Table of Contents
amazon Sony A77 Mark II reviews
Professional design, compact
The first Sony A7 as the Sony A77 is considered by experts to be beautiful and complete design. Inheriting the Sony A7 family, the Sony A77 Mark II camera has a chassis and exterior design that resembles that of brothers, especially the Sony A77 (95%) brother. If you have ever used the A77, you will feel familiar when holding the Sony A77 Mark II on hand. The Sony A 77 Mark II frame is made of solid metal and the polycarbonate sheathing makes the weight of the machine lighter and better protects the interior with dust resistance. Water resistant, moisture resistant and high wear resistance during long-term use. The control buttons are the same as on the Sony A77 just different name. In addition, the Sony A77 Mark II has a few minor differences such as the Alpha alphabet is replaced by red to silver. The AF-assist illuminator is removable and completely integrated into the flash.
24.3MP sensor and powerful BIONZ X processor
The Sony A77 Mark II is also known as “The King of APS – C” and goes beyond the Canon 7d and Nikon D7100. Thanks to the Exmor 24.3 MP sensor, the gapless on-chip lens (OLC) architecture is upgraded, offering high pixel density and maximum noise reduction in Full HD and 4K frames, The powerful BIONZ X processor offers exceptional versatility, with a large ISO performance of up to 12800 for ultra-smooth, sharp images with low noise even under superfluous conditions or lack of light. In addition to the 5-axis anti-shake technology integrated on the body to help balance the precision focus and support the use of third-party lenses. This has created a strong influence on the Sony A77 Mark II rivals.
Take a moment
With a fast start up time of 1 second and always ready, just bring it up, every moment can be recorded. In addition, they will be a true masterpiece even when the subject is moving due to the amazing 79-point AF system with 15 cross-type focus points and 40% , a relatively large area compared to the same line DSLR. Plus, with sequential shooting of up to 12 frames per second, you can take beautiful shots without missing out on any detail.
In addition, with the zebra function, users can detect areas of light or loss of detail and make adjustments to produce harmonious images. Especially when filming outside the light is often harsh and difficult to identify the dark areas, this function becomes extremely useful.
Share the impression
With just one touch, you can instantly share moments with friends and relatives on the phone or tablet PC thanks to the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC support on the Sony A77 Mark II.
Many accessories meet all needs
A good camera body can not lack the lens to express. The Sony A77 Mark II camera is built using A mout. There are currently about 127 genuine lenses manufactured for the Sony A 77 II. In addition, Sony is also developing a series of new improved lenses for the A-mount range of mice specifically for the Sony A7. In addition, the Sony A77 Mark II also supports the use of third-party lenses. This is good news for photographers. In addition, the Sony A77 Mark II also comes with a variety of accessories such as batteries, chargers, tripods, filters, flash, grips and accessories for camcorders.
where can you get a Sony A77 Mark II online
Sony A77II Digital SLR Camera – Body Only: Buy it now
Sony Alpha A77 II Wi-Fi Digital SLR Camera Body with 55-200mm Lens + 64GB Card + Case + Flash + Battery & Charger + Kit: Buy it now
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Sony Alpha A77 II Wi-Fi Digital SLR Camera & 16-50mm Lens with 55-200mm Lens + 64GB Card + Battery & Charger + Backpack + Flash + Kit: Buy it now
Sony Alpha A77 II Wi-Fi Digital SLR Camera Body with 18-135mm Lens + 64GB Card + Battery + Charger + Backpack Case + Filters + Flash + KitSony Alpha A77 II Wi-Fi Digital SLR Camera Body with 18-135mm Lens + 64GB Card + Battery + Charger + Backpack Case + Filters + Flash + Kit: Buy it now
Sensor and Image Quality
APS-C Sensor
The A77 Mark II is equipped with a 24.3-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor. This sensor is capable of capturing detailed images with excellent resolution. The APS-C format is a popular choice for mid-range DSLRs, offering a good balance between image quality and portability.
Image Processor
The camera features the BIONZ X image processor, which is known for its speed and efficiency. The processor plays a crucial role in reducing noise, enhancing detail, and improving overall image quality. It also enables faster processing speeds, allowing for quick continuous shooting and rapid autofocus performance.
Image Quality
The image quality produced by the A77 Mark II is impressive. The camera delivers sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors and excellent contrast. The dynamic range is also commendable, allowing for the capture of both shadow and highlight details in high-contrast scenes.
Low-light performance is another area where the A77 Mark II excels. The camera has an ISO range of 100-25,600, which can be expanded to 50-51,200. Noise is well-controlled at higher ISO settings, making it possible to capture clean images in low-light conditions. The combination of the APS-C sensor and the BIONZ X processor ensures that images remain sharp and detailed even in challenging lighting situations.
Autofocus and Performance
Autofocus System
One of the standout features of the A77 Mark II is its autofocus system. The camera is equipped with a 79-point phase-detection autofocus system, including 15 cross-type points. This sophisticated AF system ensures fast and accurate focusing, even in low-light conditions.
The autofocus performance is particularly impressive when tracking moving subjects. The A77 Mark II features a dedicated AF sensor, which works in conjunction with the main sensor to provide continuous AF tracking. This makes the camera an excellent choice for sports and action photography, where quick and accurate focusing is essential.
Continuous Shooting
The A77 Mark II is capable of shooting at up to 12 frames per second (fps) in continuous shooting mode. This high burst rate is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, ensuring that photographers do not miss crucial moments. The camera’s buffer capacity allows for up to 60 JPEG images or 25 RAW images in a single burst, providing ample shooting time before the buffer fills up.
In-Body Image Stabilization
The A77 Mark II features in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which compensates for camera shake and allows for sharper images at slower shutter speeds. This is particularly useful when shooting in low light or with telephoto lenses, where camera shake can be more pronounced. The IBIS system provides up to 4.5 stops of stabilization, making it possible to capture sharp images in a variety of conditions.
Performance
Overall, the performance of the A77 Mark II is impressive. The camera is responsive, with quick start-up times and minimal shutter lag. The combination of the BIONZ X processor and the advanced autofocus system ensures that the camera can keep up with fast-paced shooting scenarios, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of photographic applications.
Video Capabilities
Full HD Video
The A77 Mark II offers Full HD video recording at up to 60p. The camera supports both AVCHD and MP4 formats, providing flexibility for different workflows. The video quality is excellent, with sharp, detailed footage and vibrant colors. The camera’s fast and accurate autofocus system is also beneficial for video, ensuring that subjects remain in focus even when moving.
Manual Controls
The A77 Mark II provides a range of manual controls for video recording, allowing photographers to adjust settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO while shooting. This level of control is essential for creating professional-quality videos, as it allows for precise exposure and creative control over the final output.
Audio
The camera features a built-in stereo microphone, as well as a 3.5mm microphone jack for external microphones. This provides flexibility for capturing high-quality audio, whether using the built-in mic for convenience or an external mic for improved sound quality. The A77 Mark II also has a headphone jack, allowing for real-time audio monitoring during recording.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Wi-Fi and NFC
The A77 Mark II includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, allowing for easy sharing of images and videos. The Wi-Fi functionality enables wireless transfer of files to a smartphone, tablet, or computer, while NFC allows for quick pairing with compatible devices. The camera can also be controlled remotely using a smartphone, providing additional flexibility for shooting in various scenarios.
Dual Card Slots
The A77 Mark II features dual SD card slots, providing ample storage for extended shooting sessions. This is particularly useful for photographers who shoot in RAW format or record high-resolution videos, as it ensures that they do not run out of storage space quickly. The dual slots also allow for simultaneous recording or backup, providing added security for important files.
Battery Life
The camera uses the NP-FM500H rechargeable battery, which provides a decent battery life of approximately 480 shots per charge. While this is not the highest battery life among DSLRs, it is sufficient for most shooting situations. The inclusion of an optional battery grip can extend the battery life further, making it a practical choice for long shooting sessions.
Customizable Buttons and Menus
The A77 Mark II offers a range of customization options, allowing photographers to tailor the camera to their specific needs. The camera features several customizable buttons, which can be assigned to different functions for quick access. The menu system is also user-friendly, with logical organization and easy navigation.
Use Cases and Practical Applications
Wildlife Photography
The fast autofocus system and high burst rate make the A77 Mark II an excellent choice for wildlife photography. The camera’s ability to track moving subjects accurately ensures that wildlife photographers can capture sharp images of animals in motion. The weather-sealed body is also beneficial for shooting in outdoor environments, providing protection against the elements.
Sports and Action Photography
The A77 Mark II’s 12 fps continuous shooting and advanced autofocus system are ideal for sports and action photography. The camera can keep up with fast-paced action, ensuring that photographers do not miss critical moments. The in-body image stabilization also helps to capture sharp images, even when shooting handheld.
Portrait Photography
The image quality and dynamic range of the A77 Mark II make it well-suited for portrait photography. The camera’s ability to produce sharp, detailed images with pleasing colors and contrast ensures that portraits look professional and polished. The tilting LCD screen also allows for creative compositions and angles, adding versatility to portrait sessions.
Landscape Photography
The high-resolution sensor and excellent dynamic range make the A77 Mark II a great choice for landscape photography. The camera’s ability to capture fine details and a wide range of tones ensures that landscapes look stunning and lifelike. The weather-sealed body also provides peace of mind when shooting in challenging outdoor conditions.
Event Photography
The versatility and performance of the A77 Mark II make it an excellent choice for event photography. The camera’s fast autofocus and high burst rate ensure that photographers can capture key moments, while the in-body image stabilization helps to produce sharp images in various lighting conditions. The dual card slots provide ample storage for extended shooting sessions, making it a practical choice for events.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent Autofocus System: The 79-point phase-detection autofocus system, including 15 cross-type points, ensures fast and accurate focusing, even in low-light conditions.
- High Burst Rate: The 12 fps continuous shooting capability is ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects in sports and wildlife photography.
- Robust Build Quality: The magnesium alloy body with weather-sealing provides durability and protection against the elements.
- In-Body Image Stabilization: The 4.5-stop stabilization helps produce sharp images in various conditions, especially in low light or with telephoto lenses.
- Tilting LCD Screen: The 3-inch tilting LCD with WhiteMagic technology offers flexibility in shooting angles and improved visibility in bright sunlight.
- Electronic Viewfinder: The 2.36 million-dot EVF provides a clear and detailed view of the scene with 100% frame coverage.
- Built-In Wi-Fi and NFC: These features facilitate easy sharing of images and remote camera control using a smartphone.
- Dual Card Slots: Dual SD card slots provide ample storage and flexibility for extended shooting sessions.
Cons
- Battery Life: The battery life, approximately 480 shots per charge, is lower than some competitors. Using an optional battery grip can mitigate this limitation.
- Menu Complexity: While the menu system is comprehensive, it can be overwhelming for new users. Customizing the camera to personal preferences may take some time.
- Weight: The robust build and advanced features contribute to a heavier camera, which might be cumbersome for some users during extended shoots.
Conclusion
The Sony A77 Mark II is a formidable mid-range DSLR that offers a blend of advanced features, robust build quality, and impressive performance. Its standout features include the sophisticated autofocus system, high burst rate, and excellent image quality, making it a versatile tool for various photographic applications, from sports and action to wildlife and portrait photography.
The camera’s design and ergonomics ensure comfortable handling, while the tilting LCD screen and electronic viewfinder provide flexibility and clarity in composition. The inclusion of modern connectivity options like Wi-Fi and NFC adds convenience for sharing and remote control, enhancing the overall user experience.
Despite some minor drawbacks, such as battery life and menu complexity, the A77 Mark II’s strengths make it a compelling choice for serious photographers and enthusiasts looking for a reliable and versatile camera. It competes well with other mid-range DSLRs, offering unique advantages that cater to a wide range of photographic needs.
For those invested in the Sony ecosystem or seeking a camera that excels in autofocus performance and continuous shooting, the A77 Mark II is a worthy consideration. Its blend of features, performance, and build quality ensures that it can handle a variety of shooting scenarios, making it a valuable addition to any photographer’s toolkit.