- Conclusion Get the lowdown
- Features How they compare
- Performance Real world benchmarks
- Differences Technical showdown
- Reviews Word on the street
- Competition Others to consider
- Discussion Answers and opinions
Compare with...
- Sony SLT-A99
- Sony SLT A65
- Nikon D7000
- Canon EOS 5D Mark II
- Pentax K-5
Rated 100% by by Photography Blog (Dec, 2011)The A77 is a very solid bit of kit with build quality that surpasses rival DSLR cameras in the same price range, being made to withstand most conditions thanks to all the ports, doors and controls being weather-sealed.
Conclusion Which is better for you?
Features Key features of the Sony SLT A77 compared to the Sony SLT A57
MP24
APS-C
Rated 100% by by Photography Blog (Dec, 2011)The Sony A77 can shoot full-resolution 24.3 megapixel pictures at up to 12fps whilst maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure, an impressively fast rate for such a relatively inexpensive camera.
megapixels
| 0 MP | 24 MP   | 30 MP |
SLT A77 by zemesIn reality, a clean 12 megapixel photograph is capable of producing excellent poster size pictures.
SLT A57 by Photography Blog (Jun, 2012)The Sony A57 can shoot full-resolution 16.1 megapixel pictures at up to 12fps whilst maintaining continuous auto focus and auto exposure, an incredibly fast rate for such an inexpensive camera.
sensor size
SLT A77 by David-Pierce (Apr, 2012)The A77 uses the exact same 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor as the NEX-7, and to similar effect: its photos look fantastic.
SLT A57 by John (Feb, 2013)The a57's APS-C sensor has comparatively good sized individual sensors, which is just one small part of all of the tech working together in the a57 to result in great video and picture quality.
viewfinder size
SLT A77 by David-Pierce (Apr, 2012)Colors are accurate and clear (even though they don't always look it in the viewfinder), and details are remarkably well-produced — even shadows and reflections in windows came out crystal clear.
SLT A57 by P.-Chebib (May, 2012)Size, it feels just right and comfortable in my hands.2- Bright 3 inches pivoting screen, that you can actually fold back when not using, thus protecting the screen.3- The EVF is excellent, bright and captures all the details.
body size
143 x 104 x 81 mm
132 x 98 x 81 mm
SLT A57 by Derrick (Apr, 2012)The camera body is the same size as the a100 although a bit lighter in weight.
focus points
| 0 | 19 | 20 |
SLT A77 by Photography Blog (Dec, 2011)The shutter-release has a definite half-way point, with the focus points (a choice of 19 with with 11 cross sensors to maximize precision for both vertical and horizontal subjects) rapidly illuminating green in the viewfinder and a confirmation bleep signaling that focus and exposure has been determined and the user is free to go on and take the shot.
SLT A57 by Photography Blog (Jun, 2012)As with Live View, continuous phase-detection AF is possible whilst shooting movies on the A57, a distinct advantage over most DSLR cameras and fast enough to rival Compact System Cameras like the Panasonic Lumix GH series.
Performance Real world tests of Sony SLT A77 vs Sony SLT A57
DxOMark image quality
SLT A77 by D.-Pierce--pierce324 (Nov, 2011)It also makes a couple of steps ahead in color accuracy and dynamic range.
SLT A57 by David-Melges--O-toole-fanatic (Apr, 2013)Color, sharpness, noise control.....the a57 has EXCELLENT image quality.
DxOMark low light performance
SLT A77 by PA-PA-Jossey (Nov, 2011)I first test all my cameras in low light conditions because I love using natural light for most of my photo's when I can.
SLT A57 by Ong-Chi-Hang (Jan, 2013)The handheld twilight mode also enables great night pictures without using tripod.
continuous shooting
battery life
530 photos
550 photos
SLT A77 by Photography Blog (Dec, 2011)On the bottom of the camera is a compartment for the lithium-ion battery that supplies an impressive life-span of 470 images with the viewfinder or 530 images in Live View mode, plus a metal tripod socket that's in-line with the centre of the lens mount.
Differences What are the advantages of each
Advantages compared to the A57
| Is weather sealed | Yes | vs | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somewhat common; Keep shooting in rain or snow | |||
| Significantly higher resolution | 24 MP | vs | 16 MP |
| Around 50% higher resolution; Capture more detail, good for large prints | |||
| Includes a GPS | Yes | vs | No |
| Somewhat common; Records the location of your photos automatically | |||
| Better overall image quality | 78.0 | vs | 75.0 |
| Almost the same | |||
| More cross-type focus points | 11 | vs | 3 |
| 8 more cross type focus points; Easier and faster focusing in low light | |||
| Much faster max shutter speed | 1/8000 s | vs | 1/4000 s |
| 2x faster max shutter speed; capture fast action | |||
Advantages compared to the A77
| Significantly more highly reviewed by consumers | 92.19% | vs | 87.01% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Around 10% more highly reviewed by consumers | |||
| Marginally more recently announced | Mar, 2012 | vs | Aug, 2011 |
| Announced date 6 months later | |||
| Lighter | 618 g | vs | 732 g |
| Around 20% lighter | |||
| Smaller | 132 x 98 x 81 mm | vs | 143 x 104 x 81 mm |
| More than 10% smaller | |||
Reviews Word on the street
Sony SLT A77 | Sony SLT A57 | ||
 | 
| 
| |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Rated by 110 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by RogerB (Dec, 2011) Rated 80% by by Robert-E.-Newsome (Jan, 2012)  Rated 100% by by David-L.-Griffin (Feb, 2012) | Rated by 87 users at amazon.com Rated 100% by by Ray--A-Reader (Dec, 2012) Rated 100% by by Beka (Oct, 2012) | |
photography
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 100% by by Michelle-S (Dec, 2012)Now after a week with my A77 I am so glad I stuck with the line; it truly is an incredibly easy and extremely versatile camera for the novice that likes to really be creative and be free to command the camera how you need too.
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 100% by by John-P.-Splingaerd--Pete-Splingaerd (Apr, 2012)The A77 is state-of-the art in dslr photography and can do some things and has some features that no other dslr has.
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 100% by by Angy-R.-John--arj (Apr, 2013)If you are a casual user dont buy this camera ,instead go for sonys a57 that also a amazing camera for the money.
lens
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 100% by by D.-Pierce--pierce324 (Nov, 2011)Since I already own a very nice Minolta 28-75 f/2.8 standard zoom, I passed on ordering the A77 with the new 16-50 f/2.8 SSM "kit" lens.
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 100% by by Anthony-Kosobud--Anthony-KosobudI couple the a77 with the Sony SAL70400G 70-400mm f/4-5.6 G SSM Lens, Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 SSM Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera or the Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar lensSony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Cameras.
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 73% by by David-Pierce (Apr, 2012)Sony has good lenses — I tested the A77 with a 50mm f/1.4 macro lens and a 70-300mm f/4.5 zoom, and liked both — but they’re expensive, and there aren’t nearly as many available as you’d get with Nikon or Canon.
resolution
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 90% by by TrustedReviews (Jun, 2012)Instead the A77 employs an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that covers 100% of the scene with a resolution of 2.36m-dots.
Sony SLT A57 | Rated 90% by by Photography Blog (Jun, 2012)The A57's electronic viewfinder may not be as detailed as the one used by the A65 and A77 models, but it still has enough resolution to rival and even beat a more conventional optical viewfinder.
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 100% by by Photography Blog (Dec, 2011)The A77 offers a 24.3 megapixel sensor, 12fps burst shooting, 1080p Full HD movies, high-resolution OLED viewfinder, 3-inch free-angle LCD, 19-point auto-focus with 11 cross-sensors, built-in GPS and an ISO range of 50-16000.
viewfinder
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 100% by by RobBut, in the a77 viewfinder, you see the exposure change because the viewfinder is showing you what the camera is doing rather than only showing you what the lens is seeing.
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 100% by by Photography Blog (Dec, 2011)This combination means that the A77 can offer full-time DSLR-like focusing speeds, even during video recording, plus an excellent Live View system with 100% scene coverage and an amazingly fast continuous shooting rate of 12fps (up from the A65's 10fps), whilst being physically smaller and lighter than a comparable DSLR.
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 100% by by RobAfter using the viewfinder in this Sony a77 for a day or two, you'll realize just how limiting an old fashioned optical viewfinder really is.
format
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 90% by by TrustedReviews (Jun, 2012)Those looking to plug the A77 into their HDTV for direct playback of AVCHD will find a HDMI jack on the side of the camera, although if you want to play AVCHD files back on a computer you may need to use the bundled Picture Motion Browser software to convert the files (or install software such as VLC that supports).
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 90% by by TrustedReviews (Jun, 2012)In addition to its stills abilities the A77 offers a generous selection of movie recording options, including the ability to record in the HDTV-friendly AVCHD format at 1080/50p (28M, PS), 1080/50i (24M, FX) and 1080/25p (24M, FX).
Sony SLT A77 | Rated 90% by by TrustedReviews (Jun, 2012)While serious video enthusiasts will undoubtedly know which AVCHD setting is right for them, we can’t but help think that the A77 would benefit from a simple ‘1920 x 1080 Full HD’ MP4 option too.
Competition What else you should consider
 | 1 | Sony SLT-A99 Best image quality as rated by DXOMark |
 | 2 | Sony SLT A65 3-way tie: Quite high resolution |
 | 3 | Nikon D7000 Most shots per battery charge |
 | 5 | Pentax K-5 Highest ISO |
 | 6 | Pentax K-30 6-way tie: Is weather sealed |
 | 7 | Sony Alpha NEX-6 Fastest to start up |
 | 8 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A550 6-way tie: Has a flip out screen |
Popular Questions
October 17, 2012
What is the best camera for me, for low light videos (w/ manual mode)
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Answers Sony SLT A77
Sony SLT A57
Hristian-Nochev 
Beginner II
I've used it for 3 months now and the more I use it, the more I love it. The video mode is awesome but it has a few limitations; - 1.85 crop factor (unlike the 1.5 crop factor for stills); -... View Hristian-Nochev's recommendation
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- December 15, 2012
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