Sony a1 II Preview: Expectations vs Reality

#Sony #a1MarkII #sonya1mark2 #sonya1
The Sony Alpha 1 II (Sony A1 II) Is the pinnacle of Sony Cameras, taking the best of the Sony a7RV and Sony a9III and putting it into one camera, but at what cost? Is the Canon R5 Mark II or Nikon Z8 Financially a better buy or is it Sony all the way with the A1 Mark II.
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[@btonelli]

Hi everyone, first part of the video was out of focus on me. Settings were set wrong. Didn’t have time to reshoot it so hope that doesn’t take away from the video. Thanks

[@2vivek9]

on which camera you shoot

[@tonygerassi1502]

@@btonelli it happens, as long as the audio is good lol

[@ericthestone]

Z8 is such a good deal now.

[@btonelli]

Yes in some ways

[@SamBugas]

Couldn’t agree more. This new cam presents very few reasons to look past the Z8 (for Nikon shooters or people getting into the higher end of pro cameras).

[@alphaandomega2709]

Nikon is great for Nikon fanboys. Sony is far better not to mention Canon and now Panasonic. Way better autofocus.

[@SamBugas]

@ 😂

[@bubbachua]

@@alphaandomega2709 sony fanboy?

[@drtravisrader]

Hi Bobby. Always like your videos. I prefer Leica SL cameras for various reasons, but Sony cameras with flip out screens, AF, etc have some advantages with video. My main concern while looking at this camera is possible overheating, if it overheats I don't want to consider it. Since the A1 overheated, it's an expensive risk to buy a camera that overheats. From your experience does it overheat, if you're not sure is it worth the risk? Thank you in advance.

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching. I didn’t have a lot of time with the camera but being that it’s the new body design like the A9III I feel heat would be better controlled on this. I’m hoping to get it back for a longer term review to find out for sure

[@drtravisrader]

@@btonelli SL3s or A1 Mark 2 for nonprofessional hybrid shooter? I've watched your SL3s video a couple times. Thanks

[@edc641]

Great video, thanks! I'm a Sony shooter and I just want a Z8 equivalent. Why Sony, why can't you give me that?? Instead you release another MASSIVLY OVERPRICED "flagship". I'm SO disappointed in Sony. If I started over I'd go for Nikon, or even Canon.

[@btonelli]

Thanks for watching. I understand from their viewpoint they can’t just discount it heavily but being the A1 is around 5500 on BH Photo it wouldn’t be the worst thing to keep it around that price instead of 6500.

[@yusei151]

@@btonelli you can find a used a1 at at least 4000 and the funny thing is everyone wants something super cheap and I get it but the z8 has cut so many corners.

[@Jonathantuba]

From what I hear, Sony has plenty of orders for the A1ii. There are enough people that will pay the extra for the best

[@edc641]

@@Jonathantuba A1II has all the features I could wish for. And if I was a pro I'd buy it, but photography is just a hobby of mine. I can't justify paying the amount of money Sony wants for it. It's more than double the price of Z8 in my country. IMO it's definitely not twice as good.

[@edc641]

@@yusei151 I wish Sony would cut those corners in a new model. I'd buy it day 1!

[@Gerald_G]

Whoa. I have the A7rV and A7siii…it’s tempting to sell both and just get the A1 ii…but then I lose the freedom of having a backup. As always, I appreciate how your videos feel more like a “fireside chat” than a stuffy tech summary of gear. 👊🏼

[@btonelli]

@@Gerald_G thank you 🙏

[@DonaldHawk]

Agree on price point vs competition.

[@btonelli]

Will be interesting to see how the market takes to it

[@DonaldHawk]

@ I was really expecting a global shutter. Don’t need it but flagship

[@btonelli]

@ I did too

[@marqman05]

I feel like you are the least bias person on KZbin which I appreciate. I will say I think the the R5ii and the z8 are a better value with not only photography but with videography specs. Sony wins with the size and power of their systems.

[@btonelli]

@@marqman05 thank you. Yes those have a more robust video codec setup for sure, but Auto framing (if needed) dynamic Active Stabilisation and a few other bells and whistles also gives Sony some advantages. It’s really an interesting time where so many cameras are just good!

[@RandomMotoThings]

I understand the price difference, but people need to understand that image quality and/or look is the most important thing to a lot of shooters. Canon and Nikon are usually low on the totem pole when it comes to dynamic range and their dynamic range curves sometimes are not the greatest. When I go look at the dynamic range rankings from CineD for example, the A1 has almost a full stop more dynamic range at Signal noise ratio of 2 than both the z9 and canon Canond R5C etc. You can tell when you look at their images. Too many people look at on paper specs like frame rates and resolution and just assume that these cameras offer the same thing and they just simply don’t when it comes to IMAGE. With that being said, I do agree that the a1ii needs to be cheaper and closer in price to those. I still think it’s better than those cameras because of the combination of features and image.

[@RandomMotoThings]

Also, the little difference in things like autofocus is HUGE in professional work. Like if they both have good autofocus that’s fine….but you need EXCELLENT autofocus for it to be trusted in a PROFESSIONAL setting….or else you will NEVER rely on it for those jobs. The A1ii excellent autofocus while the z8 for example has “good” autofocus. You can actually trust the A1ii in a professional environment all the way…you will have a hickup here and there with a z8 and THATS why some people will pay extra for something that “simple” but are HUGE in a professional environment.

[@vonwolfersdorff]

Nice video. I will buy the A1 II when Sony adds 8k raw out. Greets from Berlin!

[@kayodeolaosebikan7462]

The Nikon z8 is still the king, this Sony is only better in AF segment

[@btonelli]

@@kayodeolaosebikan7462 hmm I would say, it’s a toss up. Sony has size, EVF, display, 30fps in raw and Pre capture in Raw. Nikon has more video codecs

[@TheLostKuma]

Lets gooooo Bobby!

[@btonelli]

Thanks!

[@TomOhle1]

I gotta disagree with you - the Sony’s biggest advantage is the size and older lens ecosystem. For somebody starting out, the z8 is superior in many ways. 90% of the resolution. 110% of the video capabilities. Waveforms, RED luts, better ibis (Sony relies on external workflow in Sony catalyst to crop the image and breathing compensation correction again necessitates cropping), internal pro res raw, oversampled 4k , better codecs, firmware updates. Ask existing A1 users how long we had to wait for breathing compensation when the a7iv was released. I’m really struggling to understand where the additional 3k price tag is justified when in many ways the a1ii lags z8 and canon r5ii in so many areas. :/

[@btonelli]

I agree with you on a number of these points, but the two points you mentioned in the beginning are crucial. As a user and fan of the Z8 and Z9 I agree three cameras are stacked with features. The performance is definitely there and improving with each firmware update substantially. However the lens selection while good are larger in size especially for their S line lenses. and let’s be honest, does someone want to carry a larger system for hours and hours each day or something smaller for both body and lenses. In addition while I appreciate the options for video codecs in a camera, do we need every option? Sony simplifies it, maybe too much for some but it’s easier to find what you need and start recording. Yes I agree the lack of firmware updates for the A1 not giving many of the features was a big misstep and something Sony needs to address. Price point I would have loved to see this in the mid 5k to lower 5k mark but it is what it is for now. I do expect bundle deals and price reductions after the initial wave of cameras are sold but let’s see.

[@TomOhle1]

@ appreciate your response and I can definitely see the advantage of giving up some optical quality/focus breathing correction with crop for bigger savings in size in weight. You’re right I’d much prefer to carry the Sony 50 1.2 over the 85 1.2. But…… with the megadap adapter you can mount Sony e glass natively to the Nikon z8/z9 and get full native performance. Better yet, you can also adapt other Sony native options like the sigma 50 dg dn 1.2 on the Nikon and get access to the full 20+ fps that the lens is capable of doing on the Nikon. Ironically that same lens on the Sony is crippled by Sony to 15fps max (as all the parties are) so as to preserve markup on the Gmaster lineup. In any case, appreciate your response. Have a great day :)

[@btonelli]

@ no prob. I use the megadap adapter for some of my videos. It’s a solid option. All these cameras are solid, and you can’t go wrong with either. For me the A1 feels like the best of both worlds for the features I need, but as mentioned for the price of the Z8, and what it gives it’s a really tough ask from Sony to keep the A1 II at a high price point

[@MrSimyou]

Thanks Bobby. You made some good points. While the sensor is very good, for a brand like Sony you would expect a new and even better sensor for an 'unrivaled" flagship after a three year wait for its successor.

[@btonelli]

Thanks Clarence. I think the expectations many had just didn’t live up to the reality of what Sony wanted to release. I was hoping for something more aggressively priced but perhaps that will happen in the future

[@yourvitamin9474]

I like your way of talking it is look like Hollywood movie watching

[@btonelli]

@@yourvitamin9474 thank you

[@petereprice]

I was a long time Sony A1 user before switching to the A9 III earlier this year. The A1 II looks great but it’s hard to justify the price when the Canon R5 Mark II and Z8 exist. My biggest gripe with Sony is that their EVF quality down res’s when engaging continuous AF and really messes with the shooting experience where as with Nikon and Canon I see clear picture always in their EVF’s. I may be at a cross roads into switching to Canon or Nikon (most likely Nikon)

[@btonelli]

@@petereprice hi Peter understand. The EVF on this performs like the A9III and if you look at the resolution is better than the Z8 and equal to the R5 II. What gives this an advantage is the 240fps for the EVF versus 120 on the others.

[@renestaempfli1071]

So whats wrong with the A9III EVF?

[@kalimarus]

@@btonelli Does it reduce quality though at 240fps? I'd read it does but maintains at 120. Sony has a habit of throwing big spec numbers to win on paper war but they come with an *.

[@kalimarus]

@@btonelli Gordon Laing covered the EVF in lots of Detail and looks like you only get the higher resolution at 60 hz, going to 120 reduces the quality and further to 240 also reduces the size. So the 9.44 only applies when you are not actively focusing and at the lowest viewfinder framerate. Which means there's very little advantage if any vs a Z8 viewfinder which operates at its maximum quality at 120hz when autofocusing. Sort of a limited EVF feature on Sony's part that looks like a win on spec sheets but with a huge * in real world use.

[@watarchives]

You're almost getting Silver button

[@btonelli]

Yes close 🙏

[@constantinephotography5287]

Agreed on all points…I think a higher price over the R5 m2 can be justified since the lens are cheaper (3rd party options) and in the case of GM better than RF. But over $6k is too much. $5200 or $5500 would have been good.

[@btonelli]

Yep agree. That would have been the sweet spot

[@kalimarus]

I think the problem for the A1 mark 2 is a $3500 Z8 exists that's only a smidge worse.

[@btonelli]

The price points for R5 mark II and Z8 make it a challenge for some. Guess it depends on what system you want to be part of.

[@tonygerassi1502]

More than a smidge worse, a CF express slot less worse. If you don’t need redundant shooting, then yes the Z8 is a good option.

[@kalimarus]

@@tonygerassi1502 You have redundant shooting with the SD which is plenty fast enough for all but the absolute most demanding subjects. The A1/A1ii starts with inferior CF A cards vs the type B on the Z8/9 to begin with which leaves it with a far worse buffer. In addition the Sony uses inferior compressed RAW formats if you did want to try and extend the performance of the buffer. And it does this at double the price tag.

[@tonygerassi1502]

@ how long does it take to clear that buffer on the R5ii with the SD card slowing down the CF E SLOT? Funny how the inferior A1 raw files have more dynamic range than the R5ii and Z8. The fact is the A1ii is expensive for a reason. I can clear my buffer fast and redundant. FYI all three companies are currently handicapped at the image processor pipeline at around 700-800 MB/s so even though there is a CFB slot, you can’t use its speed. So the whole CFA CFB argument is irrelevant and more a preference. I like the ability to use CFA and if I run out of cards, I can throw in an SD. I do not like that I have to slow my camera down to 25 seconds to clear the buffer because I cannot shoot redundant with a single CFB slot

[@btonelli]

@ I found the R5II buffer to be decent but not super fast. The Z8 is also quite okay. The a1 mark II is faster than the A1 from my experience and depending on the card. I actually did a video not published yet with the latest 4.0 CF Express type A card. Interesting findings.

[@PK-mq7vs]

Somebody did a review that stated that heat management has worsened a lot compared to the mark 1. Though the reviewer said that this might have been due to the camera being a pre-production model...

[@btonelli]

Yeah I don’t see how that is possible unless the pre-production unit doesn’t have final firmware which is usually the case. The body is designed to withstand more heat.

[@shearcreatif]

not again ..... I will never buy another Sony camera. a7siii and a1 left a bad taste in my mouth

[@mbismbismb]

Feel blessed to have my r5ii after watching this hahaha

[@btonelli]

@@mbismbismb hahaha also a great camera

[@0x2102]

I am sure Canon is relieved after the presentation of the new Sony A1 II.

[@kevinastley2562]

@@0x2102 I think Canon will be worried. This is far better than their r1

[@doktorr23]

@@kevinastley2562about $2.5k more than an r5ii which is 98% of the A1 idk 🤷🏽 R5ii and Z8 feel better options depending on what you do.

[@kevinastley2562]

@@doktorr23 Z8 fantastic option for its price. The underdog but best value and a great camera

[@doktorr23]

@@kevinastley2562 yeah either that or r5ii both amazing options imo

[@mbismbismb]

Hahahaha yes... they are laughing their as*es off

[@jayocotube6483]

Nah. Can’t do it. I’ll stick with A1.

[@kevinastley2562]

I really do not know how you can say this is the best camera ever including 2025 when you have shot with it for 24hrs. This just seems like a sales pitch video. I shoot sony and like the system but please?

[@btonelli]

No sales pitch here. I have no skin in the game on this. I didn’t say ever, I said 2024 and perhaps 2025. When you use as many cameras a I do on a weekly and monthly basis you get an idea of what a camera is like and what it does very quickly. For the size, performance and features this is a really solid camera that both caters to pro photographers and pro video creators out there. It’s not going to be a cinema camera but for the majority of creators it checks a lot of the boxes. I do however feel pricing is not reflective of the current marketplace.

[@TheLostKuma]

I agree with you. It's priced me out. I don't lack money but this camera lacks value.

[@btonelli]

@@TheLostKuma it’s for a certain photographer or creator. I think the pricing is interesting considering the market but will see

[@isotechimages.9130]

I use the R5ii & love it but l do feel the A1ii is a more refined & better camera but l would not pay the price here in Australia it is over $10000!

[@btonelli]

@@isotechimages.9130 yes the price I feel misses the mark. I would understand a few hundred over the R5 II but it’s a couple thousand. Not sure how non Sony buyers will think of this

[@donwhite332]

This is going to be a tough consideration given the price.

[@btonelli]

Yes agree. Was hoping it would be less.

[@Photojouralist123]

Question Bobby in order to get 30fps do you need to attach the battery grip adding an additional $500 😂

[@btonelli]

@@Photojouralist123 hahaha no. Does it on its own :)

[@Photojouralist123]

@ ok 👍 cool thanks 🙏 buddy

[@Kazoom28]

Sony A1 Cameras are made not for the masses but for the very few who really think they can benefit from whatever "minute" better performance it can give or if they already have and are familiar with the whole Sony system...so no point comparing price because of how expensive it is. It will always be expensive, and Sony is not going to produce a lot of A1s

[@btonelli]

@@Kazoom28 perhaps so but every company wants to sell product. Reason I compare is from 2019 to 2024 much has changed. Sony has always been about providing fantastic tech at competitive prices. Sometimes at a premium and others undercutting the competition. I feel and others do that perhaps Sony didn’t price this accordingly. We may be wrong or right, but based on what I’m hearing thus far, it seems like the latter

[@Kevon420]

what I’d give for an α1C for all these specs in the a7C II body 😅

[@btonelli]

@@Kevon420 that would be awesome!

[@doktorr23]

Still no downsampled 4k 24 from 8k ? Why isn’t anyone taking about this ?

[@btonelli]

It does it in APS-C crop I believe. I think for some it’s not a big deal but will see

[@doktorr23]

@ but kinda defeats the purpose of spending $6.5k that can’t do oversampled 4k in full frame. R5ii/z8 seems like the better hybrid do it all options for the money

[@btonelli]

@ not really. Have to look at overall size of the system. Canon has a great camera with the R5 Mark II but it’s also a bigger camera and lens system.

[@doktorr23]

@ r5 mkii camera body itself might be slightly bigger. Z8 is quite bigger. I found canon to feel the best ergonomically. Sony lenses are super nice and smaller size. But not a good do it all body to go with. Canon the opposite, amazing rf lenses but some are too big and heavy. These camera companies won’t give us a perfect camera 😂

[@nevvanclarke9225]

GFX 100s II is a better camera bar wildlife...if you don't shoot wildlife or sport ...GFX 100s II beats it to pulp for image quality GFX 100s ii at 4.8k usa ..... Image quality 👌 for me beats it

[@megaredkentadate9834]

I only want my A7R5 at the moment..that's the camera for me to replace the A7C that I am currently using. The Alpha 1 has a crazy price....killer for me.

[@gregpantelides1355]

If you need to justify the price point just repeat after me "Well, it is cheaper than a Leica M11" ;-)

[@btonelli]

@@gregpantelides1355 lol!!!

[@DA-yd2ny]

I think flagship camera market is saturated. Point and shoot and retro style cameras are way more popular at the moment. Fujifilm and Nikon are making more money with their X100VI and Zf's than Sony with their A1. Why Sony don't through an updated RX100 into the market is beyond me. A proper firmware update with a Christmas discount would have been enough to keep the Sony A1 going for another while. We also need to consider that Canon makes more money with lenses than bodies.

[@btonelli]

To be fair Sony has had great success with the A7C line and a lot of this tech gets brought into that.

[@ShahdinAhmedSami]

Tired of t-shirts ?

[@btonelli]

@@ShahdinAhmedSami for today haha

[@Phoyographer]

Enter Islam and success

[@BK-dh2oj]

I could live with the 1st gen A1 and buy better glass with that amt of moola.

[@btonelli]

@@BK-dh2oj true.

[@officialbrandoncoleman]

No 8k 60fps 😅

[@btonelli]

@@officialbrandoncoleman nope haha just 30P

[@officialbrandoncoleman]

@btonelli 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Kazoom28]

I think it leans more towards a camera for photographers rather than a videographer even though it is a hybrid. Get a specialised videography Sony camera (FX... or A7S...). Cheaper and lighter and better