C O N T E N T S
Photo Corners headlinesarchivemikepasini.com
A S C R A P B O O K O F S O L U T I O N S F O R T H E P H O T O G R A P H E R
Enhancing the enjoyment of taking pictures with news that matters, features that entertain and images that delight. Published frequently.
Sony Announces Two New Alpha 7C Series Cameras
29 August 2023
Sony has announced two new Alpha 7C series cameras: the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R. Both models feature the same AI-processing unit and BIONZ XR processors found in Sony's latest interchangeable lens cameras.
Real-time Recognition AF recognizes a variety of subjects with high accuracy and 5-axis in-body mage stabilization provides a 7.0-step shooting advantage when capturing stills. Both models support high-quality 4:2:2 10-bit video recording up to 4K60p and both models support Sony's S-Cinetone color science. In addition, they have Active Mode in-body image stabilization, AI-based auto-framing, digital-audio interface support and other features to support high- quality video shooting.
"At Sony, we're committed to continually raising the bar and elevating standards for content creators," said Yang Cheng, vice president, Sony Imaging Solutions. "With the introduction of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R models, we're offering an innovative solution that serves creators in both photography and videography. This fresh addition to their toolkit ensures top-tier imagery and visual performance across our state-of-the-art imaging devices. By fusing advanced technology with user-friendly design, we're empowering content creators to realize their artistic vision like never before.
ALPHA 7C II
The Alpha 7C II is equipped with a full-frame, 33-megapixel image sensor and the latest still image and video functions and performance in a compact and lightweight design. It is the second-generation version of the Alpha 7C.
Highlights of the new camera include:
- 33-megapixel full-frame Exmor R BSI sensor
- BIONZ XR image processor
- Shooting up to 10 fps
- ISO 50 to 204,800
- 10-Bit full-frame 4K30p video
- S-Log3, S-Gamut3, S-Cinetone, User LUTs
- 7 stops of in-body image stabilization
- 759-point phase detection
- 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- 3.0-inch 1.03m-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen
- FE 28-60mm f4-5.6 lens
Specifications for the Alpha 7C II include:
SONY ALPHA 7C II SPECIFICATIONS Sensor 33-Megapixel full-frame Exmor R BSI sensor Bit Depth 14-bit Lens Mount Sony E File Formats Raw, JPEG, HEIF Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) Viewfinder Built-in electronic 0.39" OLED
2,360,000 dots
22mm eye point
0.7x magnification
-4 to +3 diopter adjustmentMonitor 3.0-inch, 1,036,000-dot, tilting touchscreen LCD Shutter Electronic Shutter:
- 1/8000 to 30 Seconds
Mechanical Shutter:
- 1/4000 to 30 SecondsFrame Rate Up to 10 fps ISO Photo:
- 100 to 51,200 in Manual mode (Extended: 50 to 204,800)
- 100 to 12,800 in Auto mode
Video:
- 100 to 51,200 in Manual mode (Extended: 50 to 102,400)
- 100 to 12,800 in Auto modeAutofocus Yes Live View Yes Image Stabilization Sensor-shift, 5-axis Flash TTL Auto, Shoe mount, No built-in
Maximum Sync Speed: 1/160 secondMovie XAVC HS 4:2:2/4:2:0 10-Bit:
- 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/50/59.94 fps
XAVC S 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-Bit:
- 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/59.94/100/120 fps
XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit:
- 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
4:2:2 8/10-Bit via HDMI:
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/59.94 fps
- HD (1920 x 1080p) at 23.98/50/59.94 fps
- HD (1920 x 1080i) at 50/59.94 fps
Built-in stereo micConnectivity 2.4/5 GHz WiFi, WiFi (802.11a/b/g), WiFi 4 (802.11n), WiFi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth
HDMI, USB-CPower NP-FZ100 rechargeable lithium-ion battery Dimensions 4.9 x 2.8 x 2.5 inches Weight 1.1 lb
SONY FE 28-60mm f4-5.6 LENS SPECIFICATIONS Mount Sony E Focal Length 28mm to 60mm Aperture Maximum Aperture: f4 to f5.6
Minimum Aperture: f22 to f32
7 rounded diaphragm bladesAngle of View 75° to 40° Minimum Focus 11.8 inches Magnification 0.16x Optical Design 8 elements in 7 groups Autofocus Yes Image Stabilization No Filter Thread 40.5mm Dimensions 2.6 x 1.8 inches Weight 5.9 oz. Sony said the Alpha 7C II will be available in the fall for $2,199.99 camera only or $2499.99 with the 28-60mm kit lens. Adorama and B&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
ALPHA 7C R
The Alpha 7C R is a new compact full-frame interchangeable lens camera, with a full-size, 62-megapixel image sensor, the same sensor used in the Alpha 7R V, in a compact and lightweight body.
Highlights of the Alpha 7C R include:
- 61-megapixel full-frame Exmor R BSI sensor
- BIONZ XR image processor
- Up to 8 fps
- ISO 50 to 102,400
- 240.8-Mp pixel shift multi shooting
- 10-bit full-frame 4K60p video
- S-Log3, S-Gamut3, S-Cinetone, User LUTs
- 7 stops of in-body image stabilization
- 693-point phase detection, 79 percent coverage
- 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
- 3.0-inch 1.03m-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen
Specifications for the camera include:
SONY ALPHA 7C R SPECIFICATIONS Sensor 61-Megapixel full-frame CMOS Bit Depth 14-bit Lens Mount Sony E File Formats Raw, JPEG, HEIF Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) Viewfinder 2.36m-dot OLED
0.39". 0.7x magnficationMonitor 3.0-inch 1.03m-dot vari-angle LCD touchscreen Shutter 1/8000 to 30 seconds Frame Rate Mechanical Shutter:
- Up to 8 fps at 61-Mp Electronic Shutter:
- Up to 7 fps at 61-MpISO Photo:
- 100 to 32,000 in Manual mode (Extended: 50 to 102,400)
- 100 to 12,800 in Auto mode
Video:
- 100 to 32,000 in Manual mode
- 100 to 12,800 in Auto modeAutofocus Yes Live View Yes Image Stabilization Sensor-Shift Flash TTL, Shoe mount, No built-in flash, TTL Movie Internal:
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps
4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI:
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps
Built-in stereo micConnectivity WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB-C Power NP-FZ100 rechargeable lithium-ion battery Dimensions 4.88 x 2.79 x 2.5 inches Weight 18.1 oz. The Alpha 7C R will be available in the fall for $2,999.99 and the GP-X2 extension will be available then for $159.99, as well. AdoramaB&H are both now accepting pre-orders.
Sony Electronics Releases Two New Alpha 7C Series Cameras
Including the Alpha 7C R with 61-Mp High-Resolution Sensor and the Alpha 7C II with the latest still image and video performance
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Sony Electronics has announced the release of two new additions to the Alpha 7C series of compact full-frame interchangeable lens cameras, the Alpha 7C II (model ILCE- 7CM2) and Alpha 7C R (model ILCE-7CR). The Alpha 7C II is equipped with a full-frame image sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and features the latest still image and video functions and performance in a compact and lightweight design (approximately 4.88 in wide x 2.8 in high x 2.5 in deep and weighs approximately 18.1 oz.) It is the second-generation version of the Alpha7 C, which is celebrated for its combination of performance and features in a compact size, perfect for a wide range of shooting scenarios such as travel and street photography.
The Alpha 7C R is a new compact full-frame interchangeable lens camera, boasting the high-resolution and rich gradation performance of a full-size image sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels, the same sensor found in the Alpha 7R V, into a compact and lightweight body (similar size and weight as the Alpha 7C IIii, approximately 18.2 oz). In addition to daily snapshots, it easily realizes high-quality image capture in a wide variety of settings, such as portrait, wildlife and landscape photography, meeting the expectations of creative work with mobility.
Both models are equipped with the same AI-processing unit and BIONZ XR processors found in Sony's newest interchangeable lens cameras such as the Alpha 7R V and Alpha 6700. Real-time Recognition AF recognizes a wide variety of subjects with high accuracy and 5-axis in-body mage stabilization provides a 7.0 step shooting advantage when capturing stills. In terms of video performance, both models support high-quality 4:2:2 10-bit video recording up to 4K60p and both models support Sony's acclaimed S- CinetoneTM color science for rich cinematic video. In addition, they have Active Mode in-body image stabilization, AI-based auto-framing, digital-audio interface support and other features that support high- quality video shooting.
"At Sony, we're committed to continually raising the bar and elevating standards for content creators. With the introduction of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R models, we're offering an innovative solution that serves creators in both photography and videography. This fresh addition to their toolkit ensures top-tier imagery and visual performance across our state-of-the-art imaging devices. By fusing advanced technology with user-friendly design, we're empowering content creators to realize their artistic vision like never before," says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics.
As the demand for sending and sharing captured content on social media networks has increased, more creators are looking for a combination of compact size and high imaging performance in mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. With the introduction of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R, which achieve high mobility and high-quality image expression in a compact size, Sony responds to the wide range of image expressions sought by creators.
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 percent lighter and has approximately 45 percent 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 percent lighter and has approximately 53 percent 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-step 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 R, you can shoot comfortably with a stable hold even when shooting for long periods of time or using a telephoto lens.
Common Features of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R
1. Compact size and high mobility
Both models are easy to handle and easy to carry. Compact size (both models are approximately 4.88 in wide x 2.8 in high x 2.5 in deep) and weigh approximately 18.1 oz for the Alpha 7C II and approximately 18.2 oz for the Alpha 7C R. When combined with the wide-angle zoom lens, FE 16-35mm f2.8 GM II, has announced, it achieves the excellent image expression and high-speed AF that are unique to the G Master series, with the brightness of f2.8 at full zoom range. The user can choose their favorite lens from Sony's extensive E-mount series of more than 70 lenses and enjoy a variety of image expressions in both still images and movies.
2. AF performance with improved subject recognition performance thanks to the built-in AI processing unit
Equipped with the same AI-processing unit as the Alpha 7R V, which recognizes subjects with high accuracy with Real-time Recognition AF. For example, when taking a picture of a person, even if the subject strikes a complicated pose or their face is hidden, human-pose estimation technology can be used to capture and track the subject with high accuracy. In addition to the existing tracking capabilities for people and animals already found in the Alpha 7C series, it is now possible to recognize birds, insects, cars, trains and airplanes as subjects in the new models.
3) Advanced video performance
The Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R condense high-resolution and detailed video data equivalent to 7K and 6K, respectively and can output high-quality 4K video. Equipped with S-Log3, which supports a wide latitude of 14+ stops, it renders rich gradation with little overexposure and underexposure even in scenes with contrast. Also, in Log shooting mode, the LUT imported by the user can be displayed on the camera monitor image, allowing the user to shoot while checking the finished image in post-production. In addition, it is equipped with S-Cinetone, a unique Sony feature which can create a cinematic look straight out of the camera without post-processing. Based on Sony's Cinema Line technology, S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color and deliver cinematic quality. It also features Creative Look, which allows you to easily change the look and feel of video and still images.
4) Operability and connectivity
Equipped with a touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, intuitive operation with the latest touch menu supports comfortable shooting. In addition to the new front dial that allows the user to assign their favorite functions, the still image/movie/S&Q switch dial and an XGA high-resolution viewfinder, etc., the camera is easy to use. The camera is equipped with a 7.0-step optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization to support stable camera work.
In terms of connectivity, the camera is compatible with the smartphone application Creators' App that uploads videos and still images taken with the camera to a cloud service, while allowing remote camera operation and image transfer from the camera to mobile devices. By the end of September, Sony plans to support a new version of the software development kit Camera Remote SDK that enables remote operation and settings adjustments.
5) Designed with environmentally friendly principles in mind
Over the past 11 years, Sony has replaced approximately 395 tons of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLAS, are used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. In addition to being equipped with Sony's Screen Reader function that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, a new menu Magnify Display function has been added to support the creative activities of a variety of creators.
Pricing and Availability
The new Alpha 7C II will be available in Fall 2023 at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers:
- Camera only: $2199.99, $2999.99 CAN
- Camera with 28-60mm lens: $2499.99, $3399.99 CAN
The new Alpha 7C R will be available in Fall 2023 at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers:
- Camera only: MSRP $2999.99, $4099.99 CAN
The new GP-X2 extension will be available in the fall at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers for $159.99, $214.99 CAN.