Sony A7c vs. Sony a7III Comparison

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Sharon Advik

Sony A7c vs. Sony a7III Comparison:

Overview:

The mountains and environment were always around and a big part of my life growing up in Norway.

My love of the hills was likely sparked early on by everyday outdoor pursuits like skiing, hiking, and wild camping.

Travels that last several days are frequent.

Norway has minimal rules and relatively open access to the natural world.

I’ve come to value this independence deeply in every aspect.

I didn’t learn about climbing until much later.

We started rock climbing on neighboring cliffs with a friend from university.

We were inexperienced in learning by listening to and observing others, but most importantly, we dared to go ahead and attempt.

I had both cameras with me, Sony A7c and Sony A7III.

It was the best decision as I got many chicks around me.

I got terrific experiences there and thought, why not?

I share my experience of using these Sony cameras with you all.

Here, I will compare A7c and A7 III, two Mirrorless cameras by Sony.

Sony Alpha A7c is an Advanced Mirrorless class camera, and Sony Alpha A7 III is a Pro Mirrorless class camera.

Sony A7c was introduced to the market in September 2020, and Sony A7 III was launched in February 2018.

As you can see, A7 III is two years older than A7c.

Let’s see if this age difference between the two cameras makes a big difference.

Key Specs:

                                          

Physical Specs and Body Features Comparison:

When looking for the best camera, size and weight play a significant role in my selection.

In this section, I’ll compare the front, rear, and top perspectives of the Sony A7c and Sony A7 III to show how their relative sizes compare.

The Sony A7c measures 124 x 71 x 60 mm (4.88 x 2.8 x 2.36′′) outside and weighs 509 g (1.12 lb, 17.95 oz) (including batteries).

The Sony A7 III is 650 g (1.43 lb / 22.93 oz) in weight and is 127 x 96 x 74 mm (5 x 3.78 x 2.91′′).

Camera Sensors:

  • Sony A7c: 24.2Mp Full frame
  • Sony A7 III: 24.2Mp Full frame

The same full-frame CMOS sensor is used in both of these cameras.

Additionally, the sensor is coupled with the same Bionz X processing engine, so regardless of the model you pick, you should be able to take photos of the same quality in the same lighting circumstances and with the same lens attached.

Autofocus System:

  • Sony A7C: -4EV to 20EV, which is (ISO100 equivalent with F2.0 lens attached)
  • Sony A7 III: -3EV to 20EV, which is (ISO100 equivalent with F2.0 lens attached)

The A7C and A7 III feature nearly identical AF hardware since they share the same sensor.

Both feature a hybrid system with 425 contrast-detection points and 693 phase-detection focus points.

The A7C, however, has a 1EV increase in sensitivity, which makes it somewhat more effective in low light.

I captured beautiful pictures at sunset on my journey to fairy meadows.

The A7C also benefits from Sony’s newest AI-powered subject recognition technology, which makes the camera better at tracking subjects than the A7 III.

The Eye AF on the A7 III is decent, but the Eye AF on the A7C is a little quicker and performs a better job of maintaining focus when the subject’s eyes move away from the camera.

Viewfinder:

  • Sony A7C: 0.39-inch type OLED
  • Sony A7 III: 0.5-inch type OLED

The viewfinder is one of the more apparent differences between the Sony A7C and A7 III.

It builds into the A7C’s body. It is in the upper left corner rather than the center of the camera’s top, as it was with the A7 III.

Due to this, Sony had to substitute a 0.39-in type unit, more frequently seen in APS-C format cameras, for the A7 III’s 0.5-in unit.

The A7C’s smaller viewfinder makes it more portable but does not provide the “full-frame feel” I anticipate.

Screen:

  • Sony A7C: Vari-angle 3-inch touchscreen
  • Sony A7 III: Tilting 3-inch touchscreen

Sony A7C is the second camera in the Sony A7 series to include a vari-angle screen, the first being the A7S III.

It indicates that the screen turned to face front for taking selfies and vlogging.

It folded out to the side of the camera and inclined up or down.

Additionally, it may be slanted to aid with portrait photograph composition.

While the A7 III features a tilting screen, it can only snap photos with a landscape orientation and cannot turn around to see from in front of the camera.

Button layout:

The A7 III includes extra controls and buttons: two custom buttons are on the top and one on the far left of the back.

An additional dial on the grip and a convenient AF joystick on the rear.

Despite having a similar look to the A6600 APS-C camera, the A7C has been pared down to the bare necessities and has fewer buttons.

On the A7C, the movie recording button is on top.

The other camera, A7 III, is on the back, next to the EVF.

The A7C has three memory recall places on the main dial-up top, whereas the A7 III only has two.

Video Recording and gyro data:

I observed that both cameras share the exact video specifications:

  • Picture Profiles including S-Log2, S-Log3, and HLG
  • Full HD up to 120p having (normal mode and S&Q mode)
  • 4K video up to 30p while using the XAVC S codec

The only distinction worth mentioning is not a little one.

The A7C can record indefinitely (until the card or battery dies), but the A7 III stops recording after 30 minutes.

Thus, I have to start a new film.

Another intriguing finding is the A7C’s ability to save gyro sensor data in video files.

It indicates that the video file has all the data about camera movements throughout the recording of the shot.

I can use this gyro data to stabilize the video using the Sony Catalyst software, and the results are superior to those of in-body image stabilization.

Through the Multi-Interface shoe and a few Sony microphones, like the ECM-B1M Microphone and XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor, the A7C also allows digital audio recording for audio.

Buffer:

With AE/AF tracking, both cameras can shoot at a maximum rate of 10 frames per second, although the A7C has a larger buffer.

It can record 115 compressed RAW files or more than 220 JPG Fine files at maximum speed. Comparatively, the A7 III manages about 163 JPG Fine and 89 RAW.

Shutter Speed:

  • Sony A7C:1/4000-30 sec
  • Sony A7 III:1/8000-30 sec

A shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds is more than adequate for most photography.

Still, increasing the shutter speed by an additional stop in solid light is helpful when using a vast aperture.

On sunny days, this provides the A7 III advantage over the A7C that portrait or sports photographers would value.

I captured a lot of perfect journey pictures of my gang and me.

I grabbed some mesmerizing shots of people in the mountains with sun rays on their glowing faces.

I must say, it was a mind-blowing experience for me to have amazing pictures for my social media accounts.

Dial Control:

  • Sony A7C: Two rear dials
  • Sony A7 III: Front and rear dials

The A7C includes two dials for altering exposure settings, both located on the back of the camera—one above the thumb rest and the other lower down, which also serves as the navigation pad.

It indicates that my thumb is used to operate both of them.

The A7 III features two dials that are pretty identical to one another.

Still, it also includes a third dial conveniently located by your right forefinger on the front of the grip.

It means I can modify the settings while holding the camera with my thumb and fingers, ready for action, without shifting how I will have it.

Burst depth:

  • Sony A7 III: It has over 163 Extra fine JPEGs, 89 raw files, 79 simultaneous raw + JPEG files
  • Sony A7C: It has over 215 Extra fine JPEGs, over 115 raw files, and over 86 accompanying raw + JPEG files

Both cameras have a top shooting speed of 10 frames per second, but the A7C has a larger buffer and can capture more shots in a single continuous sequence.

The A7C can sustain the ten frames per second rate for at least 21.5 seconds and 215 Extra Fine JPEGs.

That is more than sufficient for most shooting situations, including sports.

Still, the A7C’s smaller size and rectangular form make it less convenient to match the long telephoto lenses that sport photographers like.

Consequently, the A7 III is probably a superior choice for anyone looking to photograph sport regularly, even if it can record 52 or fewer photos than the A7C.

One hundred sixty-three pictures in a burst are still somewhat respectable.

Card Slots:

  • Sony A7C: It has a Single SD/SDHC/SDXC UHS-I/II slot
  • Sony A7 III: It has Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots, Slot 1: UHS-I/II, Slot 2: UHS-I

The A7 III features two card slots, one compatible with UHS-I media.

At the same time, the other is compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II cards, in contrast to the A7C’s single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot, which is consistent with both UHS-II and UHS-I media.

When two cards are inserted into the A7 III’s slots, they are used to record simultaneously or in the relay.

Additionally, I can copy data from one card to another and divide raw and JPEG images, stills, and video files on different cards.

Weather Sealing:

Both A7c and A7 III have weather sealings in their body, making them resistant to water and dust.

Which camera has more lenses?

When choosing an interchangeable lens camera, the number of lenses available is an important decision factor.

In this instance, the Sony E lens mount is shared by the Sony A7c and Sony A7 III, making 182 native lenses accessible.

These lenses all accommodate Full-frame sensors.

The presence of picture stabilization is another crucial issue for me.

Each lens in the Sony A7c and Sony A7 III stabilizes because both cameras include sensor-based image stabilization.

According to CIPA standards, the built-in image stabilization system in the A7c effectively corrects vibration up to 5.0 stops.

At the same time, the IS system in the A7 III rated up to 5.0-stops.

What kinds of photography work well with the Sony A7c and A7 III?

In this section, I rank and contrast the Sony A7c and Sony A7 III for five distinct genres of photography to help you choose if you have a particular interest in one or more of these fields.

Portrait Photography:

In the mountains, I love these beasts. I got terrific portraits of girls and people in my group.

Large sensors provide my portrait photographs with a lovely fuzzy backdrop and a deeper depth of focus.

I crop images more quickly and print portrait photos with more fine detail, thanks to the Sony A7c’s 24.0MP sensor.

Sharper portraits are ensured by image stabilization, which lessens the impacts of camera shake during long exposures and considerable lens lengths.

Their viewfinders during a portrait shot let me steady the camera and reduce camera shaking because it is closer to the body.

Additionally, it is useful when LCD panels are challenging to read in direct sunlight.

During portrait photography, a camera’s handling and the location of its physical controls are crucial.

It is quicker and more logical.

So, instead of navigating through the menus on the LCD, it is faster and easier to adjust the camera settings with specific buttons and knobs.

Street Photography:

After returning from my journey, I used it to work on “Main Street.”

What appears in mind when you hear the term “Main Street”?

A cute small avenue dotted with stores and cafes?

These North Carolina cities with the most attractive downtowns are the same where you’ll find them.

These downtown locations will likely satisfy your needs, whether you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind present, a tasty Southern dinner, or a fantastic place to people-watch.

But it’s my daily route to the office, so I shot my best parts.

My office is located in Nort.

Since these devices are closer to the body, using a viewfinder during a street photography shoot lets me steady the camera and lessen camera shaking.

Additionally, it is useful when LCD panels are challenging to read in direct sunlight.

Live view makes it possible to shoot pictures without looking through the viewfinder, which makes you less intrusive and is ideal for street photography when I don’t want to draw attention to myself.

In street scenarios, when I want to focus on a face, the face detection focusing mode is quite helpful since it allows me to concentrate on framing and other changes while the camera takes care of the focus.

I can film in unconventional positions with an adjustable screen, such as at waist level, enabling me to be more original and discrete in public.

In street photography, image stabilization lessens the effects of camera shake for long exposures and considerable lens lengths, providing crisper images.

They are a fantastic blend of tiny size and a camera with decent handling without seeming professional.

With an adjustable screen, I can photograph unconventional situations, such as waist level.

Landscape Photography:

It was brilliant for me to keep these during my journey.

Both helped me with sharp landscape shots.

Live vision allows for more accurate, acceptable focus changes than a viewfinder.

Compared to lesser sensors, the Sony A7c’s and Sony A7III’s large sensors ensure good low-light image quality and excellent pixel quality.

The 24.0MP sensors of the Sony A7c and Sony A7III are ideal for photographing landscapes.

I can easily print the images more considerably, and it will catch a lot of tiny details—sealings for the environment.

Landscape photography is done outside.

Therefore, you should be ready for any weather.

Price:

I learned that the A7C will be available for $1800, £1900, €2100 for the body itself, or $2100 with the 28-60mm pancake kit lens.

The A7 III might be found for more or less money depending on the nation and currency.

The body alone is about $2000 in price. For the 28-70mm kit lens, add $200, $150, or €200.

In what scenarios is the Sony A7c a better camera?

The Sony A7C is most suited for candid, street, and ordinary life photography, aside from portraits, weddings, and other sorts of photography that frequently result in professional goals and paying jobs.

I observed that the primary reason the Sony A7C was designed was probably for vlogging.

You may create an excellent vlogging camera by combining a fully articulated LCD, IBIS, and a unique face/eye recognition AF system in one of the lightest full-frame camera bodies.

Most amateur photographers will document their friends, loved ones, and significant life events, including weddings, family reunions, maternity, newborns, children, high school seniors, and everything else!

The good news is that the Sony A7C is ideal for the casual photographer who wants a top-notch camera that combines mobility with outstanding face/eye recognition autofocus, fantastic image quality, and an astonishing array of lenses to suit every circumstance.

Having this camera with you would be smart whether the occasion is routine life or a once-in-a-lifetime event.

Advantages and Disadvantages of both devices:

Pros & Cons of Sony A7c:

Pros
  • Full-frame camera in a small, compact design
  • Excellent retracting lens
  • Sturdy, bright, articulating screen
  • Great Sony autofocus performance
Cons
  • Older menu system
  • Unambitious video specs
  • Great full-frame lenses are expensive and heavy
  • Small viewfinder
  • 4K limited to 30fps

Pros & Cons of Sony A7III:

Pros
  • 24MP full-frame BSI sensor.
  • Tilting touch LCD.
  • 4K HDR video.
  • 5-axis stabilization.
  • Silent shooting is available.
  • Vastly improved battery.
  • Dual SD slots.
  • 10fps with tracking
  • Focus joystick.
  • Flat profiles are available.
Cons
  • No in-body flash.
  • Dense menu system.
  • Only one card slot is UHS-II.
  • Screen, not true vari-angle.
  • The shooting buffer must be clear to start the video.

Conclusion:

For me, the Sony A7c is a winner.

It’s not necessary.

You might consider this one your favorite.

You may have already decided which camera best fits your needs and budget if you’re curious about how I evaluated the Sony A7c and Sony A7 III.

The Sony A7C offers several improvements over the Sony A7III, including a vari-angle screen, a bigger buffer, a somewhat improved AF system, and a smaller size.

However, the A7 III boasts more refined ergonomics that simplify modifying settings swiftly, a bigger viewfinder that will undoubtedly welcome everyday photography and twin memory card slots.

Thanks to its variable-angle screen, the A7C is a tiny camera that works well for travel and vlogging.

Still, the A7 III arguably provides a superior overall handling experience for other types of photography.

Related articles:

Best Sony cameras for photography:

Leave a Comment