CameraReview

Sony SLT Alpha 77

Sony · DSLR · 24.3 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Sony SLT Alpha 77

Score Breakdown

Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.

Optics 70
Video 56
Features 54
Storage & Battery 27
62
SCORE /100
Independent Lab Scores
THIRD-PARTY LAB DATA · DXOMARK
78
Overall score
24
Color depth
13.2
Dynamic range
801
Low light ISO
Independent measurement — not part of our /100 score.
Buying Options
What We Like
Not yet summarised.
Worth Knowing
−AF subject tracking is unreliable when shooting video
−The LCD screen is dim and unclear when used in bright light
−No wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
−The camera body is heavy
−Compatible Sony A-mount lenses are limited

General

BrandSony
ModelSLT Alpha 77
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2011
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
August 24, 2011
Camera typeDSLR
Camera size143 x 104 x 81 mm
Camera weight732 g

Optics

70/100
About the Optics

Sony SLT Alpha 77 Overview and Optics

The optics of the Sony SLT Alpha 77 receive a score of 70/100. This camera features a 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, paired with a Bionz processor. The lens mount is Sony Alpha DT, and the camera has built-in image stabilization. With a shooting speed of 12 frames per second and an aspect ratio of 3:2, the Alpha 77 is capable of capturing high-quality images.

In today’s market, the Sony SLT Alpha 77 holds its own with a DXOMARK sensor score of 78. The combination of a high-resolution sensor, fast shooting speed, and image stabilization ensures that this camera delivers sharp, detailed images. The Sony Alpha DT lens mount offers a wide range of compatible lenses, further enhancing the camera’s versatility.

While there are newer cameras with more advanced features, the Sony SLT Alpha 77 remains a solid choice for photographers seeking a reliable, high-performing camera with good optics. Its specifications ensure that it can still produce quality images in various shooting situations, making it a worthwhile consideration for enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
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
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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.
15.6 x 23.5
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
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.
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.
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.
Bionz
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
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.
160003003280000
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.
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.
160003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
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.
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.
190300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
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.
Electronic
Viewfinder dots235900009900000

Video

56/100
About the Video

The Sony SLT Alpha 77 receives a video score of 56/100. It offers Full HD video resolution with maximum dimensions of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The camera supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, which allows for smooth and clear footage. However, it lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a feature many modern cameras include.

Given today’s market, the Sony SLT Alpha 77’s video capabilities may not be the most competitive. Many cameras now offer 4K resolution and additional features such as time-lapse. The Alpha 77’s Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate are satisfactory for casual users, but professionals and enthusiasts may seek more advanced options.

The Sony SLT Alpha 77 has decent video capabilities, but it falls short in comparison to other cameras in its class. Its Full HD resolution and 60fps frame rate are acceptable, but the lack of time-lapse functionality may be a drawback for some users.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
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
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
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.
No
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.
AVCHD, MP4

Features

54/100
About the Features

The Sony SLT Alpha 77 features a score of 54/100, showcasing its performance among the current market offerings. With a 3-inch screen, the camera provides a resolution of 921,000 dots. Unfortunately, it lacks a touchscreen, but it compensates with a flip screen. The camera includes GPS and WIFI, but it does not support Bluetooth connectivity.

Comparing to other cameras in today’s market, the Alpha 77’s specifications are decent but not outstanding. The absence of a touchscreen might be a downside for some users, while the presence of GPS and WIFI adds value. However, the lack of Bluetooth connectivity could be an inconvenience to those who prefer wireless connections.

Taking all these factors into account, the Sony SLT Alpha 77 offers a fair set of features that cater to various user preferences. While it may not be the most advanced camera on the market, it still holds its own with a combination of useful functionalities.

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
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
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Yes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen typeLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
No
Screen size3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
9210001150001500000
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.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
No

Storage & Battery

27/100
About the Storage & Battery

The Sony SLT Alpha 77 scores 27/100 in storage and battery. This camera has one memory card slot, which accepts SD, SDHC, SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards. In today’s market, having only a single memory card slot may be considered limiting for some users, as dual card slots offer more storage and backup options.

The battery life of the Alpha 77 lasts for 470 shots, using the NP-FM500H battery type. This battery life is relatively low compared to other cameras in its class. Additionally, the camera lacks USB charging capabilities, which could be inconvenient for users who need to charge on the go.

Taking these factors into consideration, the storage and battery capabilities of the Sony SLT Alpha 77 fall short in comparison to newer models in the market. Users seeking more advanced storage and battery options may want to explore other camera options.

Memory cardSD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slotsNo
Battery typeNP-FM500H
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
470 shots1505000
USB chargingNo