Sony second-generation flagship Alpha 1 II full-frame camera

The Alpha 1 II is Sony’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, equipped with a high-resolution sensor. It offers impressive continuous shooting capabilities with autofocus and auto-exposure tracking, alongside an anti-distortion shutter that enhances image clarity, particularly at mid-to-high sensitivities. The integration of an advanced AI processing unit allows for sophisticated subject recognition and introduces a new “Auto” mode capable of detecting a diverse range of subjects. This model also incorporates innovations from the Alpha 9 III, such as a Pre-Capture feature that can record up to one second before the shutter is pressed, and boasts an ergonomic design that enhances usability. Weighing approximately 743g, the Alpha 1 II is designed for versatility, making it suitable for various professional applications, including photojournalism, commercial photography, portraiture, wedding photography, wildlife, and sports.

Yann Salmon Legagneur, Head of IP&S Marketing at Sony Europe, emphasizes that the Alpha 1 II represents a culmination of Sony’s latest technological advancements, providing professionals with a comprehensive tool that balances resolution, speed, and efficient workflow

The camera is compatible with Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution, addressing the growing concern over image authenticity in an era of advanced technology and AI. This ensures that photographs captured with the Alpha 1 II can be verified against manipulation and AI-generated alterations.

The Sony Alpha 1 II camera is equipped with a full-frame Exmor RS® stacked CMOS sensor, delivering approximately 50.1 effective megapixels and a wide dynamic range for high-resolution imaging. It maintains impressive performance even in APS-C crop mode, achieving around 21 effective megapixels.

This model features blackout-free high-speed continuous shooting, allowing for AF/AE tracking at up to 30 frames per second. The camera’s advanced tracking system performs AF/AE calculations at a frequency of up to 120 times per second, ensuring accurate tracking of complex movements. Additionally, the Pre-Capture function enables the camera to capture images up to one second before the shutter button is pressed, enhancing the likelihood of capturing decisive moments. The Continuous Shooting Speed Boost feature allows for temporary increases in burst shooting speed.

The Sony Alpha 1 II incorporates Real-time Recognition AF, enhanced by an AI processing unit

This technology ensures precise focus on subjects, including advanced human pose estimation that identifies a person’s head and torso. It also effectively tracks various subjects such as animals, birds, insects, and vehicles. A notable addition is the new “Auto” feature, which allows the camera to automatically recognize the subject without needing to specify a subject mode, streamlining the shooting process.

The Sony Alpha 1 II camera is designed to meet the demands of professionals requiring high-speed performance. It features an anti-distortion shutter that minimizes distortion during shooting, enhancing image quality. The camera has also been optimized for low noise performance at mid- to high-sensitivity levels, which is particularly beneficial for capturing clear images in challenging environments, such as indoor sports, where high shutter speeds are essential. Furthermore, the Alpha 1 II features significant advancements in optical image stabilization, offering up to 8.5 stops of stabilization at the center and 7.0 stops at the periphery for still images. It also introduces a new Dynamic Active Mode for video shooting, enhancing its versatility and performance in various shooting conditions.

The Sony Alpha 1 II camera features a 3.2-inch LCD monitor with versatile 4-axis multi-angle adjustment, enhancing user flexibility. This second-generation model boasts improved ergonomics over its predecessor, the Alpha 1, with thoughtful updates to the grip, shutter button placement, and customizable buttons.

An accessory, the deep-type padded eyepiece cup (model FDA-EP21), is available for enhanced viewing comfort, allowing users to swap the standard eyepiece for a more supportive option based on personal preference. For battery management, the Alpha 1 II includes the BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger, which efficiently charges two NP-FZ100 batteries in just 155 minutes. Additionally, the VG-C5 vertical grip provides ergonomic support and extends battery life for prolonged shooting sessions.

The camera supports advanced connectivity options, including 2.5GBASE-T wired LAN for real-time image transfers. When paired with the optional 5G portable data transmitter PDT-FP1, users can achieve high-speed data transmission, significantly enhancing workflow efficiency for professionals in content creation and distribution. The Alpha 1 II facilitates automatic data transfer to Adobe Lightroom™ or Google Drive™ through Sony’s Creators’ Cloud service, streamlining the editing process post-shoot.

The Sony Alpha 1 II packaging is entirely free of plastic, marking it as the first Alpha series camera (excluding the ZV-series) to use Sony’s Original Blended Material – a unique mix of bamboo, sugarcane, and recycled paper

The Sony Alpha 1 II will be available in December 2024 for approximately 7500 € at a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers.