• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 819,200

Buy From

Differences

Sony A77 advantages over Pentax KP

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 1.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 530 vs 390 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.73x vs 0.63x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.6 fps vs 7.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    11.6 fps vs 7.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    14 vs 10 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)

Pentax KP advantages over Sony A77

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Less expensive
    $999* vs $1899
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • More cross-type AF points
    25 vs 11
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    8 years vs 13 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More AF points
    27 vs 19
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Optional anti-aliasing filter
    Optional vs Fixed
    Lets you choose sharper photos or reduced moiré
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    35 vs 17 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/24000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    819200 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
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting 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

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 16-50mm Lens
  • Kit with 18-135mm Lens
All A77 Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax KP
Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Black)
  • Body Only (Silver)
All KP Deals

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.

  • Read our Sony A77 Full Review

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

Compare Sony A77 vs Canon 7D

Pentax KP
Canon 7D
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Pentax KP vs Canon 7D

Compared to Canon 70D

Sony A77
Canon 70D
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A77 vs Canon 70D

Pentax KP
Canon 70D
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax KP vs Canon 70D

Compared to Sony A77 II

Sony A77
Sony A77 II
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Sony A77 vs Sony A77 II

Pentax KP
Sony A77 II
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Pentax KP vs Sony A77 II

Compared to Nikon D5600

Sony A77
Nikon D5600
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A77 vs Nikon D5600

Pentax KP
Nikon D5600
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $898
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax KP vs Nikon D5600

Compared to Canon T7i

Sony A77
Canon T7i
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive

Compare Sony A77 vs Canon T7i

Pentax KP
Canon T7i
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Touchscreen

Compare Pentax KP vs Canon T7i

Compare Other Cameras?