Sony Alpha a7c Mirrorless Digital Camera Review

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The Sony A7C appears to be mainly targeted toward vloggers and online content makers, i.e., the individuals who create all the videos we spend hours viewing daily on YouTube and Instagram. This is similar to how so many new cameras are being introduced.

According to Sony’s study, this group is looking for the strong performance of a full-frame sensor in a compact form factor (body). In addition, they want enhanced features to simplify their life when filming their newest masterpiece on the big screen.

The Sony A7C may be just what they’re searching for, as it squeezes a powerful full-frame sensor into a body far smaller than most competitors.

Sony 7c Mirrorless Camera

At its introduction, when it was first announced, Sony claimed it was the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera. However, read the fine print. You’ll discover that the Sony A7C is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera that accepts interchangeable lenses and features in-body image stabilization. Nonetheless, there’s no denying that the A7C is a remarkable piece of engineering.

This means it will be of interest to a broader number of people other than simply vloggers as a result of this. Among those who could be interested are hobbyists seeking a tiny camera to use as a second body or novices wishing to upgrade from a smartphone but who don’t want the size of a DSLR camera.

At the same time, due to the Sony A7C’s tiny size, several concessions had to be made to make it work. I spent some time with it to determine whether or not they are severe enough to be counted against it and whether it deserves a spot on our list of the best mirrorless cameras. Continue reading for a comprehensive evaluation of the Sony A7C.

Key specifications

  • 24MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor
  • Bionz X processor (same as in the a7 III)
  • ‘Real-time tracking’ AF system with a human head, face, eye, and animal recognition
  • Oversampled 4K video at up to 30p, including 8-bit S-Log and HLG
  • Continuous bursts at up to 10 fps
  • Fully articulating 921k-dot touchscreen
  • 2.36M-dot EVF with 0.59x mag.
  • Mic and headphone sockets
  • Dual-band, 2.4 and 5Ghz Wi-Fi
  • Large ‘Z-type’ battery, rated to 740 shots per charge

The Sony a7C is available at around $1799 (CAD 2399) or with the new collapsible 28-60mm F4-5.6 kit zoom for about $2099 (CAD 2699).

Sony a7C Release Date

With a starting price of $1,799 for the body-only version and a cost of $2,099 for the kit lens combination, the Sony A7C was announced in late 2020. However, in July 2021, such pricing was still in place when writing this article.

What’s new in Sony a7C, and how it compares with other cameras

The a7C’s basic specs share a significant deal in common with the current-generation a7 III. The most crucial distinction is the scale of the organization. Sony has updated its in-body stabilization technology to allow it to be housed in a considerably smaller package than it was previously.

Key takeaways:

  • Truly compact form factor
  • The Latest AF implementation is a big step up from the a7 III
  • Otherwise, broadly as capable as the a7 III
  • A fully articulating touchscreen is good, but touchscreen use is limited

What’s instantly noticeable about the Sony a7C is how similar the camera body is to that of Sony’s a6600 model, which is a good or bad thing depending on your point of view. According to Sony, the camera is the world’s most miniature interchangeable lens full-frame camera with in-body image stabilization, which is an awkward way of admitting that Sigma’s fp model is more petite.

Sony a7CSony a7 IIINikon Z6Panasonic S5
MSRP (body only)$1799$1999$1999$1999
Pixel count24MP24MP24MP24MP
Sensor techBSI-CMOSBSI-CMOSBSI-CMOSBSI-CMOS
AF systemOn-sensor PDAFOn-sensor PDAFOn-sensor PDAFDepth from Defocus
(Contrast Detection-based)
Image stabilization5-axis5-axis5-axis5-axis + sync with lens IS
CIPA ratingUp to 5EVUp to 5EVUp to 5EVUp to 6.5EV
Maximum frame rate10 fps10 fps12 fps
(12-bit Raw)
7 fps (AF-S)
5 fps (AF-C)
Flash Sync speed1/160 sec1/250 sec1/200 sec1/250 sec
High Res modeNoNoNoYes
Viewfinder
res/mag
2.36M dots/
0.59x
2.36M dots / 0.78x3.68M dots
/ 0.80x
2.36M dots / 0.74x
Rear screen0.92M-dot fully articulated touchscreen0.92M-dot tilting touchscreen2.1M-dot tilting touchscreen1.84M-dot fully articulated touchscreen
AF joystickNoYesYesYes
Top-plate settings displayNoNoYesNo
Video captureUHD 4K 24p
(full sensor)
UHD 4K 30p
(1.2x Crop)
UHD 4K 24p
(full sensor)
UHD 4K 30p
(1.2x Crop)
UHD 4K 30p
(full sensor)
UHD 4K 30p
(full sensor)
UHD 4K 60p
(1.5x Crop)
Log/HDR modesS-Log2 / 3 / HLG
8-bit
S-Log2 / 3 / HLG
8-bit
N-Log
10-bit (HDMI)
V-Log/V-Gamut
HLG
10-bit
Memory cardsSingle SDDual SDSingle XQDDual SD
Battery life (CIPA) LCD/EVF740 / 680710 / 610380 / 310440 / 470
USB-chargingYesYesYesYes
Dimensions124 x 71 x 59 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm134 x 101 x 68 mm133 x 97 x 82 mm
Weight (CIPA)509g650 g675 g714 g
Check Price Check Price Check Price Check Price

Sony A7C review: Design and controls

When it came to the A7C, Sony knew it would have to make some tough decisions since its 24MP full-frame sensor is identical to the one found in Sony’s flagship model, the A7 III, whose chassis is significantly smaller.

Its answer was to eliminate some controls, such as the front dial and the joystick (which, if you’re using the autofocus mode, allows you to adjust the focus point), and replace them with a touchscreen. Unfortunately, although you can set the AF point using the touchscreen, some people prefer the tactile feedback that comes with physical controls. In addition, unlike many full-frame cameras, it only has one memory card port – not a fatal defect, maybe, but one that will annoy certain users.

A further disadvantage of the Sony A7C is that it has a menu layout that is outdated when compared to the one that Sony launched with the A7S III camera. That’s a real shame, especially given the lack of controls.

There is a lot to appreciate about the design of the A7C. The fact that it is so compact is, without a doubt, the most striking feature – and it is tiny for a full-frame camera. I placed it next to my Sony A7R IV as a point of comparison, with the Sony A7C on the left of the photograph below.

In the top image, you can see the cameras from the rear, at an angle, and with their touch LCDs extended to their full length. The upper controls may be seen in the bottom image, which is a good representation. The A7C was equipped with the new 28-60mm kit lens, while the A7R IV was fitted with the 35mm f/1.8 prime lens. To give you a sense of the magnitude of each camera, I’ve included a 12-ounce Coke in the picture.)

Some additional appealing features about the Sony A7C are not limited to its small size.

Its unique features include a swiveling LCD that swings out from the camera like a camcorder, making it simpler to see what you’re recording in various situations.

Sony did a fantastic job designing the 28-60mm zoom lens for the A7C kit, which is tiny yet powerful. But, again, the marketing department at the company was challenging at work here, claiming that it was the “World’s smallest and lightest full-frame standard zoom lens,” which may very well be accurate given that it weighs only 5.8 ounces.

But it would be meaningless unless the camera was consistently competent, which it is: it performed an excellent job taking both images and video, with the quiet focusing system, in particular, standing out as particularly impressive.

However, the tiny eye-level viewfinder, a new development, did not appeal to me as much as the previous iterations of the feature. Although it boasts a high resolution of 2.36 million dots, the OLED EVF on the Sony a7R IV didn’t provide me the same level of comfort as the one on my Sony a7R IV. I can get used to it over time, but I’d prefer something more significant in space.

Sony A7C review: Body and handling

When it came to the Sony A7C, Sony knew it would have to make some tough decisions since its 24MP full-frame sensor is identical to the one found in Sony’s flagship model, the A7 III, and its chassis is significantly smaller.

Its answer was to eliminate some controls, such as the front dial and the joystick (which, if you’re using the autofocus mode, allows you to adjust the focus point), and replace them with a touchscreen. Unfortunately, although you can set the AF point using the touchscreen, some people prefer the tactile feedback that comes with physical controls. In addition, unlike many full-frame cameras, it only has one memory card port – not a fatal defect, maybe, but one that will annoy specific users.

However, even though the a7C’s size is much smaller than those of prior a7 cameras, it retains virtually all the features of the a7 III. On the other hand, the reduced size brings certain modifications to the ergonomics and shooting experience.

Key takeaways:

  • Monocoque construction lends an excellent feel
  • The grip is shallower than other Sony full-frame models but not uncomfortable
  • Three dials, but you use your thumb for all of them
  • No AF joystick, but touchpad AF makes up for this somewhat
  • EVF is on the small side
  • Truly excellent battery life

Although it appears pretty similar to an a6000-series camera, the Sony a7C feels incredibly robust in a manner comparable cameras do not. As described by Sony, a magnesium alloy monocoque is a single-piece chassis and shell similar to what automobile manufacturers in the United States would call a ‘unibody’ structure. This guarantees no flex or giving in to the camera at any point. It also implies that there will be fewer body seams to seal against the weather due to this.

Compared to more recent Sony a7 models, the grip is noticeably shallower. However, if you place your index finger on the shutter button and then wrap the rest of your fingers around the grip, you should find that it settles comfortably and securely with your hand at 45 degrees to your camera, eliminating the need to wrap all of your fingers around the grip’s front.

A further disadvantage of the Sony A7C is that it has a menu layout that is outdated when compared to the one that Sony launched with the A7S III camera. That’s a real shame, especially given the lack of controls.

There is a lot to appreciate about the design of the A7C. The fact that it is so compact is, without a doubt, the most striking feature – and it is tiny for a full-frame camera. I placed it next to my Sony A7R IV as a point of comparison, with the A7C on the left of the photograph below.

In the top image, you can see the cameras from the rear, at an angle, and with their touch LCDs extended to their full length. The upper controls may be seen in the bottom image, which is a good representation. The A7C was equipped with the new 28-60mm kit lens, while the A7R IV was fitted with the 35mm f/1.8 prime lens. To give you a sense of the magnitude of each camera, I’ve included a 12-ounce Coke in the picture.)

Several additional appealing features about the Sony A7C are not limited to its small size.

Its unique features include a swiveling LCD that swings out from the camera like a camcorder, making it simpler to see what you’re recording in various situations.

Sony did a fantastic job designing the 28-60mm zoom lens for the A7C kit, which is tiny yet powerful. But, again, the marketing department at the company was challenging at work here, claiming that it was the “World’s smallest and lightest full-frame standard zoom lens,” which may very well be accurate given that it weighs only 5.8 ounces.

But it would be meaningless unless the camera was consistently competent, which it is: it performed an excellent job taking both images and video, with the quiet focusing system, in particular, standing out as particularly impressive.

However, the tiny eye-level viewfinder, a new development, did not appeal to me as much as the previous iterations of the feature. Although it boasts a high resolution of 2.36 million dots, the OLED EVF on the Sony a7R IV didn’t provide me the same level of comfort as the one on my Sony a7R IV. I can get used to it over time, but I’d prefer something more significant in space.

Sony A7C review: Image quality and video

About overall picture quality, the Sony Alpha A7C captures amazing photos very well in intense light circumstances and under normal shooting conditions — which is no less than you’d expect from a full-frame camera for about $2000.

Whether I was shooting in direct sunshine or on a cloudy day, the A7C’s 24MP sensor delivered photos with a wide dynamic range and precise, crisp details, regardless of lighting conditions.

I loved that it could record 10 frames per second in burst mode, using the shutter or quietly, and has an excellent focusing system. Among the features I like is that you can access many of the same flexible AF modes you would find on other Sony Alpha full-frame cameras, such as Real-time Eye AF (which can be set for animals).

The development of new versions of Sony’s integrated technology was required to reduce the body’s size. For example, they had to develop a new IBIS system, which I thought performed just as well as the systems used in other cameras. They also had to create a unique small shutter device, which was functional as predicted.

It doesn’t become as hot as most other cameras in low light, though. So increasing the ISO works OK up to a point around ISO 12,800. However, beyond that, you’ll start to notice some picture noise appear. This, in turn, will soften sharpness a little while also adding some colored noise into the image, which will hurt image quality.

Given the Sony A7C’s intended demographic, it is a touch underpowered regarding video performance in several areas. For example, while it can film in 4K, it can only do so at a maximum frame rate of 30 frames per second, and it only does so in a cropped format; you’ll have to switch to 24p to obtain full-width footage. There is also no 10-bit recording available – the highest resolution available is 8-bit.

It only suffers when compared to more costly full-frame versions, and the footage it captures is in no way inferior — in fact, it’s crisp and clear. In this case, too, the high-quality autofocus is beneficial.

Key takeaways:

  • Image quality is excellent in both JPEG and Raw shooting
  • The camera uses an electronic first curtain shutter, which can damage out-of-focus rendering at very high shutter speeds with wide-aperture lenses (appears fine at F1.8, 1/4000 sec)
  • Clumsy Raw compression means you must shoot large, uncompressed Raw files to exploit the camera’s full dynamic range.
  • Uncompressed files have plenty of dynamic range, letting you shoot in difficult lighting conditions.

The a7C can shoot 4K video in 24p resolution from the entire width of the sensor and 30p resolution from a small sensor’s Crop. The camera has headphones and microphone connectors to aid in capturing clear audio and zebra markings to help set and maintain exposure. Furthermore, focus peaking is available to assist in establishing and maintaining focus, although autofocus is typically reliable enough to rely on.

In movie mode, you’ll see a distinct set of Fn menu choices that you may configure and a different set of Fn button assignments than usual. However, the most critical parameters, including exposure, white balance, and color mode, are carried over from the stills to the video capture mode without modification. Because you’re likely to have to alter many settings each time you go between the two ways of shooting, switching between them can be time-consuming. Most of the Sony a7C’s competitors do a better job of allowing you to distinguish between the two.

Because all video is 8-bit, grading options are limited, even if you record in one of the camera’s Log modes (which can be accessed through the camera’s “Picture Profiles” menu). However, there will be more options available for dedicated videographers to color grade their film due to this.

The a7C’s 4K footage, shot at 24 frames per second, is the most detailed available; however, it also has the greatest rolling shutter, which means that quick movement by the camera or subject might seem skewed or warped when the film is played back. This is less of an issue in 30p mode, but because it applies a 1.2x reduction, it is more challenging to get wide-angle images (especially with the kit zoom, which already does not stretch very far). In addition, 1080p video is soft and prone to aliasing. Therefore, this is not recommended for professional use.

Sony A7C review: Battery Life / Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & NFC

The Sony A7C has the same high-capacity battery, the NP-FZ100 from Sony, as the company’s other Alpha cameras. As a result, it has a CIPA rating of 740 shots per charge when using the LCD and 680 shots per charge when using the EVF in this situation.

It also has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC capabilities, making it an excellent choice for those who want to connect wirelessly. Moreover, you can quickly transfer photos to your smartphone because it can operate at both 2.4 and 5 gigahertz frequencies. Finally, for those searching for professional-level connectivity, the A7C may transmit files through FTP across wired and wireless LAN connections and tether a computer or smartphone by USB.

Sony A7C review: Conclusion

People with larger hands will, I’m sure, find the A7C’s remote controls to be a hindrance, as would those with smaller hands. However, I am confident that most people will appreciate being able to carry something that is not as hefty as the usual full-frame camera. Or, more accurately, something that is far lighter than virtually any other full-frame camera.

While its tiny size necessitates certain concessions, most notably the absence of several controls available on larger Sony Alpha cameras, I found the A7C perfect enough for most jobs I put it through.

In exchange for its compact design, the Sony a7C sacrifices only a few functions to attain its tiny size. Although its image quality and excellent autofocus are great, its small viewfinder detracts a little from the shooting experience. Although its video and menus aren’t as sophisticated as its competitors, its compactness and battery life make it a formidable combo.

Most significantly, the image quality and focusing performance are outstanding – there’s much to appreciate about this camera overall. The Sony A7C isn’t exactly inexpensive, but if you’re seeking full-frame performance in a small package, it should be at the top of your wish list.

What others say about Sony A7C

Overall, the Sony A7C is still a great camera for stills and video which offers all the benefits of a full-frame sensor in a compact and light body.

DSLRCameraSearch

Alternatively, you might spend a few hundred dollars extra and get the Canon R6, Panasonic S5, or Nikon Z6 II. If you’re interested in both video and photography and have the necessary funds, I believe all of them are superior options. In the end, though, Sony’s primary competitor is the Sony A7 III, which is particularly strong in the photography department. Personally, I’d like to use the camera only for the purpose of handling things. The A7C, on the other hand, is a fantastic alternative if you prefer something smaller, a little better at vlogging, and with more advanced focusing capabilities.

GoodProductReview

Overall, the verdict on the Sony A7C is straightforward: if you haven’t already gotten used to the ergonomics of a Sony A7 III and have grown fond of them, let alone an A7R IV or A9/A1, you will likely be very pleased with the way the A7C feels in your hand, and you will only experience moderate frustration if you do a lot of button/dial customization and are used to having one or two additional Fn/C buttons.

eDigitalReviews

The A7C is not a cheap camera, with a starting price of $1,800. It is a lower-cost full-frame camera, which makes it somewhat more accessible to enthusiasts and people who are just getting started in the photography industry. However, it is not as competitively priced as the Nikon Z5 or the Canon EOS RP.

It’s true that the A7C is also a “parts bin” camera, essentially a smaller version of the A7 III from 2018, but those components have been proved, so it doesn’t take away from the A7C’s allure in our opinion.

10BestCameras

The Sony a7C is a slimmed down, full-frame camera built for travel, but its small size limits its versatility, and some aspects feel a little dated.

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Sony A7C Price and availability best Sony A7C deals

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