The Alpha 1 II is the new full-frame flagship among Sony cameras. Like its predecessor Alpha 1, it comes with a 50-megapixel sensor. However, it is now fully stacked for particularly fast data processing and the purpose of the “BIONZ XR” image processor is to provide images of particularly high quality and precise sharpness. For this purpose, Sony is installing an AI processing unit that will enable the camera to accurately identify subjects and track them smoothly. It should also work with automatic motif detection, making it unnecessary to select a motif for tracking in the menu, and it should work with video as well. To ensure successful autofocus tracking, the camera again has the familiar 759 phase autofocus points, covering 92 percent of the sensor area. Autofocus should give good results even down to -4 EV. Overall, Sony promises a dynamic range of 15 f-stops for photos.
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The Alpha 1 II also includes a pre-capture function that allows images to be captured up to one second before the shutter is released. This camera model records high continuous shooting speeds of up to 30 frames per second with electronic shutter. If you don’t want to permanently set a higher continuous shooting rate, you can use the speed boost already known from the Alpha 9III when the situation requires it. When triggered, a second, correspondingly specified key is pressed (for example C5), which then starts the boost and ends it again when released.
The high-resolution electronic viewfinder is said to have 9.44 million pixels, offer a magnification of 0.9 and operate without blackouts even at 240 fps.
Advanced features for sophisticated photography
The Alpha 1 II has a shutter intended to reduce distortions (rolling shutter). This is to prevent image areas from “bending” when moving fast. The camera should be able to significantly reduce image noise at medium and high ISO values ​​by taking four to 32 shots, a method that has long been used in smartphone cameras. Sony also offers these for RAW.
Image stabilization has also been improved and should now offer up to 8.5 levels of stabilization in the center of the image (optical and in-body with 5-axis). The camera supports a new Dynamic Active mode for video recording. It uses an image section that may move on the sensor during motion, but is converted into a still image by the camera software.
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The Sony Alpha 1 II also has many professional features in the video field. Like its predecessor, it now offers 8K video at 30 fps with 8.6K oversampling, or optionally 4K video at 5.8 fps with 60K oversampling. The format then matches Super 35 film. The familiar 120 fps is possible without oversampling. Recording is also possible in 10 bit with 4:2:2 All-I or in 16 bit RAW. In addition to the well-known Sony color profiles, up to 16 of your own LUTs can be loaded onto the camera.
Ease of use and efficient workflow
The Alpha 1 II has the same body as the Sony Alpha 9 III. It should be particularly ergonomic. The 3.2-inch LC display uses a flexible 4-axis system, so it can be moved very flexibly. Sony has included an additional new eyecup with the model. It is deeper and softer due to the larger rubber lip. This creates a slightly greater distance from the camera and is intended to provide greater comfort when taking photos. The camera comes with a dual battery charger that can fully charge two batteries in 155 minutes.
The integrated function is also practical: the photographer can add audio comments to each photo, which the camera converts directly into text.
Sony Alpha 1 II with the new F 28-70mm f/2.0 GM
Sony/Tom Oldham
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Sony offers an optional vertical grip for longer shoots. The camera also supports 2.5GBASE-T via wired LAN and enables fast image transmission via the optional portable 5G data transmitter PDT-FP1. When it comes to connectivity, Sony is looking to significantly improve workflows for more efficient work. For example, data can be automatically transferred to Adobe Lightroom or Google Drive via Sony Creators Cloud.
Market Classification and Availability
The competition also offers many features, for example the Nikon Z8 already has automatic subject detection. In the new R5 Mark II, Canon has included almost everything that is currently available in terms of technology: high-resolution stacked sensors, eye control, AI AF and subject detection, 8K video – and all this more refined, faster. And more accurate than ever before. The R1 is also now entering the market, and will be subjected to a detailed test.
The camera will be available in stores from December 2024 for 7,499 euros and will therefore cost only 200 euros more than the previous model at launch.
new bright g-master zoom
Additionally, Sony has also introduced a new G-Master lens. The FE 28-70mm F2 GM, a zoom lens that weighs less than a kilo and has a wide aperture of f/2.0. The full report can be found here.
(CBR)
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