At the same time, the A1 has a standard ISO 100-32,000 ISO sensitivity range, expandable to ISO 50-102,400, so it should work well in low light. This is thanks to the “backlit [sensor] frame with lens on the chip without gaps and a sealing glass coated with AR ”, according to Sony’s latest sensor jargon. It also improved color reproduction and up to 15 points of dynamic range. If 50 megapixels is not enough resolution, you can use Sony’s pixel shift multi-shot feature to combine up to 16 photos into a 199 megapixel image.
If you like video, you can record 8K 10-bit 4: 2: 0 video at 30 fps internally (for SD or CFexpress cards), using the full width of the sensor. You can also record 4K at up to 120 fps with a full sensor reading or use 5.8K oversampling if shooting with a Super 35mm cut.
The S1 can record with 10-bit 4: 2: 2 color details and S-Log or hybrid gamma (HLG) modes, using Sony’s latest HEVC / H.265 code with intra-frame encoding. If that is not good enough, you can send 16-bit RAW video to an external recorder. The A1 also features Sony’s S-Cinetone color matrix found on its Venice, FX6 and other Cinema Line cameras. A disadvantage for video shooters and vloggers is that the rear display just flips, and doesn’t rotate like the A7S III.
The roller shutter has been a problem in previous Alpha cameras, especially for video. However, Sony has promised that a new anti-distortion shutter reduces this effect by up to 2.8 times. Sony has also introduced an anti-shake mode to reduce flickering caused by artificial lights when taking pictures using the electronic shutter.
Sony is also offering “unmatched auto focus” with real-time eye tracking for photos and videos, which covers humans, animals and birds. Tracking algorithms work faster than ever and are 30% more accurate than the A9 II. The A1 also offers stabilization in the 5-axis body, including an active video mode that Sony says is “highly effective for hand recording”.
All of these features are contained in a normal-sized Alpha body, 737 grams (1.63 pounds), but Sony promises that you will be able to record 8K / 30p or 4K / 60p videos continuously for up to 30 minutes without overheating. This is clearly a shot beyond Canon’s arc, as the EOS R5’s continuous shooting times are more limited by overheating.
Much like the A7S III, it also includes dual SD UHS II and CFexpress card slots, so you can back up your work in real time and choose from the cheapest or fastest CFexpress SD UHS II formats. Other features include a full HDMI port, microphone and headphone ports, 10 Gbps USB 3.2, an optional multi-interface hot shoe with digital audio, and yes, a gigabit Ethernet port. It also offers the “fastest in the industry” 802.11ac WiFi speeds. As for battery life, you will get up to 530 photos on one charge.
You will pay for all that power, however. Pre-orders start tomorrow at $ 6,498 for the body only, which is $ 3,000 more than the Canon EOS R5. However, the A1 is now Sony’s flagship, aimed at professional photographers and videographers, who will not refuse to accept that price for a second. Boarding is scheduled to begin around February 25th.