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The discontinuation of the Nex brand and the introduction of the full-frame E-mount Sony A7, A7R, and A7S compact system cameras may have led you to believe Sony will no longer produce single-lens translucent (SLT) cameras using the A-mount. However, this assumption would be incorrect. On the other hand, the Sony Alpha 77 II demonstrates that this is not the case.
You may infer that the Alpha 77 Mk2 is meant to replace the original Alpha 77, which has been phased out, and that it has a design and form that are practically the same. The new camera is geared toward photography enthusiasts who already have some experience but are looking for a more advanced model.
Sony Alpha 7 II E-mount interchangeable lens mirrorless camera with full frame...
- World’s first 5-axis in-body image stabilization in a full-frame camera.
- Use your favorite lenses without blur from camera shake.
- Capture stunning images with full-frame, 24.3MP resolution.
- Fast hybrid AF with phase-detection - 30% faster than a7.
- World’s first 5-axis in-body image stabilization in a full-frame camera.
- Use your favorite lenses without blur from camera shake.
- Capture stunning images with full-frame, 24.3MP resolution.
- Fast hybrid AF with phase-detection - 30% faster than a7.
- Viewfinder Type:0.5-type electronic viewfinder (colour)
There are 24 million pixels on the sensor of the A77 Mark II, just like there were on the original Alpha 77. However, since this is a new device, it takes advantage of the advancements that have been made in sensor design in the more than two and a half years that have passed since the original Alpha 77 was released.
Sony a77 II Build Quality.
Compared side-by-side, an Alpha 77 Mark II and the first-generation Alpha 77 display relatively few noticeable changes. Both cameras’ main form and control configuration is identical, and the vertical grip designed specifically for the first generation of the A77 may be utilized with the second generation model.
The mode dial on the new camera includes a few key improvements, the most notable of which is the addition of a lock button that safeguards it against being accidentally moved out of place. The hot shoe has also been modified such that it no longer has the Sony (Minolta) proprietary form but rather the universal type that is more often used. Additionally, it has been improved such that it can now function as a multi-shoe, allowing it to accommodate various attachments.
In addition, a wider variety of personalization choices are available via the function (Fn) button. The A77 II contains 27 features, each of which may be customized to fit into one of the twelve public spaces in the Function menu.
Suppose you frequently use Picture Effects (Toy Camera, Pop Color, Posterization, Retro Photo, Soft High-key, Partial Color, High Contrast Mono, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-tone Monochrome, Miniature, Watercolor, and Illustration). In that case, you should consider assigning them to the Function menu and the image quality. This will allow you to disable raw recordings and access the effects quickly. Toy Camera, Pop Color, Posterization, Retro Photo, Soft High-key, Partial
Sony a77 II Performance
The Alpha 77 II does not reduce Sony’s already stellar reputation for sensor design and image processing, which continues to be one of the company’s strengths. For example, noise is adequately controlled in raw files, even at the highest available sensitivity level of ISO 25,600. In addition, raw files have a fine texture, and no banding or clumping is apparent when viewed at 100% on the screen.
It is possible, with careful processing, to hide the majority of the colored speckling present in raw files, producing an image with just luminance noise and some grain. This is accomplished by creating a picture with some grain.
JPEG files recorded simultaneously appear to have a softer appearance than their raw counterparts. However, a painterly texture is revealed upon closer inspection, with some blurring of detail and slightly sharpened edges. When seen at A3 size, they often present an acceptable appearance; nevertheless, I like the raw files’ somewhat sharper and grainier appearance.
When using lower sensitivity settings, the A77 II can record great detail, which is precisely what you would expect from a camera with a sensor with 24 million pixels.
Sony a77 II Image Quality
During our evaluation, the Sony A77 II captured photographs of exceptionally high quality. The ISO range of the Sony A77 II can go from 50 to 25,600, making it incredibly versatile. ISO 50–1600 is noise-free, while ISO 3200 and 6400 yield more than adequate results, and even ISO 12800 may be used successfully in an emergency (although we recommend avoiding ISO 25,600 if possible).
However, the RAW examples show how much processing the camera undertakes by default since they are significantly noisier than their JPEG counterparts across the board, regardless of the ISO value.
The 24-megapixel photographs come out of the camera slightly soft when using the default creative style. For the best results, you should sharpen them some more by utilizing an application such as Adobe Photoshop; alternatively, you may adjust the degree of sharpening that the camera applies automatically.
The built-in flash performed admirably indoors, preventing red-eye and producing photographs with adequate exposure overall. The night shot turned out well thanks to the camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and its Bulb mode, which allow lots of room for creative experimentation during nighttime shooting. In addition, the built-in SteadyShot anti-shake feature performs quite well, shooting at slower shutter speeds while holding the camera by hand.
The efficient Dynamic Range Optimizer function may extract additional data from an image’s shadow and highlight sections without adding any noise or other artifacts that aren’t wanted.
The High Dynamic Range mode combines the results of two separate images taken at various exposures into a single image. The result is an image that has a higher dynamic range than what would be produced by a single photograph.
However, it does yield some excellent effects even though it can only function with JPEGs and stationary subjects. Even after all these years, using Sony’s Sweep Panorama is still a delightful experience.
Even though they can only be applied to JPEGs, the vast range of picture effects rapidly generates unique looks that would require you to spend a lot of time in the digital darkroom. In contrast, the Creative Styles quickly and easily edit the camera’s JPEG and RAW photographs.
Sony a77 II Specs
| Body type | Mid-size SLR |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Other resolutions | 6000 x 3376, 4240 x 2832, 4440 x 2400, 3008 x 2000, x 3008 x 1688 |
| Image ratio w h | 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| Processor | Bionz X |
| Color space | sRGB, AdobeRGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto (ISO 100-51200), Manual (ISO 100-25600) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 51200 |
| White balance presets | 9 |
| Custom white balance | Yes (3 slots) |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Super fine, fine, normal |
| File format | JPEG (DCF v2.0, EXIF v2.3)Raw (ARW 2.3) |
| Image parameters | ContrastSaturationSharpness |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousFace DetectionLive View. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes (flash type) |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 79 |
| Lens mount | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
| Focal length multiplier | 1.5× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,229,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | WhiteMagic TFT |
| Live View | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 1.09× (0.73× 35mm equiv.) |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,359,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Exposure modes | iAutoProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual |
| Scene modes | PortraitSports ActionMacroLandscapeSunsetNight SceneHand-held TwilightNight Portrait |
| Built-in flash | Yes |
| Flash Range | 12.00 m (at ISO 100) |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe or flash sync port) |
| Flash modes | Auto, fill, rear sync, slow sync |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/250 sec |
| Drive modes | Single-frame continuous high/low constant advance priority AESelf-timer |
| Continuous drive | 12.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (Yes (2 or 12 sec)) |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weighted spot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±3 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV, 2/3 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes (3 shots, low/high selectable) |
| Videography features | |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p) |
| Format | MPEG-4, AVCHD |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | Yes (mini HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | No |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11b/g/n with NFC |
| Remote control | Yes (wired, wireless, or smartphone) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-FM500H lithium-ion battery and charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 480 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 647 g (1.43 lb / 22.82 oz) |
| Dimensions | 143 x 104 x 81 mm (5.63 x 4.09 x 3.19″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Sony a77 II Verdict
Sony Alpha 7 II E-mount interchangeable lens mirrorless camera with full frame...
- World’s first 5-axis in-body image stabilization in a full-frame camera.
- Use your favorite lenses without blur from camera shake.
- Capture stunning images with full-frame, 24.3MP resolution.
- Fast hybrid AF with phase-detection - 30% faster than a7.
- World’s first 5-axis in-body image stabilization in a full-frame camera.
- Use your favorite lenses without blur from camera shake.
- Capture stunning images with full-frame, 24.3MP resolution.
- Fast hybrid AF with phase-detection - 30% faster than a7.
- Viewfinder Type:0.5-type electronic viewfinder (colour)
Although the improvements made with the Alpha 77 Mark II may not appear very significant, Sony has worked on the most crucial parts, such as the sensor and the CPU, to improve the speed, picture quality, and autofocus speed.
Because a pixel count of 24 million can capture sufficient information for most applications and enable large prints to be generated, many people will recognize that it is prudent to stay with the exact pixel count as with the Alpha 77. The files are likewise huge, but the typical current computer should be able to handle them without any problems.
The original Alpha 77’s focusing technology was vastly improved because of Sony’s hard effort to develop the autofocus mechanism for the Alpha 77 II. As a result, when the conditions are favorable, it has astounding speed and precision.
Naturally, its performance would suffer in low light, but it is still quite good and not too far behind the somewhat more costly Canon 5D Mark III when used with an equivalent lens. The Canon 70D and the Nikon D7100 are two examples of rival cameras that do not have an AF Range Control feature like the one that Sony included in the A77 II.
Sony a77 II FAQs
Is Sony a77 II discontinued?
The Sony A77 II has been removed from the market as of 2019.
What year is Sony A77 II?
In June 2014, Sony introduced the A77 II successor.
Is the Sony a77 II a full-frame camera?
The Sony A77 II is not a full-frame camera but utilizes an APS-C-sized image sensor.
Is Sony A77 II mirrorless?
The Sony A77 II is not a mirrorless camera but a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera. Mirrorless cameras lack a reflection in the viewfinder.
How old is the Sony a7 II?
Since it was first introduced in June 2014, the Sony A77 II will be approximately eight years old in 2022.
Is Sony a7 II discontinued?
The Sony A77 II has been removed from the market as of 2019.
Is Sony A7 II a DSLR?
The Sony A77 II is, in fact, a digital single-lens reflex camera.
Is A7 II touch screen?
The Sony A77 II does not have a touch screen.
