Sony a7C II camera review

Sony make a classy update to their compact full-frame mirrorless camera.
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Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
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[@cjmoss51]

@9:51 Its nice to see people still appreciating Mini Discs. I truly dont think people understand how good that format was.

[@daveinportland]

I do miss the MiniDisc.

[@christopherfrost]

I'm obsessed with MiniDiscs and have a bit of a personal history with them. I'm planning on making a special video all about them haha :-)

[@daveinportland]

That is one I will "like" and "share" @@christopherfrost ... I'm sad that I sold my equipment but they no longer worked once I changed operating systems.

[@christopherfrost]

@@daveinportland Plenty over on eBay. Particularly here in the UK where MD was actually quite popular

[@daveinportland]

@@christopherfrost It was the ultimate mix tape format.

[@syedjaffar310]

The most reliable camera review channel. Keep it up bro!

[@bryanbuff]

Mine just arrived and I’m in love. It surprised me how much smaller and lighter it is vs the A7iv. I can live with a couple less buttons and lesser quality EVF in exchange for the compact form and updated AF, menu, and other newer features.

[@Pfagnan]

Nicely done my friend!! I learned a lot!

[@striderwhiston9897]

two videos in one day! very nice

[@rickbiessman6084]

Regarding the missing joystick: seems that a lot of people have started using "focus and recompose" using tracking. When I discovered that it revolutionized how I use autofocus. Benj Haisch in his review of the A7CR said the exact same thing and mentioned he doesn’t even use a joystick much anymore since switching to Sony. It’s nice to have, but when I want to change the autofocus point, I just tap the screen, which is faster than using the joystick anyway, despite having to take the camera away from my eye.

[@nSpiraliArchitectb]

What exactly is this technique? Thanks.

[@rickbiessman6084]

​@@nSpiraliArchitectbI use the flexible spot so I can move it around the screen. But often I just leave it in the middle, and once I’ve got my subject in the middle, I press and hold the "AF-ON" butten. That engages real time tracking, so your camera will continuously keep focussing that subject, even when it moves - or when you do. This allows you to kinda "grab focus" and then reframe your shot how you want it. This works both with single shot autofocus (once you start tracking, it basically works like continuous) and continuous autofocus. But since I’ve found that AF-C is actually FASTER than AF-S, I’ve used AF-C almost exclusively.

[@VynZography]

Great review!

[@matsuomasato]

I'm not a sony shooter but I really wish more manufacturers went this route with their mirrorless cameras. I really really don't understand why most pro and full-frame mirrorless cameras are in the SLR style. IMO having the viewfinder in the corner ala rangefinder is simply superior. With the viewfinder in the middle of the camera I always end up smushing my nose against the screen, leaving marks and also making it harder to get my eye proper close to the viewfinder.

[@veeaa]

It's usually an issue with the EVF quality. Better quality, i.e. higher resolution and magnification EVFs are larger and don't fit into smaller bodies. With A7C it's clearly a deliberate design choice. To keep the overall dimensions small, a sacrifice in EVF size and thus quality has to be made.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Yep. Glad it's not just me 😂

[@FilmScape4K]

Because you’re not centred with the lens with the EVF on the side. So it’s weird to compose that way.

[@rodmehta5356]

That's true if you're a right eye shooter.

[@michellsantana6402]

Nope, love my Sony cameras, but my clients think they are no pro enough, I wish Sony was dslr style, there's nothing wrong with it.

[@shawnfoodfever]

fantastic review 😍😍

[@SimonDanson]

He does nice camera reviews as well as lenses.

[@PhilipBallGarry]

Nice review Christopher 👍. £2100 is a bit salty especially as I've bought into the Fuji system. Maybe one day 😏. I've a X-T2 and X-E1. I do appreciate the corner mounted viewfinder as it avoids "nose grease" getting on the screen.

[@balboa0621]

The higher resolution sensor wasnt really an interest for me until i realized it makes a notable difference when shooting in crop mode

[@stephenchampion7548]

Great review Chris... Any chance you could do a review on the Sony 28-60mm f4-5.6 kit lens(?) that can be bought with this camera and the A7CR as part of a package (or stand alone)... I think it could be really helpful for people considering the purchase, that and it is possibly the smallest and lightest zoom for the Sony E mount system...

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Nice Chris! God bless brother

[@CK-hh1vh]

Will you be doing a review of the new Sony A6700? I'm upgrading from the old A6500 but would love to know what you think. Love your reviews - honest and reliable!

[@07SATS]

I hope you will do Similar testing for Leica Q3 as well. I want to buy Leica Q3 but haven’t seen proper testing done by any reviewers like the way you do.

[@thedondeluxe6941]

Every time you say "testing the living daylights...", I start singing "The Living Daylights" by a-ha. Good tune, I always liked that one. Pretty good Bond movie too.

[@stkuj]

I was originally waiting for this camera, but knew the pricing would be at least double of what I wanted to spend for a street/travel camera that would sit on my shelf most of the time. Since I use the a7rv for most of my shoots, I decided to get the a7c (used for $1K). TBH, if you're looking for a great deal on a compact FF camera wait a few months and get the a7c.

[@bradl2636]

Yep 👍 totally agree. Most especially for photo-centric shooters.

[@rickbiessman6084]

I am debating just that (getting a used A7C as a second camera or a new A7C II as a new main camera). The quality of life upgrades are nice, but I know the camera well enough and have it set up to my needs that I don’t need them; the higher resolution is nice, but I can get by without it; 10-bit video and S-Cinetone are cool but not something I’ll use very often; the deeper grip is appreciated but I can live with the old one; I have absolutely no use for insect/train/... AI AF; the list goes on. The single thing that might push me over the edge is the EVF. When I got my A7C, I walked into a store, took a look myself and determined it’s not great, but fine. I’ve since kinda changed my mind about that though...

[@bradl2636]

@@rickbiessman6084 Sony just keeps recycling the same EVFs and LCD screens I’m curious how many warehouses full of these things they bought 10 years ago and are still working through with their badge engineering “upgrades” 🤣

[@peterhunor]

Agreed. I also struggle to justify 2400 EUR for the new when you can get the old A7C for 1450 today (new). 1000 EUR difference for some very minor upgrades?

[@rickbiessman6084]

@@peterhunorIt’s what you need to shell out to get the latest tech I suppose...

[@explodingheavens]

A7cII looks to perform better at high iso than nost of older sony cameras A7IV and A1 included, like at iso100.000.. It's not from multiple sources but I would guess that their software improved while hw is the same. A7cR is slightly better in resolution, but it lack a lot: Iso200k for stills, iso100k for video(R got only 30k), 6fps unlimited burst using lossless raw(R can do that only in apsc mode). Basically a camera for any situation. But, what I like the most is combination pf this with 7stop IS, which make it a beast: 1-2s shutter with iso200k for stills, 1/4s iso100k for video with that great 7 stop stabilization. It covers everything.

[@aaantunes]

It's a great review, Christopher. I'm thinking about buying one because I'm sick of shooting with smartphones and my Sony RX100M3 is showing its age. This would be a nice refresh/upgrade. What zoom lens would you recommend for general purpose use? On a side note, the light in those photos in the church is gorgeous. Cheers from Portugal!

[@KevinZJR]

I think you could consider reviewing DJI’s new Osmo Pocket 3.

[@dr124]

Hi @christopherfrost, could you check if the screen is black when using polaryzed sunglasses? In original A7C when you use polaryzed glasses in landscape orienation the screen is black, and is only usable when rotated by 90 deg to portrait orientation which is kind of annoying when travelling. AFAIK a7IV behaves in the opposite way, how about this? Thank you.

[@Lethorio]

Not sure what you meant by gorilla film making, but good review Chris.

[@Way_Out]

Will there be a A7CR review as well? 🙏

[@DasWauto]

I’m debating between grabbing an A7C as a second body for easy carrying and replacing my A7III entirely with an A7C II to cover both bases. I’m leaning towards the former because dual card slots, better ergonomics for bigger hands and I like the centred EVF. The new AF system and better controls compared to the original A7C are very, very tempting, but considering the price I think if I can get a good enough deal on the OG I’ll be going that way.

[@nagarajuj7846]

Hi Chris, please do review on Nikon 70-180 f2.8

[@bikingmoments]

I do doubt the need for dual SD function in this camera - those in need will just go with a7-4, R4, and R5. I personally have had zero memory card problems with shooting >9000 images as a hobbyist

[@CreatedbyAvi]

hello, is it possible to edit raw photos on Mac? I tried to open raw photos with preview or apple photos app, but doesn't support. I never had any issues with A7C, but A7C ii isn't supporting...

[@abdulrahmanazmi7042]

Should I upgrade to a7cii from a7riii?

[@sunlbx]

Hell yeah! It's so sweet to be the first

[@kassayeatsime]

A7cii What about the talks dual iso is not working, at 3200 it is noisy?

[@rickbiessman6084]

Hey Christopher, thanks for the review! Do you remember what the maximum shutter speed was? The A7C tops out at 1/4000 which is a bit of a bummer to me.

[@zegzbrutal]

A7C A7CR is 1/4000

[@christopherfrost]

This one was 1/4000, I'm pretty sure (1/8000 in electronic shutter)

[@rickbiessman6084]

@@christopherfrostAh, that’ s too bad. But thanks for letting me know! :)

[@fidelchandra]

This came out 2 months after I got a7C mark I 😢. By the way, are you making another review for a7CR?

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

I was seriously considering this for a travel camera, but the price is a deal breaker. Way more of an increase then expected.

[@joeybailey9628]

I don’t get with a7c ii electronic max shutter is 8000 but mechanical is 4000 does this still mean I can shoot at 8000 shutter ?

[@stefanusadrian8398]

Does it have shutter closed feature while turned off to protect the sensor like a7iv? Sorry dont know the name of the feature

[@bryanbuff]

It’s called “Anti-Dust” and yes it is an option you can enable on the A7cii

[@yury_chernov]

Incredible innovation, touch display )

[@keBsIsland]

I just received the camera this camera does anyone know how to turn off the turtorials voice. I left it on for guidance as i scrolled through its menu, but cant seem to fine how to turn it off. Thanks for helping.

[@womz8203]

I wouldn't really call a 1.5x crop small when it comes to the 4k 60fps video 😅

[@RensKapoor]

Is sony a7c2 having autofocus problem with samyang lenses.. i just sold my a74 for a7c2 because of the ai chip and user luts. But came across a video that said a7c2 has some autofocus problems with samyang lenses… 😢

[@douglashill4567]

I use the a6700. Everything about this camera sounds familiar.

[@explodingheavens]

I never used viewfinderas I always shoot with a camera from lower height and angles. I also can't imagine how I would use that as I'm wearing glasses. Like with a phone, screen is all that matters. To pay for more is wasteful for me.

[@AH-ds7qx]

Danke!

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks for your support!

[@Twobarpsi]

A brick, that you can take pictures with!

[@niceyesplease]

Amazing camera, but for this price we should get a better screen imo.

[@caleblatreille8224]

Leftism on MiniDisc is such a flex 😵

[@christopherfrost]

Hehe! Only if you're someone who appreciates MD (and Leftfield) as much as I do ;-)

[@Left-All-Rights]

Maximum Shutterspeed?

[@christopherfrost]

Ooops! A Senior Moment there, mixing up my terminology haha

[@alwinbenjamin]

💯👏🏻

[@omegasquadflame2330]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@bradl2636]

In my market the A7IV is only $100 more… crazy head scratching move by Sony here.

[@nxt925]

I got the A7IV and I’d gladly trade it for this.

[@PuReXtremeGaming]

​@@nxt925why is that? And how about the a7s iii

[@sselh]

I feel the time is ripe for panasonic to release a similar camera with design cues from their german L mount partner.

[@mikey7326]

Leftfield on minidisc....ha

[@killpop8255]

Noob question...why don't I see a shutter In front of the sensor? They have a mechanical shutter?

[@christopherfrost]

I left the shutter up for that bit of footage :-)

[@killpop8255]

@@christopherfrost Up? It comes down to open?

[@joakimcullin2757]

It doesn't have a mechanical shutter. Only electronic and EFCS.

[@christopherfrost]

@@joakimcullin2757 You can see the mechanical shutter here: 04:27

[@joakimcullin2757]

@@christopherfrost But it's only first curtain mechanical, no? As in no Full mechanical shutter.

[@benjamindover4337]

I predict that rolling shutter will be eliminated in a few years. At which time, discerning film makers will be paying top dollar for a special high end camera which replicates that rolling shutter effect.

[@christopherfrost]

Cameras like the Nikon Z9 have already virtually eliminated it. It's simply a question of getting a sensor read out fast enough

[@benjamindover4337]

@christopherfrost ah, so technically Sony is offering a rare feature now

[@AB_223]

The same old 1M dot LCD screen!? Crazy. When will Sony learn that people like to enjoy their photos on the camera screen itself, not just in post?

[@benjamin5126]

I think exactly the same. I would even go so far as to omit the rear dial and some of the buttons and finally install a screen of about 6 inches with the quality of smartphones. I would find that perfect.

[@cantkeepitin]

The a7c screen is great, or do you talk about viewfinder?

[@zegzbrutal]

​@@cantkeepitinnope, Sony LCDs are bad. Only a7r5 is decent

[@benjamin5126]

@@cantkeepitin the screen really isn‘t great. It lacks resolution and dynamic range and I think the colours look flat

[@luisfilipelopes2900]

Strange to find it not to be parfocal! I saw it in another review comparing with Tamron, and it was tested and was parfocal, contrary to Tamron. It's also strange for Samyang to announce it and not be! Can it be some specific mode for it? Thanks

[@delphimiranda]

A novice question. Will this be able to easily transfer image/s to Facebook for instance? The reason why i stop using my 7rlll for the iPhone13pro. Thank u.

[@batabaka]

You can use wifi and Sony imaging apps

[@ZackMorrison]

How do you like this compared to the R8?

[@christopherfrost]

Hmm good question! I'll have to think about that TBH. I like the R8 a lot but I'm certainly drawn to the 33mp sensor and IBIS of the Sony camera...then again the R8 is much less expensive...

[@zegzbrutal]

You can buy more lenses and batteries for R8.

[@007UA16]

Expensive Canon lenses.

[@zegzbrutal]

@@007UA16 there's cheap rf lenses

[@miggyloz806]

@@zegzbrutal Cheap RF full frame lenses? where? not to mention those tiny batteries, people are only getting 23 mins recording 4k...I'll take the Sony

[@lightwarp_]

Why is it so expensive 😭

[@EuroRSN]

Can somebody once and for all confirm if the A7Cii has a true mechanical shutter? PetaPixel says it doesn't and I can clearly see the option for it in this video.

[@mamumonkan]

shutter still too loud

[@miggyloz806]

its a camera, if you want silence use electronic shutter

[@tsizzle]

Another huge con: batter life, 540 CIPA vs 740 CIPA on the original A7C. But a pro, they didn’t put a silver shutter button on the black body model.

[@tsizzle]

1/4000 shutter speed. Electronic front curtain shutter, no mechanical shutter. Another huge con: batter life, 540 CIPA vs 740 CIPA on the original A7C. But a pro, they didn’t put a silver shutter button on the black body model.

[@dexterbulalacao3751]

Hahaha i don’t know what to watch first

[@infiveg]

Мы в России смотрим ваши видео и обсуждаем на стримах. Эх. Видимо не скоро мне предоставится возможность обновить свою а7с

[@hedydd2]

Are gorilla’s fussy about the camera style that points at them?

[@PhilipBallGarry]

The Silverbacks especially so 😉😊

[@kjltube]

I’d not seeing this as an improvement over the A7IV due to various compromises due to an only small reduction in size being a bad trade off.

[@spidermann5000]

i dont see how the size of the camera will make any difference to the subject once i pair it with some decent glas. if i shoot a wedding i better bring good glas and good glas tends to be big enough to make the size of the body neglectable. it will only make a difference if i pair it to a lens that never ever should even consider dreaming about a ND filter being attached to it.

[@kamilpotato3764]

Biggest problem with this camera and it's predecessor is lack of dedicated small form factor lenses to fit body like this.

[@maggnet4829]

​@kamilpotato3764 Hm, Sony has a 24mm, 40mm and 50mm in a super compact format. Then there is the 85m 1.8 and plenty of Samyang lenses.

[@maggnet4829]

​@@kamilpotato3764Not to forget the pretty decent 28-60mm kit lens.

[@christopherfrost]

It makes a difference because most people will testify that having a giant monster of a camera pointed at you can be a bit intimidating, and wouldn't help a photographer blend in at a wedding

[@maggnet4829]

@@christopherfrost I can highly confirm that from my own experience. The smaller the room or the more intimate the setting, the more people become conscious of the cameras size.

[@howardhdavidson]

Sony keep bringing out more models with various gimmicks but ISO noise is not great and nor is the rolling shutter for €2500 this is something they keep in their midrange cameras models .Looks like a A6000 with a larger FF censer .Plus a few extra gimmicks.

[@viralthings3065]

I don't get why they do not go all-in when they say it's 'compact'... there is nothing compact about the a7C and never has been. It's huge. They could have made it compact though.

[@jigjitsu5599]

Im hoping for 3 card slots. Sony is going backwards now wtf

[@MoreData-hz8hm]

why do you keep on saying that 4k 60p is a "small" crop? It crops in 50%... that is absolutely huge... there is nothing "small" about a 50% crop

[@skepsys]

what do you mean screen is high resolution? it's just 1mp. it might be the lowest resolution screen on the market (in terms of resolution). sony uses 1mp for years, most complain about that, and rightfully so. a $300 phone has better screen

[@steadicamwalker]

The stablization still sucks

[@alexpelayo3502]

How can people listen to this ? Doesn't sound natural

[@kifley19]

$2200 and 1 card slot. What a joke. I got my Canon R6 II brand new for $2200.

[@steventan7543]

Get a7iv then ,this is altenative model with rangefinder style

[@miggyloz806]

Now go buy some lenses and get back to us 🤣🤣

[@lewcehjitl3282]

$2499 for one standard 24-70 f2.8 lens 😅. What a joke.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

Sony is money milking all those photogrpahers who have absolutely no taste for good camera gear. Who else would buy such overpriced cameras with low quality viewfinder, low quality display and only one card slot? Mostly made for tech nerds or inexperienced users.

[@womz8203]

The display and EVF wouldn't even satisfy tech nerds 😆

[@Not-A-Woke-Liberal]

Say NO to Sony cameras

[@dangir1783]

EVF is too small no joystick no dual slot there is the problem that the buttons are too small and too close to each other is a suffering to use a camera of this type and I would never pay 3,700 euros in Italy for the 60 megapixel A7 RC model