Exploring Emerald Hill With The A37

I’ve always wanted to go to Emerald Hill to take some shots, but being a lazy bum, I continually found excuses not to do so. Recently, I was tasked with taking some sample photos for the new alpha SLT-A37 camera (coupled with the SAL1855 kit lens), and since I was around the area, I decided to make good use of this opportunity to do both things at the same time.

Emerald Hill is largely famous for the pubs and clubs around the area. However, once you walk past those and into the alleys, you will find rows of old houses in a quiet, serene neighbourhood; a huge contrast from the busy, bustling shopping belts of Orchard Road.

Old houses with Toy Camera Effect

Post box

Red door

Flower on the pavement with Miniature Effect

The tiltable LCD of the A37 makes it much easier to capture low angle shots. This ensure your outfit remains clean – unless you’re okay with squatting down or almost lying on the floor for such shots.

The brightness of the LCD can be adjusted manually and there’s even a Sunny Weather mode to facilitate easy viewing of the screen under bright sunlight. That’s definitely useful when shooting outdoors.

Street Cat - low angle shot

Monkey statue

From the photos, you can see that I was having fun playing with the camera’s Picture Effects. In the past, I would have to spend a couple of hours in front of a computer to do post-processing. Now, I can do the same with just a click of a button.

What’s more, the LCD screen allows me to preview the effects “live” before I take the shot. It’s easy and great for people like me who want to spend more time shooting than editing.

My only grouse is the dial button for switching between modes. It’s much “harder” as compared to my A330 camera, I have to use more finger strength to twist it (yes, I’m that lazy to even complain about this). That said, I do think some people would appreciate it as you wouldn’t accidentally switch to the wrong mode, which does happens to me at times with my A330.

The camera was surprising light (comparable to my A330) and the grip of the camera is very comfortable; a plus point especially when I’m bringing it out for shooting. You wouldn’t want a sore wrist or neck after lugging it for hours or even days.

Below are more shots I’ve taken with the A37. I hope you’ll enjoy them!