The Alpha 7C is a compact yet powerful camera that combines a lightweight and portable design with superior image quality, essentially a “no-compromise” camera. The perfect tool for creators on the go. 

Just like many other Alpha cameras, the Alpha 7C features a special mode called the S&Q mode (Slow & Quick). It allows you to record time-lapse footage and slow-motion footage right on your camera, no editing required. 

To use this setting, simply turn the dial to the S&Q mode. After that select MENU → CameraSettings2 → S&Q Exposure Mode → select the desired setting of slow/quick-motion (S&Q Program Auto, S&Q Aperture priority, S&Q Shutter priority or S&Q Manual exposure). 

Then, select MENU → CameraSettings2 → S&Q Settings → select the desired settings for the Record settings and frame rate. The record setting is the output frame rate at which it will save the video file as.  

If you’re in PAL, you have a choice of 25p or 50p. If you’re in NTSC, you have 60p, 30p, or 24p.  

The frame rate is what it’ll capture the video at. You can change the frame rate from 1fps all the way up to 100fps in PAL and up to 120fps in NTSC. 

What does any of this mean?

If you want to shoot slow-motion videos, typically people would choose a frame rate of 120fps or 60fps. For example, if you were to capture at 120fps and record at 24p, you will get a slow-motion video that is 5 times slower. If you want to take a time-lapse video, then choose 1fps. If recorded at 24p, you will get a time-lapse that is 24 times faster. There are a bunch of frame rates in between, but a majority of people would use these settings. 

Shooting

Press the function button, and on the bottom right corner you will see “S&Q Exposure mode”. If you followed the steps above you won’t need to change this setting, but it’s always good to double-check. 

Most cameras set the default setting to Program Auto, but that means you won’t be able to tweak the shutter speed and aperture to whatever you want. Choosing manual exposure is recommended as it gives you control over those two settings in order to get the right exposure and to your taste.  

Generally, if you’re shooting at 120fps, your shutter speed should be double whatever the frame rate is gonna be. So in that scenario, your shutter speed should be 1/250.  

It’s really easy to get time-lapse or slow-motion footage and play them back directly on your camera with the Alpha 7C. It gives you more flexibility with the option of having it on your camera and also being able to edit it in post-production.