Remember the world’s first smallest and lightest full-frame mirrorless camera launched in 2020? Well, it now has new twin sibs! Meet the Sony A7C Series: the Alpha 7CR and Alpha 7C II (or just A7CR and A7C II to make it less of a mouthful).

For professional photographers and enthusiasts who use Sony, the A7CR and A7C II are two of the most anticipated models that follow the footsteps of the already very-capable yet compact A7C from two years ago.

Alpha 7CR: Compact Size, Extreme Resolution

As how I understand Sony’s camera naming scheme, “C” stands for C(ompact) and “R” is for R(esolution). By combining the best of both camera worlds, they’re able to create the A7CR.

Sony’s first full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor was the A7R IV announced in 2019 followed by the A7R V just last year. They then managed to put the same large sensor in a more compact form factor than what the larger-bodied cousin offers — around 29% lighter and 53% less in volume to be specific.

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Just like any recent Alpha camera, the A7CR is powered by their in-house Exmor R CMOS back-illuminated sensor that’s well complemented by the newer BIONZ XR imaging processor for better detail clarity and utmost image quality.

The Alpha 7CR also features Sony’s new “AI processing unit” which was made first for the A7R V. This further improves the AI-sensing capabilities and algorithms when using the camera for shooting several subjects in complicated scenarios.

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Inherited features

Other features from the A7R V were brought to the compact model. These include AI Real-Time Tracking, high-precision AF under low EV, Fast Hybrid AF performance, silent continuous shooting, and more.

Video recording isn’t compromised with its 4K at 50/60p support. That’s also with the inclusion of S-Cinetone, Log recording, and LUT support for better post-processing flexibility while recording. Active Mode stabilization is also handy in shaky handheld situations. This is also thanks to its 5-axis in-body image stabilization with a 7-step advantage in stills-shooting.

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Battery is rated to last longer around 530 shots when shooting images and around 155 minutes if you do continuous video recording through its 3-inch LCD touch-enabled screen. Using its EVF (electronic viewfinder) slightly degrades its battery life. It can be charged through its USB-C port with the faster Power Delivery protocol.

Alpha 7C II: Full-Frame Compact with Versatile Power

As obvious as it sounds (and looks), Sony’s A7C II is the direct successor of the A7C.

The A7C II still has that 35mm full-frame sensor inside but unlike its twin, the second-generation A7C has a smaller 33-megapixel camera. Still, it’s a big step over its predecessor’s 24.2-megapixel shooter and the 26-megapixel-touting A6700 with an even smaller APS-C sensor.

Despite the bigger megapixel count, it’s actually 22% lighter than its older sibling at just 429 grams (versus 509 grams). It also has more Phase-Detection AF points at 759 for preciser shooting (as opposed to A7C and A7CR’s 693 points).

Although this isn’t a Sony “S” camera, which stands for S(ensitivity), the A7C II has the better ISO Sensitivity up in its sleeves: Up to 51,200 and expandable to 204,800 (the A7CR maxes out at 32000; expandable up to 102,400).

By the way, the A7C II is also equipped with the newer BIONZ XR engine as well as the revolutionary AI processing unit that newer Alpha models all possess.

The twin models of the A7C series also share similar feats.

Aside from its hardware and 5-axis in-body stabilization tech, there are more usable features like Real-Time Recognition AF, a more precise Subject Recognition, AI-based Auto Framing, burst shooting in RAW format, high-speed continuous shooting, and other high-quality video shooting features like S-Log plus S-Cinetone, and LUT support, Breathing Compensation when focusing, as well as 7K/6.2K oversampling.

Battery is rated to last a little bit longer than its twin with 560 stills and around 165 minutes worth of continuous video shooting — still by looking at its LCD instead of the smaller EVF. It’s also chargeable via its USB-C PD port.

World’s smallest and lightest

I’m not talking about the cameras anymore. This section is dedicated to the new G-Master lens in its typical lens model naming: FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II.

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At just 547 grams with a length of 111.5 millimeters, this new GM FE lens makes it the lightest wide-angle zoom lens yet. That’s thanks to a new optical design contributed by an extreme aspherical (XA) lens. It’s also covered by Sony’s Nano AR Coating II which reduces ghosting and flares against strong light.

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Additionally, the front lens has fluorine coating for easy dust and smudge removal. Its even outdoor-ready with its dust and moisture-resistant design.

Despite its lightness, it’s still packed with the latest XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors. This contributes to an extra fast, precise, yet quiet AF (Auto Focus) suitable when capturing snaps and stills.

Lastly, its wide fixed f/2.8 aperture means the lens can achieve photographs with shallower DoF regardless of focal length.

Pricing and availability

As expected, full-frame cameras will always come with a hefty price tag.

In the Philippines, the Sony A7CR retails for PhP 179,999 and is only available in a body-only configuration.

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There’s also an optional GP-X2 grip extension that helps the user shoot stabler and provides an additional grip and comfort even under longer periods of time — especially when a big, long, and heavy telephoto lens is attached to such small body.

However, the price of the accessory is yet to be announced and wasn’t stated during the time of this writing.

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Meanwhile, the Sony A7C II is being sold in two configurations: PhP 129,999 for the body-only option and PhP 145,999 if you buy it with a bundled kit lens.

Lastly, the new FE 16-35mm F2.8 G Master II wide-angle zoom lens retails for a whopping PhP 139,900.

Pre-order Perks

Sony Philippines has also announced pre-order bundles for prospective buyers:

• Buy an A7CR or A7C II = Get a Peak Design Cuff plus NP-FZ100 Battery Pack (worth PhP 7690)
• Buy the FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II = Get a Peak Design Slide (worth PhP 4,990)
• Buy the FE 24mm F2.8G or FE 40m F2.5G = PhP 33,800 (from PhP 36,800)
• Buy the ECM-G1 Shotgun Microphone = PhP 5900 (from PhP 8400)

This promo runs only within the whole month of September 2023 on all participating authorized dealers nationwide.

Visit this link for additional pre-order information while here’s the full list of Sony Authorized Dealers so you can check one that’s near you.