Sony teases likely A7C II and A7C R launch date with August 29 'New product announcement' stream page on YouTube
Sony just recently announced via its Sony Camera YouTube channel that the company will be launching something on August 29, 2023. The tag-line for the teaser "A new camera is coming," seems to indicate that earlier rumours about the launch date for the A7C II and possibly the A7C R were correct.
Previous A7C II rumours indicate that the new camera will land with an update to the 33-MP BSI CMOS sensor found in the A7 IV, while the processor will be Sony's ubiquitous Exmor XR with an AI Processor to back it up. Along with the internal upgrades, the body is also set to feature additional control surfaces, shortcuts, and buttons to improve the ergonomics of the diminutive camera.
As difficult as it is to believe, an alleged hands-on account of the Sony A7C II claims that it outperforms the A7 IV in certain regards, although it lacks certain professional features, like dual card slots.
All indications point to the A7C II as a potent compact hybrid camera that should be priced at US$2,000, give or take a few hundred dollars. Rumours also indicate that the A7C II will launch with a ~US$3,500 (€3,699 rumoured European price) companion in the A7C R.
The A7C R is slated to feature a 61-MP sensor, although not much else is known about it. The high-resolution sensor indicates that it will likely be a more photography-focussed camera than the A7C II, thanks to the poor rolling-shutter performance on high-megapixel-count sensors, especially for video. The A7C R is likely to be a compact, compromised version of the A7R V, since it will feature the same sensor and processors.
Along with the two cameras, Sony is rumoured to be launching the Sony 16-35 mm f/2.8 GM II lens as a follow-up to the original 6-35 mm f/2.8 GM. The new lens should come with improved optical quality and a smaller body than its US$2,499 predecessor.
The announcement is scheduled to take place on August 29, 2023 at 10 AM PDT (GMT-4).