You’re looking at the two latest semi-professional APS-C/DX models, but one of them is far more unique than the other. The Sony A77 II comes with features none of us thought were possible years ago, while the Nikon D7100 continues the familiar path of Canon/Nikon DX cameras. How do they compare to each other, and which one is better for the price?
| Sony A77 II | Nikon D7100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Megapixels | 24.3 | 24 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.6 | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
| Sensor Type | APS-C/DX | APS-C/DX |
| Image Resolution | 6000 x 4000 | 6000 x 3368 |
| ISO Range | 100 - 51,200 | 100 - 25,600 |
| Processor | Bionz X | Expeed 3 |
| AF Points | 79 | 51 |
| Burst Mode | 12fps | 6fps |
| LCD Size | 3.0" Articulating LCD Screen | 3.2" Fixed LCD |
| LCD Resolution | 1,228,800 dots | 1,228,800 dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 1.09x | 0.94x |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic Viewfinder | Pentaprism |
| Shutter Speed Range | 1/8000 to 30 sec. | 1/8000 to 30 sec. |
| Exposure Compensation | ±5 EV | ±5 EV |
| Storage Type | 2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC Slots | 2 x SD/SDHC/SDXC Slots |
| Full HD Video | 1,920 x 1,080 (60p, 60i, 24p) 1,440 x 1,080 (30fps) | 1,920 x 1,080 (60, 50fps) 1,920 x 1,080 (25, 24fps) 1,280 x 720 (60, 50fps) |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 725g (1.6lb) | 765g (1.69lb) |
| Battery Life | 480 Shots (CIPA) | 950 Shots (CIPA) |
| Dimensions | 143 x 104 x 81 mm | 136 x 107 x 76 mm |
| Price | Amazon | Amazon |
| Release Date | 2014 | 2013 |
Advantages of Sony A77 II:
- 1 stop higher maximum ISO (51,200 vs 25,600)
- Faster, newer processor, capable of much more processing
- 79 vs 51 AF points (15 of those are cross-type on both cameras)
- 12 vs 6fps burst mode (twice as fast, excellent for action)
- Articulating LCD screen vs fixed
- 40g lighter, although that’s almost irrelevant once you put on a lens
- The A77 II focuses faster and more accurate while recording videos, due to lack of a mirror
- Image Stabilization is built into the body, meaning all lenses are stabilized
- Built-in WiFi with NFC
The Sony A77 II is a result of new technology that’s most likely going to make Sony one of the toughest competitors around. With no mirror between the sensor and lens, the things these cameras can do are amazing. Its 12fps burst mode is on par with flagship Canon and Nikon models, both being far more expensive.
It’s going to take some time for the Electronic Viewfinder to become a natural thing for photographers, but even where it is right now is already amazing.
You can see more specifications and price for Sony A77 II at Amazon.
Advantages of Nikon D7100:
- Slightly larger LCD screen
- Almost twice as long battery life (950 vs 480 shots)
- Larger selection of quality lenses
- No optical low-pass filter should result in slightly sharper images (when printed large)
- Around $100 cheaper
While the D7100 is an excellent DSLR, there are hardly any specification wise features where it would beat the A77 II. You do get a much longer battery life because the D7100 has less stuff to power (optical viewfinder requires no electronics), and the name Nikon does have far more history when it comes to lens and equipment, but the winner is quite clear; Sony’s new A77 II is a big step forward!
You can buy the Nikon D7100 at Amazon here.
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