There’s no doubt cameras are getting smaller, but Sony’s new a7C takes things to a whole new level. Essentially, Sony has managed to squeeze a full-frame sensor into a cameras that’s virtually the same size as one of the brand’s crop sensor APS-C cameras like the a6000.
In fact, the a7C tips the scales at just 509g and measures only 124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm, making it the world’s smallest full-frame mirrorless camera to feature IBIS and makes the a7C only 1% heavier than the a6600. However, while small, the a7C certainly packs a punch and is an interesting alternative for Sony shooters looking to lighten their kit bags.
Along with that 24-megapixel Exmor R CMOS full-frame sensor, the a7C is built around a BIONZ X processor engine that helps deliver a whopping 15-stops of dynamic range. The IBIS features a 5-axis system and the body is made from magnesium alloy for a robust build quality.
Smaller mirrorless cameras can often suffer with battery life, but the a7C scores big in this area and can capture 740 images on a single charge when using the LCD monitor, or 680 images when using the viewfinder. Standard ISO extends up to 51,200 and is expandable from ISO 50-204,800, while the a7C supports 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output.
When it comes to autofocus, the a7C features Sony’s acclaimed Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals technology and photographers have 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points at their disposal, which cover around 93% of the image area.
While the a7C can’t match the burst rate of Sony’s a9 speed king, the tiny full-frame mirrorless is still rapid, serving up to 10 frames per second with AF/AE (autoexposure). The camera is good for up to 223 JPEG (Fine L) images, 115 compressed RAW images, or 45 uncompressed RAW images to be captured in one continuous burst.
Along with the stills specifications, the a7C impressive with movie features, too. In fact, Sony explains the a7C can capture ‘full-frame full-pixel readout without the need for pixel binning to record more than twice the amount of data required for 4K video (QFHD: 3840 x 2160), which is then oversampled to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth.’ The a7C also offers HDR and S-Log/S-Gamut profiles, Slow & Quick motion, high-speed full HD recording at 120 fps.
On the a7C you’ll find a small 2.35 megadot Electronic Viewfinder, but there is also a much larger, 3-inch touch-sensitive LCD, and this vari-angle design means the a7C is sure to be of interest to Vloggers. Also announced alongside the a7C was the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6, which Sony says is the world’s smallest and lightest form factor in a standard zoom lens. Available from late October, the a7C will cost $1,799.99 USD / £1,899 (body only).
DigitalRev 