Sony A900 vs Sony A77 II: A Deep Dive into Two Advanced DSLRs Across Photography Genres

When deciding on an advanced DSLR, photographers willing to invest in Sony gear face a fascinating conundrum: the Sony A900 full-frame classic launched in late 2008, or the more modern, APS-C–sensor Sony A77 II introduced in 2014. Both models belong to Sony’s Alpha lineage and appeal to enthusiasts and professionals seeking substantial control and image quality. But how do they stack up when subjected to real-world, hands-on testing across various photography disciplines? After spending many rigorous hours shooting and comparing these two cameras side-by-side, I’m ready to share a thorough, no-nonsense evaluation that should help you pinpoint which Sony Alpha camera fits your artistic ambitions and practical requirements.

Getting a Grasp on Size and Handling: Ergonomics in the Hand

Let’s start with something physical that every photographer feels immediately: size, weight, and ergonomics. The Sony A900 is a hefty, classical DSLR with dimensions of 156×117×82 mm and weighing in at 895 grams. Meanwhile, the A77 II feels noticeably smaller and lighter at 143×104×81 mm and 647 grams.

This weight difference might look modest on paper but is perceptible during extended handheld shooting sessions - especially on travel or street outings where bulky gear can be a liability. The A77 II’s smaller footprint makes it much friendlier for portability without feeling toy-like or compromising on grip security. Both cameras feature solid construction with magnesium alloy frames; however, the A900’s classic DSLR heft exudes a rugged, professional vibe, while the A77 II shines as a nimble mid-size SLR blending contemporary styling with practicality.

Ergonomically, the A900 sticks to tradition with an intuitive but static control layout, whereas the A77 II incorporates a fully articulated 3-inch LCD, enhancing compositional flexibility - a definite advantage for macro, video, and street photography.

Design and Controls: Top-View Insights

Turning our attention to the control architecture, both cameras embed familiar Sony/Minolta Alpha lineage ergonomics, facilitating a comfortable transition if upgrading between models.

The A900’s top plate feels elegantly restrained: dedicated dials for ISO, drive mode, and flash compensation offer tactile feedback with minimal menu diving. Contrastingly, the A77 II’s top canopy is busier but thoughtfully laid out; the addition of an electronic viewfinder and function buttons enhances customization.

The A77 II introduces an electronic front dial and rear control wheel arrangement optimized for rapid setting adjustments - a boon for sports photographers needing to tweak shutter speeds or aperture on the fly. The A900’s larger, more pronounced shutter button delivers reassuring feedback for decisive moments.

The absence of a touchscreen on both models might disappoint some, but given their release dates, the physical buttons and rotating dials provide superior precision and durability, which appeals to serious enthusiasts.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Full Frame vs APS-C

At the heart of any camera is its sensor, shaping the fidelity, dynamic range, and noise handling. The A900 sports a 24.6MP full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 35.9×24 mm, a flagship attribute that was revolutionary upon release. The A77 II features a 24.3MP APS-C sensor (23.5×15.6 mm), with one critical difference: a 1.5× crop factor affecting field of view and depth of field.

In lab conditions and real-world shooting, the A900 delivers superior dynamic range (~12.3 EV) and color depth (~23.7 bits) thanks to its larger sensor surface area (861.6 mm²), which gathers more light and detail overall. Low-light performance favors the A900 as well, with noticeably less noise at higher ISO settings - ISO 6400 is usable in many scenarios on the full-frame sensor, whereas the A77 II’s performance tapers off beyond ISO 3200 in comparison.

Despite that, the A77 II’s sensor benefits from newer Bionz X processing and back-illuminated CMOS design, providing punchy colors and sharpness. Its higher native ISO ceiling (up to 25600) grants shooting flexibility in dim environments, albeit with some grain.

Resolution-wise, both cameras capture images around 24-25 megapixels, producing large, detailed files well-suited for printing and cropping. The Antialiasing filters remain identical on both, slightly blurring fine patterns but preventing moiré, which photographers targeting landscapes or architectural photography might appreciate.

Viewing and Composition: Optical vs Electronic Viewfinders

A pivotal distinction between these two models lies in their viewfinder technology. The A900 features a traditional pentaprism optical viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.74× magnification. In contrast, the A77 II opts for a modern electronic OLED viewfinder with 2,359k-dot resolution, also covering 100% of the frame at slightly smaller magnification (0.73×).

Handling and composing with the A900’s optical system guarantees zero lag and natural viewing but lacks highlight warnings or histograms in the viewfinder. This classic approach provides a direct and immersive shooting experience, favored by purists and those who appreciate battery longevity - since optical finders consume no power.

The A77 II’s electronic viewfinder dazzles with live exposure previews, focus peaking for manual focusing, and display overlays, which elevate efficiency - especially in changing light or tricky focus scenarios. Coupled with the fully articulated screen, it’s a flexible shooter for video or low-angle captures.

However, the electronic viewfinder can present slight blackout during burst shooting or under harsh sunlight, which some users find disorienting at first.

Autofocus Performance: Precision and Speed in Action

Autofocus is where these cameras part ways dramatically. The A900 offers a nine-point phase detection AF system inherited from earlier DSLRs with center-weighted focus accuracy but lacks face detection or tracking capabilities - a limitation when tackling dynamic subjects like wildlife or sports.

The A77 II’s autofocus system is a technological leap forward: 79 phase-detection points (15 cross-type), combined with advanced tracking and eye-detection AF, allow fast and reliable autofocus acquisition - even on erratic moving subjects.

During field tests, the A77 II consistently nailed focus on birds in flight, athletes in action, and skittering street subjects, outperforming the A900’s more rudimentary system. This reflects the benefit of the semi-transparent mirror design enabling autofocus during live view and continuous burst shooting.

The A77 II also provides AF in live view mode, crucial for video or macro where precise manual focus adjustments become tricky.

Burst Shooting and Operational Speed

Continuous shooting speed reveals a marked difference between the two. The A900 steadies at 5 fps in continuous burst mode - a respectable pace in its era but limiting for rapid action. The A77 II doubles that rate to 12 fps, truly advantageous for sports and wildlife photographers hungry for decisive moments.

While buffer depths depend on the shooting mode and file size, the A77 II’s faster processor (Bionz X) and improved data handling reinforce its suitability in fast-paced environments.

Image Stabilization System

Both cameras feature sensor-based image stabilization, implemented through sensor-shift mechanisms, which help combat camera shake across a variety of lenses. The A900’s system is effective but slightly less flexible with modern glass compared to the refined stabilizer in the A77 II.

Hands-on testing with telephoto and macro lenses reveals the A77 II’s stabilization provides steadier handheld shots at slower shutter speeds - advantageous in low light and creative depth-of-field applications.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Both boast magnesium alloy frames with weather sealing designed to mitigate dust and moisture intrusion during demanding shoots.

While neither is fully waterproof or freezeproof, you can confidently shoot in rain or dusty environments when using weather-sealed lenses. Their rugged build supports high-reliability professional use, with the A900 leaning slightly towards a more traditional, tank-like aesthetic.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Sony's Minolta Alpha mount compatibility covers 143 lenses for both bodies, ranging from legacy glass to modern, cutting-edge optics. However, the crop sensor of the A77 II results in an effective 1.5x focal length multiplier, making telephoto reach cheaper, but wide angles narrower compared to the full-frame A900.

If wide-angle and ultra-wide perspectives are priorities (typical in landscapes or architecture), the A900 holds the advantage. Wildlife and sports shooters valuing extended reach might prefer the A77 II’s effective crop advantage.

Battery Life and Storage Solutions

The A900 offers impressively long battery life, rated around 880 shots on the NP-FM500H battery - a boon for full-day fieldwork without swapping batteries. The A77 II, with more electronic features like the EVF and articulating screen, naturally shoots fewer frames per charge (approx. 480 shots).

Regarding storage, the A900 uses two slots supporting CompactFlash and Memory Stick Pro Duo; this dual slot configuration provides redundancy or increased storage capacity. The A77 II has a single slot compatible with SD and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards, reflecting modern preferences but lacking the redundancy photographers appreciate for critical shoots.

Connectivity, Video, and Wireless Features

Sony didn’t equip the A900 with built-in wireless connectivity, GPS, or microphone inputs, since it predates these becoming standard. Its USB 2.0 and HDMI ports allow image transfer and external display out.

The A77 II advances with built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) and NFC connectivity for effortless image sharing and remote control - a necessity for travel and social media-savvy professionals. Importantly, it includes a microphone input jack, supporting high-quality audio capture for video production - a feature the A900 lacks entirely.

Video capabilities mark a significant divide: the A900 is still image-only, while the A77 II records Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps, with several codec options, catering to hybrid shooters who demand stills and quality motion capture.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At current prices, the older Sony A900 commands a premium (~$2,700) due to its full-frame sensor, rugged build, and legacy status as Sony’s early full-frame DSLR triumph. The A77 II is considerably more affordable (~$1,200) and packs newer technology and faster performance, appealing to budget-conscious enthusiasts who want a versatile performer.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

To make sense of all these features in practice, let's look at each major photography discipline.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The A900’s full frame delivers creamy bokeh and natural skin tones with superb color depth, lending portraits a professional, cinematic look out-of-camera. The 25MP resolution captures fine detail in hair and eyes, but autofocus speed is average, requiring more manual focus finesse.

The A77 II’s eye-detection AF dramatically improves sharpness on eyes, vital for compelling portraits, though its smaller sensor produces shallower bokeh effects at equivalent focal lengths. Still, the articulation and preview features make framing and lighting setups simpler.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Sealing

The A900 excels in landscapes with its wider dynamic range and larger sensor capturing subtle shadows and highlights. Its rugged weather sealing assures durability under varying conditions. The better high ISO performance aids dawn and dusk shooting.

The A77 II provides respectable sharpness and flexibility albeit with tighter framing due to crop. Its articulating screen assists in composing low or tricky angles.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus, Burst, and Reach

If tracking fast wildlife or sports action is paramount, the A77 II’s faster 12 fps burst, abundant focus points, and superior AF tracking make the difference. Its effective focal length multiplier extends telephoto reach affordably.

The A900’s superior noise control at high ISO is a plus for dimly lit arenas or forests but lagging autofocus may cause missed critical shots.

Street Photography: Discreetness and Portability

The lighter A77 II outperforms for street photographers needing spontaneity and maneuverability. Silent shooting modes and articulating display help in tight urban environments.

The bulkier A900 attracts more notice, and its lack of live view makes rapid shooting trickier.

Macro Photography: Magnification and Focusing Precision

Macro shooters benefit from the A77 II’s live view with focus peaking and flip screen, facilitating manual focus critical at shallow depths of field.

The A900’s sensor stabilization aids handheld macro, but lack of articulated screen complicates composition.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Full-frame advantage reigns supreme here: the A900 captures cleaner starscapes and long exposures with lower noise. Software exposure features and custom white balance support nod to astrophotography workflows.

The A77 II’s boosted ISO ceiling offers flexibility but visible noise reduction is heavier.

Video Capabilities: Recording, Stabilization, and Audio

If hybrid photo-video work is on your agenda, the A77 II is the clear winner. Full HD 60p recording, internal stabilization, mic input, and articulate display provide professional video tools.

The A900 offers none of these, relegating it to pure photography.

Travel Photography: Versatility and Battery Life

Long battery life and dual slots lend the A900 reliability on long trips. However, size and weight can be burdensome.

The A77 II’s wireless features and portability suit travelers better, although the shorter battery life must be managed carefully.

Professional Work: File Formats and Workflow

Both cameras produce robust 14-bit RAW files with reliable metadata and support broad post-processing.

The A900’s dual card slots favor workflow redundancy, while the newer processing engine of the A77 II boosts efficiency.

Sample Image Comparisons

Below are shots captured with each camera under similar lighting conditions to visualize differences discussed:

Sony A900 front Sony A900 screen back Sony A77 II front Sony A77 II screen back

Note the A900’s rendering of color gradations and low noise in shadows, contrasting with the A77 II’s sharper edges and vibrant colors.

Overall Performance Ratings

Summarizing the evaluations, here is the aggregated scoring data reflecting image quality, speed, ergonomics, and features:

The A77 II edges ahead in speed and focusing sophistication, while the A900 leads in image fidelity and battery endurance.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Suitability

The following chart breaks down performance by photography type to clarify which camera serves each niche best:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Sony A900?

• Full-frame purists valuing superior image quality and dynamic range
• Landscape and night photographers needing high ISO cleanliness
• Professionals requiring robust build, dual cards, and longer battery life
• Those prioritizing optical viewfinders and simpler, classical interfaces

Who Should Choose the Sony A77 II?

• Dynamic photographers shooting wildlife, sports, and fast action
• Hybrid shooters wanting high-quality video capture and versatility
• Travelers and street photographers favoring portability and connectivity
• Budget-conscious enthusiasts wanting newer autofocus technology

Wrapping Up

In my extensive hands-on testing, the Sony A900 stands as an image-quality titan rooted in the glory days of full-frame DSLRs - delivering exceptional detail and color fidelity unmatched in its era. Meanwhile, the Sony A77 II feels like a forward-thinking workhorse that balances speed, autofocus innovation, and modern conveniences for versatile shooters.

Your choice boils down to where your photographic priorities lie: uncompromised sensor excellence or multi-functional speed and features. Whichever path you take, both cameras offer Sony’s hallmark reliability and a rich lens ecosystem, empowering you to craft images with confidence and creativity.

I hope this detailed comparison arms you with the insights needed to take the next step in your photographic journey. Happy shooting!