• 35mm 855.6mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.5 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A99 advantages over Nikon D780

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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

Nikon D780 advantages over Sony A99

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 2260 vs 500 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More cross-type AF points
    15 vs 3
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Newer
    5 years vs 12 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    786k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More AF points
    51 vs 19
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    12.0 fps vs 5.9 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • 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
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D800

Sony A99
Nikon D800
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Nikon D780
Nikon D800
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Internal flash
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A99
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2799
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $2799
  • 35mm
  • More cross-type AF points

Compared to Nikon D800E

Sony A99
Nikon D800E
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Nikon D780
Nikon D800E
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2212
  • 35mm
  • Internal flash
  • More pixels

Compared to Canon 5D Mark IV

Sony A99
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
Nikon D780
Canon 5D Mark IV
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $2249
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Pentax K-1 II

Sony A99
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • High resolution composite
Nikon D780
Pentax K-1 II
  • $1830
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • High resolution composite
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