Sony Alpha 7S vs Sony NEX-C3

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha 7S and the Sony NEX-C3, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha 7S was introduced in April 2014 and Sony NEX-C3 was introduced in August 2011. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha 7S Highlights

      • 12.2 MP Full Frame CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 409,600 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 1,230k dot Tilting Screen
      • 2,359k dot Electronic Viewfinder
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 3840 x 2160 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Sony NEX-C3 Highlights

      • 16 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points (25 Cross-type)
      • 3.0" 920k dot Tilting Screen
      • 5.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha 7S and Sony NEX-C3.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   409,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 87
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 225 g (0.50 lb / 7.94 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      •   Price
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -4 EV Min AF Detection
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 73

      Advantage of Sony Alpha 7S

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha 7S over Sony NEX-C3.

      Sony Alpha 7S vs Sony NEX-C3
      Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
      Higher Native ISO 409,600 vs 12,800
      More Powerful Processor BIONZ X vs BIONZ
      Timelapse Recording With downloadable app vs
      Center Autofocus vs
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Face Detection vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 1,230k dot vs 920k dot
      Viewfinder Electronic vs
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/8000 sec vs 1/4000 sec
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/250 sec vs 1/160 sec
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 3702 vs 1083
      Higher DxO Color Depth 23.9 vs 22.7
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.2 vs 12.2
      Higher DxO Overall Score 87 vs 73
      Higher Video Resolution 3840 x 2160 vs 1280 x 720
      Microphone Input vs
      Headphone Output vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs Eye-Fi is possible
      Environmental Sealing vs

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha 7S.

      Advantage of Sony NEX-C3

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony NEX-C3 over Sony Alpha 7S.

      Sony Alpha 7S vs Sony NEX-C3
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixel vs 16 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4240 x 2832 vs 4912 x 3264
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 5.5 fps
      Lighter 489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz) vs 225 g (0.50 lb / 7.94 oz)
      Longer Battery Life 360 shots vs 400 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony NEX-C3.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha 7S Sony NEX-C3
        Video Capture
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Micro Mini Type C
        Light489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz)225 g (0.50 lb / 7.94 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha 7S Sony NEX-C3
        No Image Stabilization
        Low Video Recording Limit30 min30 min
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Short Battery Life360 shots400 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha 7S and Sony NEX-C3 have 3.0" Tilting screens with 1,230k dot and 920k dot resolutions respectively. Tilting screen makes cameras very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

      Image cannot be displayed Image cannot be displayed

      Sony Alpha 7S and Sony NEX-C3 with Tilting screen


      Electronic Viewfinder on Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony Alpha 7S has a built-in Electronic viewfinder with 2,359k dot resolution. It has a 100% coverage and 0.71x magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Sony NEX-C3.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha 7S features a 12.2 megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor with dimensions of 35.8 x 23.9 mm and a total area of 855.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 409,600. Sony NEX-C3 features a 16 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 243.4 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 12,800.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha 7S is equipped with BIONZ X processor and can take pictures up to 4240 x 2832 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4240 x 2384, 2768 x 1848, 2768 x 1560, 2128 x 1416, 2128 x 1200, 1376 x 920, 1376 x 776 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Sony NEX-C3 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4912 x 3264 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4912 x 2760, 3568 x 2368, 3568 x 2000, 2448 x 1624, 2448 x 1376 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Cameras have Sony E lens mount. Due to Full Frame sensor in Sony Alpha 7S its crop factor is equal to 1x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length. Due to APS-C sensor in Sony NEX-C3 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Sony Alpha 7S it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sony NEX-C3 nothing can be done. On Sony NEX-C3 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sony Alpha 7S nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in Wi-Fi on Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony Alpha 7S has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      NFC on Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony Alpha 7S has Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which simplifies the process of pairing it with other NFC-enabled devices like smartphones or tablets. It allows to quickly transfer photos and videos or remotely control the camera from compatible device. NFC can also be used for authentication and security purposes. It can verify your identity before accessing certain features or transferring sensitive data. It can be used with NFC-enabled accessories as well, such as lenses, flashes and GPS devices.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha 7S has a Micro HDMI and Sony NEX-C3 has a Mini Type C HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha 7S comes with NP-FW50 battery pack with battery life of 360 shots and Sony NEX-C3 comes with NPFW50 battery pack with battery life of 400 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha 7S has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo Hybrid (UHS-I) card slot. Sony NEX-C3 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Sony Alpha 7S has Electronically controlled Vertical-traverse Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec on Sony Alpha 7S, and up to 1/4000 sec on Sony NEX-C3. Sony Alpha 7S can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Sony NEX-C3 can shoot continuously up to 5.5 fps.


      Focusing

      Sony Alpha 7S has Contrast-detection AF system with 25 focusing points and Sony NEX-C3 has 25 focusing points. Sony Alpha 7S has detection range from -4 to +20 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Sony Alpha 7S ranges from +3 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±5 EV range on Sony Alpha 7S and ±2 EV range on Sony NEX-C3. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sony Alpha 7S and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Sony NEX-C3.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Hot Shoe or Proprietary to Sony Alpha 7S. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec on Sony Alpha 7S and 1/160 sec on Sony NEX-C3.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha 7S body has dimensions of 127 x 94 x 48 mm (5 x 3.7 x 1.89") and Sony NEX-C3 body has dimensions of 110 x 60 x 33 mm (4.33 x 2.36 x 1.3"). Sony Alpha 7S weighs 489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz) and Sony NEX-C3 weighs 225 g (0.50 lb / 7.94 oz).

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      127 mm

      94 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      110 mm

      60 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      94 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      60 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      48 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      33 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha 7S and Sony NEX-C3

      Sony Alpha 7S and Sony NEX-C3 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      GOOD
      73
      •   409,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   409,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      GOOD
      82
      •   Large Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      72
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Large Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz)
      GOOD
      83
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 225 g (0.50 lb / 7.94 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      GOOD
      84
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
      GOOD
      84
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 225 g (0.50 lb / 7.94 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha 7S and Sony NEX-C3 and give them scores of 74 and 58 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      OVERALL
      74
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   409,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 87
      GOOD
      70
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 73

      Photo

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      POOR
      48
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   High Video Resolution - 3840 x 2160
      •   Webcam Functionality
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      9
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      GOOD
      79
      •   -4 EV Min AF Detection
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      AVERAGE
      60
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      GOOD
      74
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,230k dot
      •   Viewfinder Resolution - 2,359k dot
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      EXCELLENT
      91
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha 7S

      Sony NEX-C3

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 489 g (1.08 lb / 17.25 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 360 shots
      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 225 g (0.50 lb / 7.94 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 400 shots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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