The Sony A1 might be seen as the ‘flex’ of cameras in terms of the language used in social media. It aims to be the most excellent mirrorless camera and Sony’s indisputable flagship by offering a unique combination of speed, high-resolution stills, and 8K video; even if it results in a price tag the size of a vehicle, it is still Sony’s flagship product.
If you’re in a position to make a purchase, the fact that it’s possibly the most versatile professional camera ever created should be your primary selling point.
The A1 (or Alpha 1, as it is also known) is not content to specialize in just one area of photography; rather, it is equally capable in the studio, on the touchline at a professional sporting event, papping celebrities, in the jungle shooting wildlife, and even on the set of a Hollywood film shooting video. This is because the A1 was designed to be versatile.
Sony A1 Features
The sensor and processor are the central components of any camera, around which all of the other features and functions revolve. The Sony A1 may be thought of as a hybrid device that combines the capabilities of the Sony A9 II and the Sony A7R IV but with an increased level of power.
Incredible image quality and processing speed are provided by the device’s full-frame 50.1-megapixel Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor, which twins Bionz XR image processors power.
This combination not only produces photographs rich in detail but also makes it possible for the A1 to take pictures at a rate of up to 30 frames per second with a buffer that can store up to 155 raw files in compressed form or 165 JPEGs when using the electronic shutter.
During our tests, we took about 67 shots in each burst while shooting uncompressed raw files with the mechanical shutter.
Another feature that can be accommodated with the assistance of this combination is the capability to shoot video at resolutions of up to 8K at 30 frames per second in 10-bit 4:2:0 and 4K at 120/60 frames per second in 10-bit 4:2:2, recording in a variety of raw formats such as S-Cinetone and S-Log3.
It is stated that the latter has a dynamic range greater than 15 stops—the utilization of S-Gamut3 in addition to S-Gamut3. Cine also makes it feasible to match footage with sure of Sony’s professional camcorders and movie cameras. In addition, there is a raw output of 16 bits that HDMI may send to an external recorder.
Sony a1 Build Quality
Autofocus and driving mode controls are located on the left side of the top plate of the A1, much like they are on the A9 II. These options are hidden away in menus on A7 models, but the direct access knobs on the A1 are designed to make it as simple and fast as possible to adjust the relevant settings.
The camera has a grip that is very similar to that of other full-frame Sony mirrorless bodies, and it uses the same NP-FZ100 battery found in more recent Sony Alpha models that have been released in the last couple of years. This means the camera will fit in very well with existing Sony kits because it has the same battery.
When using bigger telephoto lenses, a battery grip provides a superior balance between the camera and lens, eventually resulting in increased comfort when holding the camera. The A1 weighs 737 grams with the memory card and battery installed, so it is pleasant to carry with standard lenses.
Sony a1 Performance
The A1 is not a slouch and can hold its own in any of these shooting conditions, whether you are photographing animals, sports, portraits, landscapes, or anything else. The camera is quick and effective in a number of areas, but the focusing technology, in particular, is potent and impressive.
You are able to position the active focus point (or points) in the viewfinder in virtually any location with the A1’s 759-Point hybrid AF system, which covers 92% of the sensor. Not to mention the fact that the phase-detection points in a high-density, focal-plane phase-detection autofocus system are engineered to give reliable autofocus even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Sony a1 Image Quality
- A stacked sensor is capable of capturing an extraordinary level of detail.
- Exceptional performance at high ISO settings, with useable images, produced even at 12,800.
- 8K and 4K/120p video formats provide filmmakers with significant flexibility
When it comes to visual quality, the A1 does not in any way fall short of expectations. The stacked 50.1-megapixel CMOS sensor can capture an extraordinary level of information, enough so that even professional studio photographers would be pleased with the results.
Not to mention the 15 stops of dynamic range and exceptional high ISO noise sensitivity that add, respectively, to the good image quality. Both of these factors are responsible for the excellent image quality.
Sony a1 Specs
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
| Sensor | |
| Max resolution | 8640 x 5760 |
| Image ratio w:h | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Effective pixels | 50 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 51 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) |
| Sensor type | Stacked CMOS |
| Processor | Dual Bionz XR |
| Color space | sRGB, Adobe RGB, Rec. 2020 |
| Color filter array | Primary color filter |
| Image | |
| ISO | Auto, 100-32000 (expands to 50-102400) |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 50 |
| Boosted ISO (maximum) | 102400 |
| White balance presets | 7 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | Sensor-shift |
| CIPA image stabilization rating | 5.5 stop(s) |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Extra fine, fine, standard, light |
| File format | JPEG (Exif v2.32)HEIFRaw (Sony ARW v4.0) |
| Optics & Focus | |
| Autofocus | Contrast Detect (sensor)Phase DetectMulti-areaCenterSelective single-pointTrackingSingleContinuousTouchFace DetectionLive View |
| Autofocus assist lamp | Yes |
| Number of focus points | 759 |
| Lens mount | Sony E |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Screen / viewfinder | |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,440,000 |
| Touch screen | Yes |
| Screen type | TFT LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.9× |
| Viewfinder resolution | 9,437,184 |
| Photography features | |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed (electronic) | 1/32000 sec |
| Exposure modes | ProgramAperture priorityShutter priorityManual |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes |
| Flash X sync speed | 1/400 sec |
| Continuous drive | 30.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes |
| Metering modes | MultiCenter-weightedHighlight-weightedAverageSpot |
| Exposure compensation | ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| AE Bracketing | ±5 (3, 5 frames at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | Yes |
| Videography features | |
| Format | XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265 |
| Modes | 7680 x 4320 @ 30p / 400 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 25p / 400 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 24p / 400 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p / 280 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p / 280 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 140 Mbps, XAVC HS, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage | |
| Storage types | Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots (UHS-II supported) |
| Connectivity | |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 GBit/sec) |
| USB charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Yes (Standard) |
| Microphone port | Yes |
| Headphone port | Yes |
| Wireless | Built-In |
| Wireless notes | 802.11ac (Dual Band) |
| Remote control | Yes (via Bluetooth or tethered PC) |
| Physical | |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | NP-FZ100 lithium-ion battery & charger |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 530 |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 737 g (1.62 lb / 26.00 oz) |
| Dimensions | 129 x 97 x 81 mm (5.08 x 3.82 x 3.19″) |
| Other features | |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| GPS | None |
Sony a1 Verdict
Because of its high-resolution sensor, lightning-fast autofocus, super-fast burst shooting, and professional connection, as well as 8K raw video recording, the Sony A1 is a great camera that fills practically every conceivable need in the realm of photography. The price tag puts it out of reach for most photographers, even though it is an incredible camera, and the image quality is unparalleled.
Sony a1 Pros & Cons
- Blisteringly quick as the wind.
- Captures excellent detail
- Rapid burst shooting +An perfect balance between speed and resolution.
- Excessive for the vast majority of photographers
- At an unaffordable cost
- The menu system is challenging to understand.
