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Sony has concluded that it is time for the next stage, the next concept, of their 35mm full-frame Alpha cameras. As a result, the A7C has been created, and the “C” in the product name stands for “Compact.”
Aimed at a younger demographic than usual, the Sony Alpha 7C will be available in a new black and silver design (which Sony supplied us for evaluation) and a Limited Edition all-black version. In addition, the target age range is from the mid-20s to the mid-40s.
Sony Alpha 7C Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera - Silver (ILCE7C/S)
- World’s smallest and lightest1 full-frame camera
- Advanced 24.2MP2 Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
- 4K Movie3 w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning or crop and HDR4
- 15-stop5 dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO6 50 to 204,800
- World’s smallest and lightest1 full-frame camera
- Advanced 24.2MP2 Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
- 4K Movie3 w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning or crop and HDR4
- 15-stop5 dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO6 50 to 204,800
- 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage
- Video capture resolution: 2160p
According to Sony, the A7C is the first model of a fresh new range, priced similarly to the A7 III, and has specifications comparable to those of the A7 III.
Additionally, they have introduced a new retractable standard zoom kit lens for the A7C. It is called the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 and weighs only 167 grams. Despite its diminutive size, the company claims it provides superior image quality to the FE 28-70mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens that is typically included with the A7 III.
In the United Kingdom and the United States, the Sony A7C will be released in October 2020 at about £1899 / $1798 for the body itself, or £2150 / $2098 with the Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 kit lens.
Along with the Alpha 7C, there is also a new super-compact flashgun called the HVL-F28RM. This flashgun has a guide number of 28 and will retail for around £250 or $248 in the United Kingdom and the United States when it becomes available in November 2020.
Sony a7c Image Quality
During this evaluation, the Sony A7C captured photographs of exceptionally high quality.
The ISO range of the Alpha 7C is rather extensive and relatively useable, reaching up to 204800. Even ISO 102400 is acceptable for usage in an emergency. However, we would be hesitant to utilize the top option of ISO 204800. ISO 50-6400 has virtually no noise, while ISO 12800 and 25600 offer more than adequate images.
However, the RAW samples show precisely how much processing the camera performs by default since they are noisier at higher ISO levels than their JPEG counterparts and have fewer undesired color artifacts. This is because the RAW samples are processed more than the JPEG ones.
The efficient Dynamic Range Optimizer function may extract additional data from an image’s shadow and highlight sections without adding any noise or other artifacts that aren’t wanted.
The High Dynamic Range mode combines the results of two separate images taken at various exposures into a single image. The result is an image that has a higher dynamic range than what would be produced by a single photograph. However, it does yield some excellent effects even though it can only function with JPEGs and stationary subjects.
While the many Picture Effects enable you to create unique looks in a short amount of time, which would generally need you to spend a significant amount of time in the digital darkroom, the Creative Styles make it simple and quick to adjust the JPEG photos captured by the camera.
The night shot turned out well thanks to the camera’s maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and its Bulb mode, which allow lots of room for creative experimentation during nighttime shooting.
Sony a7c Specs
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Image ratio w h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 25 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.6 x 23.8 mm) |
| Sensor type | BSI-CMOS |
| Processor | BIONZ X |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-51200 (expands to 50-204800) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 204800 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| Image stabilization notes | 5-axis |
| CIPA image stabilization rating | 5 stop(s) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Extra fine, fine, standard |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.32)Raw (Sony ARW, 14-bit) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View. |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Digital zoom | Yes (2X) |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 693 |
| Lens mount | Sony E |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Screen/viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Fully articulated |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 921,600 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live View | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.59× |
| Viewfinder resolution | 2,360,000 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/8000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (via hot shoe) |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/160 sec |
| Drive modes | SingleContinuous (Hi+/Hi/Mid/Lo)Self-timer (Std/Cont.)Bracket (Single/Cont.)WB bracketDRO bracket |
| Continuous drive | 10.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedHighlight-weightedAverageSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | MPEG-4, XAVC S, H.264 |
| Modes | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (Micro HDMI) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11ac (dual-band) + Bluetooth + NFC |
| Remote control | Yes (via smartphone or Bluetooth) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-FZ100 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 740 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 509 g (1.12 lb / 17.95 oz) |
| Dimensions | 124 x 71 x 60 mm (4.88 x 2.8 x 2.36″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | Yes |
Sony a7c Conclusion
Sony Alpha 7C Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera - Silver (ILCE7C/S)
- World’s smallest and lightest1 full-frame camera
- Advanced 24.2MP2 Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
- 4K Movie3 w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning or crop and HDR4
- 15-stop5 dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO6 50 to 204,800
- World’s smallest and lightest1 full-frame camera
- Advanced 24.2MP2 Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
- 4K Movie3 w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning or crop and HDR4
- 15-stop5 dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO6 50 to 204,800
- 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage
- Video capture resolution: 2160p
The newly released Sony A7C is the world’s smallest and lightest 35mm full-frame camera. It was created by combining the full-frame A7 III and the APS-C A6600 cameras. And thus lies both its primary selling point and its Achilles heel – it is both an engineering wonder and a surprise already somewhat out-of-date in terms of its handling and specifications.
The “C” in the product name stands for “Compact,” and the Alpha 7C lives up to that designation. Somehow, the company managed to fit a full-frame sensor, an IBIS unit, and a new flip-out screen into a body that is marginally bigger than the A6600 and only 6 grams heavier.
If you’ve ever wished for a full-frame camera the same size as most APS-C models, the Sony Alpha 7C will not disappoint you; it is a technological tour-de-force in this respect. Likewise, you won’t be disappointed if you’ve ever desired a full-frame camera the same size as most APS-C models.
Sony a7c FAQs
Is A7C worth buying?
The Sony A7C provides excellent picture quality as well as advanced features in a form that is both compact and lightweight. However, whether or not it is worthwhile to purchase depends on the buyer’s specific requirements and preferences.
Why was the Sony A7C discontinued?
There will be no further production of the Sony A7C.
Does a7C crop in 4K?
In 4K video mode, the Sony A7C does, in fact, perform cropping.
Does Sony a7C shoot Raw?
Yes, the Sony A7C is capable of shooting in Raw format.
Is Sony A7C suitable for portraits?
Because of its high-resolution camera, sophisticated autofocus system, and exceptional picture clarity, the Sony A7C can be used for headshot photography.
Does Sony A7C have eye autofocus?
Yes, the Sony A7C comes equipped with a function called Eye AF (autofocus), which finds and follows the subject’s eye in order to achieve precise and clear focusing.
How long does A7C battery last?
The battery life of the Sony A7C can vary depending on several variables, but it has the potential to hold a charge for up to 740 photos.
Is Sony a7C good for landscape?
The Sony A7C has a high resolution, a wide dynamic range, and exceptional picture quality, making it an ideal camera for landscape photography.
Is Sony A7C suitable for wedding photography?
Because of its advanced autofocus system, good picture quality, and small size, the Sony A7C is an excellent choice for wedding photographs.
Does A7C have a touch screen?
The Sony A7C has a touchscreen monitor that enables users to navigate menus, select focus points, and trigger the shutter with their fingertips.
Is Sony A7C waterproof?
Although the Sony A7C is not watertight, it is weather-sealed and can withstand dampness and dust.
Does Sony A7C have animal eye AF?
The Sony A7C does come equipped with an animal Eye AF function that candy and monitors the eyes of specific animals in ordetoe precise targeting.
Does a7C have a rolling shutter?
When photographing subjects moving quickly or rotating the camera, the Sony A7C produces a rolling shutter effect.
Can a7C be a webcam?
The Sony A7C can be connected to a computer and used as a camera using a USB connection.
Is Sony A7c suitable for street photography?
Because of its small size, sophisticated autofocus system, and outstanding picture clarity, the Sony A7C is an excellent choice for taking photographs in urban environments.
Does Sony A7C have a touch focus?
The Sony A7C has a touch focus function that lets users zero in on a particular part of the picture simply by tapping the screen.
Can A7C use an APS-C lens?
Yes, you can mount APS-C lenses with a compression factor of 1.5x onto the Sony A7C.
Does A7C have bulb mode?
The Sony A7C has a bulb setting for taking extended exposures.
Does the Sony A7C have a headphone jack?
There is a port for headphones on the Sony A7C, so you can listen to music while you shoot.
Does A7C need a flash?
No, the Sony A7C does not require a flash; however, it comes with a built-in flash that can meet the fundamental illumination requirements.
Can I use Sony a7C while charging?
Yes, you can continue to use the Sony A7C even while it is being charged via a USB connection.
