Sony has announced the Alpha 7C, a compact 24MP full-frame mirrorless camera. According to the press text Sony A7c is the world’s smallest full-frame camera with image stabilization.
Sony a7C camera gets core specs from the a7 III, including 5-axis image stabilization, 10 fps shooting with autofocus, and oversampled 4K video into a body that’s smaller in every dimension than the existing camera. A one-piece magnesium alloy structure helps keep the weight down (22% less than the a7 III, at 509g / ~18oz). Sony A7C uses a large NP-FZ100 battery, which powers the camera to a rating of 740 shots per charge using the rear screen or 680 using the viewfinder
The a7C will be available in late October with a list price of $1799 body-only or $2099 with the new FE 28-60mm 4-5.6mm zoom lens.
Pre-order links (starts at 10am ET, Tue Sep 15):
Sony a7C body: $1,798 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Sony a7C with 28-60mm Lens: $2,098 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 Lens: $498 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Sony HVL-F28RM External Flash: $248 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
New Alpha 7C: Uncompromised Full-frame Performance in a Compact Design
The new Alpha 7C combines Sony’s full-frame image quality, advanced AF capabilities and versatile video shooting functions in a stunningly light and compact design. The new camera features a 24.2MP (approx. effective) 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS sensor and BIONZ X™ image processing engine, offering high sensitivity, outstanding resolution, 15-stop[v] wide dynamic range and high-speed image data processing.
Measuring only 124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm (4.9 inches x 2.8 inches x 2.2 inches) and weighing just 509g (18oz)[vi], the Alpha 7C is a similar size and weight to an APS-C camera[vii], weighing only 1% more than the Alpha 6600. The Alpha 7C achieves the world’s smallest and lightest compact bodyii through an upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilisation system, upgraded shutter units and the utilisation of a monocoque construction which is often used in the bodies of cars and aircrafts. Even in this compact body, the Alpha 7C offers a 5-step[viii] stabilisation effect that allows beautiful shots without the need for a tripod. Moreover, the high capacity NP-FZ100 battery provides enough power to capture an industry-leading[ix] 740 images[x]when using the LCD monitor, or 680 imagesxi when using the viewfinder – making it perfect for long shoots.
Outstanding Full-frame Image Quality
Sony’s new Alpha 7C combines high resolution with low noise for excellent image quality at all sensitivities, offering the user stunning image quality for shooting everyday photography and movies such as nature, portraits, sports, street photography and more. Standard ISO extends up to 51,200 and is expandable to ISO 50-204,800[xi] for low-light shoots. The Alpha 7C also supports 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output[xii] for natural gradations.
Advanced Autofocus
Using AI-driven functions, the Alpha 7C’s Real-time Tracking[xiii] maintains accurate focus automatically while the shutter button is half-pressed. In addition, “Tracking On + AF-On” now is assignable to a custom key and can now be activated at once while the AF-ON button is pressed. Moreover, the intended subject can be specified just by touching it on the monitor when “Touch Tracking” has been turned ON via the menu and is available for both stills and movies. The Alpha 7C’s AF functions also feature Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals[xiv] to achieve fast and accurate focus[xv]. When 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 extremely high precision.
The Alpha 7C provides wide, fast, reliable AF that locks onto the intended subject instantly without losing focus, thanks to its 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system covering approximately 93% of the image area, with an additional 425 contrast-detection points to ensure reliable focus, even in busy environments.
The Alpha 7C also features continuous shooting at up to 10 fps[xvi] 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 fpsxvii in live view mode, with minimal viewfinder/monitor display lag for easy, stable framing, even with intense subject motion.The Alpha 7C allows up to approximately 223 JPEG (Fine L) images, 115 compressed RAW images, or 45 uncompressed RAW images to be captured in one continuous burst[xvii], and achieves highly accurate and reliable AF precision in light down to EV-4[xviii]. These features make it easier to capture fast moving objects with absolute precision.
Expanded Video Capabilities
Full-frame full-pixel readout without the need for pixel binning makes it possible to capture more than twice[xix] the amount of data required for 4K video (QFHD: 3840 x 2160)iii, which is then oversampled to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. In addition, the Alpha 7C supports HDR (HLG[xx]) and S-Log/S-Gamut profiles, Slow & Quick motion, high-speed full HD recording at 120 fpsiii and other advanced features for exceptional, high quality video footage.
Furthermore, the Alpha 7C features Real-time Eye AF (human) for video shooting. The eye is automatically tracked with high precision and reliability so that the operator can concentrate on the content rather than focus operation. Users can also customise AF Transition Speed in seven settings, and AF Subject Shift Sensitivity in five settings, in their preferences. Touch Tracking functionality is also available for movie shooting.
The Alpha 7C features a side-opening vari-angle LCD monitor, making it easy to record selfies, overhead shots, ground-level shots or whatever the user requires. The MOVIE button has been placed to the top of the camera making it easier to operate while recording in selfie mode. Additionally, the Alpha 7C also captures sound in high quality to match that of the image capture and deliver harmonious high-quality video. A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings. Like other MI shoe accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for Alpha system moviemaking. A headphone and a microphone jack are also provided to accurately 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.
Designed for Reliable Operation
The Alpha 7C is designed with the user in mind. The touch panel LCD monitor is a large touch-sensitive 3.0 type with approximately 921K dots, providing optimal visibility even in bright outdoor conditions, and supporting touch operations. The Alpha 7C also features a high-quality view mode for finer, more natural detail in addition to a 2.35 megadot (approx.) XGA OLED Tru-Finder™ EVF. The Alpha 7C offers functions that simplify operation during and after shooting, such as Fn button customisations and more. It is also dust and moisture resistant[xxi] to support shooting needs in challenging environments.
To simplify workflow needs, Wi-Fi compatible wireless-communication functions allows images and movies to be directly transferred[xxii] to a smartphone or tablet for convenient sharing, viewing or saving. In addition to the conventional 2.4GHz band, support for the 11ac standard allows transfer via 5GHz band(IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac)[xxiii] so that users can select that stable and high-speed transfer with low interference.A USB Type-C® connector that supports SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps (USB 3.2) is also provided, allowing fast transfer of images during PC remote shooting and power supply from external mobile batteries.
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