Full-frame goodness from a half-pint camera

Superb all-round image quality; Compact; lightweight build; Accurate autofocus

4K limited to 30fps; Older menu system; Small viewfinder

The Sony A7C's specifications are unambitious to say the least, particularly in terms of its video capabilities, but its practical performance, from its handy vari-angle screen to its excellent AF system, make it effective enough as a camera.

Small(ish) body; Excellent retracting lens; Side-hinged vari-angle screen; Autofocus performance

Unambitious video specs; Unappealing silver and black finish; Not especially cheap

Putting a full-frame sensor in a smaller body has been one of the A7 series’ greatest strengths over the past few years, and now Sony has made things even smaller. The a7C stuffs a lot of imaging power into a package that’s small, lightweight and possesses plenty of battery life. For photographers and video makers who want a compact body they can carry with them everywhere in a small bag (or even hanging round their neck), this fits the bill better than any other interchangeable lens camera around. At £1,900 without a lens, it isn’t a budget model by any means, but despite its small size this isn’t a starter model – it’s an enthusiast camera, capable of producing stunning photos and videos.

Superb all-round image quality; Compact, lightweight build; Accurate autofocus;

4K limited to 30fps; Older menu system; Small viewfinder;

Superb all-round image quality; Compact, lightweight build; Accurate autofocus;

4K limited to 30fps; Older menu system; Small viewfinder;

There is a wide range of full-frame mirrorless cameras to choose from, from Nikon, Canon, Panasonic, Sigma, and from Sony as well. We're just not sure the Sony Alpha A7C is one we'd choose. However, the vari-angle screen may be of benefit for vloggers, and those interested in video use.

Compact full-frame camera and lens combo; Very good image quality possible with the right lens; Good noise performance; Vari-angle touch-screen; Rapid focus system; In-Body Image Stabilisation; Good battery life

Doesn't feature the new Sony menu system; Touch-screen has limited functionality; Not convinced by the 28-60mm lens; Handling compromises due to size; No in-camera raw processing; Small; uncomfortable EVF

The Sony Alpha a7C is uncompromising, including from a performance perspective, as promised. Aside from some controls and a large EVF, there is little the a7C gives up to gain its ultra-compact size.

Although already handily compact, Sony’s full- frame A7 series cameras followed the established wisdom of aping the design and layout of the DSLR — that is, until now. The Sony A7C breaks with tradition and shoehorns a large 35 mm sensor into a compact body that’s more akin to their A6xxx series,...

Placing full-frame tech inside an APS-C-sized body shows off exactly what Sony is capable of. In terms of image quality and performance, the A7C matches the A7 III, but in terms of usability, it’s a bit of a damp squib.

Small and light; Kit package well-priced; Fully articulating screen

Handling could be better; Low-resolution viewfinder; Kit lens not the best performer; Single card slot

Sony has shrunk its best all-round camera, with both positive and negative results.

Completely smooth image quality and best-in-class autofocus. Compact, light, fast, and solid quality with image stabilizer, and very good battery life.

Small viewfinder with moderate resolution. Strange placement of controls. Complex menus and limited video features.

You can’t fault the results from the Sony A7C’s sensor and its autofocus system is excellent, but the viewfinder feels way too small for a full-frame camera and the lack of touch-control is frustrating.

Small for a full-frame camera, Vari-angle screen, Excellent AF system

Limited touch-control, Complex menu, Underwhelming viewfinder