Sony Unveils Ultra-Compact Sony a7C Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

Sony unveiled a new full-frame mirrorless camera via livestream this evening. But while this was originally rumored to be a compact entry-level model that would sit below the popular Sony a7 III, the new Sony a7C may be more of a step sideways than a true budget option.

In brief, the Sony a7C is basically Sony a7 III that was left in the drier a bit too long. It boasts the same 24MP BSI CMOS sensor, IBIS with up to 5 stops of shake reduction, oversampled 4K/30p (8-bit only) video capture, and can fire off up to 10fps at full speed… all inside of a body that weighs just 1% more than the crop-sensor Sony a6600.

On the outside, the camera features a corner-mounted 2.36M dot EVF with a rather small 0.59x magnification, a fully-articulating LCD screen for the vloggers in the audience, a single UHS-II SD card slot, separate mic and headphone inputs, and a USB-C port.

The focus with the Sony a7C was clearly on making it as small and travel/vlogging-friendly as possible without cutting too many corners. And from that perspective Sony has definitely succeeded. At just 4.9 inches x 2.8 inches x 2.2 inches (124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm) and weighing in at a measly 18oz (509g), the Sony a7C is officially the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera with IBIS.

That last bit is important… since the Sigma fp is definitely smaller and lighter.

Joining the camera is the “world’s smallest and lightest full-frame zoom lens”: the new collapsible Sony FE 28-60mm f/4-5.6. While the lens probably won’t win any image quality awards compared to larger lenses, it features 3 aspherical lens elements as part of its construction and promises sharp results from corner to corner despite its diminutive size.

Finally, the last bit of news from Sony  was the announcement of the compact HVL-F28RM flash. The flash is (surprise) smaller and lighter than its predecessor, and features the ability to link flash intensity to the camera’s face detection when using a compatible camera.

The Sony a7C is available to pre-order starting today for $1,800 for the body only or $2,100 in a kit with the new 28-60mm f/4-5.6 zoom lens. Shipping is expected to start in late October. You can also pick up the new lens all by itself for $500, shipping in “early 2021,” and the HVL-F28RM flash will be available “this winter” for $250.

September 16, 2020