Sony
Alpha 7C
Smallest full-frame E-mount body with A7 III performance in a travel-friendly package.
$1,799
Launch priceReleased Sep 2020
Sony
Alpha 7S
12MP low-light video legend that changed indie filmmaking with incredible high ISO performance.
$2,499
Launch priceReleased Apr 2014
Alpha 7C is 6.4 years newer.
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Wins
Alpha 7C
Wins
Alpha 7S
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 7C has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- BAlpha 7S has higher Burst (electronic) (20 fps vs 10 fps)
- BAlpha 7S has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- BAlpha 7S has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
- BAlpha 7S has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareAlpha 7C
124 × 71 × 60 mm
509 g (1.12 lb / 17.95 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 7S
127 × 94 × 48 mm
489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz)
Alpha 7C is 3mm narrower and 23mm shorter than Alpha 7S but it is also 12mm thicker.
Alpha 7C is 20 g heavier than Alpha 7S.
Depth (front-to-back): 60mm Alpha 7C · 48mm Alpha 7S
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 7C
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Alpha 7S
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 7C
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7S
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7C
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124, 71.1, 59.7
Codecs
Adds XAVC S, AVCHD
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Resolution
24.2 MP vs 12.2 MP — higher is better
Burst (mechanical)
10 fps vs 8 fps — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
740 shots vs 640 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7S
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126.9, 94.4, 48.2
Codecs
Adds H.265, ProRes
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Vehicle
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Alpha 7S supports it
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 7S supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 7C
Pros
- ✓Tiny full-frame
- ✓5-axis IBIS
- ✓24MP hybrid
- ✓Great for travel
Cons
- –Small grip
- –Single card slot
- –Superseded by A7C II
Alpha 7S
Pros
- ✓Legendary low light
- ✓12MP optimized for video
- ✓Full-frame
- ✓Historic video body
Cons
- –12MP for stills
- –No IBIS
- –Superseded by a7S series
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 7C
Sony Alpha 7S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Alpha 7C or Alpha 7S?
Alpha 7S scores 8.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for Alpha 7C — 20fps burst — fast action ready.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S?
Alpha 7C is 24.2 MP and Alpha 7S is 12.2 MP, so the Alpha 7C captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 7C has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 7S has 7-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 7C or the Alpha 7S?
Alpha 7C reaches 10 fps electronic. Alpha 7S reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S?
Alpha 7C weighs 509 g and Alpha 7S weighs 489 g, so the Alpha 7S is 20 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S record 4K video?
Alpha 7C: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7S: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Alpha 7C and Alpha 7S weather sealed?
Alpha 7C: Yes. Alpha 7S: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 740 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 7C and 640 shots for the Alpha 7S, giving the Alpha 7C the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 7C launched at $1,799 and Alpha 7S at $2,499. The Alpha 7C is $700 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 7C vs Alpha 7S vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed November 2026.