Sony A77
Announced August 24, 2011
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Sony A77 is a feature-rich, semi-professional camera that delivers high-resolution stills and fluid 1080p60 video at impressive burst rates. While its innovative translucent mirror design enables fast autofocus and a bright OLED electronic viewfinder, the system struggles with battery efficiency and high-ISO noise performance compared to traditional DSLR rivals.
Weighted from 22 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-resolution 24.3-megapixel sensor with excellent image quality
- Fast 12fps continuous shooting capability
- Detailed OLED electronic viewfinder with 100% frame coverage
- Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body
- Versatile articulating LCD screen
Cons
- Short battery life
- Aggressive noise reduction and performance issues at high ISO settings
- Sluggish interface and menu responsiveness
- Proprietary flash hot-shoe design
- Lag when switching between the LCD and electronic viewfinder
- Launch price $1,399 (USD)
- Sensor 24.3MP APS-C CMOS
- Burst 12 fps mechanical
What the Reviewers Say
All 22 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- DPReview 81/100
The A77 is a well-designed camera which spans the mid-range and semi-professional categories.
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Making a major leap in the camera market, the Sony A77 reaches into pro territory, able to capture 12 frames per second with a 24.3-megapixel camera that feels great and handles like your typical enthusiast digital SLR.
- Cameralabs 91%
As a package it adds up to more than the sum of its parts and, more importantly, more than what’s on offer from Canon and Nikon in this price range.
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At ISO 100, the dynamic range the Sony SLT-A77 offers is very good.
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Sony has, once again, radically changed the world of DSLRs with its A77. Plus, it has done so without compromises in the shooting experience or in image quality. The A77 now reigns supreme over APS-C format DSLRs.
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An impressive specification has certainly grabbed the attention here, and the Alpha 77 has been given more than a few tweaks over its predecessor. Sony has set the bar in several areas, not least of which is the inclusion of a high-resolution imaging sensor and superb LCD screen.
- The Verge 7.3/10
The A77 is an excellent camera that will serve most people very well, but it’s hard to recommend it over the Nikon D7000, the Canon EOS 60D, or even Sony’s own NEX-7, which takes equally fantastic pictures and videos in a body far smaller and at a price far lower.
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The Sony Alpha A77 is feature packed and produces excellent photos at an extremely high speed.
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At a time when compact system cameras are the centre of attention, it's great to see some real innovation in the DSLR world, and for that innovation to result in a truly exceptional camera like the new Sony A77.
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The Sony Alpha A77 is an excellent addition to Sony’s single lens translucent range. As the flagship model within the range it’s extremely well specified and flexible camera with a generous range of features that will appeal to serious photography enthusiasts.
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The Sony Alpha 77 pumps out 24-megapixel stills at 10.3 frames per second and records 1080p60 video with continuous autofocus. Solid low-light performance, a sharp f/2.8 kit lens, a high-quality OLED EVF, and GPS capability round out the package.
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While we wouldn't go so far as to say that Sony has produced a DSLR killer with the Sony Alpha A77, the manufacturer has succeeded in throwing something unique into the fray that certainly paves the way for future developments.
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Sony’s uncompromising approach to the Alpha A77 has produced a camera that not only matches some excellent competition, but beats them in a number of areas too.
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I think for most of us, aged A-mount Sony cameras are still above most needs.
- CNET 8.5/10
This top-end Sony camera ticks all the right boxes from image quality to blisteringly fast shooting. If only it had a better battery and was a little more snappy in everyday use, we would have no qualms in recommending it wholeheartedly.
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There's really one thing that kind of destroys this camera for me and that is its crop function.
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Now Sony has added a semi-pro enthusiast model to the lineup, the Sony SLT-A77, and believe that this could be a very worthy DSLR for those enthusiasts.
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Super-fast and super-sleek: Sony’s SLT-A77 is a grand replacement for the long discontinued A700 model.
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Sony really outdid themselves with this camera, providing great quality images with fast processing and tons of built-in features.
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Why you’d buy the Sony SLT-A77: big, big 6000×4000 pixel stills; 12fps ability; terrific movie mode; top drawer exposure modes; you want to explore high end photography without the tech tangles of a high end camera (like the Canon 7D).
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From Sony, it's a great camera.
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It's definitely built for serious use for all-day-long shoots; it's a serious camera with serious performance for serious enthusiasts, but using it felt like the exact opposite. [...] Sony have done a terrific job on it.
