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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77

Discontinued

Reviewed

January 2009

by ConsumerSearch

Pros

3-inch LCD display
Touchscreen controls
Smile detection

Cons

So-so images
Touchscreen prone to smudging
Expensive

Where to Buy

for $586.99

Our Analysis
Specs
71 Amazon Reviews

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 ultracompact digital camera is a cheaper version of the Sony DSC-700 (*est. $350), lacking the latter's 4 GB of memory (15 MB, expandable) and having a slightly smaller (3-inch) LCD display. Neither are reviewers' top choice among ultracompacts -- the Canon PowerShot SD880 IS (*est. $250) gains that distinction. But the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 offers some cool options, like touchscreen controls (some dislike the smudge potential) and "smile detection" that automatically snaps a photo when the subject smiles. If you're a perfectionist, probably no ultracompact camera's image quality will satisfy you. Like all of them, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 gets mixed reviews in that regard, especially on indoor shots.

We found the best reviews at Imaging-Resource.com and Digital Camera Resource Page, though they're long and a bit technical. PC Magazine and Consumer Reports are geared to a more general audience, and we'd rank Consumer Reports' coverage higher if you didn't need a subscription to read it. There's a smallish sampling of owner reviews at Amazon.com, and remember every ultracompact gets criticism for image quality. Also, while some gripe about the T77's smudgy touchscreen, non-touchscreen ultracompacts get dissed for having tiny buttons.

Where To Buy

Sony Cybershot DSC-T77 Full HD 1080i, 10.1 MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Zoom with Super Steady Shot Image Stabilization (Black)
(71 reviews) Buy new: $299.99 21 Used & new from $69.95

Our Sources

1. Imaging-Resource.com

After extensive testing, Imaging Resource concludes the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 is a great deal for casual shooters who don't need flawless image quality. It's about $100 less than the DSC-T700 because it lacks the latter's 4 GB of memory (it has 15 MB) and it has a 3-inch LCD display instead of a 3.5-inch.

Review: Sony T77 Overview, Mike Pasini and Stephanie Boozer, Dec. 18, 2008

2. Digital Camera Resource Page

DCRP tests thoroughly and offers great detail. But while it calls the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 "average" and offers a list of alternatives, it doesn't rank them. Reviewer Jeff Keller says the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 is a good choice for those planning outdoor use, but it's not so hot indoors.

Review: DCRP Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77, Jeff Keller, Oct. 25, 2008

3. PCMag.com

PC Magazine puts the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 through lab and hands-on tests and rates it a four out of five. The images are impressive except for color fringing on the edges, the camera is slim but well built and the touchscreen is easier to use than most, says reviewer PJ Jacobowitz.

Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 Review, PJ Jacobowitz, Nov. 26, 2008

4. ConsumerReports.org

Consumer Reports ranks nine Sony cameras among the more than 60 digicams reviewed, including the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77. But you need a subscription to have access. Reviews are based on solid testing, but are shorter than credible free reports elsewhere.

Review: Digital Cameras, Editors of Consumer Reports

5. StevesDigicams.com

While this long review bizarrely leads with a Sony press release, there's plenty of testing and critical observations later. Unfortunately, cameras are not ranked against similar models. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 is praised for just about everything except price and performance indoors.

Review: Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 Review, Editors of Steve's Digicams, Dec. 31, 2008

6. Amazon.com

Only about 20 user reviews exist for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T77 at this writing, for a good average score. It's normal for small digicams to get some negative reviews for image quality, but most say it's good for the price. The touchscreen can get smudgy, some say.

Review: Sony Cybershot DSC-T77 10.1MP Digital Camera, Contributors to Amazon.com

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