The Sony Alpha 1 is a beast! This mirrorless camera is like a Swiss Army knife for creatives. It shoots incredibly detailed 50-megapixel photos, captures smooth 8K video, and tracks subjects like a hawk with its lightning-fast autofocus. Plus, it’s built tough enough to handle anything you throw at it. If you’re a pro photographer, videographer, or just a serious hobbyist, the Alpha 1 is a dream camera!
Key Features
Model No: ILCE-1/B
- 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video in 10-Bit
- 50MP Full-Frame Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
- 759-Pt. Fast Hybrid AF, Real-time Eye AF
- 4.3K 16-Bit Raw Video Output, S-Cinetone
- 9.44m-Dot EVF with 240 fps Refresh Rate
- Up to 30 fps Shooting, ISO 50-102400
- 5 GHz MIMO Wi-Fi, 1000BASE-T Ethernet
- 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Dual Drive Mech. Shutter, 1/400 Sec Sync
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots
- REVIEW
- SPECS
Sony Alpha 1: A Hybrid Powerhouse for Discerning Creators
The Sony Alpha 1 has been generating a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason. This full-frame mirrorless camera boasts an impressive combination of high-resolution imaging, blazing-fast performance, and professional-grade video capabilities. Let’s take a closer look at what this camera has to offer.
Sensor and Image Quality
At the heart of the Alpha 1 lies a 50.1-megapixel full-frame Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor. This high resolution translates to incredibly detailed images, perfect for capturing landscapes, portraits, and even demanding commercial photography projects. The sensor also delivers good low-light performance, thanks to its high ISO range.
Speed and Performance
The Alpha 1 is a true speed demon. It boasts continuous shooting speeds of up to 30 frames per second with mechanical shutter and blackout-free viewing. This makes it ideal for capturing fast-paced action or fleeting moments. The camera’s speedy BIONZ X image processor ensures quick image processing and overall responsiveness, keeping up with even the most demanding shooting scenarios.
Autofocus
The Alpha 1 features Sony’s advanced Fast Hybrid AF system with a staggering 759 phase-detection points covering a wide area of the frame. This system delivers lightning-fast and accurate autofocus, ensuring sharp focus on your subjects, even in low-light conditions.
Video Powerhouse
While excelling in stills, the Alpha 1 doesn’t disappoint videographers either. It offers 10-bit 4K HDR (HLG) internal recording at up to 30 frames per second and even allows for 8K recording at 30 frames per second for creating incredibly detailed and cinematic footage.
Built for Professionals
The Alpha 1 is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Its weather-sealed magnesium alloy body protects against dust and moisture, while the high-resolution OLED electronic viewfinder and fully-articulating touchscreen LCD monitor ensure comfortable framing and playback in various conditions. The camera also includes customizable controls for a personalized shooting experience.
Who Should Consider the Alpha 1?
The Sony Alpha 1 is a top-of-the-line camera targeted towards professional photographers and videographers who demand exceptional image quality, blazing-fast performance, and extensive video capabilities. Its well-rounded feature set makes it versatile for various shooting styles, from high-resolution landscapes to fast-paced action and professional videography. However, the Alpha 1 comes with a premium price tag, so it might not be the most suitable choice for casual photographers or those on a budget.
In Conclusion
The Sony Alpha 1 is a powerful and feature-rich mirrorless camera that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. It delivers exceptional image quality, unmatched speed and performance, and professional-grade video capabilities. If you’re a demanding professional photographer or videographer seeking a versatile and powerful camera, the Alpha 1 is definitely worth considering.
Specifications
| Lens Mount | Sony E |
| Sensor Type | 35.9 x 24 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 50.5 Megapixel Effective: 50.1 Megapixel (8640 x 5760) |
| Crop Factor | NaN |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9 |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw, HEIF |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 32000 (Extended: 50 to 102400) |
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode Electronic Shutter 1/32000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode 1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multiple, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -3 to 20 EV |
| White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Color Temperature Filter, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater |
| Continuous Shooting | Electronic Shutter Up to 30 fps at 50.1 MP for up to 155 Frames (Raw) / 165 Frames (JPEG) Up to 20 fps at 50.1 MP for up to 238 Frames (Raw) / 400 Frames (JPEG) Up to 15 fps at 50.1 MP Up to 5 fps at 50.1 MP Mechanical Shutter Up to 10 fps at 50.1 MP (Raw) / (JPEG) Up to 8 fps at 50.1 MP Up to 6 fps at 50.1 MP Up to 3 fps at 50.1 MP |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Self-Timer | 2/5/10-Second Delay |
| Recording Modes | H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [50 to 280 Mb/s] H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-Bit UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p [200 to 400 Mb/s] UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [30 to 200 Mb/s] H.264/XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [240 to 600 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p [89 to 222 Mb/s] H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [100 to 280 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p/200p/239.76p [50 Mb/s] H.264/XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p [60 to 200 Mb/s] Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p/200p/239.76p [16 to 100 Mb/s] |
| External Recording Modes | Raw 16-Bit 4.3K (4332 x 2448) up to 59.94p 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50p/59.94p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i 4:2:0 8-Bit UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 29.97p UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/50p/59.94p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 50i/59.94i |
| Recording Limit | Unlimited |
| Video Encoding | NTSC/PAL |
| Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input (Stereo) |
| Audio File Format | AAC LC, Linear PCM (Stereo) |
| Live Streaming | Yes |
| Webcam Functionality | Yes |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
| Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 759 Contrast Detection: 425 |
| Autofocus Sensitivity | -4 to +20 EV |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 100 to 32000 (Extended: 50 to 102400) |
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical Shutter 1/8000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode Electronic Shutter 1/32000 to 30 Second Bulb Mode 1/8000 to 1/4 Second in Movie Mode |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multiple, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -3 to 20 EV |
| White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Color Temperature Filter, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater |
| Continuous Shooting | Electronic Shutter Up to 30 fps at 50.1 MP for up to 155 Frames (Raw) / 165 Frames (JPEG) Up to 20 fps at 50.1 MP for up to 238 Frames (Raw) / 400 Frames (JPEG) Up to 15 fps at 50.1 MP Up to 5 fps at 50.1 MP Mechanical Shutter Up to 10 fps at 50.1 MP (Raw) / (JPEG) Up to 8 fps at 50.1 MP Up to 6 fps at 50.1 MP Up to 3 fps at 50.1 MP |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Self-Timer | 2/5/10-Second Delay |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic (OLED) |
| Viewfinder Size | 0.64″ |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 9,437,184 Dot |
| Viewfinder Eye Point | 25 mm |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 1 |
| Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.9x |
| Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +3 |
| Size | 3.0″ |
| Resolution | 1,440,000 Dot |
| Display Type | Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Built-In Flash | No |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync |
| Maximum Sync Speed | 1/400 Second |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Dedicated Flash System | TTL |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A / SD |
| Connectivity | HDMI A (Full Size), USB Type-C (USB 3.2 Gen 1), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0), 3.5mm Microphone, 3.5mm Headphone, RJ45 |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi Bluetooth |
| GPS | No |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104 F / 0 to 40 C |
| Battery | 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.2 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 430 Shots) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.07 x 3.81 x 2.74″ / 128.9 x 96.9 x 69.7 mm |
| Weight | 1.6 lb / 737 g (Body Only) |
| Package Weight | 3.22 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 11.8 x 6.3 x 5.4″ |