Did I Buy The Wrong Camera? My New Sony A7C.

[@macles9051]

So basically A7 series in the body of A6k series. As a 6k series user I have to say, I quite like that idea. You Sir, have just put the A7C on my radar.

[@markandrst8767]

I have one. Love it. Use mostly vintage lenses with it. It’s also used to scan my negatives.

[@greyzog]

Welcome to the a7C family. It's a fantastic camera and I'm glad you love it. No camera is perfect for everyone and no camera is perfect in all situations. We all just have to find which ones work for us. When I started watching all I could do was chuckle a little... you love your vintage range finders... how could the a7C viewfinder be too small for you!? 😂 I'm imagining you comparing the viewfinder to one in a Zorki.

[@zenography7923]

Or indeed a barnack leica!

[@bcostin]

When people complain online that viewfinders, autofocus, battery life, etc. are "unusable", that's my cue to be skeptical. With such an extreme opinion they're usually repeating back something they read or heard. I'm sure they have good intentions, but it isn't helpful.

[@nvrumi]

To add to your thought, I am skeptical of most "reviews" -- especially those from content creators that I do not know. The Internet signal-to-noise ratio can be quite poor. ;)

[@zenography7923]

The internet can be quite an echo chamber, if one isn't careful!

[@adjenkinsuk]

I replied to one about his "review" which was actually titled "Is lens xyz usable in 2023?" I said that unless it's actually non-functional for some reason and as long as it fits your camera and focuses the light towards the sensor (or film) then of course it's usable, as much as it was back when it was made. I had some rubbish back about if I didn't have the intelligence to understand what he was saying.........🤣

[@jeghedderhenrik]

the 7c looks like a vintage camera, the prettiest of the a7 serie

[@bondgabebond4907]

That vintage look is why I got the a6700. Also have the A7CR. If you are not careful and these two cameras were sitting side by side, you might pick up the wrong one. They look so much alike and are almost identical in size. It's remarkable that Sony stuffed A7R5 tech in these tiny bodies. The one reason they look small is that the SLR style hump is gone.

[@ice9phil]

there is an advantage to being small, and it sounds like it shoots big, so great! TBH, one if the reasons why I love my Sony Alphas is that they arent that much different in size than the old Pentax's I used to shoot in film days. The form factor for me connects me with my past.

[@zenography7923]

I know exactly what you mean!

[@amermeleitor]

Great to know your opinion and experience. I'll go mirrorless next year, and still undecided about which system, Sony, Canon, Nikon, L-Mount.

[@zenography7923]

So many great cameras to choose from! Still, it's a good problem to have.

[@martinda7446]

I think they are beautiful things. Sony A7C.

[@carbsrm]

I've been eyeing up the a7c, currently got the a7s2. Nice review!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks!

[@ulfjonsson2122]

Superb review

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks Ulf, glad you enjoyed it!

[@paulman2270]

Another very useful feature is that the A7C has built in IBIS ( image stabilization ) which is great for non Sony lenses that do not have OSS ( optical steady shot) for stable shots and video which your old A7 did not have.

[@zenography7923]

Absolutely!

[@nyax4361]

Yes! Picture profiles! the Sony film sims using picture profiles made me stay with Sony, too. another reason is of course that it's easier to find a mint mirrorless-native nich insteresting lens made for E mount than Z, L or RF.

[@barclayjb]

Nice camera. I like Nikon and Fuji. I love my Fuji X-e3. Your Sony is a very familiar form style. Looks like you made a great decision. And it looks super cool.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks!

[@bondgabebond4907]

Took a while to get used to it, but I love my A7CR. Where I would choose my A7R3 or a6700. The one huge improvement is the focusing technology from the A7R5 now part of the a6799 and A7CR/II.

[@zenography7923]

These are great little cameras, for sure!

[@Arripa-777]

Great review 1 Thank you !

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad it was helpful.

[@nicedward7544]

I have new shiny big cameras. I still love using my wife's a6000. The evf doesn't bother me a bit. I wish I could get something with 2 card slots with a rangefinder style/placement evf. The original a7c has been on my radar for a long time. I've never actually held one

[@zenography7923]

They feel nice to hold, they have some substance.

[@nigelcassidy9880]

Congratulations on your new purchase. Looking forward to some new vintage lens reviews using it.

[@zenography7923]

Coming soon!

[@Mike_in_Louisiana]

Looking forward to photos from your new camera! Cheers.

[@robstammers7149]

Oh well, straight of the bat, I'll be staying with my Canon 200d, Canon colours, Canon menu system, vast choice of EF or EFS lenses, personally I prefer EF lenses. Sony for me are trying too hard to give it's users something new, but IMHO modern digital cameras have become boring. I'm finding myself using vintage cameras, like the Sony R1, Sony H5, and the Sony F828. Modern mirrorless cameras are way beyond my budget anyway. Plus I've made a major move back to using film. Hope you enjoy your new camera Nigel. Great video as usual. Regards Rob.

[@yelkao8]

Nigel, I mainly use a Fujifilm X-T4. Love the dials to avoid going into the menus as much as possible. The A7C looks a bit spartan from that point of view. I do however have two Sony cameras to give me a full frame experience. One is the A7 which has a very low shuuter count and which I had converted to InfraRed a few weeks ago. The other is an A7 II which also has a low shutter count. I had that for the image stabilisation. They don't have as many dials as the Fuji but do the job and I don't have a problem with menu systems on those but they do take longer than having dials. Good luck with the A7c.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks!

[@andrewlutes2048]

I enjoy the Neutral rather than Standard color settings.

[@joecarey7123]

There are always trade-offs when shooting vintage lenses on modern cameras. I shoot Olympus em1iii with the lenses and the crop is very forgiving on soft cornered cheaper lenses - trade off being that crop. The important bit is the excitement of a new camera to revive the mojo. I might look at a cheapish Sony ff model myself!

[@Wadidiz]

Thanks for this review. I've been wondering about moving from my Sony A7 and A7r3 to the A7C. I'll have to have a closer look at the EVF.

[@rdmckeever7645]

Got a barely used one last year; love the auto-focus and the camera size. The color issue is minor if I use Image Edge software with the ARW files. Yes, the menu system sucks. Added a Focus-Foto base plate that makes it a better fit for my hands and provides a tri-pod adapter.

[@zenography7923]

It's a lovely little camera, looking forward to using mine more.

[@TheCruisinCrew]

The A7C is slightly more compact and surely a fine camera, but I think the A7R II (which I have) or III is actually more versatile, because of the much higher pixel count, which gives you also the option to use APS-C lenses with a decent resolution (plus using the crop mode on full frame lenses for reach is also nice, particularly with video). But for travel I would consider the A7C too... :)

[@grahamowen4336]

I'm a bit colour blind so I uses an X-Rire Colorchecker passport to create custom colour profiles for all of my cameras in Lightroom. It takes a few seconds to do and I have several for each camera to match the season and the light. When applied I know that the colours are true.

[@jeghedderhenrik]

please share your ,,classic chrome,, looking profile recipe

[@nicokremers7150]

Lol. Made a similar move a few weeks ago. From Sony A7 mark 1 to a Leica SL (type 601). Moved to Raw (Dng) and love the skin tones. I think it is the best camera for vintage lenses (Olympus in my case). No ibis! Great viewfinder. A beautifull camera.

[@zenography7923]

That sounds like a very nice camera - enjoy!

[@DouglasKnisely]

I just bought a used A7R this week to take more full advantage of the legacy lenses that you forced me to get (😆). Coming from Olympus, the Sony menus were a breath of fresh air. Autofocus looks like a nightmare, but I'm only using adapted lenses for now. You are right about the cost of adapters! I just got the more expensive Fotasy M42 to Sony helicoid adapter, and it works beautifully for closeups with ~50mm lenses. This looks like my perfect walk-around setup.

[@zenography7923]

That sounds like a very nice setup, enjoy!

[@Stop-All-War]

Recently looked at A7Cii, budget aside, the tech in Mark2 is for me 🔥 I'll await price drop.

[@zenography7923]

👍

[@POVwithRC]

I think you'll get used to it. The EVF isn't the best but tis still better than many older cameras. Silver is the only way to go. I have a silver smallrig one with wood grip to go with for my 7CR and its the business lemme tell ya. Do I still own an XT50? Yes. But do I like the CR more when I really need the shot? Also yes.

[@zenography7923]

You're right, I've got used to it. If you've used a Barnack Leica vf you can use anything!

[@nvrumi]

I just bought an A7iii for use with my vintage glass. The seller offered me a deal on a Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 Sonnar and I took it. It is the only autofocus lens I own for the Sony. I have a #*$#load of adapters for my Sony as I started with a NEX-5N. I have a few for my Fuji cameras, but generally use the Fuji cameras when I want to use the very good Fujinon glass. I'm learning the A7iii. The menus suck. But, they are usable.

[@zenography7923]

I'm sure it will become clear - eventually.

[@Elalolam]

You are making a good case for the A7C, but I think I will get a Nikon ZF. Just wish it was “rangefinder-esque” as you put it with the weight of an A7C.

[@zenography7923]

I love the r/f style, it's a large part of what brought me to this camera.

[@caw25sha]

I downloaded pdf manuals for my Fujifilm cameras and keep them on my phone. I don't need to consult them often but they're handy to have.

[@TheNewArtSchool]

Great video! Fuji has completely different sensor technology to everyone else save Sigma merril cameras. Other manufacturers can’t simulate Fuji because they are all using the ancient bayer sensor technology. It’s about time that they all move to a true RGB sensor, we having been asking for it for decades.

[@zenography7923]

bayer sensors are fantastic, it would be great to see one in a sony camera. Maybe someday I guess!

[@TheNewArtSchool]

@ I would rather see foveon style, true rgb sensors in the big brands.

[@martingreenberg870]

The flip out screen is a negative for me. I’m a street photographer and don’t need to make the body any larger. As a photographer who doesn’t do video, this feature isn’t for me. The only real use this screen has is when I shoot in portrait mode the screen is at 90 degrees to the body. That gives me a twin lens reflex feel. We all like a large EVF. In this case bigger is better. One thing that gets dropped on small bodies is the EVF. Lack of EVF is a deal breaker for me. The fact the A7C had an EVF is a plus. I just purchased an A7C. I’m curious about using a full frame sensor. I use LUMIX and Fuji bodies. For what I do, full frame isn’t a plus. I purchased a 28,35,and 50mm lenses. I am setting the camera and hope I enjoy using this body. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@POVwithRC]

Still asking people to mask in almost 2025, Greenberg? Paranoia much?

[@zenography7923]

Hope you like the a7c, I like mine more every time I take it out!

[@davidmill7289]

Nice camera Nigel but I’ll stick with my a7 mkii bought used. Great value for money and with IBIS. One benefit of the more modern Sony’s you didn’t mention is the bigger battery, which is a downside in the a7 mk I & ii. My “new” cameras recently have been all old film ones which has certainly reinvigorated my photography!

[@zenography7923]

There's nothing like a new old camera, for sure!

[@spectralcav]

I'm still using my A7Rii and will be for the foreseeable because it's entirely good enough for my amateur purposes, mostly shooting vintage lenses so AF performance isn't really a consideration for me. I've considered upgrading to the A7Riii for the better ergonomics and battery life but the additional cost just isn't justifiable.

[@zenography7923]

The A7ii is a very fine camera - enjoy!

[@christian1983able]

Hello! I thought you were shooting in RAW thus color grading, applying changes to the overall look is independent from the brand. Though I know the even in RAW every manufacturer puts in its nuances in how the raw will (untouched) look like. But you know this for sure. I was just triggered because you mentioned this topic quite often in this „Review“. Having used recent Fuji and Nikon cameras within the last 3, I am now back at Sony and happy with this decision. Yes, uninspiring machines, but they work! Have a good time with your new little Sony!!!!!!! Best greets from Berlin. Christian

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Christian, I'm liking the a7c more every time I use it!

[@jwbarsby]

The A7R III might have been a good option at around the same used price. A7C II fixes a lot of the problems you mention with the A7C (extra dial, better EVF, better menus, better colours) but it’s also about double the price. If I were Sony I’d be looking at adding film sims to match or exceed Fujifilm in future cameras/ firmware updates. Why not do a deal with Kodak and Ilford to simulate the look of their films? Imagine Portra, Tri-X or HP5 as options, that would be amazing. You could even pick the developer Rodinal for harsh grain or XTol for smooth, lol.

[@zenography7923]

I think that's exactly what Sony should be doing, not sure Kodak would want to play though, it might affect their film market.

[@jwbarsby]

@ I don’t think anyone is leaving film for digital anymore, if anything it’s moving in the other direction with Pentax etc releasing new film cameras. I think Kodak might actually benefit from growing their recognition amongst younger photographers If Sony named their film sims after their products.

[@sclogse1]

There are third party rear screen hoods on eBay for pocket cameras. Panasonic, Canon...they fold up. We could use these on the new cameras. At least my X-H1 has a great viewfinder. You guys still having Fuji autofocus issues? You need more contrast. Try natural view when shooting. How's the battery life on this Sony? Actually I'd love to have the Panasonic Nigel films these videos with.

[@zenography7923]

The battery life is greatly improved over the Mk1 camera, I'd guess it lasts around 3 times as long or thereabouts, quite impressive. If you mean the B roll camera, it's an old GH2. Although it's now considered an antique and yesterday's tech, I think the video stands comparison to anything newer I've shot, including the Xt3 and A7c! They're pretty cheap now too.

[@bcostin]

An unfortunate spill of sticky liquid killed the front dial and one of the top buttons on my original A7. I miss them more when using autofocus lenses, to be honest. With vintage lenses you don't need a control dial on the camera to set the aperture so a single dial isn't really an inconvenience.

[@zenography7923]

True, not so much needed for vintage lenses, which is mostly what I shoot.

[@classic.cameras]

Personally I went from a Canon R6 to the Sony A7 IV because the focus peaking is better and it has a tad more MP for my vintage lenses. Never looked back.

[@zenography7923]

Sony has some of the best peaking in the business, for sure.

[@simonc4764]

Sigma FP L with attachable viewfinder might be to your liking?

[@zenography7923]

Indeed it might!

[@stephentalas1940]

Sony's menu's may be a challenge but c'mon an Olympus Menu needs a degree from MIT to work it! Nice camera, I only have the RX100 Mk3 but Sony seem to be the masters of sensor technology..

[@zenography7923]

I would say this menu matches those from Olympus for its impressive inscrutability.

[@sbcwinn]

Use the camera well!

[@zenography7923]

I'll do my best!

[@van-gabondramblinrose6398]

Such a shame about the Fujifilm autofocus. They're going to need to do a lot of work to repair their reputation. Can't help still loving them though.

[@sclogse1]

As I mentioned in my comment, try shooting in natural view. It will give you more contrast. Of course you can't do that with a stopped down vintage.

[@jeghedderhenrik]

give it time,,you wont reget it.. its like getting a new wife..it takes time to get used to the change😅

[@zenography7923]

:)

[@sakeboersma]

The Canon EOS R1 has a big viewfinder…

[@sclogse1]

The Fuji X-H1 has a winner too.

[@andyhebberd]

Why not the A7cii.....?

[@zenography7923]

It's too expensive, maybe when the price comes down!

[@caw25sha]

What does S&Q mean on the dial?

[@zenography7923]

I wondered that - it means slow and quick, for making time lapses.

[@leonarddavis8449]

Different price bracket.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Enjoy ! 😎👍

[@zenography7923]

👍

[@johnallen3423]

Yeah. that's a good choice..the Nikon Z5 is cheaper but heavier

[@Zikuissigma67]

The camera begs for a ltm adapter and reviews on the canon rangefinder lens . Put a canon 50mm f1.4 first.

[@zenography7923]

I've neglected the Canon rf lenses but will come to them soon!

[@NetvoTV]

Hey sir, sorry I don't know your name yet, my name is Johnny and I'm a freelance logo designer, would you love to have a look redesign for something cleaner looking and unique to help your audience easier to remember your brand and also can be as a fun merch print for your audience to buy as well? Let me know if you interested and I would love to make it for you!

[@zenography7923]

Please email me at [e-mail]

[@WimBals]

The Nikon Zf would suited the vintage lenses much better in my opinion. However enjoy your Sony camera.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks.

[@daveed4475]

Awesome package, but the tiny viewfinder is a deal-breaker for me. I get it though, there have to be compromises to create such a tiny package. Can’t have everything.

[@charleslawrence7327]

What does the C stand ford? Carlsberg?

[@zenography7923]

It stands for contralto, this camera's natural singing voice.

[@philmtx3fr]

So in summary : the viewfinder is small, the colors are not so good and the menus are awful … very good choice Nigel, Sony MUST love you :). Honnestly I don t understand why you didn t buy a Nikon Zf for instance which wipes up all these concerns and if you want can also,accept Sony FE lenses ( and all adapters made for Sony). So keep this camera for filming and buy a real camera for pictures :).

[@MrSimonj1970]

I agree. Z6 is still great too, and very cheap now.

[@philmtx3fr]

@@MrSimonj1970 i just even saw a z7 2300 shots with ftz and memory card, with a Nikkor 50mm f1.4 ai and 3 batteries at 900€ this week…

[@zenography7923]

There are several reasons in favour of this camera that makes it work for me, not the least of which is the form factor. I'm sure the Nikons are fantastic though!

[@philmtx3fr]

@ No problem Nigel you are free :). About the form factor you are right. True also that putting the range finder on the left is a good idea (more place for the nose and less impact on the screen :)), and true that the brand still put it in the middle as if there was a mirror … probably to not disorient people who used reflex for many years … but technically there is no need any more :).

[@FART-REPELLENT]

Yes you bought the wrong camera; you bought a Sony 😂

[@zenography7923]

:)

[@nicokremers7150]

I agree😉

[@scottscrufari]

I don't see any energy

[@zenography7923]

What kind would you like?

[@jw48335]

Oh geez - I can't handle Sony - even the newest ones. I would dedicate the A7 OG to be a film scanner by strapping a Valoi Easy35 to the from 😁