Canon and Nikon rule the roost in DSLRs and Sony is playing catching up. Canon’s full frame 5D and its iterations rule one end of the market and Nikon’s D800 series and D4 series the other. As for image quality these two are at the top but when it comes to video, most DSLRs are a pain. They use contrast detection instead of phase detection, resulting in focus hunting that can be hassle to edit. Sony changed the scenario with its SLT series culminating in the astounding A77II APSC format camera giving great value for money with exceptional features, especially for video. As a prosumer camera it shoots great stills with its 4D autofocus system relying on 79 focus points with intelligent algorithm and 12 fps burst mode, great for action photography. Let’s take a look at this camera from the video perspective. Most amateurs and even some professionals will appreciate its video features that are better in some respects than the Canon 7D and Nikon D7100 at a far lower price.
Brief specs- 24.3 MP APSC Sony Exmor CMOS sensor allied with Bionz X processor and gapless on-chip lens design
- Translucent mirror
- 3 inch 1228K tilting LCD screen and 0.5 inch 2359 dot XGA electronic viewfinder
- Full HD 1080 P 60 fps video
- 79 point phase detection AF with 15 cross type sensors, an array of settings with path breaking 4D autofocus for shooting fast action
- ISO 51200 sensitivity
VideoIf you want still images there are better cameras. If you want good video at a great price, the a77II delivers. It can record 1920x1080 full HD video at 60 fps in AVCHD and it also shoots XAVCS or allows you to output uncompressed video to an external recorder using the HDMI port. The various modes are 1920x1080/24 fps, 1440x1080/30fps and 640x424/30 fps. The built-in EVF gives it an edge over traditional DSLRs for video as one can hold it to eye level while the flip up screen can allow for shooting from waist or ground level or held high above the head. Making the A77II even more desirable is focus tracking. There is less of hunting and you get smooth videos of even fast moving objects where other DSLRs with their contrast detection systems go hunting.
DrawbackThe A77II has a lot going for it in terms of 4D focus and other goodies for stills and video. However, the drawback in video is that in autofocus mode the camera keeps the lens aperture wide open and adjusts the shutter speed and ISO automatically. If you want manual options, and there are plenty of them, then disable autofocus and switch to programmed, aperture priority, shutter priority or full manual to bring out your creative side in movie making. The EVF helps focus better in manual mode. At its price the Sony A77II will give near professional results.Who is it for?The A77II is aimed at prosumers and advanced amateurs desirous of capturing sharply focused images of fast moving objects as well as videos that do not have the rolling and jello effects typical in other DSLRs. It has limitations but it is much better as a two-in-one tool in most respects than the Canon 7D and Nikon D7100.
ExperienceThe autofocus system and metering are certainly quite advanced. Even for past Sony users it takes a steep learning curve to exploit the 4D focusing, make use of the 79 autofocus points and select metering options. Until you get it right, focus could appear in front of or behind the intended target point. High megapixel is good no doubt but lower megapixel would have given it even better low light capabilities. The menu system is also quite extended and will take practice to use with speed.At its price the Sony A77II does what cameras costing twice as much do, and does it better.
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