This article will take a closer look at the A7C II and the A7CR. The two cameras have four main differences that are worth mentioning:
1. Image Quality
Both cameras have a full frame sensor with a backside illuminated design, and they both use the same BionZ XR Image Processor. The A7C II has a sensor with 33.0MP, which is the same as the chip in the A7 IV. A7R 5 inherits 61.0MP, while the A7CR is equipped with the same sensor.
Both the A7C II & A7CR will deliver similar results after testing them (via A7R V and A7 IV comparison). You can see the difference between sharpness and clarity at 100% magnification.
The A7C II as well as the A7CR are able to record in HEIF format. This format offers 10-bit color depth, and is compatible with devices such HDR monitors and TVs. This format is new, and it is not yet compatible with popular software such as Lightroom.
Pixel Shift multi-shooting is a feature that you can only find on A7CR. The camera uses a sensor-shift mechanism, which also offers 5-axis stabilization. It captures sequential images by shifting the sensor one pixel each time.
2. Autofocus and Riding speed
Both Sony cameras feature an advanced hybrid autofocus. The A7C II sensor has 759 phase-detection points that cover 94% of its surface. The A7C has 693 sensors spread across 79% of its sensor area.
Both cameras are rated -4.0EV in low light conditions when measured with ISO 100 at f/2, able to track and recognize a wide range of subjects, also can detect and track a variety of subjects.
They can also detect various animals, including bodies, heads, and eyes, and insects, as well as different categories of vehicles, such as cars, trains, and planes. The A7C II's AI processing unit is responsible for this advanced functionality.
The A7CR has a slightly slower shutter speed: 8fps when using the mechanical shutter, and 7fps when using the electronic shutter.
3. Video Capabilities
Both cameras can record 4K video internally in 10-bit 4:2:2, with a range of advanced profiles and settings, including S-Log3, HLG, and S-Cinetone. The major difference is the way in which 4K video recording and sensor cropping are done.
The A7C II is able to capture 4K footage up to 30p using the entire sensor width. This avoids any cropping and uses oversampling of the 7K region in order for the best quality. If you prefer 4K footage at 50p or 60p then Super35 mode is your only choice.
The A7CR, on the other hand, produces 4K videos at up to 60p and 50p using a sensor crop of 1.2x. The A7CR uses all pixels but with pixel binning rather than oversampling. This means it does not process each pixel individually, but instead combines adjacent pixels into one larger pixel. Oversampling is possible for 4K videos up to 30p, but only when using Super35 mode.
Both cameras are capable of recording video in Full HD up to 120p and can save slow-motion footage directly on the camera.
The A7CR's greatest strength is its ability to send a 16-bit RAW signal via HDMI to external devices such as the Atomos Ninja V. This allows for high-quality external recording. Both cameras also include additional video features such as Auto Framing, Breathing Compensation, Focus Map, and the ability for users to load their own Lookup Tables.
4. Battery Life
The NP-FZ100 is the same battery for both cameras, but there are slight differences in the battery life ratings based upon CIPA standards. The A7C II is capable of capturing about 540 images using the LCD screen or 510 when using the viewfinder.
A fully charged battery for the R model is expected to last approximately 520 photos on LCD or 470 photos on EVF.
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