The Sony α1 is an award-winning full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. Sony released the model on the 27th of January, 2021. However, it was made in March 2021 at a retail price of US$6500.
The Sony α1 is the most technologically advanced and innovative camera that Sony has produced yet. Thus, it is a flagship model. The camera features a new 50.1MP sensor, a powerful BIONZ XR image processing engine, an improved electronic shutter function with a 1.5x less rolling shutter, and 5-axis in-body image stabilization.
In addition, the model also supports 8K and 4K movie recordings at 30p and 120p, respectively. The Sony Alpha 1 offers speed and high resolution, making the model one of the best cameras for fast-action photography and cinematic filmmaking.
The α1 won the Best Full-frame Professional Interchangeable Lens camera at the TIPA award, 2021.
Pros |
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Fast and impressive AF performance |
8K 30p videos |
High-quality images |
Dual drive mechanical shutter |
Cons |
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Expensive |
Poor battery life for still images |
No in-built flash |
Primary Features
An Effective 50.1-Megapixel Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor And BIONZ XR Processor
The Alpha 1 sports a full-frame stacked backside-illuminated Exmor RS CMOS sensor and a new powerful BIONZ XR image processing engine. The newly designed imaging sensor offers the camera immense speed and enables it to capture and deliver high-res shots and movies.
Similarly to the stacked BSI sensor, the BIONZ XR image processing engine features an advanced architecture that delivers approximately 8x data processing power-making the camera one of the fastest among the best full-frame interchangeable lens cameras.
Aside from speed, these features further allow the Sony flagship camera to capture and deliver high-quality pictures with edge-to-edge sharpness and true-to-life color. Basically, the processor ensures better color accuracy. The processor also handles and improves the camera’s AF and image recognition performance.
Fast Hybrid Autofocus System
The camera features a sensitive, fast, and accurate focal plane phase-detection autofocus system. The 50.1-megapixel imaging sensor and BIONZ XR engine processor provide 759 selectable phase-detection points covering approximately 92% of the imaging area.
The α1 also has a 425 contrast-detection point for quick and accurate focusing in different lighting conditions with sensitivity down to -6EV. This focusing system can be used for both video recording and still photography.
Aside from these, the camera sports a Real-time Eye AF function that makes it possible and easy to track and accurately focus on the eyes of birds and humans, even if the subject is fast-moving around the frame. This makes the Sony α1 ideal for portrait and bird photography.
5-axis Optical In-body Image Stabilization, Dual Drive Mechanical Shutter, And Others
Furthermore, the sony alpha 1 houses a 5.5-stop effective in-built image stabilization system that compensates for approximately five different types of camera shake encountered during handheld shooting of stills and videos. Again, the flagship camera has an “Active IS mode” specifically designed to compensate for camera movements when recording movies without a sturdy tripod or gimbal.
The Sony α1 interchangeable lens camera boasts a fast dual-driven mechanical shutter system that allows a flash sync speed up to 1/400s in full-frame and 1/500s in APS-C mode alongside a newly developed heat-dissipating system that prevents it from overheating during continuous recording or shooting. This makes it easier for professional photographers to capture dynamic actions and subjects.
The full-frame camera has other expansive key features such as Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, an advanced color control system, and wireless connectivity.
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Photo Clicked by Sony A1
Body Build, Design, And Handling
Like other full-frame cameras, the Sony alpha 1 has a durable and rigid magnesium alloy chassis. However, it weighs approximately 737 g (including battery and memory card). So it is extremely light when compared with other high-level professional cameras.
For additional reliability, the body is designed to resist dust and moisture, and the lens features extra screws to better support heavy lenses. Furthermore, the grip has been improved for more comfortable hand-holding. Finally, the keys are well-placed for quick and easy access.
Viewfinder And Display
It has an impressive and newly designed 9.44 million-dot and 0.9x magnification QXGA OLED electronic viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage. This provides bright, clear, and well-detailed eye viewing.
The device also offers a 3.0-inch 1.44m-dot tilting LCD monitor, which allows shooting for high or low angles. The monitor is also touch-sensitive. Thus, users can operate the camera easily.
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Battery Life
According to CIPA testing standards, users can click still images up to 430 and 530 with the viewfinder and LCD monitor, respectively. During actual movie recording, the battery will last up to 90 min. (viewfinder) and 95 min. with the LCD monitor.
Meanwhile, in continuous movie recording, users can record approximately 145 min. and 150 min. with the viewfinder and LCD monitor, respectively. Practically, the battery life span is quite impressive for video recording but poor for still photography
Speed Performance
The α1 offers extraordinary speed. When using the electronic shutter, the camera allows users to continuously click approximately 30 frames per second at 50.1 MP for up to 155 frames (RAW) and 165 frames (JPEG). On the other hand, when using the mechanical shutter, the full-frame device allows users to click up to 10 frames per second at 50.1 MP. This makes the gadget an ideal tool for sports photography.
Low Light Performance
The 50.1 MP sensor and BIONZ XR image processor combine with other special scene and shooting modes to ensure that the alpha 1 captures and renders well-detailed pictures and beautiful videos in low light. Practically, the camera’s standard ISO range of ISO 100-32,000 (extendable to ISO 50-102,400) further enhances its overall performance in poorly lit environments.
You might be interested in our article ” Sony A9 II – Great For Sports Photography And Photojournalism “
Image And Video Qualities
Practically, the camera offers high-resolution and cinematic still images and videos with edge-to-edge sharpness, dynamic range, and true-to-life color. The α1 delivers brilliant 8K 30p and 4K 120p videos.
Price: $6,498. Buy from Amazon.
What Type Of Photography Is The Sony α1 Suitable For?
The Sony α1 full-frame camera is ideal for sports photography, wildlife photography, fast-action photography, and cinematic filmmaking. You can also use it for portrait and landscape photography. Generally, it is suitable for all sorts of professional shooting.
Who Should Buy? Value For Money?
The Sony α1 is designed for professional sports, wildlife, fast-action photographers, and high-level filmmakers
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