Sony A7C vs A7C II – Should You Upgrade?

When it comes to the Sony A7C vs A7C II, the camera world is abuzz with discussions comparing these two compact full-frame mirrorless offerings from Sony. The A7C II, Sony’s latest release, aims to build upon the solid foundation laid by its predecessor, the A7C. This article delves into a detailed comparison, scrutinising the specifications, features, and performance metrics of the Sony A7C vs A7C II. By doing so, we seek to equip potential buyers with the essential information required for an informed decision.

Let’s see how they compare.

Sony A7C vs A7C II – Which Should You Choose?

Let’s jump right into the heart of the Sony A7C vs A7C II debate. Choosing between these two remarkable cameras is far from straightforward, as both come loaded with features that cater to a wide range of photographers, from seasoned professionals to those just starting out.

A Quick Look At Key Specifications

• The Sony A7C features a 24MP full-frame sensor, delivering crisp and detailed images. Its autofocus system is robust, with 693 AF points, and it offers continuous shooting at up to 10fps. The camera is also designed for durability, with a weather-sealed body that can withstand challenging conditions. Battery life is substantial, allowing for extended shooting sessions.
• The Sony A7C II is equipped with a 33MP full-frame sensor, ensuring even higher image quality. The camera also features a fast hybrid AF system with 759 AF points and 94% coverage, along with advanced tracking modes. Video recording capabilities are enhanced, offering 4K at 60fps in 10-bit. What sets the A7C II apart is its more compact and lightweight design, making it an ideal choice for those seeking portability.

Sony A7C vs A7C II Pricing

• Sony A7C price: Approximately £1,899 (or around $1,900 in the USA)
• Sony A7C II price: £2,199 (or $2,199 in the USA)

The Sony A7C II is priced around £400 higher than the A7C. The pivotal question here is whether the additional features and improvements in the A7C II justify this price difference for your specific needs.

Let’s delve deeper into the distinctions between the Sony A7C and A7C II to ascertain which camera offers the most value and best aligns with your photography style.

Sony A7C II Overview

The Sony A7C II is the upgraded successor to the A7C, aimed at both pros and hobbyists. It features a 33MP full-frame sensor, a Bionz XR processor, and a dedicated AI Processing Engine for top-notch image quality. The camera boasts 759 AF points with 94% coverage and offers up to 10fps in continuous shooting. Enhanced in-body stabilisation rated at 7.0EV and an upgraded 2.36M dot OLED viewfinder add to its appeal. Video capabilities include 4K at 60fps in 10-bit, making it versatile for both photography and videography.

Sony A7C Overview

The Sony A7C serves as a compact full-frame option for photographers of all levels. It’s equipped with a 24MP sensor and a Bionz X processor, delivering high-quality images. The camera features 693 AF points and allows for continuous shooting at up to 10fps. It also comes with a 5.0EV in-body stabilisation and a 2.36M dot OLED viewfinder. On the video side, it offers 4K at 30fps in 8-bit. The A7C is designed for durability with a weather-sealed body and has a substantial battery life.

What Are The Key Differences Between Sony A7C And A7C II?

When comparing the Sony A7C vs A7C II, several key differences stand out, making each model unique in its own right.

Sensor and Processor

• Sony A7C: 24MP full-frame sensor, Bionz X processor
• Sony A7C II: 33MP full-frame sensor, Processing Engine

The A7C II takes the lead with a higher megapixel count and a more advanced processor, which also includes a dedicated AI Processing Engine for enhanced performance.

Autofocus System

• Sony A7C: 693 AF points
• Sony A7C II: 759 AF points with 94% coverage

The A7C II offers a more comprehensive autofocus system, providing better subject tracking and frame coverage.

In-Body Stabilisation

• Sony A7C: 5.0EV
• Sony A7C II: 7.0EV

The A7C II comes with improved in-body stabilisation, offering greater flexibility in various shooting conditions.

Viewfinder

• Sony A7C: 2.36M dot OLED, 0.59x magnification
• Sony A7C II: 2.36M dot OLED, 0.7x magnification

Both cameras feature OLED viewfinders, but the A7C II offers higher magnification for a more immersive viewing experience.

Video Capabilities

• Sony A7C: 4K at 30fps, 8-bit
• Sony A7C II: 4K at 60fps, 10-bit

The A7C II has superior video recording capabilities, including higher frame rates and better colour depth.

Price

• Sony A7C: Approximately £1,800 (or around $1,800 in the USA)
• Sony A7C II: £2,199 (or $2,199 in the USA)

The A7C II is priced higher, and the key question is whether its additional features justify the price difference for your specific needs.

These are the primary differences between the Sony A7C and A7C II, each offering its own set of advantages and limitations. Your choice between the two will ultimately depend on your specific requirements and budget.

Sony A7C vs A7C II – Image Quality & Low-Light Performance

When it comes to critical factors like image quality and low-light capabilities, the Sony A7C and A7C II offer compelling options. In this section, we’ll explore key specifications such as sensor resolution, ISO range, and dynamic range that contribute to overall imaging excellence.

What Should Be Your Choice For Image Quality, Sensor, And Resolution:

Image quality is a crucial consideration when choosing between two high-performance cameras.

• The A7C is equipped with a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor.
• The A7C II, on the other hand, comes with a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor.

The A7C II offers higher resolution, providing more flexibility for photo cropping and potentially better dynamic range and low-light performance.

What Would You Choose For Image Processing:

In terms of image processing, the cameras differ in their processors.

• Both the A7C and the A7C II utilise advanced Bionz processors, but the A7C II includes an additional AI Processing Engine.

Given the AI Processing Engine in the A7C II, it’s likely to offer faster image processing speeds and potentially better image quality.

✅ For image quality and processing, the edge goes to the Sony A7C II!

What Should Be Your Choice For Low-Light Performance:

Low-light performance is another critical factor.

• The A7C offers a native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable to 50-204800.
• The A7C II also offers a native ISO range of 100-51200, expandable to 50-204800.

Given these specifications, both cameras are likely to offer similar performance in low-light scenarios.

What Should Be Your Choice For Image Stabilisation:

In terms of image stabilisation, the A7C offers 5.0EV, while the A7C II offers 7.0EV. This gives the A7C II an advantage, particularly noticeable when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds or using longer focal lengths.

✅ For image stabilisation and low light, the edge goes to the Sony A7C II!

Sony A7C vs A7C II Low Light & Image Quality Summary:

Both the Sony A7C and A7C II offer strong capabilities in terms of image quality and low-light performance.

• Sony A7C features a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor with a native ISO range of 100-51200.
• Sony A7C II boasts a 33-megapixel full-frame sensor with a native ISO range of 100-51200.

While both cameras deliver excellent image quality and low-light performance, the A7C II’s higher resolution and better stabilisation provide it with a slight edge.

⭐ Overall, the Sony A7C II establishes itself as a stronger choice for image quality and low-light performance.

Sony A7C vs A7C II – Continuous Shooting & Autofocus Performance

Continuous shooting and autofocus performance are critical features for capturing the perfect shot, particularly in dynamic and fast-paced situations. Both the Sony A7C and A7C II excel in these areas, but how do they compare? Let’s examine the differences in this section.

Autofocus Comparison – Both Cameras Excel In Their Autofocus Performance:

• The A7C employs Sony’s Fast Hybrid AF system with 693 phase-detection points.
• The A7C II, on the other hand, utilises the advanced Fast Hybrid AF system with 759 phase-detection points and 94% coverage.

While both cameras offer exceptional precision in subject detection and tracking, the A7C II has a slight edge with more phase-detection points and better frame coverage.

Continuous Shooting Comparison – Where They Stand:

• The A7C can capture up to 10 frames per second.
• The A7C II, in contrast, also shoots at a rate of up to 10 frames per second.

Both cameras offer significant capture speeds, and their identical frame rates mean that neither has a clear advantage in situations involving rapid motion.

Factors such as lens quality and shooting conditions can influence continuous shooting performance. However, given their similar specifications in autofocus and continuous shooting speed, both models are well-suited to challenging shooting scenarios.

✅ For autofocus and continuous shooting, it’s a close call, but the A7C II has a slight edge in autofocus!

Sony A7C vs A7C II Burst Shooting And Autofocus Performance Summary:

Both the Sony A7C and A7C II are formidable cameras offering excellent continuous shooting and autofocus performance.

• The Sony A7C captures up to 10 frames per second and employs a Fast Hybrid AF system with 693 phase-detection points.
• The Sony A7C II also shoots at 10 frames per second and boasts an advanced Fast Hybrid AF system with 759 phase-detection points and 94% coverage.

While both models provide strong continuous shooting capabilities, the A7C II’s slightly better autofocus system offers a bit more precision, especially beneficial in challenging shooting scenarios.

Choosing between the Sony A7C and A7C II means investing in a high-quality camera delivering exceptional results in terms of continuous shooting and autofocus performance.

⭐ The Sony A7C and A7C II establish themselves as strong choices, but the A7C II has a slight edge in autofocus performance.

Sony A7C vs A7C II – Video Comparison

Video capabilities have become increasingly important in today’s camera market, especially for those who need a versatile tool for both photography and videography. Both the Sony A7C and A7C II offer strong video features, but how do they compare?

Which Would You Choose For Video:

• The Sony A7C offers 4K video recording at 30p with 8-bit color depth. While it provides high-quality video, it lacks advanced video features like 10-bit colour depth.
• The Sony A7C II steps up the game with 4K video at 60p and 10-bit colour depth, offering smoother motion and richer colours. Additionally, it includes the S-Cinetone colour mode and supports 4K/30p USB streaming.

Given these specifications, the A7C II has the upper hand in video capabilities, offering higher frame rates and better colour depth.

Which Would You Choose For The Longest Recording Time:

Both cameras are designed to handle extended recording sessions, but the A7C II’s improved heat management could potentially offer more reliability for longer recording times.

✅ When considering video capabilities, the Sony A7C II has the edge, offering more advanced features and better performance.

Sony A7C vs A7C II Video Spec Summary:

Both the Sony A7C and A7C II are strong contenders in the video department, but the A7C II stands out with its advanced features.

• The A7C II offers 4K at 60p with 10-bit colour, S-Cinetone colour mode, and 4K/30p USB streaming, making it a more versatile and powerful choice for video production.
• The A7C, while still a strong option, lacks these advanced features, making the A7C II a more compelling choice for those focused on video capabilities.

⭐ The Sony A7C II emerges as the superior choice for video capabilities, offering advanced features that set it apart from the A7C.

Sony A7C vs A7C II – Comparing Physical Design And Connectivity Features

The physical design and ergonomics of a camera can significantly influence the user experience in both photography and videography. In this section, we’ll assess the physical and visual differences between the Sony A7C and A7C II, focusing on elements like size, weight, button layout, and other attributes that affect handling.

Which Would You Choose For The LCD Display:

Both the Sony A7C and A7C II feature high-resolution LCD screens, providing a clear and detailed view of the scene.

• The Sony A7C features a 3-inch LCD with a resolution of 921,600 dots.
• The Sony A7C II also presents a 3-inch LCD but with a resolution of 1.44 million dots.

High-resolution screens are particularly advantageous in bright outdoor conditions. Both models’ LCD screens are adjustable and fully articulated, offering flexibility for various shooting positions.

Which Would You Choose For The Viewfinder:

Both the Sony A7C and A7C II feature an electronic viewfinder (EVF), essential for photographers and videographers.

• The Sony A7C features an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 million dots.
• The Sony A7C II has an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 2.36 million dots.

✅ In terms of the LCD and viewfinder, the Sony A7C II has a slight edge due to its higher-resolution LCD.

Which Would You Choose For Storage:

Both cameras offer similar storage options, including support for SD cards and a USB-C port for faster data transfer.

Which Would You Choose For Size And Weight:

The dimensions and weight of a camera are crucial for portability.

• The Sony A7C dimensions are more compact, and it weighs less, making it more portable.
• The Sony A7C II is slightly larger but offers more features.

✅ For portability, the Sony A7C is the superior choice.

Which Would You Choose For Battery Life:

Both the Sony A7C and A7C II utilise the NP-FZ100 batteries, offering extended battery life suitable for long shooting sessions.

✅ For battery life, it’s a tie between the Sony A7C and A7C II.

Which Would You Choose For Durability And Body:

Both cameras are designed to be durable and weather-resistant. However, the A7C II is equipped with a more robust magnesium alloy body, providing it with added durability.

✅ For durability, the Sony A7C II is the superior choice.

Sony A7C vs A7C II Physical & Visual Difference Summary:

Both the Sony A7C and A7C II have many similarities in terms of physical design and connectivity features. However, each model introduces certain distinguishing features.

• The A7C is lighter and more portable, making it a better choice for frequent travellers.
• The A7C II, although slightly larger, boasts a more robust body and a superior LCD.

Each of these features makes both models suitable for different needs concerning portability, battery life, and connectivity options.

⭐ Ultimately, the choice between the Sony A7C and A7C II would depend on your specific needs and priorities. However, for overall physical design and connectivity features, the Sony A7C II emerges as the slightly superior option.

Sony A7C vs A7C II – The Verdict

After a comprehensive comparison between the Sony A7C and A7C II, it’s evident that both cameras bring exceptional features and capabilities to the table. These cameras cater to a wide range of photographers and videographers, showcasing the versatility of Sony’s full-frame mirrorless lineup.

The Sony A7C II introduces several notable improvements over the A7C, such as a superior sensor resolution, enhanced autofocus system, and advanced video capabilities like 4K at 60p with 10-bit colour. It also offers a more robust in-body stabilization system, providing up to 7.0EV of stabilization.

When it comes to video, the A7C II outshines the A7C, offering advanced features like S-Cinetone colour mode and 4K/30p USB streaming.

In terms of physical design, both cameras are compact and portable, but the A7C II brings slight improvements in the viewfinder magnification, making for a better viewing experience.

While both cameras offer features like wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, image stabilization, and RAW image support, they also share similar weather sealing and UHS-II card support.

Should You Upgrade To The Sony A7C II?

If you currently own the Sony A7C, the enhancements offered by the A7C II—such as superior autofocus, better sensor resolution, and improved video capabilities—may warrant an upgrade, depending on your specific needs.

However, if you’re in the market for a new camera, the A7C II emerges as a compelling option. Its numerous improvements make it a competitive choice for both photographers and videographers.

And there you have it!

We hope you found this guide beneficial. If you’re considering purchasing either the Sony A7C or A7C II, both cameras offer exceptional features that cater to a range of photography and videography needs.

We are available seven days a week to discuss your camera or lens purchase by phone, email, and live chat.

Why not peruse one of our other articles like the Sony A6700 vs Sony A6600, Sony A7 III vs A7 IV, or the Sony A7C II Vs A7 IV.

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