Sony A1 II Full-Frame Camera Unveiled – AI-Enhanced Recognition AF, User LUT Support & More

Camera News

by Heath McKnightToday

The Sony A1 II has been announced nearly four years since the first Alpha 1 made a splash in early 2021. The new AI Processing Unit brings real-time, fast Recognition AF and user LUT upload support. However, it uses the same 50.1 MP Exmor sensor and has many of the same features as the original.

As with its predecessor, the Sony A1 II sits at the top of the Alpha Series of cameras with the largest sensor, 8K HDR at 30p filming, and other superior features. The Sony A9 III comes closest and includes a global shutter (which the A1 II lacks) but features only a 24.6 MP stacked CMOS and 4K filming. You can check out our full Lab Test if you missed it. Let’s take a closer look at the newest flagship Alpha camera.

Sony A1 II – features

The Sony A1 II improves upon the original camera by adding the AI Processing Unit for fast, real-time Recognition AF. It can accurately recognize everything from people to animals and bugs to planes, trains, and cars. There is a 30% improvement in human eye recognition and 50% in bird eye recognition. AUTO mode recognizes subjects without switching the target settings. Sony has improved upon arguably one of the best autofocus systems on the market.

Sony also added some new features and enhancements for filmmakers, including two high-performance image stabilization modes to ensure smooth handheld shooting. Meanwhile, up to 16 user LUTs can be imported, and S-Log3 matching has been improved, which helps to match footage from Sony’s CineAlta line, including the VENICE and BURANO.

The full list of Sony A1 II features includes:

• 50.1 MP full-frame Exmor stacked CMOS sensor with BIONZ XR image processing engine.
• Improved image quality with ISO at mid-to-high ISO.
• AI Processing Unit assists with real-time Recognition AF for shooting video and stills.
• Advanced real-time tracking and wide, 759-point high-density phase detection AF.
• IBIS (in-body camera stabilization): Up to 8.5-step central and 7.0-step peripheral compensation.
• Smooth handheld shooting thanks to two high-performance image stabilization modes.
• RAW options include lossless RAW.
• 8K HDR at 30p (oversampling at 8.6K) 4:2:2 10-bit.
• 4K at 60p/50p (Super 35mm, 5.8K oversampling) plus high frame rates of 120p for 4K and 240p for Full HD.
• CODEC of XAVC S-I, 4:2:2 as minimum.
• Improved S-Log3 matching.
• S-Cinetone for cinematic color without the need to grade.
• Users can import up to 16 LUTs.
• UVC/UAC USB streaming up to 4K 30p.
• Quality still images can be created from clips.
• Composite RAW functions include NR Shooting settings and Pixel Shift Multi Shooting.
• Blackout-free shooting with AF/AE tracking, up to 30 fps of continuous shooting.153 RAW uncompressed RAW images.
• Pre-capture up to 1 second before the shutter button is pressed.
• Flash sync up to 1/400 s (APS-C 1/500 s).
• 4-axis multi-angle 3.2-type LCD monitor with 9.44 mil resolution EVF.
• Two CFexpress Type A compatible slots.
• Two batteries with 155 minutes of charging time.
• SuperSpeed 10 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen 2), built-in WiFi 802.11ac 2×2 MIMO, and 2.5GBASE-T Wired LAN.
• Built-in microphone for voice memo.
• Sony E mount.
• Ergonomic grip and buttons.

Sony also announced a new 35mm full-frame lens, the Sony FE 28-70mm F2 GM. Learn more about the new lens here.

This is the flagship of Sony’s famed Alpha line, which improved upon the Sony A1 that came out in early 2021. The original is well-regarded for its sensor, latitude, features, 8K recording, fast autofocus, and subject recognition.

However, the new Sony A1 II largely carries over features from the first edition, including sensor, 8K HDR filming, and best-in-class AF and Recognition. While the AI processing unit is impressive, and user LUT import support is a huge addition, the new features and improvements – and the lack of a global shutter like the A9 III – may not be enough to justify purchasing it as a replacement for the legendary Sony A1.

Price and availability

The Sony A1 II will be available in December 2024 for $6,498 (€7,500). Check out Sony’s website to learn more.

What do you think of the Sony A1 II? Are there enough new features and improvements upon the original Sony A1 to justify a purchase? Let us know in the comments below!