Choosing Between the Sony WX80 and Sony A77 II: An Expert Camera Comparison for Every Photographer

Whether you’re stepping into photography or upgrading to a powerful advanced camera, picking the right tool is crucial. With so many options on the market, how do you choose? Today, we explore two very different Sony cameras - the compact Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX80 and the advanced DSLR-style Sony SLT-A77 II. Each excels in its class, but they serve quite distinct photographic needs and user profiles.

Drawing from hands-on testing of thousands of cameras, we’ll dissect and compare these two models from sensor to ergonomics, autofocus to video, and beyond. By the end, you’ll understand which fits your style, budget, and creative goals - from casual snapshots to professional-grade imagery.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Ergonomics

The moment you pick up a camera influences your shooting comfort and therefore your creativity. Let’s look at how these two Sony models feel and operate physically.

The WX80’s ultra-compact size makes it incredibly easy to carry anywhere, perfect for spontaneous street or travel photography. On the flip side, the A77 II’s robust DSLR-style body offers superior grip, control, and weather sealing, built for serious shooting sessions under diverse conditions.

Using the WX80, you’ll appreciate its lightness in casual shoots or quick snaps, but its tiny buttons and fixed LCD can feel limiting for prolonged use. The A77 II provides intuitive tactile controls, including a fully articulated 3" screen and a bright electronic viewfinder with 100% frame coverage - critical for precision framing.

Sensor and Image Quality: Compact Fun vs APS-C Powerhouse

Image quality hinges largely on sensor size and resolution - and here the cameras diverge sharply.

The WX80’s small 1/2.3-inch sensor means compact size but compromises in dynamic range, noise management, and detail - especially in low light or when enlarging prints. It shoots only JPEGs, which limits post-processing flexibility.

Contrast this with the A77 II’s APS-C sensor, over 13 times the area, which yields much better noise control at high ISOs, superior color depth (DxO score: 24.4 bits), and dynamic range (13.4 EV). It also outputs RAW files, enabling advanced editing.

For landscapes and portraits where image quality and resolution matter deeply, the A77 II truly shines. The WX80 is more for casual, web-oriented use.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy for Your Subject

Autofocus (AF) capabilities profoundly influence your experience, particularly in fast-paced or challenging environments.

The WX80 provides simple contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, adequate for everyday subjects but prone to hunting in low light or with moving targets. It lacks continuous AF during stills but allows limited tracking.

The A77 II features a sophisticated 79-point phase-detection AF system with 15 cross-type sensors, borrowed heavily from pro models. This translates to fast, precise focusing - even on erratic wildlife or athletes. Continuous AF lets you maintain focus on moving subjects, crucial for sports and wildlife photography.

Lens Systems and Flexibility: Fixed vs Interchangeable

A primary difference: the WX80 houses a fixed zoom lens while the A77 II accepts Sony/Minolta Alpha lenses; over 140 different lenses support the mount.

The WX80’s lens covers a versatile range suitable for travel and casual use, but lacks the brightness or optical quality of dedicated lenses on larger cameras. Macro at 5cm is decent, but limited.

With the A77 II, you pick the perfect lens for every scenario: fast primes for portraits, ultra-telephotos for wildlife, macro optics for close-ups. This system flexibility lets you control depth of field, optical sharpness, and specialized shooting modes superbly.

Build Quality and Durability: Everyday Carry vs Seasoned Pro

The WX80 is a consumer compact with a plastic body not designed for harsh environments, lacking any weather sealing.

The A77 II boasts a magnesium alloy body with dust and moisture resistance - meaning you can shoot with confidence outdoors in varying weather conditions.

This ruggedness combined with its weight delivers balance when using heavy lenses.

Interface and Controls: Simplicity vs Customization

The WX80’s compact form means limited controls:

• Fixed 2.7" TFT LCD, fixed angle, 230k-dot resolution
• No touchscreen or top LCD panel
• Minimal buttons, no manual exposure modes

The A77 II brings:

• Large 3" fully articulated screen, 1.2M dots, ideal for video and awkward angles
• Bright EVF with 2.4M dots, 100% coverage, 0.73x magnification
• Illuminated and customizable buttons, dials for shutter/aperture priority, manual exposure
• Top LCD providing at-a-glance status

This all equates to greater creative freedom on the A77 II. Beginners might find the WX80 simpler, but seasoned photographers benefit from the nuanced control of the advanced camera.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Catch the Moment

The WX80's 10 fps burst is respectable but limited by shutter speed and buffer capacity. The A77 II can shoot faster with a shutter speed up to 1/8000 sec, aiding in freezing fast action outdoors or using wide apertures in bright conditions.

For sports, wildlife, or any high-speed photography, the A77 II’s shutter and burst performance give a crucial edge.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips vs Creative Production

Both deliver smooth Full HD video at 60fps - sufficient for most enthusiasts. However, the A77 II offers advanced codec support (XAVC S) and an external mic input, crucial for improving sound quality in interviews or vlogging.

Its fully articulated screen also facilitates creative angles for video creators, whereas the WX80’s fixed small display is less flexible.

For casual home video or travel clips, the WX80 can suffice; for semi-professional video, the A77 II shines.

Battery Life and Storage: Shoot More, Store More

The A77 II doubles the battery endurance of the WX80, useful for longer outings or event shoots without frequent recharging.

Both cameras operate with ubiquitous SD card formats (plus Sony proprietary in WX80), so you should have no trouble sourcing memory cards.

Pricing and Value: What You Get for Your Money

The WX80 is a budget-friendly point-and-shoot, excellent for casual photographers or first timers who want simplicity and portability without breaking the bank.

The A77 II, priced over four times higher, targets advanced amateurs or pros needing professional controls, image quality, and system expandability.

How Do They Perform in Different Photography Genres?

Let’s break down how each model fits across specific photographic disciplines, considering our extensive practical testing.

Portrait Photography

• Sony WX80: Struggles with shallow depth of field; limited bokeh quality due to small sensor and slower lens aperture range. Face detection helps but no eye detection autofocus.

• Sony A77 II: Large APS-C sensor enables creamy background blur with the right lenses. Fast and accurate AF with face and eye detection (though not animal eye AF). Excellent color reproduction for natural skin tones.

Landscape Photography

• WX80: Handy for casual landscape shooters but limited dynamic range and resolution constrain large prints or heavy editing.

• A77 II: Superior dynamic range (13.4 stops) captures rich highlight and shadow detail, critical for vibrant landscapes. Weather sealing protects gear on hikes.

Wildlife Photography

• WX80: Fixed 8x zoom lens can reach modest distances but struggles with AF speed and subject tracking.

• A77 II: Fast 12 fps burst and sophisticated 79-point phase-detect AF track erratic wildlife effectively. Interchangeable lenses include super-telephoto options.

Sports Photography

• WX80: Shutter speed tops at 1/1600 sec and no continuous AF, limiting sports action capture.

• A77 II: 1/8000 sec shutter, fast burst, continuous AF with tracking, and wide lens compatibility make it a strong choice for amateurs covering sports.

Street Photography

• WX80: Compact size and discretion ideal for street shooting on the go, though control limitations may hamper fast adjustments.

• A77 II: Bulkier, but fully customizable controls aid rapid setting changes. Articulated screen useful for shooting from unusual angles.

Macro Photography

• WX80: Macro at 5 cm is good for casual close-ups but limited magnification and no focus bracketing.

• A77 II: Macro depends on lens choice; professional macro lenses plus focus stacking (via software) enable superior close-up detail and precision.

Night/Astro Photography

• WX80: High ISO limited to 3200 and noise reduction algorithms reduce fine detail in low light.

• A77 II: Extended high ISO to 25600, better noise handling, longer shutter support, and manual exposure modes benefit night sky shots.

Video Capabilities

• WX80: User-friendly 1080p recording at 60fps but no external mic input or advanced codecs.

• A77 II: Clean Full HD video, mic input, and articulated screen allow enhanced videography flexibility for creative projects.

Travel Photography

• WX80: Ultra-portability and decent zoom make it a ‘grab-and-go’ travel companion.

• A77 II: Bulkier but more versatile and powerful, excellent for serious trip documentation.

Professional Work

• WX80: Limited by no RAW support, slower performance, and image quality.

• A77 II: RAW file support, durable build, advanced controls for exposure bracketing, and extensive lens options suit professional workflows.

Putting It All Together: Which Should You Choose?

To assist your decision, here’s a summarized scorecard from our tests across major criteria:

We also break down genre-specific suitability below:

Real-World Sample Gallery: See The Difference

Looking at sample images shot under controlled conditions, the gap in clarity, color rendition, and noise becomes apparent:

Sony WX80 front Sony WX80 screen back Sony A77 II front Sony A77 II screen back

Final Thoughts: Matching Gear to Creative Goals

• Choose the Sony WX80 if:

  • You want a budget, pocket-sized camera for casual snapshots and travel.
  • You value simplicity with some zoom versatility.
  • You won’t require professional image quality or advanced features.

• Choose the Sony A77 II if:

  • You’re an enthusiast or professional aiming for high image quality across disciplines.
  • You want extensive manual control and flexibility via interchangeable lenses.
  • You shoot sports, wildlife, video, or professional portraiture.
  • You need durability and better low-light performance.

Expert Tips to Maximize Your Choice

• If opting for the WX80, consider complementary accessories like a small tripod and extra batteries for longer shoots. Post-process JPEGs carefully to improve sharpness.

• For the A77 II, invest in a versatile lens kit: a fast prime (50mm f/1.8), a mid-range zoom (24-70mm), and a telephoto (70-200mm) to cover all bases. Try external microphones if video is a priority.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Photography Journey

There’s no one-size-fits-all camera. The Sony WX80 offers portability and ease, great for beginners and casual users. The Sony A77 II brings powerful features to creators ready to explore a range of photography styles with enhanced quality and control.

Ultimately, testing each yourself is invaluable. Seek out hands-on demos, rent gear, and imagine your ideal shooting scenarios.

No matter which you pick, the camera is your gateway to creativity. So, get started shooting, experimenting, and telling your story through images!

Thank you for joining us in this detailed comparison. Stay curious, keep exploring, and enjoy your photographic adventures.