Rumour | Sony to launch 61-MP A7C R alongside video-centric A7C II compact full-frame camera ^↺

With the somewhat underwhelming launch of Sony's APS-C A6700 out of the way, rumours about Sony's upcoming camera reveals have started to take shape. The rumours in question point towards two significant additions to Sony's A7C compact, full-frame, mirrorless camera family, according to Sony Alpha Rumors. 

Perhaps the most exciting part of these new rumours is the arrival of a new A7C R, which would be a photography-centric counterpart to the A7C II thanks to the 61-MP sensor from the A7R V. The A7C R's new sensor combined with the probable Bionz XR image processor upgrade would set the A7C R up as an impressively compact option for photographers who might also want the ability to do high-resolution video.

The A7C R will reportedly deliver features like 8K 60p and 4K 16-bit video options, with the usual inclusion of S-Log3 as well as S-Cinetone for wide dynamic range and that typical cinematic look. Although the high-resolution sensor in the A7C R is likely to hamper video performance, it should still do the trick in a pinch, especially for situations where quality is more important than capturing fast motion.

The other update to the A7C lineup will come in the form of an A7C II, a refresh to Sony's compact, full-frame video-centric camera. We've already reported about a tentative spec sheet leak for the A7C II, but the most exciting upgrade to the new unit is almost certainly the sensor. The new A7C II will reportedly inherit the 33-MP sensor found in the Sony A7 IV ­— a sizeable step up from the current 24.2-MP unit.

Both cameras are slated to feature five-axis IBIS, despite their diminutive size, and are predicted to launch before the end of September. This proposed launch date tracks, since the original A7C was announced back in the middle of September 2020.

While the 33-MP sensor in the Sony A7C II will more than likely be plenty for most photographers, the high-resolution A7C R will likely outclass it handily when it comes to raw detail, which is especially useful for large prints, 8K video, or situations where you may need to crop into an image. Of course, both cameras will also feature Sony's nigh-legendary, AI-powered autofocus capabilities.

Edit: The title originally stated that the A7C R would feature a 66-MP sensor. This has since been corrected to 61-MP.

Buy the Sony A7 IV with 28-70 mm zoom lens kit on Amazon.