[ad_1]
(Pocket-lint) – Sony has introduced the latest camera in its Alpha line, one that seeks to deliver high-end performance in a more compact form. It’s called the A7c and it’s Sony’s smallest and lightest full-frame camera to date.
So how small is it exactly? It’s obviously not small, but Sony has managed to cram a full-frame sensor into a body that is very similar in size and weight to the A6600.
If you want details, the body measures 124.0 x 71.1 x 59.7mm and weighs 509 grams, which is only 6 grams heavier than the A6600 and a few millimeters wider and taller, but thinner.
Inside, it has a new five-axis in-body stabilization system (IBIS) and has a body built with a monocoque construction similar to that used in car bodies. That essentially means that the supporting structures that give it durability are built into the external frame.
It also has a suitable flip-out screen, making it only the second camera in the A7 series, after the A7S III, to feature a fully articulated touchscreen.
With its stabilization system, Sony says you’ll be able to get amazing, fluid shots without the need for a tripod, making it ideal for handheld vloggers, plus the battery is the NP-FZ100, which can shoot up to 740 still images before die.
Video Specifications
For years, Sony’s A7 line has been considered one of the best for recording video at semi-professional levels, often offering premium capabilities without the need to buy a large, expensive film camera.
The A7c brings a lot of that into a smaller package and is capable of shooting up to 4K resolution (3840 x 2160) while also supporting HLG for HDR capture, as well as S-Log and S-Gamut profiles.
It supports recordings of up to 30 frames per second at 4K resolution, but only up to 8-bit, which can be a bit disappointing for those who like the degree of color and would ideally want 10-bit data.
Still, it can shoot 1080p at up to 120 frames per second for those who want to capture high frame rate video at relatively high resolution for quality slow motion.
For audio capture, there is a 3.5mm input for microphones, a 3.5mm output for headphones, and a multi-interface shoe that can be used with additional microphones or audio input accessories.
Still images, intelligent autofocus and processing
All of this is captured on a 35mm 24-megapixel Exmor R CMOS back-lit sensor, with the data captured and then processed by the Bionz X image processing engine. Combined, that means 15 stops of dynamic range and a ISO standard reaching up to 51,200.
What that means in actual day-to-day use is that essentially even if you want to shoot in low-light situations, you won’t have a problem and will have to deal with relatively little noise.
However, what has made Sony’s system so attractive in recent years is its intelligent autofocus and real-time tracking. Whether you are taking photos or videos, the camera automatically detects human or animal eyes and can quickly fixate and maintain focus on them.
This AF system is also wide, its 693 phase detection points cover about 93 percent of the available image area and is combined with 425 contrast detection points.
Add that to the fact that you have a new shutter unit and can hit 10 frames per second in continuous shooting mode with autofocus and auto exposure enabled, and you have a fast and capable compact camera.
Alongside it, Sony has announced another “thinner and lighter” FE 20-60mm standard zoom lens, which you can buy with it as a kit if you wish.
The Sony A7c will be available to buy in October for £ 1,900 for the body only, and the kit containing the 28-60mm lens and body will be available at the end of October for £ 2,150.
Written by Cam Bunton.
[ad_2]
