Sony SLT Alpha 77

The Sony SLT Alpha 77 is a 2011 A-mount camera with DSLR-style handling and a 24.3 megapixel APS-C sensor. Weighing 732 g and measuring 143 x 104 x 81 mm, it has the bulk and grip expected of a camera from this class.

That combination suits photographers who want resolution for large prints alongside a quick burst rate for action. An electronic viewfinder with 2,359,000 dots previews the scene as the sensor captures it, which helps when you are working light on the fly.

Owning it means accepting some older design choices: one card slot, no touchscreen and no USB charging. A little planning around storage and power lets the camera get on with delivering detailed files.

Resolution is the headline. 24.3 megapixels on an APS-C CMOS sensor give plenty of scope for large prints and heavy cropping. The Alpha DT mount puts the Sony A-mount lens range behind those pixels, which matters if you already own or can find A-mount glass.

The optics score of 70 reflects a good stills package, and this camera sits in the top 25% of cameras in our database for Optics. In-body stabilisation contributes to that, reducing camera shake so you can handhold at slower shutter speeds.

Speed is well covered too. The shutter reaches 1/8000 s, which helps control exposure in bright conditions, and the burst rate is specified up to 12 fps. Treat that figure as a maximum for peak moments rather than a speed the camera sustains indefinitely.

The trade-off is sensitivity headroom. The ISO range runs from 100 to 16000. Autofocus uses 19 points.

The video offering scores 56, a modest result that matches what is supplied. The maximum recording resolution is Full HD, and the fastest frame rate offered is 60 fps, with files written in AVCHD or MP4.

Full HD covers online sharing and standard playback, and there is no 4K option here. The 60 fps frame rate gives you smooth motion when filming moving subjects.

You can record in either AVCHD or MP4, which gives a choice of file format for playback and storage.

There is no built-in timelapse mode, so interval work needs a separate intervalometer or post-processing workaround. On the plus side, the flip-out LCD helps with framing at low or awkward angles while recording.

The features score of 54 is modest, and the 2011 design shows in places. The 3-inch LCD has 921,000 dots and flips out for waist-level or overhead shots, but there is no touchscreen, so setting changes happen through the physical controls.

WiFi is built in, while Bluetooth is absent, so WiFi is the only built-in wireless connection.

GPS is built in, which is useful for tagging travel and landscape photos with their shooting location. A built-in flash covers fill light, and an external flash can be added when you need more power.

The body carries weather sealing, which helps when shooting in dust or damp conditions. It is protection rather than a waterproof guarantee, so treat it accordingly.

Storage and battery is the weakest area, with a section score of 27. There is one card slot, accepting SD, SDHC and SDXC cards or Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo media.

A single slot means no in-camera backup, so for one-off events carry spare cards rather than relying on a second copy.

The NP-FM500H battery is rated for 470 shots, a specification figure rather than a promise for every outing, so a second battery is sensible for long shoots.

There is no USB charging, so you cannot top the camera up from a power bank between locations. Factor charger access into your shooting plan.