Sony A1 II Hands-On Review: The Wildlife Photographer’s Dream?

[@Duade]

Sony have informed me the Price is $6,498 USD not the $6,299 listed in the video. Sorry about any confusion. Cheers, Duade

[@duffy2512]

Do you agree that both prices aren't competitiv anymore compared to Canon and Nikon with similar features around 3500 and 4500$ ? When the A1 MK1 was released there wasn't any other camera on the market that offers the same specs, but today ??!!! I Would go for it immediatly at a price near 5000$- that woul be fair in my opinion.

[@evenhandedcommentor6102]

I bought the A9iii in May...and now...I'm still happy with it. I don't crop a lot that often and I do like the higher fps speed. I also like the ability to flash sync at any shutter speed. That said, I'm happy for the wildlife photographers who do crop a lot as they will now get all the advanced features the A9iii has such as precapture and AI recognition along with the much improved LCD screen.

[@Duade]

Yeah, the FPS of the A9II and sync speed is amazing, the actual bodies are also so much nicer in the field. Cheers, Duade

[@funtaril]

It's incredible how much less and less barriers there is between experienced photographer and perfect wildlife shot with each new camera iteration

[@syksystransitagency]

Just came here from the official announcement, looking good! Thanks for all the work you do with the reviews and everything, greetings from Finland!

[@Duade]

Thansk for the feeback, Cheers, Duade

[@johnharvey1786]

You are absolutely correct about the autofocus zone or point options on Sony bodies. Jan Wegener had the same issue being a Canon user. As an A1 user I would not use wide in those circumstances especially as how easy it is to change focus areas. I tend to use one of the three size flexible boxes depending on the subject.

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback John, nice to hear from Sony users, I will try that next time I get the camera. Cheers, Duade

[@aadithyanjr1382]

6:53 that shot should win awards!

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, I was happy to get that shot, Cheers, Duade

[@OvertakeGT]

Something about the vegetation in the foreground makes it even better!

[@nogroove3819]

Great review. You covered everything I can think of to ask. Thx.

[@adriandonoghue8210]

Hi Duade, love your detailed reviews, always engaging, but what I enjoy the most are your first class photographic captures, keep up the good work!

[@Duade]

Thanks Adrian, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade

[@Jonathantuba]

Thanks, this is the most comprehensive review I have seen. My A1ii is now on order to replace my A1. The big new feature for me is the Pre-capture. I have found on the A9iii what a game changer that is for wildlife photographers.

[@Duade]

Thanks Jonathan, congrats on the camera, I am sure you will have a lot of fun with it. Cheers, Duade

[@erg1450]

just subscribed, this is what I call a useful review, show actual examples of what you can do with this camera, well done. !!! , just sold my A7RV and have this one on pre-order , more versatile

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, I apprecaite it, have fun with the camera when it arrives. Cheers, Duade

[@marklaurendet1861]

Looks like a great camera, like the Dragon Fly shots. The controls look very nice and love the rear screen. Unfortunately out of my price range [sad] . Really like how you show show the before and after shots, for me this adds a lot of authenticity to your channel. [if that is the right word]

[@Duade]

Thanks Mark, yes, a lovely camera and I had a lot of fun but yes, it is a lot of money for a camera. Thanks for the feedback re the showing the RAWS. Cheers, Duade

[@sh8736]

On the A9III I use the very small spot tracking for those difficult to track subjects

[@Duade]

Thanks, I will have to give that a go, Cheers, Duade

[@bjrn-einarnilsen687]

Great and informative video as always mate. Looks like an amazing camera. And the photos you took with this camera was stunning. Wishing you and yours a great week. Cheers, Bjoern

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, I apprecaite it, I had a lot of fun that is for sure. Cheers, Duade

[@isotechimages.9130]

As a Canon R5ii shooter the A1ii is just more refined in many ways but is more than half the price again. Great review the big 3 brands all have great offerings.

[@Duade]

Thanks, totally agree, the R52 is a great camera for its price. I agree we are very lucky to have all these amazing cameras available. Cheers, Duade

[@robbie154]

How? The r5ii has uncompressed 14bit 30fps. The A1II is still compressed 12bit. The video on the a1ii is still line skipped/subsampled. Just to name a couple.

[@isotechimages.9130]

@@robbie154 all true l sure but l don’t do video just more the precapture set up the rear screen mechanics set precapture to a custom button just little things like that a bit better implicated.

[@Duade]

@@robbie154 G'day Robbie, you raise good points and each camera has strengths and weaknesses. Whilst the R52 is 14bit the actual in field performance of the A1 sensor appears to have better dynamic range, less high ISO noise, twice as fast read out speed and is 50mp vs 45mp. In fact the R5 sensor is better than the R52 and I believe that is not 14 bit in ES 20fps. I don't shoot video but understand that is a feature Sony shooters would have liked.

[@robbie154]

@ would love to see a side by side. Photons to photos has them more or less on par with each other

[@MeneerMX]

Mere mortals simply cant justify the extremely high costs of such top of the range models. Duade shows and proves so often in his videos that good field-craft is so important to get the chance to get a great image. Keep up the good work. Meanwhile I'll go out with my OM-1ii and the 150-600mm lens and try to improve my field-craft - problem is that if I do a Duade and lie on the floor then it's not always so easy to get back up again nowadays as it used to be 50+ years ago!!!!

[@Duade]

Thanks for the comment and feedback, totally agree that field craft is everything. Cheers, Duade

[@sigurdrille9693]

Thank you for your extensive thoughts, very helpful!

[@Duade]

Thanks, I apprecaite it, Cheers, Duade

[@JohnDoranski]

Thanks for the in-depth review. Pre-capture and that insert mode is great news.

[@Duade]

Thanks John, yes, they work well, Cheers, Duade

[@nunosilva5653]

Amazing shots you got Duade. Awesome selection.

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, it was a lot of fun, Cheers, Duade

[@cathco9]

Great review! I'm a Canon R5 II shooter so I wouldn't be buying the A1 II but it's always nice to see what other competitors are coming up with. I woukd think that wildlife shooters who own the A1 would be pretty happy with the upgrades in the A1 II. Thanks, Duade!

[@Duade]

Thanks, totally agree, its a more refined A1, much like we got with the R52, albiet with slightly worse DR. Cheers, Duade

[@polmestra]

I am so happy for you Duade! You had time to spend with this camera😊 This indicates your channel is getting noticed. I love your channel. Thanks for the review!

[@Duade]

Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate the support!

[@BillyVerden]

Great Video! And as I've always said your reviews are extremely fair and impartial! Thank You! I'm an A1 owner and I'm probably buying the A1ii.. I'll then decide later if i sell the A1 or keep it. I'm a wildlife shooter and mostly bird in flight (Eagles & Osprey).. I love having two cameras with different focal lengths. Great Video!

[@Duade]

Thanks Billy, it is ultimately just a much more refined A1 with some great new features. For BIF it is fantastic. Cheers, Duade

[@Harry-bh5dg]

Hi Duade, excellent vid as always, it certainly looks a superb camera although a touch expensive, great pics you have taken with makes me envious.

[@Duade]

Thanks mate, yes, makes the R52 look like a bargain ;-) Cheers, Duade

[@przybylskipawel]

Cropability of that sensor is ASTONISHING!

[@Duade]

Yes, its incredible for sure. Cheers, Duade

[@lafonevc5663]

Great review - have the A1 and won’t be swapping for a while yet but the pre capture is something to look forward to later when they are available second hand. But happy for now and great to see the improvements in AF. Thanks for sharing.

[@Duade]

G'day my pleasure, yes, I suspect many A1 owners will share your views, Cheers, Duade

[@brianw6645]

Fantastic review. You covered every question I had about it.

[@Duade]

Great to hear Brian, I appreciate the feedback, Cheers, Duade

[@OlcayKabacali]

Great video as always. Cheers from Turkey.

[@lukasholecek5911]

I like how Your "hands-on" review has more info than many have in their full "long term" review 😁 Sony is one (big) step closer to the perfect wildlife system in my opinion...definitely ahead of others at this moment I'm afraid. (Saying this as a FF Canon + MFT Olympus shooter). Great work and great shots, thanks for this video.

[@Duade]

My pleasure mate, it was a fun camera to play with, Cheers, Duade

[@robwasnj]

Great talk, enjoyed very minute of it. You mentioned the AF sometimes locking onto grass or the wrong things... I have the same issue with my A1 at times and yes, changing to a smaller focus area can help but sometimes if you're not pre-focused on something near the distance of your subject it can be frustrating and lost shots happen. Pre-capture seems like it could be such a game changer, I do more music/performance photography and by the time you see something happen the shot is lost, being able to go back even a fraction of a second means getting that exact moment. I know you said it means you'll have a lot more shots but because of missing shots I often shoot bursts when things simply don't happen because if my finger isn't on the gas and it does happen it'd be missed, with precapture soon as you know it's going to happen hit the shutter and you've got it... at least I'm assuming it works that way. One thing I wish Sony did through firmware even on the A1 was allow an auto mode for subjects, oftentimes I'm shooting mostly birds but then a mammal happens, having to change it is ridiculous and there should have been an all encompassing setting all along. I'm curious what the difference will be trading in an A1 and grip for the A1ii and grip, more than likely I'll go that route, thought of keeping my A1 as a backup but seems every time I do that I never want to go back to the older cameras and they just sit in my bag unused. Thanks again for a great video and real hands on experiences. Very curious if you'll solve the AF oddities, if you do please include it in a future video.

[@Duade]

G'day Rob, the A12 does have an Auto mode for subject recognition but I suspect its slightly slower than the dedicated subject detect. Yes precapture works exactly as you suspect. You can in theory just hold down the AFON button and when you see the action simply hit the shutter and the camera will record the previos "x"amount of time you have set. Cheers, Duade

[@KungPowEnterFist]

I only use pre-capture in extremely rare situations on the Z8/Z9. Not because it can't do pre-capture in RAW. Because it's just not worth the trouble to go through the extra hundreds or even thousands of additional images. Can it be a game-changer? Yes. Will you use it often? No.

[@marknoll8052]

Hi Duade, for your first kangaroo shot at about 17:30, based on my experience with the A9 (no bird AF), the small spot + tracking AF mode would have easily tracked the roo across the frame - I would recommend that mode rather than a smaller zone AF area you suggested. Small spot focus + tracking was often my method on the A9 and generally does a great job. I don’t think eye AF is needed when the subject is that far away

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, I will have to try that mode, Cheers, Duade

[@CamillaI]

I can't wait to get my hands on one so jealous . Awesome 👍

[@Duade]

Yes you will, a refined version of the A1, basically just makes an amazing camera even better. Cheers, Duade

[@coeur.sauvage]

Hey Duade, for better results with the autofocus you should go with tracking spot, my favorite is expandable tracking spot.

[@Duade]

Thanks, I will have to try that for sure, Cheers, Duade

[@eosuser1]

Excellent review and trustworthy! On the Sony comment about not being able to increase stills fps from 30 max…they could have considered 40 fps in jpg if file size was an issue. A lot of action shooters use jpg anyway.

[@Duade]

Very true and good point, Cheers, Duade

[@generaltso9402]

Jan had the same issue with AF wide subject recognition. I've had it with my OM-1 also.

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, Cheers, Duade

[@Met.Photography]

HI Sir, If you were given the choice between the Canon EOS R1 + 200-800 or the Sony A9iii+ 200-600 what would you choose? Thanks for letting me know.

[@rythepoet]

Awesome review !! Tuning in from Baltimore MD. Was thinking of upgrading my camera. Would you recommend A1II or R5 Mark II? Keep up the amazing work!!!

[@Duade]

Great question and really depends on your budget and lenses and what system you are already invested in. I would argue the A1II has more features but comes at the higher cost. The R52 offers better value IMO. Cheers, Duade

[@frankf.6699]

Another brilliant video Duade! For nature and wildlife photography, this Sony camera seems hard to beat. 30 fps are not the fastest but more than my R5, same as the R5 II and it comes with 50 MP instead of 24 MP like the faster Canons. Seems even with that older Sensor Sony has an edge over the rest of the marked.

[@Duade]

Thanks Frank, yes, agree with what you say. Shows how good the original A1 sensor was. I think the R52 is still very good and great value for its price. Cheers, Duade

[@wolfrehm6314]

Thanks for the very good and practical oriented review and your sympathetic way of presenting.this camera. It´s a bit frustrating to see the prices and to recognize, that we in Europe have to pay much more for the same camera...

[@Duade]

G'day, yes, the high taxes and exchange rate do make the cameras very expensive. We have 10% GST here so 10990 is a lot here also. Cheers, Duade

[@steveking6204]

Thr swallow image is fantastic.

[@Duade]

Thanks Steve, I was happy to get that one, Cheers, Duade

[@narkonarko754]

Hi Duade - great video and answers a lot of bird related q's on the a1ii. I have a side question. i was recently up at winton wetlands to take some photos taking advantage of camping nearby but i struggled to see anything worthwhile due to the location i was in (near the visitor center). Are there areas accessible by car (not 4wd) that you can suggest? I tried going on the path near the dam wall but it was all locked up. Even using a 500f4 and a tele was a struggle due to distance.

[@Duade]

G'day, Boggy Bridge is where I film most of my videos, small wetland next to the road. Ashemeads swamp which had water but is largely dry is another location and the Duck Pond is also worth a visit. Green Hill has the Antichinus, Woodswallows and other bush birds. The old boat ramp down by the visitors centre when water is also worth a look. Cheers, Duade

[@narkonarko754]

@Duade thanks Duade! Appreciate the reply and tips!

[@WernerBirdNature]

Thanks for this marvelously illustrated review Duade !! Especially the swallow family are 😍 After the "underwhelming" rumors (~SAR), it looks like a pretty decent upgrade over the original a1, certainly for our (hardware-demanding) genre. But I do feel the R5ii made a larger leap over its predecessor. Within some tolerances, the a1ii looks like an R5ii with a "flagship upgrade" regarding EVF, buffer and price tag.

[@Duade]

Thanks Werner, I think your description is on the money. Cheers, Duade

[@mazaribeiro]

Duade please, please, review the m.zuiko 150-400mm :) You're the only person I trust ^^ and watching you review that lenses would be a game changer for me.

[@brettharrisphotography7463]

@Duabe Paton, quick little hint when the camera is not finding the bird, I use expandable spot mode, I have more success in that mode.

[@Duade]

Thanks Brett, well worth a try should I get the camera back, Cheers, Duade

[@GreenhornPhototaker]

another banger video Duade, thank you so much

[@Duade]

Thanks for watching! I hope it was helpful.

[@Met.Photography]

What would you pick if it was a choice between the Sony A1ii with the G 200-600mm lens or the A9iii with the same lens but with an additional 1.4x converter? It is the choice between Speed and Resolution.

[@Duade]

G'day, I would go with the A1II for the extra megapixels and better dynamic range. I can also use the 1.4 extender and have 50mp + 840mm Cheers, Duade

[@Met.Photography]

@@Duade Thanks for the response sir.But I meant if you choose the A1ii you only get the lens and only if you choose the a9iii that you will get the 1.4x as A1 mark ii is 500 use more.Then will your choice differ? Thank you again

[@Duade]

@@Met.Photography I would get the A1II and buy the 1.4 when you can afford it. Cheers, Duade

[@Soundwave857]

17:30 i'm quite confused why the camera is in M spot but always changed to wide area once you half pressed the shutter button. I'm pretty sure this is your issue

[@Duade]

G'day, I had spot AF on one button and eye tracking on another button. When I engaged eye tracking it got confused. This is how Canon works but clearly I need to change how I AF on Sony. Cheers, Duade

[@kenwalkerdine3447]

Very informative review. It looks to me that the Sony pre-capture autofocusses better than the Canon R5 Mark 2 that you also reviewed, am I understanding those reviews correctly? Thanks

[@Duade]

G'day Ken, I would have to test side by side to be sure tbh, both cameras can struggle if the subject moves very quickly. I much prefer Sonys precapture implementation though. Cheers, Duade

[@jaycee6996]

Most informative. I was wondering whether the new model would shift the prices, new and secondhand, a little. I was tempted by the A7r5 because it had the high resolution sensor and good autofocus modes. I thought the A1 was overpriced and did not offer enough over the A7r5 to be worthwhile. If the secondhand values of the old A1 come down significantly the choice becomes a bit more difficult for a wildlife photographer.

[@Duade]

Thanks, yes, I am sure the price will come down of both those cameras with the introduction of the A12. The A1 for its time was really groundbreaking and the fact they are using the same sensor speakes volumes. Cheers, Duade

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

Sounds amazing, but the best outcome is what it will do to the price of the A1😊. As a Canon wildlife shooter, I chose an R5 when the R5ii was introduced, for the same reason

[@Duade]

Thanks, yes, very true, the A1 is still an amazing camera with fantastic IQ. Cheers, Duade

[@roland-heine]

Thank you for your excellent video!!!

[@Duade]

My pleasure Roland, Cheers, Duade

[@torftee2235]

Great video as always, thanks, Duade 👏👏👏

[@Duade]

My pleasure, Cheers, Duade

[@ko300zx]

That autofocus video of the duck looks like duck hunt! 🤣

[@magnoliaphotographysc]

Thanks for the video, great job! I've never used pre-capture but continue to hear that it's a game changer. Maybe it's different in the real world, but a question for you. If a bird is sitting on a branch and you're trying to capture that moment of flight from the branch. If you were to take photos of the bird while sitting there in anticipation, isn't that essentially the same thing as pre-capture? Doesn't pre-capture require some luck in your timing too? I don't see the benefit other than how the picture capture process works. Am I missing something here?

[@Duade]

G'day, it is all to do with the number of photos you take, if you have a bird and you are unsure when it will give you a post or take off you could take hundreds of pre take off shots for no result if the bird does not leave, with precapture in theory you only press the shutter when the bird actually leaves the perch. With things like dragonflys that move so fast you simply cannot guess when they will leave outside just holding down the shutter constantly for a minute etc. Granted if you have some birds its obvious they are about to fly and that is how we capture take off without precapture but sometimes you get poses etc you were not prepared for. Ducks flapping wings is another one, often they just rear up and flap quickly, with precapture you will always capture up to a second before that happens. Ultimately precapture is just a safety net for those times you were slightly slow or just missed a head turn or pose. It may not be that useful for some people who have amazing reflexes or anticipation skills but I am getting more shots than I would have previously. Cheers, Duade

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you. Currently own two A1’s and also a first generation Canon R5. Definitely will sell one of my A1’s but will I use the money for an A1 II or an EOS R5 II or A1 I’m not sure yet. Probably the A1 II but will have to buy another battery grip no matter which one i get, canon or Sony. Appreciate your review. Take care.

[@Duade]

Thanks Steven, the A12 is just a more refined A1, so if you like the A1 you will like the A12 even more. Cheers, Duade

[@Kazoom28]

Improving on a fantastic camera

[@davidipema7898]

👍 now we wait for the sony A1R version 🙂

[@_mumbler_]

Thanks, that’s a very well presented, interesting and informative video. Like a lot of people I’m wondering whether I’ll upgrade my a1. I realise it’s a very difficult question to answer but how much ‘better” is the new autofocus system, specifically for birds and insects? In Australia, it seems to be pretty impossible to rent high end equipment to try it first, very frustrating.

[@Duade]

G'day, the AF in video is obvious and much better. For stills its great to have insects etc. For birds and animals Sony say its better but without having the cameras side by side it is very hard to know. I suspect the detection might be slightly better but suggest the AF experience will be very very similar. You are really paying for the new body, precapture, speedboost, IBIS, EVF and LCD screen really. Cheers, Duade

[@deveshdwivedi3321]

What field watch do you wear and how helpful is it? Great review :)

[@Duade]

G'day, just an old watch and I don't use it for anything but telling the time :-) Cheers, Duade

[@WildPix_photography]

How much time does it take from the moment you switch it on till it is ready to shoot?

[@Duade]

G'day, it is pretty quick from memory, I never turn it off when actively shooting so its always ready to go. Cheers, Duade

[@chosenbydesign9007]

Wonderful video and images, thank you for making the video. It would’ve been really awesome and I could sell my Sonya one for around $4000 US and just pay a few thousand more for the A1 to body that might work out. Thank you again for your time and effort. Wonderful video.

[@kingghidorah8106]

I like how you can basically have a microphone set near you while you independently take 30fps bursts at 50 megapixels, you combine the image sequence into a strip and add the audio and you eventually get a 25k video

[@naturealbums]

Nice Dfly shots but I was getting tack sharp servo tracking with my classic 5D with a 300mmf2.8LIS over 15yrs ago. You can pick them up for £120 these days. I got excellent tracking results with the R7. I think for the likely UK price of the A1II I think I would go for a Nikon Z8 and a nice lens they really are worth the money. The A1II looks like an amazing camera now it's got the pre capture as well (could have been a firmware update for A1 users 😭). The ultimate kit for me would be that A1II with a 600mm F4 and a A9III as a backup😃

[@Duade]

Thanks, yes, all very true, the Z8 and R52 do offer a lot of features for their price. Cheers, Duade

[@naturealbums]

@@Duade yeah my only negative with the Z8 is the pre capture is jpg not raw like everyone else 😒

[@Duade]

@@naturealbums Yeah I have no idea why that is the case, hopefully they can change that via firmware but I suspect they would have already. Cheers, Duade

[@_benjimouse_]

RE: the tracking focus not picking up animals/birds. I get this myself with my A1m1. I have the smallest spot focus, put it on a small bird on the ground, back button focus, engage tracking, the focus box wonders off to the bottom left corner of the screen, Repeat and it does the same thing again. It's just not good when the subject is a small item in the frame.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing, I need to get the camera again and try all the other modes like spot with tracking, zones etc. I had hoped wide would work but it seems to get confused in certain scenarios. Cheers, Duade

[@derekmidgley]

Thanks for your review. It looks fantastic. I'd love it, but already deep into the Canon RF system so will hope Canon improve the R7 with an R7ii that similarly addresses pre-capture, rolling shutter and buffer. My R7 still has more effective "on the small bird at a distance" resolution than almost anything else money can buy so afraid I must stick with it for now!

[@Duade]

Thanks Derek, looking at rumors the R7II could be everything we wildlife shooter want, fingers crossed. I agree the reach of the R7 is fantastic. Cheers, Duade

[@javadahmadi]

What type of memory card do you recommend for a hybrid shooter?

[@jayoungrn]

I wonder what Auto Subject detection would do with a platypus .... Maybe Roo mode in the A3 ?

[@FernandosWildlifeAdventures]

I’ve noticed the same issue with my A7RV not locking onto subjects, especially birds. My workaround is using a shortcut button for crop mode. Cropping in seems to help the camera recognize the subject. Once it locks on, I switch back to normal mode. This might just be a weird Sony AI issue.

[@kpmonaghan]

Great video, thanks!

[@naga2015kk]

CFexpress A !! I just fell off my chair when I read that. why why why

[@curtisbme]

Certainly seems like my dream for my more casual bird and animal photography, as the miss rate on my 6600 is high given lack of functional eye af, but sadly that price is a nightmare. Hope the AF finds its way to lower end models rapidly.

[@answeris4217]

For shaking in video maybe try a different stance. If keeping the camera up to your eye for your 3 points of contacts to stabilize then maybe bring it down to your chest use the rear screen and lock your elbow to your body. The bigger the mass the less it will vibrate. Another option that might not be viable for you in the field is using a powered gimbal. I notice that you often if not always use two cameras anyways so having one set up with a gimbal and the other for your wildlife pictures might be an option. Also there's some gimbals out there that can follow your movements so you can center yourself in the shot and not worry too much about where you will end up.

[@Duade]

Thanks for the advice, I apprecaite it, I am often using very long lenses like 600mm which can make handholding quite difficult but I will take it all on board. Cheers, Duade

[@EdEddEddieO]

For real world photography use, I look for Duade and Jan reviews.

[@Duade]

Great to hear, I hope it was helpful, Cheers, Duade

[@przybylskipawel]

Can the speedboots be set in such a way that you choose say 20fps but in uncompressed/lossless RAWs so that you benefit from 14-bit files, and engage the speedboost at 30fps where it automatically jumps to lossy 12-bit RAWs?

[@rafam8359]

Do you use on yours cameras plastic foil to cover lcd screen ?

[@chosenbydesign9007]

Wonderful video and images, thank you for making the video. I could sell my Sony a1 for around $4000 US and just pay a few thousand more for the A1 ii body, that might work out. Thank you again for your time and effort. Wonderful video.

[@Duade]

G'day my pleasure, the new body and additional features just improve what is already a fantastic camera. Cheers ,Duade

[@bard_thunder]

Duade i have a quick question. I currently do wildlife photography with my nikon d7000 and a nikkon 70-300mm lens. I am looking for an upgrade for christmas and i have quite limited on budged. I have been looking at the sigma 50-500mm do you think that is a good option? because i cant find much else

[@Duade]

G'day I don't think that lens was super sharp at 500mm and needed to be stopped down. The Sigma 150-600C is much better and there should be plenty of second hand options available. The 300 f4 with 1.4x could be another option. Cheers, Duade

[@bard_thunder]

G'day, ahh okay. Yes I have looked at the sigma 150-600 but it's about 500-600 pounds used which I'm not sure if my parents would let me, and I feel like 50mm closer is better for the close shots. I've looked at teleconverters but they seem to reduce light a lot. Thank you for the response. I mean the sigma 50-500 is still good isn't it? I don't have much money to spend I've found one for 300

[@bard_thunder]

But Duade if you think I should try and push for a sigma 150-600 I will try my best, because my current kit is the one you recommend on the wildlife budget gear on your best lenses and cameras to get. I thank you very much for that I have had lots of fun with it

[@Duade]

@@bard_thunder I personally have not used the Sigma 50-500 so cannot really judge the lens but I know many people had softness issues with the lens at longer focal lengths. The quality seemed to vary from lens to lens. Perhaps ask the seller to take a shot at 500mm wide open and send you the raw file so you can check. Long term the Sigma 150-600 is the much better lens. Cheers, Duade

[@bard_thunder]

​@@Duadeahh okay, Yeah I have seen some people saying quality is not sharp. I have decided I won't get a 50-500mm, so I won't ask the seller but thank you for the suggestion. I will try and get the 150-600 if I have the money. last question sorry Is a 100-400 any point in getting in your opinion? Cheers, Alex

[@Noside1964]

Great videos as always. I just want to get your opinion. Currently, I have Sony A7iv plus the 200 -600 mm and mostly do bird photography. Im thinking to upgrade but I cant upgrade both for lens and camera body at the same time. If you have the following options (1) Sony A7iv plus the 300 GM lens or (2) Sony A1 mk11 plus the 200-600 G lens - which option will you take? Im tending to lean on option2 but I just want to hear your thoughts. thanks.

[@Duade]

G'day, very tough call as that is a beautiful lens and lenses hold their value so well. In saying that the A12 is nice step up from the A74 in terms of fps, rolling shutter, MP etc. So for actual improvement in the field I think the camera would be the way to go. It also works very well with that lens, Cheers, Duade

[@Noside1964]

@ thanks mate

[@chrischoo3249]

or maybe it upgrade to Sony a7RV..at least it has ai chip

[@Noside1964]

@ one more question mate, what software do you use to transition smoothly from raw files to post processed photo? Thanks again

[@Duade]

@@Noside1964 Its just a cross resolve in Divinci Resolve. I create two images, one with the raw and then I manually overlay the processed image in photoshop and save that as its own photo. Then just transition between the two. Cheers, Duade

[@Tu142Bear]

Great video!

[@Rankhole123]

17:30 damn, seeing that makes me feel good about my Nikon Z9. Definitely would've worked like a charm there.

[@Duade]

Thanks, could have been more to do with me selecting the wrong AF setting I think. I need more time with the camera. Cheers, Duade

[@Rankhole123]

@@Duade still thanks for the video btw! Forgot to mention. I really enjoy watching your reviews. Are you considering doing like a comparison between this camera and the Nikon Z8 and Canons' equivalent competitor camera?

[@Duade]

@@Rankhole123 I plan on doing a comparison with the R52 if I can get the A12 again. Cheers, Duade

[@SuomiFinland78]

Don't see a significant upgrade from A1. I am not so surprise that some Sony users are a bit disappointed. Camera setting is a nightmare for many.

[@BernardSolomon]

Dont care too much about the camera as I can never afford it at the price it is at. But, mate, you take stunning photos!

[@Duade]

Thanks Bernard, I apprecaite the feedback, Cheers, Duade

[@Martynas_R]

Hi should I get a full frame or a crop sensor camera like nikon d7200 or d700? because I think I need more reach with the nikon 200-500mm.

[@Duade]

G'day, always a tough question, if you can afford it the D500 is probably the best crop DSLR that was produced, so I would save for that. Or potentially look at saving for a Z50II. Cheers, Duade

[@Martynas_R]

@Duade Thanks a lot. love your work!!!

[@stacci9144]

I should be asleep. It’s half midnight but… here I am. ❤

[@Duade]

Thanks for stopping by, Cheers, Duade

[@richardbedford5558]

I have the Sony A7R5 and the A9iii and have noted the issue with bird AI. Strange and surprising from Sony.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Cheers, Duade

[@tshev]

What is your experience acquiring autofocus when you shoot a fast-moving subject that is already moving towards you?

[@Duade]

It can be challenging for sure and really depends on how far away it is and if there are obstructions in the way. Overall the AF was great but I did have a few situations where the camera struggled. Cheers, Duade

[@tshev]

@@Duade it's problematic with my Sony A7 IV. I know you have experience with Sony A7 IV. Does it feel much better with A1 II?

[@Duade]

@@tshev Precapture, 30fps, 50mps, stacked, better AF, lag free EVF etc are all big improvements. The A7IV is still a nice camera and is still more than capable, the A12 is just a much better all around camera for wildlife. Cheers, Duade

[@stephendoggett190]

But is it really with $4K more than the R5II?

[@Duade]

That is a great question Stephen, if you shoot Sony you don't really have a choice outside the original A1 if you want a high megapixel body wildlife body. I think the R52 does offer a lot of value for its price. Cheers, Duade

[@roninrtist560]

Thanks for the review. I will be upgrading to the A1 ii as soon as it's available since my A1 may be on the fritz. Been looking at getting a second new camera, but the 24MP of the A9 iii had me hesitant. I am just use to the 50MP quality of the A1 and use the crop-mode on it quite often in the field. I mainly need the better dust and water protection along with pre-capture. I take my gear kayaking in the bay and let's just say salt water is not kind to electronics. The improved AF is a great upgrade, albeit expected, though the A1 is quite capable. I will have my A1 serviced and use as a back-up once the new kit arrives.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing Ron, yes, it is just a more refined A1, so if you love that you will love this camera also. Cheers, Duade

[@Larken42]

Finally an ergonomic improvement to a Sony body. All the tech in the world means nothing if your meat hooks don’t fit right, even less if actually using it hurts. Canon has this right, Nikon tripped on the first couple rounds the Z series but is getting better, and Sony has been awkwardly making the same mistakes for nearly 10 years. I shoot canon (with Nikon as a backup) because of the ergonomics, the colours, and the legacy glass; but I can’t help but look on in envy at the mountain of glass available to the E-mount.

[@tomekniedzwiedz9455]

It doesn't help Canon that Sigma makes a converter that allows you to put Canon EF lenses on the E Mount. You could probably keep your old Canon EF glass when switching to Sony much like you can do it on Canon's own mirrorless bodies. Canon really need to get it together and open up to 3rd party lens manufacturers or they could be in dire stairs pretty soon. Sigma just announced 3 RF lenses for Canon, but they only cover an APS-C sensor and proper, RF lenses for full frame allegedly won't be coming for another year, maybe two.

[@johnharvey1786]

This was a problem in the early days but hasn’t been a problem at least since the A1 was introduced. I know some prefer Canon or Nikon bodies but I have used the A1 since it came out often holding it with long lenses all day with no issues but I do mostly use it with the battery grip. On my A7Riv I use an L bracket as it makes it easier to use in portrait orientation and again no issues. So although people are saying this A1ii is better in the hand as I don’t have a problem with the original it’s not the main thing I wanted in the upgrade. The things I wanted have been included so I will definitely be getting one.

[@Duade]

G'day, the best way to describe how the A12 feels in your hand is that it now feels more like a Canon in a good way. The differences are obvious and I encourage you to visit a camera store and hold the camera as I think you will like what you feel. Cheers, Duade

[@Hodenkat]

Brutal price, but it sounds like Sony bested everybody out there and didn't hold back on anything. I think the card slots may not be compatible with the latest generation of CF Express cards if I'm not mistaken. That's it! No question that if money were no issue I would love to have the A1-II and just 2 or 3 of the best lenses. It would seem as though there isn't anything it can't do very well.

[@robertvanempel5810]

For A$11000, this camera should be pretty good at capturing everything.

[@PaulBawby]

Great review of a very nice camera, but the thing is way too expensive, so it's not for me.

[@Duade]

Thanks Paul, yes, it is up there in cost that is for sure, Cheers, Duade

[@tshev]

It's so weird that precapture is not a software update for Sony A1.

[@Duade]

Yeah, that would be great for sure. It is such a good feature. Cheers, Duade

[@frostybe3r]

'Ah yes, let me sell my A1, losing $3500+ just to buy an A1II for $3500 more...' LOSING $7000 effectively. You'd have to be insane to switch from an A1 to an A1II.

[@petrub27]

what kind of math is that, lol

[@petrub27]

@@frostybe3r wtf why selling for 3k?

[@dayeah765caoni3]

Law of production scale. What else do you expect

[@frostybe3r]

@@petrub27 Older camera, new things are out, despite it still being perfectly viable, people don't offer much anymore.

[@MeAMuse]

You are double counting there buddy! You know how I know? Let’s say you don’t sell your existing A1 and just bought the A1 mk11 it will cost you approx $6.5K… and you get to have 2 cameras! If you seek the old A1 you should get ~$4.2K - that’s roughly what they are going for - but let’s be conservative and say $4K. Now if you buy the A1 mkII the have your $4K… and you need to raise another approx $2.5K. So math states you need to decide whether the new features are worth $2.5K to you…

[@ppww6076]

As a Sony user for bird photography I never use any of the autofocus modes except the spot options with lock on flexible spot as the preferred one, selecting small medium or large depending on the subject. It does mean being a bit more active about choosing where to put the spot but then I'm using a camera that is a good few years old now.

[@Peterogen]

❤❤❤❤

[@andreaskentis565]

A7V.. Where are youuuu?

[@Duade]

G'day Andreas, yes, that has to be coming next you would think. Hopefully I get to try that one out as well. Cheers, Duade

[@andreaskentis565]

@Duade Good day man🦩

[@HeadlessChickenTO]

"The batteries is exactly the same. You don't have to use a new battery to use precapture" Looking at you Canon!

[@Duade]

Yes, it was a slight dig ;-) Cheers, Duade

[@HeadlessChickenTO]

@@Duade I'd hardly call it a slight, but it was well deserved. I really want to run a lower megapixel full frame camera right next to my R7. But if the next gen set of cameras like an R6iii ends up requiring the new P battery, I'm questioning my future setup plans. Especially since I have 4 NH batteries, and don't make money back on my photography gear. I am, at best, a hobbyist.

[@AR-vf7vg]

Memory cards : Same as over at the A7R5 ? Sorry - would make me save some time and stress wile consider this to replace my A7r5..

[@Duade]

G'day, yes would be CF Express A cards. Chers, Duade

[@AR-vf7vg]

@Duade Thank You so much

[@jonasgillmann]

I can't believe that 4K recording is still subsampled or line skipped and not 8K oversampled like in the Nikon Z8 (8.3K oversampled 4K60p) or in the R5 (4K Fine oversampled from 8K up to 30p). The only oversampled 4K mode in the a1 II is the cropped APS-C mode. A flagship should be able to record full-width 8K oversampled 4K60p or at the very least 30p!

[@Toamserippa]

did you watch all these Videos, or did you just copy that comment under everything, that has "Sony A1 II" in the Title? 😂

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, I am not a video shooter so that does not impact me but sounds like it may for video shooters. Cheers, Duade

[@cameraprepper7938]

Not for me, I never do video and the speed in my Sony A7RIVA and Sony A7RV are more than enough for me, the A1II is just a too expensive camera and with less resolution than A7RIVA and A7RV, also the dynamic range from ISO 100 to 400 are higher on A7RV, so I feel you get less for double the price !

[@Duade]

Thanks for the feedback, yes all comes down to what you use a camera for. The A7R5 sure is a beast with all those megapixels. Cheers, Duade

[@KungPowEnterFist]

Very interesting question in the headline, being that there is not one Sony 300mm+ lens worth buying in 2024. The E 100-400, E 200-600, E 400 f2.8, and E 600 f4, are all very dated, overpriced, last place stuff at this point. The E 300 f2.8 has the absolute worst sagittal astigmatism I have ever seen, and that is not correctable in post. Sony is woefully behind in the wildlife game.

[@Duade]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. From a user perspective the 200-600 is still a wonderful zoom lens, probably the best 600 zoom I have used. The 600 f4 is one of the best balanced lenses I have ever used and is a dream to use. The 300 2.8 is very light and I have not seen the issue you mention, it is very sharp. I will agree that it would be nice to get some new wildlife lenses as the ones we have are of the DSLR design era but in saying that they are very good. I would like to see a light prime like Nikons PF or a fast zoom perhaps. Cheers, Duade

[@KungPowEnterFist]

@@Duade The E 200-600 is a mediocre sports action and wildlife lens at best. Poor with the E 1.4xTC and practically unusable with the E 2.0xTC. I have used that lens a lot. I know it very well. In 2024, there are just too many far better options. The issue with the E 300 f2.8 GM lens is well documented at this point by various YT-er's. You can look up Undone's review on it, where he caught it but didn't know what to call it because he doesn't actually know squat about lenses. While he did not mention it, you can also see it in Fro's review. And pretty much every single other review of that lens. You can't not see it, and you can't correct it in camera or in post.

[@Duade]

@@KungPowEnterFist G'day, I wonder if you got a poor version of the 200-600 as mine is fantastic and has resulted in numerous wonderful images. For its price I still think its the best 600mm zoom on the market. What do you think is a better 600mm zoom? I was not aware of the 300mm issues you mentioned and can't recall any issues when I used the lens. Cheers, Duade

[@KungPowEnterFist]

@@Duade It's not a bad copy thing. The E 200-600 AF speed is average, the VR is below average, sharpness is merely ok (without TC's), images get mushy in less than good light, not super well balanced, a bit heavy, and, like I said, not great with TC's. A little bit better than your Sigma/Tamron 150-600's? Yes. Not a whole lot better, though.

[@Duade]

@@KungPowEnterFist It all comes down to what you pay for and what you need. f/6.3 is not that slow compared to the 7.1,9 of Canon zooms and equal to other 600 zooms. The internal zoom of the Sony makes it IMO better balanced and a joy to zoom in and out. The zoom ring is the smoothest and best of any zoom lens I have used. For a 6.3 zoom it is plenty sharp and again it is the same or better than any other 600 zoom on the market. Would I like a faster zoom, yes, but at what cost and weight, everything is a trade off. Cheers, Duade