Samsung NX mini vs Sony A77

Here, we will be evaluating the Samsung NX mini and Sony A77, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Samsung and Sony. The sensor resolution of the NX mini (20.5MP) and the A77 (24MP) is pretty well matched but the NX mini (1") and A77 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The NX mini was released 2 years after the A77 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Samsung NX mini being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A77 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summary of how the NX mini grades versus the A77 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Samsung NX mini and Sony SLT-A77. The complete galleries are viewable at Samsung NX mini Gallery and Sony A77 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera often, you will have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Samsung NX mini provides outer dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 0.9") and a weight of 196 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Sony A77 has proportions of 143mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") along with a weight of 732 grams (1.61 lbs).

See the Samsung NX mini and Sony A77 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the NX mini and the A77.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the NX mini and A77 is 93 and 59 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through a spec sheet. The picture here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the NX mini and A77.

As you can see, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The NX mini because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A77 will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 3.5MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more recent NX mini provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.