Sony A77 vs. Sony A77 II: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera can be a transformative step in your photographic journey. Today, we'll dive into an in-depth, hands-on comparison between two closely related but technically distinct mid-size advanced DSLRs from Sony’s Alpha series: the Sony A77 (announced in 2011) and its successor, the Sony A77 II (launched in 2014). Both cameras continue Sony’s tradition of combining DSLR-style ergonomics with innovative translucent mirror technology, producing impressive results in various photography genres.

I've personally tested and evaluated these cameras extensively in studio and field scenarios, employing industry-standard testing methodologies and real-world shooting conditions across numerous disciplines, including portraits, landscapes, wildlife, macro, and video. This article will distill those findings into practical insights so you can make an informed choice tailored to your photographic needs.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Ergonomics

At first glance, the Sony A77 and A77 II share identical body dimensions - both measuring 143 x 104 x 81 mm - yet differ markedly in weight. The original A77 tips the scales at 732 grams, while the A77 II is lighter at 647 grams, reflecting Sony’s efforts to enhance portability without compromising build quality.

Both feature robust magnesium alloy chassis and environmental sealing, reassuring for photographers shooting in variable weather conditions, though neither is fully waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof. This durability suits outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who demand reliability during challenging shoots.

Ergonomically, the grip design was refined in the A77 II, offering slightly improved comfort over extended shooting sessions - a tangible benefit I noticed during wildlife and sports shooting marathons. Button layouts remain consistent, positioning major controls for easy thumbs-up operation, although the A77 II introduced a few minor tweaks for enhanced tactile feedback.

Both cameras feature fully articulated 3-inch LCD screens with adequate resolution - 921k dots on the A77 and 1229k dots on the A77 II. The difference is noticeable but subtle, contributing to improved manual focusing performance and menu navigation. Neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, a limitation for users accustomed to more recent mirrorless systems.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both models are equipped with a 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm and carry an identical sensor area of 366.6 mm². However, the A77 II’s sensor benefits from updated technology and the more powerful Bionz X image processor (versus Bionz in the A77). This upgrade allows subtle but meaningful improvements in image fidelity, noise control, and dynamic range.

DxOMark scores reflect these differences:

• Sony A77: Overall 78, Color Depth 24.0 bits, Dynamic Range 13.2 EV, Low-light ISO 801
• Sony A77 II: Overall 82, Color Depth 24.4 bits, Dynamic Range 13.4 EV, Low-light ISO 1013

These advancements translate to cleaner high-ISO images and better shadow recovery in the A77 II - a benefit in low-light or high-contrast scenarios such as indoor events or shadowed landscapes.

Both sensors feature anti-aliasing filters to reduce moiré but can slightly soften micro-detail compared to filterless counterparts, which is a balanced trade-off for most general photography.

Autofocus Systems: Precision Meets Speed

One of the standout differences is the autofocus (AF) system upgrade. The original A77 incorporates a 19-point phase-detection autofocus system with 11 cross-type points, adequate for many shooting situations. However, it lacks AF tracking functionality and face-centered AF points, limiting performance in dynamic or fast-action photography.

The A77 II upgrades to an impressive 79-point phase-detection AF system with 15 cross-type points and broad AF tracking support, including continuous focus, selective AF, and center-weighted AF points. This significantly improves tracking accuracy of moving subjects - an essential feature for wildlife, sports, and street photographers.

During wildlife shoots, I found the A77 II’s AF notably faster at locking onto erratic and small moving targets, while the A77 sometimes struggled to maintain focus on subjects moving unpredictably. Both cameras support face detection, but neither offers advanced animal eye AF, which newer models provide.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Performance

Both cameras offer a maximum continuous shooting speed of 12 fps, impressive for DSLRs in their class. However, the A77 II handles JPEG and RAW buffering more efficiently, allowing longer shooting sequences without significant slowdown - a critical advantage when capturing rapid sequences in sports or wildlife photography.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

Videographers will appreciate both cameras can record Full HD video at 1080p, yet with nuances:

The A77 II supports the more modern XAVC S codec, allowing higher-bitrate recording advantageous for professional workflows requiring improved post-production flexibility. Both cameras lack 4K video capabilities - which is expected given their release timeframe. Neither offers headphone monitoring inputs, which limits audio control for serious video producers.

Stabilization is sensor-based in both cameras, providing steady handheld footage and sharper stills. I found this particularly helpful in macro and low-light scenarios.

Lens Compatibilty and Ecosystem: Expansive Options

Both cameras utilize the Sony/Minolta Alpha lens mount with a 1.5x APS-C crop factor, granting access to a wide range of 143 compatible native lenses. This mature ecosystem includes high-quality primes and versatile zooms from Sony and third-party manufacturers, offering something for every discipline:

• Portraits: Fast 85mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.8 primes for creamy bokeh.
• Wildlife: Super-telephoto zooms (100-400mm, 70-300mm) for distant subjects.
• Macro: Dedicated macro lenses for close focusing precision.

Investing in either camera does not limit lens options; however, newer lens models may leverage improved autofocus performance on the A77 II.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Outdoor Ready

Environmental sealing is present on both cameras, but neither is marketed as fully weatherproof. In my testing, I found both perform well in light rain and dusty environments when paired with sealed lenses, but prolonged exposure to harsh elements is ill-advised.

The reduction in weight from A77 to A77 II may marginally increase comfort during extended hikes or urban explorations, although size remains mid-range for an SLR-style body.

Battery Life and Storage

The cameras draw power from the same NP-FM500H battery pack, offering very similar stamina:

• Sony A77: ~470 shots per charge
• Sony A77 II: ~480 shots per charge

Real-world usage aligns closely with these figures. For extended shoots, carrying spare batteries is advisable.

Both utilize a single storage slot compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. Storage is flexible yet demands occasional card swaps during long sessions.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Here is a key area where the A77 II pulls ahead.

While the original A77 shipped with embedded GPS and Eye-Fi compatibility, its wireless capabilities are limited compared with the A77 II’s integrated Wi-Fi and NFC, which simplify image transfer and remote control via smartphones or tablets.

Wi-Fi functionality is a notable addition on the A77 II, enhancing workflow integration for photographers demanding faster sharing and camera control.

Real-World Use Across Photography Types

Let’s look at how both cameras perform across major photography genres based on my extensive testing:

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

The Verdict: Performance Ratings and Summary Scores

Based on technical benchmarks, lab data, and my subjective assessments during diverse shooting scenarios, here is a consolidated performance overview:

The Sony A77 II outperforms the original A77 in most categories owing to its improved autofocus, processor, video codec, and wireless features. Notably:

• Slightly better sensor readout yields richer images.
• A far superior AF system transforms action and wildlife shooting.
• Enhanced video offers more professional options.

However, the Sony A77 remains a formidable competitor given its strong image quality, high burst rate, and GPS integration.

Recommendations: Which Camera is Right for You?

Consider the Sony A77 if:

• You want a more budget-friendly option - retailing significantly lower.
• GPS tagging is valuable to your travel or event workflow.
• Your photography primarily involves portraits, landscapes, and casual action shots where ultra-fast autofocus is less critical.
• You prefer a slightly heftier body for stability.

Opt for the Sony A77 II if:

• Autofocus speed, tracking, and precision are critical for your wildlife, sports, or street photography.
• You require smoother video codecs and more versatile wireless connectivity.
• You shoot extensively in low-light and high dynamic range environments.
• Lighter weight and improved ergonomics enhance your shooting comfort.
• Your budget allows investing a bit more for future-proofing.

Final Thoughts

Having spent considerable time shooting in challenging environments with both cameras, I can confidently say that the Sony A77 II embodies a meaningful evolution, refining the foundation laid by the original A77. While the first iteration remains a strong performer with excellent image quality and build, the improvements in autofocus, processor speed, video, and wireless features make the A77 II a more versatile and enduring performer.

That said, the A77 still holds value for enthusiasts seeking excellent APS-C image results at a reduced price point, especially if GPS and physical robustness outweigh the need for cutting-edge autofocus.

I recommend assessing your primary photography needs against these insights and deciding where each camera’s feature set aligns best with your goals. Whichever you choose, both are capable cameras that introduce photographers to the world of translucent mirror technology combined with Sony’s mature Alpha ecosystem.

If you’re considering a purchase, remember to factor in lens choices as a key part of your system investment, and try to handle each camera ergonomically before committing. Your comfort, shooting style, and workflow preferences are just as vital as specifications on paper.

Happy shooting!

Why you can trust this review: I have personally tested both cameras extensively under a variety of real-world shooting conditions, employing scientific methods for quantifying image quality and performance alongside first-hand assessments of usability and ergonomics. The analysis presented here reflects a balanced view based on tangible metrics and practical experience, with no manufacturer bias.

All images sourced from in-house evaluations and comparable sample galleries.