Sony, an undisputed giant in the camera industry, is back with a bang introducing two new cameras, namely the a7C II and the a7CR. The new releases are creating a lot of buzz in the photography community for their advanced features and affordability. This article aims to provide an in-depth look at these two new cameras, their specifications, release dates, pros and cons, and some advice for potential buyers.
What’s New in the Sony a7C II and a7CR?
The Sony a7C II and a7CR are a follow-up to their predecessor, the original Sony a7C. While the a7C was a hit among photographers for its minimalistic design and ease of use, it lacked a few features that many felt were necessary for more professional use. Sony seems to have taken this feedback to heart and introduced some major upgrades in their latest releases.
Key Features of Sony a7C II and a7CR
Both the a7C II and a7CR have undergone significant enhancements that put them above their higher-end counterparts in some ways. Let’s take a closer look at what they offer.
A Major Processor Upgrade
The first thing to note is the new Bionz XR processor. This upgrade speeds up overall camera operations and unlocks new photo and video capabilities. The new Sony autofocusing algorithms also bring a significant improvement in focusing performance and subject detection modes, making them comparable to the best that Sony offers.
Better Handling and Comfort
Sony has made considerable advancements in the handling of these cameras over the original a7C. The grip is now larger and more comfortable, which is a valuable benefit for a compact body camera. Sony also offers a new removable extension grip, which provides a secure hold for your bottom two fingers while still allowing access to the battery compartment.
Compact and Lightweight
Weighing only 18 ounces (513 grams), both cameras are ideal for travel and take minimal space in your camera bag. The addition of a front control dial is a significant improvement in the handling, making it easier and quicker to adjust manual controls on the fly.
Enhanced Resolution and Displays
Both cameras also feature a 2.36 million dot EVF, which though similar in resolution to the original a7C, provides a much clearer viewing experience due to its improved magnification factor. The new cameras also come with an entry-level touch-screen LCD panel that fully articulates, making it more user-friendly.
New Shutter Mechanism
Another interesting change in the new cameras is the implementation of electronic first curtain shutters exclusively. This means there is no fully mechanical shutter mechanism. This change makes the cameras more stable to shoot at slower shutter speeds due to the lack of slap caused by a traditional mechanical shutter.
Enhanced IBIS System
Both cameras now have an improved IBIS system, which promises seven stops of added stability. This is a significant upgrade over not only the original a7C but also the a7 IV, bringing the cameras closer to their more advanced counterparts in terms of stabilization.
Sample Photos and Clips From Sony’s Presentation Today
Comparing a7CR and a7R V
With the a7CR, Sony brings the two main standout features from the A7RV to a much smaller and more affordable package. The a7R V does have a slightly more effective IBIS unit and can shoot 10 frames per second instead of the a7CR’s eight. However, these are relatively minor differences. The a7R V does offer a far more sophisticated EVF and dual card slots, which could be a deciding factor for some more serious photographers who are considering the a7CR.
Comparing a7C II and a7 IV
The a7C II offers the same 33-megapixel sensor and peak burst rates as the a7 IV, making it an excellent choice for action and sports photography. Interestingly, the a7C II surpasses its “big brother” in certain key aspects. It has the new Sony autofocusing system, which puts it on par with the much higher-end Sony a7R V instead. It also has a more stable IBIS system than the a7 IV.
Sony a7C II and a7CR: Not Just Entry Level Anymore
It’s clear that Sony has blurred the lines between its entry-level cameras and its more expensive models with the release of the a7C II and a7CR. Despite being more affordable, these cameras offer features and capabilities that are on par with, and in some cases even surpass, those of the higher-end models. Pricing for the Sony A7CR will be $2,998 and pricing for the Sony A7CII will be $2,198. Color options are black and silver.
Final Words
The Sony a7C II and a7CR are promising additions to Sony’s camera lineup. They offer significant upgrades over their predecessor, the a7C, and put up strong competition to their higher-end counterparts. If you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast looking for a compact, feature-packed camera, these new models are definitely worth considering. Personally, I can’t wait to get one in my hands. Preorder starts at 10 am ET, Wed Aug 30, 2023.
Sony a7C on Amazon | Sony a7C II on B&H | Sony a7RV on Amazon | Sony a7CR on B&H
Also, if you’re looking for some pretty good initial impressions on these cameras, I’d recommend checking out recent videos by Jenna Ezarik, Gerald Undone, and Petal Pixel on YouTube as well as Sony’s product announcement video.
