The new Sony a7C II combines a 33MP image sensor with the new Sony BIONZ XR image processor packed in the compact body of the a7C line. The camera can record 4:2:2 10-bit video in up to 4K 30fps in full-frame mode or 4K up to 60fps in Super35 crop mode. There is a 3” touchscreen LCD, an EVF, a new improved grip, a new front dial, and more. The camera uses a Sony Z battery and features USB-C PD, two 3.5mm jacks, and HDMI output. The Sony a7C II will start shipping at the end of September 2023 for $2,198 (€2,400 with VAT in Europe).
Sony just announced two new full-frame cameras from the a7C line – Sony a7C II and a higher-resolution Sony a7C R. Additionally, the company announced a new, lighter, smaller, and more video-oriented 16-35mm f/2.8 G Master II lens.
As you probably already know, the C in the name means “compact”, so these new bodies both offer very minimal and lightweight designs. In this article, I will focus only on the new Sony a7C II (ILCE-7CM2) camera. If you want to read about the other new products, take a look at one of the other separate articles:
- Sony a7C R Announced – 61MP and 4K60 10-bit Video
- Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens
Now, let’s take a look at the details of the new Sony a7C II.
Sony a7C II – A better a7 IV in a smaller body?
In the heart of the new Sony a7C II, we can find the 33.0 MP Exmor R CMOS sensor paired with the new Sony BIONZ XR image processor. The same combination that was used in the Sony a7 IV. Additionally, the a7C II has a new AI processing unit for high-performance subject recognition autofocus.
Compared to the a7 IV, the new a7C II has a better IBIS, better AF, a few extra video features (M-LUT, auto framing), and of course less weight and smaller dimensions. I will talk more about this further down below. The a7 IV, on the other hand, has a better and larger EVF, and a dual SD and SD/CFe-A memory card slot.
Autofocus, IBIS, ISO
Talking about AF, the camera recognizes different subjects and objects (human/animal eye, face, head, body recognition, airplane, car/train, or insects) and keeps them in focus thanks to the real-time tracking with up to 759-points phase-detection autofocus system that covers around 93% of the sensor. Sony claims the AF should be more accurate in low light as well (up to EV -4.0 in AF-S).
Sony further claims that the camera offers a 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) with up to 7.0-steps compensation (the original a7C offered 5.0-steps). In video mode, the camera also offers Active Mode for additional crop and more stable clips.
The ISO range for both stills and videos is available between 100 and 51200 (extended ISO 50-102400). There is no word from Sony about the base ISO values, but for reference, the a7 IV has a base ISO of 800 in S-Log3.
Video recording
In terms of video performance, the a7C II roughly matches the Sony a7 IV. The camera can record 4K up to 30fps in full-frame mode or up to 60fps in Super35 crop mode (oversampled) with 4:2:2 10-bit color.
The video recording is available with multiple different color profiles including S-log3, Creative Look, and S-Cinetone. Thanks to the Mi-shoe interface, there are up to 4 channels of audio recording available.
There is a variety of other helpful video features such as:
- In-camera time-lapse creation
- M-LUT video recording with custom LUTs for monitoring
- Auto framing – the camera automatically changes the composition and follows a recognized subject.
- Breathing compensation
- Focus peaking during AF
- Emphasized REC display
- Focus map
- Shot mark
- White balance adjustment while recording (shockless WB)
Camera body, connectivity
The Sony a7C II body has dimensions of 124 x 71.1 x 63.4mm and it weighs 525g. Despite the very compact size, the camera still offers a small 0.39”-type 2.36MP XGA OLED viewfinder with x 0.7 magnification and 60 or 120fps refresh rate. The magnesium alloy body offers a dust- and moisture-resistant design with an improved grip and a new front dial. On top of the EVF, the camera has a 3”-type 3:2 vari-angle LCD touchscreen with 1MP resolution.
The camera uses a Sony Z battery and it features a USB-C connector with power delivery for fast charging (USB 3.1 Gen 2 for up to 5Gbps), 3.5mm microphone and headphones jack connectors, one UHS-II SD card slot, and an HDMI type D video output connector.
Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi, NFC, and compatibility with the Creators Cloud app. Last but not least, Sony claims the camera is made from recycled materials, and with renewable energy.
Price and availability
The Sony a7C II can be pre-ordered now for $2,198 (€2,400 with VAT in Europe – body only) or for $2,498 (€2,700 with VAT in Europe, camera body with L-kit which includes the 28-60mm lens as well). The shipping should start at the end of September 2023. The extension grip alone will also be available for €180.
What do you think about the new Sony a7C II? Do you use Sony Alpha cameras for your work? Let us know in the comments section underneath the article.
