Sony a1 Overview
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I own it | I want it | I had it |
The Sony Alpha 1 (a1) is a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera with a 50MP Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor and in-body image stabilization. The a1 offers blackout-free shooting on its giant 9.44M-dot (240 fps) EVF at burst rates of up to 30 fps. It has Sony's latest autofocus system, with fast processing and face/eye/animal detection. The electronic shutter is designed to eliminate flicker and offers a flash sync of 1/200 sec (it's an impressive 1/400 sec with the mechanical shutter).
A 'Pixel Shift Multi Shooting' mode combines 16 exposures into a 199MP image, which must be processed on a PC. Speaking of which, the camera can be controlled over dual band Wi-Fi, or tethered to a PC via USB or Ethernet. In addition to supporting the standard HEIF format, Sony has added a 'Light HIEF/JPEG' option for smaller file sizes.
The a1 captures oversampled 8K/30p at a bit rate of 400Mbps as well as oversampled 4K at up to 120 fps. The camera can record 10-bit 4:2:2 video, and supports S-Cinetone, S-Log2/3, and HLG Log formats. 16-bit Raw recording to compatible external recorders is also available. The a1's body is designed to allow 30 minutes of continuous 8K recording.
The a1 uses the NP-FZ100 battery with up to 530 shots/charge with the LCD and 430 with the EVF. A battery grip is optional.
Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
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Max resolution | 8640 x 5760 |
Effective pixels | 50 megapixels |
Sensor size | Full frame (35.9 x 24 mm) |
Sensor type | Stacked CMOS |
ISO | Auto, 100-32000 (expands to 50-102400) |
Lens mount | Sony E |
Focal length mult. | 1× |
Articulated LCD | Tilting |
Screen size | 3″ |
Screen dots | 1,440,000 |
Max shutter speed | 1/8000 sec |
Format | XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I, H.264, H.265 |
Storage types | Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots (UHS-II supported) |
USB | USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 GBit/sec) |
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″) |
GPS | None |
The Sony a1 is the most refined Alpha-series interchangeable lens camera yet. Its combination of speed and resolution for both stills and video set it apart in a crowded field of excellent options, though that combination is also responsible for the price it commands. But the fact remains, most any professional photographer will be able to use the a1 for most anything they'd think to shoot.
Good for: Photographers capturing fast action, landscapes, weddings and events, portraiture and studio work or high-quality video.
Not so good for: Photographers that don't need (or won't benefit from) the a1's combination of abilities. Those that need maximum resolution and dynamic range.
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