Sony SLT Alpha 77
Sony · DSLR · 24.3 MP · APS-C · Full HD video

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | SLT 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 type | |
| Camera size | 143 x 104 x 81 mm |
| Camera weight | 732 g |
Optics70/100 | |
About the OpticsSony SLT Alpha 77 Overview and OpticsThe 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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
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 dots | 235900009900000 |
Video56/100 | |
About the VideoThe 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. | |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. | |
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 |
Features54/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe 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. | |
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. | |
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. | |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3" |
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. | |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. | |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. | |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery27/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe 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 card | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-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 charging | No |