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Sony is popular in the digital camera space. It produces high-quality cameras with advanced specifications for unrivaled performance. Most of its latest lineups are compact and lightweight for easy portability. Unlike older models, these cameras have longer batteries to deliver uninterrupted recording or filming sessions. The Sony A7C and A7III are quality cameras in Sonys Alpha 7 series. They deliver solid performance for all types of users. If you are unsure which is the best pick, we’ve got you covered. This guide will comprehensively distinguish the two models to help you make an informed choice.

Sony A7C vs. A7 III: Side-by-Side Comparison

Sony A7CSony A7 III
Date of ReleaseSeptember 2020April 10, 2018
Sensor24.2MP Full-frame BSI-CMOS24.2MP Full-frame BSI-CMOS
Viewfinder0.39-inch type OLED0.5-inch type OLED
ISO range       100-51200 (expandable to 50-204800)          100-51200 (expandable to 50-204800)
Autofocus System     693 phase-detection AF points 693 phase-detection AF points
Battery Life   740 shots per charge  610 shots per charge
Dimensions124 x 71 x 60 mm      127 x 96 x 74 mm
Price$1,798$1,998
Weight509g650g
Video Recording       120fps High-Speed Video120fps High-Speed Video
LCD Screen   Vari-angle 3-inch touchscreen, 921,600 dots     Tilting, 3.0-inch touchscreen, 921,600 dots  
Frames Per Second    10 FPS10 FPS
Image Stabilization    5-axis IBIS     5-axis IBIS     
Shutter Speed1/4000 to 30 sec         1/8000 to 30 sec         
Best Bundle
Sony a7C Full Frame Camera Alpha 7C Bundle
$2,098.00
  • Full-frame mirrorless camera
  • Comes with real-time tracking for excellent subject tracking
  • Moisture resistant
  • Shutter speed of 1/4000-30 sec
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/08/2023 01:18 pm GMT

Sony A7C vs. A7 III: What’s the Difference?

Both cameras have a quality build and similar batteries. However, they differ in so many other aspects. Knowing the differences will help you make an informed decision when choosing one over the other. Here are the key differences.

AutoFocus

Similar to other modern digital cameras, both cameras are equipped with autofocus capabilities. They possess 693 phase-detection focus points and 425 contrast-detection points. However, the autofocus software varies between the A7C and A7III. The A7C features real-time tracking, which enables superior subject tracking compared to the A7III. Additionally, the A7C incorporates a reliable AI-powered subject recognition system that functions effectively for both still images and video footage. The A7C also includes eye autofocus for both stills and videos.

This impressive technology delivers exceptional reliability, accuracy, and speed. In contrast, the A7III solely provides eye tracking for still photography. For video, it employs face detection, which still performs adequately. Another distinction between the two cameras is the autofocus speed and responsiveness settings. The A7III features three settings for autofocus speed and two for responsiveness, whereas the A7C has seven settings for autofocus speed and five settings for responsiveness. The gradual nature of these settings can significantly impact autofocus performance.

Shutter Speed

Sony A7C has a shutter speed of 1/4000-30 sec, sufficient for most photography. However, increasing the shutter in more light can make a difference when using a large aperture.

This is where Sony A7 III, 1/8000-30 sec shutter speed makes a difference, especially when capturing sports on a bright sunny day.

Video Recording

The primary distinction in video specifications between the A7C and A7III is the A7C’s unlimited video recording capability, whereas the A7III is restricted to 30 minutes. Both cameras can capture detailed, full-sensor 4K UHD videos with an acceptable amount of rolling shutter that can be eliminated during editing. Both cameras also possess in-body image stabilization of up to five stops, with the A7C using slightly different IBIS units but delivering comparable effectiveness. However, the A7C has the added ability to store gyro data that can be utilized to stabilize footage in post-production.

Display

Regarding display, both cameras utilize the same 3-inch touchscreen panel with 921,600 dots. While the brightness is adequate, the resolution falls below 2021 standards. The primary difference between the two is the A7C’s tilting screen mechanism versus the A7III’s rotating screen. The tilting screen offers several advantages, including remaining centered at low angles, not being obstructed by a strap when shooting at low angles, requiring less space, not being hindered by HDMI, microphone, or L-bracket attachments, and being generally more durable. Furthermore, it is easier to balance on a gimbal and has a smaller footprint. However, the hinges on the A7III’s rotating screen are solid, making it still a reliable choice.

Viewfinder

Both cameras utilize a viewfinder with 2,359,296 dots. Although they both have 2,359,296 dots viewfinder, there is a significant difference between the two cameras. Sony uses a 0.39-inch unit which is common in APS-C cameras. The viewfinder is integrated into the A7Cs body at the upper left corner, while in A7III, it sits at the center of the camera’s top. The A7III, on the other hand, uses a 0.5-inch unit.

The small viewfinder in the A7C makes it more compact. However, you will miss the full-frame experience.

Build Quality

Both use an E mount, which is a huge strength of both cameras. E mount still has complete lens selection options, from third-party budget options to exotic class options. Another strength of both is that they use NP-FZ100 batteries. You can take over 2000 shots or 3 hours of 4K video on a single charge. They have the best battery life in their respective classes. The battery life A7C is a tiny bit better because of the small viewfinder.

 In terms of size, the A7III camera is small for what it does. It only weighs 650 grams and is super portable. The A7C takes it to another level. It only weighs 509 grams making it almost the size of an iPhone. It is the second smallest relevant full-frame camera and uses the extra size for better handling. The USB-C charging on both is pretty fast. Both can have a battery of about 9W, which is about average for in-camera charging.

Choice for Professionals
Sony a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera
$2,198.00
  • Full-frame image sensor
  • Comes with a dual memory card slot
  • Features a battery of about 9W
  • Super portable, weighs only about 650 grams
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/08/2023 06:05 pm GMT

Sony A7C vs. A7 III: 7 Must-Know Facts

  • The cameras were released two years apart, with A7C being the older one.
  • The Sony A7C and A7III are quality cameras in Sonys Alpha 7 series.
  • Both can have a battery of about 9W, which is about average for in-camera charging.
  • The A7C is slightly smaller than the A7III, weighing 509 grams against 650 grams.
  • The A7III features three settings for autofocus speed and two for responsiveness, whereas the A7C has seven settings for autofocus speed and five settings for responsiveness.
  • The A7C has the added ability to store gyro data that can be utilized to stabilize footage in post-production.
  • The primary distinction in video specifications between the A7C and A7III is the A7C’s unlimited video recording capability, whereas the A7III is restricted to 30 minutes.

Sony A7C vs. A7 III: Which One is Better?

Selecting the right camera for you is influenced by your requirements, preferences, and financial situation. If you are seeking an affordable camera for casual content creation or travel purposes, the A7C may be the better option. Its compact form, waterproofing, and high resolution are perfect for capturing every moment at a lower cost. It also comes equipped with an effective AI-powered subject recognition system that works well for still images and video footage and an eye autofocus feature.

However, if you are a professional who frequently needs to back up your work, the dual memory card slot on the A7III provides an advantage. It also offers a larger viewfinder, a better handle grip, superior image quality, and more features.

  1. Sony a7C Full Frame Camera Alpha 7C Bundle
  2. Sony a7C Full Frame Camera Alpha 7C  Bundle
    $2,098.00
    • Full-frame mirrorless camera
    • Comes with real-time tracking for excellent subject tracking
    • Moisture resistant
    • Shutter speed of 1/4000-30 sec
    Buy Now on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    03/08/2023 01:18 pm GMT
  3. Sony a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera
  4. Sony a7 III Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera
    $2,198.00
    • Full-frame image sensor
    • Comes with a dual memory card slot
    • Features a battery of about 9W
    • Super portable, weighs only about 650 grams
    Buy Now on Amazon

    We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

    03/08/2023 06:05 pm GMT

Sony A7C vs A7 III: 6 Main Differences FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the difference between Sony A7 III and A7C?

Both cameras have a quality build and similar batteries. However, the Sony A7C is smaller, more compact, and has a lower shutter speed than A7III. It has a one-card slot, while the A7III has two.

Is the Sony A7C battery the same as A7 III?

Yes, both cameras use industry-leading NP-FZ100 batteries.

What is A7C good for?

If you are seeking an affordable camera for casual content creation or travel purposes, the A7C may be the better option. Its compact form, waterproofing, and high resolution are perfect for capturing every moment at a lower cost.

What sensor does the a7C use?

The A7C has a 24 MP BSI-CMOS sensor. The autofocus system has 693 phase-detection focus points and 425 contrast-detection points.

Is Sony A7c water resistant?

The A7C is weather sealed. It does not have the highest degree of weather sealing, but it will survive a reasonable amount of rain and high humidity.

Is A7C worth buying?

The Sony A7C comes with the benefit of having a full-frame sensor with great low-light performance, a ton of lens selection, and better photos and video quality, but without the bulkiness like the other Sony full-frame cameras.

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