24 Hours with the Sony A1II… Here’s the Truth | Initial Review

[@mathu_stans]

A1 II comes across as the perfect upgrade for A7R III users looking for the perfect replacement

[@davidligon6088]

I think Sony produced a great camera, but: 1) They missed a huge opportunity to implement IN-CAMERA processing such as: a) low light stacking, b) panoramas, c) auto depth - aperture computation (focus on near object, focus on far object, then compute required aperture for specified depth to be in focus for third shutter press), d) focus stacking, e) I can think of a number of other features I’ve used in other cameras - some provided in the old Sony Play Memories apps. 2) I also would have liked to see a sensor improvement such as higher megapixel without frame rate loss, or faster readout, or even just taking more advantage of the existing readout speed. 3) GPS, 4) File Encryption, 5) Face or print lock, 6) Find My, 6)either these or a lower price point. The chips and sensor have been produced for years, which means the yield and reliability is very high, which should have driven down cost considerably! In the end, what concerns me most is that Sony has left a window for others to easily leapfrog their flagship making me wonder about the shelf life of this product.

[@harryvuemedia]

To do all of what you mentioned, Sony would have to put in a stronger CPU, RAM and internal SSD. Any company would have to do that and ain't no way Im going to pay another $1,000 usd just for all of those.

[@davidligon6088]

@ a Qualcomm Snapdragon chip that does all of that and a whole lot more is $50 and would certainly fit in a camera if it fits in a much smaller phone. I’m sure there are other examples of processors. Not sure where your $1000 assumption comes from.

[@harryvuemedia]

@@davidligon6088 Snapdragon cpu does not cost $50 USD dude unless you are talking about them 2017 chips. The new ones today cost a minimum $200 usd. And it seems like you have no idea how a CPU works. Sony can't just put a snapdragon into their cameras and expect them to work perfectly in harmony together. That's now how it works as Sony would have to build a new CPU dedicated to working together flawlessly with their A.i. cpu and the camera itself. After that, you have add Ram, at least 256 gb of ram to handle all of those operations. Then you have add an internal SSD and at least 128 gb of storage. To run those CPU, you'll have to make a bigger battery for it that will likely have to be a 10v or 12v battery now. This can all add up to the camera being $1,000 USD more pricier. Photographers today just want their camera to capture footages. You want all those features, use your smartphone.

[@benjhaisch]

Was great to finally meet you two at the NYC event!

[@learningcameras]

Absolutely!!! Sorry it was chaotic and I didn't hang out more but definitely awesome getting to meet you!

[@chennytango9298]

a1ii is the best camera overall, the issue is that it is not possible to have transformational upgrade in every generation and also if the price is close to R5ii or Z8, then there would not be that much complaint of let down in the community. there is nothing wrong with this camera itself in my view.

[@learningcameras]

Yeah, Sony overpriced the original A1 because the could since it offered features no one else can match...but now the A1II is the same price and the features can be matched. But yeah, absolutely nothing wrong with the camera, this was just a refresh after 4 years which gave other cameras a chance to catch up

[@EricLouisYoung]

Except they don't add the things they could easily have. Open gate, prores, even 30fps h.265 which is still mysteriously missing, extreme high fps 1080, new concepts like sliders to variably control bitrate(yep easy to implement). Software features are effectively free to implement and sony just stays boring.

[@Davitor1]

Unfortunately it’s not selling. End of story.

[@TheGeoDaddy]

Yeah, I gotta agree… Switch to Sony from Nikon last year - specifically for video - and made the mistake of buying the “flagship” camera… which overheats and shuts down within minutes of shooting 8K and twenty minutes shooting 4K! Bought two FX3s - with little fans - that allow me to shoot all day! So it’s a “stills” camera and a lot of “influencers” mislead neophytes into thinking it was an all purpose camera (much like Nikon mislead its lifelong customers into thinking the “Filmmaker’s Kit” was a “game changer” when they never had Apple’s support for ProRes RAW (and STILL don’t!) All the A1 ii is - is the recent upgrades built into the firmware - so you don’t BRICK your camera trying to install the upgrades on the origin model and a swivel screen for bloggers… who wanna blog on a $6K camera!?! Take that out in public either a top GM lens and I hope you have INSURANCE!!! I’m completely satisfied with the duel FX3s and an array of lenses but I overpaid for the original A1 as - essentially - a “backup camera” for coverage and those RARE occasions where I wanna shoot quality stills. The GM lenses - on the other hand - are GREAT! Got a complete set of primes and the Zooms for wide and long!

[@mbismbismb]

Dunno how that lousy video features compares to z9 and r5ii considered as best hahahaha such a fanboy problem

[@harryvuemedia]

The A1-ii is the Perfect Rolling Shutter Mirrorless camera. It doesn't get any better than this anymore and innovation for Mirrorless cameras with RS sensors have reached their peaks. Im sure Sony is going to focus on their Global Shutter sensor now to leap frog camera technology again.

[@rlpring78]

The upgrades and updates on the A1II do not appear to be a lot, because those features, even though great, already exist on other cameras. This leads to the labeling of evolutionary vs revolutionary. If the screen was upgraded to a 3.5” OLED, the body slightly bigger and robust, faster start and stop time, 8K60 video & 50fps @ 50mp, then it would have been revolutionary.

[@stephentalent]

I have pre-ordered this, because 1) it meets all my needs (no surprise there) & 2) I am invested in Sony glass (I also have an FX6 & ZV-E1). It does irk though that both the Canon R5 2 & Z8 are significantly cheaper (although not for me due to the Sony glass I own). But once I look past that I know I will adore this camera.

[@enricomarconi8358]

I agree with you Dan on pretty much everything you’ve said. Yes the image quality leap can be done only with a higher dynamic range sensor (a true 17 stops like in the Red camera) and a ‘larger than 35mm’ sensor which only canon and Nikon at this point can accommodate. The mount on the Sony is way too small for that. Sony is stuck at 35mm I’m afraid…

[@rodrigomartin-hidalgo1592]

Waiting for that Nikon-Canon-Sony comparison !

[@rsraw1111]

From a stats POV, we are starting to run into innovators dilemma. Seems like important to now emphasize better dynamic range, more filmic functionality, open gate, anamorphic, better quality display that works in sunlight, more and better options for display monitoring…

[@stillsandvideo]

Great post Dan. Looking forward to more. Thanks

[@learningcameras]

Appreciate that!!

[@vitogrimes6006]

What I really want to know is how the video performance is vs the Sony FX3. The FX3 is a beast for video, but just meh for photos. The A1 II seems like a beast for photos and video, but I’m curious which one has the better video capability. Of course the FX3 is made to be a cinema line camera, but that doesn’t mean the A1 II can’t compete or even be better.

[@learningcameras]

I was disappointed that the A9II seems to lack some of the pro video features from the FX3 like Anamorphic de-squeeze. Still working through everything that's missing but there are a few things Sony is reserving only for "cinema" series cameras. The dual ISO on the A1II is 4000 compared to 12,800 in the FX3 as well so that's noticeable. My guess is the FX4 will be higher resolution...maybe 24mp which should make it a bit more usable for photos

[@PicturebikeMXphotography]

Good honest review and Im glad the a1 ii came out as i just purchased an original a1 plus grip for half the price the a1 ii would cost me in the UK, I shoot motocross racing and not interested in video or flip screens. I will be interested to see what the a1 iii will bring to the table in a few years or a9 iiii but for now a bargain price a1 plus my a9 as backup is very much up to the job I do.

[@learningcameras]

Awesome!! Enjoy the A1

[@PaulFeinberg]

lots of truth here.....Interesting release for sure. Good Thoughts!

[@cyrilhamel8289]

Definitely the best overall camera. But price seems $1000 or $2000 too much considering competition. The first A1 could justify its super high price tag as being THE ONLY ONE, but today it isn't true anymore.

[@scb2scb2]

@@cyrilhamel8289 it feels wrong but inflation in europe for example would make the a1 from 7299->8400 euro today the a1ii is lower in price and they added more than a few things. the issue really is the great value of the r5ii and z8 but they are lesser cameras but you pay more for lenses add 3 or 4 nice lenses and you are closer. the maybe 1000euro gap left sony just knows people won't switch eco-systems for. doesn't make happy as a sony shooter but that is just how companies work.

[@amermeleitor]

If you compare everything between A1II, R5II and Z8, and then factor the price, then the Z8 it's a clear winner. It's very tempting going to Nikon and the possibility to use Sony lenses with the Megadap

[@raf-bw]

This is what I have done. 😅 Replaced my A1 by a Z8 and use my Sony mount lenses on it. The only "regret" is the size Of the Z8 but overall for pure photography I don't miss anything. It's a wonderful camera.

[@amermeleitor]

@raf_raw great to know. Is the Nikon autofocus good enough? Isn't too much misfocusing?

[@learningcameras]

@@amermeleitor It's gotten better with firmware updates but it is still a generation behind Canon & Sony which makes sense because Nikon was last to creating phase detection autofocus for mirrorless cameras so the others had a head start

[@sunil3135]

The viewfinder in the A1 had too much moire. Is it the same in A1ii too?

[@ItsBerg]

Yes

[@justonbrazda3846]

really, is there anything the a1ii can do that the r5ii can not do? besides having 5 more megapixels?

[@learningcameras]

Not much. But Sony's lenses are better tuned for 30fps cameras with updated linear AF motors, they have more customization, the viewfinder is higher resolution and larger with faster refresh rates, and Sony does have more flexibility with video codecs and frame rates

[@unknownKnownunknowns]

@@learningcamerasfor the price difference, i’d have to go R5ii.

[@Battlem0nk]

For wildlife/birding the r5ii entirely stops shooting once the buffer fills so you might miss shots. A1ii continues shooting burst but lower fps. It has 8GB buffer vs 4.5 for r5ii. A1ii writes 700MB/s to card vs r5ii 600MB/s even though it's CF-b card is faster. Sensor wise the A1ii is 1/250s vs r5ii 1/160s

[@rlpring78]

It’s dumb to compare the R5II to the A1II.

[@learningcameras]

@ ​​⁠ why? They are almost identical specs and feature sets. Virtually the same resolution, same sensor tech,same frame rate, same hardware size, same 8k and 4k120 video resolutions...it's absolutely crazy how similar they are

[@adden2242]

The specs is awesome,but the price..I just cant,bloody expensive, folks!!

[@Coatsey007]

I have one on order, I'm upgrading my A1, but I nearly went the Nikon route. It shouldn't be this close with a brand new camera and I wonder if I wait six or seven months whether I will regret it and wish I bought the next Nikon without some serious firmware upgrades to this a one mark two I think Sony are going to struggle.

[@angelislandcreativestudios2875]

Hi Dan - I noticed around <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="335">5:35</a> that the IBIS look like it is stuttering/over correcting. Which mode was that in? Thx.

[@tonygerassi1502]

I’m curious about the buffer speeds between the A1ii and R5ii. It looks like all the cameras are pretty much handicapped at the image processor pipeline at processing around 500MB/s of data. Like it doesn’t matter if you have CFA or CFB, you’re locked in at writing to the cards around 500-600 MB/s. Can you check this out?

[@jeroenvdw]

I have the A7RV and I always wish I had something faster with a silent shutter that doesn't distort fast moving subjects. Now that crypto is sky high I will probably sell some and buy the A1II. It's the best full frame camera on the market, unfortunately with a sky high price.

[@scb2scb2]

It is still the best overal camera (also hope to have one next week .. we can hope) but its a facelift release and not great value. Its still class leading but canon and nikon have better value options. The R1 imho doesn't even compete it is going up against the a9iii the only thing that worries me a little as a a1/a1ii owner is that once sony has the new cpu's and/or sensor done they will release the a1iii in 2 years instead of 4 years and i will feel upset reminding me of the a9ii upgrade.

[@learningcameras]

Good points!

[@doktorr23]

Pixel binned 4k 24 and 4k 60. If you want that high quality crisp 4k then you have to shoot 8k and place it on a 4k timeline. No waveforms, no false color either. R5ii and Nikon Z8 seem better bang for the buck. A1ii is Overpriced A1 with firmware update. Lol 😂

[@learningcameras]

So the way Sony does pixel binning on the A1 is not like it's other cameras. Because the resolution is a 4x multiplier, it does slight oversampling and then a perfect pixel bin so the quality is actually significantly better than pixel binned cameras and almost identical to oversampled cameras. I'll do a comparison because this is a great point and my A1II should be here this afternoon! But the R5II and Z8 are definitely the better bang for the buck. That said the A1II is more than a firmware update. There are some big improvements to the hardware and as someone who goes between this new gen hardware and old gen hardware daily, you can absolutely notice the difference

[@doktorr23]

@ thanks for responding man! Are the ergonomics better than the previous A1 ?

[@learningcameras]

The buttons are for the most part in the same place but the grip is slightly better, the shutter button is now slanted in a more natural position, and the buttons are larger and feel much better to press. There is also a larger viewfinder cup which might help a bit lol. So yes, ergonomics are better but it's just a tweak of the existing formula. I personally wouldn't mind a small size increase to give more separation between buttons and a larger viewfinder on a flagship camera like this

[@doktorr23]

@ how about the lcd screen ? Is it as high res as r5ii or still low quality dim lcd screen like the fx3 and a7iv

[@learningcameras]

@@doktorr23 It's high resolution but it still doesn't look better...colors, contrast, and brightness don't match the R5II despite Sony being an actual TV & smartphone company lol. I have no idea why Sony cameras don't have the best screens period

[@bobnason4147]

As a Sony APS-C user, I'm disappointed the A6xxx series cameras still don't offer blackout free shooting and decent frame rates. So I've stupidly been considering an A1/A1 ii for use with my APS-C glass. But it's hard to justify the cost, let alone the extra AU$3k step up cost. Maybe I'll just wait to see what the Canon R7 ii has to offer.

[@duncangroenewald]

The EVF is the same as the A1 evf.

[@learningcameras]

I believe the refresh rate is better...it can now do 120fps without having to decrease resolution

[@duncangroenewald]

@@learningcameras I don't think so - check the A1ii manual, that is not an option that is available - it seems to still be identical to the A1 and not like the A9iii unless of course they forgot to update the manual correctly :)

[@davidmanzi4491]

Everyone was disappointed with the Canon R1....until they actually used one. Probably the same for the A1 II. It's excellent.

[@learningcameras]

Yeah, most of the disappointments are not with the actual cameras which is interesting. I think most of the disappointment with the R1 was just that it felt like an R3II...nothing wrong with the camera itself but the marketing positioning wasn't amazing, especially because Canon teased a crazy future flagship R1 for the last 4 years and it felt like an R3. If Canon called it the R3II, we would all be gushing over it because the camera itself is amazing. The main issue with Sony's A1II is that it's a bit overpriced and a modest update but again, it does pretty much everything I wanted it to do and it's Sony's best camera. But it's 1 thing to overcharge for a camera when you are 2 years ahead of the competition with the tech (original A1), but now that others have caught up, it's tough to still be asking $1000's more than other similarly spec'd camera. But with both of these, no one is actually faulting the camera itself, it's really just marketing departments that are inflating the camera names and $ numbers lol

[@ldmndz4652]

Best hybrid until the A7V releases next year..lol ..which will get similar features..lol..the legendary A7III was a game changer for Sony..that was the camera that changed alot of peoples minds..one of the best "hybrid" cameras at the time..and the A7V will surely be a good hybrid choice once again..

[@learningcameras]

I agree, the A7III was legendary! Definitely a game changing moment for cameras in general...Sony has had a few of those over the last 8ish years and hopefully the A7V will be another one

[@ldmndz4652]

​@@learningcameras yeah especially if the rumors are true..lol on Sonyalpharumors site..if you haven't seen it..I vote for scenario 2..on the specs..lol and the body should be the same as the A1 II and A93 and the tilt/flip screen..lol these two should be standard going forward..especailly the new bodies..keep the continuity of the looks of the A bodies..but the one I am excited for is the rumors bump in FPS..20?..as an A7R5 shooter..the only thing I hate is the FPS..10FPS is a joke in the industry..and its been 3 iterations of the AR and A7 bodies now..Sony needs to change this for sure!..and if the rumors are true 20 in the A7V..thats a good sign that a future A7R6 will also get a bump in FPS..lol

[@Battlem0nk]

Have a feeling A7V is going to be a similar facelift update like A1II

[@doktorr23]

@@ldmndz4652 cameras won’t get significantly better. They’re already quite good nowadays. At the best it will match the z6iii/r6mkii + or - a feature or two

[@ldmndz4652]

@@learningcameras yeah especially if the rumors are true..lol on Sonyalpharumors site..if you haven't seen it..I vote for scenario 2..on the specs..lol and the body should be the same as the A1 II and A93 and the tilt/flip screen..lol these two should be standard going forward..especailly the new bodies..keep the continuity of the looks of the A bodies..but the one I am excited for is the rumors bump in FPS..20?..as an A7R5 shooter..the only thing I hate is the FPS..10FPS is a joke in the industry..and its been 3 iterations of the AR and A7 bodies now..Sony needs to change this for sure!..and if the rumors are true 20 in the A7V..thats a good sign that a future A7R6 will also get a bump in FPS..lol

[@giljesusseraspe9225]

Are Canon files easier to edit now compared to Sony files? Meeting the deadline is very important. Also, when using wide angle lenses, did Canon finally fix the warping issues as well? Thanks

[@learningcameras]

So on the original R5, Canon forced you to shoot 10bit 422 h.265 for some resolution/frame rate combinations and most computers couldn't handle those files, especially at higher frame rates. Sony allowed you to shoot 3 different formats in both 10bit 422 and the more widely supported 10bit 422 in both h.265 and h.264. Sony still allows this flexibility and Canon doesn't always but computers have come a long way so most new high end processors can now handle all those formats

[@boundaryscience]

IIRC, the Panasonic screen couldn't flip down without flipping it out. It flipped up, out and rotated. So they are a little different.

[@learningcameras]

That's true... I just checked my gh6 and it only tilts up not down

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

While I own 2x the current A1 since I’m not using them both as much as I used to should I just stay pat or sell them both to get one new A1 II? Also own an A7RV that i use for landscape work and it has most of the same features but I don’t use that for Birds in Flight or Wildlife. Do also shoot Canon and considered replacing my R5 for an R5 Mark II. Oh what should I do? Thank you and take care.

[@learningcameras]

If you sold the 2 A1s, picked up a A1II, and then used that along with the A7RV you already own, I think that would be an absolutely amazing setup. The A1II matches the A7RV hardware more so going between them will feel more natural and I think you will be more likely to use the A1II as a result. But understand it's a pricey upgrade that comes with 0 improvements to image quality or speed so that's the only issue to reconcile. The big advantage to the R5II other than video improvements is that you are now using a stacked cmos sensor so blackout free shooting at 30fps just like the A1 series and there is very little the A1II can do that the R5II can't. So I think for you it's more about what lenses you own and prefer using as to which system you end up using. But for birds in flight or wildlife, the A1II and R5II are extremely similar cameras despite over a $2000 price difference

[@stevenwaldstein2839]

@@learningcameras Dan, thank you for the advice. Unfortunately I will have to wait until after the holidays. Will see how successful I am at selling both my A1’s.

[@michaelquicker7744]

Please Advise what if any L Bracket you can use on the A1M2

[@learningcameras]

This is a really good modular one that will work with any camera system bhpho.to/41vxFYN

[@micheltheodorou1110]

Thank you. Can you please test the video and overheating...

[@learningcameras]

Unfortunately it's winter so it will be tough haha. Although I live in Florida and on my A1, the issue isn't ambient temperature as much as direct sunlight in the summer which is why when people do heat chamber tests, it isn't always accurate to what I experience. If there is direct sunlight my record times go WAY down and unfortunately I'm often asked to do shoots on golf courses and beaches here in the summer so it matters. But if it gets warm again I'll try and do a test!

[@micheltheodorou1110]

@ thanks so much I will wait. I’m also waiting for the Sony a7 V, Canon r6 iii maybe 6k 30fps internal recording… in 2/3 months to decide…

[@margaretannhalleck1326]

Will pre-capture work with back button focus?

[@learningcameras]

I'll see if I can test but I'm not sure why not...should have the camera in later today! I don't personally use BBF though

[@jessdmppl]

Yes, it does.

[@ApertureO9V]

I say this having just switch to Sony from canon, what makes it better than the R5mkii?

[@learningcameras]

Not much but obviously you get access to Sony lenses, a better viewfinder, 4 axis flip screen, and a bit more customization for starters. But definitely nothing I couldn't live without...the R5II is the best camera for your $ right now IMO

[@erichramone7812]

Sony was way ahead of everyone for so long that even when they barely update a 3-4 year old camera it's still best in class. But I'll tell you Canon caught up quick (mirrorless tech) and so did Nikon. While I think Canon still has the best in class overall autofocus, and best PRO photographer support.

[@justonbrazda3846]

Got my preorder in on day 1. But man it's hard to not cancel and order the r5ii.

[@learningcameras]

It's definitely a better camera for the $ but there are still other things to consider when switching brands and there really isn't anything the R5II can do that Sony doesn't

[@wingcreator]

@@learningcameras Yes, like lighter 14 1.8 (Nikon and Canon do not have), 28-70 2.0, 50 1.2, 300 2.8 GM .......

[@justonbrazda3846]

@@learningcameras r5ii can do 8k60. 4k120 no crop. RAW video internally.

[@learningcameras]

@@justonbrazda3846 I said all of that multiple times in the video. Although the 8k60 is only in raw and fairly limited with file sizes and steps required to color it properly. I'm a huge R5II fan though. Definitely best camera for the money

[@scb2scb2]

Canon r1 and A1ii are same price in europe...

[@learningcameras]

Interesting! $500 difference in the US

[@scb2scb2]

@@learningcameras Please don't take this the wrong way but having a global viewer ship i do feel in price compare not only always the usa market should be talked about. a1ii=7499euro, r1=7499euro, a9iii=6999. The 'value' cameras are really the z9=5999,z8=4299,r5ii=4799 but all are less than the a1 (but better value) partly because both canon and nikon expect more lens sales (more closed) and higher avg prices on lenses.

[@learningcameras]

@@scb2scb2 The problem is that the price differences are almost 100% related to taxes and not the actual camera pricing...plus these can fluctuate anyway with sales so I try to stay away from getting too in the weeds with prices. If someone watches this video a year from now, the camera could be cheaper than the R1!

[@scb2scb2]

@@learningcameras well you do talk us prices they will also change over time. sony, canon and others place products in the market based on with taxes in europe (thats why we see so many ending at 99 with taxes) in a way its a easier compare than in the usa we can't help the somewhat weird way the states sticker prices are :) where you only find out the price at the checkout line hehe

[@wingcreator]

@@learningcameras Tax is crazy in Europe.

It takes two generations to get really significant upgrades with Sony cameras. A next generation high resolution global sensor is what it needs and that's a year or two off.

[@JagmeetSingh-pe7vi]

Could you or anyone please recommend me best cameras to shoot gym videos for KZbin?

[@learningcameras]

Do you have a budget to work with? My first choice would be the Sony FX3 because it can shoot 12,800 ISO in SLOG 3 with barely any grain so it tends to be the perfect camera for dark spaces. Plus it's just an awesome video camera overall and it's what I use in most videos: bhpho.to/3wpF4eS

[@chennyye28]

I just hope to have a better processor in the camera, and perhaps DGO tech if not global shutter... I guess the last two are a bit too much LOL

[@learningcameras]

haha...probably. Right now global shutters still have a minor tradeoff with quality so until we hit another generation of sensor tech, this might be as good as it gets

[@chennyye28]

​@@learningcameras yes, so in a perfect world, global shutter shall company with DGO or TGO to get 20 stops of dynamic rang, and forget the holy 8k data hell the processor will be living in.

[@СтасГрищук-ц7б]

For video its not the best camera...

[@JojoJoget]

For that price, they should have been a 50mp GS camera

[@learningcameras]

The global shutter still has limitations with ISO and dynamic range so I personally think keeping it only in the A9III built for speed is the right thing to do and focus on IQ for the A1II

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="281">4:41</a> "It FEELS more rugged" => that's not a positive, it's just a "feeling". The only way to know is to test, and we've seen at the winter olympics how the original A1 was incredibly solid, remember the ski slope? The only thing that was broken was the screen. Likewise, you can have something that feels extremely rugged but in fact is very fragile.

[@learningcameras]

Well..."feels" is more than a feeling in this case. First of all...feels is because I can literally feel that the R1 is dense plus it's is claimed to be just as rugged or more rugged than the 1DX series, and that camera has been tested in some of the most extreme conditions on the planet...I also own a 1DX and it's a tank. I only say feels because it obviously isn't out yet. But Canon has been building these 1 series bodies for a long time and they are built from the ground up to take a beating. I'm not saying the A1II isn't rugged but I have risked my 1DX in ways I would be terrified to risk my A1...maybe the A1 would survive but it definitely makes me way more nervous.

[@navpreetsingh8156]

Its just a refresh, nothing new to the table, obviously its a great camera but some of the features could be a firmware update, ofcourse not all but weve already seen all this tech in their other bodies

[@fofopho]

The a1 II is super sick. Boring, but sick. No brainer for me. Grabbing 2 of these in the first quarter of 2025.

[@stevepalmerphotoart]

Sadly right Dan!

[@stan2990]

Merci pour la traduction vocale en français 👌✌️😉

[@rodriguetoglo]

I disagree, the sony a1 ll isn't better than the canon R5ll in any meaningful way, but it costs 2k more... I hear you all say the Sony is overall the best but gave no reason for that claim. It has some unique features but so do all the other flagships from the competition.

[@learningcameras]

I do think the AF system on the A1II is marginally better, you have more lens options, better buffer, better viewfinder, the 4 axis screen is a big deal for what I shoot, a few extra features and more customization. Nothing to really justify a $2000 price difference so the R5II absolutely wins the value category by quite a bit, but if money was not a question and you were offering me either camera for free, I would take the a1II

[@Mac_Sony]

Buy a R1 and R5 II, then you are on the same eye level like the A1 II.

[@learningcameras]

But if you buy the A1II and the A9III, you might be $3k more in the hole but that combo is absolutely insane and unbeatable by the competition...it's actually not even close. The Canon R5II is an amazing everything camera but the great thing about Sony's lineup is they are all better than anyone else with at least 1 thing. So you if you don't mind buying 2 cameras (which I'd argue most pros own 2+ bodies), there are absolutely advantages to Sony's thinking

[@photographerjonathan]

I agree that for some reason it feels underwhelming. even though it really isn't. maybe the price tag is overwhelming which makes the camera seem underwhelming. I'm still shooting with my A7r lll. and I also still own my old Canon 5Dlll which I recently started playing around with again. and when you say the R5ll is like 2500 cheaper in price. I think but what about the glass options. because with Canon you have to buy the L glass to get the best lenses. but with Sony you have all the great way less expensive 3rd party options.. so that savings in the R5ll will get eaten up with the first couple of nice lenses you buy. and also the Canon lenses I would want are all to big and heavy for my taste. personally I don't really need a new camera. but I am considering a new one anyway. partially to get to play around with the latest auto focus. and partially because I think the colors are probably better on the new Sony Cameras then my A7r lll. but I am also curious about what the new A7V is going to be like which will probably be out in the beginning of 2025. maybe Sony is going to up their game with that camera in a more exciting way then what they did with this A1ll. ( I don't get why Sony still isn't competing with the image quality of the back screen )

[@learningcameras]

I mean with Sony, you have to buy GM glass otherwise you can't get 30fps. All 3rd party lenses are locked to less than 15fps with continuous AF so you won't save $$ on lenses with the A1II without losing a massive ability

[@doktorr23]

@@learningcameras you won’t get 30fps with non GM glass. What’s the point getting an A1ii for $6500 and slapping a cheap tamron 28-75 $600 lens and you can’t even shoot fast fps for which the camera was designed for. Kinda a moot point. I agree with Dan here

[@Peterogen]

❤❤❤❤

[@borlach321]

Nikon will probably have a new Z9 next year. Should surpass this.

[@andrewmason8691]

As a Z9 owner, I suspect it won’t be until 2026 for the next update due to firmware updates making it a relatively new camera still and I suspect they might be looking at incorporating Red technology into it. And Nikon tends to take longer releasing cameras because they want to get the technology right on release compared to, say, Canon.

[@learningcameras]

@@andrewmason8691 I agree...2026 minimum

[@ItsBerg]

R5 Is a better camera

[@skylark_media]

I'm a Nikon shooter....for many years I was so Jealous of Sony and Cannon shooters. (even bought an a74, considering moving to sony). But now I can comfortably say I'm with the best overall brand for photo and video. my z6iii is so much better than an a7siii and the z9 has been as good as the a1 ii for about 2 years now....Also things people don't consider: A hot day wedding ceremony last week I had 2 z9s filming 8k h25 for 30min, My videographers r6ii overheated filming 4k after 10min.

[@learningcameras]

And with Nikon purchasing RED, I wouldn't be surprised if they were able to leverage that tech even further over the next few years

[@harryvuemedia]

You can thank Sony for forcing Canon and Nikon to invest heavily into Mirrorless camera. Because if Sony didn't, we would have another 10 years of DSLR technology.

[@goldfinch2283]

I am tired of all this nonsense about «flagship» BS. Either a camera is what you need or not; that’s all that really matters to catch the images you are looking for.

[@learningcameras]

That's mostly true. But putting your best foot forward with a flagship speaks to your brand and the technology that will likely trickle down to other cameras in the future so. But I agree with you, the most important thing is if the camera meets your needs which is why I said I'd buy it at the end...it does everything I want even though I thought it could have been better. That said the Canon R5II does everything as well and does it for $2300 less so something to consider

[@dominiqueschenck430]

Totally overpriced, inferior specs to the R5m2. The truth is that 45MP is no longer flagship. It is mid range now. I think Sony has lost its way.

[@mbismbismb]

Ur first statement : No hahahaha

[@TheGeoDaddy]

Yeah, I gotta agree… Switch to Sony from Nikon last year - specifically for video - and made the mistake of buying the “flagship” camera… which overheats and shuts down within minutes of shooting 8K and twenty minutes shooting 4K! Bought two FX3s - with little fans - that allow me to shoot all day! So it’s a “stills” camera and a lot of “influencers” mislead neophytes into thinking it was an all purpose camera (much like Nikon mislead its lifelong customers into thinking the “Filmmaker’s Kit” was a “game changer” when they never had Apple’s support for ProRes RAW (and STILL don’t!) All the A1 ii is - is the recent upgrades built into the firmware - so you don’t BRICK your camera trying to install the upgrades on the origin model and a swivel screen for bloggers… who wanna blog on a $6K camera!?! Take that out in public either a top GM lens and I hope you have INSURANCE!!! I’m completely satisfied with the duel FX3s and an array of lenses but I overpaid for the original A1 as - essentially - a “backup camera” for coverage and those RARE occasions where I wanna shoot quality stills. The GM lenses - on the other hand - are GREAT! Got a complete set of primes and the Zooms for wide and long!

[@MattWood-kz7ek]

The fact that a flip out screen is a big deal to Sony users, say’s all I need to know about Sony cameras. Canon has been doing that for years already.

[@learningcameras]

Canon doesn't have a 4th axis flip screen yet...they use 3 axis which pretty much every Sony camera in the last 4 years uses as well

[@MattWood-kz7ek]

@ I wouldn’t say they’re articulating screens work as well. They still have to catch up.

[@s7654r]

Canon does not have the screen the Sony newer camera have.

[@remarksacoustic3226]

same quality for a low price camera

[@rghurst]

When you said "Best overall everything camera ever created" I should have just stopped watching. The rest was just whining about price and playing "woulda coulda shoulda." I've already order an A1ii to replace one of my A1s. Not sure if I need to replace both at this point.

[@learningcameras]

haha. Well I do have to talk about all the things they didn't update and how much the competition has updated because that "best overall camera ever created" title is by a very thin margin and the camera in second place is $2300 cheaper. It wouldn't be a "review" if I didn't. But enjoy the A1II!! Congrats...you'll love it

[@MyContestPix]

Dan, cut to the chase. People are overpaying for a camera that the A1 or A9III can handle. If you have $6.5k burning in your pocket then go ahead. But for 99.999% of the people these minor features aren't enough to jump. For 40+ years Sony has been ripping people off with their different SKUs. For each feature you have a different SKU. You need to buy two products to get 2 different features. Say what?? Strategy is no different when it comes to electronic gear. Sony will never offer one product with all the bells and whistles. Suckers!! Think of it as nickel and diming you to death. It's a bleeping joke. Sony has carried over the same sucker tactics for their cameras. Capiche?? If you don't mind getting ripped off with no firmware updates then go ahead and make them happy!!!

[@learningcameras]

The A1 & A9III were priced that high because they offered something the competition couldn't come close to matching. Who knows what the development cost of the 120fps global shutter in the A9III but I'm sure it was a pretty decent number, and of course they will put a price on that for the people who want that ability...especially when no one else can even come close to matching it. But if you don't need 120fps, don't buy the camera! They aren't ripping anyone off by making something 4x faster than anything else on the market and charging 20% more to get it. For the people who can actually use it...mostly sports where the difference between the perfect shot and a less perfect shot is measured in hundredths of a second, they would gladly pay 2x more for that ability. The issue with the A1II is that others have caught up. So the crazy high price the original A1 commanded for being first to have both speed and resolution feels like it's too high for the A1II so it does feel a bit overpriced now. But I would disagree that Sony is "ripping off people" by creating different SKU's. I equate it more to the fact that Sony is a Sensor company so they create a sensor and then figure out a way of packaging that sensor to different end users. But they are not removing bells and whistles from cameras like you said, it's just that a sensor intentionally built for 1 use doesn't necessarily mean it's not as good for another use. But that also means that Sony makes the best sensor in each area...need a sensor that excels in low light, A7SIII blows everyone else away. Need a sensor that's crazy fast, the A9III is literally 4 times faster than the R1 which isn't even out yet. Need a sensor with the best IQ/Resolution, A7RV has the highest resolution and dynamic range, and now the A1II is the sensor that does everything. While you do tend to have to get 2 cameras to get the best of both worlds, the end result is a much better camera than a 1 size fits all. Since I almost always bring 2 cameras to every shoot, this strategy has worked amazingly well for me

[@s7654r]

​@@learningcamerasWell said.