Here we are comparing the Sony A7c and A9, both mirrorless cameras. However, the Sony Alpha A7c is a camera in the Advanced Mirrorless class, whereas the Sony Alpha A9 is in the Pro Mirrorless class.
The Sony A7c will be released in September 2020, while the Sony A9 will be released in April of the following year. In this case, A9 is three years older than A7c, as you can see. So let’s see if the age difference between the two cameras significantly impacts their performance.
The Sony a7C and Sony Alpha A9 are both high-end full-frame mirrorless cameras, and they are designed for different purposes. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two cameras:
Image sensor: Both cameras have a full-frame image sensor (24.2 megapixels for the a7C and 24.2 megapixels for the Alpha A9), but the Alpha A9 has a faster readout speed and better image processing capabilities, which result in improved image quality and faster continuous shooting speeds.
Autofocus: The Sony Alpha A9 has an advanced autofocus system, with 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points covering 93% of the image sensor. The a7C has a more basic autofocus system, with 567 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points, which covers 84% of the image sensor. The Alpha A9’s autofocus system is faster, more accurate, and better suited for fast-moving subjects.
Burst shooting: The Sony Alpha A9 can continuously shoot up to 20 fps with no blackout, making it an excellent choice for sports and action photographers. The a7C can continuously shoot up to 10 fps with the mechanical or electronic shutter and eight fps with the mechanical shutter.
Video recording: Both cameras can record 4K video, but the Sony Alpha A9 has a more advanced video feature set, including full-pixel readout and better image stabilizer, compared to the a7C. The Alpha A9 also has a higher frame rate for slow-motion video recording.
Ergonomics: The Sony Alpha A9 is a larger and heavier camera than the a7C, but it has a more substantial grip and more controls. The a7C is a more compact and lightweight camera, making it easier to carry and handle.
Lens options: Both cameras are compatible with Sony’s E-mount lens system. The Sony E-mount system has a wide range of lens options, including high-quality prime, zoom, and special-purpose lenses.
Price: The Sony Alpha A9 is more expensive than the a7C, making it less accessible to budget-conscious photographers.
Battery life: The Sony Alpha A9 has a longer battery life compared to the a7C, which makes it more suitable for extended shooting sessions.
Key Specifications
Sony A7c Key Specs
- Announcement Date: 2020-09-14
- 24MP – Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 51200 ( expands to 50 – 204800)
- Sony E-Mount
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 3.00″ Fully articulated Screen
- 2360k Electronic dot viewfinder
- 10.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 video resolution
- 120fps High-Speed Video
- Built-in Wireless
- 509g. 124 x 71 x 60 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
Sony A9 Key Specs
- Announcement Date: 2017-04-19
- 24MP – Full frame BSI-CMOS Sensor
- ISO 100 – 51200 ( expands to 50 – 204800)
- Sony E Mount
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 3.00″ Tilting Screen
- 3686k dot Electronic viewfinder
- 20.0fps continuous shooting
- 4K (UHD) – 3840 x 2160 video resolution
- 120fps High-Speed Video
- Built-in Wireless
- 673g. 127 x 96 x 63 mm
- Weather Sealed Body
Raw (Sony ARW, 14-bit)
Raw (Sony ARW)
In conclusion, the Sony a7C and Sony Alpha A9 are high-end full-frame mirrorless cameras, but they are designed for different types of photographers. The a7C is optimized for travel and street photographers who value compactness and versatility, while the Alpha A9 is optimized for sports and action photographers who love speed and accuracy. If you’re looking for a general-purpose full-frame camera that can handle both photography and videography applications, the a7C might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a specialized full-frame camera for fast-moving subjects, the Alpha A9 might be the better choice.