• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony A55 advantages over Nikon P7700

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.82 vs 1.90 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~0.90 vs 1.8 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    818 vs 191 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Less shutter lag
    0.22 vs 0.42 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    32 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon P7700 advantages over Sony A55

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $850 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Thinner
    50 mm vs 84 mm
    Thinner
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/4000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Much improved, sleeker camera design doesn't mimic the competition; Sharp 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen swivels to the side, letting you compose shots from difficult angles; Brighter lens performs better in low light; Fast burst mode; Full HD movies.

  • Some photographers will miss having an optical viewfinder; Slower autofocus and single-shot cycle times when capturing RAW images; Shallow buffer; No one-touch video button.

The Competition

Compared to Canon T2i

Sony A55
Canon T2i
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
Nikon P7700
Canon T2i
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $692
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A33

Sony A55
Sony A33
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Built-in GPS
  • $540
  • APS-C
Nikon P7700
Sony A33
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $540
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Sony A35

Sony A55
Sony A35
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Built-in GPS
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
Nikon P7700
Sony A35
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • $567
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Canon G16

Sony A55
Canon G16
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $499
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Nikon P7700
Canon G16
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $499
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Nikon P7800

Sony A55
Nikon P7800
  • $734
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Nikon P7700
Nikon P7800
  • $429
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Higher-res screen
  • $500
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
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