Compact and capable, the black Sony Alpha a7C mixes the quality and advantages of a full-frame sensor with an especially portable and sleek body design. Featuring a 24.2MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor, the a7C offers hybrid abilities to suit both photo and video recording needs along with a form factor for everyday, all-day carry.
The full-frame sensor and BIONZ X image processor offer up to a 15 stop dynamic range along with UHD 4K video recording, extended sensitivity from ISO 50-204800, and a top continuous shooting rate of 10 fps for working with moving subjects. The sensor also houses a Fast Hybrid AF system, which uses 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast detection areas for quick, intelligent, and precise autofocus performance with support for Real-time Eye AF and Tracking AF technologies. Also benefiting both photo and video needs is 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which compensates for up to five stops of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
Compared to other a7-series camera bodies, the a7C has a distinctly sleeker profile that mimics the styling of a rangefinder, with an offset viewfinder and a streamlined top plate. The re-positioned electronic viewfinder is a 0.39"-type OLED with 2.36m-dot resolution and is complemented by a 3.0" side-opening vari-angle touchscreen LCD. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth also enable wireless connectivity for remote camera control and sharing files to a connected mobile device.
Featuring a back-illuminated design, the full-frame 24.2-megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor works with the BIONZ X image processor to offer high-resolution stills and video while minimizing noise and improving speed. This sensor structure works with a gapless on-chip lens design and an anti-reflection coating to improve light collection and enhance detail. Also, the copper wiring layer dramatically improves data transmission speed for creating 14-bit, high-resolution stills with a native sensitivity range from ISO 100-51200, which can be further expanded to ISO 50-204800. Also, it enables internal UHD 4K video recording with a wide dynamic range using the full width of the full-frame sensor. The BIONZ X processor also works in conjunction with a high-speed front-end LSI to realize faster processing times along with the ability to capture an impressive 15-stop dynamic range at low sensitivity values.
The sensor and processor combination also avails fast continuous shooting at up to 10 fps at full resolution, for approximately consecutive JPEGs or 115 consecutive raw files, and with full-time AF/AE when working with either a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter.
Internal recording of UHD 4K videos is possible in multiple frame rates up to 30 fps and using 2.4x oversampling renders greater detail and full pixel readout is possible for higher quality imagery with reduced moiré and aliasing. Full HD 1080p recording is also supported in frame rates up to 120 fps, and both resolutions utilize the 100 Mb/s XAVC S format contained within an MP4 wrapper with 4:2:0 8-bit sampling. The high-speed, 120 fps recording also enables 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording with the frame rate set to either 30p or 24p. In addition to high-resolution internal recording, uncompressed HDMI output also enables the use of an optional external recorder for clean 4K recording with 4:2:2 8-bit sampling.
Affording extensive customizable color and gamma controls, the a7C allows users to adjust the gamma, black level, knee, color level, and more. Also, users can use the same S-Log2 Gamma Curve that is found on high end Sony Cinema cameras that squeezes up to 1300% more dynamic range into the video signal then traditional REC709, for increased post-production flexibility. HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support is also available for HDR recording within a wide color gamut and, in addition to S-Log2, S-Log3 is also available for producing an effective 14-stop dynamic range with increased grading control in the shadow to mid-tone regions of the image.
Covering a majority of the image area, a Fast Hybrid AF system incorporates 693 phase-detection points along with 425 contrast-detection areas for quick and precise focusing in a variety of lighting conditions with sensitivity down to -4 EV. This focusing system is available for use in all recording modes, to benefit both video and stills applications. Additionally, it is able to lock onto subjects quickly and can use Real-time Tracking for AI-based tracking on moving subjects or touch tracking for manual selection of the subject. Real-time Eye AF, suitable for both humans and animals, also ensures critical sharpness when shooting portraits.
Despite the sleek stature of the a7C, it features a 5-stop effective 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE image stabilization system that compensates for various types of camera shake encountered during handheld shooting of stills and video. This allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical imaging without encountering blur from camera shake.
For long focal lengths, the system will correct for pitch and yaw adjustments. Macro and high-magnification imagery, on the other hand, will benefit from the inclusion of horizontal and vertical shift compensation. All shooting styles will get usage out of the roll compensation. All 5 axes of stabilization will function at all times, even when used with third-party lenses and adapters or lenses with built-in optical stabilization.
Included with the camera body is the wide-angle to long-normal FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6 zoom, which is characterized by its retractable design and sleek profile to complement the compact camera body. The svelte design makes this lens ideal for walkaround, everyday shooting and the flexible focal length range benefits a wide range of subject types. The optical design incorporates three aspherical elements, which help to reduce distortion and spherical aberrations and promote greater sharpness and accurate rendering. Complementing the optics is a linear motor and internal focusing design, which achieve quick and quiet autofocus performance for both photo and video needs. The lens body is also weather-sealed to permit working in trying environmental conditions.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Camera Format | Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor) |
| Pixels | Actual: 25.3 Megapixel Effective: 24.2 Megapixel |
| Maximum Resolution | 6000 x 4000 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.6 x 23.8 mm |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis | Exposure Control |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 51200 (Extended: 50 to 204800) |
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical Shutter 1/4000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode Electronic Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode |
| Metering Method | Average, Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -3 to 20 EV |
| White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Shade, Underwater |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 10 fps at 24.2 MP for up to 223 Frames (JPEG) / 115 Frames (Raw) Up to 8 fps at 24.2 MP Up to 6 fps at 24.2 MP Up to 3 fps at 24.2 MP |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Self-Timer | 2/5/10-Second Delay | Video |
| Recording Modes | H.264/XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [60 to 100 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [16 to 100 Mb/s] |
| External Recording Modes | 4:2:2 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50i/50p/59.94i/59.94p |
| Recording Limit | Unlimited |
| Video Encoding | NTSC/PAL |
| Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input |
| Audio File Format | Linear PCM | Focus |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Mode | Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
| Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 693 Contrast Detection: 425 |
| Autofocus Sensitivity | -4 to +20 EV | Viewfinder and Monitor |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic (OLED) |
| Viewfinder Size | 0.39" |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 2,359,296 Dot |
| Viewfinder Eye Point | 20 mm |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.59x |
| Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +3 |
| Monitor Size | 3" |
| Monitor Resolution | 921,600 Dot |
| Monitor Type | Articulating Touchscreen LCD | Flash |
| Built-In Flash | No |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless |
| Maximum Sync Speed | 1/160 Second |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Dedicated Flash System | TTL |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe | Interface |
| Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), HDMI D (Micro), 3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone |
| Wireless | Bluetooth Wi-Fi |
| GPS | No | Environmental |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C | Physical |
| Battery | 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 740 Shots) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 4.9 x 2.8 x 2.4" / 124 x 71.1 x 59.7 mm |
| Weight | 1.1 lb / 509 g (Body with Battery and Memory) | Kit Lens |
| Focal Length | 28 to 60mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 to 5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 to 32 |
| Angle of View | 75° to 40° |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.16x |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 11.8" / 30 cm |
| Optical Design | 8 Elements in 7 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 40.5 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 2.6 x 1.8" / 66.6 x 45 mm |
| Weight | 5.9 oz / 167 g |
