Sony A77 Detailed Review

In additional A77 was introduced by Sony in October 2011. It belongs to the Amateur DSLRs category.

Sony is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Sony.

Also A77 has a APS-C CMOS sensor with size of 23 x 15 mm² (0.91″ x 0.61″).

Picture of A77’s sensor compared to popular format.

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

Note: APS-C sensors made by Sony are slightly larger than those from other manufacturers.

The A77’s sensor has resolution of 24 megapixel.

The Sony supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Sony’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The A77 does not have a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning. Dust that collects on the sensor has to be removed with a blower or brush.

The A77 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.64x, an above average value for an electronic viewfinder.

The A77’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

The A77’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 25600 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

The A77 supports all general exposure modes.

The Sony allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

The A77’s auto focus processor has 19 AF points. The main point is about that the more points the autofocus has then preferably. If AF has more points then you have a better opportunity to have a focus at the interesting area. In addition, It is a big advantage in a difficult condition. For example, when doing macross.

Manual focusing is available in the Sony. Even in complicated location.

The A77 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 12m (40 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

The A77 features a monitor with a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 in.) and a resolution of c. 0.92 megapixel. That’s about average.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The A77 does not feature a touch screen.

Display characteristics at a glance:

A77 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Sony A77 Video parameters:

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Sony. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

However, the camera can be controlled over a wired connection.

Connect the Sony to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Sony supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

The camera will accept all common SD HC and SD XC cards. Sony MemorySticks can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

The Sony A77 has a NP-FM500H LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 470 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The A77’s battery battery parameters:

The Sony A77’s size is 142.6 x 104.2 x 80.9mm³. (5.6″ x 4.1″ x 3.2″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.6″ x 4.1″ x 3.2″ grams (730 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the A77:

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.