Sony Alpha SLT-A57 vs Nikon Coolpix S5100

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100
      69
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      49
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha SLT-A57 and the Nikon Coolpix S5100, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 was introduced in September 2012 and Nikon Coolpix S5100 was introduced in August 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 Highlights

      • 16.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 16,000 Native ISO
      • 15 Focus Points (15 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • 1,440k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 12.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-in Flash

      Nikon Coolpix S5100 Highlights

      • 12.2 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.70" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A57
      4. Advantage of Nikon Coolpix S5100
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha SLT-A57 and Nikon Coolpix S5100.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Light - 132 g (0.29 lb / 4.66 oz)
      •   Internal Storage

      CONS

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 75
      •   Weight - 618 g (1.36 lb / 21.80 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"

      Advantage of Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Sony SLT-A57
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha SLT-A57 over Nikon Coolpix S5100.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 vs Nikon Coolpix S5100
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs 1/2.3-inch
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16.1 Megapixel vs 12.2 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4912 x 3264 vs 4000 x 3000
      RAW Support vs
      More Cross-type Focus Points 3 vs 0
      Multi Area Autofocus vs
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.70"
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 230k dot
      Viewfinder Electronic vs
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 30 sec vs 4 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/1500 sec
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Higher Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 vs 1280 x 720
      HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Microphone Input vs
      Orientation Sensor vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha SLT-A57.

      Sony SLT-A58
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      APS-C

      20.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A77
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A37
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony SLT-A33
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A77 II
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A99
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      Full Frame

      24.3 MP

      Sony SLT-A35
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A55
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A68
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony SLT-A99 II
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Sony SLT-A65
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Canon M3
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Advantage of Nikon Coolpix S5100

      Nikon S5100
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon Coolpix S5100 over Sony Alpha SLT-A57.

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 vs Nikon Coolpix S5100
      Higher Native ISO 16,000 vs 1,600
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Lighter 618 g (1.36 lb / 21.80 oz) vs 132 g (0.29 lb / 4.66 oz)
      Internal Storage vs 32 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon Coolpix S5100.

      Nikon S5300
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Nikon D3000
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      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony HX100V
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.2 MP

      Canon G11
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      1/1.7-inch

      10 MP

      Canon R8
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Nikon S5200
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Nikon D5100
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      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Nikon P610
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Sony a1
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      Full Frame

      50.1 MP

      Nikon D3X
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Sony H70
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      1/2.3-inch

      16.1 MP

      Sigma SD9
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      APS-C

      3 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha SLT-A57 Nikon Coolpix S5100
        Video Capture
        Live View Autofocus
        Image StabilizationSensor Shift
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha SLT-A57 Nikon Coolpix S5100
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Cross-type Focus Points30
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801280 x 720
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi is possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 has a 3.0" Fully Articulated screen with 921k dot resolution and Nikon Coolpix S5100 has a 2.70" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Sony Alpha SLT-A57 selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 with Fully Articulated screen


      Electronic Viewfinder on Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 1,440k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage and 1.04x (0.69x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Nikon Coolpix S5100.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 features a 16.1 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 366.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 16,000 and expands to 100 - 25,600 in boosted mode. Nikon Coolpix S5100 features a 12.2 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600.

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 can take pictures up to 4912 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4912 x 2760, 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2000, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Nikon Coolpix S5100 is equipped with Expeed C2 processor and can take pictures up to 4000 x 3000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3968 x 2232, 3264 x 2448, 2592 x 1944, 2048 x 1536, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in image stabilization. On Sony Alpha SLT-A57 it means that you are still getting vibration reduction when it is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 comes with NP-FM500H battery pack with battery life of 550 shots and Nikon Coolpix S5100 comes with EN-EL10 battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Nikon Coolpix S5100 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A57, and up to 1/1500 sec on Nikon Coolpix S5100. Sony Alpha SLT-A57 can shoot continuously up to 12.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m (@ ISO 100) on Sony Alpha SLT-A57. Sony Alpha SLT-A57 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha SLT-A57.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 body has dimensions of 132 x 98 x 81 mm (5.2 x 3.86 x 3.19") and Nikon Coolpix S5100 body has dimensions of 97 x 57 x 22 mm (3.82 x 2.24 x 0.87"). Sony Alpha SLT-A57 weighs 618 g (1.36 lb / 21.80 oz) and Nikon Coolpix S5100 weighs 132 g (0.29 lb / 4.66 oz).

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      132 mm

      98 mm

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      97 mm

      57 mm

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      98 mm

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      57 mm

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      81 mm

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      22 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha SLT-A57 and Nikon Coolpix S5100

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57 and Nikon Coolpix S5100 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      GOOD
      71
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      POOR
      47
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      GOOD
      72
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      POOR
      54
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      GOOD
      81
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      GOOD
      83
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 618 g (1.36 lb / 21.80 oz)
      GOOD
      84
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 132 g (0.29 lb / 4.66 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      GOOD
      80
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 618 g (1.36 lb / 21.80 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 132 g (0.29 lb / 4.66 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha SLT-A57 and Nikon Coolpix S5100 and give them scores of 69 and 49 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      OVERALL
      69
      OVERALL
      49

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.1 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   16,000 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 75
      POOR
      45
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 12.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      AVERAGE
      62
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/1500 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      POOR
      45
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      GOOD
      73
      •   15 Focus Points
      •   3 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      GOOD
      78
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Resolution Viewfinder - 1,440k dot
      POOR
      50
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.70"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      GOOD
      78
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      BAD
      36
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha SLT-A57

      Nikon Coolpix S5100

      POOR
      41
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 618 g (1.36 lb / 21.80 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 550 shots
      POOR
      49
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 132 g (0.29 lb / 4.66 oz)
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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