Sony Alpha 7C II vs. 7CR – Compare The Compact Full Frame Series – Just Released!
Last updated on August 31st, 2023 at 04:20 pm
If you’re looking for a compact full-frame mirrorless camera, you might be interested in the new Sony a7C II and Sony a7CR models. These are the successors of the popular Sony a7C, which was launched in 2020 as a smaller and lighter alternative to the Sony a7 III. But how do these two new cameras compare, and which one should you choose? Here are the main differences you need to know.
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Sensor and Resolution
The Sony a7C II and Sony a7CR share the same body design but have different sensors inside. The Sony a7C II has a 33-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, which is the same as the one found in the Sony a7 IV. This sensor balances resolution, dynamic range, and low-light performance. The Sony a7CR, on the other hand, has a 61-megapixel back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor, which is the same as the one found in the Sony a7R V. This sensor offers a high resolution, ideal for landscape, architecture, and fine art photography. However, it also has some trade-offs, such as slower continuous shooting speed, larger file sizes, and more demanding post-processing.
Processor and AI
Both the Sony a7C II and Sony a7CR use the Bionz XR image processing engine, which is Sony’s latest and most powerful processor. This processor enables fast performance, high-quality 4K video recording, and advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features. The AI features include subject recognition, real-time tracking, and AI-based Auto Framing. The AI-based Auto Framing should be useful for vlogging and self-portraits, as it automatically adjusts the composition and zoom level to keep you in the center of the frame.
Autofocus and Stabilization
Both cameras are apparently to have 759-point phase-detection autofocus points, and while the Sony a7C II product page at Sony states this, the specifications section of the Sony a7CR product page states 693-point phase-detection autofocus points for still image shooting, with the main page stating 759-point, so we’ll leave a7CR as undefined at this time. Thanks to the AI processing engine, the autofocus system should be fast, accurate, and reliable. It also supports Eye AF and Animal Eye AF for both humans and animals. The continuous shooting speed of the Sony a7C II is 10 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking, while the Sony a7CR is 8 frames per second with full AF/AE tracking. Both cameras have in-body image stabilization (IBIS), compensating for camera shake up to 5.5 stops. However, when using an optically stabilized lens, the Sony a7C II can achieve up to 7 stops of compensation, while the Sony a7CR can achieve up to 6 stops of compensation. Looking at ISO ranges, the a7C II has an ISO sensitivity from 100 to 51200 for both still images and movies, while the a7CR has ISO sensitivity from 100 to 32000 for both still images and movies.
Video and Connectivity
The Sony a7C II and Sony a7CR have similar video capabilities but with some differences. Both cameras can record 4K video up to 30 frames per second with full pixel readout and no crop factor. However, the Sony a7C II can also record 4K video up to 60 frames per second with an APS-C crop factor, while the Sony a7CR cannot. Both cameras can record 10-bit 4:2:2 video internally or externally via HDMI. Both cameras also support S-Log3, HLG, and Creative Look presets for color grading. The Sony a7C II and Sony a7CR have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless connectivity. They also support USB Type-C charging and data transfer. Additionally, they have separate mic and headphone jacks for audio recording and monitoring.
Price and Availability
Both cameras are expected to be available in September 2023.
The Sony a7C II is priced at $2,199 for the body only or $2,499 for the kit with the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 lens.
Basic Specs:
Alpha 7C II
a7C II Black Model#: ILCE-7CM2/B
a7C II Black UPC: 027242928152
a7C II Silver Model#: ILCE-7CM2/S
a7C II Silver UPC: 027242928169
Sony a7C II Black w/28-60mm Lens Model#:
ILCE-7CM2L/B
Sony a7C II Silver w/28-60mm Lens Model#:
ILCE-7CM2L/S
Sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor
Resolution: 33-megapixel
Image Processor: Bionz XR
Auto-Focus: 759-point
Alpha 7CR
a7CR Black Model#: ILCE-7CR/B
a7CR Black UPC: 027242928114
a7CR Silver Model#: ILCE-7CR/S
a7CR Silver UPC: 027242928121
Sensor: Exmor R CMOS sensor
Resolution: 61-megapixel
Image Processor: Bionz XR
Auto-Focus: 759-point or 693-point (see above)
Learn More:
If you want to learn more about these two Sony a7C cameras, check out this B&H article with more details. Also, feel free to review the press release from Sony.