Canon 6D Mark II vs Sony A77: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right advanced DSLR is rarely straightforward - especially when models from distinct generations and sensor formats go head to head. Today, I’m putting the Canon EOS 6D Mark II (hereafter, Canon 6D MII) face-to-face with the Sony SLT-A77 (Sony A77). These cameras, while separated by around six years and a sensor size divide (full-frame vs APS-C), remain popular for specific reasons. From my extensive hands-on testing with thousands of cameras, I want to break down how each performs in real-world shooting, across all photography types you care about: portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, night shooting, video, and travel.

I’ve stacked these two mid-size SLRs across a battery of practical and technical tests, and in the following sections, you’ll find an impartial, data-driven analysis to help guide your next camera purchase.

A First Look: Size and Ergonomics Matter More Than You’d Think

Despite their differences in age and technology, both cameras maintain solid mid-size DSLR bodies typical of enthusiast rigs - but how do they handle?

Canon 6D MII (765g) slightly heavier but bulkier than Sony A77 (732g)

The Canon 6D MII tips the scales at 765 grams and measures 144x111x75mm, which makes it a bit chunkier and heftier than the Sony A77, which weighs in at 732 grams and measures 143x104x81mm. The Canon’s grip is deeper - a boon for larger hands, offering better stability during extended shoots. The Sony feels somewhat more compact in hand, though its wider and thicker frame can feel less ergonomic depending on hand size and grip style. Both are weather-sealed to some degree, though neither is truly waterproof.

I spent days testing these bodies under varied conditions – wet environments, extended handheld shooting, and rapid handling shifts between vertical and horizontal composition. The articulating touch LCD on the Canon is a joy for live view shooting and video, while the Sony’s articulated screen lacks touch and is less refined, a sign of its older design. However, the Sony compensates with a super-high-resolution electronic viewfinder, a perk I’ll touch on later.

If handheld shooting comfort, intuitive controls, and modern ergonomic touches matter, the Canon edges out here - but the Sony remains eminently pocketable for APS-C users who want something DSLR-shaped.

Control and Interface: Where Vintage Meets Modern

Canon’s classic design meets touchscreen versatility; Sony sports vintage DSLR controls with extra dials

The Canon 6D MII prides itself on refined control ergonomics. Its button placement, touch-enabled LCD screen, intuitive menu structure, and the presence of a top panel LCD readout make for a modern DSLR experience. I particularly appreciate the fully articulated touchscreen that speeds up settings changes on the fly - critical for dynamic environments and video shooters.

The Sony A77, on the other hand, uses a more traditional DSLR control layout - numerous dedicated buttons, an exposure compensation dial, and a joystick - but its lack of touchscreen means more reliance on buttons and dials, which might feel slower for some. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers 100% coverage and a sharp 2.35m-dot resolution, a huge step over many optical finders of its day, but with tradeoffs I’ll discuss.

Both cameras offer customizable buttons but differ in menu complexity and workflow efficiency. For photographers who depend on rapid setting changes mid-shoot, the Canon’s interface will likely be less frustrating.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Deep-Dive

Comparing full-frame (Canon 6D MII) vs APS-C (Sony A77) sensor sizes and resolution

Perhaps the most crucial technical contrast is sensor size and generation. Canon’s 6D MII sports a 26.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.9x24mm, paired with the DIGIC 7 processor. Sony’s A77 features a 24.3MP APS-C sensor measuring 23.5x15.6mm with older Bionz processing.

Dynamic Range & Color Depth
According to DXOmark scores, the Canon marginally leads in overall image quality - 85 points vs 78 - with superior color depth (24.4 bits vs 24.0) and low-light sensitivity (ISO 2862 vs 801). Interestingly, the Sony’s APS-C sensor delivers better dynamic range (13.2 EV vs 11.9 EV), a boon for landscapes and scenes with deep shadows.

Noise Performance
In real-world low-light conditions, Canon produces cleaner images above ISO 3200, retaining better detail. The Sony’s noise levels become more pronounced beyond ISO 1600, limiting its usefulness for night or indoor shooting unless paired with noise reduction software.

Resolution and Pixel Density
Though the pixel count is comparable, the smaller Sony sensor packs its pixels more tightly, making subtle diffraction and noise more noticeable at wider apertures or higher ISO settings.

From shooting landscapes, I noticed the Canon’s full-frame sensor yields a natural bokeh and excellent highlight roll-off, critical for clean skies and detailed foliage. The Sony captures vibrant images but less room for cropping or extreme enlargement without image softness creeping in.

In practice: Professionals and enthusiasts demanding ultimate image quality, especially for portraits and landscapes, should lean Canon full-frame. The Sony remains excellent for hobbyists prepared to accept some noise trade-offs.

Viewfinders: Optical vs Electronic - Which Suits You?

The Sony A77 pioneered the SLT design, featuring a 2.35m-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.73x magnification. Meanwhile, the Canon 6D MII sticks with a traditional pentaprism optical viewfinder at 0.71x and 98% coverage.

On paper, Sony’s EVF offers distinct advantages. In bright sunlight or low light, it shows real-time exposure previews, focus peaking, and live histogram overlays - features optical finders simply cannot provide. However, earlier EVFs like Sony’s can suffer from slight lag, less natural contrast rendition, and eye strain during prolonged use.

Conversely, the Canon’s bright and crisp optical finder wins on clarity, zero latency, and natural color fidelity. For sports shooters tracking fast action, the immediacy of optical viewing is advantageous. But for video shooters or landscapes requiring exposure preview, the Sony’s EVF is a compelling tool.

During fast-paced shooting sessions, I preferred the Canon’s optical finder for its no-frills clarity. Yet for studio portraiture or nature observation, the Sony’s EVF gave me more confidence to nail exposure and focus.

Autofocus System: Speed vs Coverage

Autofocus technology can make or break a camera’s usability in demanding situations.

The Canon 6D MII boasts 45 all-cross-type AF points with face detection and continuous tracking capabilities. In my testing, this system delivers robust and accurate autofocus across most lighting scenarios. Eye detection AF, while basic, helps achieve sharp portraits. Its Live View AF relies on contrast detection, which can be slower but serviceable.

The Sony A77 features 19 phase-detection AF points (11 cross-type). While fewer in number, Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology allows continuous phase-detection autofocus during video capture and Live View - an early innovation for its time. The A77 offers blazing 12 fps burst shooting with AF tracking, superior to Canon’s 6.5 fps, ideal for wildlife and sports.

However, Sony lacks effective animal eye autofocus and can struggle with tracking erratic subjects. The Canon’s more modern AF algorithms yield better subject recognition in a wider variety of conditions.

For sports and wildlife photographers craving speed and burst performance, the Sony’s 12 fps shooting with continuous AF is impressive. Portrait and event shooters valuing reliable tracking and focus accuracy will favor the Canon system.

Real-World Photography Disciplines Explored

I’ve broken down the performance of both cameras across the 10 core photography genres, drawing on extensive fieldwork.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Canon’s full-frame sensor advantage shines in producing natural skin tones and beautiful background separation (bokeh). Paired with Canon’s EF lens ecosystem - boasting over 250 native standardized lenses including stellar f/1.2 and f/1.4 primes - it is a formidable portrait tool.

The Sony A77’s APS-C sensor and 1.5x crop make achieving shallow depth of field somewhat more challenging with native lenses, though Sony’s 143 lenses can still produce good results with fast apertures. The camera’s face detection is effective but less refined than modern Canon face and eye AF.

In portrait sessions under mixed lighting, Canon delivered smoother skin tones, less moiré, and superior highlight retention. The Canon’s articulating touchscreen aided framing off-axis.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

The Sony’s 13.2 EV dynamic range advantage on its APS-C sensor gave highlights extra ‘space’ especially in bright scenes, a surprise at first. Meanwhile, Canon’s larger sensor size allowed lower noise floors and better high ISO usability.

The Canon’s 26MP offered higher absolute resolution, excellent for detailed landscapes and large prints. The Sony covered slightly less resolution but offered great shadow detail.

Weather sealing on both is modest but effective. I found Canon’s slightly better weather resistance over prolonged rain shoots.

Wildlife Photography: Burst Rates and Telephoto Performance

Burst rate is critical for elusive wildlife. Sony’s 12 fps at full AF tracking is an obvious win over Canon’s 6.5 fps. However, autofocus performance at long telephoto lenses - a domain where Canon’s EF telephotos reign supreme - is typically better optimized on Canon bodies.

Sony’s crop factor also effectively extends lens reach, helpful for wildlife.

That said, in heavily wooded or low-light wildlife scenes, Canon’s superior sensor and AF tracking give it an edge in keeping subjects sharp.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy and Low Light

Sony’s faster shutter (up to 1/8000s) and higher burst rate offer tactical advantages. However, real-world test shooting reveals Canon’s AF tracking is more consistent, especially under tougher low-light gymnasiums or evening sports conditions.

Also, Canon’s better ISO performance up to ISO 6400 enables emergencies without excessive noise.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

Compactness and silent operation are hallmarks. Both cameras have mechanical shutters (no silent shutter options), so neither excels in ultra-quiet shooting. Sony’s more compact form, though mid-size still, facilitates street shooting better.

Canon’s better low-light ISO range assists in dimly lit urban scenes.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing Precision

Canon’s vast lens ecosystem includes many macro lenses with excellent image stabilization. The 6D MII’s focus accuracy and articulating screen aid precise focusing. Sony’s smaller sensor and crop factor can aid in effective reach but focusing precision becomes a challenge in manual focus macro scenarios due to lack of focus peaking and touchscreen.

Night and Astro Photography: ISO and Exposure Modes

Canon’s rated ISO extends to 40,000 (boosted to 102,400) and delivers cleaner images at high ISO vital for astro. Its environmental sealing adds shooting confidence under dewy nights.

Sony’s max ISO at 16,000 (boosted to 25,600) shows more noise at elevated settings. The 6D MII’s exposure bracketing and timelapse recording help create star trails or HDR night shots - features missing on Sony A77.

Video Capabilities: Recording Specs and Stabilization

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video. Canon shoots 60p at 60 Mbps MP4 with AAC audio, offering smoother motion and higher bitrates. Sony supports 1080p60 and AVCHD, and built-in flash adds convenience for filming.

Canon’s sensor-shift image stabilization (IS) aids smoother video handholding. Sony depends on lens stabilization (OSS).

Neither offers 4K recording, but Canon’s touchscreen makes video menu navigation more fluid.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Canon’s large battery life rating - 1200 shots per charge - easily outclasses Sony’s 470 shots. For extended trips or demanding shooting days, Canon’s stamina is a distinct advantage. The built-in GPS and wireless connectivity (WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC) simplify sharing and geotagging. Sony’s Eye-Fi WiFi-connected cards a bit outdated now.

Professional Work: Reliability and Workflow

Canon supports industry-standard RAW (CR2), with seamless integration into Canon’s pro workflows and tethering tools. The Sony’s RAW (ARW) files are supported but some post-processing software struggles with early SLT models.

Build quality is solid on both, but Canon’s newer DIGIC 7 processor yields better image processing speed and color science fidelity.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

Both cameras boast respectable build integrity, with magnesium alloy components and partial weather sealing. Neither is freezeproof or crushproof, so carrying weather protection is advisable in harsh conditions. Having handled both extensively outdoors, Canon’s weather sealing feels slightly more reassuring under drizzle and dust.

Lens Ecosystem and Autofocus Lenses

Canon EF mount’s 250+ native lenses are a clear lead over Sony’s 143 lenses for the A77. This translates directly into availability of specialized optics - fast primes, tilt-shifts, extreme telephotos, and macro lenses. Lens choice profoundly impacts overall system versatility and image quality.

Connectivity and Storage

Canon 6D MII comes with extensive wireless options: WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, and built-in GPS, enabling easy sharing and geotagging without additional accessories.

Sony relies on Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless, which is less convenient by modern standards.

Both cameras include HDMI outputs (Canon’s mini HDMI, Sony’s micro HDMI), USB 2.0 ports, and single SD card slots (Sony also supports Memory Stick Pro Duo).

Battery Life and Practical Usability

With Canon’s LP-E6N battery, 6D MII lasts roughly 1200 shots per charge in typical use, roughly double Sony’s 470 shots with NP-FM500H battery. For professionals or serious travelers, this means fewer battery swaps, longer shooting days, and less risk of missing moments.

Final Performance Scores and Genres at a Glance

Canon 6D MII leads overall, but Sony holds its own in burst speed and dynamic range

Portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, and video categories compared clearly

Sample Images and Real-World Output Comparison

Side-by-side images illustrate Canon’s superior low light noise control and bokeh, while Sony shows punchier, albeit slightly more contrasty images under daylight.

Pros and Cons Summary

Feature	Canon 6D MII	Sony A77
Sensor	Full-frame 26MP, clean high ISO, wide DR	APS-C 24MP, excellent dynamic range
Burst Rate	6.5 fps, reliable AF tracking	12 fps super-fast continuous shoot
Autofocus	45 cross-type points, face detection	19 points, phase detection, continuous AF
Viewfinder	Optical pentaprism, 98% coverage	High-res EVF, 100% coverage
LCD Screen	Fully articulated touchscreen	Fully articulated but no touchscreen
Video	Full HD 60p, sensor-shift IS	Full HD 60p, lens-based IS, built-in flash
Battery Life	Excellent (1200 shots)	Moderate (470 shots)
Connectivity	WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, built-in GPS	Limited Eye-Fi WiFi, built-in GPS
Lens Ecosystem	Massive 250+ EF lenses	143 Sony / Minolta Alpha lenses
Weight and Size	Slightly heavier, larger body	Slightly lighter, compact design
Price (at launch)	Around $1799	Around $899

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Canon 6D Mark II if:

• You want a full-frame DSLR with excellent image quality and versatility.
• You're a portrait, landscape, or wedding photographer requiring natural skin tones, superior bokeh, and low-light performance.
• Battery life and modern connectivity features are priorities.
• You value intuitive touchscreen controls and a noiseless optical viewfinder.
• You plan to work professionally or semi-professionally with a vast lens selection.

Choose the Sony A77 if:

• You seek a more affordable DSLR offering rapid burst shooting for sports and wildlife.
• You appreciate high dynamic range and are comfortable with APS-C sensor constraints.
• You want the benefits of an electronic viewfinder, including exposure previews.
• You prefer a camera with built-in flash for quick fill-in lighting.
• You're an enthusiast shooter working primarily in good lighting or studio conditions.

Wrapping Up: Experience Matters, But So Does Purpose

Having spent hours testing both in the field - across challenging scenarios, varied lighting, and diverse subjects - my consensus is clear: the Canon EOS 6D Mark II remains a powerhouse for image quality, ease of use, and professionalism in an age dominated by mirrorless newcomers. It is less about raw speed and more about getting that perfect shot every time.

The Sony A77, despite its age and APS-C sensor, holds up remarkably well for niche users needing speed, an electronic viewfinder, and value. It’s a camera for the enthusiast who prioritizes burst shooting and dynamic range over outright image quality at high ISO.

In the end, the "best" camera is one that matches your specific requirements and workflow preferences. Both cameras have their strengths and slightly frustrating limitations - trust your shooting style, budget, and lens plans when making your choice.

If you found this expert comparison helpful, I encourage you to test these cameras yourself in the shops where possible. But rest assured - the Canon 6D Mark II is a great all-rounder with endurance, and the Sony A77 is a speed demon cleverly forged in the SLT era.

Ready to make your pick? Happy shooting!