Sony A7C - is a compact camera enough?

Today Sony announced a new variation to the A7 lineup… We've always had the basic model, the A7r for resolution and the A7s for sensitivity. But today they introduced the worlds smallest full frame camera targeted at photographers who want the image quality of full frame in a smaller package.

The Sony A7C combines the form factor of the a6600 with the features of the A7 III, but updated. Unlike the A7 III we have object tracking autofocus, eye-af in movie mode, audio interface compatibility and a fully articulating screen for vlogging and movie making.

I think they've introduced a really nice option in the A7 lineup, but is it enough? Where are the new menus from the A7s III? Why is there still a polarization problem with the flip screen? Why did they go with a sub-par EVF (electronic viewfinder)? I think this is an excellent start, but I also think there is some room to grow.

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Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[AliRaza-qnkk]

I just bought A7c & i love this.. love video results..love eye focus system.. good battery life. I have no complaint at all.. i am happy 😊

[JonPais]

I appreciate that you actually vlog with the cameras you review.

[robrockatansky]

Love it. Compact full frame. You can easily program the dials for shutter and aperture. Done. Will make a great travel and walk around cam.

[joelwolski]

I can confirm the polarized screen goes all the way back to 2014 with the a77ii. Nice to see they brought back the full articulation, which my a77ii also has. (honestly, the lack of fully articulated screens is probably the #1 reason I haven't upgraded to a newer Sony).
Also, there is one custom button; the Trash Can button has a C next to it.

[DarrellYoung]

I was glad to see you leave that dark room you normally vlog in. It was a pleasure to see you outside in the sun and shade. Great review of the camera too!

[ronboe]

Not syncing the new menu system was a mistake. Hopefully a firmware update can correct that.

[veronicafemina]

I will love to see a series of still only photography cameras from Sony with dials for shutterspeed and ISO ! I NEVER use video !

[simonbolzdotcom]

So far best review I have seen for this new camera. Thank you very much.

[KenCheng]

the lack of custom buttons and dual dials is a deal breaker for me

[daisukevideo]

I bought a7c too! It's a very good camera. I use it every day. The video was very interesting. Thank you! With love from Japan :)

[LyndonPatrickSmith]

I’m a Fuji shooter but am really interested in this for adapting my vintage 35mm glass. Very cool.

[patsilveri]

I’m still waiting for a compact, full frame, high res rangefinder style camera (A7C-R?) with autofocus, interchangeable lenses and a simple menu.

[Lauren_C]

Been using this camera for a bit over a year. I still love it. I have large hands, but also long fingers, which makes this quite easy to shoot one-handed.

The biggest negatives are 8-bit video, lack of dual SD (for shooting weddings, I’d probably want to a second camera anyway), and poor main display, which can make judging exposure and color difficult. The EVF, I did not find to be an issue, though I’ve also only ever used small cameras.

With pancake lenses such as the Samyang 35mm F2.8, this kit is no bigger than my film rangefinder I have.

[andreywagner]

Thank you, cant find the link to the anti polarization cover for the screen.

[stanleyhan]

I don't know why some folks are not so open to this new product. Sony is brilliant and this opens up a whole new market segment and not for professionals who had the 7. This will sell very well. I have the Xperia 1 ii and RX100V. Wife has the 6500. This is perfect for me as an amateur who love to own a full frame.

[LillySchwartz]

I’m pretty sure that price will come down fast with all the complaints that I see on all the videos about this camera. Personally as someone with small hands I really appreciate the form factor and I don’t shoot stills digitally anyway, so I don’t mind the dinky viewfinder. Flippy screen, FF in a crop body, no record limit, 120fps with AF, fast AF in general. I’m looking forward to getting this. Especially when it tanks and they sell it off cheaper 😂

[martijnestor]

That Panasonic 12-60 kitlens, although larger, is the equivalent of a 24 to 120mm. Both wider AND longer. So hardly a fair comparison. A7C looks very nice, but I'd seriously consider an A6600 with a nice lens or 2 and keep the change. For my taste, even APS-C or m4/3 is too large to take with me all the time. I love the Sony RX100 series, which you've covered extensively, that's why I've subscribed. :)

[ZoltanFLH]

Just what I have been waiting for!!!
I wanted a rangefinder style FF Interchangeable lens camera similar to my A6500 but wanted access to the excellent FF GM glass! 😁

[FormTrends]

Great review! Honest, concise and informative. Thanks again!

[unalx]

Most lcd screens have linear polarization.