Verdict
The Sony A7C II promises plentiful gamy - end features in a compact ( if chunky ) package . This second - gen Sony E - Mount full - frame camera proves itself reliable in delivering very high - quality outturn .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
Sony Alpha cameras have exist since 2006 , with the first full - frame version arriving in 2013 with the launch of theSony A7 . So , how is the A7C II different ?
The A7C II is the successor to 2020’sA7C. Sony ’s aim was to deliver a full - soma camera without the usually associated weight and bulk . This newer 2023 model continue distinctly chunky and angular next to the latest APC - C and Four Thirds alternative from Fujifilm and OM System , but it has the clear-cut reward of that larger full - systema skeletale sensor . This has allow Sony to cram up to 34 megapixels across its control surface , of which 33MP are effective and show up in images give rise by the tv camera .
While the differences between sensing element sizes may not be immediately apparent unless you ’re enlarge sections of your photograph onscreen or bring on huge print , the hope here is that there is plenty of particular on show mightily into the corners of each frame , give icon a systematically brilliant and punchy looking at . move by previous Sony example , we ’re expecting that to be the vitrine here .
If you ’re looking for very mellow - caliber turnout from a camera organic structure that is still relatively portable for travel and everyday picture taking when range next to pro - level full chassis sensor mirrorless models , the Sony A7C II , on paper at least , has much to recommend it for stills and video practitioners alike . But how does its operation and performance pan out in pattern ? Read on to find out …
Design and Handling
Yes , this 33 - megapixel tv camera appears somewhat lumpy in its consistency - only form and , once a lens is attach , requires a camera bag or rucksack to delight it as it becomes too large and enceinte for your average jacket pocket , but there are always other ways you may whirl it .
In comparability with theAlpha 7 IV , the A7C II is 22 % lighter while have 45 % less volume . Plus , the body without a lens , but with a rechargeable battery and undivided SD placard insert , count a manageable 514 g.
However , fix the FE 20 - 70 millimeter f/4 G series rapid growth lense I had in for review – that focal reach hint itself as a jack - of - all - trades for capturing everything from wide - slant landscapes to close - up portraits with a delicate ‘ bokeh ’ effect – and it reach for a veritably clunky doorstopper of a jazz group .
That said , you are getting a full - frame camera here and the combined system of weights make for a steadier hold when shooting handheld . I found that the three fingers of my right hand curled tightly around the adequately sized grip , while my left-hand hired man intuitively tolerate the barrelful of the lens .
While the A7C II body is clearly modernist and angular in its invention , eschewing the soft lines of more obviously retro - styled alternatives from rival maker , buttons and dial here descend intuitively under forefinger and thumb when gripped .
The placement of key feature film , such as a instruction dial add to the front of the traction , mirrored by a second one on the back plate , will be familiar to anyone who has operated a DSLR or higher - death mirrorless television camera before .
We also get a very familiar bottle - top style shooting style bike on the top plate , with the magnetic core PASM background alongside a fully Auto choice much like on any point - and - shoot camera . The A7C II ’s raised shutter release button , encircled by an equally obvious on / off lever , perch beneath the forefinger of the right hand at all metre with the camera ready for that spur - of - the - minute photograph , and an as accessible red circle phonograph recording button sit down just behind it .
As expected for a photographic camera in its class , there ’s a red-hot shoe provide for accessory flashgun and both a high 2,359,296 - back breaker resolution 1 - inch eye - level electronic viewfinder and a 3 - column inch tilt and swivel touchscreen LCD at the rear .
In compounding , this oblation feels like a semi - pro tool that could either serve as a one - and - only photographic camera for the enthusiast , or a second backup body for the professional torpedo . Both audience will palpate satisfied with the treatment and razor - fleet mathematical process of the A7C II , which is available either as a black or silver body .
Features
The Sony A7C II features at its kernel a 33 in force megapixel full - frame back - illuminated CMOS sensor , as highlighted in my insertion , wedded to Sony ’s latest generation Bionz XR processor . Its sensitiveness range of ISO100 to 51200 for both stills and video is expandable to a walloping 204800 for still .
The twist also boasts the same AI processing unit as the A7RV . I was able to manually dial in parameters count on whether I was capturing images of humans , animate being , birds or aeroplanes , for example .
Videographers may also want to take promissory note that the A7C II offers 4:2:2 10 - spot 4 thousand video recording up to 60fps , along with support for its manufacturer ’s S - Cinetone Colour science . The upshot is , in possibility , more cinematic - take care video .
As well as the weight unit of the camera body with its electron lens making us sense more confident about shooting handheld 99 % of the time , user also get the vantage of 5 - axis eubstance integral epitome stabilization which mean whichever lense is seize now becomes stabilized . It all aid to prevent the elaboration of any hand wobble and forfend potentially blurred images .
Image Quality
For those looking to get started quickly while minimising work flow and post - processing , choose the highest quality JPEG setting here produces like a shot pleasing results .
Well - saturate , colour - rich and detailed images from the Sony A7C II consistently turn out to be the order of the day , even in dim and clouded cloudy conditions , suggest that you could be confident that the camera will present the in effect potential final result at any apply time for a spacious variety of subject and under a wide-ranging range of lighting circumstances .
This is exactly how it should be for this class of camera , leaving us liberal to concentrate on our study matter and allow the camera do the rest .
With my mental testing lens attached I was impressed with the naturalist almost 3D level of contingent return , shots displaying plenty of dividing line and punch thanks not only to a advanced 759 - point phase detection AF system but also that full frame scrap at its essence .
This mean that very small penury to be done to result straight out of the camera to achieve stunning - looking output signal .
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Should you buy it?
That is , whether you ’re primarily putting the Sony A7C II through its paces as a tool for photography or video .
This is especially truthful for content universe in which type the ever - expand , portable and moreover affordableSony ZVcamera range should be your first interface of call .
Final Thoughts
This second generation of the electronics whale ’s E - Mount full frame camera promises plentiful high - last features in a compendious ( if chunky ) package , proving itself authentic in delivering very eminent - quality output .
Yes , alternatives from OM System and Fujifilm in this price bracket may feature more attractive retro designs and lighter - weight lens - plus - body combining , but the trade - off is their modest sensor .
If you utterly call for the acuate and most detailed images possible from a full - frame the 34 - megapixel sensor at the heart of the A7C II cede the good . The pricing here also feels fair for what you ’re get under one’s skin in take .
Ultimately the A7C II is an enthusiast camera with the variety of specification and performance that we ’d have at one time assumed was only useable to professionals . This ensures it ’s a long - term option for investiture that we wo n’t creatively tire of easily .
Trusted Score
How we test
We test every camera we review exhaustively . We expend set test to compare feature properly and we use it as our main twist over the reexamination period . We ’ll always differentiate you what we obtain and we never , ever , accept money to survey a merchandise .
FAQs
Yes , the A7C II has a 33 - megapixel full - frame back - illuminated Exmor radius CMOS image sensor .
Yes , the Sony A7C II can find humans , beast , birds , insects , cars , power train and airplane .
Full Specs
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