Can you imagine a full frame camera in a very compact body, with a very cool design and incredible performance? Almost anyone would want her, right? Well, it exists, it is the Sony A7C and today I am here to talk to you about it and we will see if it is as wonderful as it seems and if it is your candidate for the ideal companion. Do not worry, if it is not the EVIL you are looking for, surely you will find it in this list with the best mirrorless .
But first let's meet her.
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 ) that is robust and sealed at the same time. It is available in black or black and silver (for vintage and design lovers).
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
- Articulated 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. 424 g (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 start what 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, size-wise it's very close to the A6600 (APS-C):
In addition, the Sony A7C has a folding and touch screen, something that is increasingly in demand 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 rotate it in practically all angles, plus you can 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 strong points. If you add to this the 5-axis stabilizer incorporated 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 top panel of the body that allows immediate access, it detects images recorded vertically without the need to edit them to correct it.
Also noteworthy 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 ?:
DISADVANTAGES 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 a bit 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 won't be a problem, but coming from an SLR with an optical viewfinder in the center, it's somewhat uncomfortable for me 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 took me a while to get a certain amount of ease when it comes to navigating the menus. Being such a complete camera, it has a lot of configuration options and can sometimes be a bit cumbersome to use. The instruction manual should be well hatched ? .
Other things that I have missed due to the way I work are a front wheel on the front, a joystick for focusing and maybe someone misses some other configurable button.
Finally, keep in mind that it only has a memory card slot . For the price it has, some will miss it a lot.
Surely some of these inconveniences have been sacrificed in order to get 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 €2,022.69and in silver for €1,768.87. If you want it with the (compact) Sony FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens, you can find it for €2,078.96, in black and for €2,122.00, 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 an ultra-compact and truly lightweight lens. In that sense, I was quite impressed, it weighs nothing and does not take up anything, it really invites you to want to always carry it with you.
It has quite a 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 f/1.4 lenses, 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.
That being said, I personally think that, in general, (if you can) it is much better to give your camera good optics according to the body you are buying. I'll tell you this with any kit goal you buy ?.
However, if getting a brighter lens is not in your budget, given 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'll regret having it ? .
PHOTOS TAKEN WITH THE SONY A7C
In the end, a camera is summed up in the type of photos it is capable of taking. Surely you want to see some examples, here are the ones published by the brand. In this linkYou have them with the possibility of enlarging to see in great detail.
I leave you my humble contribution of some (tasty) walks that I have taken with her ? .
And here are photos from their own website:
VIDEO PRESENTATION OF THE SONY A7C
Next, I leave you with the video with which Sony presents this model:
In short, having a Full Frame camera, sealed, with a folding screen, good dynamic range, a spectacular focusing system, or impressive sharpness, in this size, is no joke ?
So if you are looking for a camera for traveling, vlogging, family photography, street photography and general adventure photography, and you have some good savings, I think you can think of it without going wrong. I personally have enjoyed it a lot, it's like wearing a compact camera around your neck, with the power of a Full Frame.
If you've loved this camera but can't afford it, you can look at the Sony Alpha 6600, which isn't full frame, but otherwise…similar. Or take a look through the current catalog of Sony cameras in our mega guide to the brand.
