The Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera is a pinnacle of innovation and performance, designed to meet the demands of professionals across photography and video production. This flagship model is equipped with a newly developed 50.1MP full-frame Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and the advanced BIONZ XR processing engine, delivering exceptional image quality, speed, and versatility. The camera excels with its capability for 30 fps continuous shooting, 8K 30p and 4K 120p video recording, and an impressive sensitivity range extending to ISO 102400. The Alpha 1 is engineered to handle high-resolution imaging and demanding video tasks effortlessly, making it a top choice for creators who require the best in performance and functionality.
The 50.1MP Exmor RS sensor features a stacked back-illuminated design that maintains high clarity, a wide dynamic range of 15 stops, and lossless compressed raw file recording. This sensor supports full-frame 8.6K oversampling for sharp and detailed 8K video. The BIONZ XR engine further enhances the camera's capabilities with up to 8 times faster processing, reduced rolling shutter, and more efficient file management. This powerful combination allows for high-speed shooting up to 30 fps with full autofocus and auto exposure capabilities, while the mechanical shutter supports up to 10 fps. The camera’s buffer memory allows for recording up to 155 compressed raw frames or 165 JPEGs in a single burst.
The Alpha 1 stands out in the video domain as well, offering 8K video recording at 30p with XAVC HS 10-bit 4:2:0 encoding, and 4K video recording up to 120p. It supports internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling and 16-bit raw output via HDMI, providing exceptional flexibility for post-production. The inclusion of S-Cinetone color profile ensures smooth skin tones and well-controlled highlights, mirroring the performance of Sony’s professional cinema cameras. The camera also supports HDR recording with HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) and S-Log2/3 profiles for advanced color grading and dynamic range management.
Key Features:
- 50.1MP Full-Frame Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor: The high-resolution stacked sensor design provides superb image clarity, a 15-stop dynamic range, and expandable sensitivity up to ISO 102400. It supports 8.6K oversampling for detailed 8K video recording.
- BIONZ XR Processor: Enhances image processing with up to 8 times faster performance, reduced rolling shutter, and efficient file management.
- 30 fps Continuous Shooting: Achieves high-speed shooting with full AF and AE capabilities, using both electronic and mechanical shutters.
- 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video Recording: Offers internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling and 16-bit raw output via HDMI, with no recording limit for extended takes. Supports S-Cinetone for professional color rendering.
- Advanced Autofocus System: Features 759 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection points for precise focusing. Includes Real-time Eye AF for humans, animals, and birds, with customizable AF transition speed and subject shift sensitivity.
- 5-Axis SteadyShot INSIDE Image Stabilization: Provides 5.5 stops of compensation for camera shake, including Active IS mode for enhanced video stabilization.
- Pixel Shift Multi Shooting: Captures approximately 199MP of information by shifting the sensor during 16 consecutive exposures, offering superior color accuracy and detail.
- High-Resolution OLED EVF and Tilting LCD: Equipped with a 9.44m-dot OLED EVF with 240 fps refresh rate and a 3.0″ 1.44m-dot touchscreen LCD for intuitive control and viewing.
- Dual Memory Card Slots: Supports CFexpress Type A and SD UHS-II cards for flexible and high-speed file storage.
- Connectivity Options: Includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C for versatile connectivity and remote control.
Specifications:
Imaging:
- Lens Mount: Sony E
- Sensor Resolution: Actual: 50.1 Megapixel, Effective: 50.1 Megapixel (8640 x 5760)
- Sensor Type: 35.9 x 24.0 mm (Full-Frame) Exmor RS BSI CMOS
- Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis, 5.5 Stops
- Capture Type: Stills & Video
Exposure Control:
- Shutter Type: Mechanical Focal Plane Shutter, Electronic Shutter
- Shutter Speed: Mechanical Shutter: 1/8000 to 30 Seconds, Electronic Shutter: 1/8000 to 30 Seconds, Bulb Mode
- ISO Sensitivity: Photo: 100 to 32,000 (Extended: 50 to 102,400), Video: 100 to 32,000 (Extended: 100 to 102,400)
- Metering Method: Average, Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Multi-Zone, Spot
- Exposure Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
- Exposure Compensation: -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
- Metering Range: -6 to 20 EV
- White Balance: Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
Continuous Shooting:
- Up to 30 fps at 50.1 MP for up to 155 Frames (Raw) / 165 Frames (JPEG)
Interval Recording: Yes
Self-Timer: 2/5/10-Second Delay
Still Image Capture:
- Image Sizes: 3:2 Raw: 8640 x 5760, 4:3 Raw: 8192 x 6144, 16:9 Raw: 8640 x 4864, 1:1 Raw: 5760 x 5760
- Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, 16:9
- Image File Format: JPEG, Raw
- Bit Depth: 14-Bit
Internal Video Capture:
- Recording Modes: H.264/XAVC S 4:2:2 10-Bit, 8K 30p [400 Mb/s], 4K 120p [200 Mb/s]
- Recording Limit: Unlimited
- Video System: NTSC/PAL
- Built-In Microphone Type: Stereo
- Audio Recording: XAVC S: 2-Channel LPCM Audio
External Video Capture:
- External Recording Modes: 4:2:2 10-Bit via HDMI, 8K 30p, 4K 120p
- IP Streaming: None
Interface:
- Media/Memory Card Slot: Dual Slot: CFexpress Type A / SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
- Video I/O: 1 x Full-Size HDMI A Output
- Audio I/O: 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Output, 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input
- Other I/O: 1 x USB Type-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 2) Input/Output (Shared with Power Input), 1 x USB 2.0 Micro-B Input
- Power I/O: 1 x USB Type-C Input/Output
Wireless:
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes, 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz, 2×2 MIMO
- NFC: Yes
Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.): None
Monitor:
- Size: 3.0″
- Resolution: 1.44 Million Dot
- Display Type: Tilting Touchscreen LCD
Viewfinder:
- Type: Built-In Electronic (OLED)
- Size: 0.5″
- Resolution: 9.44 Million Dot
- Eye Point: 25 mm
- Coverage: 100%
- Magnification: Approx. 0.90x
- Diopter Adjustment: -4 to +3
Focus:
- Focus Type: Auto and Manual Focus
- Focus Mode: Automatic, Continuous-Servo AF, Direct Manual Focus, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF
- Autofocus Points: Phase Detection: 759, Contrast Detection: 425
- Autofocus Sensitivity: -6 to +20 EV
Flash:
- Built-In Flash: No
- Flash Modes: Auto, Fill Flash, Hi-Speed Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Wireless
- Maximum Sync Speed: 1/400 Second
- Flash Compensation: -3 to +3 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
- Dedicated Flash System: TTL
- External Flash Connection: Intelligent Hot Shoe
Environmental:
- Operating Temperature: 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
General:
- Battery Type: 1 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
- Battery Life (CIPA): Approx. 530 Shots
- Material: Magnesium Alloy
- Weather-Sealing: Yes
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 5.38 x 5.63 x 3.89″ / 136 x 143 x 99 mm
- Weight: 1.63 lb / 740 g (Body Only)
Conclusion:
The Sony Alpha 1 stands as a premier option for those seeking a comprehensive camera system that excels in both high-resolution stills and advanced video recording. Its combination of cutting-edge sensor technology, high-speed processing, and robust feature set ensures that it meets the rigorous demands of professional photographers and videographers alike. Whether capturing breathtaking landscapes, fast-paced action, or cinematic video, the Alpha 1 offers unmatched performance and versatility.
