A77 versus 70D. Or SLT tech versus on sensor phase detection.

On sensor phase detection is the future tech. The NEX-FF and mirrorless ILCE camera will rely on that. As you know the Canon 70D has likely the most advanced solution called “Dual Pixel CMOS sensor”. In that case On-sensor phase detect AF is available on every pixel and adopted for initial subject acquisition.

DxOmark (Click here) posted an interesting Canon 70D vs Sony A77 comparison to see if the Canon tech is as good as it sounds on paper. The full test video page can be seen here. These are some of their findings:

Autofocus accuracy on fast appearance
– In Bright light conditions the Sony AF system is faster
– In Low Light conditions the Sony SLT-A77 performed nearly as well as the Canon, despite only 30% of the light entering the mirror-box being used for AF in the Sony.

Autofocus accuracy for tracking
– In Bright light conditions the Canon EOS 70D is slightly slower as we’ve seen before, while the Sony SLT A77 reacts quickly but displays lens breathing (a change of angle of view during shifting of focus).
– In Low Light conditions the Canon EOS 70D is clearly the better at focusing of the two on test.

DxO conclusion is:

For video enthusiasts, this camera is one of the best choices available on the market currently and at least is a viable option to the entirely likeable and very capable Sony SLT models.

Overall the A77 proves to be a better performer in normal shooting conditions and shows it’s limits only when it gets…dark. Note that the Canon 70D is a brand new camera that also costs $300 more than the two year old A77. It will be interesting to see how the soon to be announced NEX-FF and ILCE7/9 cameras will perform with their new on sensor phase detection tech.