A Sony A7 Made Compact For Under 2K

How do you make an industry-leading full-frame mirrorless camera even better? Make it compact, of course. Well, that’s precisely what Sony did for the release of the A7C – a compact full-frame mirrorless camera for under two-grand. By far the smallest model in its Alpha range, this new addition to the family adopts portability without losing the same trailblazing standards that made the first A7 so groundbreaking.

At USD$3,499.99 for just the A7S III body itself, US$2099 for an A7C and Sony’s 28-60mm zoom lens is one hell of an improvement in pricing. Bringing full-frame power to a compact size at nearly half the price? Sign me up. Even legendary YouTube camera reviewer Kai W was surprised by the announcement. While he finds the entire range of A7’s somewhat confusing (there are a lot of letters and editions), he like me see’s this new model as the entry-level A7 – he says cheap, I say consumer-focused. Fashioned to become the most compact, lightweight, and portable camera on the market, without compromising on the actual full-frame camera performance. The Sony A7C has surpassed its goal of outperforming “similar-sized APS-C interchangeable-lens cameras” thanks to full-frame imaging and superior light collection. Unlike the sensor inside a smartphone or compact digital camera, you won’t have to rely on software trickery to capture a spectacular image for both stills and movies.

Measuring in at 124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm, this camera weighs only 509g. Packing a 24.2-megapixel full-frame sensor alongside in-body image stabilization, plus a standard ISO range of up to 51,200, this camera packs a hell of a photographic punch. Shooting up to 10fps with auto exposure in addition to 4K video recording at 30fps and 1080p at 120fps, it’s arsenal is well-equipped to handle even the most creative brief. But if 4K isn’t enough, thanks to its full-pixel readout, the A7C is capable of oversampling equivalent to 6K recording, for clean images. There’s also support for S-Log3 support for capturing 14 stops of wide dynamic range—an incredible feature for making post-production as creative as the shoot. Video is one area where the A7C truly excels. Despite having similar specs to its bigger brother the A7S, where this compact version truly shines is in its thermals. Less likely to overheat during long shoots, and without a recording limit, the A7C is the little engine that keeps on keeping on. Perfect for sports photographers as well, the A7C shares its sensor with Sony’s acclaimed A9. Bringing a total of 693 phase-detection AF points, covering approximately 93% of the image area. When combined with Sony’s newly developed kit lens, it is “the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera system.” However, not everything has to do with what’s on the inside. Camera aesthetics and ergonomics really matter when it comes to getting the perfect shot. With this in mind, some may or may not enjoy Sony pushing the electronic viewfinder to the top left corner, rangefinder-style. Those unfamiliar with this class of traditional film cameras may miss the centrality of the full-size A7. But at least the camera won’t cover your entire face.

Another significant change comes in the articulating screen, which now offers even more flexible operation during use. Making its debut on the brand new A7S III, the A7C also receives what has essentially been industry standard for years now – or whenever vlogging became mainstream. Speaking of industry-standard, USB-C is there for charging; there are quick sharing and remote shooting functions with your smartphone or PC, and it’s available in either black or silver. At such an affordable price, and with so many incredible features originally exclusive to the more expensive A7S III, the A7C is a compelling choice for any photographer when it goes on sale in October. Find out more on Sony.com

Fashioned to become the most compact, lightweight, and portable camera on the market, without compromising on the actual full-frame camera performance. The Sony A7C has surpassed its goal of outperforming “similar-sized APS-C interchangeable-lens cameras” thanks to full-frame imaging and superior light collection. Unlike the sensor inside a smartphone or compact digital camera, you won’t have to rely on software trickery to capture a spectacular image for both stills and movies.

But if 4K isn’t enough, thanks to its full-pixel readout, the A7C is capable of oversampling equivalent to 6K recording, for clean images. There’s also support for S-Log3 support for capturing 14 stops of wide dynamic range—an incredible feature for making post-production as creative as the shoot.

Video is one area where the A7C truly excels. Despite having similar specs to its bigger brother the A7S, where this compact version truly shines is in its thermals. Less likely to overheat during long shoots, and without a recording limit, the A7C is the little engine that keeps on keeping on.

Perfect for sports photographers as well, the A7C shares its sensor with Sony’s acclaimed A9. Bringing a total of 693 phase-detection AF points, covering approximately 93% of the image area. When combined with Sony’s newly developed kit lens, it is “the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera system.”

However, not everything has to do with what’s on the inside. Camera aesthetics and ergonomics really matter when it comes to getting the perfect shot. With this in mind, some may or may not enjoy Sony pushing the electronic viewfinder to the top left corner, rangefinder-style. Those unfamiliar with this class of traditional film cameras may miss the centrality of the full-size A7. But at least the camera won’t cover your entire face.

At such an affordable price, and with so many incredible features originally exclusive to the more expensive A7S III, the A7C is a compelling choice for any photographer when it goes on sale in October.

Find out more on Sony.com

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