• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 25.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600

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Differences

Sony A77 advantages over Panasonic GH6

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.95 vs 3.00 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

Panasonic GH6 advantages over Sony A77

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Shoot 4K video
    No 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 Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    3 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More dots on screen
    1840k vs 922k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    75.0 fps vs 11.6 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    200 vs 17 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance

User reviews

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Buy the Sony A77

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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
  • Fast startup
Panasonic GH6
Canon 7D
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon 70D

Sony A77
Canon 70D
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic GH6
Canon 70D
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony A77 II

Sony A77
Sony A77 II
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Panasonic GH6
Sony A77 II
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Olympus E-M1X

Sony A77
Olympus E-M1X
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic GH6
Olympus E-M1X
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Newer
  • $2240
  • 4/3
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer video battery life

Compared to Panasonic G95

Sony A77
Panasonic G95
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Panasonic GH6
Panasonic G95
  • $2200
  • 4/3
  • Slower slow-motion
  • High resolution composite
  • $848
  • 4/3
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Internal flash
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