Following a leaked press image late last week, Sony has confirmed the impending launch of its Alpha a57 digital SLR camera featuring translucent mirror technology.

The new entry in the Alpha range boasts a 16.1 megapixel Exor APS-sized CMOS sensor coupled with a BIONZ image processor, which is fast enough for a claimed 12 frame per second continuous shooting mode with full-time autofocus. Thanks to its translucent mirror, the a57 is also capable of continuous autofocus in video mode, where it's also capable of recording 1920x1080 Full HD video at 50 frames per second.

The a57 also includes a new digital zoom function, dubbed 'tele-zoom,' which enlarges the centre portion of the sensor's image by 1.4x for closeups where raw resolution is less important. For even more dramatic shots, an implementation of Sony's Clear Image Zoom system - which uses by-pixel sampling to increase the resolution of the image without the pixellation of a traditional digital zoom function - is available for a 2x magnification.

The a57 is also Sony's first camera to include Auto Portrait Framing, a system whereby face detection and the compositional 'rule of thirds' are combined to create professional and tightly-framed images in both portrait and landscape orientations.

At the rear of the camera, there's a 1,440K dot Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder along with a 3.0in Xtra Fine LCD with adjustable viewing angle.

According to Sony's official figures, the a57 is capable of shooting at ISO levels from 100 to 16,000 thanks to the high-speed BIONZ image processor, while in-body picture effects are expanded to 11 types with 15 variations. Results can be previewed in live mode for both video and still modes.

Finally, Sony has confirmed a new range of optional accessories, including an LED-based video light and an accessory kit bundling a spare rechargeable battery with a protective quick-access travel case.

The new Sony Alpha a57 is due to launch in April across Europe, with final pricing yet to be confirmed.

Source: Expert Reviews

Sony A57 DSLR Camera Pictures

Also on Blogsteady