• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 24.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A77 advantages over Canon T8i

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 29 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Canon T8i advantages over Sony A77

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $899 vs $1899
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More telephoto lens reach
    88 mm vs 75 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • More cross-type AF points
    45 vs 11
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More AF points
    45 vs 19
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Higher extended ISO
    51200 vs 16000 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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A77

Review Excerpt

  • Very fast top frame rate; full-time phase-detect autofocus; Full 60p HD video; Excellent kit lens; Very good high-resolution sensor.

  • Heavy; EVF appears dim when used in bright light; AF tracking in Movie mode was unreliable in our testing.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 7D

Sony A77
Canon 7D
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Canon T8i
Canon 7D
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon 60D

Sony A77
Canon 60D
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $889
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Canon T8i
Canon 60D
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $889
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon 70D

Sony A77
Canon 70D
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Canon T8i
Canon 70D
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Top deck display

Compared to Sony A77 II

Sony A77
Sony A77 II
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Canon T8i
Sony A77 II
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compared to Canon 7D Mark II

Sony A77
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Canon T8i
Canon 7D Mark II
  • $749
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1597
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • More telephoto lens reach
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