CameraReview

Sony a7 II vs Sony a7C — Which Is Better?

Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over

Sony a7 II
Sony
Sony a7 II
Mirrorless · 24.3 MP · Full Frame · Full HD video
67
SCORE
$814
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✓ WINNER
Sony a7C
Sony
Sony a7C
Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video
78
SCORE
$1,598
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General
Brand SonySony
Model a7 IIa7C
Released
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20142020
Announcement date
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
20/11/201401/11/2020
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 127 x 96 x 60 mm124 x 71 x 60 mm
Camera weight 599 g509 g
Optics
Megapixels
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
24.3 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
6000 x 40006000 x 4000
Sensor type
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
Sensor size
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
23.9 x 35.823.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull Frame
Continuous shooting
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
5 fps04510 fps045
Lens mount
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony ESony FE
Image processor
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Bionz XBionz X
Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:23:2
Min ISO
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
503020010030200
Max ISO
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
512003003280000512003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
50302005030200
Max ISO (expanded)
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
5120030032800002048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
Max shutter speed
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
800080032000400080032000
Autofocus points
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
11703006930300
In-body stabilisation
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Viewfinder type
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 235900009900000236000009900000
Video
Video
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Max video resolution
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
Full HD4K
Max video format
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
1920 x 10803840 x 2160
Max video frame rate
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
60 fps30 fps
Timelapse built in
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
Video file format
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
XAVC SXAVC S
Features
Builtin flash
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
External flash
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
GPS
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Weather sealing
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Screen type LCDLCD
Touch screen
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Screen size 3"3"
Screen dots
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
123000011500015000009216001150001500000
Flip screen
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Live view
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Wi-Fi
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Storage & battery
Memory card SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG DuoSD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Battery type NP-FW50NP-FZ100
Battery life
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
350 shots1505000740 shots1505000
USB charging

The Sony a7C emerges as the winner with a score of 78/100, while the Sony a7 II trails behind at 68/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar dimensions, with the a7 II measuring 127 x 96 x 60mm and the a7C at 124 x 71 x 60mm.

The a7C outshines its counterpart in terms of weight, being lighter at 509g, compared to the a7 II’s 599g. Additionally, the Sony a7C is a more recent model, released in 2020, whereas the a7 II dates back to 2014. This six-year gap contributes to the a7C’s higher score and better features.

However, the a7 II has the advantage of a lower launch price at $1600, compared to the a7C’s $1799. Despite this, the Sony a7C’s superior score and lighter build make it a more appealing option for photographers seeking an upgrade.

Sony a7 II vs a7C Overview and Optics

The Sony a7C outperforms the Sony a7 II in optics, scoring 80/100 compared to the a7 II’s 78/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, such as 24.2 megapixels, CMOS sensor type, Bionz X processor, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. Additionally, both cameras have a compatible lens mount, with the a7 II using the Sony E mount and the a7C utilizing the Sony FE mount.

The a7C’s superiority in optics comes from its faster shooting speed and higher DXOMARK score for the sensor. The a7C offers a shooting speed of 10 frames per second, doubling the a7 II’s 5 frames per second. This faster shooting speed allows the a7C to capture more images in a shorter time, which is beneficial for action and sports photography. Furthermore, the a7C boasts a DXOMARK score of 95 for its sensor, compared to the a7 II’s score of 90. This higher score indicates better overall image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.

However, the a7 II still has its advantages. Its Sony E lens mount has a wider range of compatible lenses than the a7C’s Sony FE mount, providing more versatility in lens choice. Moreover, the a7 II is more affordable, making it an attractive option for photographers on a tighter budget.

To conclude, the Sony a7C is the better camera in terms of optics, with a faster shooting speed and higher DXOMARK score for its sensor. However, the Sony a7 II offers a wider range of compatible lenses and a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual photographer’s priorities and budget.

Sony a7 II vs a7C Video Performance

The Sony a7C outperforms the Sony a7 II in video capabilities, scoring 70 out of 100, compared to the a7 II’s score of 56. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as the maximum video frame rate of 30fps. However, the a7C surpasses the a7 II in several aspects.

The most significant advantage of the Sony a7C over the a7 II is its maximum video resolution. The a7C boasts 4K video resolution (3840 x 2160), while the a7 II only offers Full HD (1920 x 1080). This difference means that the a7C can capture more detail and produce sharper video footage than its counterpart.

Another advantage of the a7C is its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional software or equipment. The a7 II, on the other hand, does not have this built-in feature, which may be a drawback for some users.

Despite its lower score, the Sony a7 II does have one advantage over the a7C: a higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps. This higher frame rate allows for smoother video playback and better slow-motion effects. However, this advantage might not be significant for users who prioritize video resolution and time-lapse capabilities.

Considering the aforementioned points, the Sony a7C proves to be the superior choice for video capabilities due to its 4K resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality. The Sony a7 II, while offering a higher maximum video frame rate, falls short in other areas, making the a7C the better option for video enthusiasts.

Sony a7 II vs a7C Features and Benefits

The Sony a7C outperforms the Sony a7 II in features, scoring 81 out of 100 compared to the Sony a7 II’s 57. Both cameras share a few specifications, including a 3-inch screen size, flip screen functionality, and WiFi capabilities. However, the Sony a7C surpasses the Sony a7 II in several aspects, making it the superior choice in terms of features.

The Sony a7C has a touchscreen, while the Sony a7 II does not. This addition makes it easier for users to navigate through settings and select focal points in the a7C. Additionally, the a7C offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect the camera to other devices more conveniently. In contrast, the Sony a7 II lacks this feature.

Interestingly, the Sony a7 II holds an advantage over the a7C in screen resolution, with 1,230,000 dots compared to the a7C’s 921,600 dots. This higher resolution allows for a clearer and more detailed image preview on the a7 II’s screen. However, this advantage is not enough to outweigh the benefits offered by the a7C’s additional features.

Taking these factors into account, the Sony a7C is the better option for those seeking advanced features in their camera. Its touchscreen and Bluetooth capabilities provide a more user-friendly experience, while the Sony a7 II’s higher screen resolution is not a significant enough advantage to surpass the a7C’s overall feature set.

Sony a7 II vs a7C Storage and Battery

The Sony a7C wins in the storage and battery category with a score of 45/100, while the Sony a7 II scores 21/100. Both cameras have a single memory card slot and accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. However, the a7C is UHS-II compatible, allowing for faster read and write speeds.

The a7C outperforms the a7 II in battery life, offering 740 shots compared to the a7 II’s 350 shots. This is due to the a7C using the NP-FZ100 battery, while the a7 II uses the NP-FW50 battery. Additionally, the a7C supports USB charging, a feature absent in the a7 II.

The a7 II does not have any advantages in the storage and battery category compared to the a7C. Consequently, the Sony a7C is the clear winner in this aspect, providing longer battery life, faster memory card compatibility, and the convenience of USB charging.

Sony a7 II vs a7C – Our Verdict

Sony a7 II vs a7C Comparison image.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Sony a7 II or the Sony a7C: