Sony A35 vs Sony A77 II: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Enthusiasts and Pros

When Sony introduced the SLT (Single-Lens Translucent) camera line, it was met with mixed feelings - combining DSLR-like ergonomics with a fixed translucent mirror promised a unique hybrid approach. Today, we're diving deep into two significant models from that lineage: the entry-level Sony SLT-A35 and the advanced Sony SLT-A77 II. Released a few years apart, these cameras represent distinct tiers in the Sony SLT evolution, targeting different audiences but sharing core technology.

I’ve spent extensive time side-by-side testing both, shooting across diverse genres from portraits and landscapes to sports and video. This comparison is rooted in hands-on use and technical scrutiny rather than spec sheet trivia. If you’re considering either of these cameras, or simply curious how entry-level and advanced SLTs stack up, this article is for you. Let’s break down their respective pros and cons, performance nuances, and where each stands in 2024’s photography landscape.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Your Companion in the Field

Handling a camera every day becomes second nature, but subtle ergonomic differences profoundly affect your experience, especially on long shoots. At first glance, the Sony A35 and A77 II share the core SLT design language, but their physical form factors reveal enough to influence use.

The A35 is a compact DSLR-style body weighing about 415 grams, making it lighter and more pocket-friendly. Its measured dimensions (124x92x85mm) allow comfortable one-handed use and easy carry during street or travel photography. The grip is modest, but offers good control for its size.

Contrast this with the beefier A77 II, at 647 grams and 143x104x81mm, fitting firmly in the mid-size SLR class. The grip has a more pronounced curve and deeper finger rest, inviting a secure hold during intense shooting sessions such as wildlife or action sports. The heft adds perceived stability but may be a drawback during extended handheld use without a strap or support.

While the A35 is undeniably travel-friendly and discreet, the A77 II’s build signals serious intent - it feels like a professional tool designed to endure and perform.

Control Layout and User Interface: Mastering the Camera without a Manual

Sony improved its control philosophy between these models, layering in more advanced features on the A77 II to match its enthusiast ambitions.

Both bodies have classic DSLR layouts with mode dials, control wheels, and custom buttons, but the A77 II refines these with more tactile, well-positioned buttons. The inclusion of a top status LCD on the A77 II is a welcome addition, helping experienced users monitor settings without taking their eye off the composition - a big plus for sports and wildlife shooters.

The A35 offers essential dials but lacks the sophistication and customization depth found on the A77 II. For beginners transitioning out of point-and-shoots or smartphone cameras, this simpler interface reduces overwhelm but at the cost of less direct control when speed matters.

Back-screen usability is also a consideration:

The A35 sports a fixed 3.0-inch LCD with 921k-dot resolution, adequate for framing but less flexible. The A77 II ups the game with a 3.0-inch fully articulated screen at 1229k dots, aiding unusual shooting angles (macro, low or overhead) and video recording. Bonus: it's selfie-friendly, a plus for vloggers or creators embracing social platforms.

Verdict: For casual shooters, the A35’s simplicity is inviting. For pros or dedicated hobbyists, the A77 II offers a refined interface conducive to quicker, confident adjustments.

Sensor Performance and Image Quality: More Than Megapixels

Both cameras feature APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensors - the industry workhorse size for a versatile crop factor around 1.5x. However, this is where the specifications markedly diverge.

The Sony A35 holds a 16MP sensor, standard for its launch era, paired with the original Bionz processor. The resulting images are decent with respectable color depth (23.3 bits DXOMark) and dynamic range (12.7 EV), but we see noise creeping in beyond ISO 800, limiting low-light flexibility. Maximum shutter speed caps at 1/4000s, constraining wide-aperture, bright-light creativity.

In contrast, the A77 II leaps to a 24MP sensor combined with the faster Bionz X processor, advancing its overall image score to 82. It offers deeper color fidelity (24.4 bits), smoother dynamic range (13.4 EV), and improved low-light ISO performance up to ISO 25600 natively (DXO low-light score 1013), giving it plenty of breathing room in challenging exposures.

This difference manifests clearly in landscape and portrait work. Image sharpness and detail rendering benefit from the higher resolution on the A77 II, producing larger fine prints and the potential to crop in without quality loss. The A35’s output is respectable but better suited to casual shooting or online sharing.

Autofocus and Speed: Reaction Time is Everything

A camera’s ability to lock focus quickly and accurately can be the difference between capturing a fleeting moment or missing it altogether. Sony’s SLT design, with its fixed translucent mirror, allows continuous phase-detection autofocus, typically outpacing contrast-detection systems.

The Sony A35 has a 15-point AF system with three cross-type points, solid in static or moderately moving subjects but lacking robustness in tracking fast action. It supports face detection but not eye or animal eye autofocus.

Meanwhile, the A77 II features a far more sophisticated 79-point phase-detect AF grid with 15 cross-type points, including all-center cross sensors that excel in maintaining focus on subjects moving unpredictably. The system supports eye detection and continuous AF tracking, invaluable for wildlife, sports, or street photographers chasing spontaneous movement.

Furthermore, continuous shooting bursts nearly double from 6 fps on the A35 to an impressive 12 fps on the A77 II, ensuring more shots to choose from when timing is critical.

This superior AF precision and speed make the A77 II a natural choice for demanding genres.

Flash, Stabilization, and Connectivity: Getting the Most from Your Setup

Both cameras include sensor-based image stabilization - a welcome feature that makes even longer lenses handholdable in many situations. In practice, this works well on both cameras, but the A77 II’s newer system offers slight improvements in consistency and subtle correction.

Flash-wise, both include built-in pop-up units with a range of roughly 12 meters but differ in flash sync speed; the A77 II offers a faster max flash sync of 1/250s compared to 1/160s on the A35. External flash support is available on both.

Connectivity is an area where the A77 II clearly pulls ahead:

• A35 has no wireless features, relying solely on USB 2.0 and HDMI.
• A77 II adds built-in Wi-Fi with NFC, facilitating hassle-free image transfers and smartphone control - a significant convenience for speed and sharing.

Video Capabilities: Capturing Motion with Meaning

I tested both cameras' HD video capabilities side-by-side to understand their practical handling and quality.

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p, but frame rates and codecs differ:

• The A35 supports 1080p up to 60fps in AVCHD and MPEG-4, but lacks advanced codecs or extended options.
• The A77 II records 1080p at 60p, 60i, and 30p with AVCHD and introduces XAVC S codec support, enabling higher bit rate captures and better compression - ideal for professional workflows.

The articulated screen on the A77 II significantly aids video framing, while both support external microphones but lack headphone jacks for audio monitoring.

If video is a major consideration, the A77 II’s superior codec support alongside enhanced focusing during video tips the scales.

Lens Ecosystem and Accessories: Choose Your Glass Wisely

Both models share the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, compatible with a mature lineup of over 140 native lenses ranging from budget primes to professional telephotos.

That said, the A77 II’s positioning encourages pairing with high-end glass, including Sony’s acclaimed G Master series and fast telephoto zooms - a boon for wildlife and sports shooters craving reach and sharpness.

The A35, meanwhile, offers ample compatibility but often paired with more entry-level lenses. Its crop factor remains identical to the A77 II's 1.5x, making lens choices direct transfers between bodies.

Durability and Weather Resistance: When the Elements Come Knocking

The A77 II wins again with weather sealing features designed to resist dust and moisture during fieldwork, a vital consideration for outdoor, landscape, and wildlife photography in unpredictable environments.

The A35 lacks this protection, making it better suited for controlled or occasional outdoor use.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Through Long Days

Battery life is measured in CIPA standards:

• The A35 delivers around 440 shots per charge.
• The A77 II edges ahead slightly with about 480 shots.

Both use proprietary lithium-ion packs (NP-FW50 for A35 and NP-FM500H for A77 II), with the A77 II’s battery considered more robust, matching its advanced electronics.

Storage-wise, both accept SD and Memory Stick cards in a single slot, though the A77 II supports newer SDXC cards for expanded capacity - a practical demand for high-res photos and long video takes.

Real-World Genre Performance: Where Each Camera Shines

Let’s drill down by use case based on my field tests:

Portrait Photography

The A77 II's higher resolution sensor and sophisticated AF (eye detection) deliver exceptional skin tones and beautifully rendered bokeh, especially when paired with fast primes. The A35 does a respectable job but softens slightly at wider apertures and lower light.

Landscape Photography

Both leverage APS-C sensors with solid dynamic range; however, the A77 II’s sensor edges out with finer detail and latitude in post-processing. Its weather sealing and articulated screen also serve landscape shooters well for harsh or creative shooting angles.

Wildlife Photography

The A77 II is a clear champion here - fast 79-point AF, 12 fps bursts, and robust build make it suited to capturing quick action in the field. The A35’s 6 fps with 15 AF points and no tracking falls short for serious wildlife.

Sports Photography

Again, the A77 II pulls ahead due to higher frame rates and reliable AF tracking. The A35 may serve casual sports fans but struggles with complex, fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Thanks to its lighter weight and compact size, the A35 offers discretion unmatched by the A77 II’s larger form. The difference in noise and image quality at higher ISO levels, however, narrows depending on light conditions.

Macro Photography

Both perform similarly with good stabilization aiding close-ups, but the A77 II's articulated screen provides a more flexible setup.

Night/Astro Photography

The A77 II's superior high ISO capability and extended dynamic range give it a leg up in low-light, long exposure situations, although neither camera was designed specifically for astro work.

Video Work

The A77 II is superior thanks to its codec options, articulated touchscreen, and better AF in live view mode.

Travel Photography

The A35’s light and compact body with sufficient battery life makes it a friendly travel tool, while the A77 II is a bit bulkier, suited to travelers prioritizing image quality over portability.

Professional Use

The A77 II, with advanced features, weather sealing, and expanded connectivity, is more reliable for demanding professional assignments. The A35 occupies entry-level, hobbyist markets well.

Sony A35 front Sony A35 screen back Sony A77 II front Sony A77 II screen back

Side by side, the A77 II produces crisper, more vibrant photos with a wider tonal range. The A35’s files are decent for everyday use but lack the detail and flexibility seen here.

Overall Performance and Value: How Do They Rank?

In raw performance, the A77 II earns top marks for image quality, speed, autofocus, and build, putting it close to full professional-grade gear in the APS-C category.

The A35 remains a strong contender for beginners or budget-conscious users, offering solid fundamentals without overwhelming complexity but with clear limitations in advanced usage.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which Sony SLT Suits You?

The Sony A35 is a smart entry-level mirrorless DSLR hybrid that provides an accessible, lightweight option for enthusiasts exploring SLTs without deep investment. If you’re primarily shooting portraits, casual landscapes, and street scenes with moderate ambition, it’s a reliable choice.

The Sony A77 II is an advanced APS-C powerhouse for serious hobbyists or pros requiring speed, accuracy, and versatility. It shines in demanding genres like sports, wildlife, and professional video work. While heavier and pricier, it rewards effort with better autofocus, image quality, and durability.

Quick Picks by User Type

• Beginner/Enthusiast on a budget: Sony A35 - Simple, lightweight, decent quality, easy to live with.
• Landscape/Portrait Photographers: Sony A77 II - Higher detail, better dynamic range, and handling.
• Wildlife/Sports Photographers: Sony A77 II - Superlative AF, fast burst, rugged body.
• Videographers: Sony A77 II - Codec support, articulated screen, superior AF video.
• Travel Photographers: Sony A35 if portability matters; A77 II if quality and features take precedence.
• Professional Workflow: Sony A77 II - RAW support, faster data handling, weather sealing.

Sony’s SLT line may have evolved since, but between these two cameras, the A77 II unmistakably represents the maturity and refinement of Sony’s hybrid DSLR approach, while the A35 remains a respectable gateway camera. Both have their distinct places, and knowing your specific needs helps unlock their true value.

If you want a reliable, engaging SLT experience without breaking the bank, the A35 is a fine pick. But for those demanding speed, accuracy, and advanced features, the A77 II stands tall as a formidable tool for the passionate photographer.

This comparison benefited from shooting on location across cityscapes, sports venues, nature reserves, and low-light environments to provide a nuanced, real-world perspective.

Thank you for reading! If you have specific scenarios or features in mind not covered here, feel free to reach out - I’m always keen to help fellow photographers find the perfect gear.