Sony has announced the second generation Alpha 1 II, its new flagship full-frame camera. According to Sony, the new mirrorless camera combines some of the most requested and beloved features of Sony’s high-end camera lineup into one body. It was designed to be a reliable and robust choice for professional applications.
The Alpha 1 II is claimed to combine high resolution, speed, and cutting-edge AI-driven technology. Sony states the Alpha 1 II is an ideal hybrid tool for photojournalism, wildlife, sports, portraiture, weddings, and commercial work.
Alpha 1 II Key features
- High-resolution full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with an approximate effective 50.1 MP (megapixels)
- Up to 30 fps (frames-per-second) blackout-free continuous shooting with AF/AE (autofocus/autoexposure) tracking
- AI processing unit bringing advanced AI-based subject recognition performance and a new “Auto” recognition mode that automatically detects subjects
- High-speed anti-distortion shutter reduces rolling shutter effect for clear undistorted images
- Pre-Capture of up to one second and Continuous Shooting Speed Boost
- Improved optical image stabilization of up to 8.5 stops (center) and 7.0 stops (periphery) for still images and a new Dynamic active Mode for videos
- Updated processing algorithms for improved image noise reduction at mid-to-high ISO sensitivities
- Up to 8K 30p / 4K 120p and 10-bit 4:2:2 video recording with Breathing Compensation, Auto Framing, and import User LUTs
- Updated ergonomics and a lightweight design of approximately 743 grams (1 lb, 7.3 oz)
The original Alpha 1 was released back in 2021. When developing the successor, Sony wanted to incorporate feedback from the industry and the community of Alpha 1, Alpha 7R V, and Alpha 9 III users.
The Alpha 1 II stays true to the Alpha 1’s foundational core of high resolution and speed but it gains a dedicated AI processing unit and enhanced ergonomics.
High Resolution
The Alpha 1 II is claimed to produce high-resolution images with a wide dynamic range through the full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with approximately 50.1 effective MP resolution. The latest BIONZ XR image processing engine further enhances this resolution performance. With a separate AI processing unit handling many of the subject recognition capabilities, the camera’s image processing engine now has increased bandwidth to enhance other features.
Multi Memory Card Slots
SLOT1: Multi slot for SD (UHS-I/II compliant) memory card / CFexpress Type A card
SLOT2: Multi slot for SD (UHS-I/II compliant) memory card / CFexpress Type A card
Optical 5-axis image stabilization
A high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimized algorithms detect and correct camera shake for an 8.5-step effect at the center and 7.0-step at the periphery. Synchronization with compatible lenses provides further blur control even at telephoto focal lengths.
Speed
The camera offers blackout-free high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to 30 fps, 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. For additional high-speed performance, users can activate the Continuous Shooting Speed Boost feature that can temporarily increase frame rates in high-action moments.
AI Processing Unit
The Alpha 1 II features Sony’s acclaimed AI processing unit, enabling Real-time Recognition AF. This technology strengthens Sony’s legacy of industry-leading auto focus and allows the user to accurately track animals, birds, insects, and various vehicles. It also introduces Sony’s human pose estimation, that instantly recognizes and tracks a person’s head and torso even when they’re moving or looking away. The Alpha 1 II also brings the latest evolution to Sony’s Real-time Recognition AF, featuring a new “Auto” mode that enables automatic subject recognition without the need to select a specific subject mode
Advanced Video Capabilities
The high-speed anti-distortion shutter minimizes rolling shutter effect, delivering clear, undistorted images. The camera also features updated processing algorithms that reduce noise at mid-to-high ISO sensitivities without sacrificing image detail.
8K 4:2:2 10-bit
The Alpha 1 II maintains the same impressive video capabilities of its successor with the ability to shoot up to 8K 30p with 10bit 4:2:2 color depth, as well as high frame recording capabilities of 120p for 4K. In addition, it features a newly supported Dynamic active Mode for increased stability of video capture (whatever that means!). The camera has a variety of features that support streamlined video creation including Breathing Compensation, Auto Framing, and import User LUTs capabilities.
The S-Log3 gamma curve emphasizes gradation characteristics from shadows to mid-grey. The minimum ISO when shooting S-Log3 is 800, while the expanded ISO range is 200 – 640. Compared to the α1, detail reproduction has been improved, and matching with S-Log3 output from Sony’s cinema cameras is easier. User LUTs can also be imported into the camera for preview.
Video Compression
XAVC S: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
XAVC HS: MPEG-H HEVC/H.265
Movie Recording Format (XAVC HS 4K)
3840 x 2160 (4:2:0, 10bit) (Approx.)
- 119.88p (200 Mbps)
- 100p (200 Mbps)
- 59.94p (150 Mbps / 75 Mbps / 45 Mbps)
- 50p (150 Mbps / 75 Mbps / 45 Mbps)
- 23.98p (100 Mbps / 50 Mbps / 30 Mbps)
3840 x 2160 (4:2:2, 10bit) (Approx.)
- 119.88p (280 Mbps)
- 100p (280 Mbps)
- 59.94p (200 Mbps / 100 Mbps)
- 50p (200 Mbps / 100 Mbps)
- 23.98p (100 Mbps / 50 Mbps)
Movie Recording Format (XAVC S 4K)
3840 x 2160 (4:2:0, 8bit) (Approx.)
- 119.88p (200 Mbps)
- 100p (200 Mbps)
- 59.94p (150 Mbps)
- 50p (150 Mbps)
- 29.97p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps)
- 25p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps)
- 23.98p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps)
3840 x 2160 (4:2:2, 10bit) (Approx.)
- 119.88p (280 Mbps)
- 100p (280 Mbps)
- 59.94p (200 Mbps)
- 50p (200 Mbps)
- 29.97p (140 Mbps)
- 25p (140 Mbps)
- 23.98p (100 Mbps)
Movie Recording Format (XAVC S HD)
1920 x 1080 (4:2:0, 8bit) (Approx.)
- 119.88p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps)
- 100p (100 Mbps / 60 Mbps)
- 59.94p (50 Mbps / 25 Mbps)
- 50p (50 Mbps / 25 Mbps)
- 29.97p (50 Mbps / 16 Mbps)
- 25p (50 Mbps / 16 Mbps)
- 23.98p (50 Mbps)
1920 x 1080 (4:2:2, 10bit) (Approx.)
- 59.94p (50 Mbps)
- 50p (50 Mbps)
- 29.97p (50 Mbps)
- 25p (50 Mbps)
- 23.98p (50 Mbps)
Movie Recording Format (XAVC S-I 4K)
3840 x 2160 (4:2:2, 10bit) (Approx.)
- 59.94p (600 Mbps)
- 50p (500 Mbps)
- 29.97p (300 Mbps)
- 25p (250 Mbps)
- 23.98p (240 Mbps)
Movie Recording Format (XAVC S-I HD)
1920 x 1080 (4:2:2, 10bit) (Approx.)
- 59.94p (222 Mbps)
- 50p (185 Mbps)
- 29.97p (111 Mbps)
- 25p (93 Mbps)
- 23.98p (89 Mbps)
High Frame Rate
4K can be recorded at up to 120p right in the camera. 4K footage can be played back in up to 5x slow motion. The Slow & Quick Motion (S&Q) mode makes it convenient to play recorded footage back at slow or high speed in the camera. Full HD footage recorded at 240 fps offers an even greater range: up to 10x slow motion (24p).
Improved Ergonomics and Workflow Operability
The Alpha 1 II has been redesigned based on customer feedback including an evolved 3.2-type LCD monitor with a highly requested 4-axis multi-angle that can be freely adjusted to any angle. The Alpha 1 II’s camera body design has improved ergonomics, with many design elements borrowed from the acclaimed Alpha 9 III. Design evolutions include the grip, an enhanced quick-release shutter button, and an additional “C5” custom button for added convenience. In addition, the camera is compatible with the VG-C5 vertical grip that provides additional ergonomic support and extended battery performance.
For professionals seeking real-time image transfer solutions, the Alpha 1 II supports 2.5GBASE-T via wired LAN. Images and videos can be transmitted via stable, high-speed 5G communication when the camera is paired with Sony’s PDT-FP1 portable data transmitter (sold separately). Additionally, images and videos can be automatically transferred direct to Adobe Lightroom or Google Drive through the latest version of Sony’s cloud storage service, Creators’ Cloud.
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 which stores detailed camera information within the image files. This aids media agencies and photojournalists in their growing fight against manipulated imagery and AI-generated fakes. This solution will be available through a separate upgrade license and scheduled after December 2024.
BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger
For additional battery support, the Alpha 1 II comes with the new BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger that rapidly charges two Z batteries (model NP-FZ100) simultaneously in 155 minutes to full charge.
In addition, the Alpha 1 II includes a new deep-type padded eyepiece cup (model FDA-EP21) accessory for an alternative viewing support option. 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.
Pricing and Availability
The Alpha 1 II will be available in December 2024 for approximately $6,499.99 USD and $8,499.99 CAD.
