- Nikon D7100
- Canon 70D
- Pentax K3
- Sony a77 II
In the end it was the Sony.
The camera itself.
Processing:
I would describe as very good. The robust housing is made of a magnesium alloy and plastic, which looks and feels gives a sophisticated look. The numerous buttons have a pleasant pressure point and are optimally arranged. The joystick with one hand, is selects the menus a bit strange.
The camera is lt. Manufacturers protected from dust and splashing water, but unlike the Pentax K 3 I would not take a chance on a place rain or sandstorm. The use at -10 degrees, seems to me at the Alpha as not backed up.
Features / Handling
Especially newcomers may familiarize themselves with a wide range of functions at the Alpha, the usability is quite more user-friendly and intuitive. To control the camera and its functions eventually, but you should deal intensively with the complex technique. For example, when the effective use of the AF module in conjunction with the rapid sequence mode. In short, as a mere opportunity clippers would be the A77 II completely oversized else - in other words, the wrong choice.
The camera is otherwise, just because of their weight, excellent grip in the hand. The bright electronic viewfinder (image stabilized when probing the shutter button) provides a clear view and shows how the selected settings affect the image. The function buttons allow direct access to the div. Operating options and also can be individually configured.
An "old friend" one meets with the 3 "large rotary / swivel screen. The resolution and view is very good with more than 1 million pixels, a touch function Sony has however omitted. As with the A77, the manufacturer on the slightly peculiar hinge mechanism, but works perfectly and allows the photographer to position the display as required, which also "Selfies" are not a problem. That's what he can be close and so is protected from scratches, I find a great thing.
Commend you for Sony, which can be used the excellent crafted Batteriegrif the predecessor model without restrictions on the A77 II. This contributes greatly to the ease of use of the camera. On the one hand, it provides the main function buttons / wheel and on the other hand are completely uncomplicated equipped with two batteries, prolonging the service life considerably. In addition, the thus located the camera perfectly in your hand, which also will benefit users with large hands. The only pity is that this does not charge the batteries in the grip.
Image Quality
Regarding the image quality is confirmed basically what some reviews have already reported: The sharpness and detail reproduction of images may inspire right of 50-400 ISO. Especially as the AF Here I make taking pictures with the Alpha the most fun, fast and extremely precise largely carries out his work. From ISO 800, however, then accesses the noise filter, by which the reproduction of detail suffers considerably and the almost infamous Sony watercolor effect in the photos is visible. Although the noise filter (in high ISO range) can be deactivated, but the results are especially on a Full HD screen rather sobering. The Kompromisformel, less noise for less detail has me at least not so convinced.
* What can you get out of the RAW data on quality yet, so far I could not test. My criticism therefore applies only to the JPEG recordings.
Video
The video mode is also equipped with numerous options and can shine with its continuous and rapid follow-AF, which is among the best what has to offer the APS-C segment. Full HD represents the Alpha with liquid 50 images. The image quality at Sun / light I like that, with regard to the sharpness and detail however is still clearly room for improvement. After all, are the camera, the video signal uncompressed and without loss of quality via the HDMI interface again.
Conclusion
The A77 II is in my view a good camera, one of the best discipline undoubtedly the fast AF with its div. Functions and rapid continuous shooting. There is actually Sony managed to beat direct competition a bargain and thus offer the potential customer a real selling point. In addition to the Top processing and the fairly high level of equipment, it is down to the lack of GPS module and the waiver of a touch screen, a thoroughly successful camera for ambitious amateur photographers. This one has to live just the most important criterion, the image quality from ISO 800 with losses, tarnishes the otherwise positive impression, of course, a little. But all in all, is it a camera that is my personal requirements / expectations most suited, so I also happy to recommend on the site.
Quality / processing: 4.5 / 5
Features: 4.5 / 5
Handling: 5/5
Speed: 5/5
Video quality: 4/5
Image quality: 4/5
Tested with: Tamron 70-300mm
Sony 18-135mm
