World’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera
The Sony Alpha a7C is for creators who demand full-frame quality and performance, but also want a compact lightweight camera they can take anywhere and use for all types of still and video creation. Introducing the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera1 with all the power and performance of a full-frame in a design more akin to APS-C bodies. Thanks to newly developed devices and construction, including a compact electromagnetic-drive shutter mechanism, a compact 5-axis in-body image stabilization unit and a monocoque magnesium alloy construction, the Alpha 7C redefines the norms of what a full-frame camera can be. Furthermore, the Alpha 7C with a FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 kit lens becomes the world's smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system.
Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
The Alpha 7C features a 35mm full-frame 24.2MP back-illuminated Exmor R™ CMOS image sensor with front-end LSI and an updated BIONZ X™ processing-engine in the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera. It achieves high sensitivity and low-noise with an impressive ISO range of ISO 50 – 2048006 and massive 15-stop dynamic range. Images are processed in 16-bit form by the front-end LSI and BIONZ X processor before being output as 14-bit RAW data for improved expression of gradations from shadows to highlights. Full-pixel readout movie is oversampled from 6k and reordered as incredible 4K with no line-skipping, pixel-binning or cropping.
4K Movie w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning and HDR
The Alpha a7C is exceptionally capable as a video camera, offering 4K (3840x2160 pixels) video recording across the full width of the full-frame image sensor. In video mode, it uses full pixel readout without pixel binning to collect approx. 2.4x the amount of data required for 4K movies, and then oversamples it to produce high quality 4K footage with exceptional detail and depth. Both S-Log2 and S-Log3 are available for increased color grading flexibility, while HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) is included to support an Instant HDR (High Dynamic Range) workflow. The Alpha a7C can also record Full HD at 120 fps at up to 100 Mbps, allowing footage to be reviewed and eventually edited into 4x or 5x slow motion video files in Full HD resolution.
Incredible 4D FOCUS
Incredible autofocus is achieved with 693 focal-plane phase-detection AF points that cover approximately 93% of the image area and 425 contrast AF points. When combined, both contrast and phase detection AF points form the 4D FOCUS hybrid AF system for wide, fast, reliable AF that locks on and stays locked on. This fast hybrid AF system can handle a huge volume of data at high speed, snapping rapidly into focus and takes full advantage of Sony’s acclaimed AI technology with Realtime AF Tracking and Realtime Eye AF for both stills and movie. It even includes Realtime Eye AF for animals.
Real-time Autofocus Tracking
Real-time AF Tracking is a state-of-the-art feature that employs artificial intelligence (AI) to tenaciously track moving subjects when shooting stills or movies. Real-time Tracking is initiated automatically when the shutter button is half-pressed or with AF On button. The subject to be tracked can also be specified by touching it on the monitor when the Touch Tracking function is engaged. An advanced subject recognition algorithm uses color, pattern (brightness), and subject distance (depth) data to process spatial information in real time. If the subject is a person, AI is used to detect and keep track of the subject’s eye and face in real time for extremely high tracking precision. The focus area will seamlessly change between face and eye according to the condition of the subject.
Real-time Eye AF (Human)
Real-time Eye AF employs artificial intelligence to detect and process eye data in real time and track the subject’s eye with unprecedented precision. This function can be activated via an assigned custom key, or by simply pressing the AF-ON button or half-pressing the shutter button. When used with the Real-time Tracking function, tracking will continue even if the camera is temporarily unable to locate the subject’s eye, so it is easier than ever to shoot dynamic portraits of moving subjects. In addition to automatic eye selection when using Eye AF, it is also possible to manually preselect the subject’s right or left eye. This function works for both stills and movies.
Real-time Eye AF (Animals)
Advanced AI-based subject recognition technology now allows fast, precise, automatic detection and tracking of animal eyes. This new capability can vastly increase success rates when photographing animals in a variety of settings or pets at home. Real-time Eye AF animal mode can be initiated either by pressing an assigned custom button or by half-pressing the shutter button.
Side-opening vari-angle monitor
Ideal for Vlogging and easy composition, the Alpha a7C features a 3” (3.0 type) 921K (approx.) touch-sensitive LCD panel with side-opening vari-angle mechanism that affords plenty of monitor positioning freedom for high and low viewpoints as well as waist-level, vertical, and selfie positions. Rotating sideways by as much as 176°, up by as much as 180°, and down by as much as 90°, and with ample brightness that provide optimum visibility even in bright outdoor conditions. In addition, it supports Touch Tracking and Touch Focus functions.
Compact 5-axis in-body image stabilization
A newly developed 5-axis in-body image stabilization unit has achieved a substantial size reduction yet maintains an effective 5-stop stabilization. Camera shake is detected and effectively compensated for in 5 axes: angular shake (pitch/yaw) that has the biggest impact on image quality and tends to increase at longer focal lengths, X/Y shift that is most apparent in high magnification macro shots, and rotational shake (roll) that can ruin night shots and movies. The 5-axis in-body image stabilization allows you to shoot images and capture video free from worry about camera shake, regardless of lens attached and without a tripod or gimbal.
Up to 10fps with Silent or Mechanical Shutter
To capture those fleeting and definitive moments, the Alpha a7C is equipped with a fast shutter mechanism and refined image processing system that allows it to capture full 24.2MP images at up to 10 fps with continuous and accurate AF/AE (autofocus and auto exposure) tracking. Capture up to 223 JPEG (Fine L) images, 115 compressed RAW images or 45 uncompressed RAW images in a single continuous burst. This high speed 10 fps mode is available with either a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter for completely silent shooting.
Long Z-battery life extendable via USB power supply
Despite the compact body, the high-capacity NP-FZ100 battery provides enough power to capture up to an industry-leading 740 images on a full charge when using the LCD monitor, or 680 when using the viewfinder and continuous video recording up to 220 min. (LCD) and 215 min. (VF). Power can be supplied through a USB Type-C connector, allowing external power sources like mobile batteries to extend recording time. A battery must be installed in the camera when supplying USB power and may still drain even if USB power is supplied, depending on the adapter used and camera operating conditions.
Touch Tracking for movies
Touch Tracking is beneficial for movie recording. Simply touch the subject to be tracked on the monitor, and the Real-time Tracking function will use color, pattern (brightness), distance (depth), and face information to precisely and smoothly track the selected subject at the specified sensitivity and speed. It is also possible to half-press the shutter button or press the AF ON button while shooting to achieve fast focus (AF-S). This can be an advantage for weddings or documentaries, where there is only one chance to capture a scene. In such cases the focus area selected in advance is applied.
The detail of 4K, the beauty of HDR
4K HDR (High Dynamic Range) astonishes viewers with visual depth and impact that are less like conventional movies and television – and more like real life. With the ability to reproduce images from deep shadows to piercing highlights, 4K HDR is astonishing. Log-Gamma (HLG) recording captures “Instant” HDR without the need for complex post-production. Instantly enjoy your HDR (HLG) content which can be viewed by connecting the camera directly to a compatible TV that supports HDR (HLG) playback. For added versatility, the camera also provides S-Log3 encoding.
Digital Audio Interface for superior sound
The camera’s Multi Interface Shoe allows for MI shoe flash and microphones accessories to be attached. It features a built-in Digital Audio Interface for superb audio quality that supports Sony’s optional ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone and XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit with the ability to transfer digital audio directly to the MI shoe for exceptionally high sound recording quality. Like other MI shoe microphone accessories, no cables or batteries are required, providing unrestrained freedom for α system moviemaking. The new optional HVL-F28RM flash offers a compact and robust solution for flash photography including radio frequency control of additional flashes.
Top panel MOVIE button
The MOVIE record button has been moved to the top panel to improve control when shooting from the widest possible range of angles, including the waist-level position often used by moviemakers or when standing in front of the camera when vlogging. The button’s shape, diameter, and height have also been changed to make it more easily recognizable by touch. The REC function can also be assigned to a custom button if required.
Ultra-fast OLED w/ EVF benefits and optical viewfinder immediacy
The 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder has the ability to deliver continuous live shooting at up to 8 fps with AF/AE tracking - making it easy to track fast moving subjects - thanks to overall improvements in the EVF algorithm. This offers photographers a shooting experience with the immediacy of an optical viewfinder, while still offering all of the benefits of an electronic viewfinder including a live preview of exposure, white balance and several other camera settings. This continuous live view shooting can be set in 3 stages to match a variety of subjects: 8 fps, 6 fps and 4 fps.
Compact, dust and moisture resistant, monocoque magnesium alloy body
Along with a revision of the body’s internal structure and materials, a lightweight, high-rigidity magnesium alloy monocoque design - as used for the bodies of cars and aircraft - is used for the construction of the Alpha a7C. This has achieved size and weight reduction, while increasing the overall strength of the camera body. Sealing is provided throughout the body to minimize dust and moisture ingress, allowing it to function reliably in challenging environments. Maximum dust and moisture resistance is maintained at lens and flash unit joints too, providing excellent system reliability.
Compact shutter mechanism
The compactness of the body is aided by the inclusion of the newly developed shutter unit which adopts aa electromagnetic-drive and carbon fiber shutter curtain that provides lightness and increased rigidity.
Imaging Edge Mobile app compatible
Easily connect the camera to a compatible smartphone or tablet in order to control the camera remotely or transfer movies and still images directly to the connected device. Even when the camera power is OFF, images stored in the camera can be viewed on and transferred to the smartphone. Transferred video to your mobile device works with ‘Movie Edit add-on ’ for Imaging Edge™ mobile app. This allows you to easily edit and share your video creations. Even movies shot with the camera held vertically can be edited and viewed in the same orientation on PCs and smartphones thanks to metadata added by the camera.
More moviemaking aids
Like most other Sony cameras, the Alpha a7C includes features to make moviemaking and even still image capture easier. Zebra function can be activated to assist setting exposure while peaking can be used for accurate manual focus control. Gamma display assist is useful when shooting in any number of picture profiles and can be set to OFF, Auto, S-Log2, S-Log3, HLG (BT.2020) and HLG (709). TC/UB (time code and user bit) are also useful when shooting with multiple cameras that need to be sync’d for easier post-production workflow.
