What To Know
- In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison between the Sony A77 vs Canon 60D, analyzing their key specifications, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
- The Sony A77 has a clear advantage in continuous shooting speed, offering a blazing-fast 12 fps compared to the Canon 60D’s 5.
- However, if battery life, optical viewfinder, and a more compact design are more important to you, the Canon 60D is a solid option.
The Sony A77 and Canon 60D are two formidable APS-C DSLR cameras that have been vying for the attention of photographers for years. Both cameras offer impressive features and capabilities, making it a tough choice for those looking to upgrade their gear. In this blog post, we will delve into a comprehensive comparison between the Sony A77 vs Canon 60D, analyzing their key specifications, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Sony A77 | Canon 60D |
| — | — | — |
| Sensor | 24.3MP APS-C CMOS | 18MP APS-C CMOS |
| Processor | BIONZ X | DIGIC 5 |
| ISO Range | 100-16000 | 100-6400 |
| Autofocus System | 19-point cross-type | 9-point cross-type |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 12 fps | 5.3 fps |
| Viewfinder | Electronic (1.44m dots) | Optical (0.58x magnification) |
| LCD Screen | 3″ tilting (921k dots) | 3″ fixed (1.04m dots) |
| Video Recording | 1080p at 60 fps | 1080p at 30 fps |
| Battery Life | 500 shots | 1100 shots |
Performance Comparison
Sensor and Image Quality:
The Sony A77 boasts a higher resolution sensor with 24.3MP compared to the Canon 60D’s 18MP. This translates to sharper images with more detail, especially when cropping or printing large. However, the Canon 60D’s sensor has a slight edge in terms of dynamic range, resulting in better exposure latitude and less noise in high-ISO images.
Autofocus System:
The Sony A77’s 19-point cross-type autofocus system is more advanced than the Canon 60D’s 9-point cross-type system. This provides more accurate and faster focusing, particularly in low-light conditions or when tracking moving subjects.
Continuous Shooting Speed:
The Sony A77 has a clear advantage in continuous shooting speed, offering a blazing-fast 12 fps compared to the Canon 60D’s 5.3 fps. This makes the A77 an excellent choice for sports, wildlife, or any application where capturing fast-moving action is crucial.
Viewfinder:
The Sony A77 features an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 1.44m dots, while the Canon 60D has an optical viewfinder (OVF). EVFs offer real-time preview of camera settings and can be more useful in low-light conditions. However, OVFs provide a more natural and immersive shooting experience.
LCD Screen:
Both cameras have 3″ LCD screens, but the Sony A77’s screen is tilting, which allows for more flexible shooting angles. The Canon 60D’s screen has slightly higher resolution, but the difference is not significant.
Video Recording:
The Sony A77 offers higher frame rates in video recording, capturing 1080p at 60 fps compared to the Canon 60D’s 30 fps. This results in smoother and more cinematic-looking videos.
Battery Life:
The Canon 60D has a significantly longer battery life, rated for 1100 shots compared to the Sony A77’s 500 shots. This is a major advantage for extended shooting sessions or travel photography.
Pros and Cons
Sony A77:
- Pros:
- High-resolution sensor
- Advanced autofocus system
- Fast continuous shooting speed
- Tilting LCD screen
- 1080p video at 60 fps
- Cons:
- Shorter battery life
- Electronic viewfinder may not be preferred by all
Canon 60D:
- Pros:
- Longer battery life
- Optical viewfinder
- Better dynamic range
- More compact and lightweight
- Cons:
- Lower resolution sensor
- Slower continuous shooting speed
- 1080p video at 30 fps
Value and Recommendation
The Sony A77 and Canon 60D are both excellent cameras, but their strengths and weaknesses cater to different types of photographers.
If you prioritize image quality, autofocus performance, and fast shooting speeds, the Sony A77 is the better choice. Its high-resolution sensor, advanced autofocus system, and 12 fps continuous shooting make it ideal for capturing sharp and detailed images of fast-moving subjects.
However, if battery life, optical viewfinder, and a more compact design are more important to you, the Canon 60D is a solid option. Its longer battery life, optical viewfinder, and better dynamic range make it a versatile camera for a wide range of situations.
The Bottom Line: The Final Verdict
The Sony A77 and Canon 60D are both exceptional APS-C DSLR cameras with their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the best camera for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you value image quality, autofocus performance, and fast shooting speeds, the Sony A77 is the clear winner. However, if battery life, optical viewfinder, and a more compact design are more important, the Canon 60D is an excellent choice.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Which camera has a better autofocus system?
A: The Sony A77 has a more advanced autofocus system with 19 cross-type points compared to the Canon 60D’s 9 cross-type points.
Q: Can either camera shoot 4K video?
A: No, neither the Sony A77 nor the Canon 60D can shoot 4K video.
Q: Which camera has a longer battery life?
A: The Canon 60D has a significantly longer battery life, rated for 1100 shots compared to the Sony A77’s 500 shots.
Q: Does the Sony A77 have a built-in flash?
A: Yes, the Sony A77 has a built-in flash with a guide number of 12.
Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography?
A: The Canon 60D has a slight edge in low-light photography due to its better dynamic range, which results in less noise in high-ISO images.
