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

Sony SLT-A77: Translucent mirror tech meets 12fps burst shooting

The A77 was Sony's flagship APS-C body when it launched, and the core engineering still holds up. Translucent Mirror Technology keeps the autofocus system active during continuous shooting, which is how Sony extracted 12 fps from a 24MP sensor without compromising AF tracking. The 19-point phase-detection system runs continuously off that fixed mirror, so focus doesn't drop between frames the way it can on a conventional reflex design. That 1/8000 sec maximum shutter speed gives you room to shoot wide open in bright light without neutral density filters.

The 2,359,000-dot electronic viewfinder offers 100% coverage with 1.1x magnification, and because it's pulling from the live sensor feed, you see exposure changes in real time before you fire. The fully articulated 3-inch LCD at 921,000 dots handles low-angle and overhead work without contortion. Sensor-shift stabilization works with any Alpha-mount glass, including older Minolta lenses, which makes the A77 a logical body for shooters already invested in that mount. Built-in GPS tags every frame with location data automatically, with no external accessory required. At 24MP on an APS-C sensor with weather sealing and a 470-shot battery rating, this is a proven working tool that still earns its place in a bag.

Who It's For

Sports and action shooters who need phase-detect AF to hold through a burst will find the 12 fps rate and continuous tracking useful for fast-moving subjects. Travel photographers benefit from built-in GPS for automatic geotag logging and the fully articulated LCD for shooting in constrained spaces. Studio and landscape photographers working with older Minolta Alpha glass get in-body stabilization on every lens in that system. Photojournalists or event shooters who need weather sealing without stepping up to full frame will appreciate the dust and moisture resistant body paired with a 24MP file for cropping latitude.

Key Features

• 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Bionz processor
• 12fps burst shooting with continuous phase-detection AF
• 19-point autofocus system active during continuous capture
• 1/8000 sec maximum shutter speed, 1/30 sec minimum
• 2,359,000-dot electronic viewfinder with 100% coverage
• Fully articulated 3-inch LCD with 921,000 dots
• Sensor-shift stabilization works with any Alpha-mount lens
• Built-in GPS geotags every frame automatically
• Dust and moisture resistant body with weather sealing
• ISO 100-16,000 standard, expanded to 50-25,600
• 1080p video at 60fps in AVCHD or H.264

FAQ

Does the A77 keep autofocus during continuous shooting?

Yes. The translucent mirror stays fixed, so the phase-detection AF system runs continuously off the live sensor feed without interruption between frames. This is how Sony achieved 12 fps burst with reliable AF tracking.

What's the viewfinder experience like?

The electronic viewfinder shows the actual sensor output at 100% coverage with 1.1x magnification and 2,359,000 dots. You see exposure changes in real time before you fire, which takes adjustment if you're coming from an optical finder but gives you full information.

Can I use old Minolta lenses on this body?

Yes. The A77 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, so it accepts any Alpha-mount glass including legacy Minolta AF lenses. Sensor-shift stabilization works with all of them.

How does the LCD screen flip and articulate?

The 3-inch, 921,000-dot screen is fully articulated, so it rotates and tilts for low-angle and overhead shooting without a tripod or contortion. It's not a touchscreen.

What's the battery life rating?

470 shots per charge (CIPA standard) with the included NP-FM500H battery. Real-world performance depends on how much you use the electronic viewfinder and live view.

Does it have built-in GPS?

Yes. GPS tags every frame with location data automatically. No external module needed.

What video formats and frame rates does it shoot?

1920x1080 at 60 or 24 fps, 1440x1080 at 30 fps, and 640x424 at 29.97 fps in AVCHD or H.264. Stereo microphone input is built in.