Fujifilm XQ1 vs Sony A7C

The Fujifilm XQ1 and the Sony Alpha A7C are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2013 and September 2020. The XQ1 is a fixed lens compact, while the A7C is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a 2/3 (XQ1) and a full frame (A7C) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm XQ1		Sony A7C
Fixed lens compact camera		Mirrorless system camera
25-100mm f/1.8-4.9		Sony E mount lenses
12 MP, Two Thirds Sensor		24 MP, Full Frame Sensor
1080/60p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800		ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0 LCD, 920k dots		3.0 LCD, 922k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Swivel touchscreen
12 shutter flaps per second		10 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilization		In-body stabilization
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
240 shots per battery charge		740 shots per battery charge
100 x 59 x 33 mm, 206 g		124 x 71 x 60 mm, 509 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm XQ1 and the Sony Alpha A7C? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm XQ1 and the Sony A7C. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7C is considerably larger (49 percent) than the Fujifilm XQ1. It is noteworthy in this context that the A7C is splash and dust-proof, while the XQ1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the XQ1 has a lens built in, whereas the A7C is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the A7C and their specifications in the Sony FE Lens Catalog.

The power pack in the A7C can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm XQ1	100 mm	59 mm	33 mm	206 g	240	n	Oct 2013	499
2.		Sony A7C	124 mm	71 mm	60 mm	509 g	740	Y	Sep 2020	1,799
3.		Canon SX60	128 mm	93 mm	114 mm	650 g	340	n	Sep 2014	549
4.		Canon G16	109 mm	76 mm	40 mm	356 g	360	n	Aug 2013	549
5.		Canon S120	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	449
6.		Fujifilm XQ2	100 mm	59 mm	33 mm	206 g	240	n	Jan 2015	399
7.		Fujifilm X30	119 mm	72 mm	60 mm	423 g	470	n	Aug 2014	599
8.		Fujifilm X20	117 mm	70 mm	57 mm	353 g	270	n	Jan 2013	599
9.		Nikon P7800	119 mm	78 mm	50 mm	399 g	350	n	Sep 2013	549
10.		Olympus E-M1 II	134 mm	91 mm	67 mm	574 g	440	Y	Sep 2016	1,999
11.		Panasonic LF1	103 mm	62 mm	28 mm	192 g	250	n	Apr 2013	499
12.		Panasonic FZ200	125 mm	87 mm	110 mm	588 g	540	n	Jul 2012	599
13.		Panasonic LX7	111 mm	68 mm	46 mm	298 g	330	n	Jul 2012	499
14.		Sony A9	127 mm	96 mm	63 mm	673 g	650	Y	Apr 2017	4,499
15.		Sony A6500	120 mm	67 mm	53 mm	453 g	350	Y	Oct 2016	1,399
16.		Sony A7 II	127 mm	96 mm	60 mm	599 g	350	Y	Nov 2014	1,999
17.		Sony A7	127 mm	94 mm	48 mm	474 g	340	Y	Oct 2013	1,699
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The XQ1 was launched at a lower price than the A7C, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm XQ1 features a 2/3 sensor and the Sony A7C a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7C is 1360 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 3.9 and 1.0. The sensor in the XQ1 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A7C offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 24MP, the A7C offers a higher resolution than the XQ1 (12MP), but the A7C nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.94μm versus 2.20μm for the XQ1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the A7C is a much more recent model (by 6 years and 10 months) than the XQ1, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the XQ1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Sony A7C implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the A7C for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Fujifilm XQ1 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Fujifilm XQ1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7C are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm XQ1	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
2.		Sony A7C	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	14.7	3407	95
3.		Canon SX60	1/2.3	14.2	4608	3072	1080/60p	19.2	10.8	127	39
4.		Canon G16	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.0	11.7	230	54
5.		Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
6.		Fujifilm XQ2	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
7.		Fujifilm X30	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
8.		Fujifilm X20	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
9.		Nikon P7800	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/30p	21.2	11.7	200	54
10.		Olympus E-M1 II	Four Thirds	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	23.7	12.8	1312	80
11.		Panasonic LF1	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60i	20.8	11.6	211	52
12.		Panasonic FZ200	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	19.1	10.8	114	37
13.		Panasonic LX7	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	1080/60p	20.7	11.7	147	50
14.		Sony A9	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	24.9	13.3	3517	92
15.		Sony A6500	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	24.5	13.7	1405	85
16.		Sony A7 II	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.9	13.6	2449	90
17.		Sony A7	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.8	14.2	2248	90

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A7C provides a better video resolution than the XQ1. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Fujifilm is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7C has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the XQ1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm XQ1, the Sony A7C, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Fujifilm XQ1	none	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
2.		Sony A7C	2360	n	3.0	922	swivel	Y	1/4000s	10.0	n	Y
3.		Canon SX60	922	n	3.0	922	swivel	n	1/2000s	6.4	Y	Y
4.		Canon G16	optical	n	3.0	922	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.2	Y	Y
5.		Canon S120	none	n	3.0	922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1	Y	Y
6.		Fujifilm XQ2	none	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
7.		Fujifilm X30	2360	n	3.0	920	tilting	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
8.		Fujifilm X20	optical	n	2.8	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
9.		Nikon P7800	921	n	3.0	921	swivel	n	1/4000s	8.0	Y	Y
10.		Olympus E-M1 II	2360	n	3.0	1037	swivel	Y	1/8000s	18.0	n	Y
11.		Panasonic LF1	200	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	10.0	Y	Y
12.		Panasonic FZ200	1312	n	3.0	460	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
13.		Panasonic LX7	optional	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	11.0	Y	Y
14.		Sony A9	3686	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	20.0	n	Y
15.		Sony A6500	2359	n	3.0	922	tilting	Y	1/4000s	11.0	Y	Y
16.		Sony A7 II	2400	n	3.0	1230	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	Y
17.		Sony A7	2400	n	3.0	1230	tilting	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The XQ1 has one, while the A7C does not. While the built-in flash of the XQ1 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the A7C is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Sony A7C has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The XQ1 writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7C uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The A7C supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the XQ1 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm XQ1 and Sony Alpha A7C and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Fujifilm XQ1	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
2.		Sony A7C	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	Y	Y
3.		Canon SX60	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon G16	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Canon S120	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
6.		Fujifilm XQ2	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Fujifilm X30	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
8.		Fujifilm X20	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Nikon P7800	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Olympus E-M1 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
11.		Panasonic LF1	-	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Panasonic FZ200	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Panasonic LX7	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Sony A9	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
15.		Sony A6500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony A7 II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony A7	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the A7C has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The XQ1 does not feature such a mic input.

The A7C is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the XQ1 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the XQ1 was succeeded by the Fujifilm XQ2. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Sony websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm XQ1 and the Sony A7C? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm XQ1:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 10 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Has a lens built-in, whereas the A7C requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (100x59mm vs 124x71mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the A7C).
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in October 2013).

Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7C:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 12MP), which boosts linear resolution by 44%.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More flexible: Takes interchangeable lenses and can thus be used with specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (740 versus 240) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More modern: Reflects 6 years and 10 months of technical progress since the XQ1 launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7C is the clear winner of the contest (25 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm XQ1 and the Sony A7C place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the XQ1 or the A7C perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm XQ1	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	499
2.		Sony A7C	3.5/5	..	86/100	4/5	4/5	Sep 2020	1,799
3.		Canon SX60	3/5	+ +	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	549
4.		Canon G16	4/5	+	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549
5.		Canon S120	..	+ +	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	449
6.		Fujifilm XQ2	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	399
7.		Fujifilm X30	4/5	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2014	599
8.		Fujifilm X20	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2013	599
9.		Nikon P7800	3/5	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2013	549
10.		Olympus E-M1 II	5/5	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	1,999
11.		Panasonic LF1	3/5	+	..	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2013	499
12.		Panasonic FZ200	3/5	+ +	80/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	599
13.		Panasonic LX7	3/5	+ +	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	499
14.		Sony A9	5/5	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	Apr 2017	4,499
15.		Sony A6500	5/5	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2016	1,399
16.		Sony A7 II	5/5	+	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	Nov 2014	1,999
17.		Sony A7	5/5	+ +	80/100	5/5	5/5	Oct 2013	1,699
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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Specifications: Fujifilm XQ1 vs Sony A7C

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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