It remains to be seen how well the Sony bodies hold up under the most extreme conditions.

If you had an assignment from Nat Geo in the Arctic, or the rainforest, would you trust it to a Sony?

Now maybe the Sony holds up very well but it still is unproven.

> would you trust it to a Sony?

Just more Sony-bashing from the paid Canon troll...

@mikegt: I'm being very serious. I've read accounts from some of the guys who have done jobs for Nat Geo and what they've gone through, and seen some of the images of how they used their equipment.

One time I saw a story on a guy who's a humanitarian photographer and he showed pics of what his Canon 1D series camera had been through and it was amazing. It had been covered in mud, been in the very hot desert sand, rained upon, snowed upon, and all sorts of stuff, and it still kept on functioning perfectly.

So yes, I am being serious. If someone had one of those extreme assignments, would they trust a Sony? Maybe they would, maybe they should. But it may be a gamble.

There are times when you need those Canon/Nikon pro bodies that are built like tanks.

@TRU

Clearly you ignored the reports in this link:-

https://www.dpreview.com/videos/8702427033/dpreview-tv-sony-a1-review?comment=4790920335

Keep parroting the same nonsense as always and ignore the facts.

> But it may be a gamble.

You are so anti-Sony and pro-Canon that the only gamble would be believing anything you say.

Commercial photography is more specialized and the marked for social event photography like weddings is shrinking. Now it is easier than ever to get good results even with a mobile phone, and many have good system cameras. Many also prefer friends to document their weddings, since memories often are tied to personal relations rather than a stranger that can deliver professional results.

This is a pro level tool.

If you're not a pro And you can't afford it - just rent it.

How many PRO photograph business (who can afford Sony Alpha 1) still survive after Covid-19 ?

@shirazigs, professional camera’s are expensive. Also the topcamera’s from Canikon cost just as much.

While anyone is free to use what their want, the only camera that can compete with this in video is the FX6, at the same price, and it doesn't take photos. So if they want inferior video, sure, but if they want the best of both worlds, for what is actually an incredibly good price, this is the only choice. Period.

"Other choices"? Like that first-gen R5 that you keep trying to pimp out here?

Not only does it have problems with locking up hard, people are also having issues with R5/R6 sensor misalignment: https://youtu.be/YPI6OJxKnE8

Canon is threatening to steal the worst q.c. ever title from Nikon, and they are doing it with camera bodies that are made in Japan.

The canon C70 is better than both the FX6 and this new one. Of course it cannot take stills but if you are into video the C70 is king at this price point.

The C70 has some huge drawbacks:

- crop sensor so worse in low light
- no parfocal powered video zoom lenses
- ef-mount speedbooster adapter is $600
- needs fan cooling
- no 8k
- no evf
- no ibis
- can't shoot stills
etc.

Gerald Undone picked the a7siii over the C70 for a number of reasons: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9SAeJ-r82A&t=1027s

And the a1 has some advantages over the a7siii.

Pro cinema is a small part of the professional video market, and Sony serves that market with the FX series, among other things. Your posts about the C70 are not relevant to this a1 article, I don't know why you started this tangent.

As far as documentary shooting goes, Sony a1 footage was heavily featured in the Super Bowl broadcast yesterday, and the vast majority of video cameras being used there were made by Sony. The Associated Press chose Sony over Canon for their stills/video news coverage. Canon is not competitive there, but the a1 is.

@mastix The FX6 does all that and more, without many of the drawbacks of the C70, but this is still a post about hybrid professionals so what you are saying is as irrelevant as your previous comments on this post, unless a new firmware has suddenly enabled great stills capabilites on the C70 and/or FX6, and it hasn't.

You go champ, but you are replying to a post that is about one thing and making yourself look like a fool in the process. It is quite amusing. Please keep it up, I'm a bit bored right now.

No. BMPCC 4K / 6K which native support M.2 SSD (cheap, fast, large capacity) head to correct direction.

These M.2 SSD can direct read by PC without card reader.

You said it yourself. Coming from 10 years using the Olympus.. And having just bought the Sony A7III.

You have 10 years using the olympus menu. No wonder it's easier for you to understand. Recommend you find the most useful menu items and put them in "my Menu". Then also recommend you find the settings you change the most and customize your "fn" settings. Then you will find you hardly ever need to go menu diving.

The Samyang 24/35, ZA 35 are small as or smaller than the canon pancake. There’s also flange distance, the canon 40 has to be mounted on a large body, add an adapter and it’s larger than native E-mount lenses.

Last time I looked, Sony cameras were manufactured in Thailand not China.

At such a premium price, this camera SHOULD be made in Japan, not Thailand or China. My $1,000 Sony R1 was made in Japan. That was more than ten years ago though. Still, the labor rate has not changed significantly, and this camera costs three times as much. I see the word China on the battery, and that's an indication that the battery is made in China. How sad. They didn't provide a photo of the bottom of the camera, so we don't know where the camera was made.

57even. I'm not judging Chinese manufacturing. The OP is confused because the A1 is likely made in Thailand, not China. He is just wrong.

@MikeRan

Fair enough, my bad.

Well, 10 years ago Thailand may not have been a viable alternative, or they just haven't finished moving all the production lines there yet. There's incentive to maximize profit after all.

There are photographers out there doing high end work being able to buy cameras like this. Like they could buy Canon 1DS and Nikon Dx cameras and digital medium fornat cameras.

Also it has always been the case the tech in flagship trickles down to the more affordable cameras as time goes by.

The fact that you or me can't afford it doesn't mean nobody else can.

New models should have the price as the last high-end model or slightly more, and all previous models should become cheaper. Sony is greedy, therefore they price new models of cameras much more expensive than old models, at the same time not lowering the price of old models, This is killing the market !!!! It is killing Sony in the long run as well !!!

I like the body, in my case a7iii, very much. Nothing wrong with it.

@Jerome, could you maybe explain what is wrong with the latest Sony body’s?

I'll explain . . . they look like old boxes. Why not make something that is actually ergonomic, like the A55 was? Canon knows how to do it. Have you seen the R5?

It's pretty far off from a box. Pentax K01 was a box. The most ergonomic body seems to be the Sigma DPQ's but that hasn't caught on either.

Horrible to you is not horrible to everyone. Sony's dedication to small bodies is exactly why I chose them.

I dont buy hammers or washing machines because how "cool" or "pretty" these are, I buy them because they are tools for a purpose, same with cameras :D

People buy equipment or tools for many reasons. One obvious reason is to get the job done and what counts is the ability to do so. But many buy tools with additional criteria in mind: a feeling behind it, a myth or story even, a romance, or just the overall build quality. That even applies to hammers.

I've known guys have great tool collections in their garage from the best makers of those tools, and they do value their fit and finish, their look, their feel. They use them, but they value their aesthetic.

Of course people buy cars due to style...if it were just getting from point A to point B, any ole car would do.

So the style of a camera and its build quality and refinement do matter to many. Even now some will buy some of the old classic film cameras because they look beautiful.

Photographers value beauty in all things, including cameras. So yes it matters.

I don´t need such a expensive camera , but if I would want such a camera, I would miss the top-OLED for a fast overwview, The weel +/-1 is overestimated and not needed

"Better" is:

- What I am used with (always)
- Higher numbers (no one will ever question this)
- Bigger must be better (if my brand is bigger)
- What I think and feel is more important than facts (a true fact)
- Features that I never use (add more)
- Sales figures (only the best selling brand according to B&H today will survive)
- Add your personal preferences

If this is not enough, personal attacks will do the trick! 😎

Sony makes every camera larger than the last. Why? Because ergos is real.

Canon have learned that they can be smaller than a 5D and still be very good ergonomically.

The Sony still has that useless front dial because your finger blocks it unless you let go of the grip. So, one more iteration larger and it should work.

Probably the R5/Z7 is as small as a camera can be while still being objectively ergonomic.

Button placements have a lot of room for variation. Here also Sony make them larger and more tactile each iteration still.

@ SteveAnderson: Ever worked with a Sony mirrorless camera for some time? Or smaller aps-c or MFT cameras?

Sure, a Canon feels best for a Canon user who comment on a Sony camera ... here I support the signature vadims who write: ever confuse "good ergonomics" with "what I personally like".

Yes I owned an a7 for a while. While I started Canon 20yrs ago, I bought Nikon a few years ago and it took only a couple days to be fully comfortable with the completely different buttons and dials.

Sony ergos are bad. Everything I said is an objective fact. Even Sony knows it. Hence, each camera is larger, buttons also. I dont care which brand it is.

Some things are subjective, other things, even ergos, have many objective functions.

Funny, I've used Panasonic, Fuji, Nikon, and Sony within the last 3 years. They are only minorly different. Some people just can't adapt to anything that they aren't use to. That doesn't morph it into fact, no matter how you try to frame it.

Which Nikon?

Why do they make the Sony bigger with larger buttons every iteration?

Some people isnt me. I just said there is no problem going from Canon to Nikon. Completely different philosophy but similarly good ergos.

The D500. They make the camera bigger to fit in newer tech. I imagine part of the bigger size of the A1 has to do with 8k heating.

Photography skews elderly, the same people who struggle the most to adapt to change. They are used to large and clunky. It is what they know and associate with cameras.

No, They make the grip larger because they know it was too small in the iteration before that.

The R5 should be bigger than a 1DxIII with that logic. Heat must escape the camera, not be bigger.

They make the buttons more ergo as well.

Elderly? What are you 8 and anyone over 15 is elderly?

One of Sony's catches was to be "a small/light ILC". It was too small. Thats why each next iteration is larger and more usable by normal human sized hands.

Canon/Nikon have learned that a camera can be smaller and still ergo.

Average size, shape of hands and how we hold things are the same regardless of age.
No one likes radical changes, older people less so, young also though. But this has nothing to do with that. It is the same SLR shape, just too small and cramped, bad button placements.

I also doubt the avg age of Sony users is over 60. The a1 is for pro sports, not old people.

They should be getting smaller for each younger buyer by your logic.

I dont even see how you can defend this. Sony knows it. DPR mention the better ergos every iteration also. It is simple science. A cramped chair is not comfortable to sit in.

Buttons that force you to move or release your grip, buttons with very little feel. None of this is good ergo. And voila! Sony keeps improving those things in spite of what you claim.

All true, except that Sony themselves know that it can be better ergonomically which is why they make each new camera larger.

There is no arguing this. Unless you think old Canon users are dictating Sony's ergos?

Sony made small cameras on purpose. It was a distinction. They have learned they can not be as small as an a7 or it is uncomfortable to hold and use. That is why every new camera they make has a larger grip and larger, more tactile buttons.

The feedback from Sony pros have probably dictated at least some of the ergos of the a1 right?

I dont care which brand it is. Look at it from the outside. It is happening factually.

Yes but they are expected for use by a different audience expected to use much smaller lenses.

Balance is also a factor of ergonomics.

You also cant trust most people for quality. People would rather have a larger, thin, terrible quality TV than a smaller, heavier, high quality TV.

Manufacturers decide many of our opinions.

a7r to a7r4, look at the grip and buttons. Use them and see. A D7500 is about how small a camera can be using that SLR shape before it becomes less ergo in favour of compactness.

@ SteveAnderson: There is nothing at all that makes large lenses less useable, suitable or efficient on smaller camera bodies that those large and heavy boxes. Just handle the lenses like they are designed for.

Actually, added weight is a con when shooting handheld, since extra weight will reduce the time you can shoot steady, and will also be a limitation when carrying gear around.

Do you really carry your TV around daily? This is more relevant:Why do you think laptops are made slimmer and lighter?

There is a counterpoint to the idea that the a1 is superior to the 1DXIII and D6. On specs alone, sure. But even then, for almost all situations, one could probably get the shot with a 1DXIII or D6 as well as with an a1.

But the 1DXIII and D6 do shine in one area: they are built like tanks and will go the distance, no matter how you use them. Consider how some of these cameras are used by the wildlife pro's, by Nat Geo photographers, etc. I've seen images of 1D bodies after a pro has used them for a while and it's amazing all they can take and still function.

Now perhaps the Sony can also do that, but who really wants to bet on that?

So if you use your camera in very demanding environments and are tough on it, then the 1DXIII and D6 are far ahead of the Sony a1. No matter how advanced the a1 is, it does't matter if it doesn't work.

TRU posting idle speculation as if it was facts, and of course he doesn't have any experience with Sony at all.

The Associated Press chose Sony over Canon, so they obviously felt that Sony cameras can deliver the goods in the worst environments.

Unlike TRU, the AP has already been using Sony for years now:

"AP video journalist Bram Janssen works in Niger using Sony equipment, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo)" https://blog.ap.org/announcements/new-sony-gear-a-game-changer

First, that image of the AP journalist using Sony equipment is of him using a Sony video camera...and yes, Sony video cameras have been out in the field for a long time. But that doesn't mean they are built like their mirrorless cameras.

Second, time will tell if the AP photographers find the Sony's to be as durable as Nikon or Canon. My bet is that Sony may make up for any durability deficit by simply providing a lot of substitute gear to compensate. Mirrorless costs less to make and Sony wants this deal to work out.

So come back to me once someone has used one of these Sony mirrorless cameras for a year or two in the harshest environments around the globe, like the African savanna's, the deserts of the Middle East, the rainforest, the arctic cold, etc.

I'm willing to be proven wrong...but so far I haven't seen any examples of Sony being used in the toughest situations over an extended period of time.

First, your post is once again entirely idle speculation, there isn't one substantiated verifiable fact in any of it. Your claim that Sony video cameras from the same generation as Sony MILC are somehow built differently, is not backed up, and it's not even logical.

Second, "time will tell" is once again 100% idle speculation.

Third, the AP isn't interested in proving you wrong, they already made the decision to go with Sony because it was far superior to what Canon offered. The AP has been using Sony gear in the field for years, while you have never owned Sony MILC gear.

Sony is a game-changer for the AP, as they clearly stated:

"AP’s video journalists and photographers will for the first time be equipped with the same brand of cameras." https://www.ap.org/press-releases/2020/ap-to-equip-all-visual-journalists-globally-with-sony-imaging-products

Canon and Nikon have never been able to offer a complete stills & video lineup, that's why they lost the AP contract.

I saw an article in the sports photography groups about what AF settings the pros are going to be using at the Super Bowl on Sunday. 2 of the 5 they interviewed are shooting Sony...

Of course the incumbents will continue to be represented for years to come. But the fanboys continuing to deny the reality that Sony is using their technological advances to make inroads in those markets doesn’t actually change what’s happening. Still a lot of denial among these guys. That’s ok. You can keep denying.

“There is nothing that you have stated that disproves the obvious”

It’s not his or her job to disprove your claims. That’s not how it works! You make a claim, you substantiate it with evidence

Your statements are not FACTS. Facts are based on evidence. Your statements are conjecture, speculation, or whatever you want to call it.

The only people who know about the durability of the new A1 are Sony employees. Sorry to say it’s not you.

“the Canon and Nikon pro bodies are far more durable than any Sony body.”

Didn’t know you have the A1 in your hand and have a durability testing rig at home 😉

Good day to you sir

The press release said AP wanted all their employees to use Sony for consistency. Freelancers can continue to use whatever they want. You are confused.

So tru the same durability nonesense again. Are you using your durable canon from 10 years ago with technology of 2010??

@Thoughts R Us What are the reliability concerns? Is there a known issue with Sony cameras? Here's my personal experience. In 2012 I was using a Canon 5DMII. Great camera. Still have it. Wanted something smaller and lighter so I decided to try the Sony NEX-7. Quirky but excellent camera. Then got an A7R. Then A7RII. I've used all of them in below zero winter temps, 115 degree heat, salty ocean mist, blowing sand, and light rain. I also dropped a Sony lens at three feet to concrete and while it cracked a small piece of plastic, the lens worked flawlessly for years after. In the past 9 years, I only had one problem with one of two A7R's which seemed to be the eye sensor that controlled the auto on/off for viewfinder and LCD. Sony Pro Support fixed it at no cost. So the older Sony stuff that didn't have any weather sealing stood up pretty well to some harsh conditions. While I realize this experience is only one person, I'd have no concerns with using a new A1 in extreme conditions.

Leica and Sony differentiate based on different factors. The unique selling proposition for Leica is user experience, build quality, simplicity of operation, great optics, and yes, in the SL2, still some advanced tech.

The unique selling proposition for Sony is cutting edge tech to the max.

So it's apples to oranges.

I think many on gear forums like these tend to complain about Leica pricing because they have been trained to evaluate tech products like cameras only in terms of spec sheets.

So they don't see as much value in things like a really nice build quality, simplicity of operation and just an overall refinement of the user experience. This is esp true because most complaining will never handle a Leica product to understand some of its appeal.

There's no right or wrong, it's just what people value. But no doubt many are trained to judge products on tech specs alone and sadly not enough on user experience. I daresay that some who complain about Leica would enjoy photography more if they used a Leica than some of the other more techie brands.

@ Thoughts R Us: Some of us have owned much Leica gear, and used this brand for years. I can assure you that Leica has nothing more to offer experienced photographers than those popular brands, not even reliability. Actually less, for the double money. OK for those who are willing to pay extra for the Leica myth, I would say.

@TRU

What is wrong with Sony menu? I have been using it for the past 10 years without any issue. In fact, I rarely dive in the menu because Sony bodies allow for much more customization than any other brand! How often do you use the menu and for what? Anyone who is using a camera (even amateurs) will not use the menu more often when they truly understand the camera. This is just another cliché.

I have held many Leicas in my hand (for testing as I never wanted to buy one), there is nothing special about the build quality nor tge ergonomics, especially with most of their bodies that lack a grip! You can go all the day spectaculating about myths that exist to justify a price tag, but you can't judge on personal preferences.

@ Thoughts R Us: I fully agree that attaching to romance and mythology about products is relevant, and is a value of it's own, and that this is something we all do to some extent.

How we feel for a product is not relevant or helpful for rational evaluation when comparing cameras and camera systems, though.

For weddings a9x and a7x is more than enough, you don't need a1 for weddings

caplanner - Yes, almost all pros, and a high percentage of serious hobbyists, need a backup camera, and you've given a good example of why you need 2 bodies.

But that doesn't mean you need to have 2 identical bodies, in fact it often makes more sense to have 2 different bodies. A7x and a9x seems like a good combination for wedding photography.

You certainly don't need two a1 bodies. In fact it's hard to fathom why you would need an a1 at all, for wedding and event work. Please enlighten us.

Responding to my own comment....

I was making the argument that what I have is the best solution given my needs.

The quality of my work has not changed due to the release of the A1.

Macro: Speak to your psychotherapist first.

overpriced... like Fujis lens lineup

That point is not valid because one would also have to include an a9.

The no blackout viewfinder and a9 focusing system (improved) is in the A1.

I was merely using the example that Gerald gave, presumably from his own experience. Yes, the a1 can do what those other 3 Sony's can do and do just about everything better...but most Sony users may not have all 3 or need all 3.

If you're someone like Gerald, you really need an a7sIII for video, but can get by on an a7r4 for photos. And that was his point...that he'd rather have the 2 cameras and use the a7sIII for video, and take the a7r4 when he wanted to shoot photos, rather than just one a1.

But again, it will come down to each person and their own needs/wants/budget.

“but the key for many will be figuring if the economics work for them.”

That can be said for any camera.

By the way were you always concerned of the price when 1DXIII came out? Or is it only a Sony thing? Also remember you brought up the mythical R1 before. How is that gonna cost?

Backup camera is a valid point. I learned a long time ago it's necessary for my type of work. I have at least two of everything. Currently two S1Rs. You may, or may not, be able to get by with something like an A7RiV as a backup.

This is where Sony Pro Support comes in. My experience with them has been good. Three day turnaround on repairs or get a loaner. But if you're traveling what's the impact of being down for three days if you dont have a backup?

Just buy two. Sheesh. Cheapskates....

A7iii can work fine as a backup, rather inexpensive and can be found used with no issue.

"So if you want a backup camera, which is what pro's and serious shooters would want, then you are paying $13,000 for the two a1's."

No, if you are a professional and need a second body, you can rent whatever camera you want as a back up for less than 13K.

As @Handsome90 mentioned, have you been concerned about the 1DXIII price since it came out? Or is it the normal biased BS you are parroting everyday?

1DXIII in the same price range does not even come close to thia camera. Pass the salt TRU and stop your nonsense.

TRU wrote 21 posts referring to the price of A1. Who does that! Why not enjoy photography instead of being a brand loyalist.

@Thoughts R Us, If you have got two cameras already where is it written you have to replace both with an A1 or if you want to buy two, they both have to be an A1?

If you have A7 R IV and an A9 II or A7SIII you can replace the A9 or 7SIII with what is in effect a 50mp version of it. You ought to be able to recoup a fair chunk of the investment in the camera you are selling as well.

The number of daft excuses people are coming up with not to buy an A1 by people who will never buy one anyway is a bit weird.

@TRU

So a person who is buying 1DXIII will already have another body, but a person who is buying Sony A1 will not have another body? Interesting observation.

How did you assume or find that?

1DXIII in an inferior camera to the A1 at the same price tag. 1DXIII is not even close in a lot of factors.

Stop the BS again.

@TRU

Dude, the way you thought is that people that buy a 6500$ Canon already own another camera but people who will buy 6500$ Sony does not? Your way of thinking is clearly showing how biased you are.

Could you refer me for any built quality issues in the A1? Have you used one in different environments? Some users gave you a lot of reference that the camera is build from magnesium alloy, which is the same material used in 1DXIII as far as know!

The A7III can do most of what the 1DXIII and exceed it in a lot of areas. And yes, it is almost 5000$ cheaper. (according to your logic).

@TRU The 1DX certainly has proven durability and reliability but that doesn't mean it's better than the A1. We need to see how reliable and durable the A1 is before we can declare one being better than the other.

@TRU

The A1 CAN substitute more than one camera for the specs available. No one can say that about the 1DXIII because it basically CAN'T specs wise.

Many people I know count on one camera, and when in need they can rent another body. Simple as that.

"The rationale is that some will sell two or three models to afford the higher priced a1"

Again with the same nonsense. The 1DXIII is priced same as A1, why would you say that Sony owners will sell multiple bodies to afford one, but Canon users won't have to do the same to afford the INFERIOR flagship!? Oh, I forgot, it is NOT as capable.

Anyone who is using more than one camera will have the same issue, how much it will cost to buy 2 inferior 1DXIIIs? As I mentioned before, a LOT of people need only one camera and they can rent another one anytime.

TRU is cherry picking now. He was questioning Gerald Undone when he reviewed and praised the A7SIII. Now he try to bring some nonsense into the comments section trying to put it on Gerald Undone.

That’s the near field NFC logo. It indicates where you’re supposed to touch your cell phone when you want to create an instant WiFi connection so you can transfer images from the camera to your phone.

NFC

Yes the WB sensor:
"To the left of the Sony logo... the new, dedicated white balance sensor"
The lens isn't going to block the light reflecting from the band into that sensor. Just look at the photo, all you need is light front and right and above and the grip and lens don't block it. The circular band will reflect to the sensor from a wide solid angle. It is easy to prove, I tested with a torch and a A7RII, it has an LED window same place. You can also get light reflected from fingers.
An extra WB sensor can only be there it is because they want the WB to be more accurate. A primary coloured reflective circular band below it just can't be a good idea.

Well if someone *needs* this camera, what were they doing before it was released? 🧐

Using A9 and A7r3 i guess.

Using an existing 24 mp sensor might reduce to cost of the camera as production facilities are more mature. A car with a fast motor is usually more expensive than a car with a slow motor, even if you chose to drive them at the same speed.

No, the a9ii is not a 24mp version of this camera, not even close.

This a1 does 120 af calcs/sec, vs. the 60 af calcs/sec that the a9 series does, and it also has two processors, vs. the a9 single processor.

The a1 stacked sensor is a big step up over the a9 stacked sensor, sony has tweaked it considerably.

Yes, but the point is that if Sony were going to release a 24MP version of this camera, then it would be to sell at a lower price point and they would also downgrade some of the other capabilities.

The bottom line is that you are not going to be get a 24MP version of this camera...the a9II will be considered close enough by Sony. Maybe if Sony releases an a9III with a 30MP sensor or something like that then you will get some of these other capabilities.

The 'lossy' RAW is really very acceptable. However, 20 FPS is pretty amazingly fast as well.

Who are pixel peeping at 200%, looking for artifacts that might occur in extremely high contrast areas, and that are hardly noticeable at such high magnification when enjoying impressive action photographs taken with this camera, captured at the decisive moment?

>Who are pixel peeping at 200%, looking for artifacts that might occur in extremely high contrast areas

Maybe the same ones exalting the unnoticeable improvement in DR and other such minutiae, or the 9MP EVF? After all, it doesn't matter in the photo, but the car that raced across for 0.01 seconds must be experienced at 9MP?

I am not the target for this camera. Couldn't they just add focus bracketing to the A7Riii in a software before launching 8K video? After all, we want to use our photo cameras primarily for photos. And it is easy to do. The race for specs and skyrocketing prices is a sign phones have little to fear from these companies. They aren't listening.

@ fferreres: The high end camera models have never been for the masses.

I agree that focus stacking would be a nice feature, and personally I would like exposures up to, say, five to ten minutes.

@Tailslol The A9ii and the A1 shoot 20fps in 14bit.

R5 shoot 20 fps 12bit WITH blackout,distortion,and banding issues, A1 shoot 20fps 14bit WITHOUT blackout, distortion and banding. It's not the same as you see. A1's 20fps and 30fps is good for action, R5's 20fps is useless for action, big difference.

All that will be left after the camera singularity is a man with a stick drawing what he sees in the sand. 1 frame per day.

This is like a body building having 300 lbs of muscle on his body. Does it have any real world uses? Not really.

They already have a sensor capable of that so why not advertise it? Those who have a use for it will appreciate it, those who just want to win a bragging contest will pay for it as well. Win win?

They should compare to whatever they want, it's a free country.

I'm tired of this fully articulating screen nonsense in every DPR article. This needed to be stopped.

I'm tired of the haters that just wanna hate to hate. I kinda agree with you.

haters are bad but when dpr stuff constantly bashing tilt-screen (none of them is professional shooter and don't know why fully articulating screen is such an awful thing for professional camera) it's even worse

The above article mentioned that there are better tilt screen designs that offer both horizontal & vertical tilt! This camera is missing that design, so it is mentioned in the article. It doesn't say that it needs a full articulated screen!

Uh, where are we bashing tilt screens in this article?

Full disclosure, I prefer them, the text is just referencing that the dual-hinge designs on the S1R and X-T3 are, IMO, best-practice if you're not going with a fully articulating design. I just also know that other people might not prefer either of these, and may themselves prefer the articulating design. The world is a strange, magnificent place full of all types of different people with different opinions.

What we aren't impressed with is the screen's size and resolution, even against other tilting screens.

+ OZcamera2

"The above article mentioned that there are better tilt screen designs that offer both horizontal & vertical tilt! This camera is missing that design, so it is mentioned in the article. It doesn't say that it needs a full articulated screen!"

this " 'dual-hinge' design such as the likes of the Panasonic Lumix S1R or Fujifilm X-T3" mentioned in the article bulky and less reliable and it's also bad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

+ Carey Rose

"Uh, where are we bashing tilt screens in this article?"

right there in the Tilting screen section

"Full disclosure, I prefer them, the text is just referencing that the dual-hinge designs on the S1R and X-T3 are, IMO, best-practice if you're not going with a fully articulating design. I just also know that other people might not prefer either of these, and may themselves prefer the articulating design. The world is a strange, magnificent place full of all types of different people with different opinions.

What we aren't impressed with is the screen's size and resolution, even against other tilting screens."

THEN PLEASE STOP POINTING OUT IN EVERY ARTICLE ABOUT NEW CAMERA HOW IT'S LACK OF FULLY ARTICULATIONG SCREEN OR ELSE

S1R/XT3 DUAL HINGE IS ALSO BARELY USEABLE. IT'S BULKY AND MUCH LESS RELIABLE

JUST PLEASE STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP

"AND MUCH LESS RELIABLE"

[Citation needed.]

What @Confusedabit means is, you must be fun at parties ;)

//S1R/XT3 DUAL HINGE IS ALSO BARELY USEABLE. IT'S BULKY AND MUCH LESS RELIABLE//

It's really more bulky and less reliable? How so?

//JUST PLEASE STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP//

Uh...nevermind.

I think I'm done trying to have a serious conversation with you.

US prices never include sales tax, because it differs state to state (but is usually well below 10%).

EU laws have consumer protection far beyond that in other parts of the world, and the manufacturers are passing on the associated costs. It's a simple equilibrium of prices vs costs of doing business + taxes, and manufacturers have no incentive or "hidden agenda" to somehow "punish" the Europeans.

Anything other than a world-wide equilibrium of prices vs costs of doing business + taxes in each jurisdiction, would in fact be costing them money and sales.

At current exchange rates and including duty and VAT, you can import this camera from USA for £5,989.

Or, if you import into Germany, €6,662, so it won't be much different for any other EU country. A decent saving.

But you lose on warranty, after-sales support and ease of local repair.

Sony simply takes extra money in Europe.
With 20% tax and some money for longer warranty you land at €6500-6600,-

So they overcharge €600-700,-.
Price will get down in a year - but it's a scam on early adopters and fans of the brand.

Thx1138- how do you know for sure this camera has the same high DR as the A7RIV until you see the evidence or photos ? Don't assume yet

"If Canon only puts the R5 sensor and CPU into the 1DX3 body, it's already a better camera." If Canon puts that the R5 sensor/CPU in a 1DX3 body, then the overheating limits go away. But I do think Canon has some tricks up their sleeve.

Really all of these cameras are great. And I'm sure the a1 delivers the goods.

What does disappoint me is that for $6500 I want a camera body to feel premium...like the 1DX3. Like Leica cameras. I want something that is forged by the hammer of the gods. Not plastic fantastic.

If I buy a Porsche or BMW, I not only want the performance but I do want a car that feels like it's something special. I don't want all that horsepower in the body of a Honda Civic.

@Carlos

I saw in one of the Sony presentations 15EV DR. Actually it's here on dpreview and I quote

"Wide dynamic range of 15 stops for stills[ix] and 15+ stops for video[x]"

[ix] means Sony's own tests.

Canon's IBIS's extra stops come from RF lenses that have IS as well. The sensor shift is NOT 3 stops better alone.

The R5 is about equal to the A9/A9II in AF. The R5 has better animal tracking and eye-AF, the A9 has better overall AF in non-tracking modes.

I'm not sure Canon will rehash the R5 sensor, as even it's not-global shutter, that's a slow scan speed 1/60 vs 1/240. Also there is talk of QPAF coming. I'd be surprised if after all these years of very low pixel count 1D series they jumped to 45MP given they claim the pros don't want high MP. But if they are all in on 8K then of course it must be a minimum of 42MP for DCI 8K. A global shutter R1 with a QPAF 45MP sensor at $6.5K is an instant buy, but we'll see what eventuates, it's at least 9-12 months away.

TRU... You said: "If Canon puts that the R5 sensor/CPU in a 1DX3 body, then the overheating limits go away"

You previously said you thought it was impossible to achieve 8k without thermal limits in a body the size of an R5. If the A1 does indeed record 8K for 90 minutes continuously, do you still think the overhead limits go away if the R5 sensor/processor end up in a 1dx body?

@Thoughts R Us

"What does disappoint me is that for $6500 I want a camera body to feel premium...like the 1DX3. Not plastic fantastic."

Why do you keep writing this same crap? The A1 has a four piece injected mag alloy body.
https://www.sony.co.uk/image/464fcb898ac10e1cdf29cfbe0fa356b2?fmt=jpeg&wid=400&qlt=85

There is no plastic. It has at least as much mag alloy as the 1DX3:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1e/Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_III_15.jpg/800px-Canon_EOS_5D_Mark_III_15.jpg

and much more than the R5 which according to Canon has a: "Magnesium Alloy body and Chassis with some components consisting of polycarbonate with glass fibre"
https://www.canon.co.uk/cameras/eos-r5/specifications/
You can see that there's no mag alloy on the base of the R5 for example.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTursPn02HEuNwxGBdpDFnL7a0wLmDrH9O5Ww&usqp=CAU

So stop spreading FUD.

Man do you ever stop???? Why do you act the way you do? What's in it for you? Do you own Canon stock? Do you stand to make a fortune if Canon market share increases? Did you short Sony stock when the R5 came out? What's wrong with you?

@RubberDials: you know how to spin specs that are full of sound and fury but signify nothing.

The Sony bodies are all of average build quality. You know that. This one doesn't appear to be any different and not even the Sony Artisans who've used it claim anything special about it's build quality.

Sony missed out on an opportunity to redefine their high end body into something special. Instead it's a lot of tech inside of a very meh body.

Let's put it like this: the a1 will be the cheapest feeling $6500 body on the market by far.

@Thoughts R Us

Read my post and click on the links and stop writing nonsense you made up.

Yes but most people seem to think old cars are built much better than modern ones. They aren’t. Let’s move on.

The A1 will feel a lot smaller and lighter and with more moving parts than other $6500 cameras. If that is your perception of build quality than nothing is going to change your mind.

@RubberDials

He won't, he is a troll that don't care about facts.

ElGhuraify

He's worse than a troll, he's an astroturfer.

@Pix13 Go on dreaming. R5 sensor better than this? Try to read the specs instead of wearing your MCGA (Make Canon Great Again) cap.

@Thoughts R Us Let me put it his way. Did you read what I posted last week about the sturdyness of the a9. No you didn't or you read it but choose to continue with your false claims like you have done for several years now.

I welcome you in the MCGA club. You will soon receive a free cap with our logo.

Yes, Canon IBIS works with IS in lenses to deliver more stops - how does it downgrade the outcome? SONY chose not to put IS in its lenses, and Canon delivers more, using lens IS to its advantage.
Speaking about overheating - passive cooling could be improved heavily by better thermal design if desired, at the expense of increased weight and cost. Slim thermal conductors over main heat generators with thermal pipe to magensium alloy body, or even to aluminum or silicon carbide strips integrated into camera body would distrubute heat to the whole body and allow for better dissipation to outside if covered with polymer having better thermal conductivity than plastics currently in use.

“Canon's IBIS's extra stops come from RF lenses that have IS as well. The sensor shift is NOT 3 stops better alone.”

Is that why they claim 8 stops of stabilization with the non-stabilized 28-70mm f/2 and 85mm f/1.2?

“With some lenses with a large image circle, such as the RF 28-70mm F2L USM and RF 85mm F1.2L USM, the camera's in-body image stabilisation can deliver up to 8-stops of IS even though the lenses do not have built-in optical stabilisation.”
— https://www.canon-europe.com/pro/infobank/image-stabilisation-lenses/

One of reasons why Canon IBIS may sooner or later show clear advantage over SONY is the bigger opening of RF mount - bigger rear lens elements and more movement freedom for sensor.

I went and looked at the spec of the 1DX III, and it’s not 20fps. It’s 16fps with the viewfinder, and 20fps in live view with the mirror locked up. I am not sure if that means no AF at 20fps, or just reduced AF.

Here it costs 1700 POUNDS, it is all so much cheaper in the US thatsome of your retaiulers have banned sales to the UK as Manufacturers remain determined to exploit an ancient class conscious society who think class applies to machines as well as people, and can be persuaded to pay more by people in shops who call them sir!

For video, rolling shutter is the huge question. But it has a cropped, oversampled Super-35 mode, which is better than full-frame for motion-picture shooting anyway. So if full-frame readout is slow, maybe the Super-35 will be acceptable.