A7C IIvs ZV-E1
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Full-Frame Hybrid — A7C II (2023): Full-frame AI autofocus in the most compact body available — the best camera under £1,500 for hybrid shooters.
Video Creators, Vloggers & Filmmakers — ZV-E1 (2023): Full-frame video quality in a vlogging body — exceptional low-light performance and a genuinely compact form factor.
Who should buy what
A7C II (2023)
- Travel photographers who want full-frame quality in the most compact body
- Hybrid shooters who need full-frame video and IBIS in a small package
- A7C owners looking for a significant AF and video upgrade
- Portrait and wedding photographers who want a discreet full-frame backup
ZV-E1 (2023)
- Video creators who want full-frame low-light quality in a compact body
- Vloggers stepping up from APS-C who prioritise image quality over resolution
- Filmmakers who want S-Log3 and cinematic colour in a run-and-gun package
- A7S III users who want the same sensor in a smaller, lighter body
Quick take: The a7c ii has the highest resolution at 33mp; the a7c ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7C II (2023) | ZV-E1 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,499 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | 33MP Full-frame Exmor R BSI CMOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | 33.0MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/60p oversampled, S-Log3, 10-bit internal | 4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | 759-point phase-detect, AI subject recognition | Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 7.0 stops | IBIS — Active Mode for video |
| Burst Rate | 10fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 10fps |
| Battery Life | ~530 shots (CIPA) | ~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video |
| Weight | 514g body only | 483g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 124.0 × 71.1 × 63.4mm | 121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.70× magnification | None — screen only |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: SD UHS-II + CFexpress Type A | Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C (3.2), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7C II | ZV-E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Landscape | ||
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Travel | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history