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Nikon D90 vs Sony A77

Portability
60
Imaging
52
Features
52
Overall
52
Nikon D90 front
 
Sony SLT-A77 front
Portability
59
Imaging
64
Features
83
Overall
71

Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 Key Specs

Nikon D90
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 200 - 3200 (Increase to 6400)
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • Nikon F Mount
  • 703g - 132 x 103 x 77mm
  • Revealed October 2008
  • Older Model is Nikon D80
  • Replacement is Nikon D7000
Sony A77
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 50 - 16000 (Increase to 25600)
  • Sensor based Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
  • 732g - 143 x 104 x 81mm
  • Launched October 2011
  • Older Model is Sony A700
  • Replacement is Sony A77 II
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Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 Overview

On this page, we are matching up the Nikon D90 vs Sony A77, both Advanced DSLR cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the D90 (12MP) and A77 (24MP) but both cameras have the same sensor sizing (APS-C).

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The D90 was introduced 4 years earlier than the A77 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Mid-size SLR).

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the D90 grades vs the A77 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Nikon D90 over the Sony A77

 D90 A77 

Reasons to pick Sony A77 over the Nikon D90

 A77 D90 
LaunchedOctober 2011October 2008Fresher by 36 months
Display typeFully ArticulatedFixed Fully Articulating display
Display resolution921k920kCrisper display (+1k dot)
Selfie screen Take selfies

Common features in the Nikon D90 and Sony A77

 D90 A77 
Focus manually Dial exact focus
Display dimensions3"3"Equal display measurement
Touch display Absent Touch display

Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 Physical Comparison

When you are going to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Nikon D90 has got physical dimensions of 132mm x 103mm x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") having a weight of 703 grams (1.55 lbs) whilst the Sony A77 has measurements of 143mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") along with a weight of 732 grams (1.61 lbs).

Look at the Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the D90 against the A77.

Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the D90 and A77 is 60 and 59 respectively.

Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 top view buttons comparison

Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 Sensor Comparison

Often, it is very difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing merely by researching specifications. The graphic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the D90 and A77.

To sum up, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Sony A77 to result in extra detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos more aggressively. The older D90 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.

Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 sensor size comparison

Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Portrait photography with Nikon D90
Portrait photography with Sony A77
63
focusing manually
good sensor size (APS-C)
supports face detection focus
exports RAW files
MP count low (12 megapixels)
78
manual focus
sensor resolution is decent (24MP)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
includes face detection focusing
delivers RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Nikon D90
Street photography with Sony A77
54
good sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW files
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
75
screen can move to multiple angles
image stabilization (Sensor based)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW formats
environment proofing
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Sports Comparison

Nikon D90 Sports photography info
Sony A77 Sports photography info
46
good sensor size (APS-C)
sensor has phase detect auto focus
continuous shooting slow (4.5 frames/s)
does not have image stabilization
MP count low (12 megapixels)
74
high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor resolution is decent (24 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
environment proofing
has phase detect AF
terrible battery life (470 CIPA)
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Nikon D90
Travel photography with Sony A77
44
has built in flash
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
MP count low (12MP)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
63
environment proofing
sensor resolution is decent (24 megapixels)
flash built-in
selfie friendly screen
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
terrible battery life (470 CIPA)
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon D90 Landscape photography features
Sony A77 Landscape photography features
58
focusing manually
change lenses (Nikon F mount)
pretty good screen size (3 inch)
good sensor size (APS-C)
exports RAW files
does not have image stabilization
MP count low (12 megapixels)
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
71
manual focus
change lenses (Sony/Minolta Alpha mount)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor based)
sensor resolution is decent (24 megapixels)
decent sensor size (APS-C)
delivers RAW formats
environment proofing
terrible battery life (470 per charge)
doesn't have Time Lapse mode
Photography Glossary

Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon D90
Vlogging with Sony A77
21
supports face detection focus
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
does not have image stabilization
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pixels)
doesn't have external mic jack
76
selfie friendly screen
image stabilization (Sensor based)
includes face detection focusing
high video quality (1920 x 1080 pxls)
has external mic socket
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Nikon D90 vs Sony A77 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon D90 and Sony A77
 Nikon D90Sony SLT-A77
General Information
Brand Name Nikon Sony
Model type Nikon D90 Sony SLT-A77
Category Advanced DSLR Advanced DSLR
Revealed 2008-10-13 2011-10-25
Physical type Mid-size SLR Mid-size SLR
Sensor Information
Chip - Bionz
Sensor type CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C APS-C
Sensor dimensions 23.6 x 15.8mm 23.5 x 15.6mm
Sensor surface area 372.9mm² 366.6mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 24 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 3:2 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 4288 x 2848 6000 x 4000
Highest native ISO 3200 16000
Highest enhanced ISO 6400 25600
Minimum native ISO 200 50
RAW photos
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points 11 19
Cross type focus points - 11
Lens
Lens support Nikon F Sony/Minolta Alpha
Amount of lenses 309 143
Focal length multiplier 1.5 1.5
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fully Articulated
Screen size 3 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 920 thousand dots 921 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Screen technology Super Density TFT color LCD with wide-viewing angle -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Optical (pentaprism) Electronic
Viewfinder resolution - 2,359 thousand dots
Viewfinder coverage 96% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.64x 0.73x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 30 seconds 30 seconds
Fastest shutter speed 1/4000 seconds 1/8000 seconds
Continuous shutter rate 4.5fps 12.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance 17.00 m (at ISO 100) 12.00 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Front curtain, Rear curtain, Red-Eye, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/200 seconds 1/250 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 424 (24 fps), 320 x 216 (24 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60, 24 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30fps), 640 x 424 (29.97 fps)
Highest video resolution 1280x720 1920x1080
Video file format Motion JPEG MPEG-4, AVCHD, H.264
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Optional BuiltIn
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 703 grams (1.55 pounds) 732 grams (1.61 pounds)
Physical dimensions 132 x 103 x 77mm (5.2" x 4.1" x 3.0") 143 x 104 x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating 73 78
DXO Color Depth rating 22.7 24.0
DXO Dynamic range rating 12.5 13.2
DXO Low light rating 977 801
Other
Battery life 850 images 470 images
Battery type Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL3e NP-FM500H
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage type SD/SDHC SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Card slots One One
Cost at release $1,199 $900