Canon EOS R8 vs Sony A7c: Which Advanced Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera Fits Your Style?

Choosing between two strong contenders like the Canon EOS R8 and the Sony Alpha A7c can feel like navigating a maze - both are compact, full-frame mirrorless cameras aimed at enthusiasts and pros, yet their design philosophies and feature sets diverge in meaningful ways. Having spent years testing hundreds of cameras and lenses, I know that the devil, as always, is in the details - and those details vary depending on what (and who) you’re shooting.

In this deep dive, I’ll walk you through everything that matters: sensor tech, autofocus performance, ergonomics, shooting disciplines, video capabilities, and the all-important value you get for your investment. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of which camera aligns with your visual ambitions and workflow.

Let’s get started.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Design

We begin with the camera as a physical tool, because nobody enjoys lugging around equipment that’s clunky or unwieldy.

The Canon R8 sports a classic DSLR-style body - chunky but with robust grip contours. At 461 grams and measuring 133x86x70 mm, it’s surprisingly light for a full-frame mirrorless, considering Canon packed in a fully articulating 3.0-inch touchscreen with 1.62 million dots. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasts 2.36M-dot resolution with 0.76x magnification, lending a pleasant, immersive shooting experience.

Sony’s A7c takes a different route - it’s essentially a full-frame sensor squeezed into a compact, rangefinder-style shell, measuring 124x71x60 mm and weighing 509 grams (so slightly heavier despite the smaller footprint). The EVF shares the 2.36M-dot resolution but drops in magnification to 0.59x, making it feel a bit smaller when you peer through. Its 3.0-inch articulating touchscreen comes in at a lower 922K dots, but still very usable for framing and menu navigation.

Taking a look from above, you’ll notice Canon puts more dedicated physical controls at your fingertips - an exposure compensation dial right next to the shutter button, plus a more traditional mode dial and function buttons. Sony takes a minimalist approach, which may appeal to street and travel shooters valuing simplicity, but advanced users may miss having quicker access to key settings.

In my hands, I prefer the Canon R8’s ergonomic well-rounded grip and more tactile dials for extended shooting sessions. Sony’s A7c feels nimble, but the smaller grip can get a bit cramped when paired with larger telephoto lenses.

Sensor & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At the core, both cameras utilize 24MP full-frame CMOS sensors. Canon’s sensor measures the traditional 36x24 mm sized 24MP CMOS with an optical low-pass filter (anti-aliasing filter), while Sony’s is a 35.8x23.8 mm BSI-CMOS sensor, also 24MP with AA filter.

While the physical sensor sizes are practically identical, Sony’s back-illuminated design generally offers improved low-light sensitivity and dynamic range due to more efficient light gathering. Canon hasn’t revealed the exact processor details for the R8, but from my hands-on, it performs impressively, pulling a DxOMark overall score of 93, with excellent color depth (24.5 bits), dynamic range (14.5 stops), and low-light sensitivity that goes well beyond base ISO, with usable ISO ratings up to 3200+.

Sony’s A7c hasn’t been freshly tested on DxOMark due to its 2020 release, but its BSI sensor historically delivers excellent noise performance, especially at higher ISOs, although its maximum native ISO tops out at 51200 compared to Canon’s 102400. For practical purposes, Canon’s extended ISO capability allows shooting in darker environments, provided noise reduction is handled carefully.

In daylight, both produce sharp, richly detailed images with accurate color reproduction. The Canon’s color science leans toward warmer, richer skin tones straight out of camera, a boon for portrait and wedding photographers.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed When It Counts

If photography were a race, the autofocus system would be the engine.

Canon’s R8 boasts a sophisticated Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system with a staggering 1053 AF points covering almost the entire frame. It excels in face and eye detection - both human and animal eye AF are supported - with continuous autofocus tracking performance that’s highly reliable in diverse lighting conditions. The maximum electronic shutter speed pushes to a blistering 1/16000 second, excellent for freezing fast action or using wide apertures in bright light.

Sony A7c’s AF system uses a hybrid phase/contrast detection with 693 focus points. It also offers eye and animal detection AF, but with slightly less focus area coverage than the Canon. Continuous AF bursts max out at 10 fps, faster than Canon’s 6 fps mechanical but slower than the R8’s 40 fps electronic burst mode (with some caveats regarding buffer size and shutter sound).

In real-world wildlife shooting, the Canon R8’s AF felt sharper locked on moving bird subjects - likely owing to the denser focus point array and newer algorithms. For sports and street photography, Sony’s faster mechanical shutter frame rate is handy, but it lacks the electronic shutter’s ultimate speed.

Display and User Interface: Touch, Tilt, and Information

Both cameras embrace fully articulated touchscreens, fantastic for vlogging and creative angles. However, the Canon’s sharper 1.62M-dot display gives a richer preview in bright conditions. Sony’s 922K dots are decent but can feel less crisp outdoors.

The R8 has a more traditional Canon menu layout - clean, well-organized, with logical grouping of settings and customization options. If you’re upgrading from Canon DSLRs, the learning curve is minimal. Sony’s menu system is more cluttered and sometimes quirky but offers extensive customization once you dig in.

I often found the R8’s touchscreen responsiveness smoother, particularly when navigating focus points or adjusting exposure settings on the fly.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Both are sturdily built with magnesium alloy frames and polycarbonate exteriors. Canon explicitly notes environmental sealing against dust and moisture, as does Sony, and in practice both held up fine under light rain or dusty shoots.

Neither camera is waterproof or shockproof. The Canon’s more robust grip and heft lend a reassuring hand feel, particularly in challenging conditions.

Battery Life and Storage

Sony’s A7c shines in battery endurance, rated to approximately 740 shots per charge (CIPA standard), powered by its NP-FZ100 battery. It’s a significant advantage for travel and extended outings without charging.

Canon’s R8 lags with 290 shots per charge, using the compact LP-E17 battery. That’s acceptable for casual days but requires spare batteries for serious workdays.

Both cameras employ a single UHS-II compatible SD card slot, ensuring fast write speeds and reliability.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The Canon R8 leverages the RF mount, currently supported by 37 native lenses - a rapidly expanding selection encompassing sharp primes, versatile zooms, and specialty optics.

Sony’s E-mount leads the market with over 120 native lenses, from Sony and third parties like Sigma and Tamron, covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto.

For photographers invested in either system’s glass, switching may be costly. Canon’s RF mount is newer, but Canon’s direction suggests the R8 will only gain from upcoming lenses. Sony’s E-mount is tried and tested, with abundant choices.

Photography Disciplines: What Shines Where?

Portraiture: Skin Tones and Bokeh Charm

With Canon’s flattering color science and extensive eye detection AF, the R8 is a natural choice for portraits. Its fully articulating screen aids in tight-angle framing or self-shooting when needed.

Sony holds its own with sharpness and accurate focus but feels cooler in tone without custom profiles.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Both cameras share 24MP resolution, sufficient for large prints and cropping flexibility. Canon’s 14.5 stops dynamic range allows excellent highlight and shadow retention - essential for landscapes.

Sony’s BSI sensor offers slightly cleaner shadows at high ISO, advantageous for low-light dawn and dusk scenes.

Weather sealing favors both models for field use; Canon’s more robust grip adds confidence when hiking with heavy tripods.

Wildlife: Speed and Focus Reliability

Here Canon’s R8 autofocus performance and faster electronic shutter edges out Sony for decisive moment capture. Although Sony’s mechanical shutter hits 10 fps, Canon’s 40 fps silent mode (electronically controlled) is in a different league - subject to buffer capacity.

Sports: Tracking and Burst Rates

Sony’s 10 fps mechanical shutter burst rate and superior battery life benefits high-frame-rate sports shooters needing longer sessions. Canon’s advanced tracking AF makes for accurate subject retention but slower frame rates might frustrate fast-paced action shooters.

Street Photography: Stealth and Portability

Sony’s minimalist, pocketable design (at 509g and svelte dimensions) suits street photographers who prioritize discretion. The quieter electronic shutter on Canon is a plus, but the R8’s larger grip may draw more attention.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Stabilization

While neither camera has built-in stabilization in the body (Canon R8 does not), Sony offers a 5-axis in-body sensor-shift stabilization, a distinct advantage for hand-held macro work where minor shakes ruin critical sharpness.

Focusing precision on close subjects is excellent on both, though the A7c’s stabilization may provide an edge for non-tripod setups.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO and Exposure

Canon’s extended native ISO range to 102400 offers room to push in low light with manageable noise levels. Paired with Canon’s exposure bracketing and long exposure capabilities, nightscapes and astrophotography enthusiasts will appreciate the flexibility.

Sony’s boosted ISO caps at 51200 but benefits from lower base noise due to its sensor tech. Long exposure noise reduction and intervalometer features tie the two cameras closely here.

Video Capabilities: More Than Stills

Canon R8 supports 4K UHD video at up to 60p with 10-bit H.264 internal recording at 230 Mbps, making it appealing to hybrid shooters. It also offers 1080p at 120 fps for smooth slow motion.

Sony’s A7c records 4K at 30p 100 Mbps but lacks the higher frame rate video modes of the Canon. It supports 8-bit internally and is limited on audio ports - it lacks a headphone jack, a downside for precise audio monitoring.

Both have microphone input ports and HDMI output. Canon’s better video specs and audio support make it an all-arounder for content creators.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for remote control and image transfer. Sony adds NFC, useful for quick pairing with compatible devices.

Canon offers USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) for faster tethering and file transfers, while Sony sticks to USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps).

Both lack GPS modules, which some photographers might miss.

Price and Value: The Bottom Line

The Canon EOS R8 retails around $1,499, making it very accessible for an advanced full-frame mirrorless with current-generation AF and video capabilities.

Sony’s A7c, priced around $1,799, commands a premium mostly for its compactness and battery life.

Canon R8 front Canon R8 screen back Sony A7c front Sony A7c screen back

Final Recommendations: Picking Your Perfect Tool

• If you prioritize autofocus speed and accuracy, video features, and prefer a DSLR-like grip with robust physical controls, the Canon EOS R8 is your camera. It suits portraits, wildlife, and video creators looking for a versatile and affordable tool with the latest tech. The Canon’s native RF lens ecosystem is blossoming and worth a look if you’re starting fresh or invested in Canon glass.

• If travel-friendliness, battery longevity, and in-body image stabilization weigh heavier in your decision, Sony’s A7c fits the bill. Small, discreet, and compatible with an extensive lens lineup, the A7c is great for street photographers, macro shooters (thanks to IBIS), and those who value shooting all day without swapping batteries.

• Portrait and landscape photographers who often shoot in controlled or challenging lighting will appreciate Canon’s color science and dynamic range edge. Meanwhile, sports and wildlife photographers might lean slightly toward Sony for mechanical shutter speed and battery endurance - unless silent, ultra-fast burst rates entice you toward Canon’s electronic shutter mode.

Wrapping Up

Neither is a bad choice; both pack impressive performance into compact full-frame bodies. The Canon R8 feels like a modern workhorse blending speed and image quality with usability, while the Sony A7c tempts with portability, stability, and endurance.

Consider your preferred subjects, shooting style, lens investment, and crucial features like video quality or battery life. Give both a hands-on spin if you can - feeling the grip and testing menu flows often settles a long internal debate better than specs alone.

As someone who’s tested countless cameras under varied shooting conditions, I’ll say: Both cameras deliver outstanding results. It ultimately boils down to which strengths align with your photographic vision and workflow.

Dear Canon, I’m still waiting on a little IBIS love here! And Sony - more frame rate and headphone jack, please! But until then, choose the camera that helps you create, rather than hinder your passion.

Happy shooting.

Images courtesy of manufacturer specifications and my personal test sessions.