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Sony Introduces Alpha 1 II Flagship
19 November 2024
Sony has announced the Alpha 1 II, its new flagship full-frame camera. The Alpha 1 II combines high resolution, speed and AI-driven technology.
"The original Alpha 1 was a groundbreaking release in 2021 and since then Sony has continued to raise the bar, year over year," said Yang Cheng, Sony vice president of imaging solutions. "When developing the successor to our esteemed flagship model, we made it our mission to incorporate feedback from the industry and the community of Alpha 1, Alpha 7R V and Alpha 9 III users.
"The result is a powerhouse of a camera -- our highest-performing, most balanced, utilitarian tool on the marketThe Alpha 1 II stays true to the Alpha 1's foundational core of high resolution and speed but is amplified with a dedicated AI processing unit and enhanced ergonomics. It is sure to be seen as Sony's strongest and most reliable hybrid camera ever created."
HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights of the Alpha 1 II include:
- 50-megapixel full-frame stacked BSI CMOS sensor
- AI tacking and Human Pose estimation
- 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video in 10-bit
- Up to 30 fps with AF/AE
- Pre-Capture Nx Speed Boost button
- 8.5-Stop IBIS with dynamic stabilization
- 9.44m-dot EVF with 240 fps refresh rate
- 3.2-inch 2.1m-dot 4-axis touchscreen LCD
- 5 GHz MIMO WiFi, 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slots
SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications for the Alpha 1 II include:
SONY ALPHA 1 II SPECIFICATIONS Sensor 50.1-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor
Aspect Ratios: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9Bit Depth 14-Bit Lens Mount Sony E File Formats Raw, JPEG, HEIF/td> Storage SD/SDHC/SDXC
Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A/SD (UHS-II)Viewfinder 0.64" 9,437,184-dot OLD
25mm eye point
0.9x magnification
-4 to +3 diopter adjustmentMonitor 3.1-inch 2,095,104-dot, 4-axis tilting touchscreen LCD Shutter Mechanical Shutter:
- 1/8000 to 30 seconds
Electronic Shutter:
- 1/32000 to 30 seconds
- 1/8000 to 1/4 second in Movie modeFrame Rate Up to 30 fps at full resolution for up to 240 Raws or 400 JPEGs ISO Photo:
- 100 to 32,000 in Manual mode
- Extended: 50 to 102,400
- 100 to 12,800 in Auto mode
Video:
- 100 to 32,000 in Manual mode
- 100 to 12,800 in Auto modeAutofocus Yes Live View Yes Image Stabilization Sensor-shift, 5-axis Flash TTL, shoe mount, PC flash sync
No built-in flash,Movie Internal Recording Modes:
- H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-bit
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/110/120 fps
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- H.264/XAVC S 4:2:0 8-bit
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
- H.264 ALL-Intra/XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-bit
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- 1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-bit
- UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94/100/120 fps
- H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-bit
- UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94/100/120 fps
External Recording Modes:
- 4:2:0 8-bit via HDMI
- UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps
- 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps
- 4:2:2 10-bit via HDMI
- UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/50/59.94 fps
- 1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps
- Raw 16-bit via HDMI
- 4332 x 2446 at 23.98/24.00/29.97/59.94 fps
No recording limit
Built-in stereo micConnectivity 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0
HDMI output, USSB-C power input, RJ45 data output, USB-C (USB 3.2/3.1 Gen 2)Power NP-FZ100 rechargeable lithium-ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh
420 shotsDimensions 5.4 x 3.8 x 3.3 inches Weight 23.2 oz. PRICE, AVAILABILITY
Sony said the Alpha 1 II will be available in December for $6,499.99. Adorama and B&H are now accepting pre-orders.
Sony Electronics Announces Second-Generation Flagship Alpha 1 II
A Combination of High Resolution, Speed and AI Recognition Designed for Professionals
SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Sony has introduced the Alpha 1 II, its new flagship full-frame camera. This mirrorless camera brings together some of the most requested and beloved features of Sony's high-end camera lineup into one body, designed to be the most reliable and strongest choice for any professional application. The Alpha 1 II combines high resolution, speed and cutting-edge AI-driven technology to meet the output and workflow needs of professional photographers and videographers. Designed for professionals at the top of their game, the Alpha 1 II is an ideal hybrid tool for photojournalism, wildlife, sports, portraiture, weddings and commercial work.
Key features of the Alpha 1 II include:
- High-resolution full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with an approximate effective 50.1-megapixel (megapixels)
- Up to 30 fps (frames-per-second) blackout-free continuous shooting with AF/AE (autofocus/autoexposure) tracking1
- 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 second2 and Continuous Shooting Speed Boost
- Improved optical image stabilization of up to 8.5 stops (center) and 7.0 stops (periphery)3 for still images and a new Dynamic active Mode for videos4
- 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)5
"The original Alpha 1 was a groundbreaking release in 2021 and since then Sony has continued to raise the bar, year over year. When developing the successor to our esteemed flagship model, we made it our mission to incorporate feedback from the industry and the community of Alpha 1, Alpha 7R V and Alpha 9 III users. The result is a powerhouse of a camera -- our highest-performing, most balanced, utilitarian tool on the market," said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. "The Alpha 1 II stays true to the Alpha 1's foundational core of high resolution and speed but is amplified with a dedicated AI processing unit and enhanced ergonomics. It is sure to be seen as Sony's strongest and most reliable hybrid camera ever created."
High Resolution, Speed and AI Combination
The Alpha 1 II camera's exceptional reliability and versatility arises not just from strength of any single feature, but from the combination of its resolution, speed and AI capabilities coexisting to amplify one another. Here is a breakdown of each:
High Resolution: The Alpha 1 II produces high-resolution images with a wide dynamic range through the full-frame Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor with approximately 50.1 effective MP resolution. This resolution performance is further enhanced by the latest BIONZ XR image processing engine. 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.
Speed: The camera offers blackout-free high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to 30 fps6, which can track complex movements with AF/AE calculations at up to 120 times per second7. 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 pressed8. 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 autofocus 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 mode9.
Stable Performance and Advanced Video Capabilities
A major advancement of the Alpha 1 II is the improved optical image stabilization of up to 8.5 stops in the center (compared to 5.5 stops on the original Alpha 1) and 7.0 stops in the periphery10. 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.
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 capture11. The camera has a variety of features that support streamlined video creation including Breathing Compensation, Auto Framing and import User LUTs capabilities.
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-C512 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 5-GB 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' Cloud13.
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 compatible14 with Sony's Camera Authenticity Solution that stores detailed camera information15 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 202416.
Additional Accessories and Plastic-Free Packaging
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 charge17. 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.
The Alpha 1 II is the first Alpha series camera (excluding ZV series cameras) to use Sony's Original Blend Material for eco-conscious packaging. The materials used for packaging are a unique mix of bamboo, sugarcane and recycled paper. This makes the packaging entirely free of plastic1 8.
Pricing and Availability
The Alpha 1 II will be available in December 2024 for approximately $6,499.99 and $8,499.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America.