Can you imagine a full frame camera in a very compact body, with a cool design and incredible performance? Almost anyone would want it, right? Well, it exists, it’s the Sony A7C and today I’m here to SONY A7C review it and we’ll see if it’s as wonderful as it seems and if it’s your ideal partner candidate. Do not get overwhelmed, because if you are looking for DSLM, surely you will find what you’re looking for in this list with the best mirrorless .
But first let’s get to know it.
Table of Contents
THE SONY A7C IS IDEAL FOR…
It is an ideal camera for advanced users, who value a demanding camera in terms of performance and quality, but who need a very small and light body, so that it can accompany them on their outings, trips, street photography, etc. It has very good features for both video and photography, so it is also ideal for YouTubers and other professional content creators.
MAIN FEATURES
The Sony A7C is a full sensor camera (Full Frame) in a very compact body (the C in its name already refers to it: Compact ) as well as robust and sealed. It is available in black or black and silver (for lovers of vintage and design).
These are its main features:
- 35mm (35.6 x 23.8mm) full-frame sensor (Exmor R CMOS)
- 24 megapixels
- ISO 100-51.200
- Shutter speed: 1/8000s to 30s (electronic shutter)
- 10fps
- E-mount
- 693 focus points
- Fast Hybrid AF (Phase Detection AF/Contrast Detection AF)
- Video: 4K at 30p, Full HD up to 120fps
- Articulating touch screen
- Microphone and headphone jack
- Possibility of recording videos vertically and without time limit
- Connectivity: Bluetooth + NFC
- Battery life: 680 shots approx. (viewfinder)/approx. 740 shots (LCD monitor)
- Weight: approx. 424g (body only)
- Dimensions: 124 x 71 x 60mm
You can see all the full specifications here.
THE BEST OF THE SONY A7C
As a team I have a heavy Nikon Full Frame SLR, the truth is that from the outset what has caught my attention the most is how light this Sony camera is, which with the 28-60mm lens mounted, weighs only about 500g . Taking into account that we are talking about a Full Frame, it seems spectacular to me.
On the other hand, its size is striking. I found it super compact, but at the same time it has a good grip, especially with the lens that comes in the kit (which is the one I’ve tried). In short, the set is very ergonomic and very comfortable.
Another clear advantage of this Full Frame is its sealed body, which together with its compact size and weight, make it a camera that encourages you to take it everywhere, without suffering from weather conditions or other unforeseen events such as sand, etc.
If you’re familiar with the Sony family, it’s very similar in size to the A6600 (APS-C):
In addition, the Sony A7C has a folding and touch screen, something that is increasingly demanded by photographers and that is not always easy to find in a Full Frame. In this case, it rotates at an angle of 270º, which allows you to turn it in practically all angles, and you can also see yourself while recording yourself. If vlogging is your thing , this camera can be an interesting option.
On the other hand, its focus system stands out, which I found really impressive (693 focus points!). The ability to follow moving subjects and the speed and precision of his focus is undoubtedly one of his strengths. If you add to this the 5-axis stabilizer built into the body, which allows you to obtain very sharp images even in low light situations, its 10fps, or its maximum ISO levels (100-51,000), I can think of few situations in which that this camera would not measure up.
As for the video, it has a microphone and headphone input, 4k recording, a direct button on the upper body panel that allows immediate access, it detects images recorded vertically without the need to edit them to correct it.
Also notable in the video is the possibility of recording without a time limit, the battery life, and being able to control the parameters through the mobile phone, so you can see yourself, film yourself, change the parameters… all at the same time and from the Smartphone ;).
Here you can see a few photos of this beauty 😉 :
DRAWBACKS OF THE SONY A7C
You know, there is no perfect camera, there is the ideal camera for everyone and it depends a lot on the way each photographer works or the equipment we are used to.
These are the drawbacks that the Sony A7C has for me:
The side viewfinder is somewhat small. For those who are used to working framing directly from the screen, or for those who come from a similar or compact camera, this will not be a problem, but I come from a SLR with an optical viewfinder in the center, it makes me somewhat uncomfortable to frame So. matter of taste
The screen is touch but only for focus. It is not possible to modify the menus directly from the screen or any other parameter.
The menus are not very intuitive. Taking into account that I do not come from the Sony world, the truth is that it has taken me a while to gain some ease when navigating through the menus. Being such a complete camera, it has many configuration options and sometimes it can be a bit confusing to use.
Other things that I have missed due to my way of working, is a front wheel on the front, a joystick for focus and perhaps someone misses some more configurable button.
Finally, keep in mind that it only has a slot for memory cards. For its price, some will miss it a lot.
Surely some of these inconveniences have been sacrificed in order to achieve a very compact design, so you will have to decide if you can live without it or not 😉 .
HOW MUCH DOES THE SONY A7C COST?
Right now you can find it on Amazon only the body in Black for $2,022.69 and in silver for N/A. If you want it with the (compact) Sony FE 28-60 mm F4-5.6 lens, you can find it for $2,299.00, in black and for €2,299.00, in silver.
IS IT WORTH BUYING THE FE 28-60MM F4-5.6 THAT THEY SELL AS A KIT?
The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 is a really light and ultra compact lens. In that sense I was quite impressed, it weighs nothing and does not take up anything, it really invites you to always want to carry it with you.
It has a quite versatile focal range, although perhaps having a little more Angular would have made it more interesting.
Regarding the luminosity, it is not excessively bright (f/4-5.6) I have two fixed lenses f/1.4, I have noticed it a lot, although I have to say that with the ISO it has and with the body stabilizer, you do not have no problem.
Having said that, I personally think that, in general, (if you can) it is much more advisable to give your camera a good lens according to the body you are buying. I will tell you this with any kit lens you buy 😆.
However, if getting a brighter optic is not in your budget, due to the quality-price-size ratio that the 28-60mm has, it may be a good idea to start with it. I don’t think you will regret having it 😉 .
PICTURES TAKEN WITH THE SONY A7C
I leave you my humble contribution of some (pleasant) walks that I have taken with it 🙂 .
And here are photos from their own website:
VIDEO PRESENTATION OF THE SONY A7C
Here, I leave you with the video:
In short, having a Full Frame camera, sealed, with a folding screen, good dynamic range, a spectacular focus system, or impressive sharpness, in this size, is no joke 🙂
So if you are looking for a camera for travel, vlogging, family photography, street photography and adventures in general, and you have a good savings, I think you can think about it without going wrong. I personally have enjoyed it a lot, it’s like carrying a compact camera around your neck, with the power of a Full Frame.
If you have loved this camera but you do not have the budget, you can look at the Sony Alpha 6600, which is not Full Frame, but otherwise… it is similar.
Did you find the review useful? If so, please share it. And remember that you can leave your comments or questions below ⬇️⬇️⬇️. See you soon!