The debate of Sony A1 vs A1 II (€7,500.00) highlights how Sony’s latest flagship camera builds on the legacy of its predecessor. While the a1 II introduces significant improvements, it stops short of a revolutionary overhaul. The original Sony a1, launched in early 2021, set an impressive benchmark for professional cameras, and the Sony a1 II enhances that foundation with thoughtful upgrades. But what sets these two models apart?
Enhanced Design and User Experience
One of the most striking upgrades is the a1 II’s redesigned body. Since the initial release of the a1 in January 2021, Sony has refined its approach to ergonomics. Following the principles showcased in the a7R V and a9 III, the a1 II adopts a deeper grip, an updated button layout (featuring a new custom front button for Boost Mode), a modernized menu system, and an improved electronic viewfinder (EVF). These changes significantly enhance the overall handling and usability.
The LCD panel is another highlight. The a1 II boasts a four-axis tilting 3.2-inch touchscreen with a higher resolution of 2.1 million dots, compared to the 1.44 million-dot panel on the original. Borrowed from other recent Sony models, this flexible design allows for diverse shooting angles, catering to both photographers and videographers.
The updated EVF maintains the 9.44-million-dot OLED quality but now supports up to 240 fps, a noticeable improvement over the a1’s 60 fps maximum. Although there is some resolution trade-off at higher frame rates, the EVF is smoother and more stable. It also includes a more comfortable eyecup for prolonged use.
AI-Driven Autofocus
Keeping up with advancements, the a1 II incorporates an AI chip to boost its autofocus capabilities. While it retains the 759-point hybrid autofocus system with 92% frame coverage, the added processing power introduces expanded subject detection modes, including automatic subject selection and improved tracking for animals, birds, and vehicles.
Sony reports a 30% improvement in human and animal eye detection and a 50% increase in bird eye detection accuracy. New autofocus area settings, ranging from extra small to extra large, have also been added. While the original a1 was already fast, the a1 II handles complex scenarios more effectively, setting a new benchmark.
Familiar Yet Improved Performance
The a1 II keeps the 50.1-megapixel Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and Bionz XR processor from its predecessor. The image quality remains outstanding, with added AI noise reduction for JPEGs and enhanced composite RAW features requiring Sony’s external software.
Shooting speeds also mirror the original model, with a maximum burst rate of 30 fps using the electronic shutter. A new Pre-Capture function allows photographers to buffer up to one second of images before fully pressing the shutter, making it easier to capture fleeting moments. Additionally, the Speed Boost feature offers instant control over shooting rates via a custom button.
Image stabilization sees a notable upgrade, increasing from 5.5 stops in the a1 to 8.5 stops at the center and seven stops around the edges in the a1 II. These enhancements provide better stability for handheld shooting.
Video Capabilities: Subtle Refinements
In video performance, the a1 II introduces several minor updates. It now supports LUT import and AI-based Auto Framing, although the latter may not appeal to professionals due to its cropping factor. Additional features include focus mapping, expanded log shooting options, and new shutter speed settings for precise cinematic control.
The camera retains its predecessor’s robust 8K/30p and 4K/120p recording capabilities, with slight improvements in autofocus during video shooting.
A Solid Yet Incremental Update
The Sony a1 II might not redefine camera technology as its predecessor did, but it brings valuable improvements that enhance usability and functionality. For many users, the original a1 remains an exceptional choice, but the a1 II takes over as Sony’s flagship model, delivering refined performance for professionals in both photography and videography.