Sony a7C
Sony · Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video

Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | a7C |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | November 1, 2020 |
| Camera type | |
| Camera size | 124 x 71 x 60 mm |
| Camera weight | 509 g |
Optics80/100 | |
About the OpticsThe Sony a7C scores a solid 78/100 in our assessment. With dimensions of 124 x 71 x 60mm and a weight of 509g (1.12lbs), the a7C is a compact and lightweight option for photographers. In today’s market, the Sony a7C holds its own with its specifications, making it a competitive choice for those seeking a high-quality mirrorless camera. Its performance and features justify the score it has earned. Sony a7C Overview and OpticsThe Sony a7C receives an optics score of 80/100. This camera features a 24.2-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, ensuring high-quality images. Its Bionz X processor contributes to the camera’s impressive shooting speed of 10 frames per second. The a7C’s DXOMARK score for the sensor is 95, which is competitive in today’s market. The camera is equipped with a Sony FE lens mount and supports image stabilization, allowing for sharp, stable shots. The 3:2 aspect ratio is a standard for most cameras, offering flexibility in image composition. The Sony a7C’s optics specifications make it a strong contender in the current market. Its features cater to both professional and amateur photographers, providing outstanding image quality and performance. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6000 x 4000 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
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. | 23.8 x 35.6 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 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 FE |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Bionz 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. | |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
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. | 512003003280000 |
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. | 5030200 |
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. | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
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. | 400080032000 |
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. | 6930300 |
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. | Electronic |
| Viewfinder dots | 236000009900000 |
Video70/100 | |
About the VideoThe Sony a7C receives a video score of 70/100. This camera offers a 4K maximum video resolution with dimensions of 3840 x 2160. The highest video frame rate possible is 30fps, which is standard for many cameras in today’s market. Additionally, the a7C has a built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a sought-after feature for videographers. Comparing the Sony a7C’s video capabilities with other cameras, it holds a respectable position. The 4K resolution and 30fps frame rate meet the expectations of many users, while the time-lapse feature adds versatility. Although it may not be the top choice for professional videographers, the a7C provides reliable video performance for various applications. | |
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. | |
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. | 3840 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. | 30 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 S |
Features81/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Sony a7C achieves a feature score of 81 out of 100, reflecting its competitive standing in the market. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 921,600 dots, the camera provides ample space and detail for image previews. Additionally, the touchscreen feature enhances the user experience, making it convenient to navigate through settings and options. The camera also includes a flip screen, which proves useful for capturing images from various angles and for vlogging purposes. Despite lacking GPS functionality, the Sony a7C compensates with integrated WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for seamless connectivity and data transfer. Taking into account these specifications, the Sony a7C holds its ground as a strong contender in the current camera market. Its feature set caters to a diverse range of photography styles and preferences, making it a reliable choice for both amateurs and professionals alike. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
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. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. | |
| Screen type | LCD |
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" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 9216001150001500000 |
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 & Battery45/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Sony a7C’s storage and battery section receives a score of 45/100. It has a single memory card slot that accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with compatibility for UHS-II. In the current market, having only one memory card slot may be limiting for professionals who prefer backup storage options. The camera’s battery life offers 740 shots per charge, utilizing an NP-FZ100 battery. This battery performance is decent for a mirrorless camera. Additionally, the a7C supports USB charging, providing users with more flexibility in charging options. The storage and battery capabilities of the Sony a7C meet the requirements for casual users but may not be sufficient for professionals seeking more advanced features. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| Dual memory card slots | No |
| Battery type | NP-FZ100 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 740 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | |