Sony A7C review so far
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Written by Gordon Laing
The Sony A7C is a mid-range full-frame mirrorless camera with 24 Megapixels, 4k video up to 30p, built-in stabilisation, rangefinder styling and a fully-articulated touchscreen. Announced in September 2020 and aimed at upgraders from APSC bodies, vloggers or simply those wanting a second full-frame body, it represents a new design in the A7 series and while it shares a number of capabilities with the A7 III, it does not replace that model.
Most obviously while all A7 bodies to date have employed DSLR-styling with a central viewfinder hump, the A7C becomes the first in the range to adopt a flat-topped rangefinder style like the A6000 series with the viewfinder positioned in the top left corner; indeed at virtually the same size and weight as the A6600, the A7C becomes Sony’s smallest and lightest full-frame body to date. The size and weight reduction are partly thanks to a more compact IBIS system (five-axis / five stops) and a new shutter unit, although the body remains weather-sealed and employs magnesium alloy for the front, rear and top plates.
![sony-a7c-hero1](https://www.cameralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sony-a7c-hero1-945x640.jpg)
The viewfinder image is smaller than the A7 III, but delivers the same 2.36 million dot resolution with an OLED panel, while the 3in 921k dot screen is now side-hinged and fully-articulated, allowing it to face-forward which will delight vloggers.
![sony-a7c-rear1](https://www.cameralabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sony-a7c-rear1-945x600.jpg)
Meanwhile many of the internal specs are inherited from the A7 III with the same 24 Megapixel full-frame sensor sporting embedded phase-detect autofocus, 4k up to 30p (oversampled for 24 and 25p), and 10fps bursts with the mechanical or electronic shutter, all powered by the Z-series battery. Sony has however updated the AF software to support the latest real-time tracking that can recognise animals and also now be activated by the AF-On button. There’s also 2.4 and 5GHz Wifi, a digital audio interface on the hotshoe, although the body size means there’s only one USB port (Type-C) and just the one SD card slot (UHS-II speed), but thankfully the microphone and headphone jacks remain, while videographers will be delighted to learn there’s no half-hour recording limits – a key benefit over the A7 III.
Another benefit over earlier models is recording Gyro Data during video, allowing footage to be stabilised in software later. I made the following video all about using Gyro Data on the A7c as while is has huge potential, there are a number of technical aspects to be aware of, most notably using a wide lens to accommodate the crop and a faster than normal shutter speed to minimise motion artefacts. Check back soon for lots more results and samples!
Check prices on the Sony A7c at B&H, Amazon, Adorama or WEX! Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!