photo: © Albert Dros
Sony presents the Alpha 1 II, the second generation of their high-end full-frame interchangeable lens camera, powered by Sony's latest AI chip. This powerhouse has a sensor with an effective resolution of 50.1 megapixels and shoots up to 30 frames per second, all with lightning-fast autofocus and exposure tracking. Thanks to the anti-distortion shutter, images remain smooth even with fast movements, while image quality is further improved at higher ISO values.
The AI chip delivers advanced subject recognition and a brand new "Auto" mode that effortlessly detects all kinds of subjects. In addition, the Alpha 1 II also has some highlights of the Sony Alpha 9 III has been adopted, such as the Pre-Capture function and an improved ergonomic design.
Weighing only 743 grams, this camera offers top performance in a compact package. The AI chip is a useful tool for professional photographers in all kinds of scenarios ranging from photojournalism, commercial work, portraits, wedding photography, wildlife and sports.
Photos taken with the Alpha 1 II are compatible with Sony's Camera Authenticity Solution, which adds authenticity information in real-time to help in the fight against manipulated footage and AI-generated fakes.
The camera delivers high-resolution images even in APS-C crop mode, with approximately 21 effective MP. The AF/AE tracking up to 30 fps is possible follow complex movements with calculations up to 120 times per second.
With the Pre-Capture function you can capture images up to a second before pressing the shutter button. The new one Continuous Shooting Speed Boost also gives you extra speed exactly when you need it. Thanks to the advanced AI chip, Sony introduces Real-time Recognition AF, a technology that keeps your subject in razor-sharp focus. Whether it concerns people (with direct recognition of head and torso), animals, birds, insects or even vehicles, this camera tracks everything with unprecedented precision.
The Sony Alpha 1 II is equipped with a shutter release that prevents distortion, thus allowing shots with less distortion. Through tuning you can now capture images with less noise and a clear background, even in indoor sports where a high shutter speed is required.
In addition, the camera has improved image stabilization up to 8.5 stops (center) and 7.0 stops (periphery) when taking photos, as well as a newly supported Dynamic Active Mode for video recording.
A 4-axis multi-angle LCD screen can be rotated freely according to the user's needs. This second generation camera body has improved ergonomics compared to the original Alpha 1, including thoughtful design updates to the grip, shutter release position and customizable buttons.
The camera always comes with a standard eyecup, but this can be replaced at the user's request with the FDA-EP21, a new, deeply padded eyecup.
The BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger charges two Z batteries (NP-FZ100) at the same time fully charged in just 155 minutes. Combine this with the VG-C5 vertical grip for extra ergonomics and longer battery performance, ideal for long recording sessions.
With 2.5GBASE-T wired LAN and the option for 5G transmission via the PDT-FP1 transmitter (sold separately), image transfer becomes faster than ever. Thanks to Sony's Creators' Cloud, you can push files directly to Adobe Lightroom or Google Drive, significantly speeding up your post-shoot workflow.
To prioritize sustainability, this model's packaging contains no plastic.
Price and availability
The Sony Alpha 1 II will be available from December 2024 for approximately €7,500.
