The Sony A7c is the most confusing camera in Sony’s lineup. It’s a camera married to the A7iii, A7iv, and a6400.
Compared to the A7iii, it has the same sensor, similar in-body image stabilization (with gyro data), and similar photo/video features.
It inherited the the flip screen and video AF from the A7siii/A7iv and has the form factor and EVF from the a6400.
This camera is huge for Sony because the A7iii sold so well, and the A7c could be more beneficial to their marketing platform than any other A7 camera, but the problem is the price.
At $1800 most vloggers will spend a little more to get the A7iv, but it’s still the best vlog camera on a budget.
Why the A7c is the best budget vlog camera?
Although the A7c is probably too expensive for most vloggers it has all the features vloggers want.
Flip Screen
The worst feature about the A7c is also why this camera was made for content creators. I’m talking about the small and poor-quality EVF. Most YouTube creators don’t need an EVF, and that’s exactly why Sony kept it small and low quality.
Content creators almost always need some kind of monitor facing them while recording. It’s also nice to have when using a gimbal. The flip screen has always been needed, but it’s disappointing that the A7c didn’t come with the new menus and touch screen from the A7siii.
Full Frame
Vloggers also prefer full frame cameras. Full frame offers better dynamic range, low light, and lower depth of field. This is so important for shots at dawn, dusk, or evening.
Until now, Canon was the only full frame mirrorless camera offering the benefits of full frame. Currently, the only Canon camera that compares well with the A7c is EOS R6, but it’s $2500
Autofocus
Another reason this camera is great for the vlog community is the autofocus features. With video eye autofocus you don’t have the problems with accidentally tracking the background. This is sometimes remedied with face autofocus, but eye autofocus works much better, especially with shallow depth of fields.
Seamless Audio
The A7c now has the same digital audio system borrowed from the A7siii. With Sony microphones, you can now add a mic to the hot shoe and go. No need to mess with a mic cable or turn the mic on.
You’ll save a few seconds, and it’s one less cable in your camera bag.
Image Stabilization Gyro Data
One last important feature of the A7c is the in image stabilization. As a stabilized camera body, it doesn’t do as well as the A7iii, but with software, you can improve the stabilization in post using catalyst browse.
As a video shooter, that means you can hand hold the camera and get pretty smooth footage with a small crop factor.
How the Sony A7c compares to other vlog cameras
Sony’s biggest vlogging competition right now is Canon, and that’s why Sony is finally changing their style to be more like Canon. They tried this with the new 6100, 6400, and 6600 series with the flip screen, but most people just wanted a flip screen like Canon.
With the A7c, Sony is able to outperform the Canon EOS R and RP. The EOS R and EOS RP are the perfect full frame vlog cameras for the price, but they don’t have full frame 4K, image stabilization, video eye AF, and the low light performance offered by the A7iii.
The EOS R6, on the other hand, is better than the A7c in almost every way, but it’s about 6 ounces heavier $700 more. It has a better EVF, touch screen, stabilization, and better animal eye autofocus. It also offers better video and 4K at 60p.
The problem with the EOS R cameras is the lens selection and cost. Sure the EOS R6 is the best vlog camera, but not all vloggers will be able to afford it.
The Sony system has so many more lens options and much more affordable options by off brand manufactures such as Tamron and Sigma.
If you shoot video and stills, there’s no doubt the EOS R5 or R6 is the best camera in this category.
Who is the A7c for?
The A7c is for people who don’t shoot in s-log and don’t need 4k 60.
- Content Creators
- Youtubers
- Vloggers
- Backpackers
- A6xxx users
A7c vs A7iv
The A7iv is a better camera than the A7c in every way with the exception of weight. While the A7c is primarily focused for vloggers, the A7iv is a hybrid camera that can do just about everything.
Need a professional photo shoot? Check.
Need a high megapixel camera for landscapes? Check.
Need a pro level video camera? Check.
The A7iv checks all the boxes with the exception of full frame 4k 60.
Why I still use the Sony A7c
I’m tempted to upgrade to the A7iv but I still can’t part with the A7c. Right now I primarily shoot landscape photography, astrophotography and YouTube videos, so I don’t have a huge reason to upgrade.
You may ask why I would use the A7c for landscape photography, and it’s really not a problem. I used the A7riii for years, and I actually prefer the A7c due to it’s form factor.
If I had a second camera, it would be the A7iv, but I wouldn’t notice a huge difference in my photos or videos for what I do.
A7c Pros and Cons
Pros
- Exceptional low light
- IBIS gyro data
- Flip Screen
- Autofocus
- Light weight
Cons
- Small and poor quality EVF
- Outdated menus and touch screen
- Poor ergonomics
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a camera for professional photos and videos go for the A7iv, but if you’re primarily using a camera for travel and YouTube the A7c might be a decent upgrade.
I’m still not sold on the A7c, because it doesn’t do everything. You can read my other article on why I didn’t like it here. But if you just need a camera for vlogging and YouTube it hits the mark.
What do you think? Is the A7c is the next best camera for vlogging?
