The Sony a1 II is their most versatile camera yet, offering the best overall mixture of speed, video capabilities, high-resolution stills, and a robust, professional-worthy body design. It pulls much of the original a1's well-rounded feature-set into an a9 III body and adds the AF and IBIS technologies introduced with the a7R V. It's a camera meant for working professionals, whether they are sports, editorial, product, fashion, or advertising shooters, and it's equally appealing to landscape, portrait, wedding, and event photographers, too. And, beyond photography, it has the video tools the a1-series is known for, including 8K recording, along with useful stabilization and framing aids borrowed from the ZV class of cameras.
The a1 II brings Sony's best technology from every lineup into one all-encompassing camera body making it the do-anything camera solution for professionals.
Upgraded Features and Functions
The original a1 was a standout camera within Sony's lineup, meshing high-end photo and high-end video features within a single, powerful camera body. Version two takes this theme and runs with it, improving on a number of key features to further benefit the professional hybrid image-maker.
AI Processing Unit-The addition of this key piece of tech greatly improves autofocus, subject detection, and subject tracking accuracy, speed, and reliability. These new processing capabilities allow the camera to more accurately and intelligently recognize subjects, predict their movements, and generally retain critical focus on them as they move.
Pre-Capture and Speed Boost Functions-These two features are dedicated to continuous burst-style shooting and make the a1 II an even better option for action photographers looking to use this camera in high-end sports, wildlife, and birding situations.
8.5-Stop IBIS-It's typical for cameras to have better IBIS figures with each new generation, but the a1 II adds a whopping 3 extra stops to its predecessor's performance, meaning it's possible to use the camera handheld in noticeably dimmer lighting conditions and with slower shutter speeds, opening even more shooting versatility.
Video Improvements-The core video specs remain the same between the generations, but the a1 II gains some asked-for features to make it even more of a video powerhouse: Dynamic Active Mode Stabilizer, Framing Stabilizer, and Breathing Compensation are all welcomed additions for content creators.
Overhauled Body Design-The a1 II inherits the a9 III's body design, making it more comfortable to use, more robust in terms of weather-sealing, compatibility with the latest VG-C5 Vertical Grip, and an improved LCD and EVF.
Sensor and Processing Improvements
The original a1 was already known for its strong imaging performance and the a1 II improves on this with upgraded BIONZ XR processing, an AI processing unit, more powerful 8.5-stop IBIS, and the impressive 50MP stacked BSI CMOS sensor from its predecessor. The sensor and processor still afford a top 30-fps shooting rate, expandable sensitivity from ISO 50-102400, and an impressive 15-stop dynamic range. Additionally, on the speed front, the a1 II gains the Pre-Capture and Speed Boost functions that debuted on the a9 III.
Up to 30 fps continuous shooting with an electronic shutter, or 10 fps with the mechanical shutter, with AF and AE supported.
Pre-Capture Shooting records at up to 30 fps for up to 1 second prior to fully pressing the shutter, helping to ensure you don't miss fleeting moments.
Speed Boost lets you vary your continuous shooting speed mid-burst; when the C5 button is depressed while burst shooting, you can switch from the chosen continuous shooting speed to a faster or slower one to suit the pace of action you're photographing.
Refined 5-axis in-body image stabilization compensates for up to 8.5 stops of camera shake at the center of the frame and 7 stops at the periphery; an improvement of 3 stops of shake control compared to the original a1.
Same full-frame 50MP stacked BSI CMOS sensor as the a1, mixing high resolution with the speed and reduced rolling shutter of a stacked design to suit both meticulous and quick-working shooters.
Smarter, Faster Autofocus and Subject Tracking
The a1 II's focusing system received similarly significant upgrades from its predecessor, now sporting an AI Processing Unit and refined subject detection and tracking. The phase-detection AF system itself still comprises 759 points, which cover about 92% of the sensor area, and support focusing down to -4 EV at f/2. Subject tracking and subject detection is improved, too, specifically how the camera is 30% faster at detect human eyes and 50% faster with animal eyes.
First seen in the a7R V and a9 III, the a1 II sports a dedicated AI Processing Unit for refined, responsive, and intelligent subject tracking and detection of humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains, and airplanes.
Human pose estimation tracks body and head positions for accurate focus in portraiture and sports settings and Real-time Eye AF performance has been improved by 30%.
Additionally, human pose estimation can distinguish between multiple people and maintain focus on the targeted subject; even if someone crosses in front, the camera maintains focus on the key person.
Real-time Tracking benefits from AI-based subject recognition for following moving subjects, making it particularly well-suited to sports and action subjects.
Auto Subject Recognition modes no longer necessitate selecting a subject type, letting the camera detect and track the intended subject.
XS and XL focus area spot sizes have been added for more versatility or you can customize AF focus areas to suit uniquely sized or shaped subjects.
Full-time DMF (Direct Manual Focus) enables using the lens's focus ring for manual focus control at any time, making it easier to switch focus to a different subject even when working with AF.
Alpha's Alpha in Video Capabilities
The core video specs of the original a1 were ahead of their time, and in many ways, still are. The a1 II keeps many of the core resolutions and frame rates but refines the video recording capabilities with more supportive modes and features, including access to Dynamic Area Stabilization and timecode input with an optional adapter. This makes the a1 II just as capable on a professional film set as it is in a photography studio.
Familiar recording formats: 8K 30p with 10-bit 4:2:0 sampling and 4K 120p with 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling. When using a Super 35 recording area, 4K footage can use 5.8K oversampling for improved detail and the full-frame area offers 8.6K oversampling for the 8K footage.
AI subject recognition, gained from the AI Processing Unit, benefits the Framing Stabilizer mode, which can be used to automatically crop and recompose so the subject remains centered in the image.
Dynamic Active Mode Stabilization also helps retain accurate framing while filming, especially when recording while walking or moving.
Included S-Cinetone profile, ProRes RAW output over HDMI, and the ability to import LUTs all point to the great amount of color control the a1 II offers.
Support for Breathing Compensation mode, which reduces the effects of focus breathing when using select lenses.
Pre-Capture & Speed Boost-Never Miss a Moment
Along with the key technology delivered by the sensor, the a1 II brings additional features to unlock the camera's full potential.
Pre-Capture: The a1 II can be configured to begin recording images to the buffer when the shutter button is half-pressed. Users can set this between 0.03-1.0 second. Upon pressing the shutter these images will be saved to the memory card.
Speed Boost: With Speed Boost and the C5 button, which is conveniently placed near the grip on the front of the camera, users can instantly switch their camera from their usual continuous shooting frame rate to a faster one to make sure their next shot is just right. Photographers will be able to select various frame rates up to 30 fps.
Professional Body Design and Connectivity
The a1-series has always been a top-of-the-line model for Sony and, as such, had one of the most durable and refined physical designs within the system. The a1 II, though, gains a bit of an upgrade to bring it in line with the a9 III in terms of button layout, screen and EVF implementation, and durability. It's a camera built for professional use and has the strongest, most reliable design in Sony's lineup.
Versatile and Durable Design
The a1 II gains the latest Sony mirrorless body design first seen on the a9 III which includes a C5 custom button on the front of camera body and an enhanced grip.
For transferring, an upgraded 2.5GBASE-T wired LAN port offers faster transfer speeds to suit high-profile tethered shooting applications. There is also a USB-C port and a full-size HDMI port.
USB-C port offers fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 speeds of up to 10 Gb/s.
Dual memory card slots both accept either CFexpress Type A or SD-type memory cards. The dual slot design allows for flexible file saving and handling and can be configured to partition file types or can be used for overflow recording. Additionally, both of the card slots are rated to support UHS-II memory cards for faster transfer speeds.
Tru-Finder EVF and Tilting Touchscreen LCD
An impressive QXGA OLED Tru-Finder EVF features a high 9.44m-dot resolution and 0.9x magnification for exceptionally bright, clear, and detailed eye-level viewing. There is also a 120-fps option that maintains the higher resolution for a better mixture of clarity and motion fluidity.
3.2" 2.1m-dot 4-axis multi-angle touchscreen LCD-first seen on the a7R V. This screen has a wide color gamut covering the DCI-P3 space.
Intuitive menu structure that complements having different workflows with different settings selections for movie recording and stills shooting. The menu system also works in conjunction with the touchscreen design of the rear LCD.
Enhanced Functionality and Usability
Sony has continued to improve the workflows of their professional cameras with upgraded and additional features:
A voice memo function promises clearer recording with a microphone located close to the user. These memos can be transferred via FTP and can be converted to text using Sony's Transfer & Tagging application.
IPTC metadata can be automatically added to images and up to 20 presets can be saved.
Built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet can be used for fast networked data transfer during shooting.
Composite Shooting Modes
By capturing multiple images and combining them in post-production, users can achieve image quality and resolutions not possible with just the core sensor technology. The a1 II offers two different options for composite shooting:
Pixel Shift Multi Shooting: This unique compositing mode allows you to achieve even greater resolution than the 50.1MP sensor affords. Working in conjunction with the sensor-shift image stabilization, this mode shifts the sensor while making 16 consecutive exposures in order to acquire approximately 199MP of information for greater color accuracy and detail than possible with a single exposure. These files can then be merged together during post-production by using the Sony Imaging software suite.
Noise Reduction: This method uses multiple images to reduce the noise in an image without sacrificing sharpness and detail. By leveraging the information of several frames, users will be able to improve the legibility of details and minimize the impact of noise without the smoothing effect common with more conventional noise reduction techniques.
Sony 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II Overview
Redefining Excellence
Sony's FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II takes the classic fast zoom and elevates performance to a whole new level. This lens builds upon the best parts of the original and makes them even better while simultaneously reducing weight by 29%—making this lens the lightest in its class. Sony has also given this lens a brand-new AF system that promises up to four times the speed and has made plenty of optical optimizations that will appeal to video shooters, including improvements to focus breathing and focus shift. Whether you shoot portraits, sports, landscapes, or video, the 70-200mm f/2.8 will get the job done.
Improved Optical Performance
A hallmark of the G Master line is outstanding optical performance with both high sharpness and smooth bokeh. Using a new design, the FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II promises corner-to-corner sharpness across the entire zoom range—even when shooting wide open at f/2.8. Along with that, a newly designed 11-blade aperture helps create soft, pleasing bokeh.
Fast f/2.8 constant aperture allows users to capture images in dim lighting conditions and with a shallow depth of field.
Two ED (extra-low dispersion) and two Super ED elements, including one aspherical ED element, effectively suppress chromatic and spherical aberrations.
Two aspherical lenses, including one extreme aspherical lens (XA), minimize distance-related aberrations and also reduce 'onion ring' bokeh.
Nano AR Coating II controls flare and ghosting with support from a new optical design that reduces internal reflections.
An 11-blade aperture diaphragm helps create smooth, circular bokeh at all aperture settings.
Optimized for Video
Taking cues from their cinema division, Sony has optimized the 70-200mm II for video. Changes include a dramatic reduction of focus breathing and focus shift, improved autofocus performance, and a Linear Response MF system to ensure consistent, natural-feeling operation. Full-time Direct Manual Focus (DMF) also makes it easy to make quick adjustments using the focus ring while in AF modes.
The exterior design of the lens also sees some big changes. One clear example is the addition of a physical aperture ring that was not present on its predecessor. Users will be able to de-click this ring at the flip of a switch for smooth iris control during shooting. This provides shooters with independent controls for focus, zoom, and iris.
Fast Autofocus and Reliable Image Stabilization
Among the biggest improvements with the 70-200mm II is a vastly superior autofocus system. Now comprised of 4 XD Linear motors, the lens now performs up to four times faster. Focus tracking while zooming sees its own specific improvement of around 30% when compared to the previous model. Users will also enjoy high-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with AF and video will benefit from the near-silent operation.
An advanced Optical SteadyShot image stabilization system will ensure sharp images while shooting handheld at even the longest focal lengths. Multiple modes are available, including standard, panning, and a new Mode 3 for moving subjects.
Professional Design and Durability
Being designed for professional use, the 70-200mm II has been ruggedized with advanced weather sealing. The weight has also been reduced by approximately 29%, to just under 2.3 lb, making this model among the lightest in its class. Optics have also been designed for balance with an internal zoom mechanism, minimizing front heaviness to provide a more ergonomic center of gravity.
Other features of the physical design include three programmable focus hold buttons, all located in 90-degree increments, for more tactile control over select settings in both landscape and portrait orientation. Users also have a removable tripod foot for added stability on support systems.
Focus range limiter switch will optimize performance and improve AF speed and responsiveness in certain shooting scenarios.
Zoom ring torque has been optimized.
Iris lock switch prevents users from accidentally moving the aperture ring to or from the auto aperture position.
Front lens element has a fluorine coating that repels water, oil, and other contaminants and makes the lens easier to clean.
Included lens hood features a locking button and a filter window for easier adjustment of variable filters (e.g. polarizers, ND).
Teleconverter Compatibility
The FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is compatible with Sony's optional FE 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters. These teleconverters can be used while still retaining full autofocus capabilities. When used, the 1.4x and 2.0x teleconverters will provide effective focal lengths and apertures of 98-280mm f/4 and 140-400mm f/5.6, respectively.
Lens Mount
Sony E
Sensor Resolution
Actual: 50.5 Megapixel
Effective: 50.1 Megapixel (8640 x 5760)
Image Sensor
35.9 x 24 mm (Full-Frame) Stacked CMOS
Image Stabilization
Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
ISO/Gain Sensitivity
Photo
Native in Manual Mode: 100 to 32,000 (50 to 102,400 Extended)
Native in Auto Mode: 100 to 12,800 Video
Native in Manual Mode: 100 to 32,000
Native in Auto Mode: 100 to 12,800
Internal Recording Modes
H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/110/120 fps [100 to 280 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [50 Mb/s] H.264/XAVC S 4:2:0 8-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps [60 to 200 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps [16 to 100 Mb/s] H.264 ALL-Intra/XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [240 to 600 Mb/s]
1920 x 1080 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps [89 to 222 Mb/s] H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit
UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [260 to 520 Mb/s]
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94/100/120 fps [50 to 280 Mb/s] H.265/XAVC HS 4:2:0 10-Bit
UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps [200 to 400 Mb/s]
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/50/59.94/100/120 fps [30 to 200 Mb/s]
External Recording Modes
4:2:0 8-Bit via HDMI
UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps 4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI
UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080p at 23.98/29.97/50/59.94 fps
1920 x 1080i at 50/59.94 fps Raw 16-Bit via HDMI
4332 x 2446 at 23.98/29.97/59.94 fps
Media/Memory Card Slot
Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II)
Video I/O
1x HDMI Output
Audio I/O
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
Power I/O
1x USB-C Input
Other I/O
1x PC Flash Sync Output
1x RJ45 Data Output
1x Sony Multi/Micro-USB Remote/Time Code Input
1x USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 2) Data/Remote Input/Output (Shared with Power Input)
