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Sony A1 II released: Sony's new flagship gets new features

Sony now releases its flagship camera A1 Mark II along with the new bright zoom lens Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM.

Calle Rosenqvist
CALLE@KAMERABILD.SE
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In 2021, Sony released the camera aimed at professional photographers, featuring 8K video: Sony A1. The camera became a true multimedia tool for professional photographers, praised for its sharp updates - and now it's time for a new updated model in the series: Sony A1 Mark II - released alongside the new zoom lens Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM.

The new Sony Alpha 1 II has the same 50.1-megapixel sensor as the Sony A1, with the ability to shoot up to 30 frames per second in continuous blackout-free shooting with AF/AE tracking.

The dynamic range has been increased with the stacked Exmor RS sensor working together with the Bionz XR image processing engine, which improves noise characteristics in the mid and high ISO areas. The camera also has the ability to combine 4, 8, 16, or 32 raw images to reduce noise. In APS-C mode, the camera provides an image of 21 megapixels.

New is also a new AI processor that contributes to object recognition for autofocus, with a new auto mode that now recognizes several different objects.

The camera has also inherited several parts from the A9 III, including pre-recording up to one second and a changed ergonomic design that should better suit professional users. The 3.2-inch screen now has a design that can be tilted in four directions and can then be adjusted freely. The shutter button has been repositioned, and Sony has continued to work on customizable buttons.

The optical image stabilization has been improved to compensate up to 8.5 steps (central) and 7.0 steps (peripheral) for still images - (referring to the new CIPA standard for measuring image stabilization compensation with two variables starting in 2024), and supports a new "Dynamic Active Mode" for video recording.

Sony has this time chosen to make updates primarily important for professional users, regarding ergonomics, data transfer, autofocus - and this leaves something to be desired for those who would have liked better video specifications. For video, it is still 8K/30p 10-bit 4:2:2/H.265 to memory card as the highest resolution at 400 megabits. 4K is recorded in up to 10-bit 4:2:2 in All-Intra as well as H.264 & H.265. Slow motion is recorded in up to 4K/120p/10-bit 4:2:2. With an external recorder, it is possible to record 16-bit video in raw format via HDMI. The camera also supports S-Cinetone, S-Log3, and LUT import.

Sony Alpha 1 II is also delivered with a new deep-padded eyecup (FDA-EP21) for better visual contact with the viewfinder, although the standard eyecup is included. The eyecup can be easily replaced. The camera also supports voice memo, a feature that many sports and press photographers use when forwarding information about the image's content to an editorial office or photo editor.

The camera also supports Sony's authenticity solution, which in real-time adds information to confirm that the image is authentic and not synthetically created, via, for example, generative AI. New is also support for 2.5 gigabit ethernet.

Sony A1 II is available from December 2024. The recommended price is 89,000 kronor including VAT.

Sony announces second-generation flagship Alpha 1 II full-frame camera

A combination of high-resolution, speed, and AI recognition designed for a variety of professional applications.

Sony introduces the second-generation Alpha™ 1 II, a new flagship full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera powered by Sony's latest AI processing unit. The camera features an approximate effective 50.1 MP (megapixel) resolution sensor, up to 30 fps (frames-per-second) blackout-free continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking, an anti-distortion shutter, and improved image clarity at mid-to-high sensitivities. The AI processing unit brings advanced AI-based subject recognition performance and features including a new “Auto” mode which can detect a wide variety of subjects. In addition, the Alpha 1 II also inherits innovations from the Alpha 9 III, including Pre-Capture of up to one second, and an improved ergonomic design. The camera maintains a lightweight form factor of approximately 743 grams (1 lb, 7.3 oz) for usability in a variety of professional scenarios.

“The original Alpha 1 was a groundbreaking market introduction when it was released back in 2021, however Sony has developed a range of new technologies since then — this was our opportunity to ensure our flagship camera includes all of our latest innovations.” Said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of IP&S Marketing, Sony Europe. “The Alpha 1 II is designed for ultimate versatility combining resolution, speed, AI-based subject recognition, and efficient workflow. This is a distinct tool for professionals ranging from photojournalism, commercial work, portraiture, wedding photography, wildlife, and sports.”

In a world of expanding technology and increasing AI, the ability to authenticate a photograph is now more critical than ever before. Images captured with the Alpha 1 II will be compatible with Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution that adds authenticity information in real time in effort to aid in the fight against manipulated imagery and AI-generated fakes.

High-resolution, speed, and AI combination

The Alpha 1 II produces high-resolution images with a wide dynamic range through the combination of the full-frame Exmor RS® stacked CMOS sensor with approx. 50.1 effective MP resolution and the latest BIONZ XR® image processing engine. The camera delivers high-resolution images even in APS-C crop mode, capturing approximately 21 effective MP.

The camera offers blackout-free high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to 30 frames per second, which can track complex movements with AF/AE calculations at up to 120 times per second. The camera also includes the highly requested Pre-Capture function, which allows images to be captured up-to one second before the shutter button is pressed, and the Continuous Shooting Speed Boost that can temporarily change the burst shooting speed.

In addition, Real-time Recognition AF has been added to the latest Alpha 1 II with the addition of the AI processing unit. This technology maintains focus on subjects, including a human pose estimation that instantly recognises a person's head and torso, as well as accurately tracks animals, birds, insects, and vehicles. The Alpha 1 II introduces the latest evolution to Real-time Recognition AF with a newly added “Auto” feature that allows the camera to automatically recognise the subject target without specifying a subject mode.

Stable shooting with reduced distortion and noise

To support the need for high-performing speed required by many professionals, the Alpha 1 II features an anti-distortion shutter that enables shooting with reduced distortion. The low noise performance at mid- to high-sensitivity, which is highly requested by professional photographers, has also been improved through tuning, allowing you to capture images with less noise and clear backgrounds even in indoor sports where a high shutter speed is required.

Additionally, the Alpha 1 II has impressive improved optical image stabilisation of up to 8.5 stops (center) and 7.0 stops (periphery) when shooting still images, as well as a newly supported Dynamic active Mode for video shooting.

Comfortable operability and highly responsive workflow

The camera features a 3.2-type LCD monitor with a highly requested 4-axis multi-angle that can be freely adjusted to any angle. This second-generation camera body has improved ergonomics compared to the original Alpha 1, including thoughtful design updates to the grip, position of the shutter button, and evolved custom buttons.

The Alpha 1 II includes a new deep-type padded eyepiece cup (model FDA-EP21) accessory for additional viewing support. A standard eyepiece comes attached to the camera by default but can be swapped with the deep pad option based on the user’s preference.

For additional battery support, the Alpha 1 II comes with the BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger that rapidly and stably charges two Z batteries (model NP-FZ100) simultaneously in 155 minutes to full charge. In addition, the VG-C5 compatible vertical grip offers additional ergonomic support with additional battery performance for extending shooting needs.

For professionals seeking a quick, real-time image transfer solution, the Alpha 1 II supports 2.5GBASE-T via wired LAN. Furthermore, when combined with the 5G portable data transmitter PDT-FP1 (sold separately), captured data can be transmitted via stable, high-speed 5G communication. This high level of connectivity dramatically improves workflows from data transfer to content creation and distribution, increasing the work efficiency of professionals.

Additionally, captured data can be automatically transferred to Adobe Lightroom™ or Google Drive™ via Sony's cloud storage service, Creators' Cloud. This makes editing work after shooting even more convenient.

Environmentally conscious packaging

To prioritise sustainability, this model’s packaging is entirely free of plastic, marking the first Alpha series camera (excluding ZV-series) to use Sony’s Original Blended Material—a unique mix of bamboo, sugarcane, and recycled paper.

Pricing and availability

The Alpha 1 II will be available in December 2024 for approximately 89,000 SEK at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers.

For detailed product information about the Alpha 1 II, please visit here

For detailed product information about the FDA-EP21 eyepiece cup, please visit here

For detailed product information about the BC-ZD1 Dual Battery Charger, please visit here

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