Sony A1 II review IN-DEPTH hype-free!

[@cameralabs]

My Sony A1 II review - first month with the new flagship! Ad | Buy used gear from MPB: prf.hn/l/YLqwRAP // Sell used gear: bit.ly/3ULU9yL Sony A1 II USA price at B&H: bhpho.to/3Zfdwo8 or UK price at WEX: tidd.ly/4hRrbZX Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: www.youtube.com/@DinoBytes Gordon's travel tips channel: www.youtube.com/@GordonsTravelTips #mympb @mpbcom Equipment used for producing my videos MacBook Air 15in (M3): amzn.to/4cPat9S DJI Osmo Pocket 3: click.dji.com/AIOhqT-LWUFDq-bGk8hD4Q?pm=link Panasonic Lumix S5 II: amzn.to/3Hf5IcI Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF 00:00 - Sony A1 II intro and rivals 03:06 - Buy or sell your camera gear at MPB (Sponsor) 04:35 - Sony A1 II design and controls 06:16 - Sony A1 II C5 button and speed boost 07:14 - Sony A1 II viewfinder and new eyecup 07:59 - Sony A1 II viewfinder quality demo 11:48 - Sony A1 II screen 12:43 - Sony A1 II card slots 13:54 - Sony A1 II card speeds SD vs CFE 14:50 - Sony A1 II ports 15:43 - Sony A1 II battery, grip and charger 16:24 - Sony A1 II sensor 17:08 - Sony A1 II photo quality settings 18:55 - Sony A1 II noise high ISO tests 20:13 - Sony A1 II IBIS stabilization 21:06 - Sony A1 II shutter types and drive modes 23:27 - Sony A1 II pre-capture 24:40 - Sony A1 II skewing rolling shutter for photo 25:39 - Sony A1 II focusing 26:09 - Sony A1 II subject detection 26:32 - Sony A1 II auto vs face detection 26:57 - Sony A1 II bird detection 27:31 - Sony A1 II birds in flight 29:24 - Sony A1 II video settings 30:56 - Sony A1 II video quality 1080 vs 4k vs 8k 33:03 - Sony A1 II video autofocus 33:29 - Sony A1 II slow motion 4k 120 34:00 - Sony A1 II video skewing rolling shutter 34:40 - Sony A1 II overheating and recording times 36:35 - Sony A1 II verdict and sample images Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

[@kingghidorah8106]

sony or most cameras should make rolling curves for e-shutters and get some creative effects, just like for example in a 1/10th of a second the readout is quick in the first quarter, then very slow in the second quarter, then quick in the third quarter and the quickest in the fourth quarter to achieve a funky creative look. Useless but cool to toy with.

[@joeaddison]

Thanks for the super in depth video Gordon!!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@dyong888]

Great review. I like the different approach to the review by focusing (pun intended) on things not mentioned by other reviewers. I especially appreciate the clarification around the EVF quality given the 3 parameters that one can toggle. This is especially important for me as I dislike the loss in image quality or resolution when the camera is focusing or thinking. I currently own the A7R4. Previous to that I have the A7 Original.

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome, I like to cover things others skip

[@SamTaylors]

Masterful review Gordon. Thank you

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@brucewarner5284]

great review. Love the new camera Labs t-shirt design!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@cjenkins79]

I think the comparison to the R5mii says it all. It’s a minor upgrade and that’s fine, but the market now has options that $2k - $3k cheaper. They’re essentially doing victory laps because of how good the original A1 was while the competition has already started the second race.

[@DA-yd2ny]

@@cjenkins79 correct. I am sure Fujifilm and Leica make more money with their point and shoot than Sony with their A1.

[@tbfam569]

Sony is the new canon with their cripple hammer!😂

[@Digitalfiendscom]

Amazingly comprehensive review. Great job!

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, it was a big one! I've just published a similarly-detailed one on the Canon R5 II which includes some A1 II comparisons.

[@PicturesofNewYork]

Please test Active Dynamic Stabilization which for me is the biggest selling point. Thanks.

[@cameralabs]

I've got some tests for it handholding 70mm, but unfortunately no vlogging and walking tests as I didn't have a wide enough lens when testing.

[@partlyretartly]

Always the most detailed reviews.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! That's what I aim for, although it does seem to result in fewer views versus the competition!

[@oriomenoni7651]

How does this camera handle banding from artificial lights compared to A9iii? This is a decisive factor for me to choose, as I shoot weddings indoors often. Thank you.

[@cameralabs]

Banding is mostly an issue when using an electronic shutter with a scanning sensor. The A1 II has a scanning sensor but some frequency adjustments to the electronic shutter, PLUS a mechanical shutter as an alternative. Meanwhile the A9 III may be all electronic, BUT it's global, so should in theory avoid banding. But lighting variations can be tricky, so my advice would be to rent or borrow both cameras and experiment in different scenarios to see which handles them best. They're expensive things, so worth doing those tests before investing. My gut says A9 III, but the global shutter is 'only' 24mp, and not as clean in low light. So if the A1 II can work for you, I'd go for that. PS - if you end up buying either online, please consider going through my links, thanks!

[@MrBillkaz]

I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to break the bank . I really value that articulating screen for eye level water fowl lol .. and shore birds

[@kingghidorah8106]

9:22 PEOPLE have claimed that this issue DOES NOT AFFECT the a1/a9 series because they have stacked sensors. Surprisingly enough, they do! I prefer to have a 3.6m dot evf that goes from hd 720 to vga 480 than a 9m dot full hd viewfinder that also goes to vga 480 when focusing. A7IV's 120fps refresh is cool, though.

[@cameralabs]

This is why I do the tests

[@kingghidorah8106]

@@cameralabs you're what kids today call a gigachad. This "dynamic resolution" is such a dick move from Sony. The craziest part is that it also happens on A7III and below despite they have a 2.6 million dot viewfinder, much like the older A77II and A99II, and those ones do not half the resolution.

[@sirpatrickofgoober6603]

On release day I go Gordon.

[@108u9]

Maybe a less popular wish list item but would like to see EVF tech and specs advance. Headsets like AVP while being a totally different device have shown that it’s possible to get really good viewing experience up close. IMO there’s still much improvement to be had over the current 9 million spec. For a flagship that’s at a premium price, it’s also strange to see Sony put constraints upon a primary channel of interacting, working with a camera. Would like to see the industry move to higher resolutions, refresh rates, image fidelity on EVFs while also continuing to refine the UI/UX. While possible to change settings, IMO crowding the perimeter with setting icons isn’t the most elegant solution and kinda takes away from fully inspecting the scene

[@HISPEKK]

How much better in the rear screen is it brighter, thanks for the great review.

[@DA-yd2ny]

This camera just proves how far ahead of the competition the A1 really was. Considering that this camera segment has reached close to full maturity and market saturation there wasn't much more for Sony to add to the already excellent A1. I wish Sony would throw an upgraded RX100 into the more popular point and shoot market. One has only to look at the hugely popular and expensive Leica Q or Fuji X100VI to see what cameras sell at the moment

[@cameralabs]

Every time I meet them, i ask for an updated RX

[@DA-yd2ny]

@@cameralabs 👍 thanks Gordon. Put pressure on them 😃

[@denizahmet2299]

Interesting to find conflicting reports from testers now about the overheating in 8K. Some users claiming no more than 36mins was possible in 8K. On my A1 I get around 85min if the ambient is under 25c. So it seems there has been a reduction to various degrees on the new model.

[@cameralabs]

I suspect it's pretty much the same as before. We all test under different conditions, and even the screen position and mounting for the camera while testing plays a part. Hopefully you heard my timings towards the end of the video - I managed 1 hour of 8k before it overheated.

[@johngreenwood9247]

Again... a most amazing review. (It makes me wonder how long I'll need to set aside to watch your in depth review!) Overall your assessment reminds me of how I felt when being an original alpha9 user, when the 2nd version of the A9 was released; did the upgrades warrant a change? Eventually I succumbed to new product envy... MPB benefiting again from my GAS!

[@cameralabs]

Yep, when there's only incremental updates, the used market options can be great!

[@AdrianW.Photography]

As much as I like the added pecapture feature and 4 axis flip out screen, I cannot justify the upgrade from my current A1, which is still a very capable camera. Based on Sony's past upgrades, the biggest ones seem to happen in the third generation models, such as a7riii, a7siii, and a9iii. Will see what the a1iii has to offer in the future.

[@cameralabs]

Sensible choice, the A1 is still a tremendous camera.

[@MichalOlender]

Thanks for making this video Gordon. I'm coming from a7s3 and a74, and got the a1II for bird/wildlife photo and video. I'm struggling with figuring out the log as in the cameras I own it's simple as setting it to pp8. Are you considering making a video on that topic?

[@cameralabs]

They moved log into its own menu on the most recent Sony's. Works the same as using a PP, but it's in a separate log menu.

[@WAPhoto]

Does the EVF have any blackout or frame skipping?

[@goodwolf152]

Just curious - do we think the compressed-only requirement at 30fps is because of buffer limitations? I can’t imagine the sensor or processor speeds would be the limitation there, so I’m guessing the camera needs smaller file sizes to push 50mp 30 times per second.

[@cameralabs]

Yes I believe it's the file sizes

[@fowlerhouse]

I would love to know if there are any limitations with the camera running continuously at 4K24 422 10 over USB-C PD power indoors - use case being long-form streaming and recording sessions. My a7siii's are able to run forever indoors like this, but the a7iv was not. I'm interested in the A1ii as a hybrid for events but it has to be able to run reliably at 4K24 without fear of overheating shut down.

[@cameralabs]

Good question, but sorry I was unable to test it under USB power. I did get 2hrs of 4k 25p under battery alone without any overheating though, so you'll get at least that under USB power!

[@LMNDZ513]

Yup..9:10 that view quality quirk..lol Is also in the A7R5 as well..I remember that when I first used my A7R5..lol I was like what is that!..lol just had to live with it of course. lol Did I miss it?..did you not talk about the better "touchscreen" functions?..change settings via touching swipe..i.e like the aperture and shutter speed?..I know Sony is behind in terms of having more touch screen capabilities..other brands have had touch function changing settings already..lol

[@cameralabs]

Yeah, unfortunately the drop in EVF res affects most or even all the 9.44 million dot finders I've tested. I think it might be a lower res readout from the sensor while it's focusing. For action I actually prefer the higher frame rate which reduces the res so avoids this effect, but for stills I put up with it!

[@naturealbums]

Excellent work Gordon a very thorough review. I think the only extra important feature over mark 1 is the pre capture for me... but it looks implemented well in that it does raw mode as Z8 is jpg only. I wonder how easy it would have been to just give a firmware update for the pre capture on the MK1. It does seem the ultimate camera but I expect UK prices will make it an easy win for a Z8 for wildlife. Canon R5II is excellent too but lenses for wildlife not quite as good as Nikon's long primes.

[@billx4266]

Hi, where is the in depth review about the R5II? Thx

[@cameralabs]

Believe it or not, it's taken Canon this long to supply a final production sample. I'll be testing over the next two weeks.

[@Pixtarami]

Are the RAW 16bit ? And what are the bit depth for different compressions and burst rates ?

[@cameralabs]

There's multiple combinations - check the specs page on Sony's website

[@Pixtarami]

@ there is no mention of bit depth for photos on the Sony specification page…

[@Pixtarami]

Thank you for the details review by the way 🙏

[@hikertrashfilms]

Very disappointed, as a A1 owner in Sony. They crippled our camera with a lack of firmware support, once the a7IV debuted and withheld “Animal/Bird Eye Support in Video” and “Focus Breathing Comp”. They have still never provided us with Animal Eye tracking in Video, while the old a7C got that firmware update in 12/21. They will do the exact same thing with this body when the a7V debuts in 2025. I am not investing any further into Sony, as a Sony Pro Member, until I see that they change their firmware policy for the Flagship.

[@Metaconceptual]

This is what Sony has been doing forever now. Sony photographers have the most toxic mindset I've had to deal with. You can't criticize Sony whatsoever, even if you own a Sony camera.

[@DigiDriftZone]

As a Fuji user that was promised kaizen, it's unfortunately the same there except the firmware updates are making things worse, not better. At least Sony released an update for the A7SIII (finally!), but I agree, Sony's firmware support is awful. Their small/cheap products like the A7CII and ZV-E1 seem to get better support than the expensive pro stuff...

[@hikertrashfilms]

@@Metaconceptual I criticize them and I am a Sony Pro Member with 4 GMs and two bodies with the A1

[@Metaconceptual]

@hikertrashfilms you'd be one of the rare ones

[@zegzbrutal]

You can jump ship, Nikon Canon got much better than before

[@Hsukhaybir]

Thank you Gordon .. fantastic review!there is one thing I want to know and I still can’t find a resource for it which is a comparison of the resolution of A7r4/5 and the A1 side by side .. I want to see the difference between the 60 and 50 make megapixel when cropping tightly, in many times I crop a lot .. specially for birds, do you have any comparison ?

[@cameralabs]

I'd like to see that too, hopefully I'll be able to illustrate it some time!

[@DavidStella]

If the A1II were around the $5k-$5500 USD range, I’d trade both of my A7RVs for two of these. As good as the A1II is, it’s hard for me to justify the added cost.

[@Matti6950]

I love my A7RV, the bad video implementation on A1 (like no active stabilization, screen not so good, etc), made me think An A1 II 'used' could be my dream camera but i''m starting to think it's not worth it, especially since they held some video features clearly back, like downsamples 8k to 4k would be amazing, i'm sure it's possible.

[@DavidStella]

@ I agree with you

[@Rollergold4]

Tbh as someone who been shooting with an A7III and been waiting for an body upgrade to everything (MP, Shooting Speed, Ergonomics, video featrues, etc) this ticks all the boxes for me. Sure the Canon R5 II or the Nikon Z8/Z9 can get me what I want for cheaper but switching mounts would cost even more. Also while the lack of some features the OG A1 could have does suck for those that have OG A1s, I only buy based on what the equipment can do TODAY and not what it "could" do tomorrow, I assume the camera body will get no software feature upgrades, I really think others should have the mindset when buying anything electronic.

[@freestonedoug]

Have you looked at the a7rv? I guess limited to 10fps, and no 4k120 a problem?

[@Rollergold4]

@freestonedoug It's more that I want more then 10 fps with the higher resolution.

[@kennethbriggs720]

What? No mention of focus bracketing. The only reason I would upgrade my current A1.

[@cameralabs]

Good point, I should have mentioned it and will do in a follow-up. I believe it does offer focus bracketing, but like earlier models, you'll be doing the stacking yourself later.

[@JSS75]

Gordon - I have been doing a lot of comparisons recently and I am not sure about you, but I see the extra 9.44m dots in review but I think the canon 5.76m dot during shooting is cleaner than this from Sony - Maybe I am seeing something but when the Sony focuses and loses resolution (easy to see) I am surprised how much quality is lost and I get lot of moire. Do you see that too? The Canon then looks better during focusing, the Sony is distracting to be honest.

[@cameralabs]

Yep, generally the 3 and 5 million dot panels maintain their res, whereas the 9 million dot ones tend to drop to about 2 when focusing. But I'll be doing more tests with the R5 II soon to confirm

[@JSS75]

@ WOW I did not know the drop was that big - No wonder it felt worse than my A7R IV when using sometimes and the Canon felt even better.

[@bulendkaynar1491]

Is there in camera focus stacking on a1m2. Thanks

[@xintophotography9848]

Yes. That feature is there, and works just like in other recent Sony bodies.

[@cameralabs]

focus bracketing yes, but stacking is done by you in software later.

[@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!

[@cameralabs]

I agree, there should be some oversampled 4k options in full frame

[@jonasgillmann]

@ have you worked with the Nikon Z8? I was really impressed by its capabilities. Especially the video side of things. 8.3K oversampled 4K60p and 8.3K60p RAW internally.

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

A1 II is cool, time to buy the original A9

[@cameralabs]

Yep, there's some great deals on older gear on the used or discounted markets

[@denizahmet2299]

Didn't Sony claim you can now run the EVF in 120fps mode with display quality set to 'high'. That not the case unless I misunderstood.

[@cameralabs]

They initially said this in briefings, but it was incorrect. High quality mode is only available at 60hz.

[@cameralabs]

PS - that's why I never take anything for granted and always test and present my results.

[@denizahmet2299]

@@cameralabs Thanks - I noticed however, that the resolution drop when focussing in high quality is now not always happening depending on the scene. (consumer unit firmware 1.01)

[@cameralabs]

@@denizahmet2299 hmmm, I asked the engineers about it, and they told me it should perform like the original model. So unless they've changed something, I suspect it's still dropping but maybe not as noticeably? You'll have noticed it more in some scenes than others - so I'd confirm using fine lines or gentle diagonals, or circles, that sort of thing.

[@denizahmet2299]

@@cameralabs For sure I have tested on many things. A Barcode is most obvious but also textures. Hight quality setting - It will drop res and become fuzzy when half pressing to focus. I'll then point the camera elsewhere and come back to the same target with nothing changed and now it will remain high res when focussing - no more fuzziness. Something odd is happening and I can't relate it to any setting currently but it sure is nice when it stays in high quality.

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Just drop a comment before I start watching to help the algorithm! ❤❤❤

[@TheRealRichardWong]

Great review with no hype as usual. I only had quick play of the camera so far but agree with pretty much everything you said Gordon

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@cameralabs]

Cheers!

[@Soundwave857]

11:36 that reduced resolution will always be there if you use AF-C as long as you hold the first stage of the shutter release button

[@cameralabs]

Yep, same for most high res viewfinder panels.

[@overlanderuk5969]

when the a7r v was announced many a1 owners were not happy that their camera didn’t have these new features . Sony now bring these features to the a1 ii yet it seems those same a1 users are still not happy! 😂

[@cameralabs]

No-one's ever happy!

[@JojoJoget]

Sony likes to use the same hardware (same processor, sensor etc) for at least 2 generations before they move on so this is sort of expected. I doubt the A7V would be a generational leap but the A7R and S series might.

[@ryanvacation7319]

Exactly. I’m surprised that even the more well informed Sony shooters were expecting more.

[@dfj555]

Which one do you like better and why, Sony A1 II or Canon EOS R1?

[@cameralabs]

I honestly think they're completely different cameras, even though Sony thinks they're not. Ultimately a lot of the decision will boil down to your preference in body shape, lens selection, photo resolution and if you want the Canon eye control.

[@darkftforce]

nothing beats Canon R5M2.

[@cameralabs]

It's strong for the money

[@ryanvacation7319]

If the lenses that you need are available in Canon’s limited lineup their bodies are surprisingly great value: R8, R6ii, and 5rii etc

[@kwphua9172]

Get R5 II or A1 II?

[@johndoe-nh9sh]

I'll be sticking with a1 and at some point next year moving to a1ii. The r5ii might be £2k cheaper, but what are you going to pair it with lenswise? Like-for-like an r5ii plus the lens I use the most (600mm f4) costs exactly the same as an a1ii + 600mm f4 before taking into account having to buy new memory cards and peripherals.

[@cameralabs]

Check lens prices

[@johndoe-nh9sh]

@@cameralabs I did. UK stock is 12k Sony 600, 14k Canon 600. Grey market is no good if you're a pro and have gear registered (with manufacturer) and want pro support for that gear.

[@GungKrisna12]

Anyome realized that Sony never use top-mounted LCD display on their mirrorless cameras?

[@cameralabs]

Yep I always used to mention it but no one cared!

[@colintraveller]

Are you a full time tog ... What subject matter do you capture when your not doing reviews .. Or do you only do reviews ????

[@cameralabs]

I'm a journalist who's tested cameras for 30 years. I do travel and astro photography personally but not professionally

[@colintraveller]

@cameralabs Where can people who follow the channel see your astro captures

[@cameralabs]

@@colintraveller I post a variety of personal shots on my instagram @cameralabs - you can also see my Moon tutorial videos have lots of examples

[@jacobnathanielzpayag3885]

I feel like some of these upgrades could have been a firmware update on the A1 (2021). Sure, some stuff like the improved subject detection definitely needs the new processor but other stuff like pre-capture could have been integrated easily with existing hardware. Actually, camera firmware regardless of brand is another can of worms entirely. Look at Canon seemingly artificially limiting the functionality of their newer lenses on older bodies that can easily be patched via firmware. Ultimately, I think these new wave of releases show how negligent camera makers had been with regards to software support. And for an investment that a professional would be using for years to come, I think software support should be better especially with the feature sets expected these days.

[@ryanvacation7319]

I agree, to be fair Canon is also doing the same. Their older Cameras like the R3 and R5 definitely should have pre-capture.

[@joint831]

WTF???!!! Not full res EVF (9.44) at 120 fps???!!!

[@cameralabs]

Sadly not. Glad I tested that to confirm.

[@CapucineMacron-r1h]

Does this mean that Z8/Z9 are rendered into oblivion?

[@cameralabs]

I've no idea I've not reviewed them

[@ArtemKamkov]

Most detailed review. Thx)

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, I put a lot into it, and still have lots for a follow up!

[@leledreher]

so if my math is right, according to the spec sheet, you should have been able to stabilize that 70mm shot for 4-5 seconds with the IBIS alone? no way! under what lab circumstances did they get that number lol! thanks for keeping it real gordon

[@GlaciaDay]

Sony always has this ballsy claim that they have 8 or 8.5 stops of IBIS, but in reality that more like 7 stops at max. Sony Alpha cameras are clearly struggling in stabilization in comparison to like Panasonic and Canon cameras.

[@cameralabs]

Yeah, but with all stabilizers, YMMV! I must wobble in a very difficult way!

[@JojoJoget]

@@GlaciaDay so do you have something to back that claim up or are you just like the marketing you don’t like?

[@GlaciaDay]

@@JojoJoget There's a zillion head to head comparison on youtube

[@trivacker]

Thanks for the detailed reviews. The A1 II 8K rolling shutter looks the same as with the A7RV 8K. What's your opinion?

[@cameralabs]

I've not put them side by side. I'd hope the A1 us better due to faster sensor, but it will be slowest mode on both as they can't pixel bin (much)

[@Matti6950]

@@cameralabs 8k on A7RV is next to not usable handheld, only static camera, while stuff like water moves and trees is maybe usefull, imo only the 'pixel binned' 4k60 mode is fast enough but still very shaky handheld (and rolling shutter some). 8k but especially 4k on A1 (or II) would have to be amazing good before i buy it.

[@RM-hy4so]

After the release of A9III, the A1 II just seems to be a rehash of older technology. I think the A1 II is targeted to new users rather than owners of the previous generation. On my part, I recently purchased the A7RV which is an almost complete camera for landscape and portraits. For action or video, I am interested in the A9III rather than the A1 II or the previous generation A1. I accept that the combo of the A7RV/A9III is more expensive than purchasing the A1 II, but the combo is better at landscape and action. That leaves the A1 II as the jack of all combo cameras. Now, to sell my older model Sony cameras to make purchasing the A9III less dear to my wallet.

[@robertlennie7466]

Best review of this camera on YT .. thank you Gordon! Nice job.

[@cameralabs]

Thanks, I tried to be as thorough as possible!

[@GinoFoto]

The worsened quality when focusing could be more noticeable for sports and wildlife use, where the camera operates its focus system essentially constantly.

[@cameralabs]

I agree, although in those scenarios, you're more likely to be using the 120fps mode for smoother refresh, in which case there's no res drop (as it starts low to start with)

[@stefanterbekke8506]

Thank you Gordon. I own the 7RV for 2 years now, and I do photography only, so no need to move to this, but do you feel the autofocus is actually better than that from the 7RV? Julia Trotti mentioned that the auto recognition may need tweaking.

[@cameralabs]

The auto mode worked well in my tests with people, birds and animals. I show it in my video

[@JamesClark1991]

Great review! Wondering, does focus breathing compensation now work in the 8K video mode?

[@cameralabs]

EDIT: I only tried in 4k, but I don't believe it's possible in 8k as there's no room for cropping.

[@denizahmet2299]

@@cameralabs No it does not. It can't work as there is not enough spare resolution to crop into.

[@cameralabs]

@@denizahmet2299 good point, the same reason active stabilisation won't work in 8k either.

[@pivonroll]

Biggest caveat from Sony, you can achieve marketed shooting speed only with Sony lenses. For third party, expect half the performance. While on Canon adapted Sigma EF lense we can get full shooting speed. My intention is not to glorify Canon, but I am sick of this marketing shenanigans from Sony. For each of their product like for example PS5 + wireless headphones (you cannot pair any bluetooth headphones with PS5 due to performance, while on my PC I get zero effect on performance) etc. there is always a caveat.

[@jimgiraffe5253]

say what ? hype free ?😋 no way!

[@cameralabs]

I know, right?

[@sisyphos-or2lx]

As an A1 owner: this Mark II Version is the most underwhelming update Sony ever did :(

[@BharathVikhram]

I agree as I have 2 A1s

[@nat-lj8kt]

I disagree from photography perspective. For video, yes underwhelming. You get the best stacked ans highest resolution sensor with this time a much useful screen, precapture and subject detection AI stuff. It will definitely focus faster than the Z9 or the Z8. The problem: industry has moved on, the price is too expensive to be competitive given it's weaker video features. I will continue using my A1. Only thing I wanted tbh was a better screen that articulates but trading so much $$$ nevee worth it. Maybe A1 will keep getting cool updates since a lot of the internals seem to be still the same.

[@POVwithRC]

Why are you sad? It validates and extends the useful life of your A1 as there is no major need to spend more money at this time.

[@jacekkasprzak9478]

@@nat-lj8kt Cool updates?! Sure ;)

[@nat-lj8kt]

@@jacekkasprzak9478 :) :) :) i mean those simple ones that were given to much cheaper and just as old cameras but not bestowed upon the mighty A1 because A1II must sell. On another note, Burano exists and I'm sure Sony will cripple the A1 line always from now on for movies. Nikon begs to differ. I'll stick with the vendor that I can buy third party lenses from though:)

[@charliipresley]

This is exciting. I just preordered 5 of them. I’ll finally be able to get good photos!

[@starbase218]

Noooo you need at least 10 to get good photos. Edit: I meant 10 Sony A7 IIs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kF7aenqOodqiq8ksi=adQAce2Wh57OuYvY ;)

[@CamdenPlunkettPhotography]

Detailed, comprehensive, and covers topics not discussed by others. One of the best reviews, if not the best, as always. Thanks so much, Gordon!

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou! I always try to include things that others miss or don't demo

[@Mohika881]

Thanks Gordon, great review as always!

[@cameralabs]

You're very welcome!

[@everydayisextra]

This new version feels like the typical refresh that Apple does with its Macs and iPads in a 12-18 months cycle. Four years for chips and software should allow for more and better in my opinion. Even iPhones have a new chip and new sensors and new iOS every single year, therefore these advancements from Sony are very very mild at such a price level. I have to admit though that I can’t follow Sony’s strategy across their Alpha line and its particular tiers, I find it intransparent. On the other hand, and let’s be fair here, there’s always that one camera available that you really want. So no idea where Sony is heading, but they certainly have what I need. And as always great many thanks to you, Gordon, for pointing out these details and your honest opinion!!

[@cameralabs]

Glad to have helped!

[@heiner71]

Thanks Gordon! Excellent review. Looks like a great camera but outside of my price range.... and I am currently a Canon guy.

[@60shots]

The best review so far. Thanx Gordon. Top man. 📸👍🏻

[@cameralabs]

Thanks! I put a lot of work into it!

[@albertogvphoto]

For me my SONY A7RIII and SONY A7RV are enough

[@denizahmet2299]

Has the larger body improved the 8K overheat times?

[@cameralabs]

No, it seems similar

[@DAVE_WHITE]

Not worth 6K get it in a few years on the used market for 2500$

[@streblak2085]

nice to see you have finally removed the headgear when you are indoors, well done.....just for the record....I am a grumpy old man.... what I failed to mention... I love your work... it is in my opinion the most balanced reviews available... also I failed to mention your pleasant demeanor greatly eases my grumpyness

[@cameralabs]

It was hot that day, so no hat, but when it's colder, it goes back on.

[@Jawad.1]

Sony A1 II is a classic example of the term 'Planned Obsolescence'. Sony could have easily come up with a *$7500 A1 II* harbouring a *50MP Global Shutter Sensor*; but why should they when they don't have any other company in the market to challenge their supremacy, as Canon releases a rubbish camera in the form of R1 after whining for a whopping 4 years. Canon knows it can't compete with Sony in the game of sensor technologies so it is now relying on strange lenses to stay competitive in the market, whereas Sony PERFECTLY knows how to take advantage by keeping their cameras barely above Canon and release the next iteration (A1 III) with a global Shutter.

[@cameralabs]

I don't entirely agree, the EOS R5 II is a serious competitor to the A1 II, and I don't think a 50mp global shutter is at all affordable or practical to make right now. PLUS current global tech is compromised on DR and noise, so not appropriate for cameras that aspire to delivering the best picture quality.

[@nordic5490]

Really ? I own an R5ii and are very impressed with it. Bif is a doddle. I personally know Sony shooters that have bought, or are going to buy, the R5ii

[@cameralabs]

@@nordic5490 hope you've seen my R5 II review posted yesterday! Lots of BIF.

[@funtaril]

Yeah, this one leaves a strange feeling - many shortcomings of first gen were mitigated (or brought to more contemporary state for 2024), and it still is true flagship, but doesn't feel like something special. Subsampled 4K is kinda rough though, and those dial locks should be uniform. Thanks for (as usual) world-class overview!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcome!

[@jonasgillmann]

@@cameralabs 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!

[@fallogingl]

Just snagged a used A1 for $3000 😂

[@ThomasRudolf-s6k]

Is anyone really expecting anything groundbreaking out of a flagship update currently? The closest we’ve come in recent memory is the A9III global shutter, and that is a niche capability with trade offs in noise and dynamic range. I don’t think anyone was expecting Sony to be able to pull off a high resolution global shutter, so what does that leave? Tweaks to autofocus and ergonomics, menu changes, maybe a faster sensor readout speed. That’s about what I’ll expect from a Z9 II. As for the A1 II, I’ll be cheeky and say this should have been a firmware update.

[@JojoJoget]

You wouldn’t get much of a difference from a Z9ii if Sony doesn’t have the sensor for them now would it?

[@leites1975]

Best review as always. Thank you Gordon! Nice job.

[@cameralabs]

Thankyou, it's long, but there's lots of info in there!

[@d2c9416]

Gordon nice review, & will be nice to see a comparison of this and new R5 II specially the flower pictures.

[@geargeekpdx3566]

So what happens when the A2 is released? Will that be the A2 1? Names are a joke in this market and I'm getting sick of them.

[@cameralabs]

I don't think there'll be an A2. This series is the A1, so it'll go A1, A1 2, A1 3 etc. Same as the other series. Like A7 2, A7 3, A7 4

[@nevvanclarke9225]

It wouldn't hold a candle to my gfx 100S ii for image quality.... don't why people are buying these cameras. Who needs 40 frames a second And it's a similar price in Australia 😮

[@cameralabs]

I actually did a gfx vs a1 video for the original

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@@cameralabs I'll have to check it out what I'm saying though and I love your videos mate. Is this constant search for speed? And I just don't actually see that many sports and wildlife photographers out there there are more people shooting general Photography landscapes and portraits and the wildlife but every camera that comes out seems to be pushing for that high speed. I just don't get it. You can get great photos with eight frames a second I don't think you need 30. You certainly don't need 100 frames a second.

[@cameralabs]

@@nevvanclarke9225 I think it's partly down to marketing something that allows a product to stand out. Showing their strengths even if many won't exploit that. I do hear from sports photographers who value it though and as I show in my bird flight sequences, 30fps is definitely valuable.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@cameralabs The problem is the cameras are getting so good that you could become a professional photographer in six months.... The gear itself is devaluing the industry an eventually Everyone will be able to take great photos meaning that work will be hard to find

[@cameralabs]

@@nevvanclarke9225 there's always been great gear available. It doesn't make anyone a pro, unless they put in the effort to learn the craft, experiment and evolve, not to mention finding and nurturing clients. Maybe great gear lets people achieve that faster, but those people were always going to become pros anyway. That's my view though.

[@stevep927]

Testing bird focus with a 70-200 2.8 doesn't have value to real bird shooters. Never can get that close

[@cameralabs]

I'll inform the seabird population on the UK South Coast that they're not real birds. Can you possibly accept that there are different types of birds in different scenarios, and that these are the ones that are accessible to me?

[@arildhagen3820]

Solid review as usual

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@onlysublime]

This is not a mark ii

[@cameralabs]

Mark 1.5?

[@AHumansPotential]

Thank you so much for including battery life and how long the video will record before overheating. Much appreciated, excellent review!

[@cameralabs]

You're welcoem, those tests do take a while, but they're useful!

[@MyLifeFrAiurGaming]

should shoot camera b roll with smaller aperture, we see blurry bokeh not camera when it's rotating :)

[@cameralabs]

fair point

[@harryvuemedia]

At $,6500 usd, the A1 is definitely dropping down to $5,500 usd now. A1-ii is perfect for anyone who doesn't own an A1 and A1 users can keep holding onto their A1.

[@cameralabs]

Exactly!

[@Seanonyoutube]

The problem with all camera reviews on KZbin is that none of them capture the actual usability experience from real world standpoint. So many quirks that can make or break a camera but which are rarely conveyed in reviews going over features, image quality, ergonomics etc. to illustrate the problem, I can watch 20 such reviews and still have no real idea whether or not this camera will work for me in practice.

[@harryvuemedia]

This is the launch review. Its to give everyone an insight of the camera and nothing more. After the camera is release to the public, that's when everyone starts releasing their real-world review. Then they release their 1 year update as well. And you can't fully review the camera yet when you just got a model with the pre-firmware instead of the official firmware. Until the camera becomes firmware 1.0 and release to the entire public, then you can truly review it. Same reason as us users. We can't review the camera until it comes out. And then we have to use it for at least a month to give a detail review. You act like everyone can give a full detail review when they only had the camera for 1 week and its a pre-model as well. This is what you don't understand about reviews but are quick to bash others.

[@Seanonyoutube]

@ to this day I have not seen a single review articulate any of my frustrations with my R6 which are making me want to switch systems entirely.

[@harryvuemedia]

@@Seanonyoutube Mang, you are just trolling. Jared Polin has released a review of the R6 years ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXibc32pe6l0i9E

[@PlanetFrosty]

Nice job

[@cameralabs]

Thanks!

[@oscarshen6855]

This is quite underwhelming compare to Canon and Nikkon's offering, SONY has been too comfortable and failing behind in terms of camera body.

[@colintraveller]

Gotta laugh at the masssively let down Sony users . Yer like Sasha groupies expecting greatness on a night out only to be let down because the tech selection never gave you a semi ....lolol

[@LeicaCat]

Wow. Sony (and Nikon) really know how to make an ugly camera.

[@vivalasvegas702]

Still NO internal raw or 8k60 in 2024! Limited codec options, R5ii way superior in terms of codec flavors. EVF still drops rez while focusing. NO top plate LCD. LCD still low rez from 2020. NO Zebra or False color for video. Still using super slow/expensive Type A cf card(no gen4 support). Menu system still convoluted to navigate. Body ergonomics still meant for guys with super “tiny” hands! Rebadged 2020 sensor. Still the same limited AF area coverage and AF points vs R5ii. NO eye AF. NO cooling grip option. Over $2000 vs R5ii but only matching 85% of R5ii’s capabilities. 100%….. DEAD BEFORE ARRIVAL 🤣😂🤣😂

[@cameralabs]

They definitely need to update their codecs

[@nordic5490]

I never looked at the top LCD on my 60D, 5D3, 5D4, R5 or R5ii, so I think it is really overrated.

[@markec123]

RIP Canon. What a monster of a camera! Of course I will never be able to afford it.

[@truthseeker6804]

r5ii similar and more affordable and better AF for ball sports

[@ItsBerg]

Rip canon?? Nah, Rip to Sony owners once a new body comes out after this. You'll pay $6500 for a camera today and the $1000 camera will have better features next year. And if u get a firmware update it'll turn your camera into a brick.

[@ryanvacation7319]

To be fair Canon has some great bodies that rivals or surpass its Sony counter parts for example the R6 mark II which is pound for pound a better camera than the it’s direct competitor the a7iv with the sole exception of megapixel resolution.

[@cameralabs]

Did you not notice the list of benefits I quoted for the R5 II which is also 2k cheaper?

[@xintophotography9848]

@@ryanvacation7319 The A7IV is missing a lot of things that the A1 has, including 120p and uncropped 4K60, as well as blackout free photo capture, though it is certainly a very capable camera. I am curious what the A7V will be capable of. If the A7V can do blackout free photos and 120p, then there will be a lot less reason to get an A1 Mark II.