Sony a7C II initial review: not so small improvements: Digital Photography Review – digitalcameras.ie

Product pictures by Richard Butler

The Sony a7C II is the model’s second-generation small rangefinder-style full-frame digicam. Related in design to Its predecessor, the a7C II makes use of the identical unbelievable 33MP BSI sensor from the bigger Sony a7 IV and boasts spectacular stills, video and autofocus capabilities that ought to attraction to a variety of customers.

Key Specs

• 33MP BSI CMOS full-frame sensor
• Bionz XR processor and devoted ‘AI Processing Engine’
• AF monitoring with topic recognition, 759 AF factors with 94% protection
• As much as 10 fps taking pictures with AF
• In-body stabilization rated as much as 7.0EV
• 2.36M dot OLED viewfinder with 0.7x magnification
• Full-width oversampled 4K from 7K, as much as 30p
• 4K/60p (from 4.6K seize) in Super35 / APS-C mode
• 10-bit video or HEIF stills seize
• S-Cinetone coloration mode
• 4K/30p USB streaming
• No mechanical first curtain shutter

The Sony a7C II might be accessible in September 2023 for a body-only worth of $2199.99. A package with the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 will promote for $2499.99.

The GP-X2 grip extension might be accessible for a really helpful worth of $159.99.

---

Index:

---

What’s it, what’s new?

The a7C II crams loads of spectacular specs into a fairly compact full-frame physique.

The Sony a7C II receives fairly a number of upgrades over its predecessor, together with a brand new, higher-resolution sensor, up to date processors, a better magnification viewfinder, AI-enhanced autofocus, entrance and rear management dials and oversampled 4K/60p video. All this comes with a better sticker worth although (however chalk that as much as inflation).

New sensor & processors

Sporting the identical 33MP BSI CMOS sensor and Bionz XR processor as 2021’s Sony a7 IV, the a7C II additionally advantages from a further ‘AI’ processing unit to help with topic recognition and options akin to Auto Framing. We first noticed this fashion of secondary processor, devoted to dealing with machine studying algorithms, within the a6700 and ZV-E1. Be aware: the a7 IV doesn’t have one.

The extra processing energy ought to give the a7C II an autofocus benefit over the a7 IV and its predecessor, particularly in relation to face and eye detection precision in addition to when utilizing subject-specific monitoring modes. We had been impressed with the a6700’s AF efficiency in our subject and lab testing, and hope to see a repeat with the a7C II. The newer processor setup additionally brings the opposite options Sony has lately added, akin to focus bracketing, in-camera timelapse creation and a number of video options.

The up to date 33MP sensor, then again, is not going to supply any kind of vital picture high quality benefit over the 24MP chip discovered within the unique a7C. You might even see somewhat extra element in low ISO pictures, but it surely comes at the price of some dynamic vary and element in excessive ISO ones. In return it means barely extra rolling shutter in video. Nonetheless, our preliminary impressions of picture high quality efficiency are optimistic.

Out of digicam JPEG. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | ISO 100 | 1/1250 sec | f/2.8 | 35mm Picture: Dan Bracaglia

Entrance management dial & EVF enhancements

Our primary design gripe with the unique a7C was the dearth of a entrance management dial. Our feeling was, that for $1800, you must be capable of regulate publicity settings with each your thumb and index finger on the identical time. And we nonetheless really feel this fashion, which is why we’re happy to see Sony took our suggestions (and yours) to coronary heart. Generally it is the littlest issues that make the biggest influence.

Because of this new dial, the digicam handles significantly higher.

One other improve that improves usability is Sony’s transfer from a 0.59x magnification digital viewfinder to 1 that’s 0.7x. The a7C II nonetheless makes use of a 2.36M dot panel, although, which is a bit underwhelming. With such skinny margins differentiating varied fashions in immediately’s market, a 3.69M dot panel would’ve made this digicam stand out extra from the pack.

Oversampled 4K/60p & different video enhancements

On the inner video entrance, the a7C II is a match with the a7 IV by way of output and functionality. You get oversampled 4K/30p video from a 7K crop, 4K/60p video in Tremendous 35 mode (APS-C crop), and Full HD seize at as much as 120 fps. 4K/30p video is notably 10-bit with 4:2:2 coloration sampling, which is a significant step ahead from the earlier a7C, permitting extra versatile Log and correct HLG HDR video seize.

For these assured in post-production, you additionally get S-Log3 and Sony’s S-Cinetone, plus user-assignable LUTs. These LUTs can both be used to present a corrected preview, embedded alongside the footage to be used when enhancing or burned into the footage immediately as you shoot.

Different notable video options and upgrades embrace focus respiratory compensation, improved video AF topic recognition/monitoring and Auto Framing mode. This characteristic makes use of AI educated algoritms to imitate the way in which a digicam operator may punch in on a topic, whereas maintaining them each framed and in focus, and is a useful technique to get pro-looking pictures and not using a digicam operator behind the lens.

On the exterior video entrance, the a7C II can now stream 4K/30p by way of USB-C utilizing the UVC/UAC protocols (which means it simply acts as a USB webcam: no want for drivers or specialist software program).

Return to index

---

The way it compares

The a7C II has so much going for it. However competitors within the fanatic full-frame mirrorless market is stiff.

In loads of methods, the a7C II overshadows each its predecessor, which ought to come as no shock, in addition to the Sony a7 IV. The truth is, the one notable benefits the a7 IV presents over its smaller, lower-priced cousin are a greater EVF and twin card slots.

The Panasonic S5 II is one other equally priced physique that provides the a7C II an actual run for the cash in nearly each regard, besides dimension, weight and battery life.

One other digicam value evaluating the a7C II to – although pricier (and never within the desk above) – is the Canon EOS R6 II, which has a quicker burst charge (12 fps mechanical), higher-rated IBIS (8.0EV), full-width 4K/60p, a nicer viewfinder and twin card slots. That mentioned, we count on the a7C II to outperform the Canon within the autofocus and topic monitoring division by a good margin, notably in video mode.

Return to index

---

Physique & dealing with

The brand new entrance dial is situated just under the shutter launch for straightforward entry.

The a7C II seems to be so much like a Sony a7C with some minor modifications, probably the most notable being the inclusion of a entrance management dial. Dimension-wise, the a7C II is identical peak and width as its predecessor, although it’s 4mm thicker and 5g heavier. And whereas it is definitely not probably the most ingenious or thrilling digicam by way of design, it does deal with nicely. Then once more, we’e all the time felt Sony is a bit more targeted on perform moderately than kind.

The chassis is constructed of magnesium alloy and Sony says the physique is constructed in a fashion that makes it proof against each mud and moisture. In hand, the digicam sits comfortably with a strong, reassuring really feel to it. Additionally, the brand new entrance dial feels well-placed, just under the shutter launch.

A completely articulated touchscreen permits for selfies and vlogging.

The rear of the a7C II can also be principally unchanged from its predecessor too. Although, you do get one further customized perform button, situated in between the decrease rear management dial and the menu button. The rear show, at 1.03M dots, is a barely larger decision than that of its predecessor (0.92M) however the distinction is not that noticeable. In use, the contact interface is extraordinarily responsive.

The highest of the digicam additionally seems to be fairly just like the a7C however there are some small adjustments. What was as soon as a devoted publicity compensation dial is now a clean customized dial. Sony additionally added a three-way selector, just like the one discovered on the a7 IV, that permits customers to simply soar from stills to video, to ‘S&Q’ mode. You will discover it tucked just under the mode dial across the again.

And like all latest Sony cameras, customers can independently customise their settings, menus, and extra for stills and video taking pictures.

The a7C II might be charged by way of USB-C. The port additionally permits for picture and video switch in addition to stay streaming.

The EVF sees its magnification elevated to 0.70x however the panel stays a 2.36M dot affair, which some of us, ourselves together with, might discover disappointing. There’s additionally (nonetheless) no AF joystick, which can dissuade different customers (although you need to use the rear display screen to realize touchpad AF). However these are our two most vital criticisms of the design, apart from its lack of allure.

Alongside the non-grip facet of the a7C II, you will discover the lone UHS-II SD slot (the closed door within the picture above). The hatch above it (opened) hides the microphone and USB-C port, whereas a decrease hatch retains the HDMI and headphone jacks protected. Be aware, that each the headphone and microphone ports are normal 3.5mm.

The digicam makes use of Sony’s highest-capacity Z-battery; battery life is passable.

The a7C II makes use of the newest Sony Z-battery. Nevertheless, battery life is rated noticeably decrease than that of the a7C or a7 IV. This could seemingly be chalked as much as the brand new, secondary AI processora dn larger decision sensor.

Based on CIPA requirements, you possibly can count on 510 pictures per cost when utilizing the rear show and 540 when utilizing the EVF. After all, these numbers are extremely conservative and relying on the way you shoot and the way usually you evaluation pictures, it is not unusual to realize double the rated variety of pictures. A ranking north of 500 pictures per cost is unlikely to current an inconvenience for a number of days of pretty frequent taking pictures (although video and Wi-Fi use will chip into this extra aggressively).

Return to index

---

Preliminary impressions

By Dan Bracaglia

The a7C II is so much sweeter than these grapes. However will it age as nicely? Out of digicam JPEG. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | ISO 100 | 1/1250 sec | f/2.8 | 35mm Picture: Dan Bracaglia

I had the possibility to spend somewhat high quality time with the Sony a7C II and I used to be by and enormous impressed with the dealing with, efficiency and output of this compact full-frame digicam. It is definitely a pleasant step up from its predecessor, although I have to admit that I desire the a7 IV’s total design higher.

Paired with the brand new 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II lens, the a7C II got here alongside on a household journey to Oregon’s wine nation within the Willamette Valley. And whereas it was hardly the star of the present – that was the Pinot Noir – it was a beautiful companion. I immediately took a liking to the entrance management dial and total, discovered the a7C II extraordinarily snug to function, with well-placed controls, first rate battery life and responsive efficiency. I additionally just like the grip.

I did not dive too deep into customization, which has gotten a bit overwhelming on latest Sony cameras at this level. However I did discover Sony’s newest menus simple sufficient to reorient myself with and navigate (I did additionally simply come off testing the a6700).

Along with having fun with the brand new a7C II, Sony’s newest GM large zoom additionally left me impressed, although not fairly as impressed as Night Land’s 2021 Summum Chardonnay. Out of digicam JPEG. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | ISO 100 | 1/1600 sec | f/2.8 | 35mm Picture: Dan Bracaglia

That mentioned, I do want manufacturers like Sony would put higher effort into making their cameras work as merely as doable for most individuals, proper out of the field. Perhaps they’ll even give you selectable ‘professional’ digicam profiles that may be activated immediately; I might swap the a7C II right into a extra complicated customization pre-set if it meant the most effective AF hit charge.

On the topic, autofocus efficiency on the a7C II is nothing wanting unbelievable. The truth is, AF was one thing I left as a whole afterthought for 95% of the time I used the digicam. But, almost each single certainly one of my pictures is completely sharp. That is very true of eyes, whether or not human or canine.

“AF was one thing I left as a whole afterthought for 95% of the time I used the digicam”

One over all grievance, although: With a lot photographing in vivid sunshine, I did wrestle at occasions to compose by the EVF, which is a tad low-res for my style. Nevertheless, dialing up the EVF brightness to its most capability did assist a bit.

The ‘Chardonnay Room’ at Lingua Franca is a particular place. Out of digicam JPEG. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | ISO 1250 | 1/125 sec | f/2.8 | 16mm Picture: Dan Bracaglia

In the end, I want Sony had been in a position to make use of the three.69M dot show from the a7 IV, moderately than persevering with together with the two.36M dot one, but it surely’s a bodily bigger panel than the one used right here. I suppose sure sacrifices needed to be made to maintain the value round $2k and the scale down (and to maintain the a7 IV relevant-ish).

On the picture high quality, facet I have never had an opportunity to course of any Uncooked recordsdata – we’re nonetheless ready on help – however I am actually liking the out-of-camera JPEGs from this digicam. Sony certain has come a great distance from the gross magenta and bizarre teal hues of yesteryear (2013). And if the a7 IV’s IQ output is any indication, a7C II Uncooked recordsdata ought to supply loads of flexibility and nice element seize at base ISO.

Sony’s eye detection continues to be the most effective within the biz. Out of digicam JPEG. Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM II | ISO 100 | 1/800 sec | f/2.8 | 16mm Picture: Dan Bracaglia

All in all, the a7C II seems to be a significant improve over the unique a7C in nearly each regard. It additionally principally retains its compact footprint (for a full-framer) even when the launch worth has crept noticeably (and sadly) upward.

The a7C II can also be a digicam that largely usurps the highly regarded a7 IV. This might be very true if the enhancements in AF precision we count on, come to fruition in our testing. I am additionally trying ahead to placing the a7C II additional by its paces to see simply how nicely it stacks up in opposition to the newest our bodies from Canon, Nikon and Panasonic. Till then…

Return to index

---

Pattern gallery

Please don’t reproduce any of those pictures on an internet site or any e-newsletter/journal with out prior permission (see our copyright web page). We make the originals accessible for personal customers to obtain to their very own machines for private examination or printing (along side this evaluation); we accomplish that in good religion, so please do not abuse it.

Return to index