Sony A77 replacement rumored to be announced early next year

Sony is rumored to release a successor for the SLT-A77 in the first weeks of 2014, trusted sources have revealed.

Sony will not abandon the DSLR market, despite the fact that it will ignore it this summer. At least a couple of cameras should have been released in mid-2013, but the company is looking to adopt a new strategy that will make its digital imaging business more successful.

The rumor mill has revealed that a replacement for the Sony A77 will become official in early 2014.

Sony A77 replacement coming at the beginning of 2014

Previously, we have determined that at least three A-mount cameras will be introduced in 2014, starting at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), an event which takes places in January.

According to inside sources, the Sony A77 replacement will be one of them. The device does not have a name yet, but it will be unveiled at the beginning of the year and CES 2014 is a safe bet.

People familiar with the matter have also confirmed that the camera will be based on mirrorless hardware, as Sony is ditching Single-Lens Translucent mirror technology.

Design will be somewhat different, but it will still look like a DSLR

It appears that Sony will keep the current form factor, as the camera will look pretty much like a DSLR. However, the exterior will suffer minor changes to suit the internal hardware, as well as to allow consumers to tell the difference between the old and the new.

Unfortunately, other specs and details are unknown for the time being. It is still too early to talk about the upcoming device, though more details will be revealed as we are approaching CES 2014.

A77 successor to come alongside mirrorless Sony full frame A-mount camera

The Sony A77 replacement will not be the sole shooter coming in early 2014. Gossip talk says that the APS-C apparatus will sit next to a full frame A-mount camera, too.

Both cameras will be based on mirrorless technology, as we are nearing the end of the SLT era.

Meanwhile, the current A77 features a 24.3-megapixel image sensor, ISO up to 25600, full HD video recording, OLED electronic viewfinder, image stabilization technology, and swiveling LCD screen.

Sony A77 is currently available at Amazon and Adorama for $898. Buying from the former retailer will get you a $200 discount when purchasing an 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens, as well.