The 7C family of cameras has long made me consider a Sony full-frame camera as a daily driver. Sure, Sony’s other options are great for work – especially the a7R V that I’ve used for event photography – but none of these give me the desire to shoot the way my X-Pro/X-Pro 3 does. Now, with two a7C options to choose from, it might be time to give Sony’s rangefinder-styled cameras another look; here’s what you should know.
Sony a7C II Key Features
- 33-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS full-frame sensor
- BIONZ XR Image Processor (same as Sony a7R V)
- Dimensions: 5.1-inches x 3.8-inches x 3.2-inches; 1.54 lbs – approximately 22% lighter than the original a7C
Sony a7C R Key Features
- 61-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS full-frame sensor (brought over from the Sony a7R V)
- BIONZ XR Image Processor
- Pixel Shift Multi Shooting – allows for up to 240-megapixel stills images
- AI Processing for video capture
Shared Features
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- AI-powered Autofocusing system with subject detection
- Video output – 7k and 6k compressed video; 4k Native output; S-Log3 with 14 stops of dynamic range; importable LUT settings; S-Cinetone video filter for a cinematic result in-camera
- Touch-responsive, vari-angle LCD
- XGA OLED viewfinder with 120fps display
- Water- and dust-resistant magnesium alloy body
What You Should Know
The 7C series of full-frame cameras have needed attention for several years. There hasn’t been a major update in this system and while they acted as an entry point for the FE system, there was very little to entice someone on the fence (like myself). The two new 7C cameras – the Sony a7C II and the a7C R – change this with the option of a cheaper, 33-megapixel option that can easily do double duty as a stills or video camera and if you’ve been considering a high-resolution beast but couldn’t justify the price of the Sony a7R V, the a7C R provides the same sensor and image processor at an $800 discount. And that ain’t bad.
Both the a7C II and a7C R share 5-axis in-body image stabilization, improved Autofocusing with AI-powered subject detection, a flip out, touch LCD, and a weather-sealed body as well as dearth of video options including native full-readout 4K (full-sensor) and (compressed) 7K/6K video, S-Log3, LUTs, and Sony’s in-camera video profile, S-Cinetone. All of these features are packaged nicely into a compact design.
Pricing and Availability
The new Sony a7C II will be available in Fall 2023 with the body-only going for $2199.99 USD and the kit with a 28-60mm lens for $2499.99 USD. The new Sony a7C R will also be available in the Fall with the camera only for $2999.99 USD. In the meantime, you can pre-order the Sony a7C II and the a7C R directly from Sony.
