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New year - new camera? Sony's most compact full-frame camera in a practical test: SONY ALPHA 7C

Reading time: approx. 5 minutes by Michelle Zillekens

Back in September, we introduced you to Sony's new concept: a full-frame camera with a compact design: the Sony Alpha 7C. But now we've done the exciting practical test - who is the camera best suited for? What special features can I expect? And is it worth the money?

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Michelle Zillekens

The hybrid between APS-C and full-frame

With the Sony Alpha 7C, Sony has developed a hybrid camera between Sony's 6000 series and the Sony Alpha 7 series. At 509 grams, the Sony Alpha 7C is currently the smallest full-frame DSLM with a stabilized sensor, hence the "C" in its name, which stands for "compact". The camera has 24.2 megapixels and is the perfect balance between resolution and file size. In terms of design, there is a choice between a completely black body or a "classic retro look" in black with an upper silver frame. Up to one second is possible with Sony's revolutionary real-time autofocus system with 693 phase detection points, which also performed impressively in our Foto-Koch practical test. Even when in motion, the images are razor sharp. The autofocus is suitable for human or animal eyes. The 5-axis stabilization system helps to ensure that video recordings, which are possible with the Sony Alpha 7C in 4K 30p or Full HD 120p, are not too shaky. There is no recording limit here, as is the case with many other cameras, where you can only record videos of up to 29 minutes. Very practical in the video area are the 180 degree swivel display and the video button on the top right side of the body. This makes the camera ideal for traveling, and not just because of its light weight.

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Michelle Zillekens

Compact, lightweight and still has all the functions you could wish for!

The 3.5 mm jack plug for microphone and headphones, as well as USB C and micro HDMI ports and a UHS II card slot are also located on the left side of the body. Although Sony has dispensed with the joystick and touch menu on the 7C, the camera is still quick and easy to operate. The hand grip makes the camera even easier to hold. The electronic viewfinder is located in the left-hand corner of the body and, unlike on the Sony Alpha 7 III , is not in the middle and is significantly smaller. If you are used to working only with the viewfinder, you might find the viewfinder of the 7C a little too small at first - but you can work optimally with the camera's 3-inch display. With the menu of the Sony Alpha 7C, it is noticeable that it is no longer a touch menu , but instead has the familiar, clear menu structure. What's new is that you can change the color of the autofocus frame from white to red and in situations where the subject is moving fast, the focus frame can be adjusted in size. Anti-flicker shooting has also been added, as well as an improved graphical interface on the User Key, where you can assign selected settings to the respective buttons. This can be defined separately for the photo or video mode. A new special feature of the camera is definitely the wireless, WIFI-controlled transmission of images. This gives you the option of transferring your images directly to your PC wirelessly in the studio, for example.

One camera, a thousand possibilities

As a KIT lens, the Sony Alpha 7C comes with a 28-60mm zoom lens with an aperture of f/4-5.6, which is equipped with a linear motor and is the perfect all-round lens. Which brings us to another special feature: the E bayonet, which can be used with the wide range of Sony lenses. If you still own old A-mount lenses, you now have the option of adapting them to E-mount with the new adapter and simply using the functions of the lenses without compromise. The practical test has shown that the autofocus system works perfectly as expected and almost every image is sharp. In low light, we recommend using a fast lens that is at least in the 2.8 aperture range, as otherwise the autofocus is a little slower. Even when testing the noise in the image, the camera performs very well and shows little noise in the image despite a high ISO value. Subtle noise pixels only appear at ISO 3,200. Skin tones are very natural and the pictures have a nice bokeh. The camera is very suitable and recommended for travel photographers, wildlife photographers, amateur photographers or influencers who are often on the move. If you don't want to lug around a lot - and still want excellent quality photo and video recordings - the Sony Alpha 7C is the perfect choice.

You can find out more about photographer Michelle Zillekens on her website or on her Instagram channel.

Compact overview

  • Full-frame camera with 24.2 megapixels
  • Interchangeable lens system camera
  • compact and lightweight
  • 509 grams
  • 693 phase detection points
  • Eye autofocus for humans and animals
  • Real-time autofocus system, 5-axis stabilization system
  • rotatable and tiltable display
  • Z-battery for more endurance
  • digital audio interface with microphone and headphone connection
  • improved dust and moisture resistance
  • 4K 30p, Full HD 120p
  • Quick focus

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