SONY α1 II - Body
SONY α1 II - Body
The α1 II is the second generation of Sony's flagship α1 mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. With enhanced AI subject recognition, and the high resolution and speed of the original α1, you can now achieve even higher shooting success rates with unbeatable efficiency and freedom for professional workflows.
Another leap to the top
The α1 II gives users everything they need to achieve shooting with a higher success rate and more, including a high resolution of 50MP, AI Subject Recognition AF, high-speed continuous shooting, and an advanced workflow from shooting to the final result. providing professionals with unparalleled efficiency and freedom.
A fusion of cutting-edge technologies delivers outstanding performance
The huge volume of data from the full-frame Exmor RS™ image sensor of approximately 50.1 effective megapixels is processed in real time by Sony's BIONZ XR™ image processing engine. An advanced AI processing unit applies high-level object recognition to reliably recognize a wide range of objects. These cutting-edge technologies come together to make it easy to capture even the most difficult subjects with outstanding resolution, non-blocking viewing and full AF/AE tracking performance up to 30 fps.
Advanced AI processing unit for high-level object recognition
The α1 II has a dedicated AI processing unit that helps recognize people more accurately based on human pose estimation, and also supports the recognition of a wide range of other objects such as animals, vehicles, and insects, with high accuracy. This results in a significant improvement in AF's real-time recognition and real-time tracking capabilities, and better overall AF performance.
Improved human eye recognition by about 30%
Real-time Recognition AF has improved human eye recognition by about 30%, with human pose estimation improving recognition of objects facing away from the camera, with sunglasses or with an obscured face. The recognition of distant human objects that occupy only a small part of the frame has been noticeably improved, which allows objects to be better tracked through obstructions.
Accurate recognition of a wide range of objects
A greater diversity of subjects3 is now recognised for stills and movies, with a new [Auto] mode that allows the camera to select. Animal recognition has been improved by about 30%, with the eyes of some small animals being added and the eyes, heads and snouts of animals such as dogs and cats being recognized. Bird recognition improved by 50%.
Adjustable AF tracking response to match subject speed changes
Fast Hybrid AF provides 759 phase-detection points for persistent tracking and precise focusing, now with adjustable tracking response speed, useful for example for bird photography, and in light levels up to EV-4.0 in AF-S mode.
Flexible focus area settings
Focus area spot sizes XL and XS are now available, as well as L, M and S. XS can be useful for avoiding focusing on foreground objects such as branches. You can also create a custom focus area with a specific image size and shape.
Selectable release time offset
Selectable release time lag modes are available via the [Release Lag]/[Home Screen] menu. With lock-on occurring only on the first image of a continuous sequence, [Faster Release/On] offers the shortest possible release time lag, while [Steady Release/On] minimizes variations in release time lag, making it easier to release the shutter at the desired moment. The [Auto/Off] preset does not produce any lock when starting shooting.
High-speed continuous shooting with a full resolution of 50.1MP
It enables high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with full AF/AE tracking and a resolution of 50.1 MP, with up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second. Shooting without blocking and without loss of the viewfinder image allows for perfect framing and capture of the subject as if it were seen with the naked eye.
Greater time control to capture decisive moments
Pre-capture retroactively captures moments that occurred before the shutter was released, without compromising resolution, even during continuous shooting at up to 30fps2 with selectable recording time options. Boosting the continuous shooting speed can temporarily change the sequential speed. Both functions reduce the possibility of missing that crucial moment.
Outstanding detail with approximately 50.1 effective megapixels
Sony's wide-ranging high-performance G Master works with the 50.1-megapixel Exmor RS image sensor and BIONZ XR image processing engine to create deep, realistic, high-resolution rendering. The sensor's high pixel count means that resolution is still an impressive 21 megapixels when shooting in APS-C mode or cropping to APS-C size in post-shooting.
Selectable RAW image size and quality
Compressed RAW images up to 30 fps can be continuously captured. For easier handling, in addition to the L size, lossless compressed RAW, JPEG and HEIF images are also available in M and S sizes with the same number of pixels, whether shot in full-frame or APS-C mode, allowing for seamless mode change while maintaining resolution.
High sensitivity, low noise and wide dynamic range
Feedback from professionals has been taken into account to create highly effective noise reduction that doesn't compromise image detail, so users can easily capture clear images of indoor sports with medium to high sensitivity. At lower sensitivities, the impressively wide dynamic range of 15 stops allows for smooth, realistic gradations.
Consistently accurate exposure and color
Exposure and colour reproduction are noticeably improved compared to the α1, with exposure optimised for faces detected in stills and movies, and exposure stability improved by approximately 20%, even when the face is backlit, overlit by sunlight or not facing the camera. White balance is accurate even with objects in shadow.
5-axis optical image stabilization achieves 8.5-stop performance in the center
A high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimized algorithms detect and correct camera shake, for an innovative effect of 8.5 stops in the center and 7.0 stops in the periphery, and fine details are achieved even while shooting handheld. Synchronisation with compatible lenses gives you greater control of defocus, even at telephoto focal lengths.
Composite RAW modes for lower noise and higher resolution
Two composite RAW shooting modes are available. The NR shooting settings mode captures between 4 and 32 RAW images that can be composited to create a full-resolution image with very low noise, even at medium to high sensitivities. Pixel-shift multi-capture captures 4 or 16 pixel-shifted images that are composited to achieve extremely high resolution in a single image. In both cases, rendering operations are performed using Sony's Imaging Edge Desktop™ PC app.
Real-time recognition AF for movies
Real-time Recognition AF uses advanced AI-based human pose estimation technology that recognizes and tracks not only the eyes, but also the body and head position of human subjects with high accuracy. The diversity of AI-assisted objects for both film and stills has been extended from the α1 and now includes, for example, birds in films. Other objects are captured and tracked in real time through the processing of colors, patterns, and spatial data.
High-resolution 8K/4K recording for stunning realism
4K (3840 x 2160) movies can be cropped and edited from 8K source footage at impressive resolution using 8.6K oversampling. XAVC HS 8K 4:2:2 10-bit recording with optional Full HD proxy is available, as well as 4K recording in XAVC HS, S or S-I formats in full-frame or Super 35mm with 5.8K oversampling, full pixel readout and no pixel binning. The XAVC S-I enables recording at up to 600 Mbps for stunning image quality.
High frame rate recording up to 120p
4K up to 120p can be recorded directly in the camera. Slow-motion 4K footage can be played back at up to 5x. Slow and fast motion (S&Q) mode makes it convenient to play back footage recorded at low or high speed in the camera. Full HD footage recorded at 240fps offers even greater variation: up to 10x slow-motion (24p) to produce, for example, incredible sports movies. The frame rate setting menu allows for intuitive selection of frame rates.
Improved S-Log compatibility with Cinema Line cameras
The S-Log3 gamma curve highlights the gradation characteristics of shadows to medium grey. The minimum ISO when shooting in S-Log3 is 800, while the expanded ISO range is 200 - 640. Compared to the α1, detail reproduction has been improved and compatibility with the S-Log3 output of Sony cinema cameras is easier. You can also import the user's LUTs into the camera for preview.
Stable, high-level video recording
In addition to standard mode, Active Mode combines a precision image stabilization unit and a gyro sensor, while Dynamic Active Mode adds electronic stabilization for an additional effect of approximately 30%, allowing for stable recording even when the user is jogging. Auto framing follows and crops objects recognized by the AI and automatically adjusts the image composition, while the frame stabilizer automatically keeps the subject in the same location within the frame when the camera operator moves next to it.
Breath Compensation
Focus breathing compensation reduces focus breathing when shooting movies. Sony's Clear Image Zoom technology automatically maintains the angle of view during focus changes. Breathing metadata can also be used with the latest Catalyst Browse/Catalyst Prepare/Catalyst Prepare Plugin software app during post-production.
Functions for smooth focusing
The AF Assist function for temporarily switching to manual focus, focus peak display, and sensitivity and AF transition speed settings help the user during movie recording. The focus map overlays a visual depth-of-field map on the live view screen. Real-time Recognition AF, Real-time Tracking, and Focus Area are now available during digital zoom and Clear Image Zoom operation.
Flexible LCD monitor placement
The 4-axis multi-angle monitor can be positioned for optimal viewing in either horizontal or vertical orientation. The open monitor can be tilted upwards about 98° and downwards about 40° from the back of the camera, and sideways 180°. The hinge is discreet but sturdy. The large 3.2-type 2.1-million-dot display is touch, features a wide color gamut, and is designed for clear viewing outdoors.
Advanced grip handle, easy to use
The improved ergonomics of the grip ensure comfortable and stable pickup during long sessions. A custom C5 button has also been added, and the grip design is replicated for extended vertical shooting with the optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip, which additionally offers longer battery life compared to the previous model.
Includes standard viewfinder and background type eye cups
The α1 II comes with two viewfinder eye cups: the standard FDA-EP19 type and an FDA-EP21 background type, which improves viewing clarity by effectively blocking external light. The soft, snug-fit material and design enhance viewing comfort.
The supplied charger charges two NP-FZ100 batteries in 155 minutes
The supplied BC-ZD1 fast charger can simultaneously charge two NP-FZ100 batteries in approximately 155 minutes when used with an AC adapter that provides USB PD (Power Delivery). This charger is ideal for charging two batteries for use at events or in other applications that require continuous operation for long periods of time.
Quick registration of frequently used functions
The My Menu function allows menu items to be added to a custom favorites menu with a simple long press or by pressing the Delete button. New options have also been added to the Function (Fn) menu, including selecting recording folders and creating new folders.
Seamless search and playback with two memory cards
It is now possible to view the contents of two memory cards when both are selected for playback, allowing perfect playback of all images without having to change cards. Filtering playback parameters can significantly improve on-site workflow efficiency.
Improved group visualization
Images captured in continuous sequences or using the interval timer function can be set as "groups", with the first image displayed to identify the group for quick switching between groups, increasing workflow efficiency. The [Image Jump Setting] displays only the main images during playback, allowing for quick and effective finding.
Auto-tagging makes it easy to search for images
When set in advance, you can automatically apply a rating to the first image in continuous or Pre-Capture sequence groups, or insert a splitter image before the first image in groups, allowing you to quickly pan and find groups with the custom selector during playback.
Dedicated microphone for clear voice notes
The rear panel of the camera is equipped with a dedicated microphone for voice notes, which makes it easy to record clear voice notes even in noisy environments. Voice notes can be transferred to an FTP server with their images.
Adding IPTC metadata and presets
You can add IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) metadata to photographs. IPTC information can be written to IPTC metadata presets and loaded into the camera via a memory card. The α1 II can internally store up to 20 presets that can be quickly selected when needed, for example at multi-sport events.
2.5GBASE-T support for effective data transfer
Wired LAN connectivity enables stable, high-speed transfer of large amounts of photo and movie data up to 2.5 Gbps to an FTP server. FTPS (File Transfer Protocol over SSL/TLS) included for secure transfer. Up to 10 sets of FTP transfer settings can be saved and loaded from a memory card.
Key features
- Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor | Full Frame | 50 MP
- AI tracking and human posture estimation
- 8K 30p and 4K 120p video in 10-bit
- Up to 30 fps shooting with AF/AE
- Pre-capture button and speed boost
- 8.5-Stop IBIS + Dynamic Stabilization
- 9.44-million-dot EVF with 240fps refresh rate
- 3.2" 2.1 m dot, 4-axis touchscreen LCD
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi MIMO, 2.5GBASE-T Ethernet
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
What's in the box:
1x α1 II Camera - Body
1x Sony NP-FZ100 Battery (2280mAh)
1x Sony BC-ZD1 Dual Battery Charger for NP-FZ100 Batteries
1x Sony ALC-B1EM Body Cap
1x Sony FDA-EP19 Eyepiece
1x Deep Eyepiece FDA-EP21
1x Sony Multi Interface Shoe Cover
1x Cable Protector
1x Shoulder strap