Sony’s latest offering in its powerhouse mirrorless camera range, the Sony Alpha 7C, delivers full-frame sensor technology in a compact and lightweight frame. So does this new camera introduce a new category in the full-frame mirrorless camera market? Is it just a gimmick, or a valid camera in its own right. Read on for full information.

The Alpha 7C full-frame camera [model ILCE-7C], the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera body offers high-end performance, with advanced autofocus, high-res 4K video and plenty more besides. 

Also launched by Sony, and to compliment the A7C, is with the world’s smallest and lightest FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 standard zoom lens. Together, the new pair offer users an extremely compact form factor without compromising any full-frame benefits. 

Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe, told PhotoBite: “We are committed to creating the best tools possible based on the needs of our customers. The new Alpha 7C camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens pack many of our most advanced imaging technologies in a brand new design that is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system in the world. This opens up a new world of possibilities for creators, giving them the uncompromised power of a full-frame system in the palm of their hand.”

The new Alpha 7C camera boasts a 24.2MP 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ X™ image processing engine, giving high sensitivity, excellent resolution, 15-stop wide dynamic range and high-speed image data processing.

It’s just 124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm [4.9 inches x 2.8 inches x 2.2 inches] and weighs a tiny 509g [18oz], which takes into the territory of APS-C cameras in terms of size and weight.

The new camera’s upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilisation system and beefed up shutter units, the 5-step stabilisation effect allows users to create stunning shots without a tripod. The alpha 7C’s standard ISO reaches up to 51,200, [expandable to ISO 50-204,800 for low-light shoots] and supports 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output for natural gradations.

Applying AI-driven functions, the new Alpha 7C’s Real-time tracking promises to keep sharp focus automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. Additionally, ‘Tracking On + AF-On’ is assignable to a custom key and can be activated at once while the AF-ON button is pressed. The subject can be specified by touching the monitor when ‘Touch Tracking’ has been turned ON via the menu. This function is available for both stills and video shooting. 

Sony’s impressive Real-time Eye AF, which is effective for both humans and animals. Using Real-time Tracking [while ‘Face/Eye Priority in AF’ is ON] with a human subject, the subject’s eye and face is detected and locked on in real-time with high precision.

Users can enjoy the Alpha 7C’s continuous shooting capability at up to 10 fps with AF/AE [autoexposure] by using a newly developed shutter unit and refined image processing system. It is also possible to shoot continuously at up to 8 fps in live view mode, with minimal viewfinder/monitor display lag for easy, stable framing, even with intense subject motion. The new camera will allow [up to] 223 JPEG [Fine L] images, 115 compressed RAW images, or 45 uncompressed RAW images to be captured in one continuous burst, and promises to deliver accurate AF precision in light down to EV-4. These features make it easier to capture fast-moving objects with absolute precision.

Video

Full-frame full-pixel readout without the need for pixel binning makes it possible to capture more than twice the amount of data required for 4K video, which is then oversampled to produce high quality 4K footage. In addition, the new Alpha 7C supports HDR [HLG] and S-Log/S-Gamut profiles, Slow & Quick motion, high-speed full HD recording at 120 fps and other advanced features for, high-quality video footage.

The new camera can capture decent quality sound. A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface [MI] Shoe, allowing the user to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings. A headphone and a microphone jack are available to monitor recorded sound, and metadata attached to movie footage shot vertically on the camera allows the footage after transfer to a smartphone to also be replayed and edited in portrait mode

Pricing and Availability

The new Sony Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera will be available from October 2020 and will cost a cool £1,900 for the body only.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will be available in early January 2021 for approximately £450.

There’s also a new kit available, which features the Alpha 7C camera and the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens, This will also be available in late October 2020 for around £2,150.

For more information, head to Sony’s dedicated web page HERE.