Sony today officially announced the new Sony a7C R, Sony a7C II mirrorless cameras and FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens.
Pre-order links:
Sony a7C II Body: $2,198 at B&H, Adorama.
Sony a7C II with 28-60mm Lens: $2,498 at B&H, Adorama.
Sony a7CR Body: $2,998 at B&H, Adorama.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens: $2,298 at B&H, Adorama.
The a7C II comes equipped with a full-frame image sensor boasting approximately 33.0 effective megapixels. It showcases cutting-edge capabilities in both still image and video functions within a compact and lightweight design, measuring around 4.88 inches in width, 2.8 inches in height, and 2.5 inches in depth, and weighing approximately 18.1 ounces. This iteration marks the second generation of the Alpha 7 C series, renowned for harmonizing performance and features within a conveniently small frame. This makes it an ideal choice for diverse shooting scenarios like travel and street photography.
Welcoming the a7C R, an innovative compact full-frame interchangeable lens camera that introduces the exceptional high-resolution and rich gradation performance inherent in a full-sized image sensor. Boasting around 61.0 effective megapixels, the same sensor found in the Alpha 7R V, this camera seamlessly incorporates this remarkable sensor within a lightweight and compact body. With a form factor closely resembling that of the Alpha 7C IIii and weighing about 18.2 ounces, the a7C R doesn’t just capture everyday snapshots; it excels in capturing high-quality images across a broad spectrum of settings, including portraits, wildlife, and landscapes. This makes it a valuable tool for creative endeavors, providing both mobility and outstanding performance.
Both models feature the identical AI-processing unit and BIONZ XR processors found in Sony’s latest interchangeable lens cameras, such as the Alpha 7R V and Alpha 6700. The Real-time Recognition AF ensures precise recognition of a wide range of subjects with remarkable accuracy, while the 5-axis in-body image stabilization imparts a substantial 7.0-stepiv advantage when capturing stills. In terms of video performance, both models support high-quality 4:2:2 10-bit video recording, achieving resolutions up to 4K60piii, alongside Sony’s acclaimed S-Cinetone™ color science that imparts richness to cinematic video. Additionally, these cameras incorporate Active Mode in-body image stabilization, AI-based auto-framing, digital-audio interface support, and a suite of other features tailored to enhance high-quality video shooting.
Main Features of the Alpha 7C II
- Equipped with a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and the latest BIONZ XR® image processing engine to achieve high imaging performance. For capturing either still images or movies, users can easily enjoy high-quality image capture in a wide range of scenes such as travel and daily snapshots.
- Compared to the Alpha 7 IV which is approximately 5.1 inches x 3.8 inches x 3.2 inches and weighs approximately 1.54 lbs, the Alpha 7C II is approximately 22% lighter and has approximately 45% less volume.
- The standard ISO sensitivities range from 100 to 51200 for both still images and movies (expanded ISO 50 to 204800 for still images), enabling high-sensitivity, noise-free shooting.
Main Features of the Alpha 7C R
- Equipped with a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels and the latest BIONZ XR® image processing engine to achieve high-resolution and high-definition imaging performance.
- Compared to the Alpha 7R V which is approximately 5.25 inches x 3.875 inches x 3.25 inches and weighs approximately 1.6 lbs, the Alpha 7C R is approximately 29% lighter and has approximately 53% less volume.
- The standard ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 32000 for both still images and movies (expanded ISO 50 to 102400 for still images).
- In addition, with 7.0-stepiv optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization, even slight blurring at the 1-pixel level is detected and corrected.
- Equipped with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting that takes multiple images and combines them on a PC to create an ultra-high resolution image.
- By combining with the grip extension GP-X2 included with the Alpha 7C Rv, you can shoot comfortably with a stable hold even when shooting for long periods of time or using a telephoto lens.
Sony a7C R
Introducing the Sony a7C R, a visionary advancement that encapsulates the remarkable high resolution and imaging performance of the a7R V within a sleeker and more minimalist profile. Tailored for travel photographers and those with an unquenchable thirst for resolution, the a7CR adopts the identical 61MP Full-Frame Exmor R Back-Illuminated CMOS sensor featured in the a7RV. While preserving the celebrated compactness synonymous with the C line, it boasts a staggering 29% reduction in weight and a remarkable 53% decrease in volume compared to the a7R V. At just below 1.14 pounds, the a7CR redefines portability as the smallest Alpha model to date offering such extraordinary resolution.
Beyond its credentials as an exceptional compact photo camera, the a7CR’s video capabilities are equally captivating. It embraces a comprehensive selection of professional video functions reminiscent of Sony’s esteemed Cine line.
Key features encompass:
– 10-bit 4:2:2 All-I XAVC S-I recording
– S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine recording
– Over 15 stops of dynamic range
– Remarkably detailed Super35 4K QFHD output with meticulous oversampling from 6.2K (equivalent to 2.6 times the information of conventional 4K files)
– Capability to shoot up to 4K60 and FHD 120P in full-frame mode
The trajectory of the a7CR is unmistakably directed towards revolutionizing the concept of compact travel cameras, converging unparalleled resolution with full-frame capabilities. For those seeking enhanced grip or with larger hands, the camera comes bundled with an additional base-mounted extension handle. This extension also incorporates a ¼-20″ thread, simplifying tripod mounting while ensuring uninterrupted battery access. Speaking of batteries, despite sharing a form factor reminiscent of Sony’s APS-C line, the a7CR integrates an NP-FZ battery port, providing ample power for extended days of shooting.
Sony a7C II
While the a7CR caters to those who seek razor-sharp, high-resolution photographs reminiscent of the a7RV, encapsulated within a compact body, the a7C II offers a more versatile, hybrid experience within an equally diminutive form factor. As the direct successor to the original a7C, which made its debut in September 2020, the newly unveiled a7C II promises a host of thrilling enhancements.
Surpassing its first-generation counterpart, the a7C II boasts a fresh 33MP sensor, delivering improved photo and video performance, alongside advancements in autofocus (AF) and superior low-light sensitivity compared to its 24.2MP precursor.
Enabled by the inclusion of the new AI processing unit and an additional 66 phase detection points (totaling 759 points and covering 94% of the sensor), the autofocus system stands unmatched, ensuring unwavering subject tracking.
Capture subjects in motion at speeds of up to 10 frames per second using either mechanical or electronic shutter.
Just like the a7CR, the a7C II introduces a brand-new 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS) mechanism, granting an impressive 7-stop shake compensation for your shooting.
Embrace an ISO range from 100 to 51200, with an expanded range reaching from 50 to 204800, making nighttime and low-light photography effortlessly achievable.
This camera’s versatility is truly remarkable, presenting a myriad of features that enable effortless and impressive video capture.
Leverage the prowess of oversampling from 7K and full pixel readout, without pixel binning, ensuring that your full-frame 4K30 video is imbued with remarkable presence and sharpness.
The “Anti-flicker Tv scan” function automatically adjusts shutter speed, effortlessly mitigating challenges posed by light flickering, often difficult to address with the naked eye.
Harness up to 15+ stops of dynamic range with S-log3 and S-Gamut3.cine.
Benefit from the camera’s 10-bit 4:2:2 bit depth and color subsampling, ensuring your shots exhibit incredibly refined colors.
With over 15 stops of dynamic range, your video library will be enriched with cinematic treasures.
Sony has imbued the a7C II with an array of movie features, encompassing breathing compensation, shockless white balance, AI-based auto framing, support for up to four audio recording channels, and much more. In essence, the a7C II is meticulously crafted to adapt to diverse scenarios at a moment’s notice. Transition seamlessly from capturing sharp photos with lightning-fast and pinpoint-accurate autofocus to effortlessly recording dynamic oversampled 4K video at the flick of a switch. For those seeking a minimalist camera system that excels across all domains, the a7C II may indeed hold the answer to all your imaging aspirations.
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens
Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II Lens
Sony brings forth another wave of excitement to the expanding collection of compact photo and video equipment with the newly improved FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II wide-angle zoom lens. For those acquainted with the original version, the enhancements of this successor will be readily apparent. First and foremost, Sony has successfully reduced the size and weight of this lens—20% lighter and 10% smaller. This reduction makes it a splendid addition for those who are conscious of limited luggage space. What amplifies this accomplishment is that, despite the substantial decrease in dimensions, the optical performance of the lens has undergone significant enhancement.
The FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II (model SEL1635GM2) caters to the demands of photographers and videographers in search of high-performance lenses. It utilizes the descriptive prowess and high-speed autofocus (AF) unique to the G Master series to fully unlock the potential of advanced camera bodies. The expansion of this wide-angle zoom lens includes a second-generation maximum aperture of F2.8. Furthermore, the lens lineup encompasses standard (24-70mm/ SEL2470GM2) and telephoto (70-200mm/ SEL70200GM2) options. These lenses, each being the world’s lightest in their respective categories, offer excellent resolution performance, thereby further fortifying the Alpha system’s capability to capture diverse and rich shooting environments.
Optical improvements are notably visible across four key areas:
Corner-to-corner resolution has seen significant enhancement at both the wide end (16mm) and telephoto end (35mm), resulting in heightened sharpness and clarity.
Chromatic aberration is effectively curtailed with the incorporation of one Super Extra-low dispersion (ED) and two ED glass elements. This compensation combats undesired aberrations while upholding image detail.
The mitigation of flares and ghosting is another achievement. This advancement has enabled the design of a shorter petal lens hood, minimizing the lens’s footprint.
Close-up performance has been uplifted, with closer minimum focusing distances. Whereas the original 16-35mm GM lens had a minimum focus distance of 11.1 inches, the second-generation 16-35mm lens presents users with a reduced minimum focus distance of 8.6 inches.
Enhancing these features, four extreme dynamic linear motors work in conjunction with a floating internal focus system, resulting in even faster autofocus speeds than its already speedy predecessor. Additional noteworthy features include an aperture ring with a toggle for click stops—ideal for video users who prefer on-the-fly exposure adjustments via aperture—two customizable buttons, an iris lock switch, and a front element fluorine coating to repel water, oil, and other contaminants.