Sony A1 II: The ALMOST Perfect Camera!

[@deekelly2578]

That Peregrine shot is amazing, Jan.

[@truthkeeperfilms]

Sony has a Canon R1 moment. Essentially the same camera with minor improvements. The Z9 II with RED video features will be amazing

[@groghunter7403]

Jan, I know most people don't pay much attention to MFT, but before you say that this is the best implementation of pre-capture, you should really look at how much control you have of it on the OM-1. I can tell it exactly how many pre-frames i want, frame rate, and set a frame limit (meaning it will stop the capture after a predetermined amount of frames. not a feature i'd use, but it's there, and it doesn't seem to exist in other precapture implementations.) and you can set several different precapture settings for different drive modes. I'm not saying they're equivalent cameras in the large swathe of other features, but for this particular feature, OM seems to have put more control in the hands of the photographer than anyone else.

[@cy9nvs]

15:16 I'd just sell all my gear and call it quits after that shot. 😂 Absolutely incredible.

[@jan_wegener]

Hehe, I can’t, have some more images on my mind that I wanna take 📸

[@j4kke046]

Same here 😂

[@NoLifeWithoutTime-d2u]

You need 2.0 seconds of pre-capture, it was 15:14! Only joking, hope it made you smile?

[@RobertRees71]

Thank you for a well thought out video. I’ve seen several on this body so far, and they all SUCK. Pretty much everyone rushed to be first and sacrificed quality and content. Thank you for a thoughtful, in depth, and worthwhile video.

[@jan_wegener]

I'm glad you appreciated it!

[@photobeis]

As a professional product photographer I have to say I've owned sony for many years I'm really impressed they are the best mirrorless camera company on the market right now they play ball themselves sony is admirable

[@Mr_Weak_Photographer]

Is it a joke??? Nikon z8-z9 and canon r5 mk2 is best. This “flagship” is a joke

[@dayeah765caoni3]

@@Mr_Weak_Photographerhaha canon R1 is a joke also

[@bladerealm124]

I'd love to see an updated comparison of Sony, Canon, and Nikon systems specific to video if that's something you'd be interested in making. I know tons of people like myself are constantly cross shopping systems but most reviews are much more specific to photo performance. I'd be curious to see in depth comparisons of handheld IBIS + lens stabilization performance for the popular wildlife lenses, LOG profile differences and ease of grading, animal eye-AF performance when shooting LOG, any limitations on controls when shooting video (false color, histogram, etc) and general image quality differences in various modes (4k30fps oversampled, 4k60, 4k120, etc).

[@jan_wegener]

I'd love to do more video content, but it usually doesn't do well and takes a while to make, which kinda makes it harder to justify making it, but I will see what I can do

[@singhsukhjot]

A very well balanced review. Well done, Jan! I was delighted to see your Peregrine shots too. Not easy at all, specially at 1200mm. Bravo!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MusicFed]

@@jan_wegener nice video. what camera/mic did you use for the talking head portion? cheers. fed

[@j4kke046]

Excellent video as always Jan!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@LindaSmitWildlifeImpressions]

Thank you so much for your review Jan, highly appreciate it. The A1 II sounds a bit underwhelming compared to the original A1, but more like the firmware update that the A1 should have had. I was also hoping for a huge improvement in video stabilization as well, but that doesn't seem to be the case. Not worth upgrading for me.

[@jan_wegener]

It’s much better, but I find it the hardest of the big 3 to keep stable. What it’s dramatically improved is the body and of course the eye tracking in video

[@johnharvey1786]

It has the three main things as a A1 owner I wanted. Pre capture, boost button and improved AF. The other things such as a better body and screen, better still stabilisation, are great as well but were never the main things I wanted, but I’m pleased they are included. Overall I don’t agree with those who say these are just firmware updates as it would interesting to see how the body and screen could be improved by firmware update. I will definitely be getting an A1ii.

[@rolandrick]

15:17 mind blowing. All of the other birds also, so rich in colours in Down Under. I live in the Rhine Valley between Switzerland 🇨🇭 and Austria 🇦🇹 . The birds here are super skittish and the plumage merges perfectly with the background, camouflage at its best. I envy you for the nature in Australia 🇦🇺.

[@jan_wegener]

we got some lovely birds here for sure

[@darinl848]

good review. i think Olympus had the pre-capture first and has the best implementation i've seen many years ago. finally other companies are coming out with this feature. it's always been the most under-rated feature on a camera.

[@naga2015kk]

so SAD to see olympus like this today. ......

[@davecurtis8833]

Great review. Best AF analysis I have seen of the A1 II. Interesting how it struggled slightly when picking up the falcon against he cliff compared to the Canon R1.

[@bjrn-einarnilsen687]

As always, a great and informative video with some amazing photos mate. Looks like an awesome camera. Wishing you and yours a great week. Cheers, Bjoern

[@jan_wegener]

Cheers mate! You too.

[@huntsmanchester]

I would just use expand spot focus area if it struggles AF. Wide is best when in flight in the sky etc.

[@roninrtist560]

Thanks Jan. Great work as always. I have my kit on pre-order as I will be needing to replace my A1 soon. After 2.5 years of use in the harsh south Florida environment, it is starting to show signs of corrosion and wear. I held off on the A9 iii, because I am really impressed with the 50mp on the A1. I will have my A1 serviced and use it as a secondary back-up when the new unit arrives. That slight improvement in the AF tracking and pre-capture are my main reasons for upgrading. I am fine with the 30fps because that is plenty fast for my needs.

[@jan_wegener]

Sounds like a good plan.

[@gileselliott]

Excellent review. Thank you. Having someone who is a specialist bird photographer make the review is really useful. You highlight the way a bird photographer will use the camera rather than a more generalist approach. Thanks again. I have pushed the button on pre-order!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MichalOlender]

Thanks Jan, just preordered!

[@jan_wegener]

Enjoy it!

[@kingghidorah8106]

the best screen in the market was implemented with the a77 and the a99; it could go up, down, swing and sit on top while rotating the swivel 360 degrees and sit on top or bottom of the camera while flipping back to take selfies while looking at the very lens. Most people reviewing cameras don't know this because they have been less than 7 years in this expensive bandwagon. But I was there since the first digital SLRs.

[@stevep927]

Always use a simple extender grip on my A1 made by WEPOTO WR-A92. Can replace the battery without taking it off. Makes the A1 much more comfortable to hold and only weighs 110 grams

[@MarkusGebhard]

Thank you for your excellent review. So much more valuable than the official Sony presentation!

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks 😀 Nothing beats a true hands on experience

[@rolandrick]

That AF issue at 9:56 is by far a less problem on the Z6 III the 180-600 on it without and with Z 1.4x TC, tested it myself.

[@mcr8759]

Great video, thanks!!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@KurtisPape]

Great review Jan, looks like I will be sticking to my original A1. The 300mm F2.8 is still a tempting lens, with the 1.4x at 420mm F4 would be very useful in low light without having to use a big 600mm F4 (obviously sacrificing reach). It's a huge investment for me but I feel like it's low risk because the lens would hold it's value and sell easy since it's the perfect spots lens.

[@Twobarpsi]

That Flame Robin photo was spectacular Jan!!😎👍

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@photographerimages]

Great video. I would use it on my next one. Seems like nice ergonomics. When is A7V arriving?

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks! Yes that will be an interesting camera to look forward to

[@roland-heine]

Thank you for interesting and informative video. I think the A1MarkII is a good evolution.

[@jan_wegener]

It was needed, but we have gotten used to see crazy features in every new release that just a good upgrade starts to feel “boring”. But it brings a lot of things that were missing to the camera

[@roland-heine]

@ I agree with you complete. Sony made a lot of things better like the ergonomic, the Screen and Precapture. I think in future we have to wait much longer to see really big improvements in Technology.

[@igorrutsch]

hi Jan ! hopefully the Alpha 1 mkii gets you over 90k subs !!!!

[@jan_wegener]

Working on it hehe

[@houserhythm]

Even after more than 1 year, I still struggle with my Z8, coming from using Sony previously (switched because of lack of lens options), because of the lack of customisation, comparatively... And the photo at 7:20 ... I have no words. I've shot a lot of birds and seen a ton of photos, but that has to be my favourite so far. I know there are much better looking and more colourful birds out there and more interesting poses... yes, this is just a portrait, but the nuances of black against that very pleasing soft green background are "tickling" my brain in a very pleasant way. Edit: that this is able to capture all that flight action so well, against such varied and busy backgrounds, is amazing. It struggling here and there with perched birds, or that slow swimming one, isn't THAT bad, those are all super easy to hit with spot AF.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, the AF delivered when I needed it the most and it’s impossible to use other modes

[@Mr_Weak_Photographer]

I have a Z9 and I can simply tell you that you don't know how to use Nikon's focusing systems.

[@philipgowdy]

Stunning Peregrine shots Jan. For most Sony users though, this was not the camera that we were wating for. I think most are all waiting to see the A75 with a more realistic price point.

[@jan_wegener]

That will be an interesting camera

[@philipgowdy]

@@jan_wegener Pre Capture is the major point I think for a lot of us, if its missing then Canon or Nikon will be the next step.

[@jan_wegener]

@@philipgowdyis be shocked if there’s high or mid level cameras without it going forward

[@photoman5943]

awesome shoots

[@simonjpierce]

Great review Jan, thanks!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kilik92]

What do you think about Sonys 600 f4? image quality ? compared to the canon and Nikon? I feel it maybe takes the 2X better than the canon what do you think?

[@jan_wegener]

It’s the nicest of the 3 600s imo Very small and light

[@DanOhPhotography]

I never use Wide focus area in any circumstances ... May be on close up video mode. Use Zone or Spot Tracking

[@jan_wegener]

Having a camera where you can use wide area consistently makes a huge difference

[@davidligon6088]

Excellent review. I will be trading up.

[@jan_wegener]

thanks & enjoy!

[@loodusfoto3099]

Thank You very much for this review. This is the camera I was considering as my first hybrid. I'm still using DSLR. However Nikon Z8 + Nikkor Z 180-600mm looks promising aswell and costs less. Besides wildlife, I'd like the camera to perform decent as a night photography camera (mostly for northern lights) and some reviews say Nikon Z8 has noise issues with high ISO (3200 and up). Keeping in mind these requrements, do You recommend buying Sony A1 II rather than Nikon Z8?

[@jan_wegener]

In terms of DR range the Sony sensor seems to be better than the Nikons, especially since they are ES shutter only

[@defom2735]

Great review... thank you for sharing mate. I'm only getting into bird photography, with special interest in birds of prey. What general location are you finding these falcons near Melbourne, if you don't mind me asking? Appreciate your help 🍻

[@jan_wegener]

Most quarries have them

[@aarong2374]

great review. Was the moiré noticeable? or was that just youtube compression?

[@jan_wegener]

I think it’s just compression when they crunch the fine feathers

[@VioletGOKU]

12:35 Had you set it to 'Auto' subject detection or specifically to 'Birds'? Most Sony cameras perform best with specific modes. If you know you are there to shoot birds, it's best to set it to 'Birds' detection mode.

[@jan_wegener]

Auto works worse than bird, so always on bird or whichever narrows it down the most

[@bladerealm124]

With this latest release and your experience with the R5II and Z8, how would you rank them in terms of animal eye-AF/tracking performance? Based on the results here with the peregrine falcon it seems like the R5II (and probably the Z8 too) would have easily picked him up without issue.

[@jan_wegener]

Each camera will struggle in some scenarios and will do better in others, but in terms of subject recognition Canon is quite a bit ahead atm.

[@bladerealm124]

⁠does that hold true for video too? With the R5 the video AF was abysmal compared to photo AF for tracking moving animals in LOG. The R5II seems improved in video AF but still not as good as photo. Is it similar with the A1II where video AF is worse than photo AF? What about with Nikon Z8? I think you mentioned at one point in an older video that the Nikons had better video AF performance than Canon but I can't remember if that was before the R5II and R1 release.

[@jan_wegener]

@@bladerealm124Nikon has pretty good video AF, probably almost more reliable than photo. R5 II and R1 have improved a fair. It for video AF, too. A1 II and A9 III are decent too

[@garykinard7553]

So, are you going to put this or the Canon R1 as your main birding camera?

[@jan_wegener]

We will see what the future holds, maybe both?

[@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.

[@nielsaerts9971]

Definitely Jan should answer this and not me, but I guess you should wonder if what is holding you back is autofocus and fps, or image quality. In the first case, indeed go for the A1 (with bonuses such as blackout free shooting, a high-quality EVF and some more megapixels), in the latter, upgrade the lens. I would say that if you should portraits of birds from a close distance (e.g. a hide) the lens is more important, but for more action-oriented photography the body is.

[@jan_wegener]

What are you hoping to gain with each option?

[@Noside1964]

@ option 1 : clarity of 300 mm lens even with 2 x tele option 2 : higher fps, cropping, higher mega pixel. In short, i was hoping to have better quality vs my current set up. Budget is an issue as well, thanks

[@jan_wegener]

@@Noside1964 let me out it that way, if budget is a major concern, then a camera that costs over 6k is probably not the smartest way to allocate your money. I'm sure we will also see an A7V at some stage down the track.

[@nodavood]

This highlights that R&D is expensive, and revolutionary jumps in specs shouldn’t always be expected.

[@guydesrouilleres]

Great video! I had a question. How did you get the battery percentage to show on your Canon camera? I have the same one and would love to do that as well. Thanks in advance!

[@jan_wegener]

Red menu I think

[@martinax-po8rj]

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.

[@CNCTurboStep]

Jan, does the A1 II support CFExpress 4.0? If so, on one or both slots? Presumably Sony provided you with the card(s) or you might have mentioned the higher cost in comparison to type B cards. This would increase the effective "cost of ownership" compared to other brands. It reminds me of the old Sony memory sticks, and was it Betamax (?) video tapes back then (or are you not old enough to remember those 🙂). Edit: According to the review from Gordon Laing it does NOT support CFExpress 4.0.

[@jan_wegener]

It doesn’t support it

[@niko69692]

DO use still use back button focus on mirrorless camera ??

[@jan_wegener]

Absolutely

[@niko69692]

@jan_wegener can you please tell me briefly why should one use back button focus?? I have seen videos on internet when I tried with my a6600. I find it uncomfortable and half shutter button does the same tracking .

[@MaddoxphotographyNZ]

Great Video Jan 👍

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks 😀

[@lialex2517]

good afternoon, Jan, can I ask Canon R5 ii vs A1ii: AF performance.? Many thanks, Best regards from Gold Coast QLD

[@jan_wegener]

R5 II finds the subjects better, but I'd give an edge for action to the Sony. even though the R5 II has been pretty good in that area as well

[@jakesdewet3567]

Great images and photography. I shot the A1 and A9ii and enjoyed the AF of the Sony system. I did not like the ergonomics and with big hand struggled with the grip and the gap between lens and body. I also had constant electronic fails on the A1. I changed back to my previous system as I still had most of my trusted lenses. The tech put into the Sony bodies are fantastic and agree the sensor of the A1 is amazing. Sony is one up on Nikon and Canon with the fantastic 300 f2.8. I still have my Nikon 300 f2.8 and cannot wait for them to upgrade that lens for the Z mount. As I am not a full time professional nor have the budget for the top end bodies, I settle happily for the gear I currently use. I am sure I might miss summer crazy images due to the not so fast AF or frame rates, but we get to a point where the price we pay vs the marginal benefits gained becomes a complicated sum, mostly driven by need vs want. Great objective review and great technology.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks for sharing!

[@isotechimages.9130]

Considering the high price tag for a non pro body the battery grip should come with the camera.

[@alankefauver6187]

Hate to contradict, but the OM-1 MkII has the best pre-capture. You can set the total frames (not seconds) and specify the number of before and after frames. (up to 99 total) i.e 40 frames pre-shutter and 59 after and this at 120fps. I am sure it's the smaller sensor that allows all this, but how hard would it be for Canon and Sony to implement pre-capture with frames instead of time. For FF if I were starting over and had no Canon lenses, the Sony would definitely be in the running, but I'll stick with my R5MkIIs for now.

[@HotGates]

True I also have the OM-1 Mark II and it's fantastic but I also have the R5II which is also great and I kind of believe it's probably better than the Sony.

[@alphaandomega2709]

Hopefully b and H photo gives the student discount and get it for $3500usd :)

[@PaulReinstein]

The word that comes to mind is 'Evolutionary'. (as opposed to Revolutionary.) The one caveat to that sentiment is the Pre-capture feature. I agree with one of the comments below that Olympus has long had the best implementation of that, but add that while [now] OM has more adjustments that can be made, its not really necessary. So I'm going to put Sony's implementation at the top of the heap. And a feature that I noted that no one has remarked on (yet), is the Mode Dial now has Manual mode right next to the Custom 1-3 modes. I was hoping that a firmware update would allow Recall Custom Toggle (instead of Hold), but in the absence of that, making it easier to switch from M to 1, 2 or 3 accomplishes much the same as a settings toggle. That's nice. And my last new capability of value (to me), is the articulating screen. Its nicer for sure, but again, its just not worth the cost of upgrade (to me). I really wanted GPS or focus shifting, or both, but offering neither puts the upgrade on the shelf.

[@roryhill717]

It has focus bracketing...

[@driveintonaturewithjoy]

is there any updated version of sony 200-600 will be released in near future. could you please check with sony officials. any any apsc telephoto lense also than 70-350

[@jan_wegener]

Have not heard anything about that

[@LarsDanielTerkelsen]

I wonder what you would like to be better in the 200-600? I find it to be absolutely bonkers good. And at that price point it is even more bonkers.

[@driveintonaturewithjoy]

@@LarsDanielTerkelsen weight reduction and bit more compact size

[@kenwalkerdine3447]

Does the Sony A1-ii have focus bracketing?

[@roryhill717]

Yes

[@heyyou918]

I'd like to see a pre capture activated by a long half press of the shutter. Take pictures as normal, then if I'm sitting and waiting I don't have to do anything else other than long press the shitter

[@EugeneMaynard]

Variety and competition is a good thing! We are all spoilt for choice! 😁 👍🏾🙏🏾 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇸🇪🇹🇹

[@jan_wegener]

Yep!

[@drbeardo6960]

R1 vs A1ii: AF performance.?

[@jan_wegener]

R1 wins for perched birds and similar for action, although that is where the A1 II ja very strong

[@ph_anto]

13:50 yeah guys, that's where Sony AF increases the gap with other brands. I have the A1I (jan 2021) and with my old R5I, R7 and R3 (sept 2021), that's the situation where there is no competition at all. I'm not saying you cannot obtain a marvelous shot from that fly with Canon, but man, how difficult it was! Look at that confused background! My Canons just kept going back and ahead with af if the first tracking wasn't taken! I know, haven't tried R5II and R1, but I can do that sequence with my A1 I, done several times yet, but not with R3, that was supposed to be better as it was announced 9 months later. Jan has shown how A1 have problems with still subjects in recognition, but tell me: what is more fixable in the field, to simply click on stable bird, or perfectly focus on a hyper dynamic non repeatable situation with the fastest bird on earth? 15:22 stunning shot mate, my compliment!

[@jan_wegener]

Yes for action Sony is very good. R1 and R5 II are by far the best for Canon

[@joeyret.617]

Very special Peregrine image! Must admit that this amazing location was very instrumental in you getting that killer shot! My 2 cents as far as this camera- 1) wish it would have a sensor shield so you can change lenes in the field. 2) Your point is spot on in having a switch so you can store your video settings separate from your still's settings. Jan, you can probably tell which camera system I own and comparing too. 3) Still subject recognition is not spot on with the Sony as you demo-ed and you have to revert to spot focusing just as I have to do with my camera system body and then pass the lock on to 3d. With that said still the BIG 3, in my opinion still have not come out with the perfect camera for Wildlife Photography. Ie. Canon's R5MK2 awesome subject tracking and recognition but then you run out of buffer. 🤥🤥. A big risk in getting that one lifetime photo, nuts. 😦😦😦 If this genre was easy, (to me), it would not make it a challenge and fun. I think the point I'm trying to make here is get a good modern camera with the Very BEST lens you can afford and spend your money on getting to that perfect location so you can get that once in a lifetime shot. Again, amazing photograph Jan.

[@jan_wegener]

It does have a sensor shield that goes down when turning it off. Well said, good gear is important but it doesn't;t replace skills or being in the right place at the right time. When it comes to the AF system I like the simplest and fastest ones the best. Having to press too many buttons always slows you down.

[@scotthime6928]

Variable precapture length should have been recognized as necessary by Canon. I'm (almost) sure they will implement it in an update, but you still have to wonder if they have any actual photographers in the development process. The one thing I have said, and stick with, about precapture is that it doesn't move the camera for you. If you aren't physically tracking the subject, especially fast-moving birds, you get a LOT of clipped wings and heads. But even for those images that aren't clipped, you still get a LOT of shots that aren't well framed, which means at least some cropping. Which is exactly the reason I have kept saying that precapture in a camera without sufficient resolution to allow for some cropping is of very limited real world benefit. If you're photographing golfers, precapture is great when you didn't start pressing the shutter button early enough. If you're photographing bobsled or luge, precapture is good, because getting a shot of the athlete's head as he/she comes into view is fine - framing isn't the main thing. But if you're after artistic shots of birds? Only the first couple of precapture frames, generally, might not require at least a little bit of cropping. I have a little bit of experience. I was a consultant to an Israeli security firm, and I talked them into putting a rolling precapture into their motion-activated camera systems... in 2005. We implemented a system of capturing stills as video was being recorded, again in 2005. The key to much of this "new" technology, the trick, is implementing it in a way that is conducive to the needs of photographers in the field, and to their subsequent workflow.

[@rolandrick]

Hey Jan, thanks for the real world review. At 7:56 in the rain, didn’t you got any issues? A friend of my friends using even two a1 told me she got water entry during rain at the shutter button, camera stopped working, Sony Service (Austria 🇦🇹) refused fixing it on warranty, simply by false accusation the user drowned it under water. That bad behaviour is an ugly evil Sony thing since ever and it still is. The a1 was marketed as weather sealed flagship.

[@jan_wegener]

I didn't get too wet, but it wasn't any issue that day. generally I try to keep my camera somewhat dry if I can

[@rolandrick]

@ Thanks. I’m using a 9M3 for wildlife but it didn’t get rain tested yet. Ordered already my 1M2 copy. Just for comparison, with my Leica SL2-S and the APO-Summicron-SL 2/75 on it I photographed on open air concerts during pouring rain for 2 hrs (that’s usually the weather during the open air season in Switzerland). Zero issues.

[@naga2015kk]

well done SONY. my pet peeve with SONY is their AF small squares would completely block the head of a flying bird, making it impossible to see WHERE the bird is heading. I wish there is some where to dim the squares or disable them. Canon used to have such option.

[@bulendkaynar1491]

Is thre in camera focus stacking on a1m2

[@allgamestotal6773]

yes there is. check gerald undone!

[@leoayala131]

Thank you for calling out Nikon on the wheels. I shoot Canon for my full time work but shoot nikon z8 and 800mm for birds and fun. I have it set up with the press of a button and a wheel to do ISO but it's not as fast as a third wheel and auto iso is NOT perfect and sometimes misses how I want to expose a bird and background. I feel they are being hard headed in not adding another wheel.

[@jan_wegener]

Wouldn’t be too hard to add a wheel instead of the dpad or have a while that is also a dpad like Sony

[@sequoi_]

This is what is stopping me from moving to Nikon actually. Glad to see it called out as well. All other camera companies let you map ISO/Av/Tv to back or front command dials. Why Nikon is insisting on the camera getting in the way and requiring an extra step to change a crucial and routine setting is beyond me. Their conversion rate will suffer as they may have caught up in technological terms, they are still vastly behind in user experience/customization. Something that all modern photographers have come to expect.

[@chadolson5537]

I’m not sure if saying Nikon has a lack of wheels is a fair criticism. You have a wheel for Shutter speed and F-stop and then hold the iso button and share a wheel to adjust the iso. I can say Nikon is the easiest camera to adjust between the big three and I can do it while looking through the viewfinder. I can’t say that about Canon. I think the criticism should be directed at them.

[@jan_wegener]

Why can’t I look through the viewfinder on canon or Sony and just turn the wheel? And I don’t have to press/turn two buttons

[@matthewmallett4718]

The A7rv has exactly the same few issues with autofocus when it comes to bird recognition. I know the two cameras ie A1 and rV are very different beasts but I think bird autofocus is the weak area and what should be a simple focus sometimes frustratingly fools the ai system. It seems looking at your review that the same weaknesses are presenting themselves with the a1ii as well and that's just with stationary birds against normal backgrounds. That said the person ai autofocus on the a7rv is superb and I would expect the a1ii to be better with its speed advantages. I wish that Sony could add the extra small focus box to the a7rv and the existing a1.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes for people cameras are much better. Birds must be one of the hardest subjects to identify

[@axelhildebrandt]

How would you compare the AF system of the original A1 to the Mark II? It sounds as if the original performed more reliably.

[@jan_wegener]

No, it had similar characteristics, but I think the new one is overall improved

[@generaltso9402]

With a top frame rate of 30fps, I think many bird photographers will be mapping the C5 to something other than speedboost.

[@jan_wegener]

agreed

[@sedevacante966]

no 8k 60p is a deal breaker for me

[@polmestra]

Great video, great camera! Not for simple mortals though 😂

[@jan_wegener]

Haha, yeah it’s expensive!

[@photoman5943]

this camera should have been introduced with a global shutter

[@KalinKanev]

Having the A7R5 with the same AI chip I can definitely vouch that AF struggles with the most mundane task, in fact it is a bit worse than A7M4. I bought the camera for wildlife specifically thinking that it is impossible that such an easy software fix should be delivered in a timely manner. Little did I know then about Sony's policies to never fix stuff and sell you a brand new camera with few fixed bugs, what a fool. Do not get fooled that you will get even elementary fixes out of Sony, go with other vendors.. PS. Although bitterly disappointed by the brand I would like to give Jan a big shout out that he did such a balanced review. Such a failure of an AF system that is failing u in the filed is hard to come by, yet he managed to get those unbelievable pictures of the falcons and show us how it actually should work 100% of the time!

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

That four angle LCD is brilliant. Not worth switching to Sony for, but it makes the flippy screen seem like a cheap, half-assed thing that shouldn't exist any longer. On the other hand, Sony still doesn't have the IBIS centered on the focus point in this $6500 camera, like my $2000 ZF does. Maybe the development pipeline is just so long and onerous the incorporating new industry innovations isn't happening.

[@steveparent8788]

Good video Jan. Very good camera indeed but not to my taste. As you know I am a Canon shooter and if I would pick a body from someone else it would be Nikon. Sony is hard on customers with their firmwares really far mfrom what Canon and Nikon have done. Have a great day !

[@Gemthermakleingk]

Damn that falcon test in minute 12 killed the Sony A1ii… Canon R5 MKii at a lower price tag had no problems finding it. I can see the aperture with the Sony was F11 while Canon’s was F8… that may have favored canon?

[@jan_wegener]

Different TCs, too. I mainly used the example to show what I was kinda expecting and why I was saying it was struggling. Each AF system has strength and weaknesses and this time that was one area Sony had a bit of an issue

[@oasean]

I may buy α1 II late next year for some 5000 USD net, since Sony had sufficiently restrained α1-its lowly monitor and lack of precapture-that this α1 II is compelling despite Sony's sheer laziness making it. Reusing the image sensor was wise, but the processor seems too weak. Wildlife photographer Duade Paton, reviewing a preproduction sample, reports asking 40 fps of Sony, which replied merely that the processor cannot generate 40 raw files _plus_ calculate focus 120 times per second. Functions that merge multiple images still task the user to export and combine them out of camera. More importantly, full-frame raw stills at 30 fps, being exclusively the "compressed" format, are locked at the full resolution, 50 MP, often unwieldly. The lower resolutions-medium/M as 21 MP or small/S as 12 MP, being exclusively the "lossless compressed" formats-are capped at 20 fps. Meanwhile, both smaller sizes are foolish as the sole alternatives to 50 MP. Covering broad use cases would be XL as 50 MP, L as 36 MP, M as 24 MP, S as 18 MP, and XS as 12 MP. Admittedly, my wishlist was somewhat overzealous in places: a new innovation, an inbuilt flash transmitter open to third parties, a new luxury, an OLED monitor ultrabright for direct sunlight, and a new convenience, an inbuilt variable ND filter. Reasonable, though, were waveform and vectorscope displays in movie mode as well as ProPhoto RGB color space in photo mode. Overdue are exposure tools via raw histogram, although I expected them to remain only via JPEG histogram. By contrast, CFexpress 4.0 and USB-C at 20 Gps, doubling write and transfer speeds, seemed mandatory.

[@daviddouglasuk]

Great work Jan. Thaks for getting this review out quickly.

[@jan_wegener]

My pleasure!

[@lisab8078]

Fantastic shot, but just proved to me I don’t need the camera since I’d never be able to get a photo like that!

[@jan_wegener]

Haha, you never know, practice makes perfect!

[@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!

[@EdvardKALEN]

Dude, tell me honestly, how many comments like this have you left? I only saw 2 of them under this video, I saw the same thing under the video of another reviewer. Not that I mind, but you're as monotonous as Sony.

[@jonasgillmann]

@@EdvardKALEN I copy/pasted the same comment under at least 10 videos. I‘m trying to point out the exact same thing so I didn’t feel the need to change it up. My reasoning behind it was simple. I hoped to reach as many people as possible and possibly even someone from Sony looking through these comments. I like Sony but it feels like they didn’t try very hard with this camera. It changes about as much as Nikon changes with a firmware update for the Nikon Z8 which is kinda underwhelming

[@EdvardKALEN]

@@jonasgillmann Like other brands, Sony is releasing a minor update now. Canon also didn't offer anything worthwhile with its R5-2. Both Sony and Canon don't care about our requests.

[@jonasgillmann]

@ it shouldn’t be this way though. Nikon offers impressive software updates and the Z9 and Z8 offered 8.3K oversampled 4K60p and 8.3K60p internal RAW recording long ago.

[@EdvardKALEN]

@@jonasgillmann In general, I don’t like it either, but to a much lesser extent, since my priority is photography. It’s also not entirely clear what you are going to do with these videos? That is, where will what you write about play at least some role? Yes, 4k videos will be a little sharper, but how does this apply in real life during actual filming? I am for clear pixels, but at the same time I understand that the quality of my work will not fundamentally change from this.

[@pelaozoom]

Still no A1 firmware. 😢

[@brookscurran]

This is the firmware update

[@asm3may]

The most expensive firmware update 😅

[@elysiumcore]

My hype for the A7V went down considerably - i was hoping Sony would have gone all out - 😮

[@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.

[@jonasgillmann]

And there is one more thing. 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!

[@hikertrashfilms]

@ great point. The fact that the A7IV has better 4K30 video specs over the A1 & A1ii is a joke. A1ii can’t shoot oversampled 4K30, while a7IV has it oversampled from 7K

[@marleenvandam6931]

Good luck with Canikon then!

[@MartinFransson]

Might not make you feel better but Canon does the same cripple nonsense... and the ban on third party lenses 😢

[@jonasgillmann]

@ have you thought about the Nikon Z8? I recently rented it and I was extremely impressed. 4K60p is oversampled from 8.3K and you can also record 8.3K60p RAW internally! The detail is simply stunning even with the 8.3K oversampled 4K60p or 30p recording modes. Nikon Z lenses are also great and you can adapt Sony E lenses to the Z8 with the Megadap ETZ Pro adapter. Works flawslessly. The Z8 is definitely one of the most impressive cameras I’ve ever worked with!

[@frankf.6699]

Am I wrong or did I mention a rolling shitter effekt in the flying eagle poo ... 😉 Seems that sony has at least an edge in sensor technology even if they use an old one. 50 MP with that performance, instead of 24 from Canons "flagship". The features of both camreas combined would be perfect. Even though I'm a Canon user, in the end I would rather buy the A1 than the R1.

[@andrewmason8691]

Yes, Nikon. I’m looking at you too. At least put a 3rd function button on the front like the Z9. Just don’t follow Sony and Canon’s pricing and firmware policies.

[@justonbrazda3846]

original a1 also shot in slog3, this is not new.

[@WernerBirdNature]

Hi Jan, thanks for this interesting review !! Awesome Falcon food-drop-off shot 💪 Seeing these shots, I'm starting to hope Canon brings a similar light 300/2.8 around the price of the 100-500 🙏 Looks like Sony listened to most of your remarks on the first incarnation ! Let's just hope the Sony fanboys get some flagship worthy firmware updates this time 🙈 Beyond that, I'm really looking forward to how you'll compare the production a1ii against the R5ii, because it almost smells like an R5ii with the EVF (resolution) and price tag of an R1 .. Tomorrow I'm picking up my "poor-man's" a1ii in Germany ;-)

[@jan_wegener]

It does have a much faster sensor and better DR as well

[@WernerBirdNature]

@@jan_wegener no doubt, but do you notice this difference in your images ? I haven't yet seen rolling shutter effects in your ES shots with the R5ii .. It's good the big 3 keep pushing the boundaries, but unless Nikon will use the RED V-raptor sensor in the Z9ii & Z8ii, I'd expect everyone to stick to the brand of his/her glass ..

[@dgorenc66]

sony is looking like a Nikon Body if I look very quickly at it on your youtube vid ......

[@Lesnafi]

i have 600mm f4 very bad stabilization with A1 comparing Z9 an R3 because one reason only ( the small battery )

[@mostlymessingabout]

so it's a A9iii rebadged as the A1ii with 4 years old sensor and probably without the features of budget sub $1000 cameras to be released by Sony in a few months 😆

[@DrZeeple]

@13:00 Is that because you are at f/11???

[@jan_wegener]

It tracked the falcons in flight at similar aperture just fine

[@gillesmatheronpro]

It appears many of those commenting here have not exactly listened to what Jan actually said all along his otherwise very dense video. He used it in real-life situations for images of the hardest-to-capture animals. And also, please... this is a PRE-PRODUCTION model. What you have witnessed here shall change, sometimes radically, before this camera gets in buyers hands. I include AF behaviour and internal programming... engineers are currently reviewing and analysing all feedbacks returned to them, just give them a few weeks so the job gets completed. Does anyone here SERIOUSLY believe folks at Sony will send their new flagship hybrid camera with flawed functionalities ? 👏😂 Can't you just relax, breathe calmly, listened to what seasoned photographers say... in fewer words : use your brain ? If not, stop writing nonsense comments and just skip ahead. There are many "influencers" out there, waiting for brains to influence and they'll be happy to have yours into their audience !

[@atropicali]

The dslr era was better dynamic range with a classic original vibrant colors, really disappointed from the outcomes from the canon r5 ii and the new sony A1 ii.

[@jan_wegener]

A1 II had the best DR in a high MP stacked sensor with fast readout

[@ejimihe8010]

Nothing new here, Mirrorless camera technology has finally peaked, peaked a few years back if we're being honest..

[@jan_wegener]

The true innovations were the R5 and A1 and then A9 III

[@brookscurran]

@@jan_wegenerat least the R5 II was a real upgrade for video and any action photography.

[@renestaempfli1071]

In the past 10 years, I never bought a SONY camera with the same sensor as an upgrade. And this is no exception. Having the A1 and A9III, it makes no sense to upgrade.

[@dumchidumchi]

EVF resolution still drops during focusing...kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqKkmpKfjNOHadE Also, 30fps only on compressed RAW. For RAW, it's still 20 fps just like the a1. For Sony shooter, this one smells like a new a1 firmware in a a9III body. And it seems it's rushed to the market to complete with Canon R5II and R1.

[@jan_wegener]

You can see it in the evf footage of the eagles

[@baljindersinghsidhu3959]

Better buy Nikon Z8.. no brain getting SonyA2..😂

[@jonasgillmann]

4K is still not oversampled..... That's disappointing.

[@hikertrashfilms]

This camera is a slap to the face of A1 owners

[@briansmall3090]

Come on Jan................time to make the switch. We have plenty of room for you on the Sony bandwagon 😎

[@jan_wegener]

Hehe, are you getting one or 2?