Sony has unveiled the second-generation Alpha™ 1 II, its latest flagship full-frame mirrorless camera designed for professionals.
Featuring cutting-edge innovations, the Alpha 1 II is powered by Sony’s advanced AI processing unit and boasts approximately 50.1 megapixels of effective resolution. It offers up to 30 frames per second (fps) blackout-free continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking, an anti-distortion shutter, and enhanced clarity at mid-to-high ISO sensitivities.
The newly integrated AI processing unit enables sophisticated subject recognition, including an “Auto” mode that detects various subjects automatically. Furthermore, the Alpha 1 II incorporates enhancements from the Alpha 9 III, such as a Pre-Capture function that records images up to one second before pressing the shutter and a more ergonomic design. Despite its advanced features, the camera remains lightweight at just 743 grams (1 lb, 7.3 oz), ensuring versatility for diverse professional applications.
Blending High Resolution, Speed, and AI Innovation
The Alpha 1 II delivers stunning image quality with a wide dynamic range, courtesy of its full-frame Exmor RS® stacked CMOS sensor with 50.1 effective megapixels, paired with Sony’s BIONZ XR® image processor. Even in APS-C crop mode, the camera achieves impressive resolutions of approximately 21 megapixels.
Designed for high-speed shooting, the Alpha 1 II captures images with blackout-free performance at up to 30 fps, while its AF/AE system calculates settings 120 times per second to track fast-moving subjects. The Pre-Capture feature allows photographers to save shots up to one second before pressing the shutter, ensuring no critical moments are missed.
The camera’s Real-time Recognition AF system, driven by the AI processor, tracks subjects with unprecedented accuracy. This includes human pose estimation, which detects a subject’s head and torso, alongside recognition capabilities for animals, birds, insects, and vehicles. The new “Auto” mode automatically identifies the subject without requiring manual selection.
Reduced Distortion and Enhanced Noise Reduction
For demanding scenarios requiring high-speed shooting, the Alpha 1 II’s anti-distortion shutter minimizes image distortion. Additionally, noise reduction has been fine-tuned to deliver clean, detailed images even at high sensitivities, making it ideal for capturing fast-paced indoor sports.
The camera also introduces advanced optical image stabilization, offering up to 8.5 stops (center) and 7.0 stops (periphery) for still photography. Video shooters benefit from Dynamic Active Mode, which provides enhanced stabilization during motion capture.
Optimized Workflow and Intuitive Design
The Alpha 1 II is designed with a highly flexible 3.2-inch 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor, allowing photographers to frame shots from virtually any angle. Ergonomic improvements include an upgraded grip, repositioned shutter button, and enhanced custom controls.
The camera comes with a new deep-padded eyepiece cup (model FDA-EP21) for added comfort during extended use. A standard eyepiece is pre-installed, but users can opt for the deep-padded version based on their preferences.
For extended shooting sessions, the Alpha 1 II includes the BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger, which charges two Z batteries (NP-FZ100) simultaneously in 155 minutes. The optional VG-C5 vertical grip enhances usability and doubles battery life, supporting extended shoots.
The Alpha 1 II also features 2.5GBASE-T wired LAN for faster, more reliable data transfer, significantly improving professional workflows. Integration with Sony’s Creators’ Cloud service allows automatic transfers to platforms like Adobe Lightroom™ and Google Drive™, streamlining post-production.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sony is prioritizing eco-friendly packaging for the Alpha 1 II, making it the first Alpha series camera (excluding ZV models) to utilize Sony’s Original Blended Material, a sustainable mix of bamboo, sugarcane, and recycled paper. The packaging is completely plastic-free, reflecting Sony’s environmental commitment.
Availability
The Sony Alpha 1 II will be available in Malaysia starting December 2024.
For more details, visit:
– Alpha 1 II here
– FDA-EP21 Eyepiece Cup here
– BC-ZD1 Dual Battery Charger here.
