* Item pictured for illustrative purposes only, actual item not pictured. See ‘Notes’ next to grade for included items.
Sony Alpha SLT-a57 DSLR Camera Body, Black {16.1MP}
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KEH Certified™ pre-owned gear, expertly inspected†
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All rental gear is between Excellent and Like New Minus condition
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Standard accessories included
Sony A57: a translucent-mirror SLR built for 12 fps bursts
The SLT-A57 pairs a 16.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Sony's translucent mirror technology, which keeps the mirror fixed in place during shooting and frees up the autofocus system to keep working continuously than blacking out between frames. That architecture is what lets the A57 hit 12 fps in continuous drive, a rate that's still rare among APS-C bodies of this era and useful for anyone shooting kids' sports, birds in flight, or unpredictable street action.
The electronic viewfinder runs at 1,440,000 dots with 100% coverage, giving you an accurate live preview of exposure and white balance before you press the shutter, and the fully articulated 3-inch rear screen with 921,000 dots makes low-angle macro work or overhead crowd shots at a wedding far easier to compose. Sensor-shift image stabilization works with any lens you mount, a real advantage for adapted Minolta glass or budget primes without built-in stabilization.
ISO climbs to 16000 natively and 25600 with boost, giving low-light shooters at receptions or indoor events real headroom. Video shooters get 1080p at 60p or 24p with a stereo mic input, useful for documentary or event work that pairs stills with motion. The NP-FM500H battery rates 550 shots per charge, enough for a full day of shooting without swapping packs mid-session.
Who It's For
Sports and action shooters benefit from the 12 fps burst rate and 15-point autofocus system, which keep moving subjects in frame during fast sequences. Wedding and event photographers get value from the fully articulated screen and Xtra Fine TFT display for shooting over crowds or at awkward angles, plus sensor-shift stabilization that steadies handheld shots in dim reception halls. Documentary and hybrid shooters who mix stills with video will appreciate 1080p60 recording alongside a stereo microphone input. Anyone building a system around older Minolta A-mount glass gains in-body stabilization that works regardless of which lens is attached, since the correction happens at the sensor than in the lens.
Key Features
- 16.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor with 1.5x focal length multiplier
- 12 fps burst at 8.4MP crop, 10 fps at full resolution with continuous AF
- 15-point autofocus system
- 1,440,000-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage
- Fully articulated 3-inch rear screen with 921,000 dots
- Sensor-shift image stabilization works with any mount
- ISO 100–16000 native, 25600 with boost
- 1080p video at 60 fps or 24 fps with stereo mic input
- 550-shot battery life per NP-FM500H charge
FAQ
- What's the difference between the 12 fps and 10 fps continuous drive modes?
- The 12 fps mode only works at 8.4MP crop resolution. The 10 fps mode runs at full 16.1MP resolution and maintains continuous autofocus tracking, making it the practical choice for most work.
- Can I use the electronic viewfinder for accurate exposure preview before shooting?
- Yes. The 1,440,000-dot electronic viewfinder covers 100% of the frame and shows live exposure and white balance preview in real time, so you see exactly what you're getting before the shutter opens.
- Does sensor-shift stabilization work with all lenses?
- Yes, regardless of what you mount. That's the advantage over lens-based stabilization if you're adapting older Minolta glass or using budget primes without built-in IS.
- What's the articulated screen useful for?
- The fully articulated 3-inch rear LCD lets you compose at extreme angles without contorting yourself-low-angle macro, overhead wedding shots, or shooting from the hip all become natural.
- How much headroom do you get in low light with ISO?
- Native ISO reaches 16000, and you can boost to 25600 for those dim receptions or indoor events where you need to keep shutter speeds reasonable without blowing out highlights.
- Can I record video with external audio?
- Yes, there's a stereo mic input on the body, so you can pair stills with clean sound for documentary or event work instead of relying on the built-in mono speaker setup.
- Will one battery last a full day of shooting?
- The NP-FM500H rates 550 shots per charge, which covers most all-day assignments without needing to swap packs mid-session.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Resolution | 16.1 MP |
| Mount | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Video | 1,920 x 1,080 (60p, 24p) |
This description was generated using AI based on KEH's internal product standards, product expertise, and knowing what customers care about most. While we strive for accuracy, details may vary by individual item.
| Brand Name | Sony |
|---|---|
| Flash System | Minolta/Sony TTL (Pre-Flash) |
| Focus Type | Autofocus (camera motor), Autofocus (lens motor) |
| Lens Mount | Sony A & Minolta A |
| Memory Card Type | SD, SDHC, SDXC, Sony Memory Stick PRO Duo , Sony Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo |
Learn what to expect from each condition, cosmetically. Images are representative of each grade and may not show the exact item you receive. All equipment is guaranteed to work as intended, unless otherwise noted. We also occasionally offer items that fall .
Exceptions
- New
- New in box complete with manufacturer's USA warranty. Not previously owned or used.
- Like New
- Essentially new with no signs of use. “Open box.” In manufacturer's packaging with original accessories and instructions. 180-day warranty.
- As Is
- Non-functional or damaged. Equipment will not work. Usable for parts. Not covered under KEH warranty and non-returnable.
Like New Minus
Like New Minus
Barely used with virtually no traces of wear. Only the closest inspections will reveal slight use. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent Plus
Excellent Plus
Lightly used with limited signs of wear. Exceptionally nice but may have slight wear on finish visible. Lens glass could contain light dust or debris. Excellent picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Excellent
Excellent
Noticeably used with average signs of wear. Shows moderate wear for the age of the item, with the possibility of blemishes and/or minimal dings. Lens glass may have average dust and zoom/focus ring tension may have slight looseness or tightness overall, but will not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Bargain
Bargain
Frequently used with above-average wear. May have dents, dings, or finish loss. Lens glass may have small scratches, dust, and blemishes, and zoom/focus ring tension may have moderate looseness or tightness overall, but should not affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. 180-day warranty.
Ugly
Ugly
Heavily used with extensive visible wear. Equipment is rough, with multiple impressions in the finish, excessive finish loss and brassing. Glass will have marks, fungus and/or heavy/cloudy haze which could affect picture quality. Accessories usually not included, unless noted in listing. Not covered under KEH warranty.
