Sony A1 Review – News

Ease of Use

So what makes the Sony Alpha 1 quite so special?

It has a stacked, back-side illuminated Exmor RS sensor with integral DRAM memory, much like the one in the A7S III, but whereas that camera focuses on video and subsequently only has 12 megapixels, the A1’s sensor offers a whopping 50 megapixels with an expanded ISO range of 50-102400.

Whilst this still isn’t quite as many as the A7RIV which has a 61 megapixel sensor, the Alpha 1 can shoot at a mind-boggling 30fps with full AF and AE tracking using its electronic shutter thanks to its pair of new Bionz XR processors – yes, you read that right, 50 megapixel JPEG and Raw images at 30fps!

The A9 II comes closest to this insane continuous shooting speed with its fastest 20fps rate, but it only has a 24 megapixel sensor, so you essentially get double the resolution and 50% more shooting speed on the Alpha 1.

The A7R IV is still the best choice of any Alpha camera if you really need the most pixels, but it can only shoot bursts at 10fps and only a standard rather than stacked CMOS sensor, which means that the A1 delivers better image quality at high ISO speeds in low-light situations.

If you do need even more resolution from the Alpha 1, it does offer the special Pixel Shift multi-shot shooting mode in which it takes 16 different images to produce a single, 199-megapixel image, although both the camera and the subject need to be perfectly still for it to work properly.

So the Sony A1 combines the high resolution of the A7R IV with the speed of the A9 II, but it doesn’t stop there, adding 8K video into the already rich mix.

Yes, this is the first Alpha camera ever to offer 8K video recording, although it was beaten to that particular punch by last year’s Canon EOS R5, which can also record in 8K.

The Sony A1 features 8K/30p 10-bit 4:2:0 XAVC HS video recording with 8.6K oversampling. There’s an advisory 30 minute time limit in 8K/30p or 4K/60p to avoid overheating, but you can go well beyond that by using the High Temperature option.

In addition there’s also 4K 120p 10-bit 4:2:2, Full HD at 240fp, and it can output 16-bit Raw video over HDMI. Brand new to just the A1 is the same S-Cinetone colour matrix from the VENICE, FX6, and other Cinema Line cameras.

Essentially, in the Alpha 1 you get the all of the A7S III’s 4K capabilities with the not inconsiderable addition of 8K video.

The Sony A1’s AF system has 759 on-sensor phase detection points that cover approximately 92% of the image area, just like the A7S III, although the A1 can only focus dowo to -4EV rather than -6EV.

The Alpha 1 checks the focus and metering 120 times a second versus the A9II’s 60 times a second, which should make it even more adept at tracking moving subjects than Sony’s most sports-focused camera.

As well as more focusing speed, Sony have further improved their renowned Real-time Eye AF system for humans and animals and also added a brand new feature, Real-time Eye AF for birds, for the first time on any Alpha camera.

It’s also possible to choose the colour of the focus frame to suit your needs, move the focus frame even when the shutter release or the AF-ON button are half-pressed, and use the LCD touchscreen for touch-tracking whilst looking through the viewfinder.

Looking through the A1’s viewfinder is a real pleasure as it takes the A7S III’s incredible 9.44M-dot OLED Quad-XGA EVF with 0.90x magnification and then doubles the refresh rate up to 240fps, which helps to ensure no black-out occurs when shooting those 30fps burst sequences.

Both the low-vibration mechanical and electronic shutter have been improved. With a 500,000 shot lifespan, the A1’s mechanical shutter allwos for flicker-free shooting under fluorescent/artificial lighting, as does the electronic shutter, which also achieves about 1.5x less distortion than the A9 II.

The clever anti-flicker mode automatically detects and adjusts for the presence of fluorescent or other artificial lights to prevent exposure and colour anomalies from appearing in the final image, as well as exposure and colour inconsistency between continuous shots.

All four of these cameras – the A1, A7R IV, A9 II and A7S III – share exactly the same 5-axis in-body image stabilization system, which provides up to 5.5-stops of compensation, although the A1 and A7S III do also have a special Active Mode that increases stabilization during hand-held movie shooting.

The Alpha 1’s 3.0-inch LCD screen has 1.44 million dots of resolution and can be tilted up by 107 degrees and down by 41 degrees, but not out to the side like on the A7S III.

It does inherit the the same clearer menu structure and upgraded touch control first introduced by the A7S II, though, rather than the much-criticized crippled touchscreen and more complex menu system of all the earlier Alpha models.

The Sony A1 also has the potential to shine in the studio, thanks to its class-leading Flash Sync capabilities. It provides a flash sync speed of 1/400th sec using its mechanical shutter, the world’s fastest, increasing to 1/500sec if you shoot in the APS-C format. If that wasn’t enough, it also offers 1/200th second sync speed using its completely silent electronic shutter – you can even use the flash when shooting at 30fps!

Sony have also listened closely to their existing base of pro photographers and fully weather-sealed the Alpha A1.

The doors for the battery compartment and memory card slots use a double-sealed sliding mechanism, rather than being hinged, which should help to beef-up the camera’s dust and water durability.

As you’d expect from a professional-level camera, there are dual memory card slots that can be used for either SD UHS-I/II compliant memory cards or faster CFexpress Type A cards.

As with the A9 II, Sony have also reversed the orientation of the dual card slots (both supporting UHS-II), with Slot 1 now more logically at the top, and Slot 2 more logically at the bottom, a small but very welcome change that makes a lot more sense than on earlier Alpha cameras.

This new camera has a raft of connectivity options, inclduing a built-in 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal, flash sync port, USB Type-C port which uses the latest, fastest 10Gbps 3.2 Gen 1 standard to either charge the camera or power it on the move, micro-B USB port for various Sony accessories, full-size HDMI port and a wi-fi connection which supports dual 2.4/5GHz, the latter with 2×2 MIMO support (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac), and FTP transfer of still and movie files that’s 3.5x faster than on the A9 II.

Up to 10 sets of camera settings can be stored in a memory card, with saved settings able to be read by other cameras of the same model.

Other features that will please pro photographers include the ability to attach a 60 second long Voice Memo to an image with automatic transcription into text, enhanced remote shooting via the Remote Camera Tool 2.1 software, and you can save up to nine different FTP settings.

The digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface Shoe, enabling the new ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adaptor Kit to be connected directly to the Sony A1 for better audio recordings.

The Alpha 1 uses the now familiar NP-FZ100 battery which provides 430 shots per charge when using the EVF and 530 when using the LCD monitor. The optional VG-C4EM grip doubles the battery life and adds vertical controls.

In terms of its control layout, the Sony A1 looks like any other recent Alpha camera, particularly the A9 II.

If you were hoping that the Sony A1 would radically deviate from the tried and trusted Alpha blueprint, then you’ll be sorely disappointed.

Indeed, at first glance the A1’s external control layout looks identical to the A9 II’s, but take a much closer look and you’ll notice some subtle differences.

There’s been a slight reworking of the A9 II’s drive mode/focus mode dials on the left-hand side of the top-panel to include the new H+ setting, which is essentially the 30fps burst mode when using the electronic shutter, and the dial itself is now thumb- rather then forefinger-operated.

The A1 also has a slightly taller handgrip than the A9 II that makes it easier to wrap all four fingers around, and on the front the inclusion of the dedicated white balance sensor that was first featured on the Sony A7S III.

On the rear the one-touch movie record button is ever-so-slightly larger than the one on the A9 II, but otherwise the two cameras are nigh-on identical to each other.

The Sony A1 measures 128.9mm x 96.9mm x 80.8mm and weighs 737g with a battery and memory card inserted, making it the heaviest of all the Alpha cameras.

We’ll be updating this page of our Sony A1 review with even more detailed impressions very soon…

Image Quality

All of the sample images in this review were taken using the 50 megapixel Extra Fine JPEG setting, which gives an average image size of around 23Mb.

The Sony A1 produced images of outstanding quality during the review period.

The Alpha 1 has an extensive and very usable ISO range of 50-102400. When shooting JPEG, ISO 50-00 is virtually noise-free, while ISO 12800 and 25600 produce more than acceptable results, and even ISO 51200 and 102400 are OK for emergency use.

The RAW samples illustrate just how much processing the camera does by default, though, as they’re much noisier at all ISO values than their JPEG counterparts.

The long exposure photograph was excellent, with the maximum shutter speed of 30 seconds and the Bulb mode offering lots of scope for creative night photography.

The effective Dynamic Range Optimizer function extracts more detail from the shadow and highlight areas in an image, without introducing any unwanted noise or other artifacts.

The various Picture Profiles quickly produce special looks for your JPEG files that would otherwise require you to spend a lot of time in the digital darkroom, while the Creative Looks provide a quick and easy way to tweak the camera’s JPEG and Raw image output.

ISO Speeds

There are 12 ISO settings available on the Sony A1. Here are some 100% crops which show the noise levels for each ISO setting for both JPEG and RAW formats.

JPEG	RAW
ISO 50	ISO 50
ISO 100	ISO 100
ISO 200	ISO 200
ISO 400	ISO 400
ISO 800	ISO 800
ISO 1600	ISO 1600
ISO 3200	ISO 3200
ISO 6400	ISO 6400
ISO 12800	ISO 12800
ISO 25600	ISO 25600
ISO 51200	ISO 51200
ISO 102400	ISO 102400

File Quality

The Sony A1 has 5 different image quality settings available, with Extra Fine being the highest quality option. Here are some 100% crops which show the quality of the various options, with the file size shown in brackets.

Long Exposures

The Sony A1’s maximum shutter speed is 30 seconds and there’s also a Bulb mode for even longer exposures, which is excellent news if you’re seriously interested in night photography. The shot below was taken using a shutter speed of 30 seconds at ISO 100.

Pixel Shift Multi Shoot

In the Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode, the Sony A1 shoots either 4 or 16 uncompressed RAW images whilst shifting the image sensor either one pixel or a 1/4 of a pixel at a time. You can then generate images with a higher resolution than is possible with regular shooting by combining the RAW images on a computer using the Imaging Edge (Remote/Viewer/Edit) application.

Off (8640×5760 pixels)

On – 4 Shots (8640×5760 pixels)

On – 16 Shots (17280×11520 pixels)

Off (8640×5760 pixels)

On – 4 Shots (8640×5760 pixels)

On – 16 Shots (17280×11520 pixels)

Dynamic Range Optimizer

D-Range Optimiser (DRO) is Sony’s solution to improve shadow detail in photos taken in contrasty light. There are 5 different levels and an Auto option.

Creative Looks

There are 10 Creative Look preset effects that you can use to change the look of your images. They can be applied to both JPEGs and Raw files.

ST

PT

NT

VV

VV2

FL

IN

SH

BW

SE

Picture Profiles

The Sony A1 offers a range of 12 creative Picture Profiles, which can only be selected when JPEG is set as the image quality option.

Off

PP1

PP2

PP3

PP4

PP5

PP6

PP7

PP8

PP9

PP10

PP11

Product Images

https://www.sony.net/Products/…

Press Release

• New 50.1-megapixel (approx., effective) full-frame stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor in combination with an upgraded BIONZ XR™ imaging processing engine with eight times more processing power[i]
• Blackout- free continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second[ii]
• Fast sensor readout enables up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second[iii], double the speed of the Alpha 9 II, even during 30fps continuous shooting
• Bright and large 0.64-type 9.44 million-dot (approx.) OLED Quad-XGA electronic viewfinder with the world’s first[iv] refresh rate of 240 fps
• Silent, vibration-free electronic shutter
• World’s first[v] anti-flicker shooting with both mechanical and electronic shutter
• Electronic shutter flash sync[vi] up to 1/200 sec. for the first time in the Alpha™ series
• World’s fastestv mechanical shutter flash sync up to 1/400 sec.
• 8K 30p[vii] 10-bit 4:2:0 XAVC HS video recording with 8.6K oversampling for extraordinary detail and resolution, in addition to 4K 120p[viii] 10-bit 4:2:2 movie shooting capabilities
• Wide dynamic range of 15 stops for stills[ix] and 15+ stops for video[x]
• Improved Real-time Eye AF (autofocus) for humans and animals, and new Real-time Eye AF for birds[xi], as well as Real-time Tracking that automatically maintains accurate focus
• 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization for a 5.5-step[xii] shutter speed advantage
• S-Cinetone color matrix as seen in FX9 and FX6 to deliver expressive cinematic look
• Professional workflow support with the industry’s fastest[xiii] built-in Wi-Fi, SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps, 1000BASE-T Ethernet and more

Sony, a global leader in imaging sensor technology and digital imaging, has announced the arrival of the groundbreaking new full-frame mirrorless Alpha 1 camera – asserting their commitment to leading the industry with a stunning combination of innovative new features.

The most technologically advanced, innovative camera that Sony has ever released, the Alpha 1 combines high-resolution and high-speed performance at a level that has never been accomplished in the world of digital cameras. With a brand new 50.1-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS™ image sensor, up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second, 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video and much more, the Alpha 1 will allow creators to capture what they’ve never been able to before.

“We are always listening to our customers, challenging the industry to bring new innovation to the market that goes far beyond their expectations.” said Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe. “Alpha 1 breaks through all existing boundaries, setting a new bar for what creators can accomplish with a single camera. What excites us the most – more than the extensive product features – is Alpha 1’s ability to capture that which has never been captured before. This camera unlocks a new world of creative possibilities, making the previously impossible now possible.”

The newly developed image sensor is built with integral memory and paired with an upgraded BIONZ XR imaging processing engine, making it capable of shooting 50.1-megapixel images continuously at an astounding 30fps with up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second. The Alpha 1’s shooting capabilities are further enhanced by a 9.44 million dot OLED Quad-XGA electronic viewfinder, with a refresh rate of up to 240 fps[xiv], ensuring no black out. Additionally, for the first time in an Alpha series camera, 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video is available. The Alpha 1 is also capable of 4K 120p / 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and includes S-Cinetone colour. The Alpha 1 is also packed with features that support field professionals with faster workflow, including 3.5 times faster wireless FTP transfer speed[xv] and more.

Unprecedented Resolution and Speed

Continuous Shooting at Up to 30 Frames Per Second

The Alpha 1 captures moments that would otherwise be lost thanks to its high-speed performance, providing any photographer the speed they require to capture fast-moving objects. High speed readout from the 50.1-megapixel image sensor and a large buffer memory make it possible to shoot up to 155 full-frame compressed RAW images[xvi] or 165 full-frame JPEG images[xvii]at up to 30 frames per second with the electronic shutter while maintaining full AF and AE tracking performance[xviii].

At an astonishing calculation speed of up to 120AF/AE per second, the Alpha 1 can maintain focus with high accuracy even for fast moving subjects. It can automatically adjust exposure, even with sudden changes in brightness, with an AE response latency as low as 0.033 secondsii.

Advanced Electronic Viewfinder with the World’s Firstiv Refresh Rate of 240 fps

Complimenting the camera’s ability to capture images at an unprecedented speed, the Alpha 1 viewfinder features the world’s firstiv240 fps refresh ratexiv, for a super-smooth display. The viewfinder does not black out when an exposure is made to offer an uninterrupted view and allow for seamless framing and tracking, even during continuous shooting. The 9.44 million-dot (approx.), 0.64 type Quad-XGA high-definition OLED display and refined optics deliver the highest resolution in its classiv. It also offers 0.90x[xix] viewfinder magnification, a 41° diagonal FOV, and a 25mm-high eyepoint for clear, low distortion viewing from corner to corner.

Advanced Autofocus

Sony continues to push the boundaries of autofocus technology with the introduction of the Alpha 1, which can easily track complex, fast-moving subjects with high precision. The camera features 759 phase detection points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system cover approximately 92% of the image area – ensuring accuracy and unfailing focus in environments where focusing might otherwise be difficult.

Sony’s advanced Real-time Eye AF improves detection performance by 30% over the previous systemi, thanks to the powerful image processing engine, BIONZ XR. It ensures accurate, reliable detection, even when the subject’s face looks away. In addition to improved Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, the Alpha 1 employs high-level subject recognition technology to provide Real-time Eye AF for birdsxi, a first in an Alpha series camera. Optimised algorithms ensure that tracking is maintained even if a sitting bird suddenly takes flight, or the framing suddenly changes[xx].

The Alpha 1 also features AI-based Real-time Tracking that automatically maintains accurate focus. A subject recognition algorithm uses colour, pattern (brightness), and subject distance (depth) data to process spatial information in real time at high speed.

Silent, Vibration-free Electronic Shutter

High-speed readout from the new image sensor has made it possible to reduce rolling shutter by up to 1.5 times when shooting stills, compared to the Alpha 9 II. It also offers silent anti-flicker continuous shooting with an electronic shutter for the first timev in the world. The electronic shutter[xxi] operates silently, without mechanical noise, and is vibration-free. Stress-free continuous shooting is now possible even when shooting in challenging lighting situations with florescent or other flicker-prone types of artificial lighting. And for the first time in an Alpha camera, electronic shutter flash sync up to 1/200 sec[xxii] is possible. The advantages of the electronic shutter advantages can now come to life even when using flash for broadly expanded shooting versatility.

Dual Driven Shutter System for 1/400 Flash Sync

The Alpha 1 boasts the world’s fastest flash sync speedv of 1/400 sec. with mechanical shutter, making it even easier to capture dynamic action. In addition to a carbon fibre shutter curtain, the Alpha 1 features the newly developed dual driven shutter system utilising spring and electromagnetic drive actuator, offering high durability and lightness at the same time.

High Resolution Shooting Enhancements

Even with this sensor’s high pixel count, the Alpha 1 offers high sensitivity with low noise, plus 15+ stops of dynamic range for video and 15 stops for stills, for smooth, natural gradations from shadows to highlights thanks to its cutting-edge processing system, throughout a wide ISO sensitivity range of 100-32,000 (expandable to 50-102,400, when shooting stills).

Additionally, the new camera features an evolved Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode that composites up to 16 full-resolution images. In this mode, the camera precisely shifts the sensor in one pixel or half-pixel increments to capture 16 separate pixel-shifted images containing a total of 796.2 million pixels of data, which are then composited into a 199 million pixel (17,280 x 11,520 pixels) image using Sony’s Imaging Edge™ desktop application. With a flash sync of up to 1/200 sec. in this mode, it is ideal for photographing architecture, art or any other still life subject with a level of detail and colour accuracy that is simply stunning.

Professional Video Quality

8K High-Resolution Movie Shooting

For the first time in an Alpha camera, the Alpha 1 offers 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 XAVC HS recording with 8.6K oversampling for extraordinary resolution. Combined with Sony’s acclaimed autofocus technology, gradation and colour reproduction performance, the Alpha 1 will help the user realise their creative vision with the finest detail. It’s 8K footagecan also be used for flexible 4K editing during post-production.

Supporting Various Video Formats for Professionals

The Alpha 1 offers in-camera 4K recording at up to 120 frames per secondviii which allows the user to shoot up to 5X slow-motion video[xxiii]. In addition to supporting 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, this feature can be used with efficient Long GOP inter-frame compression or high-quality Intra (All-I) intra-frame compression.

The Alpha 1 features S-Cinetone, the same colour matrix that produces the highly regarded FX9 and FX6 colour and skin tones. It delivers natural mid-tones, plus soft colours and gorgeous highlights to meet a growing need for more expressive depth.The S-Log3 gamma curve makes it possible to achieve 15+ stops of dynamic range, while the S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine colour gamut settings make it easy to match Alpha 1 footage with video shot on VENICE cinema camera, FX9 and other professional cinema cameras.

Heat-dissipating Structure

A unique heat dissipating structure keeps image sensor and image processing engine temperatures within their normal operating range, preventing overheating while maintaining compact body dimensions. This makes it possible to record 8K/30p video continuously for approximately 30 minutes[xxiv].

Supporting Hand-held Shooting

A high-precision stabilisation unit and gyro sensors, plus optimised image stabilisation algorithms, achieve up to a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage, maximising the quality of the high-resolution images derived from the camera’s 50.1-megapixel sensor. The Alpha 1 also features an Active Mode[xxv] that offers outstanding stabilisation for handheld movie shooting. When using Sony’s desktop applications Catalyst Browse or Catalyst Prepare[xxvi] for post-production, an accurate image stabilisation function is available which utilises metadata generated by the camera’s built-in gyro.

Other features that the Alpha 1 offers include; 16-bit RAW output[xxvii] to an external recorder[xxviii] via HDMI for maximum post-production flexibility, a digital audio interface has been added to the camera’s Multi Interface (MI) Shoe for clearer audio recordings from a compatible Sony external microphone, 5.8K oversampled full pixel readout without pixel binning for high-resolution 4K movies in Super 35mm mode and more.

Enhanced Workflow with Network Technologies including Connectivity to 5G Compatible Devices

The Alpha 1 has been designed and configured to support photo and video journalists and sports shooters who need to deliver stills or movies as quickly as possible with advanced connectivity options. It offers several features for fast, reliable file transfers. The industry’s fastestxiiibuilt-in wireless LAN allows communication on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz[xxix]bands with dual antennas to ensure reliable communications. 5 GHz includes 2×2 MIMO support (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac) offering 3.5 times faster wireless FTP transfer speed than the Alpha 9 II – a notable advantage for news and sports shooters who need to deliver with reliable speed. There is also a provided USB Type-C® connector to support high-speed PC Remote (tethered) data transfer available for smooth handling of large image files. The Alpha 1 also has a built-in 1000BASE-T LAN connector for high-speed, stable data transfers, including remote shooting. FTPS (File Transfer over SSL/TLS) is supported, allowing SSL or TLS encryption for increased data security.

In addition to compressed and uncompressed RAW, the Alpha 1 includes efficient lossless compression with no quality degradation, Lossless Compressed RAW. There is also a new “Light” JPEG/HEIF image quality setting that results in smaller files than the “Standard” setting, allowing faster deliver for news and sports photographers who depend on speed. Along with a versatile range of RAW and JPEG formats, the Alpha 1 includes the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) format for smooth 10-bit gradations that provide more realistic reproduction of skies and portrait subjects where subtle, natural gradation is essential. Images shot on the Alpha 1 can be trimmed in-camera to a desired aspect ratio, size, or position for versatile usage.

The Alpha 1 is also compatible with a variety of apps, add-ons and tools. With Imaging Edge Mobile and Imaging Edge Desktop[xxx], professionals can easily transfer RAW files and files that use lossless compression and remotely control Touch Tracking and Touch Focus for convenient AF operation. The Transfer & Tagging add-on (Ver. 1.3 or later) can automatically covert voice memos attached to image files to text captions or transfer the files to an FTP server from a mobile device. Desktop applications Catalyst Browse/Catalyst Preparexxvi allow professionals to browse and manage video clips shot by Sony’s camera. In addition, the Remote Camera Tool[xxxi] can remotely change camera settings and shoot from a computer connected via LAN cable and feature a number of refinements for the Alpha 1: faster transfer, touch response, dual slot and HEIF support, and more.

Reliable and Easy Operability

Professional users need more than just refined features and performance. They also need the reliability and durability demanded of any professional tool. The Alpha 1 has two media slots that both support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards, as well as new CFexpress Type A cards for higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds. It also features a durable magnesium alloy chassis, long battery life with the Z-battery which can be extended using the optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip (sold separately),an improved dust removal feature, shutter close function on power-off to protect image sensor, plus dust and moisture resistance[xxxii] that maximises reliability in challenging environments. It includes a durable, reliable HDMI Type-A connector, and USB PD (Power Delivery) support, allowing higher power to be supplied from an external source so that users can record for extended periods with minimal internal battery usage.

A revised menu structure provides easier navigation, and touch-responsive menu operation offers fast, more intuitive control with Touch Focus and Touch Tracking on its 3.0 type 1.44 million-dot (approx.) LCD monitor.For easy customisation, a subset of the camera’s shooting settings now changes according to the selected shooting mode, making it easier than ever to use different aperture, shutter speed and other settings for shooting stills and movies.

Pricing and Availability

The Alpha 1 Full-frame Interchangeable-Lens Camera will be available in Europe in March 2021 for approximately £6,500.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new camera and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.co.uk, a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony α – Alpha brand cameras.

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• Ѕоnу А1 Dіgіtаl Саmеrа Воdу
• Ѕоnу Rесhаrgеаblе Lіthіum-Іоn Ваttеrу
• Ѕоnу Ваttеrу Сhаrgеr
• АС Аdарtеr
• Роwеr Соrd
• Саblе Рrоtесtоr
• Ѕоnу Воdу Сар
• Ѕоnу Мultі-Іntеrfасе Ѕhое Сар
• Ѕоnу Еуеріесе Сuр
• Місrо-UЅВ Саblе
• Ѕhоuldеr Ѕtrар

[i] Compared to the BIONZ X imaging processing engine.

[ii] “Hi+” continuous shooting mode. In focus modes other than AF-C, effective at 1/125 sec. or higher shutter speed. In AF-C mode, effective at 1/250 sec. or higher shutter speed, and the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode and lens used. 20 fps max. when shooting Uncompressed or Lossless compressed RAW.

[iii] At shutter speeds of 1/125 sec. or higher. The number of AF calculations will depend on the lens used.

[iv] As of January 2021, Sony survey. Among full-frame mirrorless cameras.

[v] As of January 2021, Sony survey. Among full-frame interchangeable-lens digital still cameras.

[vi] Up to 1/200 sec. Synchronization via the sync terminal is not available for electronic shutter.

[vii] [APS-C S35 Shooting] is fixed [Off] when shooting 4K 120p and 8K movies.

[viii] 10% image crop.

[ix] Sony internal tests.

[x]When recording with S-Log3. Sony internal tests.

[xi] Still images only.

[xii] CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off.

[xiii] As of January 2021, Sony survey. Among interchangeable-lens digital still cameras.

[xiv]Field of view is fixed at 33° and resolution is UXGA when selecting frame rate at 240 fps.

[xv] 3.5 times faster when compared against the Alpha 9 II.

[xvi]“Hi+” continuous shooting mode, compressed RAW, CFexpress Type A memory card. Sony tests.

[xvii]“Hi+” continuous shooting mode, CFexpress Type A memory card. Sony tests.

[xviii]At 20 frames per second, users can shoot up to 238 full-frame compressed RAW images or 400 full-frame JPEG images.

[xix] 50mm lens, infinity, -1m-1 diopter.

[xx]Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations.

[xxi]Shutter speed slower than 0.5 sec. cannot be set while continuous shooting. Tracking performance and max. aperture differs by settings and lenses.

[xxii] Up to 1/200 sec. Synchronization via the sync terminal is not available for electronic shutter.

[xxiii]Post-production editing and S&Q mode recording required. Data must be recorded to a CFexpress Type A memory card when the frame rate is 120 (100) fps or higher.

[xxiv]Sony internal tests with [Auto Power OFF Temp.] set to [High].

[xxv] Active Mode is not available for 8K recording.

[xxvi]Catalyst Browse™ version 2020.1 or later, Catalyst Prepare version 2020.1 or later are required.

[xxvii]8K is not applicable.

[xxviii] Compatible recorders to be announced.

[xxix] 5 GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions.

[xxx] The Imaging Edge (Remote/Viewer/Edit) desktop application Ver. 3.1 or later is required for compositing.

[xxxi] Remote Camera Tool version 2.3 or later is required.

[xxxii] Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and water resistant.

Image Gallery

Click on a thumbnail to see the full version.