• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 16,000
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 765.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A77 advantages over Nikon L830

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 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
    ~ 3.95 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 16.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.6 fps vs 6.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    17 vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    16000 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon L830 advantages over Sony A77

  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 680 vs 530 shots
    Capture more photos
  • 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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • 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
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • 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

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A77

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon L830

Review Excerpt

  • Very fast top frame rate; full-time phase-detect autofocus; Full 60p HD video; Excellent kit lens; Very good high-resolution sensor.

  • Heavy; EVF appears dim when used in bright light; AF tracking in Movie mode was unreliable in our testing.

The Competition

Compared to Canon 7D

Sony A77
Canon 7D
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Nikon L830
Canon 7D
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $1499
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compared to Samsung WB2100

Sony A77
Samsung WB2100
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Thinner
Nikon L830
Samsung WB2100
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $450
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Manual focus

Compared to Canon 70D

Sony A77
Canon 70D
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
Nikon L830
Canon 70D
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $999
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compared to Sony A77 II

Sony A77
Sony A77 II
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Nikon L830
Sony A77 II
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking

Compared to Nikon L840

Sony A77
Nikon L840
  • $1899
  • APS-C
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Focus peaking
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Nikon L830
Nikon L840
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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