In relation to top-of-the-line flagships, the Sony a1 of January 2021 was onerous to beat with its 50MP sensor and wonderful autofocus. Now, Sony has introduced the Sony a1 II, the subsequent step within the digicam’s evolution. The Sony a1 II improves upon its predecessor with and borrows some expertise from the Sony a9 III. What has Sony achieved to enhance the a1 II? Learn on to search out out!
Vital Enhancements
Let’s see how the Sony a1 II compares to another cameras:
| Digicam Function | Canon EOS R1 | Nikon Z8 | Nikon Z9 | Sony a1 | Sony a1 II |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduced | July 2024 | Might 2023 | October 2021 | January 2021 | November 2024 |
| Digicam Sort | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Sort | Stacked CMOS | Stacked CMOS | Stacked CMOS | Stacked CMOS | CMOS |
| Picture Processor | DIGIC X + Accelerator | EXPEED 7 | EXPEED 7 | BIONZ XR | BIONZ XR with AI |
| Decision | 24.0 MP | 45.7 MP | 45.4 MP | 50.1 MP | 50.1 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 6000×4000 | 8256×5504 | 8256×5504 | 8640×5760 | 8640×5760 |
| Sensor Width | 36.0 mm | 35.9 mm | 35.9 mm | 35.9 mm | 35.9 mm |
| Sensor Pixel Measurement | 6.00 µ | 4.35 µ | 4.35 µ | 4.16 µ | 4.17 µ |
| Low Go Filter | Sure | No | No | No | No |
| IBIS (In-Physique Picture Stabilization) | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Base ISO | 100 ISO | 64 ISO | 64 ISO | 100 ISO | 100 ISO |
| Max Native ISO | 102,400 ISO | 25,600 ISO | 25,600 ISO | 32,000 ISO | 32,000 ISO |
| Prolonged ISOs | 50-409,600 ISO | 32-102,400 ISO | 32-102,400 ISO | 50-102,400 ISO | 50-102,400 ISO |
| Excessive-Decision Sensor Shift | No | Sure | No | Sure | Sure |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Sure | Sure | Sure | No | Sure |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | Sure | Sure (JPEG solely) | Sure (JPEG solely) | No | Sure |
| Quickest Shutter Pace | 1/64,000 second | 1/32,000 second | 1/32,000 second | 1/32,000 second | 1/32,000 second |
| Longest Shutter Pace | 30 seconds | 900 seconds | 900 seconds | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Steady Taking pictures (Mechanical Shutter) | 12 FPS | No mechanical shutter | No mechanical shutter | 10 FPS | 10 FPS |
| Steady Taking pictures (Digital Shutter) | 40 FPS | 20 FPS | 20 FPS | 30 FPS | 30 FPS |
| Notes for Excessive FPS Taking pictures | None | 20 FPS determine is for .NEF information (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) | 20 FPS determine is for .NEF information (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) | Compressed uncooked at 30 FPS (uncompressed and lossless compressed uncooked at 20 FPS) | |
| Buffer Measurement (Uncooked) | Over 1000 frames (40 FPS) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) | 155 frames (30 FPS), 238 frames (20 FPS) | 240 |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF with deep studying topic recognition | Hybrid PDAF with deep studying topic recognition | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF with deep studying topic recognition |
| Autofocus Factors | 1053 | 493 | 493 | 759 | 759 |
| Photographer’s-Eye-Sensing AF | Sure | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Most Low-Gentle AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -6 EV | -7.5 EV | -7 EV | -4 EV | -4 EV |
| Customary Flash Sync Pace | 1/320 second | 1/200 second | 1/200 second | 1/400 second | 1/400 second |
| Curtain to Defend Sensor at Shutdown | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
|
Video Options |
|||||
| Most Video Bit Depth (Inside) | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 10 bits | 10 bits |
| Most Video Bit Depth (Exterior) | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 16 bits |
| Uncooked Video | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure, externally | Sure |
| 8K Most Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS | 60 FPS | 30 FPS | 30 FPS |
| 6K Most Framerate | 60 FPS | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 4K Most Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS | 120 FPS | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Most Framerate | 240 FPS | 120 FPS | 120 FPS | 240 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Further Video Crop Issue | No | No | No | No | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Restrict | No restrict | 90 min | 125 min | 780 min | No restrict |
|
Bodily and Different Options |
|||||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Sort | CFExpress Sort B | CFExpress Sort B | CFExpress Sort B | CFExpress Sort A, or SD (UHS-II) | CFExpress Sort A, or SD (UHS-II) |
| Slot 2 Sort | CFExpress Sort B | SD (UHS-II) | CFExpress Sort B | CFExpress Sort A, or SD (UHS-II) | CFExpress Sort A, or SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Measurement (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in | 3.2 in | 3.0 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Decision | 2100000 dots | 2100000 dots | 2100000 dots | 1440000 dots | 2100000 dots |
| Articulating LCD | Totally Articulating | Twin Axis | Twin Axis | Single Axis | Totally Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF | EVF | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.9 x | 0.8 x | 0.8 x | 0.9 x | 0.9 x |
| Viewfinder Decision | 9440000 dots | 3690000 dots | 3690000 dots | 9440000 dots | 9440000 dots |
| Viewfinder Protection | 100 % | 100 % | 100 % | 100 % | 100 % |
| Voice Memo | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Headphone Jack | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Microphone Jack | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Constructed-in Flash | No | No | No | No | No |
| GPS | Sure | No | Sure | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| WiFi | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| USB Sort | Sort C 3.2 Gen 2 | Two Sort C 3.2 Gen 2 | Sort C 3.2 Gen 2 | Sort C 3.2 Gen 1 | Sort C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Battery Sort | LP-E19 | EN-EL15c | EN-EL18d | NP-FZ100 | NP-FZ100 |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 5001 frames | 330 frames | 700 frames | 430 frames | 420 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 1180 frames | 340 frames | 740 frames | 530 frames | 520 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 1330 frames | 370 frames | 770 frames | N/A | N/A |
| Climate Sealed | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Weight (Physique Solely w/ Battery + Card) | 1115 g | 910 g | 1340 g | 737 g | 658 g |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 158 x 150 x 107 mm (6.2 x 5.9 x 4.2″)2 | 144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)3 | 149 x 150 x 106 mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 4.2″)4 | 129 x 97 x 81 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 3.3″) | 136.1 x 96.9 x 82.9 mm (5.4 x 3.8 x 3.3″) |
| MSRP | $6300 | $4000 | $5500 | $6498 | $6498 |
| 1Canon solely equipped the EOS R1 battery life figures in eco mode, the place it’s rated for 700 photographs by way of the EVF and 1330 in stay view. To match the requirements of different cameras on this chart, an estimate of 500 photographs and 1180 photographs are proven right here (primarily based on typical LP-E19 battery efficiency in common vs eco mode). | |||||
| 2The Canon EOS R1’s official dimensions don’t embody the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the everyday requirements at this time, 20mm had been added to the EOS R3’s depth measurement on this desk. | |||||
| 3The Nikon Z8’s official dimensions don’t embody the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the everyday requirements at this time, 5mm had been added to the Z8’s depth measurement on this desk. | |||||
| 4The Nikon Z9’s official dimensions don’t embody the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the everyday requirements at this time, 15mm had been added to the Z9’s depth measurement on this desk. | |||||
The Sony a1 is already an awesome digicam and in some ways distinctive amongst flagships at this time. It has extra decision than Nikon and Canon flagships whereas being smaller and lighter, too. The autofocus efficiency of all these cameras is superb, and the unique a1 was no exception. After all, that unbelievable efficiency comes at a price: the Sony a1 is just not low-cost with an preliminary MSRP of $6498.
The Sony a1 II, nonetheless, is a brand new beast. Bear in mind the 5.5 cease IBIS of the a1? The a1 II has bumped as much as 8.5 stops. That’s a 3 cease enchancment, so these ISO 1600 photographs can be trying extra like ISO 400, at the very least on paper and with no motion within the body. And pre-capture RAW? Sure, the a1 II has that over the outdated a1, and it could seize 30 frames earlier than the shutter press, in RAW.
However the largest enchancment within the a1 II is probably the autofocus, which is spectacular as a result of the unique a1 is already exceptionally good. The Sony a1 II has a brand new devoted AI machine-learning processor that provides extra topic recognition modes to the digicam, and improves upon current modes with important enhancements within the eye recognition for each individuals and animals. In response to Sony.eu, “Recognition of birds is improved by 50%.” A part of its autofocus enhancements because of the method it could now analyze particular human poses to extra rapidly discover eyes.
The Sony a1 II additionally provides auto topic recognition mode, the place you’ll be able to choose a wide range of topics, comparable to “fowl” and “individuals” on the similar time – although why somebody would need to {photograph} individuals if there are birds round is past me 🙂
The autofocus enhancements additionally carry over to the video mode. That ought to be very useful for utilizing steady autofocus in video, which could be very demanding on correct focus to file scenes decently when topics are shifting.
General, the digicam seems like a stable improve, however with its stacked sensor, it nonetheless doesn’t match the Sony a9 III when it comes to pace. The Sony a1 II, like the unique model, can shoot 30 FPS whereas the a9 III has 120 FPS with full autofocus. Certainly, the worldwide shutter of the a9 III implies that the a1 II continues to be second quickest, though that’s most likely fairly a good commerce on condition that the a1 II provides you 50MP over the 24MP of the a9 III. And for many photographers, the capabilities of the a1 II can be greater than they ever want.
Till Nikon provides RAW pre-capture to the Z9 collection, or Canon provides 45+ megapixels to their EOS R1 collection, the Sony a1 II has a powerful declare to being essentially the most superior flagship digicam at this time. After all, being the king has its worth: $6498. Though it’s the identical MSRP as the unique, it’s nonetheless fairly some huge cash to spend to get to the highest.
In the event you’d prefer to buy the Sony a1 II, you’ll be able to help Images Life at no further price to you by preordering utilizing this B&H hyperlink:
Preorders open November twentieth at 9:30 AM Jap. Sony says the digicam will ship in mid December.
Press Launch
Sony Electronics Proclaims Second-Era Flagship Alpha 1 II
A Mixture of Excessive Decision, Pace, and AI Recognition Designed for Professionals
SAN DIEGO, Nov. 19, 2024 – Immediately Sony Electronics Inc. introduces the Alpha 1 II, its new flagship full-frame digicam. This mirrorless digicam brings collectively a number of the most requested and beloved options of Sony’s high-end digicam lineup into one physique, designed to be essentially the most dependable and strongest alternative for any skilled software. The Alpha 1 II combines excessive decision, pace, and cutting-edge AI-driven expertise to satisfy the output and workflow wants {of professional} photographers and videographers. Designed for professionals on the high of their sport, the Alpha 1 II is a perfect hybrid device for photojournalism, wildlife, sports activities, portraiture, weddings, and business work.
Key options of the Alpha 1 II embody:
- Excessive-resolution full-frame Exmor RS® stacked CMOS sensor with an approximate efficient 50.1 MP (megapixels)
- As much as 30 fps (frames-per-second) blackout-free steady taking pictures with AF/AE (autofocus/autoexposure) monitoring1
- AI processing unit bringing superior AI-based topic recognition efficiency and a brand new “Auto” recognition mode that robotically detects topics
- Excessive-speed anti-distortion shutter reduces rolling shutter impact for clear undistorted photographs
- Pre-Seize of as much as one second2 and Steady Taking pictures Pace Increase
- Improved optical picture stabilization of as much as 8.5 stops (middle) and seven.0 stops (periphery)3 for nonetheless photographs and a brand new Dynamic energetic Mode for movies4
- Up to date processing algorithms for improved picture noise discount at mid-to-high ISO sensitivities
- As much as 8K 30p / 4K 120p and 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording with Respiratory Compensation, Auto Framing, and import Person LUTs
- Up to date ergonomics and a light-weight design of roughly 743 grams (1 lb, 7.3 oz)5
“The unique Alpha 1 was a groundbreaking launch in 2021, and since then Sony has continued to boost the bar, yr over yr. When creating the successor to our esteemed flagship mannequin, we made it our mission to include suggestions from the {industry} and the neighborhood of Alpha 1, Alpha 7R V and Alpha 9 III customers. The result’s a powerhouse of a digicam – our highest-performing, most balanced, utilitarian device in the marketplace,” mentioned Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Options, Sony Electronics Inc. “The Alpha 1 II stays true to the Alpha 1’s foundational core of excessive decision and pace however is amplified with a devoted AI processing unit and enhanced ergonomics. It’s positive to be seen as Sony’s strongest and most dependable hybrid digicam ever created.”
Excessive Decision, Pace, and AI Mixture
The Alpha 1 II digicam’s distinctive reliability and flexibility arises not simply from power of any single characteristic, however from the mixture of its decision, pace, and AI capabilities coexisting to amplify each other. Here’s a breakdown of every:
Excessive Decision: The Alpha 1 II produces high-resolution photographs with a large dynamic vary by means of the full-frame Exmor RS® stacked CMOS sensor with roughly 50.1 efficient MP decision. This decision efficiency is additional enhanced by the most recent BIONZ XR® picture processing engine. With a separate AI processing unit dealing with lots of the topic recognition capabilities, the digicam’s picture processing engine now has elevated bandwidth to reinforce different options.
Pace: The digicam presents blackout-free high-speed steady taking pictures with AF/AE monitoring at as much as 30 fps6, which may monitor advanced actions with AF/AE calculations at as much as 120 occasions per second7. The digicam additionally contains the extremely requested Pre-Seize perform, which permits photographs to be captured as much as one second earlier than the shutter button is pressed8. For added high-speed efficiency, customers can activate the Steady Taking pictures Pace Increase characteristic that may briefly improve body charges in high-action moments.
AI Processing Unit: The Alpha 1 II options Sony’s acclaimed AI processing unit, enabling Actual-time Recognition AF. This expertise strengthens Sony’s legacy of industry-leading auto focus and permits the person to precisely monitor animals, birds, bugs, and numerous automobiles. It additionally introduces Sony’s human pose estimation, that immediately acknowledges and tracks an individual’s head and torso even once they’re shifting or trying away. The Alpha 1 II additionally brings the most recent evolution to Sony’s Actual-time Recognition AF, that includes a brand new “Auto” mode that allows automated topic recognition with out the necessity to choose a particular topic mode9.
Steady Efficiency and Superior Video Capabilities
A serious development of the Alpha 1 II is the improved optical picture stabilization of as much as 8.5 stops within the middle (in comparison with 5.5 stops on the unique Alpha 1) and seven.0 stops within the periphery10. The high-speed anti-distortion shutter minimizes rolling shutter impact, delivering clear, undistorted photographs. The digicam additionally options up to date processing algorithms that scale back noise at mid-to-high ISO sensitivities with out sacrificing picture element.
The Alpha 1 II maintains the identical spectacular video capabilities of its successor with the power to shoot as much as 8K 30p with 10bit 4:2:2 colour depth, in addition to excessive body recording capabilities of 120p for 4K. As well as, it incorporates a newly supported Dynamic energetic Mode for elevated stability of video seize11. The digicam has a wide range of options that help streamlined video creation together with Respiratory Compensation, Auto Framing, and import Person LUTs capabilities.
Improved Ergonomics and Workflow Operability
The Alpha 1 II has been redesigned primarily based on buyer suggestions together with an advanced 3.2-type LCD monitor with a extremely requested 4-axis multi-angle that may be freely adjusted to any angle. The Alpha 1 II’s digicam physique design has improved ergonomics, with many design components borrowed from the acclaimed Alpha 9 III. Design evolutions embody the grip, an enhanced fast launch shutter button, and an extra “C5” customized button for added comfort. As well as, the digicam is appropriate with the VG-C512 vertical grip that gives extra ergonomic help and prolonged battery efficiency.
For professionals searching for real-time picture switch options, the Alpha 1 II helps 2.5GBASE-T by way of wired LAN. Pictures and movies might be transmitted by way of secure, high-speed 5G communication when the digicam is paired with Sony’s PDT-FP1 moveable information transmitter (bought individually). Moreover, photographs and movies might be robotically transferred direct to Adobe Lightroom™ or Google Drive™ by means of the most recent model of Sony’s cloud storage service, Creators’ Cloud13.
In a world of increasing expertise and growing AI, the power to authenticate {a photograph} is now extra crucial than ever earlier than. Pictures captured with the Alpha 1 II can be appropriate14 with Sony’s Digicam Authenticity Resolution that shops detailed digicam info15 inside the picture information. This aids media businesses and photojournalists of their rising battle towards manipulated imagery and AI-generated fakes. This answer can be accessible by means of a separate improve license and scheduled after December 202416.
Further Equipment and Plastic-Free Packaging
For added battery help, the Alpha 1 II comes with the brand new BC-ZD1 Twin-Battery Charger that quickly costs two Z batteries (mannequin NP-FZ100) concurrently in 155 minutes to full cost17. As well as, the Alpha 1 II features a new deep-type padded eyepiece cup (mannequin FDA-EP21) accent for another viewing help possibility. A typical eyepiece comes connected to the digicam by default however might be swapped with the deep pad possibility primarily based on the person’s choice.
The Alpha 1 II is the primary Alpha collection digicam (excluding ZV collection cameras) to make use of Sony’s Unique Mix Materials for eco-conscious packaging. The supplies used for packaging are a novel mixture of bamboo, sugarcane, and recycled paper. This makes the packaging completely freed from plastic1 8.
Pricing and Availability
The Alpha 1 II can be accessible in December 2024 for about $6,499.99 USD and $8,499.99 CAD. Will probably be bought at a wide range of Sony’s approved sellers all through North America.
A product video on the brand new Alpha 1 II might be considered right here: https://youtu.be/xYMNPvgWcdY
For detailed product details about Alpha 1 II, please go to: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeable-lens-cameras/full-frame/p/ilce1m2b
For detailed product details about the BC-ZD1 Twin Battery Charger, please go to: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/imaging-accessories/all-accessories/p/bczd1
For detailed product details about the FDA-EP21 eyepiece cup, please go to: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/imaging-accessories/all-accessories/p/fdaep21
Unique tales and thrilling new content material shot with the brand new Alpha 1 II and Sony’s different imaging merchandise might be discovered at www.alphauniverse.com, a web site created to tell, educate, and encourage content material creators.