The new Sony a7CR somehow packs a full-frame 61MP (adapted from the a7R V) sensor into a compact body that is not only quite a bit smaller, but also 30% lighter than the a7R V body.
While the body is quite similar looking to the original a7C model on the outside, Sony has added a couple of improvements including, a front command dial located on a slightly deeper front grip as well as improved, higher magnification viewfinder optics.
Like the new a7C II (read about it here), the a7CR utilizes Sony’s latest BIONZ XR image processor as well as a dedicated AI Processing Unit to power the enhanced subject detection autofocus features, as well as improved subject tracking, for both stills and video and the Auto Framing mode for video.
View Sony a7CR Pricing and Availability at Vistek
Speaking of autofocus, the a7CR uses the same hybrid autofocus system as the a7R V with 693 Phase detection AF points covering about 79% of the frame, with additional contrast focus points that extend almost to the edge of the frame.
Built-in 5-axis optical image stabilization offers up to 7-steps of shake compensation and can be paired with one of Sony’s stabilized lenses for even greater shake compensation.
The IBIS system utilizes optimized algorithms, along with a high-precision gyroscope and improved communication between the body and lenses to offer greatly improved stabilization performance.
High-speed shooting tops out at 8 fps when using its mechanical shutter and 7 fps with the electronic shutter.
Like Sony’s other recent cameras, the a7CR includes a multi-shot high resolution mode, in-camera timelapse creation, focus bracketing, and focus breathing correction in video.
In terms of video performance, the a7CR can capture 4K/60p full-frame video as well as 6.2K oversampling in Super35 and FHD up to 120p. It also has the ability to stream 4K/30 footage as a UVC/UAC webcam.
In-camera 10-bit 4:2:2 recording is available when using Long GOP or All-Intra compression, making it possible to colour grade for fuller, more natural gradations in post.
S-Log3, as well as S-Cinetone, and S-gamut3.Cine colour gamut settings are also available, and user-selected LUTs (Look Up Table) can also be applied.
16-bit external raw video output is also supported via the HDMI port to an monitor/external recorder unit.
Sony says that Atomos Ninja V and Ninja V+ support for external recording, while not available at launch, is coming soon.
In addition to the new front control dial and improved viewfinder mentioned at the beginning, the a7CR features 3”-type 3:2 vari-angle LCD touchscreen on the rear of the camera.
Located on the side of the camera, there is a USB-C port with power delivery that allows for fast charging (USB 3.1 Gen 2 for up to 5Gbps), 3.5mm microphone and headphones jack connectors, a single UHS-II SD card slot, and the HDMI type D video output connector.
Finally, the a7CR includes the screw-in GP-X2 grip extender which when attached, extends the front grip to provide a little more grip height making it a little more comfortable for people who have larger hands to hold the camera.
Key features
- 61MP BSI CMOS sensor
- Bionz XR processor and dedicated ‘AI’ processing unit
- Lossless Raw options in multiple sizes
- 8fps continuous shooting (7fps in e-shutter mode)
- Choice of JPEG or HEIF output (inc HLG HEIFs)
- 4K video up to 60p or oversampled 4K from APS-C crop
- Auto framing video cropping modes
- Pixel-shift high-resolution modes with motion correction
- Single UHS-II SD card slot
