Sony A7C vs Canon R8 – Which One Is Better?

The Sony A7C and Canon EOS R8 are two compact full-frame mirrorless cameras aimed at creators who want professional image quality in a lightweight, travel-friendly body.

Both cameras deliver impressive performance for their size, but they take slightly different approaches. The A7C focuses on all-around hybrid performance and endurance, while the R8 offers newer technology and advanced autofocus at a very competitive price.

So which one gives you the best value today? Let’s find out.

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⚙️ Overview – Compact All-Rounder vs Modern Lightweight Power

Sony A7C:
A compact full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24 MP sensor, strong image quality, and excellent battery life. It’s built for travelers, vloggers, and hybrid shooters who want a full-frame camera that doesn’t weigh them down.

Canon R8:
A newer, lightweight full-frame camera that packs Canon’s latest autofocus and video features into a small body. It shares the same sensor and processor as the high-end Canon R6 Mark II, offering impressive performance for its price.

In short:

• A7C = Proven reliability, longer battery life, and hybrid versatility.

• R8 = Newer tech, better autofocus, and great value for performance.

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📸 Specifications Comparison

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🧱 Build and Handling

Both cameras are designed for compactness, but their handling differs slightly.

The A7C uses a rangefinder-style design with the viewfinder on the left, a deep grip for its size, and minimal controls — perfect for travel or street photography.

The Canon R8 is even lighter, with a DSLR-style central viewfinder and simplified button layout. Despite the smaller grip, it feels well-balanced with lightweight RF lenses.

👉 Verdict:

• A7C: Slightly better grip and stabilization for handheld shooting.

• R8: Smaller, lighter, and easier to carry all day.

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🎯 Autofocus and Performance

Autofocus is one area where Canon’s newer tech gives the R8 an edge.

The A7C uses Sony’s older Real-Time Tracking AF, which is excellent for humans and animals but lacks the subject recognition seen in newer Sony models.

The Canon R8, powered by Dual Pixel CMOS AF II, includes deep learning-based subject detection for people, animals, vehicles, and even horses. It’s fast, sticky, and highly reliable in both stills and video.

In burst shooting, the R8’s 40 fps electronic shutter blows past the A7C’s 10 fps limit — ideal for action or wildlife shooters.

👉 Verdict:

• A7C: Great autofocus for its time.

• R8: Faster, smarter, and more advanced subject tracking.

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🎥 Video Capabilities

Both are strong video cameras, but the Canon R8 clearly takes the lead for creators focused on motion.

Sony A7C

• 4K 30p (full-frame readout)

• 8-bit 4:2:0 internal recording

• S-Log2 / S-Log3 / HLG picture profiles

• Microphone and headphone jacks

• Great for vlogging or travel videos

Canon R8

• 4K 60p (10-bit 4:2:2, full sensor readout)

• Canon Log 3, HDR PQ, and oversampled 4K from 6K sensor

• No overheating in typical use

• 180 fps Full HD slow motion

• Clean HDMI output and improved color

👉 Verdict:

• A7C: Good 4K option for simple hybrid use.

• R8: Better color, higher frame rates, and professional video features.

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🧠 Image Quality

Both cameras use 24 MP full-frame sensors, but Canon’s newer chip and processor deliver slightly better color accuracy and dynamic range.

The A7C still produces excellent results with great low-light performance and Sony’s signature sharpness.

The R8 edges ahead with more natural skin tones and smoother color gradation, especially for video and JPEG shooters.

👉 Verdict:

• A7C: Great detail and low-light capability.

• R8: More modern color science and cleaner tones.

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🔋 Battery Life and Connectivity

Here’s one of the biggest differences: the A7C easily outlasts the R8.

Sony’s larger NP-FZ100 battery delivers around 740 shots, compared to just 290 on the Canon R8’s smaller LP-E17 battery.

Both support USB-C charging, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, but Sony’s endurance gives it a big advantage for long trips or all-day shoots.

👉 Verdict:

• A7C: Much longer battery life and better endurance.

• R8: Shorter battery life — best for shorter sessions or studio setups.

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💰 Price and Value

The Canon R8 offers incredible performance for its price, matching many of the A7 IV’s video and autofocus features at a much lower cost.

The A7C remains an excellent hybrid camera with IBIS, longer battery life, and better build quality, but it now feels a bit dated compared to Canon’s newer tech.

👉 Verdict:

• A7C: Best for travelers and handheld shooters needing IBIS.

• R8: Best performance-to-price ratio and newer features.

Check availability and price on Amazon 🛒

📷 Canon R8 — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

📷 Sony A7C — Amazon USA / Amazon Canada / Amazon UK / Amazon Australia

Note: camerafight.com participates in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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🏁 Final Verdict — Sony A7C vs Canon R8

✅ In short:

Choose the Sony A7C if you want a compact full-frame camera with built-in stabilization, long battery life, and dependable all-around performance.

Choose the Canon R8 if you want the latest autofocus, higher-quality 4K video, and cutting-edge performance in a small and affordable body.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

The Sony A7C set the benchmark for compact full-frame cameras, offering portability and reliability that many creators still appreciate today.

The Canon R8, however, represents the next step in this evolution — with newer technology, smarter autofocus, and 10-bit 4K recording that outclasses the older Sony in most areas.

If you value battery life, IBIS, and Sony’s ecosystem, go with the A7C.

If you prioritize autofocus, modern video features, and value for money, the Canon R8 is the clear winner.