Sony releases two new Alpha 7C series cameras

Sony has announced two new additions to the Alpha 7C series of compact full-frame interchangeable lens cameras, the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R.

Not one but two new cameras announced from Sony today, the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R. For those short of time, here are the key features of both.

Alpha 7C II

Equipped with a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine to achieve high imaging performance. For capturing either still images or movies, users can easily enjoy high-quality image capture in a wide range of scenes such as travel and daily snapshots.

Compared to the Alpha 7 IV which is approximately 13 cm x 9.6 cm x 8.1 cm and weighs approximately 698 grams, the Alpha 7C II is up to 22% lighter and has up to 45% less volume.

The standard ISO sensitivities range from 100 to 51200 for both still images and movies (expanded ISO 50 to 204800 for still images), enabling high-sensitivity, noise-free shooting.

Alpha 7C R

Equipped with a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels and the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine to achieve high-resolution and high-definition imaging performance. 

Compared to the Alpha 7R V which is approximately 13 cm x 9.9 cm x 8 cm and weighs approximately 725 grams, the ALPHA 7C R is approximately 29% lighter and has approximately 53% less volume. 

The standard ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 32000 for both still images and movies (expanded ISO 50 to 102400 for still images).

In addition to 7.0-step optical 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, even slight blurring at the 1-pixel level is detected and corrected.

Equipped with a Pixel Shift Multi Shooting that takes multiple images and synthesises them on a PC to create an image with a sense of high resolution.

Both models have the same AI-processing unit and BIONZ XR processors found in Sony’s newest interchangeable lens cameras such as the Alpha 7R V and Alpha 6700. Real-time Recognition AF recognises a wide variety of subjects with high accuracy, and 5-axis in-body image stabilisation provides a seven-step shooting advantage when capturing stills. In terms of video performance, both models support high-quality 4:2:2 10-bit video recording up to 4K60p, and both models support Sony’s S-Cinetone color science for rich cinematic video. In addition, they have Active Mode in-body image stabilisation, AI-based auto-framing, digital-audio interface support, and other features that support high-quality video shooting.

Video performance

So, more on the video. The Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R condense high-resolution and detailed video data equivalent to 7K and 6K, respectively, and can output high-quality 4K video. Equipped with S-Log3, which supports a wide latitude of 14+ stops, the idea is they render rich gradation with little overexposure and underexposure even in scenes with contrast. Also, in Log shooting mode, the LUT imported by the user can be displayed on the camera monitor image, allowing the user to shoot while checking the finished image in post-production. 

In addition, they are equipped with the S-Cinetone, a unique Sony feature which can create a cinematic look straight out of the camera without post-processing. Based on Sony's Cinema Line technology, S-Cinetone has been developed to deliver natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color to deliver cinematic quality. It also features Creative Look, which allows you to easily change the look and feel of video and still images. 

The new Alpha 7C II will be available in or around September 2023. Camera only: $2199 / £2100. Camera w/ 28-60mm lens: $2499 / £2350.

The new Alpha 7C R will be available in or around October 2023. Camera only: $2999 / £3,200.