• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • APS-C 369.0mm2
  • 14.8 megapixels
  • 28.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A77 advantages over Sigma DP1 Merrill

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs none
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Fast startup
    ~0.80 vs 2.9 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 97 shots
    Capture more 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.12 vs 0.49 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 14.8 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.6 fps vs 3.8 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    17 vs 7 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    11.6 fps vs 3.8 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    14 vs 7 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    16000 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Sigma DP1 Merrill advantages over Sony A77

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.00 vs 3.95 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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.

  • Exceptionally detailed and uniquely beautiful image quality at low ISOs; Fast, sharp 28mm-equivalent lens; Simple, straightforward controls match camera's simple, straightforward (street photography) goals.

  • Fixed-focal-length lens; Image quality deteriorates significantly at ISO 800 and above; Overall sluggish performer; Falls short when capturing JPEGs; Terrible VGA-only video quality; Very poor battery life; No built-in flash.

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
Sigma DP1 Merrill
Canon 7D
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Fast startup

Compared to Leica X2

Sony A77
Leica X2
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
Sigma DP1 Merrill
Leica X2
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon 70D

Sony A77
Canon 70D
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Sigma DP1 Merrill
Canon 70D
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • $1149
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A77 II

Sony A77
Sony A77 II
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Sigma DP1 Merrill
Sony A77 II
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Leica X-E (Typ 102)

Sony A77
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner
Sigma DP1 Merrill
Leica X-E (Typ 102)
  • $849
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • More dots on screen
  • $1534
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash
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