The Sony Alpha 57 (model name SLT-A57) is a Digital single-lens reflex camera that replaced the A55 in 2012.

The camera features an electronic viewfinder and a translucent mirror.

The main advantage of a translucent mirror is that it needn't flip up out of the way when taking a picture in order to expose the sensor, but the camera can focus and capture images simultaneously.

The camera's 15-point autofocus system can be set to single, continuous or automatic and is arranged towards the centre.

The 12-fps burst mode is available only in "speed priority" mode but can reach up to 5.5 fps burst rate in combination with any other settings.