As technology continues to evolve at a frenetic pace, we have seen a continuous and fast paced innovations by electronic companies, and Sony is no different. Most individuals are aware of the vast array of electronic that Sony produces, however one of their lines of devices that they are highly regarded for is their DSLR cameras.
Therefore, it comes at no surprise that Sony has just announced two new cameras in their vaunted alpha line. The Sony a7C II and the Sony a7CR. So just as we thought Sony was sitting on it’s laurels with several new cameras having been recently released. With these two new cameras Sony is targeting the mid-tier digital camera line for photographers and videographers. That is not to say that these cameras aren’t for professionals as well, as that would be inaccurate. As a photography enthusiast, whether taking still images or video recordings, you are going to want the best camera in a compact body form factor allowing for better ease of use.
These cameras provide upgrades over their predecessors while coming in at fantastic price points. Shooters will appreciate these upgrades and the high quality of the exposures on these cameras. What is also great about these new cameras are their appeal to users vlogging and content creators. Specs found on these cameras like the great battery life, powerful image sensors, ability to shoot in high dynamic range producing those high-resolution videos, vloggers are going to want to pick up one of these fantastic Sony mirrorless cameras.
Both new cameras are available in camera body with the ability to have interchangeable lenses. They sit on the Sony e-mount system, compatible with over 70 of the best Sony lenses. However lenses from other manufacturers like Nikon, Panasonic or Canon can be used, however a mounting adapter would be required as each manufacturer has their own proprietary mounting system.
The a7C II and the a7CR are equipped with Sony’s BIONZ XR processing engine which will give you beautiful image quality. With their new advanced AI processing unit, these cameras have upgraded subject tracking and recognition. Landscape photographers will love this as well especially with the continuous shooting capabilities.
Sony didn’t stop there. They also released an updated lens in the Gold Master line, the 16-35 mm f/2.8 G Master II lens. As you will see when we get getting deeper into the features and specs of these new releases, including the Sony Gold Master 16-35 GM II lens which is the world’s smallest, lightest full-frame F2.8 wide-angle zoom lens, you may find that one or more of these products may just be the right purchase for all your photography and videography needs.
Now that we haver seen the new cameras and lens from Sony we can expound on the features and specs for these amazing new cameras and Sony’s new Gold Master lens.
Cameras
As previously discussed Sony’s release of these two full-frame mirrorless cameras with comfortable ergonomics and with the Sony alpha a7C II you get a powerful 33 megapixel Full-Frame Exmor R BSI Sensor, and on the Sony Alpha a7CR you get a robust full-frame 61.0-megapixe Exmor R image sensor. In addition both cameras come with the blazing latest BIONZ XR image processing engine, which can minimize processing latency while at the same time enhancing movie and still image processing power. So you can expect natural gradations, realistic lifelike color, low noise (causing image and video disruption), unparalleled image quality.
There are a plethora of additional features and specs for both of these new cameras as the represent upgrades over their predecessors. Let’s identify these features which should help steer you to purchasing the one you need.
Sony a7C II
The Sony a7CII is a full frame mirrorless camera with upgrades over the previous model. In addition, this camera carries some of the specs, features and processing power of Sony’s larger more expensive cameras liker it’s powerful 33MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI Sensor.
The Sony Alpha a7C II falls into the category of compact cameras due to is lightweight ergonomic design. This makes the camera perfect for carrying around in an extended shooting session giving the user more comfort and ease of use. Also, this will fit nicely for traveling with a camera bag which can be purchased separately.
The 33MP BSI full-frame CMOS sensor (found in powerful cameras like the Sony a7 IV) is a an outstanding performer providing high image quality for stills and movies. In addition the Sony Alpha a7C II’s new 33.0 MP back illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor gets the user, high sensitivity from ISO 100 to ISO 512002, low disruption exposure noise, and lifelike accurate color reproduction.
The camera comes with Sony Cameras’ Bionz XR processor which outputs 8 times more power than it’s predecessor. This provides high image quality, minimizes latency and boosts image processing.
An all new developed AI Processing Unit which gets advanced subject recognition and tracking. This can help track a subjects face, it can also determine what are animals and insects apart from humans. This helps tremendously when shooting action or landscape scenes. This new AI processing unit can handle large amounts of data giving the shooter the excellent exposure they want. AI-powered Auto Framing automatically changes the framing to highlight your subject.
AutoFocus is such an important part of cameras. A good AutoFocus system helps the user (especially a beginner) find the optimal settings automatically based off their lighting conditions, lens zooming and tracking with subject recognition, to name a few pros of a goof AF system. Thankfully the Sony a7C II has a wonderful AF system with 759 AutoFocus points and 94% coverage. You can also shoot up to to 10 fps while the camera is set to AutoFocus. For more advanced users, manual mode may be a better option as you can control the settings to your specifications.
Optical body stabilization with 5 axis and up to 7 stops is present, lowering camera shake and blur. This is especially helpful when shooting handheld versus on a tri-pod. Keep in mind that when the camera is placed on a tri-pod you will definitely see better exposures, but with this body stabilization, the camera can make handheld or fast action scenes seem like they were actually recorded while on a mounted tri-pod.
A 2.36M dot OLED EVF touchscreen (Electronic ViewFinder) with 0.7x magnification, so you are not limited to the LCD screen on the rear of the camera. Using the EVF will definitely make your shooting scenes easier to view, so your getting an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) screen which has extremely accurate color reproduction and wide viewing angles.
Full-width oversampled 4K from 7K, up to 30p for extremely high resolution stills and videos. Make no mistake, by being able to record in this resolution, when you attach the camera to a 4K monitor or even a TV, your image will be reproduced beautifully. Photos can also be taken in RAW format thus allowing for more post production if desired.
With breathtaking 4K/60p video recording capability (in Super35 / APS-C mode) found in aps-c cameras, which gives you stunning clarity, no pixel binning and buttery smooth image production in fast action moving scenes. 10-bit video or HEIF stills capture so your photos will be captured in a format which allows for higher capacity storage mode as the HEIF version will compress the file without loss off detail.
A camera without good image stabilization is going to cause major issues with shake especially in fast action shooting. Therefore Sony has provided an advanced body image stabilization which is present on the alpha A7C II. This will reduce shake and blur thanks to it’s advanced algorithm which provides up to 7 stops of shake.
Log Recording and LUT S-Log3 optimizes gradation. You can apply a custom LUT with a Log gamma curve to monito or record footage with LUT already applied
S-Cinetone color mode is present which allows you to create richer content straight from the camera without needing to perform traditional color grading. In addition this assists with getting the skin tine correct.
Slog3 which is also available to be shot in with the Alpha a7C II S-Log3 allows for better reproducing gradation, even in harsh shadows which produce low-light and the mid-tone range.
Connectivity and Storage: 4K/30p USB streaming, Connected to a PC or smartphone via a USB cable from the camera, the Sony a7C II can function as a 4K (2160p) webcam. Shallow depth of field and bokeh create awe inspiring exposures imagery for meetings, Vlogging and live streaming. You can even record your livestream in the camera. A single sd card slot for your memory card is also included and is compatible with UHS II memory cards. Bluetooth 4.2 and Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi AC are also on board, Wi-Fi 5 allows the camera to access the faster 5 ghz networks. So get ready to speedily upload your Vlog to your social media site of choice.
Sony a7CR
The Sony a7CR is a compact camera and one of the lightest in it’s class and price point. There are quite a few features from the high end Sony a7r V without the price tag of a much more expensive camera. So what features and specs make this camera for you?
The Sony a7CR full-frame image sensor provides gorgeous subject detail in a very compact and easy to use and lightweight body. Weighing in at just approximately 515 grams or 1 lb. 2.2 oz. with the features that this camera possesses its fantastic. Sitting on the Sony FE (or full frame mount) this camera is so versatile.
With a 61.0 effective megapixel, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor (full-frame sensor) found in the high end Sony a7R V providing wonderful resolution at a lower price point.
The CMOS sensor’s has anti-reflection optical coating (protecting the lens), also by removing the optical low-pass filter which is typically placed in front of the sensor and other original technologies deliver high resolution, high sensitivity, low noise, and wide high dynamic range.
An all new advanced AI Processing Unit providing advanced subject recognition and tracking as well. This helps tremendously when shooting action scenes. This new AI processing unit can also identify insects and animal wildlife allowing the shooter to capture that desired exceptional exposure. Thanks to the innovative AI processing unit exposure metering and white balance should also see marked improvement over previous versions.
A high-precision body image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimized image stabilization algorithms can identify and correct camera shake. The included 7.0-step in-body optical image stabilization makes handheld shooting a breeze. The new stabilization algorithm provides precise detection and control providing clearer and sharper images.
The Sony Alpha a7CR also has Pixel Shift Multi Shooting. This utilizes the in-body image stabilization system to capture multiple pixel-shifted images that are later stored on a PC to get unparalleled resolution in a single image. The a7CR shoots four uncompressed RAW images while shifting the image sensor one pixel at a time.
The Sony a7CR delivers very clear, sharp and detailed 4K movie recordings with 6.2K oversampling. Couple that with it’s mobility and maneuverability and it is perfect for gimbal or drone mounted photography or videography. It also features cine S-Cinetone™ for a cinematic look, focus breathing compensation and a ton of upgrades.
The Sony a7CR is equipped with a 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.70x magnification delivers high resolution and contrast for fantastic viewing, even in harsh lighting conditions such as being in direct sunlight. The EVF frame rate can be set to [High] (120 fps), twice the normal frame rate (which is usually up to 60 fps), for a smooth seamless image with virtually no display motion blur when tracking and videoing or photographing moving subjects.
As this is an interchangeable lens camera, it is compatible with over 70 lenses sitting on the e-mount system from Sony, which also consists of the high end lenses from their GM or Gold Master lineup. You can purchase lenses from other manufacturers, however, you will need a mounting adapter if those lenses use a different mounting system from the Sony E-Mount system.
Customizable presets under the Creative Look mode on the camera allow for 10 different customizations. This is great for content creators and Vloggers. This should reduce or eliminate the need for post processing and a lot of editing of your image or video once you have the preset for your photo shoot set.
The time-lapse option allows the user to create time-lapse videos within the camera itself. The exposure interval can be set on the camera itself from 1 second to 60 seconds. This should allow for plenty of time to get the subject in proper focus and position for the photo.
With the newest AutoFocus algorithms including eye AF and phase detection, the Sony a7CR can utilize these algorithms in its AutoFocus. This contains precise focusing, down to light levels as low as EV -4.0 in AF-S mode (ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens). It also includes a Focus Priority mode that provides more reliable AutoFocus in low light or when using smaller apertures as opposed to the maximum aperture settings.
There is baked in Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi AC standard which opens up access to the faster 5 GHZ band. This allows the photographer to upload their content faster and provide fast data transfer speeds. Upload your Vlog in real time with this amazing new camera. There is also the Sony creators APP available on your smartphone which gives you connect to the Sony Creators APP on your smartphone or tablet for additional editing and uploading options. You can also access the Sony creators cloud platform to interact with other content creators and share experiences and ideas. You can also connect a wired headphone to the 3.5 mm jack or bluetooth in that exceptional noise cancelling headphone you may have. As a Vlogger you want to make certain that your content is delivered with superb sound. A mic cover may help as well with dust and harsh element repellent.
USB-C PD (Power Delivery) allows the included battery pack NP-FZ100, to be charged quickly. However, we do recommend getting a spare battery for those long Vlog or photography sessions. The included battery is rated at 490 images using the EVF and 530 shots using the LCD screen. For video recordings the battery is rated at 95 minutes of shooting via the EVF or 100 minutes via the LCD screen.
There is a single UHS II SD memory card slot in the camera, with a potential read/write of up to 312 MB/s per second.
Lens
16-35 mm f/2.8 G Master II Lens
Wow has Sony done some amazing things with their Gold Master lineup of lenses. The rigorous lab testing and R&D for their products, that Sony explains, results in unrivaled quality and usability.
So let’s introduce the new 16-35 f/2.8 G Master II Lens. This new lens is the world’s lightest full frame f/2.8 wide angle zoom lens. The Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II Full-frame Standard Zoom G Master Lens – SEL1635GM2 is a very versatile lens in Sony’s Gold Master lens line, delivering a jaw dropping Bokeh effect, amazing resolution and unrivaled AutoFocus performance.
This advanced lens from Sony upgraded over the original 16-35mm f/2.8 lens from Sony, which explains it’s placing in the GM (Gold Master) lineup of lenses and rated as a GM II lens.
So what makes this lens so appealing?
A Sony G Master lens meaning this is a high-end lens rigorously tested in Sony’s labs to provide outstanding usage.
This lens is extremely lightweight and very easy to carry at just 19.3 ounces. You will notice the weight difference, albeit it small percentage (over it’s predecessor). So you are getting an upgraded lens with lower weight and better ease of use.
High spatial resolution exposures in highly detailed rendering to the all the image edges throughout the 16-35 mm zoom range, even with the lens wide open. This lens will provide that for the user.
There are five aspherical elements include three XA (extreme aspherical) elements, which gives the shooter a fantastic mix of high resolution and gorgeous bokeh. With a circular aperture ring offering a wide depth of field view, including 11 aperture blades easily allows light to pass through the aperture before reaching the shutter and, finally the CMOS image sensor.
The FE 16-35 mm f/2.8 G Master II also offers outstanding close-up performance with a minimum focusing distance of 0.73 ft (0.22 m) throughout the zoom range and maximum magnification of 0.32x.
Are you looking to be a portrait photographer? Well, these features will definitely help: Reduced focus breathing, focus shift, and axis shift when zooming in on your subject assist in producing smooth movie imagery, while XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and an advanced aperture unit highly minimize noise and vibration.
Amazing blazing AutoFocus system. It reliably acquires focus and then seamlessly tracks subjects, easily getting the critical focus required for slow motion and 4K/8K video recordings.
Front fluorine coating protects against fingerprints, dust, water and oil. Dust and moisture resistant allows the user to be able to to produce amazing high image quality even in harsher conditions. Obviously this lens is not meant to be placed in a body of water, however under normal circumstances and conditions the coating will protect the lens.
Unrivaled performance even in harsh lighting such as in direct sunlight. This lens will eliminate flares in these lighting situations.
Availability
We have the camera recommendations for you. The Sony a7C II fits that mid tier niche and is available for preorder in both black and silver in a camera body only. The lens will have to be purchased separately. The same is applicable to the Sony a7CR, it is available for preorder in both black and silver in a camera body only configuration.
However, if you want to attach an extremely versatile lens to either of these cameras, we highly recommend the Sony FE 16-35 mm f/2.8 G Master II lens. Go ahead show off a bit, with this lens attached to either of these cameras, you are going to get accurate, detailed and color accurate stills and videos.
With the advanced technology in both cameras and the advanced GM II lens, get ready for your family, friend or colleagues to be wowed by the image they see.
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