Published: November 19, 2024

Sony Alpha 1 II ($6,499 from B&H Photo | Sony) adds a host of new features and hardware improvements to refine performance of their 50 mp Alpha 1 flagship camera. Think of it as a Hemi Upgrade to the engine of your favorite sports car at the same list price of the original. Sony Alpha 1 II is turbocharged with all the hardware improvements Sony has introduced in the three and a half years since the orignal Alpha 1 launch. Alpha 1 II adds pre-capture feature introduced on a9 III, an AI Processing Unit for Advanced Real Time Tracking, and improves IBIS to 8.5 stops from 5.5 stops on its predecessor. Sony loaned me a review camera to put through the paces prior to today’s camera announcement and here’s what I found:

First Off, No Global Shutter

Undoubtedly some of you are going to be disappointed to learn Sony Alpha 1 II does not have a global shutter – though you’re probably happy Alpha 1 II doesn’t come with the rumored $8,000 price tag. There are a number of reasons for this.

First, while Sony was able to employ a global shutter in the Alpha 9 III, there is a huge difference in designing a global shutter to simultaneously read Twenty-Four Million Pixels -vs- simultaneously read Fifty Million Pixels. Yes that’s like asking a pitcher with a 100 mph fastball to throw 200 mph.

Second, there are trade-offs with a global shutter. Sony a9 III has less dynamic range, decreased sharpness and less impressive high ISO performance than its predecessor a9 II. As a camera aimed at sports photographers, those trade-offs are worth it – but Alpha 1 series is also aimed at resolution and sharpness.

Finally, it’s simply not time. Those of you following along have hopefully figured out the lifespan of a new sensor design is around seven years. The first generation camera is released at the start of that lifespan and then an updated next-generation camera filled with hardware updates that fine-tune and improve the performance from the sensor is released at the three to four year mark. This is not to imply there will be an Alpha 1 III in three to fours years with a global shutter for the very reasons I explained above.

Improvements from Alpha 1

Let’s start out with a quick look at the physical difference between the original Sony Alpha 1 (left) and Alpha 1 II (right):

From the front, you’ll note Alpha 1 II features extremely welcome ergonomic updates to the grip as found on a9 III along with the addition of a C5 button that can be used to quickly access burst mode.

From the rear, the cameras look largely the same however Alpha 1 II adds the fully articulated 4-Axis Multi-Angle LCD found on a9 III and a7R V. Additionally, you’ll note the addition of Stills|Video|S&Q Mode selection dial on the top right panel.

From the top is another angle showing the improved ergonomic grip design along with larger C1 C2 custom buttons which makes them easier to activate when wearing gloves in cold weather.

Improved Ergonomic Body Design with with C5 Button for Speed Boost

Sony Alpha 1 II features the improved ergonomic body design of A9 III including beefier grip plus a new C5 button on the front of the camera between the grip and lens out can be set to boost frames per second when depressed

4-Axis Multi-Angle LCD

Like the a9 III, Alpha 1 II also the 4-Axis multi-angle LCD first introduced on a7R V.

AI Processing Unit for Advanced Real Time Tracking

Sony Alpha 1 II has a dedicated AI Processing Unit with its own memory and RAM. This allows Human Pose recognition along with improved AF performance in lowlight with EV Range extended to -4.0 EV (as measured f/2.0 lens at ISO 100).

Upgraded Imaging Processor for Improved Auto Focus

Phase Detection AF is extended down to F22. The upgraded imaging processor also improves image quality with lower noise in mid-high ISOs along with 15+ stops dynamic range.

Pre Capture

Sony Alpha 1 II can be set for Pre Capture from 0.03 – 1.0 seconds at up to 30 FPS while maintaining AF/AE in all formats including Uncompressed RAW. When Pre Capture is combined with improvements to Autofocus and Advanced Real Time Tracking, Alpha 1 II is a great plus when shooting sports action or wildlife.

Lower noise in mid-high ISO JPEGSs

Sony Alpha 1 harnesses increased imaging processing power for improved JPEGs with lower noise in mid to high ISOs. This will undoubtedly be warmly received by sports photographers and photojournalists working on tight deadlines.

Improved Human, Animal & Bird Eye Recognition + Auto Eye AF Recognition NEW

Sony measures both Human and Animal Eye Recognition as 30% improved, and Bird Eye AF is 50% better than the original Alpha 1. Additionally, Sony Alpha 1 II adds Auto Eye AF Recognition – a first for Sony.

The dedicated AI Processing Unit has its own memory and RAM that allows Human Pose recognition that can locate eyes even behind sunglasses or a facemark. Additionally, when humans are recognized in the scene, AI optimizes color skins tones. You may have noticed that recent Sony camera have been getting raves for their improved colors and this is one of the reasons.

XL, XS & Custom Focus Areas

For anyone wishing Flexible spot came in larger or smaller sizes, Sony Alpha 1 II adds additional options of XL & XS Focus Areas along with Custom sizes like those introduced on a9 III.

IBIS Improved to 8.5 stops

IBIS is improved three-stops to 8.5 stops -vs- 5.5 stops on the original Alpha 1.

Faster Connection Speed

Sony Alpha 1 II connection speed is improved to 2.5 Gbps for faster image transfer.

Dedicated Microphone for Voice Memos

Alpha 1 II includes a dedicated Microphone which allows you to record voice memos to which you can convert text via the Tagging and Transfer App

8.6K Oversampling to 8K Recording

When recording 8K video, Sony Alpha 1 II oversamples 8.6K from the full width of the sensor. It can also record 120 FPS 4K from the full width of the sensor. When recording video, Alpha 1 II adds auto framing and framing stabilization introduced on ZV-E1.

Same High Resolution 50mp Sensor

As we discussed at the top, those of you who worried image quality would take a hit with current global shutter technology can rest easy – Sony Alpha 1 II features the same high resolution 50mp Sensor as the original for highly detailed images

Choice of Eyepiece

Sony Alpha 1 II is supplied with both the standard eyepiece along with a deep “squishy” eyepiece so you can pick the one that best suits you.

In the Box

Inside the box you’ll find a Sony Alpha 1 II camera, body cap, standard DA-EP19 and FDA-EP21 deep eyepieces, Sony BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger, Alpha 1 II camera strap, Sony NP-FZ100 Battery and cable protector.

Price & Availability

Price remains unchanged at $6,499 with a mid-December release date

About this Review

I’ve been reviewing Sony cameras since the launch of the original Sony a7R and I’ve written two books on a7 Series cameras. Because Sony releases new products and firmware updates at such a rapid pace, printed books are often outdated by time they roll off the press. so I made the decision to switch from writing printed books to providing free online content about Sony cameras and lenses. I hope readers will find this content useful to make an informed buying decision.

Order Sony Alpha 1 II from B&H Photo | Sony

Thank you for supporting this website through purchases from our affiliate partners! We always strive to bring you the best deals and lowest prices.