Sony Alpha a77 II DSLR Camera Body, Black {24.3MP}

Sony a77 II: the A-mount APS-C body built for speed.

The a77 II centers its identity on two specs: 79 phase-detect AF points and 12 fps continuous burst shooting with continuous AF active. That combination, paired with a 24.3MP Exmor CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor, made this Sony's definitive A-mount sports and action body when it launched, and the formula holds up. The 79-point system covers roughly 40% of the frame, and in single-point AF-C mode it tracks moving subjects with real reliability. Field testing at basketball games confirmed what the specs suggest: very few missed frames at 8 fps, where you retain full manual control over aperture and shutter speed.

The fully articulated 3-inch WhiteMagic LCD is a genuine field tool, not an afterthought. Shooting from ground level, overhead, or any awkward angle becomes practical than painful. The electronic viewfinder delivers 2.36 million dots at 100% coverage with 1.09x magnification, putting it on par optically with full-frame OVFs from competing systems. Sensor-shift image stabilization works with every lens in the Alpha mount lineup, which matters when you're pulling older glass off the shelf. Weather sealing rounds out a body that handles rough conditions without complaint. At ISO 100-3200, image quality is competitive with anything at this resolution; RAW files give you meaningful latitude in post even at the higher end of the range. For anyone already holding A-mount glass, this body is a straightforward path to serious burst performance.

Who It's For

Sports and sideline photographers get the most direct payoff from the 12 fps burst rate and 79-point AF system, particularly for predictable linear motion like track, cycling, or court sports where single-point AF-C stays locked. Wildlife photographers working with long A-mount telephotos benefit from in-body sensor-shift stabilization, since the system compensates regardless of which lens is mounted. Documentary and event shooters will rely on the fully articulated LCD for discreet low-angle or overhead framing without drawing attention. A-mount lens collectors or former Minolta system users can bring an existing glass collection into a modern 24.3MP body with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC without adapters or compromises.

Key Features

• 24.3MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor with Bionz X processor
• 79-point phase-detect AF system covering 40% of frame
• 12 fps continuous shooting with continuous AF; 8 fps in full manual control
• Sensor-shift image stabilization compatible with all Alpha mount lenses
• Electronic viewfinder with 2.36M dots, 100% coverage, 1.09x magnification
• 3-inch fully articulated WhiteMagic LCD with 1.23M-dot resolution
• ISO 100-25,600 (expandable to 51,200)
• Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and dual SD/Memory Stick card slots

FAQ

How does the a77 II perform for sports and action photography?

The 79-point AF system with 40% frame coverage and 12 fps burst mode make it competitive for fast action. Shoot in AF-C with a single flexible spot point for the best tracking reliability; lock-on AF gets confused with erratic subject movement. At 8 fps in manual exposure mode, you retain full aperture and shutter speed control, which most sports photographers prefer over the 12 fps mode that locks aperture at f/3.5.

What's the actual difference between 12 fps and 8 fps burst mode?

At 12 fps, the camera automatically sets aperture to f/3.5 and shutter speed (no manual control). At 8 fps in continuous shooting high mode, you keep full manual control over both. Most field testers prefer 8 fps for this reason alone, despite the 4 fps difference.

How does the fully articulated LCD screen actually help in practice?

It tilts, swivels, and folds out from the body, letting you shoot from ground level, overhead, or any awkward angle without contorting yourself. This is a genuine advantage over fixed-screen competitors, especially for low-angle work.

What's the low-light performance like compared to newer cameras?

It handles ISO 3200 reliably in JPEGs. Beyond ISO 6400, JPEGs get mushy from aggressive noise reduction; RAW files give you more latitude for recovery in post. The mirror in the optical path costs roughly a half-stop of light compared to mirrorless designs, which matters in very dark venues like concerts.

Can you use the a77 II's face detection and tracking reliably?

Face detection works well and tracks faces across the frame better than other objects. For general subject tracking (lock-on AF), the camera gets confused easily if the subject moves erratically or across the frame; it tends to hunt and jump focus distances unexpectedly. Keep AF-C on a single point for consistent results.

What about that electronic viewfinder-how does it compare to optical?

2.36 million dots, 100% coverage, 1.09x magnification, and OLED technology. It's one of the largest and brightest EVFs you'll find, optically on par with full-frame optical viewfinders in competing DSLRs.

Does sensor-shift image stabilization work with old lenses?

Yes, it works with every Alpha mount lens in the lineup. This gives you in-body stabilization even with legacy glass, which is useful for slower zooms and older primes.