Canon G5 X vs Sony A77 II

The Canon PowerShot G5 X and the Sony Alpha SLT-A77 II are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2015 and May 2014. The G5X is a fixed lens compact, while the A77 II is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an one-inch (G5X) and an APS-C (A77 II) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon G5 X		Sony A77 II
Fixed lens compact camera		Digital single lens reflex
24-100mm f/1.8-2.8		Sony A mount lenses
20 MP, 1" Sensor		24 MP, APS-C Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 125-12,800 (125 - 25,600)		ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 51,200)
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.0 LCD, 1229k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Fully flexible screen (no touchscreen)
5.9 shutter flaps per second		12 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilization		In-body stabilization
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
210 shots per battery charge		480 shots per battery charge
112 x 76 x 44 mm, 353 g		143 x 104 x 81 mm, 647 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G5 X and the Sony Alpha SLT-A77 II? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Canon G5 X and the Sony A77 II are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A77 II is considerably larger (75 percent) than the Canon G5 X. It is noteworthy in this context that the A77 II is splash and dust-proof, while the G5X does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G5X has a lens built in, whereas the A77 II is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the G5X gets 210 shots out of its NB-13L battery, while the A77 II can take 480 images on a single charge of its NP-FM500H power pack. The power pack in the G5X can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon G5 X	112 mm	76 mm	44 mm	353 g	210	n	Oct 2015	799
2.		Sony A77 II	143 mm	104 mm	81 mm	647 g	480	Y	May 2014	1,199
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	111 mm	61 mm	46 mm	340 g	230	n	Jul 2019	899
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	105 mm	61 mm	41 mm	304 g	235	n	Jul 2019	749
5.		Canon M6	112 mm	68 mm	45 mm	390 g	295	n	Feb 2017	779
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699
7.		Canon M5	116 mm	89 mm	61 mm	427 g	295	n	Sep 2016	979
8.		Canon SX420	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	195	n	Jan 2016	299
9.		Canon G3 X	123 mm	77 mm	105 mm	733 g	300	Y	Jun 2015	999
10.		Canon M3	111 mm	68 mm	44 mm	366 g	250	n	Feb 2015	679
11.		Canon SX410	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	185	n	Feb 2015	279
12.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699
13.		Nikon D7200	136 mm	107 mm	76 mm	765 g	1110	Y	Mar 2015	1,199
14.		Sony A68	143 mm	104 mm	81 mm	610 g	540	n	Nov 2015	699
15.		Sony A7 II	127 mm	96 mm	60 mm	599 g	350	Y	Nov 2014	1,999
16.		Sony RX100 III	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	290 g	320	n	May 2014	799
17.		Sony A77	143 mm	104 mm	81 mm	732 g	470	Y	Aug 2011	1,399
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The G5X was launched at a lower price than the A77 II, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G5 X features an one-inch sensor and the Sony A77 II an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the A77 II is 216 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 24MP, the A77 II offers a higher resolution than the G5X (20MP), but the A77 II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.91μm versus 2.41μm for the G5X) due to its larger sensor. However, the G5X is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 5 months) than the A77 II, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A77 II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A77 II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G5 X are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot G5 X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 125-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha SLT-A77 II are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-51200.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon G5 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
2.		Sony A77 II	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Canon M6	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
7.		Canon M5	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.4	12.4	1262	77
8.		Canon SX420	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/25p	..	..	..	..
9.		Canon G3 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.4	12.3	521	63
10.		Canon M3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.8	11.8	1169	72
11.		Canon SX410	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/30p	..	..	..	..
12.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556	71
13.		Nikon D7200	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.5	14.6	1333	87
14.		Sony A68	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60i	24.1	13.5	701	79
15.		Sony A7 II	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.9	13.6	2449	90
16.		Sony RX100 III	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	22.4	12.3	495	67
17.		Sony A77	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.0	13.2	801	78

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the G5X offers a slightly higher resolution than the one in the A77 II (2360k vs 2359k dots). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Canon G5 X, the Sony A77 II, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon G5 X	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
2.		Sony A77 II	2359	Y	3.0 / 1229	full-flex	n	1/8000s	12.0	Y	Y
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	30	Y	Y
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	30	Y	Y
5.		Canon M6	optional	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	9.0	Y	n
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	8.0	Y	Y
7.		Canon M5	2360	n	3.2 / 1620	tilting	Y	1/4000s	9.0	Y	n
8.		Canon SX420	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5	Y	Y
9.		Canon G3 X	optional	n	3.2 / 1620	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
10.		Canon M3	optional	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.2	Y	n
11.		Canon SX410	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5	Y	Y
12.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5	Y	Y
13.		Nikon D7200	optical	Y	3.2 / 1229	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0	Y	n
14.		Sony A68	1440	Y	2.7 / 460	tilting	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
15.		Sony A7 II	2400	n	3.0 / 1230	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y
16.		Sony RX100 III	1440	n	3.0 / 1229	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y
17.		Sony A77	2359	Y	3.0 / 921	full-flex	n	1/8000s	12.0	Y	Y

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The G5X has a touchscreen, while the A77 II has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The Canon G5 X has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The G5X writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A77 II uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G5 X and Sony Alpha SLT-A77 II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon G5 X	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Sony A77 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	-	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
5.		Canon M6	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
7.		Canon M5	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
8.		Canon SX420	-	mono / mono	-	-	-	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon G3 X	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon M3	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Canon SX410	-	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
13.		Nikon D7200	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Sony A68	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Sony A7 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony RX100 III	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony A77	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the A77 II has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The G5X does not feature such a mic input.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Sony A77 II (unlike the G5X) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The A77 II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the G5X has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the G5X was succeeded by the Canon G5 X Mark II. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Sony websites.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Canon G5 X or the Sony A77 II – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G5 X:

• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the A77 II requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (112x76mm vs 143x104mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the A77 II).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 5 months after the A77 II).

Arguments in favor of the Sony Alpha SLT-A77 II:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 20MP), which boosts linear resolution by 10%.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1229k vs 1040k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 5.9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (480 versus 210) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in May 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A77 II is the clear winner of the contest (15 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G5 X and the Sony A77 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the G5X or the A77 II. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon G5 X	5/5	+ +	..	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799
2.		Sony A77 II	4/5	..	..	80/100	4.5/5	5/5	May 2014	1,199
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	4/5	+	4/5	82/100	..	4/5	Jul 2019	899
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	..	+ +	4/5	81/100	4/5	..	Jul 2019	749
5.		Canon M6	..	..	..	80/100	4/5	4/5	Feb 2017	779
6.		Canon G7 X Mark II	4.5/5	+ +	..	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699
7.		Canon M5	4/5	+	4/5	82/100	4/5	4/5	Sep 2016	979
8.		Canon SX420	..	..	..	..	..	3/5	Jan 2016	299
9.		Canon G3 X	3.5/5	+	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2015	999
10.		Canon M3	4/5	o	..	75/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2015	679
11.		Canon SX410	..	o	..	..	..	..	Feb 2015	279
12.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699
13.		Nikon D7200	4/5	+ +	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2015	1,199
14.		Sony A68	3/5	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Nov 2015	699
15.		Sony A7 II	5/5	+	4/5	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	Nov 2014	1,999
16.		Sony RX100 III	5/5	+ +	..	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	May 2014	799
17.		Sony A77	5/5	91/100	..	81/100	..	5/5	Aug 2011	1,399
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Canon G5 X vs Sony A77 II

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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