Sony Alpha Fest: Alpha 7CR, Alpha Alpha 7C II, New Wireless Microphones

Sony has just opened Alpha Fest, an event where you can participate in sharing sessions with international photographers and go hands-on with newly released Alpha 7C cameras.

The Japanese tech giant at the event announced the release of the Alpha 7CR with a 61MP high-resolution sensor and the Alpha 7C II with the latest still image and video performance advancements.

The Alpha 7C II comes equipped with a full-frame, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels, along with the latest still image and video functions and performance. These are all packed in a compact and lightweight frame, weighing only about 514g. The Alpha 7 IV, in comparison, weighs 658g. The standard ISO sensitivities also range from 100 to 51200 for both still images and movies, support high-sensitivity shooting without much noise. That combination of performance and features in a compact size is a signature of the Alpha 7C series, making it perfect for a variety of shooting scenarios like travel and street photography.

Meanwhile, the Alpha 7CR is another compact, full-frame camera with interchangeable lens. It comes with an Exmor R CMOS sensor, a full-size image sensor that boasts high-resolution and rich gradation performance with approximately 61.0 effective megapixels, while maintaining a lightweight frame, weighing only about 515g. The standard ISO sensitivity ranges from 100 to 32000 for both still images and movies. It also features stabilisation technology, where even slight blurring at the single-pixel level is detected and corrected. Other features include Pixel Shift Multi Shooting and a grip extension that's comfortable to hold. These features allow the camera to perform strongly in different settings, such as portrait, wildlife and landscape photography, realising the combination of extreme high-resolution image capture with mobility.

The two models are equipped with the same artificial intelligence-powered image processing unit and BIONZ XR processors found in Sony’s newest interchangeable lens cameras such as the Alpha 7R V and Alpha 6700. Real-time Recognition AF recognises a wide variety of subjects with high accuracy and five-axis in-body image stabilisation provides a seven-step shooting advantage when capturing stills. For video, meanwhile, the two models support high-quality 4:2:2 10-bit video recording up to 4K60p with Sony's S-Cinetone colour science for more cinematic recordings.

The Alpha 7C II and Alpha 7CR will be available in select retailers in Malaysia from end-November 2023.

Alongside the two cameras, Sony also launched three new wireless microphones: the ECM-W3, the ECM-W3S and the ECM-S1.

The ECM-W3 has a two-channel receiver and two microphones, while the ECM-W3S has a one-channel receiver and one microphone. Sony says both models are geared towards video content creators who can use it for vlogs and interviews. The microphones can reportedly capture clear and articulate user voices while reducing noise, even when you are shooting away from the camera. They additionally feature a USB Type-C terminal and 3.5mm audio output, on top of Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe compatibility with Sony cameras. Both also include a convenient charging case, allowing you to juice them up on-the-go.

The ECM-S1, meanwhile, is geared more towards professional videographers and video content creator, who need top-notch audio for shoots, livestreams and podcasts. The microphone comes equipped with three 14 mm large-diameter capsules tuned to capture human voices naturally and with high-quality sound. It also doesn't require any sort of delay compensation when used via a wireless connection since sound or video lag doesn't occur.

What's more, the microphone itself and the receiver each have a built-in battery for extended use. The receiver can be used continuously through a direct power supply when connected to a Sony camera's MI Shoe or a USB Type-C cable. The microphone, on the other hand, can be used continuously for up to 13 hours on a full charge.

The ECM-S1, ECM-W3 and ECM-W3S wireless microphones will all be available in Malaysia from November 2023.

You can experience these new Sony releases for yourself by taking part in Alpha Fest, which will run from today, 29 September 2023 to Sunday, 1 October 2023 at Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Digital Light Canvas (Basement 2).

Sony has just opened Alpha Fest, an event where you can participate in sharing sessions with international photographers and go hands-on with newly released cameras.
The new releases include the Alpha 7CR with a 61MP high-resolution sensor and the Alpha 7C II with the latest still image and video performance advancements.
Sony at the event also unveiled three new wireless microphones: the ECM-W3, the ECM-W3S and the ECM-S1.
Alpha Fest will run from today, 29 September 2023 to Sunday, 1 October 2023 at Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Digital Light Canvas (Basement 2).