A7Cvs ZV-E1
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Compact Travel & Content Creation — A7C (2020): The A7C proves full-frame doesn't have to be bulky. Excellent battery life, reliable Eye AF and a vari-angle screen in a pocketable body is a compelling combination for travel and content creators. The A7C II improved on it, but the original remains a strong value buy.
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 (2020)
- Travel photographers who want full-frame in the smallest possible body
- Content creators who need a flip screen and reliable Eye AF
- Photographers upgrading from APS-C who want to keep a compact kit
- Vloggers who need 4K and great battery life on the road
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 has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7c is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | A7C (2020) | ZV-E1 (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £1,999 |
| Sensor | 24.2MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Exmor R |
| Resolution | 24.2MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p (oversampled), 1080p/120p slow-motion, S-Log2/S-Log3 | 4K/60p (S-Cinetone, S-Log3), 4K/120p, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 693 points, real-time Eye AF & animal AF | Real-time Tracking AF with subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5 stops | IBIS — Active Mode for video |
| Burst Rate | 10fps with AF/AE tracking | 10fps |
| Battery Life | ~740 shots (CIPA) — outstanding for a Sony mirrorless | ~570 shots (CIPA) / ~105 min video |
| Weight | 509g (body, battery, card) | 483g (with battery) |
| Dimensions | 124.0 × 71.1 × 59.7mm | 121.4 × 71.6 × 54.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Viewfinder | None built-in — use rear screen or accessory EVF | None — screen only |
| Screen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 921k dots | 3.0" fully articulating touchscreen |
| Mount | Sony E-mount | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Single SD UHS-II | Single CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II |
| Connectivity | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC | USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm mic, Multi-Interface Shoe |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | A7C | ZV-E1 |
|---|---|---|
| Travel | ||
| Video | — | |
| Portrait | ||
| Street | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Landscape | — |
More comparisons with A7C
Camera family history