Sony A7c vs Sony A99 II

Sony A7c vs Sony A99 II: Hands-on Comparison of Two Advanced Full-Frame Cameras

For photographers keen on full-frame quality, Sony offers two intriguing options from different eras and designs: the compact and modern mirrorless Sony A7c, and the more traditional, robust Sony A99 II DSLR. Having extensively tested both across studio shoots, wildlife adventures, landscape sessions, and fast-paced sports events over the years, I’m excited to delve into the tangible differences these cameras bring to your photographic workflow. This detailed comparison is for photographers and professionals eyeing their next investment - where insight, experience, and technical know-how combine to illuminate strengths, caveats, and suitability across photographic disciplines.

Let’s dive into how these two machines - the baby-rangefinder A7c and the mid-size SLR A99 II - stack up in real-world performance, advanced features, and value.

Form Factor and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience vs DSLR Presence

Out of the gate, the Sony A7c and A99 II differ markedly in size and handling philosophy. The A7c, launched in 2020, impresses as a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera with dimensions of 124x71x60mm and just 509g weight. This is remarkable considering its full-frame sensor heritage - Sony has clearly focused on ultra-portability without sacrificing core capabilities. Contrast this with the A99 II’s more substantial SLR-style build, measuring 143x104x76mm and weighing a hefty 849g.

In hand, the A7c feels nimble and well-balanced with a lens, making it ideal for grab-and-go shooting or travel. However, the A99 II offers a pronounced grip and a heftier build that some photographers (especially those used to DSLRs) find reassuring for extended shooting and telephoto wildlife rigs. The larger body also accommodates dual card slots – a big plus for pros needing backup or overflow options.

The control layouts also reflect their divergent designs. The A7c opts for a minimalist top deck with streamlined button placement suitable for quick adjustments, while the A99 II’s more elaborate layout is packed with dedicated dials and buttons, allowing tactile control without diving into menus.

Take a look at the top-view comparison to appreciate the layouts' differences:

For photographers prioritizing pocketable convenience and street photography discretion, the A7c is a clear winner. If you prefer an entrenched DSLR shape with extensive physical controls (sports, wildlife shooters tend to prefer this), the A99 II remains compelling.

Sensor and Image Quality: 42MP Resolution with the A99 II or Balanced 24MP with the A7c?

A fundamental place to start is image fidelity. The Sony A99 II sports a 42MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor - one of the highest-resolution sensors Sony had rolled out in a DSLR when it launched in 2016. Meanwhile, the A7c uses a 24MP full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor, essentially similar to the renowned A7 III sensor, trading off resolution for improved low-light capabilities and size optimization.

Although the area difference is negligible, the pixel density on the A99 II is significantly higher, which means absolute resolution benefits for landscape, studio, or architectural photography where pixel-peeping and large prints are paramount. Images from the A99 II display superb detail, fine texture rendition, and excellent color depth - supported by the camera’s lack of an anti-aliasing filter, enhancing sharpness.

However, this resolution bump comes with some sensitivity compromises. The A7c’s sensor, while less dense, excels in dynamic range and noise performance at high ISO. During extended tests, I observed noticeably cleaner images from the A7c past ISO 3200, making it ideal for low-light scenarios including event photography and night landscapes.

Color depth, dynamic range, and usable high ISO limits for each camera also reflect these sensor design philosophies:

• Sony A7c: Maximum native ISO 51200 (boostable to 204800), sensor-based 5-axis stabilization, good dynamic range for mid-level resolution.
• Sony A99 II: ISO up to 25600 native (102400 boost), slightly greater dynamic range at base ISO, but more noise at extended ISOs.

In practical terms, if your work demands razor-sharp prints or cropping flexibility, the A99 II’s sensor wins hands-down. For balanced day-to-day usage with excellent low-light performance, the A7c’s sensor remains formidable.

Autofocus Systems: Modernity vs Traditional Strength

Autofocus technology is crucial, especially if shooting wildlife, sports, or portraits.

• Sony A7c has 693 phase-detection AF points covering a wide area, paired with real-time eye and animal eye detection AF, and highly responsive continuous tracking.
• Sony A99 II features 399 phase-detection points with 79 cross-type sensors, lacking eye AF and animal AF support due to its older autofocus architecture - though it has robust tracking aided by its superior phase-detection system including a translucent mirror design.

In my extended AF field tests, the A7c’s face and eye detection work reliably across both humans and animals, markedly improving results for portrait and wildlife shooters. The silent electronic shutter mode and touch-to-focus functionality further facilitate street and candid shooting.

In faster action scenarios, the A99 II’s phase-detection system is impressively snappy, with 12 fps continuous shooting compared to the A7c’s 10 fps - a difference some sports photographers may find critical.

But overall, the A7c’s autofocus system feels more intelligent and adaptable for modern shooting styles - especially in live view or video modes.

Handling and User Interface: Screen, Viewfinder, and Controls

Display and viewfinder technology distinguish usability.

• Both cameras sport 3-inch articulated displays, but the A7c features a fully articulated touchscreen with 922k dots, enabling intuitive touch focusing, swiping, and menu navigation - big plus for video shooters and run-and-gun photographers.
• The A99 II has a slightly higher resolution LCD (1.2M dots) but lacks touchscreen functionality, and its articulation is similarly versatile.

Viewfinders tell an interesting story:

• The A7c’s electronic viewfinder offers 2.36M dots with 0.59x magnification, giving bright and detailed framing.
• The A99 II’s EVF is a tad stronger optically with 2.36M dots as well but a larger 0.78x magnification, making it more comfortable for critical focusing and longer shoots.

Button illumination is absent on both, which can be an ergonomic downside in low light. I personally appreciate the A99 II’s top LCD panel showing key settings - something the A7c omits in favor of a streamlined design.

Performance in Key Photography Genres

Understanding how these cameras shine in specific genres comes from hours in the field and studio. Let’s examine each.

Portrait Photography

Portrait artists will welcome the A7c’s reliable face and eye-detection autofocus and excellent 5-axis stabilization that pairs well with a wide range of Sony E-mount portrait primes.

The A99 II’s higher megapixels lend to extremely detailed skin textures and nuanced tonal gradation; however, it lacks eye AF, necessitating manual focus or more deliberate AF point placement.

The A7c’s compact size encourages closer, more spontaneous interactions and the fully articulated touchscreen eases shooting from different angles.

Landscape Photography

Here the A99 II’s 42MP sensor dominates with its sheer resolution and dynamic range potential. The lack of an anti-aliasing filter further enhances image sharpness - vital for landscape photographers printing large formats or working in commercial environmental shoots.

The A7c still holds strong with solid dynamic range and improved ISO capability, and its in-body stabilization aids handheld long exposures.

Both cameras are weather-sealed, though neither is fully waterproof. The A99 II’s bulk is a consideration for rugged hiking, whereas the A7c’s small form factor makes carrying multiple lenses much easier.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Burst rates and autofocus tracking come to the fore.

The A99 II edges the frame rate contest with 12 fps (mechanical), compared to the A7c’s 10 fps electronic shutter. Its abundant cross-type AF points and phase-detection sensor yield impressively accurate focus tracking for fast-moving subjects even under challenging light.

However, the A7c’s advanced real-time tracking and animal eye AF assist in securing sharp wildlife portraits. Its lighter weight reduces fatigue during hiking or long shoots.

Street Photography

Winner here is the Sony A7c. Its compact size, silent electronic shutter, and fully articulated touchscreen make for discreet and nimble shooting in urban environments.

While the A99 II delivers great IQ, the bulk and comparatively noisier shutter make it less suited to the candid spontaneity essential in street photography.

Macro and Close-Up Work

Both cameras feature sensor-based 5-axis stabilization, enhancing handheld macro shots where stability is vital.

Lens compatibility plays a role here: A7c’s Sony E-mount lenses are growing vastly with many superb macro options now available. The A99 II supports Sony Alpha mount lenses (including many legacy Minolta glass) but has fewer native E-mount options.

Focus precision is close; the A7c’s touch AF aids fine-tuning, but the A99 II’s resolution better captures intricate detail when paired with prime macro optics.

Night and Astrophotography

The A7c’s superior ISO range (51200 native, 204800 boosted) and noise control stand out.

During night sky shoots, A7c produces cleaner images with the sensor-based stabilization allowing longer handheld shutter speeds without star trails. Its live view and electronic shutter minimizing vibration aid tripod kits too.

The A99 II, while capable, suffers noticeably more noise at high ISO and has an older sensor design less nimble for astrophotography’s demands.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras record up to UHD 4K at 30p:

• The A7c supports XAVC S codec and offers a microphone port but lacks headphone input, which might constrain serious videographers monitoring audio.
• The A99 II provides both microphone and headphone ports and multiple flash sync modes suitable for studio video lighting setups, though it lacks touchscreen video control.
• Neither supports advanced video autofocus features such as eye AF in video mode.

The A7c’s modern features, including touchscreen and improved low light performance, give it an edge for hybrid shooters.

Travel Photography

Battery life and size matter here.

The A7c excels with a lightweight design and impressive battery life rated at 740 shots per charge, far outperforming the A99 II’s more heavy-duty but battery-limited endurance of 490 shots.

The single SD card slot on the A7c makes packing lighter, while the A99 II’s dual slots offer redundancy - a feature some travelers may require depending on workflow.

Build Quality and Durability

Both cameras are weather-sealed but lack true waterproofing or shockproof capabilities.

The A99 II’s rugged DSLR build inspires confidence for rough outdoor use, though it’s also substantially heavier and less portable.

The A7c’s premium build balances portability with weather resistance, making it suitable for everyday carry - even in varying weather conditions.

Lens Ecosystem and Accessories

Sony E-mount lenses dominate the A7c ecosystem, now numbering well over 120 native options ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto and specialty lenses. This ecosystem benefits from Sony’s rapid innovation and third-party support.

The A99 II uses Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses (over 140 known compatible models), drawing on an extensive legacy of quality optics - though native full-frame E-mount lenses are not compatible without adapters.

This matters if you have an existing lens collection or if you want straightforward access to the latest optics.

Battery, Connectivity, and Storage

• The A7c uses the NP-FZ100 battery pack, delivering remarkable stamina with 740 shots per charge, and charges via USB-C with USB 3.2 Gen 1 speed support.
• The A99 II uses the older NP-FM500H battery with lower endurance and USB 2.0 connectivity.
• Storage wise, the A7c sticks to a single UHS-II SD slot, while the A99 II offers two slots supporting SD and Memory Stick Duo cards.
• Both pack Bluetooth and NFC for wireless image transfer and remote control, but only the A7c features the latest USB 3.2 speeds, beneficial for offloading large RAW files quickly.

Summarized Scores from Real-World Testing

To synthesize these points, our expert reviewers have rated their performance across all tested categories with the following composite scores:

The genre-specific analysis highlights strengths clearly:

Sample Images and Practical Impressions

Examining side-by-side galleries reveals the A99 II’s high-resolution output distinguished by intricate details and tonal nuances, whereas the A7c provides cleaner noise profiles in challenging light and faster AF subject acquisition.

Sony A7c front Sony A7c screen back Sony A99 II front Sony A99 II screen back

Who Should Choose Which?

Sony A7c - Ideal for:

• Travel photographers valuing compact size, portability, and extended battery life.
• Hybrid shooters requiring excellent video specs with user-friendly touchscreen controls.
• Street and event photographers prioritizing silent shooting and advanced autofocus including eye/animal AF.
• Photographers wanting a modern mirrorless system and access to Sony’s growing E-mount lens lineup.

Sony A99 II - Best suited for:

• Landscape, studio, and commercial shooters demanding maximum image resolution and dynamic range.
• Sports and wildlife photographers needing rugged DSLR handling, high FPS burst mode, and extensive cross-type AF coverage.
• Professionals with existing Sony Alpha/Minolta lens collections.
• Photographers who prefer an optical-like DSLR experience with extensive manual controls and dual memory cards.

Final Thoughts: Legacy Meets Innovation

After many hours putting both cameras through their paces, I find the choice boils down to discerning your priorities. The Sony A7c impresses as a modern marvel - light, fast, and feature-rich - pushing mirrorless technology’s boundaries into compact full-frame cameras. It’s a superb contemporary tool for versatile photographers.

The Sony A99 II, although older, remains a potent workhorse with unmatched resolution and traditional DSLR ergonomics that some professionals still swear by. Its strong build, resolution, and burst rates make it distinctly relevant even years after launch.

As always, I recommend hands-on testing if possible; the tactile feel and response can be decisive. But mapping your preferred photographic genres against the outlined strengths here should lead to a confident, informed purchase.

I hope this comparison arms you with the technical insight and practical perspectives needed to select the perfect Sony full-frame camera companion for your creative endeavors. Happy shooting!