Sony SLT-A68 vs Sony SLT-A77: An Expert’s In-Depth Comparison for Photographers and Creators

Choosing the right camera can be daunting, especially in the rich Sony Alpha ecosystem where many models share core design philosophies but differ in key areas. Today, we’re diving deep into the Sony SLT-A68 and Sony SLT-A77, two mid-range APS-C DSLRs from Sony’s translucent mirror series that still hold relevance for enthusiasts and professionals seeking affordable, performance-packed tools. With over 15 years of hands-on experience testing cameras in this class, I’ll guide you through their nuanced differences, explain technical implications, and help you match each one’s strengths with your creative needs.

Getting Acquainted: Body Design and Handling

First impressions matter. Both cameras share a similar physical footprint - compact SLR form factors customized for comfortable grip. The Sony A68 measures 143x104x81mm and weighs 610g, making it lighter and marginally smaller than the A77's 732g. That size and weight difference translates to slightly easier handling for long shoots or travel with the A68, especially if portability is a priority.

Ergonomically, the A77 benefits from a larger, fully articulated 3-inch screen versus A68's 2.7-inch tilting display. The articulating screen of the A77 adapts better to high or low angles and is particularly helpful for videographers and vloggers wanting flexible framing options. The simplicity of the A68’s smaller screen might appeal if you prefer a straightforward interface.

Sony maintains consistent control layouts, but the A77’s advanced DSLR status is reflected in its top-plate information display and better integration of physical dials, granting faster access to exposure settings. This slight ergonomic edge supports quicker operation in dynamic shooting environments - ideal for sports or wildlife photography.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

A critical factor for serious outdoor photographers - the A77 sports environmental sealing, an advantage if you often shoot under challenging weather conditions. Conversely, the A68 lacks such sealing, mandating more care around dust and moisture.

If your photography involves unpredictable environments, this durability difference may heavily influence your choice.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras pack a 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor sized 23.5 x 15.6 mm, delivering ample resolution at 6000x4000 pixels for large prints and cropping flexibility.

The A68 uses Sony’s Bionz X processor, while the older A77 carries the original Bionz engine. This newer processor in the A68 marginally enhances noise reduction and colors, though DxO Mark gives them nearly identical scores:

The A77 shows somewhat stronger low-light ISO performance, boasting a native ISO range starting at 50 and maxing out at 16,000 (expandable to 25,600), compared to the A68’s 100 to 25,600 native range. The flexibility of lower ISO and better noise control on the A77 can be beneficial for landscapes or studio portraits where subtle highlight and shadow detail are vital.

Both cameras maintain an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré patterns, which slightly softens microdetail but improves overall image quality for most shooting conditions.

Real-World Impact: Portrait and Landscape Imaging

• Portraits: Both cameras deliver rich color depth and pleasing skin tones due to their 24 MP sensors. The A77’s slightly better high-ISO handling aids indoor portrait sessions in lower light. Both support full RAW files for optimal post-processing latitude.
• Landscape: The A77’s lower minimum ISO aids tripod-based landscape photography, while its environmental sealing allows confident outdoor use. The A68 offers a robust sensor with excellent dynamic range, enough to capture rich detail in natural scenes under varied conditions.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed Meets Precision

Sony’s translucent mirror technology enables swift autofocus without interrupting viewfinder visibility. Autofocus systems differ significantly here.

Despite the older release, the A68 offers a surprisingly advanced autofocus system with 79 focus points including 15 cross-type sensors for enhanced accuracy, and it supports continuous autofocus tracking, which is crucial for fast-moving subjects.

In contrast, the A77 - while featuring fewer AF points - boasts a faster burst rate at 12 frames per second, delivering more frames in rapid succession. This makes the A77 more appealing for action, sports, and wildlife photographers seeking quick shooting speeds. However, it lacks continuous autofocus tracking during bursts, which might impact focus accuracy for unpredictable movement.

How This Plays Out in Real Shoots

• Wildlife and Sports: The A77’s 12 fps offers a clear advantage for capturing split-second moments in good light, but the A68’s superior AF system with tracking means better focus reliability over time, especially in complex scenes.
• Street Photography: The A68’s quieter operation and effective AF tracking help capture on-the-go moments cleanly.
• Macro: Both cameras rely heavily on lens options here, but precise autofocus & stabilization influence results (more on this next).

Lens Ecosystem and Stabilization

Both cameras share the Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount and compatibility with 143 native lenses and numerous third-party offerings. This breadth lets you build a versatile kit across photography genres without constraints.

Both feature sensor-shift image stabilization delivering shake reduction benefits with any attached lens, a boon particularly for handheld macro, low-light, and telephoto work.

This built-in stabilization reduces your dependency on optically stabilized lenses, lowering total system cost if you already own non-stabilized primes or specialty lenses.

Video Capabilities You Can Count On

Video specs are important for hybrid shooters blending stills and moving images.

If you’re into video, the A77’s fully articulated screen gives it the edge for vlogging and creative angles. Both allow external microphones, but the lack of headphone jacks limits audio monitoring capability.

The A68’s support for the newer XAVC S codec allows slightly better video compression quality, which can be valuable if file size and quality balance is crucial.

Interface and Connectivity: How Intuitive Is It?

Both cameras omit touchscreen controls, relying on physical buttons and dials. The A77’s larger LCD and top display give you more real-time info with less digging into menus, making it more intuitive for fast-paced shooting scenarios.

Connectivity is limited to Eye-Fi card compatibility; neither offers Bluetooth, NFC, or Wi-Fi standards inside the body. You’ll want to rely on a compatible Eye-Fi SD card for wireless transfer, which nowadays may feel restrictive compared to contemporary cameras with built-in Wi-Fi.

For cable connections, both have micro-HDMI and USB 2.0 - adequate for downloading and external monitoring.

Battery Life and Storage

Here’s a straightforward comparison:

The slightly better battery life of the A68 affords more shooting time - a small but appreciated advantage for extended outings or travel photography.

Performance Summary: Scores and Ratings

From DxO Mark’s quantitative assessments and real-world use, both cameras are well matched in image quality with marginal differences in color depth and dynamic range. The A77 leads in speed and build quality, especially suited for demanding environments, while the A68 offers slightly better autofocus for tracking and longer battery life with easier handling.

Let’s quickly review how each performs across popular photography disciplines.

Breaking It Down by Photography Genre

Portrait Photography

• Sony A68: Rich color reproduction, excellent autofocus coverage helps in framing and focusing on eyes - crucial for portrait sharpness. The slightly smaller display can limit touch interaction, but the sensor’s output is strong.
• Sony A77: Superior high ISO handling shines in indoor portraits. Articulated screen enables creative angles and self-portraits, even video diaries. However, fewer AF points means less precision in complex scenes.

Landscape Photography

• Sony A77: Weather sealing and lower ISO base of 50 let you shoot in varied conditions and control noise.
• Sony A68: Great dynamic range and resolution still captures crisp details. Lighter body benefits carry hikes.

Wildlife Photography

• Sony A77: Fast 12fps frame rate ideal to capture fleeting wildlife moments, though AF tracking is less sophisticated.
• Sony A68: Better AF with 79 points and tracking compensates for slower 8fps burst, increasing keeper rate for erratic subjects.

Sports Photography

• Sony A77: Burst speed dominant choice but lacks continuous autofocus tracking which may reduce keeper shots on fast subjects.
• Sony A68: Effective AF tracking system at 8fps - recommended if accuracy beats outright fps.

Street Photography

• Sony A68: Lightweight body with quieter operation and superior AF tracking recommended for candid environment.
• Sony A77: Slightly larger and heavier but excellent image quality; fully articulated screen less useful outdoors.

Macro Photography

• Both share sensor stabilization, aiding close-up handheld shots.
• AF precision favors A68 marginally given greater points allow better subject lock.
• Lens choice is paramount here regardless.

Night / Astro Photography

• Sony A77: Extended ISO range starting at 50 plus sealed body for outdoor night shoots.
• Sony A68: Competitive high ISO but with minimum 100 ISO restriction.

Video Capabilities

• Sony A77: Flexible articulated monitor comfortable for video shooters.
• Sony A68: XAVC S codec for better video compression quality.

Travel Photography

• Sony A68: Lighter, longer battery life, strong autofocus makes it ideal for travel walks.
• Sony A77: Better durability and faster burst rate weigh in favor for active adventure photographers.

Professional Workflows

• Both support RAW and have robust lens options accommodating professional workflows.
• A77’s better environmental resistance adds reliability in tough conditions.

Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back Sony A77 front Sony A77 screen back

Sample Images and Real-World Outcomes

Both cameras deliver stunning image quality for their respective ages. The sharpness in details, color rendering for portraits, and dynamic range for landscapes meet enthusiast expectations, with slight differences more pronounced in challenging low-light or high-motion scenarios.

If image quality is your core demand, both deliver excellent results; the final choice depends on your need for speed, build quality, or shooting portability.

Final Thoughts: Which Sony SLT Should You Choose?

Each camera suits distinct photography disciplines. If you prize speed and durability, the A77 is a compelling, battle-tested choice. If you value autofocus precision, portability, and slightly newer sensor processing, the A68 balances those needs while being budget-friendly.

Tips for Getting the Most from Either Camera

• Pair with quality lenses. Both cameras thrive with sharp Sony or third-party primes and zooms.
• Use stabilization. Sensor-shift IS improves sharpness handheld; essential for telephoto or macro.
• Shoot RAW. Both deliver richer editing latitude for color grading and exposure recovery.
• Explore external mic use. Video benefits from improved audio capture.
• Test your workflow. Especially if moving from mirrorless or modern interfaces, take time to master physical controls.
• Get familiar with Eye-Fi cards. Wireless transfer can speed sharing, but today’s solutions may require workarounds.

Wrapping Up

Choosing between the Sony A68 and A77 comes down to where you place priorities: speed and ruggedness, or autofocus excellence and lightweight handling. Both cameras embody Sony’s commitment to pioneering SLT technology and APS-C sensor performance that served countless creators for years.

Given their solid specs and reliable results, these cameras remain good options for enthusiasts on a budget and professionals needing dependable backups. Try to handle both in person - feel their ergonomics, evaluate your shooting style - and decide which characteristics align best. Whether capturing your first landscapes or professional action sequences, either camera can be the companion to elevate your creative journey.

So go ahead - check out local camera stores, test these models, and find the right Sony SLT to unlock your photography passion!

If you want to dive deeper into specific workflows or lens pairings for your chosen camera, feel free to ask. We’re here to help you master your craft every step of the way.