Sony: Two new cameras and a lens
29.8.2023
Translation: machine translated
In September, Sony is launching two compact full-frame cameras and a matching grip. The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM wide-angle lens will also have a successor.
Sony's camera range is getting even bigger - and even more complicated. Two new full-frame cameras are coming that are as compact as the Sony Alpha 7C from 2020. One new product is the direct successor to the 7C, while the other offers a very high resolution. The 7C will remain available.
7C Mark II: model update
What is immediately noticeable about the new 7C II compared to the 7C: The handle is slightly larger and has a grippier surface. For even more grip, there is now an optional handle. It can be folded out to provide access to the battery compartment without having to unscrew it.
Source: David Lee
A sensor with 33 instead of 24.2 megapixels does its job inside the camera. Unlike the 7C, the camera can also shoot 4K videos at 50 or 60 frames per second. Support for videos with 10-bit colour depth and 4:2:2 colour scanning is also new.
According to Sony, the image stabiliser now compensates for seven instead of five exposure levels. The 7C II shoots 10 images per second and is up to date in terms of scene recognition.
The viewfinder has a magnification of 0.7x. This is not a top value, but clearly better than the 0.59x magnification of its predecessor. The 3-inch screen has 1.036 million dots. The 7C II still only has one card slot.
The camera is available in black and silver. It is also available in a kit with the compact 28-60mm lens.
7C R: Small with high resolution
The 7C R looks the same as the 7C II and is also available in black and silver. The difference: inside it has a sensor with a resolution of 61 megapixels. It is the same sensor that is also found in the Sony Alpha 7R V.
However, unlike the 7R V, the 7C R is not capable of 8K video, although the resolution would be high enough for this. The electronics in the compact housing would probably be too hot for this. As with the 7C II, the video quality is limited to 4K and a maximum of 60 frames per second. The image stabiliser compensates for seven stops. The performance data that has nothing to do with the sensor is largely the same as that of the 7C II: same viewfinder, same screen and, despite the high price, only one card slot.
The handgrip is included with the 7CR.
Direct comparison of the most important features
The 7C R combines the features of compact and high-resolution. It must therefore be compared with other compact full-frame cameras as well as with other high-resolution cameras. This makes the purchase decision complicated. Here is an overview in table form to help you get started.
You can see the full specs of these five cameras in the product comparison in our shop.
New G-Master wide-angle lens
Also coming in September is the successor to the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM from 2016. Sony has made the same improvements as with the other second-generation G-Master lenses.
These include the built-in XD linear focus motors - they work inaudibly and are very fast. The aperture can be adjusted on the lens, steplessly or with a click grid. The new design makes the lens lighter and somewhat more compact. While its predecessor weighed 680 grams, the new 16-35mm lens weighs 547 grams.
Source: David Lee
Sony also claims to have improved the image quality in various areas. The lens is said to be sharper in the corners, especially in the telephoto range. According to the manufacturer, there is also less chromatic aberration and less lens flare and ghosting. The closest focusing distance is 22 instead of 28 centimetres and the lens supports automatic compensation of focus breathing.
David Lee
Senior Editor
David.Lee@digitecgalaxus.chMy interest in IT and writing landed me in tech journalism early on (2000). I want to know how we can use technology without being used. Outside of the office, I’m a keen musician who makes up for lacking talent with excessive enthusiasm.
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