Yesterday evening, Sony revealed several new products in their full-frame mirrorless Alpha system, all emphatically focused on providing uncompromised power in a compact package. The α7C offers full-frame, stabilized quality in the smallest body available anywhere, and will be joined by a new ultra-compact flash unit and the FE 28–60mm f/4–5.6, which will offer heretofore unfathomable compactness in a full-frame standard zoom lens.
The α7C
Key features
- 24.2 MP sensor
- BIONZ X processor
- 10fps burst mode with full AE/AF tracking
- 4K 30fps video, oversampled at 6K with no pixel binning
- FHD up to 120fps
- HLG, S-Log3, S-Log2 support
- 15 stop dynamic range
- 5-axis 5-stop IBIS
- AI-based tracking, real-time Eye-AF for humans and animals in stills or video
- Adjustable AF transition speeds for video excellence
- Digital audio interface, mic jack, headphone jack, micro HDMI port
- USB-C charging supported
- 3.0″ vari-angle touchscreen + 2.35 million dot EVF
- UHS-II SD slot
- 740-shot battery life
…all that, and it’s only 1% heavier than the very compact (and APS-C-based) α6600. If you’re familiar with the interface and output quality of other cameras in the full-frame Alpha series, not much in those departments will come as a surprise—except for the compactness of the body housing them. Look how tiny it looks on the reasonably-sized FE 70–200 f/2.8 GM OSS in the picture above! The incredible low-light performance, intelligent auto-focus, and reliable operation we’ve come to expect from other α7-series cameras all seem to have been maintained for this latest member of the family. Be sure to check out the actual image samples below!
The α7C will be available in late October, either standalone or as a kit with the new FE 28–60mm f/4–5.6 lens. Stop by your local Mike’s Camera, or click here to pre-order the version of your choice, in black or silver. We’re still feeling the effects of manufacturing disruptions this year, so if you don’t want to wait for quite some time, I would recommend getting on the list as soon as you’re sure!
Product images
Sample images
The HVL-28RM
While retaining a comparable power level, the HVL-28RM is 12% less voluminous and 7% lighter than the HVL-32M and has been designed specifically to complement the latest Alpha mirrorless cameras as a part of an effortlessly manageable system. Expected pro features like consistent burst or continuous light, radio wireless communication, and multi flash control are present, naturally, in addition to more exciting, novel capabilities like flash control linked to in-camera face detection. Using a compatible camera (like the α7C), you’ll be able to control flash compensation, light ratio, and other detailed flash parameters. A redesigned, more-rugged mount and dust/moisture resistance top off the package to enable fearless photography, whatever your needs.
The HVL-28RM will be available this winter, but you can get your pre-order in now at this link or by visiting the friendly folks at your local Mike’s Camera.
The FE 28–60mm f/4–5.6
Almost as compact as the APS-C-sized E PZ 16–50MM F3.5–5.6 OSS, this new standard zoom lens continues to narrow the size gap between full-frame and crop-sensor kits. The choice between the two formats should rarely come down to “will it fit in my bag?” ever again! Of course, this little guy offers more than a lack of bulk. Dust and moisture resistance as well as a respectable minimum focusing distance of just under a foot make it a great choice for every day carry as well as for on-the-go vlogging. Several of the sample images in the α7C gallery, above, were shot with this lens—check the file names for that information.
The lens will be available in a kit with the α7C in late October, and will be available for independent purchase in early 2021. Check with your local Mike’s Camera for availability.
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