Last Updated on March 31, 2021
There’s no shortage of cameras on the market today. But when you look closer, only a handful can really deliver in terms of performance, portability and design. One of these is the new Sony A7C, a full-frame camera that has all the good things about the A7 III—the sensor, autofocus system and processor—combined with the body like that of the A6600.
Video credit: Matti Haapoja
At $1,800, the Sony A7C is definitely an investment. But this small camera can offer you big things that make it worth every penny you spend:
Breaking the mold: The A7C
In 2013, Sony released the Alpha 7 and Alpha 7R that became the first full-frame mirrorless cameras in the world. Since then, eight full-frame cameras were launched under the Alpha line and they had almost the same design.
The Alpha A7C, however, broke the mold with a revolutionary new design that’s more compact for bringing around everywhere. But its small size doesn’t mean that the A7C cannot deliver in performance. In fact, you get all these amazing features with your purchase:
- The A7C (for Compact) features a rangefinder-style body that’s reminiscent of the APS-C Alpha 6100. Weighing just 509g and measuring 124x71x60mm, it’s almost the same size as the A7 III sans the viewfinder housing and up to 80% lighter. But Sony makes it clear that that A7C is not a replacement for the A7 III, but it’s a new model that’s part of the company’s full-frame series that’s designed for photography enthusiasts who want an upgrade from their mobile phones.
- The A7C has a 24-million-pixed BSI-CMOS sensor with an ISO 100-51,200 sensitivity range and an extended ISO setting of 50-204,800. You’ll also see the same BionZ X processor that’s used in the Alpha 7R IV that’s capable of shooting 8fps with live view between frames and 10fps with a 115-frame raw buffer. The smaller shutter unit may only be capable of 1/4000sec, but you can extend this top speed to 1/8000sec through silent mode.
- The A7C has a hybrid autofocus system with 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points organized across 93% of its frame. You also get to enjoy Sony’s AI-based autofocus features including Real-Time Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF. The A7C is capable of 5-stops stabilization, thanks to the IBIS unit that’s similar to the A7 III.
- The A7C looks strikingly similar to the A6000, but it’s actually quite different from the latter. For one, this camera features a magnesium alloy monocoque body that ensures its quality. It also has three dials—the rear of the grip, an exposure comp dial and a dial on the back plate—that can be controlled using your thumb.
- The A7C is capable of recording video at full HD for up to 120fps or 4K at up to 30fps. You also get Hybrid Log Gamma for a wider range of tones together with S-log for post-production purposes.
- The A7C is capable of both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities making it easier to share images to your mobile device through the Image Edge Mobile app. You can also use these features to turn your mobile device into a remote control for your camera.
The only downsides to using the A7C is that it has a smaller viewfinder that makes it challenging to see in bright light, a smaller handgrip that could pose a problem to some photographers who are used to bigger grips in other Sony models, a control layout that’s mostly controlled by the right thumb and a kit zoom that doesn’t fully maximize the benefits of having a full-frame sensor.
The verdict
For its price point, the Sony A7C camera isn’t the cheapest out there, but it’s still a worthwhile investment considering its features and portability. So, if you’re looking to move from just using your mobile device to take photographs, the Sony A7C is definitely a great choice for its big sensor and portable body.
