The Sony A77 II is now officially the successor of the Sony A77 DSLR camera which was introduced to the market 3 years ago, in summer 2011. The new 24.3 megapixel interchangeable lens camera packs some serious performance and nice enhancements such as its impressive 79-points Auto Focus (AF) system that includes 15 cross points as well. The ISO sensitivity has been expanded from 16000 to up to 25600 and the camera now has a high resolution 3-way 3.0 LCD (1228k dots) and WiFi/NFC connectivity.
The A77 II key feature is the impressive 79-points Auto Focus system that allows for great subject tracking performance. According to Sony, this camera delivers the world’s highest number of AF points among DSLRs with APS-C sensors.
For performance reasons, this particular model has a dedicated phase-detection AF sensor (which is separated from the image sensor) even thought the new trend is to embed the Phase-Detect function in the main sensor to gain internal volume. For instance the A77 delivers only 19 points with 11 cross sensors, same as the Canon 70D (with 19 cross sensors) while the Nikon D7100 features 51 points with 15 cross sensors.
The auto focus system provides an Expandable Flexible Spot feature that allows for better subject tracking: if the selected AF point loses track, the tracking continues with the 8 surrounding AF points. The 12 fps continuous shooting has been enhanced with a 60 frames buffering rate which was only 20 frames in the previous model, meaning that you can shoot 60 full-resolution JPEG images at 12 fps.
Other auto focus new features include Eye AF which achieves sharp focusing even when the person is not completely turned toward the camera, AF range control allows the user to set the F to operate only at a certain distance, and the 5-step tracking adjustment enables fine tuning of the subject tracking duration for various motion speeds.
According to Sony, the 24.3 Exmor CMOS sensor has been slightly improved and, coupled with the new BIONZ X image processor, enables high sensitivity (ISO 100-25600) and high quality full HD 1080p video capture at 60 fps.
The XGA OLED view finder is almost the same as the one found in the A77 except for the additional steps in brightness adjustment. Other improvements include the WhiteMagic technology added to the 12228 dot 3-way tiltable LCD, for clearer viewing in direct sunlight, 11 customizable buttons with 53 assignable functions and enhanced UI .
The A77 II features a HDMI output that is compatible with 4K TVs where you will be able to view your still images in this super high resolution.
The A 77 II will be priced at $1199.99 (body) and $1799.99 with the 16-50 mm F2.8 SSM SAL 1650 lend kit.
| SLT-a77V | ILCA-a77 II | ||
| Image Sensor Type | Image Sensor Type | Exmor APS HD CMOS | Exmor APS HD CMOS |
| Image Sensor Size | Image Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.6mm (APS-C size) | 23.5 x 15.6mm (APS-C size) |
| Effective Pixel Number | Effective Pixel Number | 24.3M pixels (appx) | 24.3M pixels (appx) |
| Compatible Media | Memory Stick | Pro Duo,Pro-HG Duo | Pro Duo,Pro-HG Duo |
| Secure Digital | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC | |
| Slot | Slot | Multi slot for Memory Stick Duo/SD | Multi slot for Memory Stick Duo/SD |
| File System | File System | FAT12,16, 32 | FAT12,16, 32 |
| Image Format | Image Format | JPEG,RAW(ARW2.3 Format),RAW+JPEG | JPEG,RAW(ARW2.3 Format),RAW+JPEG |
| Recording Formats | Recording Formats | AVCHD (v2.0) / AVC MP4 | AVCHD (v2.0) / AVC MP4 |
| Video Compression | Video Compression | AVCHD Ver. 2.0 compliant / MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) |
AVCHD Ver. 2.0 compliant / MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) |
| Audio Recording Format | Audio Recording Format | Dolby Digital (AC3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC | Dolby Digital (AC3)/MPEG-4 AAC-LC |
| Image Size (AVCHD) | 1920X1080 60p PS | 59.97fps Progressive, appx 28Mbps | 59.97fps Progressive, appx 28Mbps |
| 1920X1080 60p FX | 59.97fps Progressive / 24Mbps | 59.97fps Progressive / 24Mbps | |
| 1920X1080 60i FH | 59.97fps Interlaced, appx 17Mbps | 59.97fps Interlaced, appx 17Mbps | |
| 1920X1080 24p FX | 24fps Progressive, appx 24Mbps | 24fps Progressive, appx 24Mbps | |
| 1920X1080 24p FH | 24fps Progressive, appx 17Mbps | 24fps Progressive, appx 17Mbps | |
| Image Size (MP4) | 1440X1080 30p | 29.97fps Progressive, appx 12Mbps | 29.97fps Progressive, appx 12Mbps |
| 1280X720 30p | – | – | |
| 640X480 30p | 29.97fps Progressive, appx 3 Mbps | 29.97fps Progressive, appx 3 Mbps | |
| Number of Focus Points | Number of Focus Points | 19 points, 11 cross-type | 79 points, 15 cross-type, f/2.8 center sensor |
| Sensitivity range | Sensitivity range | -1 EV to +18 EV(at ISO100 eq) | -2 EV to +18 EV(at ISO100 eq) |
| Focus mode | Single-shot AF | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic AF (AF-A) | Yes | Yes | |
| Continuous AF (AF-C) | Yes | Yes | |
| Direct Manual Focus | No | Yes, AF-A/DMF selectable | |
| Manual focus | Yes | Yes | |
| ISO Sensitivity (REI) | ISO Sensitivity Auto | Yes, Min/Max selectable 100-12800 | Yes, Min/Max selectable 100-25600 |
| ISO Range (still image) | 100-16000 selectable, 50 extension 100-25600 in Mutli-frame NR mode |
100-256000 selectable; 50/64/80 ext; Auto/100-51200 in Mutli-frame NR |
|
| ISO Range (movie) | Auto, 100-12800 selectable | ||
| Built-In-Flash | Flash Type | Auto popup,built-in | Auto popup,built-in |
| Guide Number | 12 (in meters at ISO 100) | 12 (in meters at ISO 100) | |
| Flash Coverage | FOV coverage to 16 mm | FOV coverage to 16 mm | |
| Recycling Time | approx 3 sec | approx 3 sec | |
| Flash Ready Indicator | flashing to lit | ||
| Flash Control System | ADI flash / TTL Pre-flash | ADI flash / TTL Pre-flash / Manual | |
| Red-eye reduction | Yes(ON/OFF select in menu) | Yes(ON/OFF select in menu) | |
| Flash compensation | ±2EV (1/3EVsteps) | ±3EV (1/3, 1/2 EVsteps) | |
| Flash Bracketing | No | No | |
| FE Lock | No | Yes | |
| External Flash | Compatible System | Sony A-mount System Flash | Sony Multi-interface (Mi) Shoe |
| Wireless Control | Yes | Yes | |
| High Speed Sync (w/ext fl) | Yes | Yes | |
| Type | Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type | Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane type | |
| Speed range | 1/4000 second – 30 seconds, bulb | 1/8000 second – 30 seconds, bulb | |
| Electronic first curtain | Yes, on/off selectable | Yes, on/off selectable | |
| Release lag | appx 50 mS | ||
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 second | 1/250 second | |
| Drive Mode | Single-frame advance | Yes | Yes |
| Continuous advance | Yes | Yes, Hi/Lo selectable | |
| Continuous adv Priority AE | Yes | Yes, 12fps w/continuous AF | |
| Self-timer | Yes(10 seconds , 2 seconds) | Yes(10 seconds , 2 seconds) | |
| Continuous Self-timer | N/A | N/A | |
| Nuber of frames recordable | JPEG (Standard/Fine) | 18 / 14 frames | 93 (Std) / 75 (Fine) / 56 (Xtra Fine) |
| during continuous advance | JPEG (Std/Fine Tele Z) | – | 64 (Std)/60(Fine)/53(XtraF) |
| RAW | 13 frames | 28 (Cont) / 26 (Cont Adv Priority) | |
| RAW+JPEG | 11 frames | 26 (Cont) / 25 (Cont Adv Priority) | |
| Auto Portrait Framing | – | Auto Object Framing | |
| Smart Zoom | Yes, 1.4x (8.4MP), 2.0x (4MP) | ||
| Clear Image Zoom | Yes, 0-2x, Still and Movie | ||
| View Finder Brightness Setting | Yes, (Auto/±1 Steps) | Yes, (Auto/±2 Steps) | |
| Total number of dots | 921.6K (640 X 3(RGB) X 480) | 1229K (640 X 3(RGB+W) X 480) | |
| Screen Angle Adjustment | Tilt:150° upward / 180° downward Rotation:180° clockwise / 90° counterclockwise |
Tilt:150° upward / 180° downward Rotation:180° clockwise / 90° counterclockwise |
|
| Built-in Microphone | Yes, Stereo | Yes, Stereo | |
| Wind Noise Reduction | Yes, on/off selectable | ||
| Auto Review after shooting | Off / 2 / 5 / 10 sec selectable | Off / 2 / 5 / 10 sec selectable | |
| USB 2.0(Hi-Speed) | Yes, Mini-B terminal | Yes, Micro / Multi terminal | |
| USB Connecting | Mass Storage | Yes | Yes |
| PTP | Yes | Yes | |
| PC Remote | Yes | ||
| HD Output | HDMI | Yes, (Type C Mini) | Yes, (Type C Mini) |
| Microphone Input terminal | Yes, 3.5mm Stereo minijack | Yes, 3.5mm Stereo minijack | |
| PC Control | Image Data Transfer | No | Yes |
| Camera Control | No | Yes | |
| Power Requirements | Battery | InfoLitium NP-FM500H,7.2V | InfoLitium NP-FM500H,7.2V |
| AC adapter | AC-PW10AM(optional),8.4V | AC-PW10AM(optional),8.4V | |
| Supplied Battery | NP-FM500H, Power Pack, Li-ion | NP-FM500H, Power Pack, Li-ion | |
| Battery Life | Using Eye-level finder | appx 470 shots (CIPA Std) | appx 410 shots (CIPA Std) |
| Using LCD display | appx 530 shots (CIPA Std) | appx 480 shots (CIPA Std) | |
| Video recording | appx 185 min (finder or LCD) | appx 110 min (EVF), 120 min (LCD) | |
| Magnesium alloy / Polycarbonate | Magnesium alloy | ||
| Yes | Yes | ||
| excluding protrusions | English (appx) | 5-3/4 x 4-1/8 x 3-1/4″ | 5-3/4 x 4-1/8 x 3-1/4″ |
| Metric | 142.6 x 104 x 80.9mm | 142.6 x 104.2 x 80.9mm | |
| Body only (w/o battery, memory card and accy) | 1 lb, 7 oz (653g) | 1 lb, 7 oz (647g) | |
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