Sony Introduces Speedy α37 Camera with Full-time Continuous AF Powered by Translucent Mirror Technology

ew Model Features High-Quality 16.1MP APS-C Image Sensor, up to 7 fps Shooting, High- Resolution Electronic Viewfinder and more

Lightweight, easy to use and packed with a variety of useful features, the new Sony SLT-A37 camera is an ideal choice for consumers eager to explore the world of interchangeable lens DSLR photography.

The new α37 camera is the latest to feature Sony’s acclaimed Translucent Mirror Technology, which delivers a potent combination of fast shooting, non-stop phase detection autofocus and continuous live image preview during still and full HD video (60i/24p) shooting.  This innovative technology also allows the new α37 camera to grab split-second action with a burst of sharply focused images.  Shots can be captured at up to seven frames per second in Tele-Zoom High Speed Shooting Mode, where the central portion of the sensor’s image is magnified by approximately 1.4x.

The camera has a precision 3-cross 15-point AF system with tracking autofocus that keeps faces and fast-moving subjects in sharp focus.  From action-packed sports to spontaneous family portraits, it will ensure that all the drama and beauty of that special moment is captured.

“Delivering lightning-fast shooting speeds and autofocus plus advanced full HD video capture, our innovative Translucent Mirror Technology continues to serve as the backbone of our A-mount line of cameras,” said Mike Kahn, director of the Alpha business at Sony.  “Featuring this unique technology plus a host of exciting new features and an attractive price tag, our new α37 camera brings a whole new meaning to the term ‘entry level DSLR’.”
Framing and focusing is easy with the camera’s high-resolution Tru-Finder™ electronic viewfinder.  With a high 1440k dot resolution, excellent contrast and 100% field of view, it matches or exceeds the abilities of many optical viewfinders.  Adjustments to exposure and other creative picture settings can be previewed in real time, either via the Tru-Finder™ EVF or the tilt-angle 6.7 cm (2.7") Clear Photo™ LCD screen, making it easy to create shots with a customized, professional finish.

Additionally, the Sony α37 camera helps inexperienced photographers create top-quality portraits with ease.  The new Auto Portrait Framing mode identifies the subject’s position in a composed image and follows the “rule of thirds” to trim the scene and create a beautifully framed portrait.  The cropped photo is then boosted to full resolution using Sony’s unique By Pixel Super Resolution technology, which uses pattern matching to maintain superb image detail, tones and textures in the photo.   Both the original and cropped image files are saved for review.

By Pixel Super Resolution Technology is also used for the “Clear Image Zoom” feature, which digitally doubles the effective magnification of any lens attached to the camera.  Ideal for travel and everyday shooting, it’s a great way to boost maximum focal length without carrying extra hardware.

The 16.1 effective megapixel Exmor® APS HD CMOS sensor inside the α37 camera captures finely detailed, low noise stills and Full HD video. It’s teamed with the latest BIONZ® image processor that extends sensitivity to an ISO 100-16000 range, broadening options for low-light shooting without flash.  Shared with all α A-mount cameras, SteadyShot INSIDE™ stabilization cuts the effects of camera shake by up to 4.0 stops for clearer handheld images with any A-mount lens.

The new α37 camera also features Superior Auto Mode, which intelligently recognizes a wide range of scenes and subjects and adjusts settings automatically.

New A-Mount 18-135mm Telephoto Zoom Lens and Accessories


A versatile match for the α37 and other Sony A-mount camera bodies, the new SAL18135 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 telephoto zoom offers a generous 8x (approx.) zoom range in a compact, go-anywhere lens that’s great for travel, street photography and everyday shooting.  The lens features a SAM design that assures smooth, rapid, whisper-quiet autofocus operation and Direct Manual Focus for accurate fine-tuning of focus.  This sharp telephoto zoom lens will also be offered as a kit lens with the α37 and other Sony A-mount camera bodies.

Compatible accessories include the new PCK-LM11 semi-hard screen protector sheet, exclusively designed for a perfect fit with the LCD screen on the α37 camera, as well as the HVL-F43AM flash, LCS-BP2 backpack and a variety of other exciting products that complete the Alpha ecosystem.

Pricing and Availability

The new α37 digital camera will be available this June with an 18-55mm kit zoom lens (model SEL1855) for about $600.  The new SAL18135 telephoto zoom lens will be available as a stand-alone product this July for about $500, and will be offered as a kit lens with Sony A-mount cameras beginning this August at the below approximate prices:

α37 camera kit with 18-135mm lens: $800
α57 camera kit with 18-135mm lens: $1,000
α65 camera kit with 18-135mm lens: $1,200
α77 camera kit with 18-135mm lens: $1,700
The camera kits, new lens and variety of accessories will be available at Sony retail stores (www.store.sony.com) and other authorized dealers nationwide.

Sony SLT-A37 specifications

Price
MSRP Body + 18-55mm lens: $599.99/ €599/£530
Body type
Body type Compact SLR
Sensor
Max resolution 4912 x 3264
Other resolutions 4912 x 2760, 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2000, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376
Image ratio w:h 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels 16.1 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors 16.7 megapixels
Sensor size APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor type CMOS
Color space sRGB, Adobe RGB
Color filter array Primary color filters
Image
ISO Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600
White balance presets 6
Custom white balance Yes (1)
Image stabilization Sensor-shift
Image stabilization notes SteadyShot Inside
Uncompressed format RAW
JPEG quality levels Fine, Normal
File format
RAW
RAW + JPEG
JPEG Fine
JPEG Standard
Optics & Focus
Autofocus
Phase Detect
Multi-area
Selective single-point
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
Live View
Autofocus assist lamp Built-in Flash type
Digital zoom Yes (2x Clear Image Zoom)
Manual focus Yes
Number of focus points 15
Lens mount Sony/Minolta Alpha mount
Focal length multiplier 1.5×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD Tilting
Screen size 2.6"
Screen dots 230,400
Touch screen No
Live view Yes
Viewfinder type Electronic
Viewfinder coverage 100 %
Viewfinder magnification 1.09×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed 30 sec
Maximum shutter speed 1/4000 sec
Exposure modes
iAuto
Superior Auto
Program
Aperture Priority,
Shutter Priority
Manual
Scene modes
Portrait
Sports Action
Macro
Landscape
Sunset
Night view
Hand-held Twilight (6 shot layering)
Night Portrait
Picture Effect
Built-in flash Yes (Pop-up)
Flash range 12 m
External flash Yes (Hot-shoe, Wireless)
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless
Flash X sync speed 1/160 sec
Drive modes
Single Shot
Continuous (Hi/Lo)
Self-timer (10/2 sec. delay)
Bracketing (Cont., Single, White Balance), Remote Control (with optional RM-DSLR1)
Continuous drive Yes (7 or 5.5 fps)
Self-timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec 3 or 5 images)
Metering modes
Multi
Center-weighted
Spot
Exposure compensation ±3 EV (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing (3 frames at 1/3 EV, 2/3 EV steps)
WB Bracketing Yes (3 frames, H/L selectable)
Videography features
Format
MPEG-4
AVCHD
H.264
Microphone Stereo
Speaker Mono
Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 29.97 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps)
Videography notes 1080i60 or 24 on NTSC models
Storage
Storage types SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMI Yes (Mini Type C)
Wireless EyeFi
Remote control Yes (Optional)
Physical
Environmentally sealed No
Battery Battery Pack
Battery description Rechargeable NP-FW50 battery & charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 500
Weight (inc. batteries) 506 g (1.12 lb / 17.85 oz)
Dimensions 124 x 92 x 85 mm (4.88 x 3.62 x 3.35")
Other features
Orientation sensor Yes
GPS None