A user’s decision making – at least for me – would generally revolve around battery life, portability and functionality. Some features, consistent across both full frame mirrorless models, is that they’re both weather-sealed and feature USB-C charging. 3.5mm ports for both input and output are also expected, so no surprises there.
The A7C is lightweightt and more compact (Fun fact: That’s what the C stands for.) without feeling cheap or plasticky. This is perfect for vloggers or street photographers who prefer lighter and ‘bare-minimum’ setups.
Flip out screen for front facing vlogs
Looking at the screens, both cameras feature flip out LCD screens, so it’s really convenient when you’re Looking at the screens, both cameras feature flip out LCD screens. It’s greatly convenient especially for my use case. I regularly do front-facing and off-camera work so it’s really convenient. The A7IV features an updated menu system and touchscreen. Super convenient for the shooters who might prefer it versus the traditional two-handed operation with buttons. It personally might take a little getting used to especially for people with sweaty palms like me.
A7IV with the updated touchscreen menu system
Between these two cameras, they’re equally capable, but the A7IV’s ports and interface have the upper hand. Especially for studio work and hooking up to other equipment like monitors and audio attachments. Card slots for the A7C are for a single SD card, but the A7IV allows for two SD cards. One of which is able to take either SD or a CF card if that’s what you’re into. In the studio is where I really think the A7IV really shines, especially with its full sized HDMI ports. No more fiddly micro USBs and flickering output screens!
3.5mm audio jacks and full-sized HDMI port
On the technical side of things, the A7IV is capable of shooting 4K videos in 60 frames, but at the price of a 1.5x crop. I personally don’t see myself shooting 4K in 60fps but it’s great to have. The 4K resolution is actually a 7K downsample, so you can be sure you have great quality and details. The A7IV is capable of going up to 34MP and the A7C goes up to 24MP for stills. Both do bursts to up to 10FPS though, zero slack.
Dials and thumbstick control on the Sony A7IV
Sony A7IV
PRICE S$3599 (Body Only)
SCREEN: 7.5cm (3.0-type) type TFT
PHOTO: 34MP, EXmor R CMOS SENSOR
VIDEO: 4K60, 10-bit 4:2:2 recording capability
Sony A7C
PRICE $2499 (Body Only)
SCREEN: 7.5cm (3.0-type) type TFT
PHOTO 24MP, EXmor R CMOS SENSOR
VIDEO: 4K30, 8-bit 4:2:0 recording capability
Depending on the usage of the individual, the Sony A7C is a more than capable camera for around S$1000 less, if you’re not going to benefit from the many port interfaces and the 10-bit footage that the A7IV is capable of (8-bit 4:2:0 is plenty for the average consumer). They’re both full frame so you know you’ll get great bokeh and low light with whichever one you choose!
