Sony Unveils Alpha A7C: World's Smallest & Lightest Full Frame Camera

Sony just announced the Alpha 7C, which the company is calling the world's smallest and lightest full frame camera body. The A7C is similar in design to Sony's compact A6000 series of mirrorless cameras, which use APS-C sensors, but boasts a 24.2MP full frame sensor and shooting features similar to the larger Sony A7 III full frame model.

The Sony A7C goes on sale in November 2020 for $1800 body only, or $2100 as a kit with the new correspondingly compact FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens. The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens weighs just 5.8 ounces and is just 4.5cm in length, when retracted, and just 6.4 cm wide at the front. Sony is calling this new optic the world's small and lightest full-frame standard zoom lens.

Here's a rundown of the key specifications for the Sony A7C camera:

• 20% smaller and lighter than the Sony A7 III

• Weighs 17.9 ounces and is approximately the same size & weight as A6600 (though slightly bigger and heavier)

• 24.2MP BSI full-frame sensor similar to the A7 III

• 3-inch, 921K dot side-opening vari-angle rear LCD screen

• 2.359M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) on the left rear of the camera

• Magnesium alloy body and monocoque construction with dust and moisture resistance similar to A7 III

• 693-point focal plane phase detection autofocus (AF) covering 93% of the frame

• Real-time tracking AF initiated with AF ON

• Real-time Eye AF (human/animal)

• Up to 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting with mechanical or electronic shutter

• BIONZ X image processor

• Up to ISO 204800 shooting

• 15 stops of reported dynamic range

• 4K 24p/30p video recording with full pixel readout

• Top panel record button for easier video recording

• HLG/HDR, S-Log3/2 for seamless editing

• 5-axis in-body image stabilization

• 740-shot battery life (CIPA rated) with LCD

• 2.4GHz/GHz WiFi connectivity, USB 3.2

• Black and silver color variations

Here are some key features of the new FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens:

• 3 asperhical elements

• 7-blade circular aperture

• Linear AF motor designed for fast, precise and silent AF

• Retracting design

• Only 5.8 ounces

• Dust and moisture resistance

• 0.3m (wide angle) – 0.45m (telephoto)

On the downside, unlike the recently announced Sony A7S III, the new Sony A7C camera features Sony's old and much criticized menu system and antiquated user interface. The Sony A7S III debuted with a revamped new menu system designed to be less complicated and confusing. The Sony A7C also only features one card slot for storing images and videos.

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