Nikon D3300 vs Sony SLT Alpha 77 II — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Nikon · DSLR · 24.2 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Nikon D3300
55
SCORE
|
Sony · DSLR · 24.3 MP · APS-C · Full HD video
Sony SLT Alpha 77 II
66
WINNER
|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Nikon D3300 and the Sony SLT Alpha 77 II are both DSLRs released in 2014, but they suit different kinds of shooting. The D3300 is the lighter, more portable body at 430 g and 124 x 98 x 76 mm. The Alpha 77 II is the larger and heavier camera at 143 x 104 x 81 mm and 647 g. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2014 | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
January 7, 2014 | May 1, 2014 |
| Camera type |  DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 124 x 98 x 76 mm | 143 x 104 x 81 mm |
| Camera weight | 430 g | 647 g |
| Optics | 64/100 | 74/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsFor moving subjects the Alpha 77 II has the clear advantage. It shoots at 12 fps against 5 fps on the D3300, and its 79 autofocus points against the D3300's 11 give far more focusing options for tracking. Its 1/8000 second top shutter speed allows wider apertures in bright light than the D3300's 1/4000 limit. It stabilises the sensor itself, which helps handheld shooting with unstabilised lenses. Resolution is effectively shared at 24.2 and 24.3 megapixels, so both give nearly identical room to crop a distant subject or make large prints. Both use APS-C CMOS sensors, so focal length comparisons between them are like for like. The lens mounts differ: the D3300 takes Nikon F DX lenses and the Alpha 77 II takes Sony Alpha DT lenses, so your choice should follow whichever system you already own or plan to build. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.2 MP050 | 24.3 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.4 x 23.2 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 12 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Nikon F DX | Sony Alpha DT |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Expeed 4 | Bionz X |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
128003003280000 | 256003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 5030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 512003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 800080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
110300 | 790300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
No |  Yes |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentamirror) | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | 235900009900000 |
| Video | 56/100 | 56/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoBoth cameras share the same video limits of Full HD resolution and a 60 fps maximum frame rate, so neither offers 4K recording. The practical difference is file handling. The D3300 writes MOV files, while the Alpha 77 II offers AVCHD and MP4, which suits editors who prefer MP4's broad compatibility. Neither includes a built-in timelapse function. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
 Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
60 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | AVCHD, MP4 |
| Features | 41/100 | 57/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe Alpha 77 II pulls ahead for shooting flexibility and connectivity. Its tilting screen frames shots overhead or at waist level, it offers weather sealing, and its WiFi transfers images to a phone without a card reader. Its screen also shows more detail, with 1,229,000 dots against 921,000 on the D3300. The two share the everyday basics: each has a built-in flash, a hot shoe for an external flash, live view and a 3-inch screen. Neither offers GPS, touch control or Bluetooth, so geotagging requires a separate device. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | Yes |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
No |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD | TFT LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9210001150001500000 | 12290001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
No |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
 Yes | Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
No |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 32/100 | 27/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryThe D3300 holds the endurance edge, with battery ratings of 700 shots against 480 on the Alpha 77 II. Each has a single card slot, and both take SD, SDHC and SDXC cards; the Alpha 77 II additionally accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo. Neither charges its battery over USB, so plan on a mains or external charger. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | EN-EL14a | NP-FM500H |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
700 shots1505000 | 480 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
Buy the Sony SLT Alpha 77 II if you shoot action: its 12 fps burst, 79 autofocus points, sensor stabilisation, sealed body and tilting screen make it the stronger camera for sports, wildlife and fast-moving children. Choose the Nikon D3300 if portability and endurance matter more, since its 430 g body and 700-shot battery rating suit travel and long days out. Because the mounts differ, weigh your existing or planned lenses before deciding.