Sony a1 Mark 2 - Reviewed on Safari in Botswana!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Are you a Sony shooter? Will you be considering this camera? Could it persuade you to swap brands? Let us know below!!!

[@lisadileo6692]

Cool review Charl!! Now for the budget to upgrade on of my A1's, keep the other and maybe swing the A9 i. Hoping to be back sooner than later.

[@timdriman4253]

Bwahahahahaha.... Howzit Charl, and to all the Pangolin Team...I have been quiet, but we have resurfaced, and rearing to go .😁..... You know we are Sony shooters, so It's an absolute "no-brainer" for me. I have two A1 MKii's on order, arriving in January 😉

[@ScrimshawPhotography]

As a Sony shooter, a lot of these upgrades seem more like iterations rather than innovations. For a flagship camera, I just think that there needs to be far more serious changes like global shutter, new sensor, or higher frame rate in order to justify upgrading at that price point. I think I’ll be happy sticking with my A1, and would much rather spend the money on a safari to get better shots for my portfolio instead.

[@PangolinWildlife]

You know where we are ;-)

[@SouthAfricanWanderer]

The video features added and improved autofocus are a frustration with the current A1. Especially animal and bird eye autofocus in video. I agree that it’s incremental but essential incremental if that makes sense. 50MP global shutter may still be a good ways away…

[@polmestra]

I don't think we should expect leap technology at every release. That is not feasible. Now, they could have added some of these features to the old one for sure. But some of them are hardware and need the upgrade. That said, nobody has to buy this camera , it ia our choice 😅

[@kingghidorah8106]

🗿🗿

[@Kingkongtravel]

Good video ! Though half of the features of new a1 mark ii can be added through a firmware upgrade in a1.

[@daviddouglasuk]

I am already an A1 shooter Aii has the features I wanted in an A1 update. I will probably buy one.

[@PangolinWildlife]

You wont regret it!

[@kingghidorah8106]

>have a 50mp sensor said to outperform many lower res in high iso >have 8.5 stops of stabilization >have a Full HD viewfinder →sensor is worse past ISO2000 than A7RIV, with an older 61mp sensor →8.5 stops measured with GM OSS lenses →Viewfinder resolution still drops to 480p when the camera is working the slightest

[@pentagramyt417]

OM1 mark II > A1 mark II

[@kingghidorah8106]

@pentagramyt417 if Olympus makes an APS-C or a Full frame camera, Sony dies. The first Olympus mirrorless camera was already a €800 monster...

[@pentagramyt417]

@@kingghidorah8106 Surely. It's a constant fight. I think OM System wants to survive for now with these prices. And for example comparing A1-2 with 600 to a OM-1 with 150-400 it's just ridiculous how much you can get from this small sensor. I would say it's literally one stop of noise difference. More diffence would be in colours. DoF is dependend mostly anyway from how far the object is from the background and then aperture second place. I think they could go fullframe, at least try it. But thats veeery costly process, I don't think it will happen like tomorrow or very few next years.

[@kingghidorah8106]

@@pentagramyt417 yes, the a1 ii is ridiculously noisy. I'm puzzled how sony fanbase can enable this. Just stick to 42mp, the a99ii has the same SNR of the a7III while unlike other alpha e cameras, it could take 11.9 fps of uncompressed raw while the EVF stays hd720p and focusing with the screw motor. Meanwhile A1 II and A1 I will take 15fps of uncompressed lossy raw and 12 with lossless, while 30fps is only available with lossy compressed raw which is basically twice JPEG. A7IV has "bionzX processors" and yet it is unable to shoot more than 6fps with anything above lossy compressed raw.

[@eikohariu8460]

Amazing!!!! Thank you for update!! And help Marlon!

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thanks for watching! Hope you are well Eiko!

[@mattiasali]

Fantastic video!

[@RizaMarhaban]

Wow. Amazing. Beautiful images using Sony A1M2.

[@alfabravofilm]

Have you ever used a Nikon Z9 and Z lenses? If you haven't, give it a try and then we'll talk. Best regards.🙃🙃

[@OMCochrane]

Last week I was with you with a shooter who had Sony. I am starting to investigate moving from my Olympus and this video helps. Many thanks.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Glad it was helpful.

[@gileselliott]

Really good to hear your thoughts on the A1ii. Mine is on order - hopefully it will arrive in time for my next trip to Pangolin in Chobe in February/March. Can’t wait to spend time with the Malachites with the benefit of pre capture.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Hope you enjoy it! Pre capture is going to make capturing every type of fast moving bird that much simpler!

[@davecurtis8833]

I have just ordered one. Next job is to decide on which Pangolin safari to choose.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Can we help?? 😀

[@davecurtis8833]

@ Note quite yet, I have to get annual leave etc sorted and then we will be in touch.

[@isotechimages.9130]

Love the Pangolin videos but it is obviously a bit difficult to bring up any faults when you are with a Sony rep as most have mentioned the autofocus issue with finding the bird in some circumstances.

[@PangolinWildlife]

In addition to that we only had 24 hours with the camera…..hope to do a more detailed review in the future

[@johnharvey1786]

This “fault” was by Canon users trying Canon settings on a Sony camera. This was made clear by some of these reviewers as they didn’t really have enough time with the camera to fully understand the best settings. It does appear that the Canon camera can detect subjects better than the Sony in certain textured or cluttered backgrounds using the wide focus setting. So that is good marks to Canon. However I’m sure very few people who currently use the Sony A1, as I do, would ever use that setting in those circumstances so it’s not an issue that concerns me. Using the correct focus area setting will find the bird as I know. I’m sure if I was asked to review a Canon and used Sony settings there would be issues.

[@isotechimages.9130]

@@johnharvey1786 l do not see it as a competition between brands was just using an example to suggest nothing negative will be said about any brand of camera whilst you are beside somebody from that company.

[@johnharvey1786]

⁠@@isotechimages.9130That sounds a bit disparaging against Pangolin. I think they are better than that.

[@wanderlust.sydney]

Hi Charl - I finally got to play with one today at Sony HQ in Sydney - loving that they now have pre-capture also for those rollers and bee-eaters! cheers, Robin withthe300prime. 🙂

[@PangolinWildlife]

Will you be getting it?

[@wellingtoncrescent2480]

As always, lovely images; thanks for sharing. Sounds amazing, but the biggest impact may be on the price of the A1, on both new and used markets. I'm a Canon shooter, but I chose the R5 over the R5 Mark II, for the same reason: The improvements - while laudable - struck me as incremental and not enough to justify the upgrade price. There will always be a newer/ better gear, and I think we lose sight of the journey in constantly seeking the latest technology. For most of us, the money might be better spent on a new lens that lets us explore new genres or on a travel destination where we can work on mastering the technology we already own.

[@PangolinWildlife]

You've got a very good point! Thank you for sharing it.

[@stuartdavis798]

Couple of questions - The A1 and the 600 mm lens together cost in the area of $20,000. I have an A7IV and a 200-600 which cost less than $5000. I was at Pangolin/Chobe in September and my shots look as good as the ones you showed in the video. I'm sure my keeper rate is significantly lower than either of the two photographers in the video but then again I'm not a professional. Is the extra $15,000 worth in incremental improvement? Or would I be better off spending the $15,000 on another Pangolin adventure? - In the video you were focusing on a croc that was maybe 10-15 feet away with a 600 mm lens. Taking an extreme close-up of the eye? What were you shooting?

[@PangolinWildlife]

Have you ever seen the close up of a crocodiles eye? one of the most beautiful things you will ever see...and potentially the last!!! ;-) Hope you see you again soon!

[@stuartdavis798]

@@PangolinWildlife I have seen a croc's eye up close. Also got to see his teeth which provide another awe inspiring view. He was swimming next to our boat (excellent job by the pilot) was only a couple of feet from us. I notice you didn't answer my questions concerning money. I'm not a professional and even if I had unlimited funds could not justify a camera/lens combo at that price that provides only incremental improvements over existing equipment. I can justify spending that cash on an adventure. What's your opinion? And I swear I have about 500 photos and videos of the same Malachite Kingfisher on/flying from the same dead tree.

[@johnharvey1786]

@@stuartdavis798I will get the Sony A1ii as the upgrades, particularly the pre capture are something I’ve been waiting for. However If money is tight I would spend it on travel as without good subjects you can’t have good photos no matter the camera or lens. I do have the 200-600mm lens and it’s very good for the price, and only struggles a bit in low light situations. I currently have the Sony A1, which is great, so now might be the time to look out for a second hand A1 from those upgrading.

[@pentagramyt417]

@@stuartdavis798 OM-1 mark II and 150-400 is better choice for my personal opinion.

[@Kingkongtravel]

@stuartdavis798 no need to get a 600 mm prime if you are not earning money from your camera. And also no need to upgrade to a1ii if you are not a professional .. spend more time on field and you will learn to make more and better use of your existing gear… you can click any shot with any camera in my opinion and 200-600 gives you more flexibility to shoot on safaris then prime lens.. good luck

[@DACnew]

Thanks Charls - appreciate getting a real life review on the day of release, especially from the Chobe, a place where I’ve had great fun with the A1 with you, Sabine and Walter. From my perspective i think the A1 is still a great camera …. Add pre-capture, enhanced focus/tracking AI, articulating screen, improved ISO/noise performance, better stabilisation etc and I get an awesome camera for my requirements. So definitely will plan to upgrade, swap brand? no way; this looks to be a another significant step forward, but its the combination, quality and investment in the lenses that also secures the brand. David

[@PangolinWildlife]

Cheers David. Hope we get to see you again soon!

[@nsoltz]

Hard to believe it's been a year since my A1 and I were with Charl in the Chobe, Okavango and Kalahari! I had a tremendous case of Canon-pre-capture-envy watching Charl and the Canon shooter on the trip. The A1 II adds this essential feature. Also important to note are the 3 additional stops of stabilization which is a tremendous advancement for hand-held shooting. Another feature worth testing is its multi-shot noise reduction capability. Will be great for low light. Another great video, great memories of Charl, great memories of the Chobe and a well-presented introduction to the A1 II. Personally, I think it is a very worthwhile upgrade for wildlife and sports photographers.

[@PangolinWildlife]

....and once/if you have upgraded we hope to see you on another photo safari adventure again! Until then keep well!

[@Jonathantuba]

The A1 mark 2 is the camera I have been waiting. I have been using the A9 iii for the last several months, as the pre capture is a game changer for wildlife photography and has gained me lots of shots I would have just not got otherwise. However, I have missed having 50mp in order to crop my images, so the new A1 ii will be perfect. PS It was great to visit you at Pangolin - give my regards to Sabine!

[@PangolinWildlife]

I certainly will!

[@lisadileo6692]

Cool review Charl!! Now for the budget to upgrade on of my A1's, keep the other and maybe swing the A9 i.

[@PangolinWildlife]

I hope you get to make that upgrade!

[@BBC_thereddoor]

Love to see you do a review of the Canon R1

[@PangolinWildlife]

I hope to get my hands on one soon for an in depth review!!

[@TheGazzadj]

I wonder how this fares with battery usage, I find my A1 eats batteries for breakfast. I can use one battery in a four hour studio shoot and that is not using continuous shutter mode. I also think pre capture should have been on the A1, especially when OM Systems have had it for a while.

[@PangolinWildlife]

And i bet it lasts less on a cold morning outdoor shoot!

[@johnharvey1786]

I find with the current A1 I can usually do a full days shooting stills with two batteries, which is one reason why I use the battery grip. Occasionally I need a third battery on a very long day but only use about 20% of this. I expect with the A1ii it’s going to mean having a fourth battery available just in case.

[@TheGazzadj]

@@johnharvey1786 I wouldn't get a battery grip, I couldn't handle the weight ha ha.

[@kevinharding9361]

I shoot both Sony and Olympus but for Pre-Capture you need a top line Sony, Canon or Nikon, however this has been 'stolen' from Olympus / Panasonic who not only had this 8 years ago but have it in their more affordable cameras too (for example an 8 year old E-M1 Mark II would cost you US$500 - 800 and has Pre-Capture). It's a brilliant feature and if you can't afford a Sony A1ii and 600/4 (or equivalent Canon/Nikon) then a used (or new) Olympus OM1 (i or ii) and a 300/4 (which is virtually a 600/4 for light gathering, 600/8 for DoF and less than ½ the size and weight) is a very viable option for ca. US$2,500 - 3,000 or a new OM1ii and a new 150-400+x1.25 ( which is ca. a 375 - 1000mm FF equivalent) would be around US$10,000, compared to the $16,000 - 20,000 price of a new Canon/Nikon/Sony setup. Pangolin have a very good YT video on the Oly setup. I still love my Sonys for some genres but the Oly hits all the spots for wildlife/sport at the right price for those not wanting a large heavy FF setup for whatever reason (advancing age a very good one).

[@PangolinWildlife]

Excellent and informative comment Kevin. Thank you for sharing.

[@pentagramyt417]

Z8 + 800 mm f6.3 is just 20% higher in price, than... A1-2 ALONE. Says all.

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

thanks for this informative video, for people like me with big hands the sony is not an option. My fingers are stuck between the grip and the lens, and the colors don't really appeal to me either. but that's a matter of taste. Kind regards from the Netherlands

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thats a common problem with the smaller mirrorless systems...battery grips help!

[@theflyingdutchman7127]

@@PangolinWildlife not by Canon

[@PartisanZoya1941]

Looks like a great upgrade to the Sony A1 Mark I. Ergonomics etc same as A 9 III. Shame I've invested in the Canon RF system.😢

[@PangolinWildlife]

Canon RF still very capable!

[@ernstmeyer1783]

How much did they pay you ? ? ?

[@PangolinWildlife]

Nada....zilch...nothing!

[@skipsaunders5974]

just curious .... I never noticed, in the video, either of you using the Sony camera mounted on those marvelous gimbal devices you have on the photo-boat. Was there a reason you only seemed to be using hand-holding?

[@PangolinWildlife]

You would be surprised how often we get off the chairs and onto our bums for those super low shots.....the gimbals are a great help though in most situations!

[@martytubes]

Good work Charl, looks like a great set up, think i'll wait for the mark iii, was it Sharp enough for you haha, nice to see your still at Pangolin taking those amazing photos👍

[@PangolinWildlife]

Will we be seeing you again soon?

[@alankefauver6187]

Leaving Canon? Naw.. I bet when I se you in February you will be sporting an R1. Me? 2 R5 MkIIs, and maybe an OM-1 MkII with the big white OMS lens, unless the RF 200-500 f/4 is available by then (doubtful) Hi, to all you wonderful people. I can't see myself going to Africa with any other bunch.

[@PangolinWildlife]

Thats very nice of you to say Alan...see you again soon!

[@atboarder]

Sony is not interested, you promised a review Canon R1

[@PangolinWildlife]

You’ll have to wait for that one! Not gotten a hold of one for the long term yet....supply shortages!

[@PANINDIAMUSIC.PRODUCTIONS]

nice try diddy