Sony a7CR Announced: 61 Megapixels in a Tiny Package

To cap off a trio of major announcements today, Sony has revealed the a7CR – an offshoot of their small, lightweight a7C lineup that borrows the company’s highest-resolution 61 megapixel full-frame sensor. Although the original a7C was more of an entry-level full-frame camera, the a7CR definitely isn’t, launching for a price of $3000.

Specifications

Features

• Image Processor: BIONZ XR
• Resolution 61.0 MP
• Pixel Dimensions: 9504×6336
• Sensor Dimensions: 35.7 x 23.8 mm
• Sensor Size: Full Frame
• Sensor Pixel Size: 3.76 microns
• Low Pass Filter: No
• IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization): Yes
• ISO range: 100-32,000
• Extended ISOs: 50-102,400
• High-Resolution Sensor Shift: Yes
• Focus Stack Bracketing: Yes
• Pre-Shoot Burst Mode: No
• Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 to 30 seconds
• Continuous Shooting: 8 FPS
• Buffer Size (Raw): 36 frames at 8 FPS
• Autofocus System: Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition
• Autofocus Points: 693
• Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100): -4 EV
• Standard Flash Sync Speed: 1/160 second
• Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown: No

Video

• Maximum Video Resolution: 4K
• Maximum Video Bit Depth: 10-bit (internal and external)
• Raw Video: No
• 4K Maximum Framerate: 60 FPS
• 1080P Maximum Framerate: 120 FPS
• Additional Video Crop Factor: 1.24x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop)
• Chroma Subsampling: 4:2:2

Physical

• Card Slots: 1x (SD, UHS-II compatible)
• Rear LCD Size (Diagonal): 3.0″
• Rear LCD Resolution: 1.04 million dots
• LCD Type: Fully Articulating
• Touchscreen: Yes
• Viewfinder Type: EVF
• Viewfinder Magnification: 0.70x
• Viewfinder Resolution: 2.36 million dots
• Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
• Voice Memo: No
• Headphone Jack: Yes
• Microphone Jack: Yes
• Built-in Flash: No
• GPS: No
• Bluetooth: Yes
• WiFi: Yes
• USB Type: Type C 3.2 Gen 1
• Battery Type: NP-FZ100
• Battery Life (Viewfinder): 490 shots
• Battery Life (Rear LCD): 530 shots
• Weather Sealed: Yes
• Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card): 515 g (1.14 lbs)
• Dimensions, LxHxD: 124 x 71 x 63 mm (4.9 x 2.8 x 2.5″)
• MSRP, Body Only: $2999

Analysis

The Sony a7CR is an interesting mix of low-end and high-end features. On one hand, the buffer capacity of just 36 photos and the single SD card slot are below expectations for a $3000 camera. On the other hand, the top-of-the-line 61 megapixel sensor, focus bracketing, and high-resolution sensor shift modes all allow for extraordinary levels of detail to be captured on the a7CR. Compared to everything else on the market, only the $9000 Leica M11 has a similar blend of light weight and high resolution.

I also give Sony credit for adding the a7R V’s advanced subject-tracking capabilities and BIONZ XR across their product line, including to the a7CR. This camera isn’t really aimed at sports/wildlife photographers, but with such a good autofocus system, it should work well for photographing action in a pinch.

Compared to the a7C II that Sony also released today, the a7CR matches almost all of the specifications aside from those related to resolution. Both cameras have the same construction and design, too. One is simply a $2200 camera with 33 megapixels, and the other is a $3000 camera with 61 megapixels. The other main differences are buffer, frame rate, and battery life, which all favor the cheaper a7C II slightly – as expected because of the lower-resolution sensor.

If Sony had managed to fit a second memory card slot in the a7CR, I’d be very satisfied with this announcement, at least on paper. Even the weak buffer is not really a problem considering the target audience of this camera. (We’ve gotten a bit spoiled anyway, considering that 36 frames at 8 FPS is still more than four seconds of continuous shooting – plenty for most subjects.)

I understand that Sony was trying to make the a7CR as portable as possible, but maybe an additional memory card slot would have been worth some additional size and weight. Although, now I’m practically describing the Sony a7R IV! That camera is a generation older and doesn’t have the same subject-recognition autofocus capabilities, but it shares a 61-megapixel sensor and only costs $200 more than the a7CR. The buffer is also better with 68 frames at 10 FPS. Whether that’s worth the tradeoffs will depend on the photographer.

Ultimately, the Sony a7CR is a bit of a specialized camera. However, it’s specialized in a direction that I can appreciate as a landscape photographer who likes to hike long distances! Pair this camera with some lightweight lenses, and you’ll have an extremely portable package with best-in-class image quality.

Pre-order for the a7CR begins tomorrow, August 30th, at 10AM Eastern. You’ll can pre-order it at the link below to our affiliate B&H in both black and silver:

• Sony a7CR pre-order

Sony has said that the camera will ship in the Fall but has not yet specified a date.

Official Sample Photos

Press Release

Sony Electronics Releases Two New Alpha 7C Series Cameras

Including the Alpha 7C R with 61MPⁱ High-Resolution Sensor and the Alpha 7C II with the latest still image and video performance

SAN DIEGO, CA. August 29, 2023 – Today, Sony Electronics announces the release of two new additions to the Alpha 7C series of compact full-frame interchangeable lens cameras, the Alpha 7C II (model ILCE- 7CM2) and Alpha 7C R (model ILCE-7CR). The Alpha 7C II is equipped with a full-frame image sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and features the latest still image and video functions and performance in a compact and lightweight design (approximately 4.88 in wide x 2.8 in high x 2.5 in deep and weighs approximately 18.1 oz.) It is the second-generation version of the Alpha7 C, which is celebrated for its combination of performance and features in a compact size, perfect for a wide range of shooting scenarios such as travel and street photography.

The Alpha 7C R is a new compact full-frame interchangeable lens camera, boasting the high-resolution and rich gradation performance of a full-size image sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels, the same sensor found in the Alpha 7R V, into a compact and lightweight body (similar size and weight as the Alpha 7C IIⁱⁱ, approximately 18.2 oz). In addition to daily snapshots, it easily realizes high-quality image capture in a wide variety of settings, such as portrait, wildlife, and landscape photography, meeting the expectations of creative work with mobility.

Both models are equipped with the same AI-processing unit and BIONZ XR® processors found in Sony’s newest interchangeable lens cameras such as the Alpha 7R V and Alpha 6700. Real-time Recognition AF recognizes a wide variety of subjects with high accuracy, and 5-axis in-body mage stabilization provides a 7.0 stepⁱⁱ shooting advantage when capturing stills. In terms of video performance, both models support high-quality 4:2:2 10-bit video recording up to 4K60pⁱⁱⁱ, and both models support Sony’s acclaimed S- CinetoneTM color science for rich cinematic video. In addition, they have Active Mode in-body image stabilization, AI-based auto-framing, digital-audio interface support, and other features that support high- quality video shooting.

“At Sony, we’re committed to continually raising the bar and elevating standards for content creators. With the introduction of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R models, we’re offering an innovative solution that serves creators in both photography and videography. This fresh addition to their toolkit ensures top-tier imagery and visual performance across our state-of-the-art imaging devices. By fusing advanced technology with user-friendly design, we’re empowering content creators to realize their artistic vision like never before,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics.

As the demand for sending and sharing captured content on social media networks has increased, more creators are looking for a combination of compact size and high imaging performance in mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. With the introduction of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R, which achieve high mobility and high-quality image expression in a compact size, Sony responds to the wide range of image expressions sought by creators.

Main Features of the Alpha 7C II

• Equipped with a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels and the latest BIONZ XR® image processing engine to achieve high imaging performance. For capturing either still images or movies, users can easily enjoy high-quality image capture in a wide range of scenes such as travel and daily snapshots.
• Compared to the Alpha 7 IV which is approximately 5.1 inches x 3.8 inches x 3.2 inches and weighs approximately 1.54 lbs, the Alpha 7C II is approximately 22% lighter and has approximately 45% less volume.
• The standard ISO sensitivities range from 100 to 51200 for both still images and movies (expanded ISO 50 to 204800 for still images), enabling high-sensitivity, noise-free shooting.

Main Features of the Alpha 7C R 

• Equipped with a full-frame back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS sensor with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels and the latest BIONZ XR® image processing engine to achieve high-resolution and high-definition imaging performance.
• Compared to the Alpha 7R V which is approximately 5.25 inches x 3.875 inches x 3.25 inches and weighs approximately 1.6 lbs, the Alpha 7C R is approximately 29% lighter and has approximately 53% less volume.
• The standard ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 32000 for both still images and movies (expanded ISO 50 to 102400 for still images).
• In addition, with 7.0-step^iv optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization, even slight blurring at the 1-pixel level is detected and corrected.
• Equipped with Pixel Shift Multi Shooting that takes multiple images and combines them on a PC to create an ultra-high resolution image.
• By combining with the grip extension GP-X2 included with the Alpha 7C R^v, you can shoot comfortably with a stable hold even when shooting for long periods of time or using a telephoto lens.

Common Features of the Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R

1) Compact size and high mobility

Both models are easy to handle and easy to carry. Compact size (both models are approximately 4.88 in wide x 2.8 in high x 2.5 in deep) and weighi approximately 18.1 oz for the Alpha 7C II and approximately 18.2 oz for the Alpha 7C R. When combined with the wide-angle zoom lens, FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II, announced today, it achieves the excellent image expression and high-speed AF that are unique to the G Master™ series, with the brightness of F2.8 at full zoom range. The user can choose their favorite lens from Sony’s extensive E-mount series of more than 70 lenses and enjoy a variety of image expressions in both still images and movies.

2) AF performance with improved subject recognition performance thanks to the built-in AI processing unit

Equipped with the same AI-processing unit as the Alpha 7R V, which recognizes subjects with high accuracy with Real-time Recognition AF. For example, when taking a picture of a person, even if the subject strikes a complicated pose or their face is hidden, human-pose estimation technology can be used to capture and track the subject with high accuracy. In addition to the existing tracking capabilities for people and animals already found in the Alpha 7C series, it is now possible to recognize birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes as subjects in the new models.

3) Advanced video performance

The Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R condense high-resolution and detailed video data equivalent to 7K and 6K, respectively, and can output high-quality 4K video. Equipped with S-Log3, which supports a wide latitude of 14+ stops^vi, it renders rich gradation with little overexposure and underexposure even in scenes with contrast. Also, in Log shooting mode, the LUT imported by the user can be displayed on the camera monitor image, allowing the user to shoot while checking the finished image in post-production. In addition, it is equipped with S-Cinetone™, a unique Sony feature which can create a cinematic look straight out of the camera without post-processing. Based on Sony’s Cinema Line technology, S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color and deliver cinematic quality. It also features Creative Look, which allows you to easily change the look and feel of video and still images.

4) Operability and connectivity

Equipped with a touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, intuitive operation with the latest touch menu supports comfortable shooting. In addition to the new front dial that allows the user to assign their favorite functions, the still image/movie/S&Q switch dial, and an XGA high-resolution viewfinder, etc., the camera is easy to use. The camera is equipped with a 7.0-stepiv optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization to support stable camera work.

In terms of connectivity, the camera is compatible with the smartphone application Creators’ App^vii that uploads videos and still images taken with the camera to a cloud service, while allowing remote camera operation and image transfer from the camera to mobile devices. By the end of September 2023, Sony plans to support a new version of the software development kit Camera Remote SDK that enables remote operation and settings adjustments.

5) Designed with environmentally friendly principles in mind

Over the past 11 years, Sony has replaced approximately 395 tons^viii of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLAS™^ix, are used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. In addition to being equipped with Sony’s Screen Reader function^x that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, a new menu Magnify Display function has been added to support the creative activities of a variety of creators.

Pricing and Availability 

The new Alpha 7C II will be available in Fall 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers: ​
​Camera only: MSRP $2199.99 USD, $2999.99 CAN ​
​Camera w/ 28-60mm lens: MSRP $2499.99 USD, $3399.99 CAN

The new Alpha 7C R will be available in Fall 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers: ​
​Camera only: MSRP $2999.99 USD, $4099.99 CAN

The new GP-X2 extension will be available in Fall 2023 at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers for MRSP $159.99 USD, $214.99 CAN.

For detailed product information of the new Alpha 7C II, please visit:

• Camera (black) only: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeable-lens-cameras/all-interchangeable-lens-cameras/p/ilce7cm2-b
• Camera (silver) only: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeable-lens-cameras/all-interchangeable-lens-cameras/p/ilce7cm2-s
• Camera (black) w/28-60mm lens: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeable-lens-cameras/all-interchangeable-lens-cameras/p/ilce7cm2l-b
• Camera (silver) w/28-60mm lens: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeable-lens-cameras/all-interchangeable-lens-cameras/p/ilce7cm2l-s

Product videos of the new Alpha 7C II can be viewed here:

• Launch video – https://youtu.be/W7kWQFA-ZR4
• 4K Sample Video – https://youtu.be/YipJ80rJzWE

For detailed product information of the new Alpha 7C R, please visit:

• Camera (black): https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeable-lens-cameras/all-interchangeable-lens-cameras/p/ilce7cr-b
• Camera (silver): https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeable-lens-cameras/all-interchangeable-lens-cameras/p/ilce7cr-s

Product videos of the new Alpha 7C R can be viewed here:

• Launch video – https://youtu.be/imjLX_nZbgI
  • 4K Sample Video – https://youtu.be/z7nWcBWdzKQ

For detailed product information for the new GP-X2, please visit: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/imaging-accessories/all-accessories/p/gpx2

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7C R and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of the Sony Alpha brand.

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About Sony Electronics Inc. 

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

Notes: 

i Approximate effective megapixels.

ii Weight includes battery and memory card.

iii Alpha 7C II:QFHD (3840×2160). 4K60p/50p recording is only available in Super 35mm mode. Alpha 7C R: Angle of view is approx. 1.2x when shooting 4K 60/50p movies.

iv CIPA standard compliant, Pitch/Yaw direction, with FE 50 mm F1.2 GM attached, long exposure noise reduction off.

v Grip extension (model GPX2) for the Alpha 7C II sold separately.

vi When shooting S-Log3. Sony internal measurement.

vii Check regional availability of services and applications.

viii According to Sony. Recycled materials used for product bodies and accessories from April 2012 to March 2023.

ix Depending on the time of production, SORPLAS™ may not be used for some parts.

x Supported languages differ depending on the sales region.