The Sony a7C Versus the a7 IV: Which Mirrorless Camera Is Right for You?

When it comes to Sony's a7 series of camera, both the a7C and a7 IV are the most generalist options, offering the best balance of photo and video features at reasonable prices. So, if you are looking for an all-around option, which of the two is the best? This great video comparison takes a look at the two cameras to help you decide which is right for you. 

Coming to you from Julia Trotti, this fantastic video review compares the Sony a7C mirrorless camera to the a7 IV. The a7C is well known for being quite compact, at about 20% smaller than other a7 series cameras, and it sits about $700 below the a7 IV. On the other hand, the a7 IV is still a decently compact camera and offers deeper 4K features, higher sensor resolution, and more. Perhaps one of the most notable differences, however, is that the a7C offers only one card slot, whereas the a7 IV offers two slots, which may be an important distinction for a lot of professionals. Both cameras are quite capable, however, and likely to satisfy the needs of most photographers and filmmakers. Check out the video above for Trotti's full thoughts on both options. 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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7 Comments

The a7c is one of the most horrible cameras when it comes to ergonomics. It clearly wasn't designed for human hands.

Surely it's no worst than Panasonic Lumix DC-GX850 or Leica's. Any of those flat body styles.

The a7C's lack of a front dial can be partially offset by using Sigma primes that have aperture rings. Even so, for my wide range of uses, the a7C is too much a jack-of-all-trades-and-master-of-none.

A7C WITH 35mm 2.8 .. portable with great image quality

But not that much better, in terms of IQ, than a GX9 with 20/1.7 pancake, and about twice the price. If you don't need the a7C's better C-AF for fast-moving subjects, or the ability to slap an f1.4 prime on it for very low light, I don't see the point.

Big images and super range

Biggest selection of lenses

Fully weather sealed

Big images? I find the 20MP of my GX9 vs. the 24MP of my a7III an inconsequential difference in detail, and if I crop images to standard print dimensions (8x10, 11x14, 16x20) it goes away entirely.

Biggest selection? Micro Four Thirds has a huge range of native lenses, perhaps not as big as Sony now, but bigger than pretty much every other mirrorless system.

Weather sealed? If that matters to you, there's the Panasonic G9 or Olympus E-M5 series, both still much cheaper than the a7C. It matters not a whit to me, so I'm well-served by my GX9.

FWIW, I have a GX9, a GX8, and three a7RIIIs (and an a7III that I'm about to sell), with extensive lens kits for each system. The a7RIII is perfect for low-light events and high-rez landscapes. The GX9 is perfect for "just in case" carry and fully capable of making crisp 24" prints.