Sony introduces small and light Alpha 7C camera and zoom lens

Sony Electronics Inc. announced the Alpha 7C full-frame camera (model ILCE-7C), the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens and HVL-F28RM flash. The company claims the Alpha 7C is the world’s smallest and lightest full-frame body. It has advanced AF, high-resolution 4K video capabilities and more.
“We are committed to creating the best tools possible, based on the needs of our customers,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “The new Alpha 7C camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens pack many of our most advanced imaging technologies in a brand new design that is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera and lens system in the world. This opens up a new world of possibilities for creators, giving them the uncompromised power of a full-frame system in the palm of their hand.”

Alpha 7C

Sony Alpha 7C with HVL-F28RM compact flash

The Alpha 7C combines Sony’s full-frame image quality, advanced AF capabilities, and versatile video shooting functions in a stunningly light and compact design. The new camera features a 24.2MP 35mm full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processing engine.

The body measures 4.9 inches x 2.8 inches x 2.2 inches (124.0mm x 71.1mm x 59.7mm) and weighs just 18oz (509g). The Alpha 7C features an upgraded 5-axis in-body stabilization and shutter units, and has magnesium alloy monocoque construction, often used in the bodies of cars and aircraft. Standard ISO extends up to 51,200 and is expandable from ISO 50-204,800[xii] for low-light environment captures with low noise. The Alpha 7C also supports 16-bit processing and 14-bit RAW output[xiii] for natural gradations.

The Alpha 7C provides wide, fast, reliable AF locking onto the intended subject instantly without losing focus, thanks to its 693-point focal-plane phase-detection AF system covering approximately 93 percent of the image area, with an additional 425 contrast-detection points to ensure reliable focus, even in busy environments, the company says.

The Alpha 7C also features continuous shooting at up to 10 fps with AF/AE (autoexposure) by using a newly developed shutter unit and refined image processing system. It is also possible to shoot continuously at up to 8 fps in live view mode, with minimal viewfinder/monitor display lag for easy, stable framing, even with intense subject motion. The Alpha 7C allows up to approximately 223 JPEG (Fine L) images, 115 compressed RAW images, or 45 uncompressed RAW images to be captured in one continuous burst, and achieves highly accurate and reliable AF precision in light down to EV-4. These features make it easier to capture fast-moving subjects in challenging environments, according to Sony.

The Alpha 7C features a side-opening vari-angle LCD touchscreen monitor. The MOVIE button has been positioned on the top of the camera making it easier to operate while recording in selfie mode. A digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe, allowing the ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit can be connected to input digital audio signals directly to the MI shoe for cleaner, clearer audio recordings.

The Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera will be available in late October and will be sold for approximately $1,799.99 USD and $2,399.99 CAD. A kit featuring the Alpha 7C compact full-frame camera and FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will also be available in late October and will be sold for approximately $2,099.99 USD and $2,699.99 CAD.

FE 28-60mm F4-5.6

The new FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 offers the world’s smallest and lightest form factor in a standard zoom lens, delivering high optical performance achieving the high-resolution depiction of full-frame everywhere in the image. The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 is 5.9oz (167g) and 2.6 inches dia. x 1.8 inches length (66.6 mm dia. x 45 mm length) and is dust and moisture resistant and accepts a variety of 40.5mm filters.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 delivers high-speed, high-accuracy AF allowing for Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF, using a linear motor. In addition to Sony’s advanced AF capabilities, the FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 features an internal focus design which leaves the lens length unchanged with focus motion and close-up shots.

The FE 28-60mm F4-5.6 zoom lens will be available in early 2021 and will be sold for approximately $499.99 USD and $649.99 CAD.

HVL-F28RM

The HVL-F28RM is a compact flash designed to match Sony’s mirrorless cameras for a compact, manageable system, and offers the type of reliable, stable performance that only a genuine Sony product can provide. When compared to the HVL-F32M, the HVL-F28RM features a 12-percent reduction in volume and a 7-percent reduction in weight. This compact, easy-to-use flash unit delivers the capabilities and dependability to meet the needs of both professional and advanced amateur content creators.

The HVL-F28RM offers consistent GN28 light output, optimized light distribution and continuous flash performance that won’t interrupt the user’s workflow, as well as stable radio wireless communication and multi-flash radio control. The new flash also features Sony’s newly introduced flash control linked to camera face detection advanced technology. A camera custom key can be assigned to call up the flash parameter display so adjustments can be made while looking through the viewfinder and gripping the camera. Flash parameters are shown in the selected camera display language.

A newly developed “Metal Shoe Foot with Rugged Side Frame” that also houses the unit’s electrical contacts offers improved resistance to physical shock and impact from all directions. The Multi-Interface foot is fabricated from metal for higher strength. The HVL-F28RM also features a dust and moisture resistant design.

The HVL-F28RM also features simple, intuitive operation with minimal controls including +/- light level buttons, pairing button, test button and lock lever.

The HVL-F28RM flash will be available this winter and will be sold for approximately $249.99 USD and $329.99 CAD.