Only several weeks ago, Sony announced its latest and perhaps the best APS-C mirrorless camera, the Sony a6700. Recently, Sony announced the successor to one of its most popular compact full-frame cameras (a7C) – meet the new Sony a7C II full-frame mirrorless camera. The new a7C II is basically like a smaller version of the a7 IV and offers several new features and improvements from the a7C. The new a7C II has more megapixels, better sensor and processor, improved IBIS, better LCD, 4K 60 capability, and more. The a7C II will start shipping for $2,199.99 (MSRP) by the end of September. You can check out more details below from Sony’s official news release.
Sony Alpha 7C II Full-Frame Camera Released
Sony Electronics announced the release of the Alpha 7C II (model ILCE- 7CM2). The Alpha 7C II is equipped with a full-frame image sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and features the latest still image and video functions and performance in a compact and lightweight design (approximately 4.88 in wide x 2.8 in high x 2.5 in deep and weighs approximately 18.1 oz.) It is the second-generation version of the Alpha7 C, which is celebrated for its combination of performance and features in a compact size, perfect for a wide range of shooting scenarios such as travel and street photography.
The A7C II has 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 recognizes a wide variety of subjects with high accuracy, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization provides a 7.0 step shooting advantage when capturing stills. In terms of video performance, the A7C II supports high-quality 4:2:2 10-bit video recording up to 4K60p, and Sony’s acclaimed S-Cinetone™ color science for rich cinematic video. In addition, it has an Active Mode in-body image stabilization, AI-based auto-framing, digital-audio interface support, and other features that support high-quality video shooting.
Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics:
“At Sony, we’re committed to continually raising the bar and elevating standards for content creators. With the introduction of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R models, we’re offering an innovative solution that serves creators in both photography and videography. This fresh addition to their toolkit ensures top-tier imagery and visual performance across our state-of-the-art imaging devices. By fusing advanced technology with user-friendly design, we’re empowering content creators to realize their artistic vision like never before,”.
Main Features of the 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 5.1 inches x 3.8 inches x 3.2 inches and weighs approximately 1.54 lbs, the Alpha 7C II is approximately 22% lighter and has approximately 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.
Common Features of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R
Aside from the Sony a7C II, Sony also released a smaller and more compact version of the a7R V – the a7CR. Below are the similarities of the a7C II and a7CR.
1. Compact size and high mobility
Both models are easy to handle and easy to carry. Compact size (both models are approximately 4.88 in wide x 2.8 in high x 2.5 in deep) and weigh approximately 18.1 oz for the Alpha 7C II and approximately 18.2 oz for the Alpha 7C R. When combined with the wide-angle zoom lens, FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II, announced today, it achieves the excellent image expression and high-speed AF that are unique to the G Master™ series, with the brightness of F2.8 at full zoom range. The user can choose their favorite lens from Sony’s extensive E-mount series of more than 70 lenses and enjoy a variety of image expressions in both still images and movies.
2. AF performance with improved subject recognition performance thanks to the built-in AI processing unit
Equipped with the same AI-processing unit as the Alpha 7R V, which recognizes subjects with high accuracy with Real-time Recognition AF. For example, when taking a picture of a person, even if the subject strikes a complicated pose or their face is hidden, human-pose estimation technology can be used to capture and track the subject with high accuracy. In addition to the existing tracking capabilities for people and animals already found in the Alpha 7C series, it is now possible to recognize birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes as subjects in the new models.
3. Advanced video performance
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, it renders 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, it is equipped with 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 delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color and deliver cinematic quality. It also features Creative Look, which allows you to easily change the look and feel of video and still images.
4. Operability and connectivity
Equipped with a touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, intuitive operation with the latest touch menu supports comfortable shooting. In addition to the new front dial that allows the user to assign their favorite functions, the still image/movie/S&Q switch dial, and an XGA high-resolution viewfinder, etc., the camera is easy to use. The camera is equipped with a 7.0-step optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization to support stable camera work.
In terms of connectivity, the camera is compatible with the smartphone application Creators’ App that uploads videos and still images taken with the camera to a cloud service, while allowing remote camera operation and image transfer from the camera to mobile devices. By the end of September 2023, Sony plans to support a new version of the software development kit Camera Remote SDK that enables remote operation and settings adjustments.
5. Designed with environmentally friendly principles in mind
Over the past 11 years, Sony has replaced approximately 395 tons of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLAS™ix, are used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. In addition to being equipped with Sony’s Screen Reader function that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, a new menu Magnify Display function has been added to support the creative activities of a variety of creators.
Pricing and Availability
The Sony Alpha 7C II will be available in Fall 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers. It comes with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $2,199.99 for the body only and $2,499.99 for the camera with a 28-60mm lens. Meanwhile, the Alpha 7C R will be available in Fall 2023 for an MSRP $2999.99 USD.
You can (pre) order a Sony a7C II from Amazon here, or the Sony a7CR on Amazon here. (#ad)
