The Sony SLT-A37 features a variety of easy-to-use auto modes, making this a good option for first-time DSLR photographers.
Auto Portrait Framing mode is best suited for those who just can't get decent shots of people. This mode automatically crops portrait images to improve the composition, then it scales up the image to the full 16 megapixel size.
"Superior" Auto Mode is designed to recognize what type of scene you are shooting and should adjust the camera settings accordingly.
Finally, Clear Image Zoom is designed to artificially double the zoom power of any lens attached to the camera without affecting the overall image quality.
In addition to its beginner-friendly modes, the A37 also includes built-in image stabilization, a tilting LCD screen and full-time autofocus in live view and movie mode.
Since this camera doesn't have a traditional mirror inside of it, the viewfinder is electronic instead of optical. If you've used any other SLR before this will take time to get used to, but if this is your first DSLR then you won't notice it.
Megapixels | 16.1 |
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Stabilization | In Body |
Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
Max. Shutter Speed | 1/4000 |
Max. Photo Capture | 7 per second |
ISO Range | 100 to 16000 |
Movie Modes | AVCHD 1920 x 1080i Motion JPEG 1440 x 1080 640 x 424 |
LCD | Fixed 2.7in (230,400 dots) |
Viewfinder | Electronic (1.4 mil dots) |
Autofocus | 15 point |
Face Detect AF | Yes |
Sensor Dimensions | 23.4 x 15.6 (1.5x crop factor) |
HDMI Port | Yes |
Live View | Yes |
Built-in Flash | Yes (Sync: 1/160) |
Compatible Lenses | All Sony ALPHA |
Battery | NP-FW50 LiIon |
Dimensions | 4.88 x 3.62 x 3.35in 124 x 92 x 85mm |
Weight | 17.85oz (506g) |
If you'd like more zoom range than what is offered with the standard 18-55mm lens, then you can also get the SLT-A37 as a kit with the new SAL8135 18-35mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens.
The 18-135mm offers an 8x zoom as compared to the 3x zoom of the 18-55mm lens.
People who want to improve the look of the on-camera flash can consider the more powerful and versatile HVL-F43AM external flash unit.
The HVL-F43AM rotates left, right and straight up to create a variety of different lighting options. An included wide angle diffuser helps when you are close to your subject.
While the flash can be used in full auto mode, it also offers 22 power levels that can be selected manually (from full power to 1/128th power).