• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A77 II advantages over Panasonic S5 IIX

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Panasonic S5 IIX advantages over Sony A77 II

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 3.92 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    5.9K vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    19 months vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    613k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Yes vs No
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 51200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Both provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality, especially lower ISOs; Improved high ISO performance when using RAW; Very good dynamic range; High-resolution images; Very fast single-shot autofocus; 12fps burst mode with C-AF; Good value for its class.

  • Lackluster continuous AF performance; Strong NR processing in high ISO JPEGs; Sluggish buffer clearing; Short battery life compared to most DSLRs; Joystick control easy to press accidentally.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 70D

Sony A77 II
Canon 70D
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon 70D
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Sony A77 II
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1604
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $1604
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon D7200

Sony A77 II
Nikon D7200
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1021
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Panasonic S5 IIX
Nikon D7200
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1021
  • APS-C
  • NFC
  • Internal flash

Compared to Canon R6 Mark II

Sony A77 II
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2432
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 IIX
Canon R6 Mark II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • Top deck display
  • $2432
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Sony A77 II
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 IIX
Panasonic S5 II
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • $2000
  • 35mm
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