Canon 70d Vs Sony A77: The Battle Of The Mid-range Dslrs
What To Know
- Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, this in-depth analysis will guide you in making an informed decision between the Canon 70D and Sony A77.
- Additionally, the Sony A77 offers a wider range of video recording options, including the ability to record in AVCHD and XAVC S formats, providing greater flexibility for professional videographers.
- The Canon 70D features a magnesium alloy body, while the Sony A77 utilizes a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate.
In the realm of digital photography, the Canon 70D and Sony A77 stand out as two formidable contenders, each boasting unique features and capabilities. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricate details of these two exceptional cameras, shedding light on their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various photographic needs. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring enthusiast, this in-depth analysis will guide you in making an informed decision between the Canon 70D and Sony A77.
Sensor and Image Quality
At the heart of any camera lies its sensor, the crucial component responsible for capturing light and converting it into digital information. The Canon 70D features a 20.2-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, while the Sony A77 boasts a 24.3-megapixel APS-C Exmor HD CMOS sensor. While both sensors offer excellent image quality, the Sony A77’s slightly higher resolution provides a marginal advantage in terms of detail and sharpness. However, the Canon 70D’s larger pixel size contributes to improved low-light performance, resulting in reduced noise and better image quality in dimly lit conditions.
Autofocus System
Rapid and precise autofocus is essential for capturing fleeting moments and ensuring sharp images. The Canon 70D employs a 19-point all-cross-type autofocus system, renowned for its speed and accuracy. This system excels in both phase-detection and contrast-detection modes, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios. The Sony A77, on the other hand, features a 19-point autofocus system with 11 cross-type points, offering comparable performance to the Canon 70D. However, the Sony A77’s autofocus system is known to struggle in low-light conditions, making it less reliable in dimly lit environments.
Continuous Shooting Speed
For capturing fast-paced action or sequences of rapidly changing scenes, continuous shooting speed plays a critical role. The Canon 70D boasts an impressive continuous shooting speed of 7 frames per second (fps), allowing photographers to capture fleeting moments with remarkable precision. The Sony A77, while not as fast as the Canon 70D, offers a respectable continuous shooting speed of 12 fps in burst mode. However, it’s important to note that the Sony A77’s burst mode is limited to 11 frames, after which the camera slows down to a speed of 8 fps.
Video Recording Capabilities
In the realm of videography, both the Canon 70D and Sony A77 offer compelling features and capabilities. The Canon 70D records Full HD (1920 x 1080) video at 30 fps, while the Sony A77 captures Full HD video at 60 fps. This higher frame rate provided by the Sony A77 results in smoother and more fluid video recordings, particularly beneficial for capturing fast-moving subjects or creating slow-motion effects. Additionally, the Sony A77 offers a wider range of video recording options, including the ability to record in AVCHD and XAVC S formats, providing greater flexibility for professional videographers.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
When it comes to build quality and ergonomics, both the Canon 70D and Sony A77 are well-constructed cameras with durable bodies. The Canon 70D features a magnesium alloy body, while the Sony A77 utilizes a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate. Both cameras offer weather-sealed construction, ensuring protection against dust and moisture, making them suitable for outdoor photography in challenging conditions. In terms of ergonomics, the Canon 70D’s grip is generally regarded as more comfortable and secure, particularly for photographers with larger hands. The Sony A77, while still comfortable to hold, may feel somewhat cramped for individuals with larger hands.
Lens Selection and Compatibility
The availability of lenses is a crucial consideration for photographers seeking versatility and flexibility in their shooting. Canon and Sony offer extensive lens lineups, catering to a wide range of photographic needs. However, Canon’s EF and EF-S lens mount has a longer history and a wider selection of lenses compared to Sony’s E-mount. This extensive lens selection gives Canon users access to a vast array of options, including specialized lenses for various genres of photography. While Sony’s E-mount lens selection is growing rapidly, it may not yet match the sheer number of lenses available for Canon’s DSLR system.
Price and Value
The Canon 70D and Sony A77 occupy similar price ranges, making them attractive options for photographers seeking high-quality cameras without breaking the bank. However, the specific pricing may vary depending on factors such as the retailer, promotions, and bundled accessories. It’s important to compare prices from different sources and consider the value proposition of each camera, taking into account the features, performance, and lens selection that best align with your photographic needs and budget.
Final Thoughts: Unveiling the Ideal Choice for Your Photographic Journey
The Canon 70D and Sony A77 are both exceptional cameras, each possessing unique strengths and characteristics. The Canon 70D excels in low-light performance, continuous shooting speed, and ergonomic design. The Sony A77, on the other hand, offers higher resolution images, smoother video recording, and a wider range of video recording options. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on your individual preferences, shooting style, and budget. Consider the factors discussed in this comparison to determine which camera aligns best with your photographic goals and aspirations.
Questions We Hear a Lot
1. Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Canon 70D or Sony A77?
A: Both cameras offer excellent image quality, but the Sony A77 has a slightly higher resolution sensor, providing an advantage in terms of detail and sharpness. However, the Canon 70D’s larger pixel size contributes to improved low-light performance, resulting in reduced noise and better image quality in dimly lit conditions.
2. Q: Which camera has a faster autofocus system, the Canon 70D or Sony A77?
A: The Canon 70D’s 19-point all-cross-type autofocus system is generally regarded as faster and more accurate than the Sony A77’s 19-point autofocus system with 11 cross-type points. The Canon 70D’s autofocus system excels in both phase-detection and contrast-detection modes, making it suitable for a wide range of shooting scenarios.
3. Q: Which camera has better video recording capabilities, the Canon 70D or Sony A77?
A: The Sony A77 offers superior video recording capabilities compared to the Canon 70D. The Sony A77 can record Full HD video at 60 fps, providing smoother and more fluid video recordings. Additionally, the Sony A77 offers a wider range of video recording options, including the ability to record in AVCHD and XAVC S formats, providing greater flexibility for professional videographers.
