Sony diversifies their Alpha 7 line based on the specific needs of camera enthusiasts - 7s (sensitivity) for video, 7r (resolution) for photo, and the plain old "entry level" a7 for a decent mix of the two. What we're seeing here is their next branch - 7c (compact) for travel. If you had to compare it to the a7iii - which is inevitable because it reuses much of the same tech - it's not only smaller in size, but weighs less too. There are some compromises and improvements over the a7iii:
Compromise:
- Stabilization not the greatest
- Lack of physical controls - no joystick, no front control wheel under power button, less custom buttons
- Electronic view finder (EVF) not the greatest for photographers
- Can't disable electronic front curtain shutter
- Max shutter speed is 1/4000 vs a7iii 1/8000
- Only 1 memory card slot
Improvements
- Flippy screen
- Narrow body that works better on gimbals
- Weighs less, about 20% lighter
- Better color science
- Improved shutter
- Improved port covers
- Better use of battery - more photos / videos per charge
- More custom memory modes (3), better layout on mode selection dial
- You can assign custom functions to 3 buttons and u/d/l/r on scroll wheel for a total of 7
- Better autofocus in both photo and video
- Continuous eye tracking autofocus in video
- Works with Catalyst Browse for creating gimbal-like video footage in post
- Dedicated video record button
- No video recording limits
I think the disappointment you see from some people evaluating this camera is semi-justified in some ways (lack of 2nd card slot, poor EVF, less physical controls), but I also think many of them were expecting this to be the next iteration of the a7 series (a7iv). It's not. Nor is it meant to be - this is a new line with a new designation that has a built out target market in the micro four thirds / APS-C space. Sony took existing technology, improved upon it in so many ways, and put it in a smaller lighter package.
The a7c is perfectly suited for travel, hiking, and vlogging in my opinion. With choice lenses, it has the potential to be lighter than my MFT system while offering all of the benefits that come with a full frame sensor. It's small / light enough that I don't mind taking it with me everywhere. If I wanted a higher end camera with a fuller set of features, I could invest in an a7r, a7s, a9, or FX6 and use the same lenses.
If you already own an a7iii, you probably aren't going to see a huge benefit in switching to this camera. Hold off for the a7iv. But if you're coming from the APS-C or MFT space, you're a traveler, hiker, or vlogger that wants to maximize your image quality : weight/space ratio, you are the target audience for this camera. I'd highly recommend it!
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 | Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Body Only,Base Configuration,Black | Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera with 28-70mm Zoom Lens Kit | Sigma fp Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera & 45mm f/2.8 Lens | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (354) | (1808) | (254) | (37) |
| Price | $2,099.84 | $1,998.00 | $2,698.00 | $1,599.00 |
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Adorama |
| Screen Size | 3 | 3 inches | 3 inches | 3.15 inches |
| Item Dimensions | 9.61 x 6.1 x 5.67 inches | 5 x 3.88 x 3 inches | 10.6 x 6.5 x 6.7 inches | 2.76 x 1.73 x 1.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 1.47 lbs | 1.44 lbs | 2.11 lbs | 1.40 lbs |
| Optical Sensor Resolution | 24.2 megapixels | 24.2 megapixels | 33.0 megapixels | 24.6 megapixels |
| Optical Zoom | 1 | 1x | 8x | 0 |
| Photo Sensor Size | Full Frame (35mm) | Full Frame (35mm) | Full Frame (35mm) | Full Frame (35mm) |
| Video Capture Resolution | 2160p | 2160p | 4320p | 2160p |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic | Electronic | Electronic | fixed LCD |
From the manufacturer
Compact size, full-frame power
Sony Alpha 7C Full-frame Compact Mirrorless Camera
The world’s smallest and lightest1full-frame camera and lens kit - without compromise. Featuring 24.2MP2, 4K movie3, flip-out LCD and 5-axis in-body image stabilization. (available in silver or black; in body-only or lens kit)
Features
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Real-time Autofocus Tracking
Real-time AF Tracking is a state-of-the-art feature that employs artificial intelligence (A)I to tenaciously track moving subjects when shooting stills or movies.
-
Real-time Eye AF (Human)
Real-time Eye AF employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye data in real time and track the subject’s eye with unprecedented precision.
-
Real-time Eye AF (Animals)8
Advanced AI-based subject recognition technology now allows fast, precise, automatic detection and tracking of animal eyes8.
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Compact 5-axis in-body image stabilization
The 5-axis in-body image stabilization allows you to shoot images and capture video free from worry about camera shake, regardless of lens attached and without a tripod or gimbal.
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Long Z-battery life extendable via USB power
Despite the compact body, the high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery provides enough power to capture up to an industry-leading1 740 images12 on a full charge when using the LCD monitor.
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Side-opening vari-angle monitor
Ideal for Vlogging and easy composition, the Alpha 7C features a 3” (3.0 type) 921K (approx.) touch-sensitive LCD panel with side-opening vari-angle mechanism for monitor positioning freedom.
Features
World’s smallest and lightest1 full-frame camera
The Alpha 7C is for creators who demand full-frame quality and performance, but also want a compact lightweight camera they can take anywhere and use for all types of still and video creation.
Advanced 24.2MP2 Full-frame Image Sensor
The Alpha 7C features a 35mm full-frame 24.2MP2back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with front-end LSI and an updated BIONZ X processing-engine. It achieves high sensitivity and low-noise with an impressive ISO range of ISO 50 – 2048006 and massive 15-stop5 dynamic range.
Customer reviews
Sony definitely delivers with this compact camera. I just want to first start off saying that I’m an amateur photographer. So this is like my first camera ever. I just want to say for anyone who’s looking to buy a full frame mirrorless camera. Who doesn’t know much about how to use a camera. This is seriously the camera for you. Since this is my first camera I’ve been able to take what I think are great shots of my friends and family. I know the price point could be a little steep but I’m telling you it’s worth it.
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Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2020
Color: BlackStyle: Body Only (Black)
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2020
Color: SilverStyle: Body with KitVerified Purchase
Sony definitely delivers with this compact camera. I just want to first start off saying that I’m an amateur photographer. So this is like my first camera ever. I just want to say for anyone who’s looking to buy a full frame mirrorless camera. Who doesn’t know much about how to use a camera. This is seriously the camera for you. Since this is my first camera I’ve been able to take what I think are great shots of my friends and family. I know the price point could be a little steep but I’m telling you it’s worth it.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2020
I've only used this camera for taking photos once! I live in South Korea and it's winter now so it's too cold to go outside and shoot I took a few photos as you can see, I have Autumn photos of myself but I can't wait until it warms up again so I can take more photos! As for right now though I use it everyday to stream!
If you have any questions about the camera and want to see it in use in real time stop by my Amazon stream you can find me by going to amazon.com/shop/atarabyte! Or heading to the Livestreams tab on Amazon! I stream everyday here on Amazon and I can compare all the Sony cameras I have for you in real time and hopefully help you decided which Sony camera would be best for you!
I hope this review helps! And feel free to message me if you have any questions while I'm not streaming I would love to help! ^^
Anyways, I hope you have an amazing day and if you do buy this camera I hope you love it as much as I do!
Color: SilverStyle: Body OnlyVerified Purchase
A Sony A7RIII in the body of a Sony A6600! Lightweight and perfect for me!
Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2020
I love this camera! It's my first Full Frame Camera! I stream here on Amazon everyday and I use this camera plus the Sigma 35mm F1.2 lens as my main face cam for my streams I have lights behind me so the bokeh is just wow! I've used the Sony A7RII but it felt like it didnt have a lot of features this camera has and maybe the Sony A7RII needed to be updated as everything seemed so old with that camera! However I also own the Sony A6600, Sony A6000, and Sony A6100 I use them for my streaming and they're amazing but with my 35mm lens since it's a full frame lens on the cropped sensor cameras it was zooming way into my face with the Sony A7C I get the true 35mm! And it's amazing for streaming it makes face cam look dreamy with the back ground blur and bokeh behind me!Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2020
I've only used this camera for taking photos once! I live in South Korea and it's winter now so it's too cold to go outside and shoot I took a few photos as you can see, I have Autumn photos of myself but I can't wait until it warms up again so I can take more photos! As for right now though I use it everyday to stream!
If you have any questions about the camera and want to see it in use in real time stop by my Amazon stream you can find me by going to amazon.com/shop/atarabyte! Or heading to the Livestreams tab on Amazon! I stream everyday here on Amazon and I can compare all the Sony cameras I have for you in real time and hopefully help you decided which Sony camera would be best for you!
I hope this review helps! And feel free to message me if you have any questions while I'm not streaming I would love to help! ^^
Anyways, I hope you have an amazing day and if you do buy this camera I hope you love it as much as I do!
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
BB
DSLR quality that fits in your pocket
Reviewed in Canada on August 27, 2021Color: BlackStyle: Body Only (Black)Verified Purchase
Lee Stuart
Almost perfect
Reviewed in Canada on March 17, 2021Color: BlackStyle: Body Only (Black)Verified Purchase
hao
This is not one of my favorite cameras right now.
Reviewed in Canada on January 5, 2021Color: SilverStyle: Body with KitVerified Purchase
joms de guzman
Full frame quality in a small body
Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 2021Color: SilverStyle: Body with KitVerified Purchase
Corbours
Quick focus and great picture quality
Reviewed in Canada on May 11, 2021Color: SilverStyle: Body OnlyVerified Purchase
Corbours
Reviewed in Canada on May 11, 2021
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