Building off the sleek profile and full-frame sensor combination of its first-generation predecessor, the silver Sony a7C II offers improved resolution, autofocus, in-body image stabilization, and video capabilities in the same compact, all-day, everyday form factor.
33MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor and BIONZ XR Processor
The Sony a7C II's advanced imaging system is powered by a 33MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor and the BIONZ XR processor, a combination capable of 10-bit 4K imagery at up to 30 fps or a top continuous shooting rate of 10 fps with AF and AE using either the mechanical or electronic shutter. The introduction of the back-illuminated structure to the camera's sensor gives it a higher resolution without sacrificing sensitivity. With an ISO range of 100-51200 that's expandable to ISO 50-204800, the camera boasts low-light performance with minimal noise and wide dynamic range.
Video Recording
Along with its powerful sensor and processor, the Sony a7C brings a strong suite of video features to everyday content creators and videographers.
Record in 10-bit 4:2:2 using the advanced XAVC S-I format for consistent performance and quality at bitrates up to 600 Mb/s.
Full-frame 4K recording is possible with frame rates up to 30p, up to 60p in 4K with a Super35 crop, and full HD recording up to 120p, using full 1:1 pixel readout without binning.
The high-speed, 120 fps recording also enables 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording with the frame rate set to either 30p or 24p.
Slow & Quick (S&Q) mode allows shooters to capture 4K video at specified steps between 1-60 fps and Full HD between 1-120 fps, depending on the format. These settings will allow you to slow down action as well as speed up a slow-moving scene.
The S-Log3 and S-Gamut3.Cine gamma curves allow for more than 15 stops of dynamic range and for increased post-production flexibility, including matching video from other Sony Cinema Line cameras.
S-Cinetone can be used to deliver distinct colors and healthy-looking skin tone rendering that is based on technology from the professional Cinema Line cameras, such as the VENICE. This color profile offers natural mid-tones, soft colors, and especially well-controlled highlights.
Creative Looks can be baked into the recorded footage to create a specific mood during recording and minimize the need for editing.
User-created LUTs and presets can be set for accurately monitoring footage or previewing a specific look during shooting and can be applied to the camera's monitor, EVF, or HDMI output.
AI-Powered Autofocus and Image Stabilization
The Sony a7C II's AI processing unit brings a host of enhanced capabilities to the camera's autofocus and image stabilization systems, ensuring smooth handling and clarity no matter the shooting conditions. The camera's 759 phase detection points in stills mode and 495 points in video mode, covering 94% of the image area, are enhanced with AI-powered subject recognition performance and real-time tracking. The AI processor also uses a new autoexposure algorithm, Human Pose Estimation, to prioritize exposure areas for a 20% improvement in overall exposure accuracy. The auto white balance also benefits from the improved AI processor, aiding in difficult lighting conditions. Other autofocus features include focus bracketing in up to 299 images with sequentially shifted focus points, focus accuracy in low light down to EV -4.0, focus breathing compensation, autofocus assist, focus mapping, and focus peaking during autofocus.
Vlog-Friendly AI-Enhanced Framing
Additionally, the AI Processing Unit recognizes and tracks subjects when recording video, seamlessly auto-cropping to maintain the subject in a prominent position in the frame and lending ease to otherwise difficult camerawork. This tracking can be custom located within the frame and adjusted for speed and sensitivity, all at the touch of a finger.
Image Stabilization
Now offering seven stops of shake compensation, the camera's pixel-level 5-axis optical image stabilization system, which counters five different types of camera shake encountered during handheld shooting of stills and video, is algorithmically optimized for precision detection and control down to a single pixel. The AI Processing Unit also improves communication between the body and the lens, providing more stable framing before shooting. This allows users to confidently use any lens, even adapted lenses, for critical imaging without encountering blur from camera shake.
Advanced Rendering
For stills-shooters, the a7C II offers a wide range of color renderings and compressions for optimal image quality and storage management, led by the introduction of the High Efficiency Image File (HEIF) format. Users also have the choice between Compressed and Lossless Compressed options when shooting raw. The AI Processing Unit also helps to achieve better exposure results in Auto mode with applicable algorithmic adjustments made for skin tone, backlit situations, and white balance. The same Creative Looks presets available in video are also available when shooting stills, allowing additionally for user-defined configurations with eight adjustable parameters. For optimal viewing of stills when tethered to select monitors and televisions, the a7C II now offers a stills-designed Hybrid Log-Gamma mode that delivers accurate dynamic range in 10-bit HEIF format.
Body Design and Connectivity
The introduction of a front command dial puts an added level of control and speed at the tip of your forefinger and ensures that you won't be all thumbs at the moment of peak action.
Use the camera's USB output function with UVC/UAC control via a computer for streaming applications and broadcasts with full-frame 4K video at 30 fps.
Built-in 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi allows communication on the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands to instantly share imagery to mobile devices for direct sharing online to social networking, via email, and to cloud storage sites.
Integrated 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports afford greater control over audio during video recording.
The 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder offers a bright, high-resolution, .70x magnification means for eye-level monitoring and sports and a dedicated 120 fps mode for smoother viewing when tracking moving subjects.
The side-opening, vari-angle 3.0" 1.03m-dot LCD touchscreen works from high, low, and front-facing angles.
Accepts the high-capacity Z battery rechargeable lithium-ion battery and can also be powered via a USB connection to a computer or mobile battery. This connection can also be used to charge the battery.
Robust magnesium alloy body offers a durable profile and incorporates dust and moisture seals to protect against harsh environments.
Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G Overview
A groundbreaking standard zoom lens for everyday use, the ultra-wide Sony FE 20-70mm f/4 G spans a popular and versatile range of focal lengths in a compact and lightweight form. Designed to accommodate new trends in shooting styles popular among vloggers and content creators, this ultra-wide to portrait-length zoom provides excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and outstanding image quality for all your imaging needs. Offering an expansive field of view to suit selfie, landscape, cityscape, and other wide-angle applications, this lens also offers fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as excellent close-up performance at all focal lengths.
G Lens Image Quality
Designed for demanding visual creators, this ultra-wide zoom offers no compromises regarding image quality, autofocus performance, or movie-making functionality.
Engineered for use with full-frame Sony E-mount mirrorless cameras, the lens's constant f/4 maximum aperture maintains consistent illumination throughout the entire zoom range.
Features a combination of three ED elements, two AA elements, one ED aspherical element, and one standard aspherical element to effectively eliminate chromatic and spherical aberrations while also rendering excellent edge-to-edge sharpness and color fidelity.
Offering an enhanced feature set for both still photography and videography, the FE 20-70mm f/4 G lens delivers fast focusing performance, improved tracking, and a series of attributes specifically designed for videographers.
Two XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors provide smooth, silent, and precise autofocus performance as well as improved tracking performance for photos and videos.
Internal focusing system maintains the overall length of the lens and does not rotate the lens barrel while focusing, enhancing the use of circular polarizers and variable ND filters.
Updated optical design effectively eliminates focus breathing, focus shift, and axial shift to prevent unwanted movements and angle of view variations during movie recording.
Aperture ring with On/Off click switch and iris lock switch prevents the aperture ring from being accidentally moved between the f/4 and f/22 settings.
Optimized for filming, the lens supports active mode image stabilization and micro-step aperture control for smooth and seamless video capture.
Two programmable focus hold buttons and a focus mode switch for intuitive focus control.
Minimum focusing distance of 9.8" with excellent close-up performance at all focal lengths.
Handling and Design
Compact and lightweight, this highly-versatile ultra-wide standard zoom offers a unique and expansive field of view for everyday shooting.
Hybrid construction uses both metal and plastic components to maximize both durability and a low weight design.
Fluorine coating on front lens element repels water, dust, fingerprints, and other contaminants while also making it easier to clean the front of the lens.
Dust and moisture-resistant design includes a rubber ring to seal the lens mount for working in inclement weather conditions.
Sony A7C II Specs
Key Specs
Lens Mount
Sony E
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 34.1 Megapixel
Effective: 33 Megapixel (7008 x 4672)
Image Sensor
35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
ISO/Gain Sensitivity
Photo
Native in Manual Mode: 100 to 51,200 (50 to 204,800 Extended)
Native in Auto Mode: 100 to 12,800 Video
Native in Manual Mode: 100 to 51,200 (50 to 102,400 Extended)
Native in Auto Mode: 100 to 12,800
Internal Recording Modes
XAVC HS 4:2:2/4:2:0 10-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/50/59.94 fps [30 to 200 Mb/s] XAVC S 4:2:2/4:2:0 8/10-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [60 to 200 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps [16 to 100 Mb/s] XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit
3840 x 2160 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [240 to 600 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [89 to 222 Mb/s]
External Recording Modes
4:2:2 8/10-Bit via HDMI
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
HD (1920 x 1080p) at 23.98/50/59.94 fps
HD (1920 x 1080i) at 50/59.94 fps
Media/Memory Card Slot
Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
Video I/O
1x Micro-HDMI Output
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
