Sony Alpha A77 review
Design
Sony Alpha A77 review - Design
Compared to the original Alpha A700, the Alpha A77 looks a sleeker affair thanks to a more refined, sculptured body. With the absence of a pentaprism, it appears to be much more lower-slung than both the Alpha A700 and its rivals. While it's a touch squatter than both the Canon EOS 7D and Nikon D300s, it's larger than the D7000.
The chassis of the Alpha A77 is constructed from tough magnesium, but most of the exterior is coated in a high-impact plastic with a high-end splatter effect. Don't be put off by the plastic skin of the Alpha A77 - while metal would have been preferred, it still feels very solid in the hand. The handgrip underlines this feeling - its large and nicely sculptured, with a pleasing rubberised coating that runs round to the rear of the camera. Key buttons and controls that are dotted round the body are also protected from dust and moisture.
As you'd expect for a camera aimed more towards the enthusiast, the Alpha A77 is sprinkled with quick access controls, meaning less time spent in the main menu of the camera. On the top-plate, there's access to ISO, exposure compensation, white balance and drive mode. The top-plate is also home to a LCD display - something all but disappeared from entry-level DSLRs. While all shooting information is either displayed on the rear screen or EVF, it can be quite handy for a quick reference out in the field. The rear of the camera has a multi-directional thumb joystick, along with a host of other controls including dedicated movie and Function buttons. Around the front, and at the bottom of the camera, either side of the lens mount has a Preview button and Focus mode dial, allowing you to toggle between AF modes and manual focus.
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Latest comments
February 24 02:15
hankazoid
This camera was well worth the wait! You really get a lot of bang for your buck. I'm a Sony shooter and proud of it (besides, why would I ever want to buy a "Canikon" camera body at about 4x the cost and get essentially the same outstanding features)? I like being the underdog and being a standout among my fellow Press photographgers. My new Sony A77 is truly amazing!
February 26 22:16
Victor
I tried the GH1 and clduon't believe how Panasonic had implemented the live view effectively disabling the one great advantage of it. I'd originally picked up the benefits of working with live view from the Canon G series I had a G3, G5 and then a G6. so expected the GH1 to work the same, but what a disappointment.I think Sony have got this right and should be highlighting it as a benefit and unique selling point.
March 28 02:25
Fred
I just bought the V77 two weeks ago and I am one "Happy Camper"! Before this one I had the A500 which is also a good one (gave it to my son). The A77 HAS IT ALL (for the money that is). You can say that it is not for the pro's but then again that's not who it's meant for! It's for us enthusiasts who just like taking good photos! The lens that comes with it is the best I ever had! (Works Great on the A500 also). If you have (like me) all the stuff that goes with it (Lenses, Flash & Grip) you have a pretty good working kit. I have been experimenting a lot with all the possible settings and this machine really does the job well. Of course I am a Sony enthusiast so I’m biased …….. is that a bad thing?
March 30 13:28
irfan
Awesome update. Lag removed. Now I will have in-body compensation to my prime lenses too, the 35mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.8 and Zeiss 85mm 1.4. Life is good. In-body lens compensation is huge for me as it puts these lenses into perfect state. Next up, Sony pleeeeeeeaseee..... add tethering feature back to the 7-series lineup. It will make it the perfect camera for my use once that's in. www.autostatic.net