Sony A1 II Body Only

Building on the A1's legacy, the sony Alpha A1 II offers 50MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS sensor that would likely offer incredible speed and resolution, making it suitable for a wide range of photography genres, from landscape to sports. Advanced AI features for tracking subjects and estimating human poses would greatly benefit sports and portrait photographers by increasing autofocus accuracy and reliability. High-resolution 8K 30p and 4K 120p video in 10-bit recording capabilities with rich color depth would make this camera an attractive option for professional cinematographers and content creators. High-resolution video capabilities would make this camera extremely attractive to filmmakers and content creators, providing high-fidelity footage with rich color depth suitable for professional post-production workflows.

Up to 30 fps shooting rate with full autofocus and auto-exposure would position this camera as one of the best options for action and wildlife photography. The 8.5-Stop IBIS + dynamic stabilization: enhances in image stabilization would help in shooting under various conditions, minimizing the need for a tripod in lower light. In-body image stabilization (IBIS) would allow handheld shooting in challenging lighting conditions, and dynamic stabilization might relate to additional stabilization mechanisms for video, enhancing handheld footage stability. Improved flexibility and operability in navigating menus and making selections directly on the 3.2" 2.1m-Dot 4-Axis Touchscreen LCD.

Advanced connectivity options would cater to professional workflows, allowing for quick image and video file transfers and remote camera control in studio or tethered shooting environments. Dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slots allows flexibility in media choice and efficient file management, supporting both high-speed CFexpress Type A cards for demanding tasks and more widely available SD cards.

Product Features in Detail

A fusion of leading technologies delivers overwhelming performance
The massive volume of data from the approximately 50.1 effective megapixel full frame Exmor RS™ image sensor is processed in real time by Sony's BIONZ XR™ image processing engine. An advanced AI processing unit applies high-level subject recognition to reliably recognize a wide range of subjects. These state-of-the-art technologies come together to make it easy to capture even the most challenging subjects in extraordinary resolution, with blackout-free viewing and full AF/AE tracking performance at up to 30fps.1

Advanced AI processing unit for high-level subject recognition
The α1 II features a dedicated AI processing unit that helps to recognize people more accurately based on human pose estimation, and also supports recognition of a wide range of subjects other than people, such as animals, vehicles and insects,2 with high accuracy. This results in a dramatic improvement in Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking capability, and higher overall AF performance.

Human eye recognition improved by up to approximately 30%3
Real-time Recognition AF has improved human eye recognition by approximately 30%3, with human pose estimation improving recognition of subjects facing away from the camera, wearing sunglasses, or with the face obscured. Recognition of distant human subjects occupying only a small part of the frame has been notably improved, and subjects can be tracked better across occlusions.

A wide variety of subjects accurately recognized24
A wider variety of subjects2 is now recognized for stills and movies, with a new [Auto] mode letting the camera select.5 Recognition of animals overall is improved by approximately 30%3, with eyes of some small animals added, and the eyes, heads and faces of animals like dogs and cats recognized. Recognition of birds is improved by 50%3

AF tracking response settable to match subject speed changes
Fast Hybrid AF provides 7596 phase-detection points for tenacious tracking and pinpoint focusing, now with adjustable tracking response speed, useful for example in bird photography, and in light levels down to EV-4.07 in AF-S mode.

Flexible focus area settings
XL and XS focus area spot sizes are now available as well as L, M, and S. XS can be useful to avoid focusing on foreground objects such as branches. It is also possible to create a custom focus area of specified size and aspect ratio.

Selectable release time lag
Selectable release time lag modes are available via the [Release Lag] / [Start Display] menu. With blackout occurring on only the first image in a continuous burst, [Fastest Release/On] provides the shortest possible release time lag, while [Stable Release/On] minimizes variations in release time lag making it easier to release the shutter at the intended moment. The default [Auto/Off] setting gives no blackout when shooting is started.

High-speed continuous shooting at full 50.1 MP8 resolution
High-speed continuous shooting at up to 30fps1 with full AF/AE tracking is possible at 50.1 MP8 resolution, with up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second9. Blackout-free shooting with no loss of viewfinder image allows seamless framing and capture of the subject as if viewed with the naked eye.

More control over timing to capture decisive moments
Pre-capture retroactively captures moments that occurred before the shutter was released1011, without compromising resolution, even when shooting continuously at up to 30fps1 with selectable recording time options. Continuous Shooting Speed Boost can temporarily change the burst speed. Both features reduce the chance of missing that vital instant.

Extraordinary detail with approximately 50.1 effective megapixels
Sony's extensive high-performance G Master line work with the 50.1 megapixel8 Exmor RS image sensor and BIONZ XR image processing engine to create deep, lifelike, high-resolution rendering. The sensor's high pixel count means that resolution is still a very impressive 21 megapixels when shooting in APS-C mode or cropping to APS-C size after shooting.

Selectable RAW image size and quality
Compressed RAW images can be continuously shot at up to 30fps. For easier handling, as well as L, Lossless Compressed RAW, JPEG and HEIF images are also available in M and S sizes with the same numbers of pixels whether shot in full-frame or APS-C mode, enabling seamless mode switching while maintaining resolution.

High sensitivity, low noise, and wide dynamic range
Feedback from professionals has been taken into account to create noise reduction that is highly effective without sacrificing image detail, so users can shoot clear images of indoor sports at mid-to-high sensitivity without hesitation. Dynamic range at lower sensitivities is a wide 15 stops12 for smooth, realistic gradations.
[1] α1, ISO 6400, 1/1600 s, F2.8
[2] α1 II, ISO 6400, 1/1600 s, F2.8

Consistently accurate exposure and colour
Exposure and color reproduction are notably improved compared to the α1, with exposure optimized for detected faces in stills and movies, and exposure stability improved by approximately 20%13 even when the face is backlit, over-illuminated in sunlight, or not facing the camera. White balance is accurate even for subjects in shade.

Optical five-axis image stabilization achieves 8.5-step performance at the center14
A high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and optimized algorithms detect and correct camera shake, for a groundbreaking15 8.5-step effect at the center and 7.0-step at the periphery14, and capture of fine details even when shooting handheld. Synchronization with compatible lenses16 provides further blur control even at telephoto focal lengths.
[1] Yaw [2] Roll [3] Pitch

Composite RAW modes for lower noise and higher resolution
Two composite RAW shooting modes are available. The NR Shooting Settings mode17 captures between 4 and 32 RAW images that can be composited to create a full-resolution image with very low noise even at mid-to-high sensitivities. Pixel Shift Multi Shooting18 captures 4 or 16 pixel-shifted images that are composited to achieve overwhelmingly high resolution19 in a single image. In both cases the compositing operations are performed using Sony's Imaging Edge Desktop™ PC application.
[1] Single RAW image, ISO 12800
[2] NR composite RAW (32 images), ISO 12800

Real-time Recognition AF for movies
Real-time Recognition AF utilizes advanced AI-based human pose estimation technology that recognizes and tracks not just eyes, but body and head position for human subjects with high precision. The range of subjects recognized with AI assistance, for both movies and stills, has been expanded relative to the α1, and now includes birds in movies, for example2. Other subjects are acquired and tracked in real time by processing color, pattern, and spatial data.

High-resolution 8K20/4K recording for impressive realism
4K (3840 x 2160) movies can be cropped and edited from 8K source footage with overwhelming resolution from 8.6K oversampling. 8K 4:2:2 10-bit XAVC HS recording with optional Full HD proxy is available, as are 4K recording in XAVC HS, S, or S-I formats in full-frame, or Super 35 mm oversampled from 5.8K with full pixel readout and no pixel binning. XAVC S-I allows recording at up to 600 Mbps for outstanding image quality.

High-frame-rate recording at up to 120p21
4K can be recorded at up to 120p right in the camera. 4K footage can be played back in up to 5x slow motion22. The Slow & Quick Motion (S&Q) mode23 makes it convenient to play recorded footage back at slow or high speed in the camera. Full HD footage recorded at 240fps offers even greater range: up to 10x slow motion (24p) to create impressive sports movies, for example. The frame rate setup menu allows intuitive selection of frame rates.2425

Better S-Log matching with Cinema Line cameras
The S-Log3 gamma curve emphasizes gradation characteristics from shadows to mid-gray. Minimum ISO when shooting S-Log3 is 800, while the expanded ISO range is 200–640. Compared to the α1, detail reproduction has been improved and matching with S-Log3 output from Sony's cinema cameras is easier. User LUTs can also be imported into the camera for preview.

Stable, high-level video shooting
In addition to standard mode, Active Mode combines a precision image stabilization unit and gyro sensor, while Dynamic active Mode adds electronic stabilization for an additional approximately 30%13 effect262728, enabling stable recording even when the user is jogging. Auto Framing29 tracks and crops AI-recognized subjects and automatically adjusts shot composition, while Framing Stabilizer automatically keeps the subject in the same location within the frame when the camera operator is moving alongside.

Breathing compensation30
Focus breathing compensation30 reduces focus breathing when shooting movies. Sony's Clear Image Zoom technology automatically maintains angle of view through focus changes. Breathing metadata can also be used with the latest Catalyst Browse/Catalyst Prepare/Catalyst Prepare Plugin software application during post production.

Features for smooth focusing
AF Assist31 for temporary switching to manual focus, focus peaking display, and AF transition speed and sensitivity settings all help the user when shooting movies. Focus Map overlays a visual depth-of-field map on the live view display. Real-time Recognition AF, Real-time Tracking, and Focus Area are now available during digital zoom and Clear Image Zoom operation.32

Flexible LCD monitor positioning
The 4-axis multi-angle monitor can be positioned for optimal viewing in horizontal or vertical orientation. The extended monitor can be tilted upward by approximately 98 ° and downward by approximately 40 ° to the camera back, and sideways by a full 180 °. The hinge is unobtrusive but robust.33 The large 3.2 type 2.1 million dot display panel is touch sensitive, has a wide color gamut, and is designed for clear outdoor viewing.

Advanced grip hold and ease of use
The improved grip ergonomics ensure comfortable and stable shooting over long sessions. A C5 custom button has also been added, and the grip design is replicated for prolonged vertical shooting with the optional VG-C5 Vertical Grip34, which additionally offers extended battery life over the previous model.

Standard and deep viewfinder eyepiece cups provided
The α1 II is supplied with two viewfinder eyepiece cups: the standard FDA-EP19 and the deeper FDA-EP21 which enhances viewing clarity by effectively blocking extraneous light. The soft, close-fitting material and design enhance viewing comfort.

Supplied charger charges two NP-FZ100 batteries in 155 minutes35
The supplied BC-ZD1 quick charger can simultaneously charge two NP-FZ100 batteries in approximately 155 minutes35 when used with an AC adapter providing USB PD (Power Delivery). This charger is ideal for charging two batteries for use at events or in other applications that require continuous operation over extended periods of time.

Fast registration of frequently used functions
The My Menu feature 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 recording folder selection and new folder creation.

Seamless search and playback with two memory cards
It is now possible to display the contents of two memory cards when both media slots are selected for playback, allowing seamless playback of all images without having to switch cards. Playback parameter filtering can significantly improve on-site workflow efficiency.

Improved group display
Images shot in continuous bursts or using the interval timer function can be defined as "groups," with the first image displayed to identify the group for quick switching between groups, boosting workflow efficiency. [Image Jump Setting] displays just the lead images during playback, allowing quick, efficient location.

Automated marking makes finding images easy
If set in advance, a rating can automatically be applied to the first image in continuous burst or Pre-Capture groups, or a divider image inserted before the first image in groups, enabling quick scrolling through and location of groups using the custom dial during playback.

Dedicated microphone for clear voice memos
A dedicated voice memo microphone is built into the camera's rear panel, making it easy to record clear voice memos even in noisy environments. Voice memos can be transferred to an FTP server along with the corresponding images.

IPTC metadata embedding and presets
IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) metadata can be added to still images. 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 then be quickly selected when needed, for example at multi-sports events.

2.5GBASE-T support for efficient data transfer
Wired LAN connectivity allows stable, high-speed transfer of huge amounts of still and movie data at up to 2.5 Gbps to an FTP server. FTPS (File Transfer Protocol over SSL/TLS) is supported for secure transfer. Up to 10 sets of FTP transfer settings can be saved to and loaded from a memory card.

Transfer & Tagging
Transfer &; Tagging is a smartphone application38 that can speed up still-image workflows for professional sports and news photographers, allowing background FTP transfers via a smartphone as well as fast tag/caption attachment.

Remote Camera Tool39
Remote Camera Tool is a software application that allows PC Remote (tethered) shooting via wired LAN, and can be used to change camera settings and shoot images. It is now possible to connect multiple cameras with autofocus and shutter operation synchronized to the main camera.

Creators' Cloud platform
Creators' Cloud is a platform that supports creative work from shooting to production by combining Sony's advanced camera technology and the cloud. It's also a place for discovery and collaboration with other creators around the world. Explore web, mobile, and PC-based apps providing efficient solutions that integrate cameras with shooting and production apps and services.

Creators' App
Creators' App is a smartphone application that lets Sony's cameras connect to the cloud, enhancing functionality and convenience for shooting and sharing.

Recycled materials in cameras and digital camera products
Sony's Road to Zero environmental plan aims at achieving a zero environmental footprint by 2050 through creativity and advanced technology. Our recyclable, durable, high-quality SORPLAS™ material40 used in camera bodies and other components requires no non-recyclable resources and does not compromise performance or functionality, replacing approximately 426 tons41 of virgin plastic in our digital cameras and digital video cameras over approximately the past 12 years. Our facility in Thailand 42 where this and other imaging products are manufactured runs on 100% renewable energy.

Recyclable non-plastic packaging materials
Sony is working toward the use of non-plastic packaging materials43 that provide ample protection against shock and impact. The α1 II is the first high-end α-series product to be shipped in a plastic-free package made of an "Original Blended Material" that can be recycled as paper.44 Plant-based non-woven fabrics45 are used for product bags, further reducing the use of plastics and minimizing environmental stress.

Greater accessibility for all users
Accessibility features such as Screen Reader46 that reads menu screen text aloud, Enlarged Menu Display, and others make it easier for everyone to enjoy shooting and playback using the α1 II. Furthermore, advanced features like AI-based Real-time Recognition AF for a wide range of subjects, intuitive touch operation for subject tracking, and many more make the joys of photography and moviemaking available to the widest possible range of users.

1 When using electronic shutter. Sony test conditions. Maximum continuous frame rate may be lower in some shooting conditions. Continuous shooting speed may vary depending on the lens used in AF-C focus modes. Visit Sony's support web page for lens compatibility information.
2 Available subject settings are: Auto, Human, Animal/Bird, Animal, Bird, Insect, Car/Train, and Airplane. Subject types other than the type specified may be erroneously recognized in some cases.
3 Compared to the α1. Sony tests.
4 Car/Train, and Airplane example images shot with a camera with the same Real-time Recognition AF system.
5 When Auto is selected the camera will normally recognize the subject type automatically, but the wrong type may be selected in some situations. In such cases manually selecting the intended subject type may solve the problem.
6 For still images. The number of points varies according to the shooting mode.
7 ISO 100 equivalent, F2.0 lens.
8 Approximate, effective.
9 At shutter speeds of 1/125 s. or higher. May be less depending on shooting conditions and the lens used.
10 Maximum pre-capture time may be less in some situations.
11 High continuous shooting speeds can cause an increase in camera temperature. Pre-capture may be limited to protect the device in high ambient temperature conditions.
12 When shooting stills. Sony test conditions.
13 Sony tests.
14 CIPA 2024 standards. Pitch/Yaw/Roll compensation. FE 50 mm F1.2 GM lens. Long exposure NR off.
15 Among α cameras. As of the November 2024 product announcement. Sony survey.
16 See Sony's support web page for information on compatible lenses: https://www.sony.net/dics/fnc1002/ A software update may be required for some lenses. Stabilization may vary according to the lens used.
17 The latest version of the Imaging Edge Desktop™ applications is required for compositing. The lowest allowable shutter speed for NR Shooting Settings mode is 1/30 s. The flash mode is fixed at Off and some functions such as Pre-Capture and Continuous Speed Shooting Boost are not available.
18 The Imaging Edge Desktop™ Viewer and Edit applications are required for compositing. Image compositing may not be successful if camera or subject movement causes blur. The use of a tripod is recommended, with PC tethered control or a Remote Commander. Uncompressed RAW and electronic shutter are automatically selected for Pixel Shift Multi Shooting. Some restrictions apply to flash and other devices.
19 Four 49.7-megapixel images provide approx. 199 million pixels, and sixteen 49.7-megapixel images provide approx. 796 million pixels. Image size after compositing is approx. 49.7 million (8640 x 5760) pixels for 4-image shots, and approx. 199 million pixels (17280 x 11520) for 16-image shots.
20 When recording 4K 120p/100p or 8K movies, [APS-C S35 Shooting] is fixed [Off]. 35-mm full-frame lenses are recommended. HDMI output format is limited to 4:2:0 8 bit.
21 With approx. 10% image crop. When recording 4K 120p/100p or 8K movies, [APS-C S35 Shooting] is fixed [Off]. 35-mm full-frame lenses are recommended.
22 Post-production editing and S&Q mode recording are required.
23 Audio recording not available in S&Q mode.
24 Recording frame rates are listed as integer values, but the actual frame rates are as follows: 24p = 23.98 fps, 30p = 29.97 fps, 60p = 59.94 fps, and 120p = 119.88 fps.
25 Data must be recorded to a CFexpress Type A memory card when recording XAVC S-I at 120fps/100fps or higher.
26 Active Mode and Dynamic active Mode are not available when shooting 8K movie or at frame rates of 120fps or higher.
27 Angle of view is reduced in Active Mode. In Dynamic active Mode angle of view is reduced more than in Active Mode.
28 Clear Image Zoom is not available when using Dynamic active Mode.
29 Only available for movies. Framing is cropped from 4K images, resulting in reduced angle of view.
30 Compatible lenses are listed at: https://www.sony.net/dics/breathing/
31 Not available in the following conditions: when Focus Magnification is active, during digital zoom, during USB streaming, when no lens is mounted, when an A-mount lens is mounted, or when a lens that is not compatible with focal plane phase-detection AF is mounted.
32 Movie and S&Q modes only.
33 Do not apply excessive force when opening or rotating the monitor.
34 Sold separately https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/interchangeable-lens-cameras-vertical-grips/vg-c5
35 One NP-FZ100 battery is supplied with the camera. USB PD compatible power supply and USB cable are not included. Simultaneous two-battery charging requires a USB PD compatible power supply that can deliver 30 watts or higher. Single-battery charging requires a USB PD compatible power supply that can deliver 18 watts or higher. A USB cable that can handle 3 amps or more is required in both cases. Charge time may vary according to use conditions.
36 "*" on the dial.
37 When [Finder Frame Rate] is set to [Higher] (240fps), viewfinder resolution and display magnification are reduced, and [Display Quality] is locked to [Standard].
38 For details please refer to: https://www.sony.net/ttad/
39 Remote Camera Tool Ver. 5.0 or higher is required. Please refer to https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/app/remotecameratool/l/index.php
40 Depending on the time of production, SORPLAS may not be used for some parts.
41 Sony survey of products and supplied accessories produced from April 2012 through March 2024.
42 Place of manufacture may vary according to time of production.
43 Not including materials used in coatings and adhesives.
44 This product packaging is recyclable in communities that have appropriate recycling programs.
45 Natural non-woven fabric may not be available during some production periods.
46 Availability varies depending on region and language.
47 When [Protocol] is set to [RTMP/RTMPS], [MPEG-4 AVC/H.264] is only available.
48 The LCD screen is turned on, shot once every 30 seconds, operate zoom alternately between W and T ends, flash strobe once every two times, turn power off and on once every ten times.
49 Number of effective pixels varies depending on attached lenses and camera settings.
50 Prices indicated refer to Suggested Retail Price which includes 12% VAT for cash purchase and may change from time to time without prior notice.
51 This product is also known as ILCE-1M2.AP2
52 Actual color and dimension may differ from the screen image.
53 Colors & features of the product shown may differ by model and country.
54 4K: 3,840 x 2,160 pixels.
55 Services availability depends on region. A part or whole of software/services installed into or accessible through the product may be changed, discontinued, removed, suspended, or terminated without notice.
56 Features and specifications are subject to change without prior notice.
57 The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sony Group Corporation and its subsidiaries is under license.