Sony announced its new full frame mirrorless camera with compact size and lightweight design, the Sony a7C.
Thanks to the 24.2 megapixel sensor, the new camera can capture still images at up to 10 frames per second, record (up to) 4K30p, or FHD 120p video with the 8-bit XAVC-S codec 4: 2: 0 in S-Log2 or S-Log3. Or HLG.
The camera also features autofocus, a variable-angle LCD touchscreen, viewfinder, 5-axis IBIS anti-shock, and more.
Besides the camera, Sony announced a new lightweight FE 28-60mm f / 4-5.6 zoom lens and a compact, lightweight Sony HVL-F28RM flash.
Not long after Sony announced the much awaited a7S III camera, it launched a new full-frame alpha mirrorless camera. This time, the Sony a7C camera is similar in features to the Sony a7 III with a smaller body, similar to the Sony a6000 series.
Sony a7C - full frame with a compact body
Based on the company's research, many users want the full-frame look but in a more compact chassis than the Alpha 7 series now offered. This is why Sony decided to bring the a7C to the market. The camera is actually a fusion between the APS-C Sony Alpha 6000 series and the full frame Sony Alpha series.
Sony claims that the a7C has the world's smallest body of a full-frame interchangeable-lens camera with optical in-body image stabilization.
The camera features a 24.2MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS (BSI, backlit) sensor (from a7 III) along with a BIONZ X image processor (same as the a7R IV and a9 II). The sensor features 5-axis IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) with compensation of up to 5.0 stops. The ISO range is 100-51,200 (ISO extended to 204,800). Sony also used a newly developed built-in electromagnetic moving shutter unit. Naturally, the camera uses the Sony E-Mount to take advantage of many of the original full-frame lenses.
photographer
First, let's summarize some of the features of photography. The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 sec. The camera can shoot images up to 10 fps with continuous shooting (in Hi + mode, 8 fps in Hi mode) with AF and AE. The buffer can take up to 223 jpeg images (115 RAW images). According to Sony, the camera has a dynamic range of up to 15 stops for photographs.
Video shooting features
The video capabilities of the a7C are somewhat equal to that of the Sony a7 III. This camera is clearly a hybrid / VCR. To get the premium video quality, you'll need to spend extra cash on the a7S III.
The internal codec is XAVC-S and all recording modes are 4: 2: 0 8-bit only. One can shoot up to 4K 30p or FHD at 120p with no recording time limit. Sony also included HLG, S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma curves.
Sony claims to have improved color reproduction / color science (as in the a7R IV) and the camera is supposed to have a dynamic range of up to 14 stops (we will take our lab test measurements as soon as we get our hands on the camera). Fortunately, the camera records an over-sampled 6K image - full-pixel readout without binning. In theory, a sample dense image should always be clearer. There is no crop factor when shooting in full frame mode
Just like with the a7S III - NTSC and PAL videos can be recorded to the same memory card. Sony a7C also includes portrait shooting metadata so clips automatically rotate in NLE.
The camera also has an HDMI output - with 16-bit and 14-bit RAW processing.
Automatic fox
With Sony's latest movie cameras, we're used to very effective autofocus. And according to the company, the new a7C is no exception. Sony included Fast Hybrid AF and Real-time Eye AF (for both humans and animals). And real-time tracking for movies, there are 693 phase detection AF points, 93% coverage, and EV-4 sensitivity.
Camera structure and connectivity
As mentioned earlier, the camera body is similar to the Sony a6000 series. It measures 124.0 x 71.1 x 59.7mm and weighs 509g (including Sony's Type Z battery). The body is made of magnesium and is resistant to dust and moisture. There is also a dedicated video recording button on the top of the camera body.
And just like the a7S III, the new a7C features a vari-angle (flip-out) LCD screen. The 3-inch screen has a ratio of 921k and enables touch screen operation.
There is also a 100% 0.59 x 2359k XGA OLED binoculars. The camera is capable of 5GHz WiFi connectivity, USB-C (which can also be used for charging and extended shooting time) and a new digital audio interface (via Mi Shoe) to use the new MB1M digital microphone.
Sony 28-60mm f / 4-5.6 lens
Sony has also announced a new compact lens to match the new lightweight body. Sony's FE 28-60mm f / 4-5.6 full-frame zoom lens weighs just 167g. It features three aspherical elements, an internal focus with a silent linear AF motor. Like the a7C body, the lens is resistant to dust and moisture. It features a 7-blade circular aperture and a minimum focus distance of 0.3m.
Compact and lightweight Sony HVL-F28RM Flash
Another compact accessory that can be used with the new Sony a7C is the HVL-F28RM flash. It features a GN28 (at 50mm / 100 ISO), a 24mm wide angle diffuser, high-speed synchronization, modeling light, and a bounce plate. It is compatible with wireless control as a receiver or commander.
Price and availability in the market
The Sony a7C will already be available in October 2020. Estimated retail price of the camera body only is € 2,100 / $ 2,497. The camera body will be available in two colors, all black and the back with a silver upper.
The Sony FE 28-60mm f / 4-5.6 will be available as a original lens with the camera, or as a standalone lens. Priced at € 500 (subject to change).
The HVL-F28RM flash is € 280 (subject to change).
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