR, Starry Sky, High Speed Video, 3D Photo ), Creative Control (Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Star Filter, One Point Color (15 filters))
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 2 or 10 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 Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 10.0 m / 32.8 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Lens dependent Auto ISO: 0.6 - 6.4m (Wide), 1.0 - 3.3m (Tele)
Max Flash Sync: 1/160  
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps  
External Flash Connection: Hot shoe n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:    
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: RAW (12-bit ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG RAW, RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: AVCHD 2.0/MP4 (Audio: Dolby Digital (AC-3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC) AVCHD or MP4 with stereo audio
Included Memory:   12.0 MB
Included Memory Type:   Internal
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No Yes
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: Yes Yes
Remote Control Type: Optional Wireless or Wired Via Wi-Fi
Connections (extended): Type-C Mini HDMI (BRAVIA Sync, PhotoTV HD); Wired Remote Terminal, 3.5mm External Stereo Micophone Jack, DC Input Micro (Type-D) HDMI, Built-in GPS, Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC
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 10.0
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 25 6
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):    
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):    
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):   300 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): 550 shots  
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable 3.6V, 1250mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: Sony Software CD-ROM PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.3 PE, LoiLoScope (trial version), Adobe Reader
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. 30x zoom with optical image stabilization, EVF, 1080p60 video, 10fps full-res burst shooting, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, built-in GPS.