Sony has launched some exciting cameras over the years. With each flagship, the company has tried to offer something new to photographers. For instance, the a9 III featured a global shutter, with the a1 II featuring the first AI chip for photographers. However, per a new report, it appears that Sony is working on a new camera, one that may feature minimal changes: a new edition of the a1 II. Here is a look at the story.
According to Sony Alpha Rumors, there is an unconfirmed report that Sony’s next camera will be a new variant of the a1 II. What does it mean that there won’t be an a1 III, but rather a1 IIa? The a1 II was launched very recently, and features a few changes in the hardware, while maintaining the original sensor. And now, it appears that the company is keen on introducing a new iteration, which will only feature an upgraded LCD.
The design update seems to be in line with Sony‘s cinema lineup. Sony has been introducing “a” variant of cameras, such as the FX3a, which brings minor changes to the camera. For instance, they will include usability enhancements, such as improved displays or enhanced thermal performance, while retaining the same sensor and processor.
The idea of introducing a new a1 camera just for a small update could be disappointing for photographers. One of the reasons is that a minor LCD or design change may not be huge for people. However, a refresh can be important for some photographers. Especially those who use LCDs mostly for their shoots. This also reminds us of how Leica M series cameras are now planning to include an EVF, as the optical viewfinders make it challenging for people to focus on the images correctly.
Either way, the Sony A1 has been groundbreaking, and if the LCD was a challenge, it should have been changed when the a1 II was announced. However, the other side is that reports like these do not have any confirmation. It means that we have to wait for an official announcement of the development report. If it does not come anytime soon, it could also mean that these changes will be a part of the next iteration of the camera.
Although it is all not yet confirmed, the a1 IIa is not a far-fetched idea. The company has made small changes and introduced new models to keep the lineup fresh, without rushing to launch a next-generation camera too soon. As they had once said, their older models still continue to dominate sales: “The Alpha 7 IV, despite its relative age, remains an exceptional camera and is still in the top 5 bestsellers.”
A meaningful refinement is great, but given the rising prices of cameras, Sony must ask whom does the camera actually benefits. Because anyone who has already purchased the a1 II will not go buy another one for a small update.
