Sony
Sony Alpha 1 Body
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The One
Sony continues to challenge the limits of conventional imaging tools with innovative technology that delivers an unprecedented combination of resolution and speed plus intuitive operation. The α1 offers new dimensions of imaging performance as well as efficient workflow, giving the user new creative freedom.
50.1 megapixel17 Exmor RS™ image sensor
The α1 features a full-frame stacked back-illuminated CMOS Exmor RS™ sensor with 50.1 effective megapixels and integrated memory. In addition to delivering outstanding image quality, this allows the α1 to shoot continuously at up 30 frames per second while offering fast, precise phase-detection AF and top-quality 8K movies with full-frame 8.6K oversampling for the first time in the α series. Unprecedented performance for a new era of image making.
Advanced BIONZ XR engine boosts speed by up to 8x18
The α1 features a revised system architecture with greatly enhanced processing performance from image capture through all signal processing stages. Processing latency is minimized while image processing power is dramatically increased for extraordinary image quality. User interface, network, and file management processing is distributed so that fast, stress-free control response is maintained regardless of real-time processing load.
Continuous shooting at up to 30fps19
High-speed readout from the 50.1-megapixel image sensor and a large buffer memory makes it possible to shoot up to approximately 165 full-frame JPEG images20 or 155 full-frame compressed RAW images21 at up to 30 frames per second19 with the electronic shutter while maintaining full AF and AE tracking performance. This can be a huge confidence-booster when timing is critical for sports and other moving subjects.
Silent, vibration-free electronic shutter
The electronic shutter23 operates silently, without mechanical noise, which can be disruptive when shooting sports or events in a quiet environment. The electronic shutter is also vibration-free, minimizing the likelihood of vibration-induced blur and further contributing to superior image quality. And since it has no moving components, the electronic shutter is much more durable than any mechanical counterpart.
Anti-flicker shooting with electronic shutter
High-speed readout from the new image sensor has made it possible to provide Anti-flicker Shooting with an electronic shutter for the first time24. This enables blackout-free shooting, up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, up to 30fps continuous shooting25, silent shooting, and other advantages of the electronic shutter without flicker issues when shooting under fluorescent, LED, or other flicker-prone types of artificial light. Anti-flicker [1] ON [2] OFF
Blackout-free shooting
The α1 viewfinder does not black out when an exposure is made, so you have an uninterrupted view that allows smooth, seamless framing and tracking, even during continuous shooting. High readout speed from the new image sensor makes it possible to refresh the live-view EVF display 24022 times per second while shooting continuous bursts, overcoming the distracting time lag that is usually associated with EVF viewing. (A) Blackout-free Shooting (B) Shooting with blackouts.
Electronic shutter flash sync + high-speed mechanical sync
For the first time in an α camera, electronic shutter flash sync is possible thanks to high readout speed from the stacked CMOS sensor. All electronic shutter advantages are available at up to 1/200 s. If you need even more speed, a new mechanical shutter system allows flash sync up to 1/400 s. (1/500 s. APS-C), making it easier to capture dynamic action and opening the door to new creative possibilities.
Wide sensitivity range
Even with this sensor's high pixel count, its back-illuminated structure, gapless on-chip lenses, AR-coated seal glass and other original imaging technologies work with the new BIONZ XR image processing engine to deliver high resolution and low noise throughout a wide sensitivity range: ISO 100–32000 standard, expandable to ISO 50–10240027.
High resolution and sensitivity with 15-stop dynamic range
The α1 employs highly efficient noise-reduction processing to deliver extraordinary resolution from its 50.1 effective megapixel image sensor. That resolution is complemented by high sensitivity with low noise, plus approximately 15 stops26 of dynamic range at lower sensitivities for smooth, natural gradations from shadows to highlights.
New Real-time Eye AF bird mode
In addition to Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals, the α1 employs high-level subject recognition technology to provide Real-time Eye AF for birds29. Select the bird to be tracked, and the camera will automatically detect and focus on that bird's eye, whether the bird is still or in flight. Optimized algorithms ensure that tracking is maintained even if a sitting bird suddenly takes flight, or the framing suddenly changes30.
Use Creative Look to create moods in camera
A selection of new Creative Looks makes it easy to create interesting moods for stills and movies right in the camera. 10 Creative Looks are provided as presets with different combinations of color, color depth, brightness, contrast, sharpness, and more. The presets can be used as they are, or customized by the user. Customized Creative Looks can be stored as Custom Looks for later recall and use.
5-axis optical in-body image stabilization for a 5.5-step28 shutter speed advantage
A high-precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors plus optimized image stabilization algorithms achieve up to a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage, maximizing the quality of the high-resolution images derived from the camera's 50.1-megapixel sensor. The α1 also features an Active Mode that offers outstanding stabilization for handheld movie shooting. [1] Yaw [2] Pitch [3] Roll
Stunning realism with 8K 30p movies
For the first time in the α series, the α1 offers 8K 30p32 XAVC HS recording with 8.6K oversampling for extraordinary resolution and realism. Combined with superior α1 AF, gradation, and color reproduction performance, 8K resolution brings the world to life. 8K footage is also ideally suited to flexible 4K editing. Low-bit-rate proxy files with HD resolution can be recorded simultaneously with 8K.
Tenacious Real-time Tracking
The α1 includes AI-based Real-time Tracking that automatically maintains accurate focus while the shutter button is half-pressed. A newly developed subject recognition algorithm uses color, pattern (brightness), and subject distance (depth) data to process spatial information in real time at high speed. α1 Real-time Tracking is faster, more accurate, and more tenacious than ever before.
759 point full-area phase detection AF
75931 phase detection points in a high-density focal plane phase-detection AF system cover approximately 92% of the image area, ensuring accuracy and unfailing focus in scenes where focusing might otherwise be difficult. The 759-point focal plane phase-detection AF system works with a 425-point contrast AF system to ensure precise AF operation in any environment.
S-Log3 and 10-bit HLG deliver extra depth
The S-Log3 gamma curve makes it possible to achieve 15+ stops of dynamic range, while the S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine color gamut settings make it easy to match α1 footage with footage shot on the VENICE digital cinema camera, PXW-FX9, and other professional camcorders. An HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) picture profile is also provided, allowing direct playback on an HDR (HLG) compatible TV without the need for color grading.
4K movie recording at up to 120 frames per second
The α1 offers in-camera 4K recording at up to 120 frames per second33. Extraordinarily smooth 5x (max.) slow-motion imagery34 at 4K resolution provides new expressive capability. In addition to supporting 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, this feature can be used with efficient Long GOP inter-frame compression or high-quality Intra (All-I) intra-frame compression.
Full pixel readout without binning for high-res 4K
Full frame and Super 35 formats can be selected for 4K movie recording. Full pixel readout in the Super 35 mode (approx. APS-C 16:9), without the need for pixel binning, makes it possible to condense approximately 2.3 times the amount of data required for 4K movies, resulting in high-resolution, high-detail 4K with minimal moiré and jaggies. Bit rates up to 600 Mbps can be used for 4K XAVC HS, XAVC S, and XAVC S-I recording. (A) 2.3 times information
S-Cinetone for that expressive cinematic look
The α1 includes S-Cinetone, the same color matrix that produces the highly regarded FX9 and FX6 color and skin tones. Based on technology acquired through development of Cinema Line cameras such as VENICE, S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color, plus soft colors and gorgeous highlights. S-Cinetone responds to a growing need for more expressive depth.
16-bit RAW output
The α1 allows 16-bit RAW output to an external recorder via HDMI for maximum post-production flexibility. Full-frame 4332 x 2448 16-bit image output easily covers 4096 x 2048 DCI-4K, with a choice of frame rates and color spaces. It is also possible to output RAW via HDMI while recording XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K, or XAVC S-I 4K to internal card media. Proxy recording is also available.
Effective heat-dissipation for extended recording
A newly developed heat-dissipating structure keeps image sensor and image processing engine temperatures within their normal operating range, preventing overheating while maintaining compact body dimensions. This makes it possible to record 8K/30p or 4K/60p videos, or 10-bit 4:2:0 video continuously for more than 30 minutes.
Independent still and movie settings
A subset of the camera's shooting settings now change according to the selected shooting mode. This can be an advantage when you want to use different aperture, shutter speed, and other settings for shooting stills and movies. The available settings are: Aperture, Shutter Speed, Exposure Compensation, ISO Sensitivity, Metering Mode, White Balance, and Picture Profile.
Pan shots with electronic shutter
Using electronic shutter at low shutter speeds can reduce display response, making it difficult to follow fast subjects. Turn [Low Frame Rate Limit] ON when shooting at a shutter speed lower than 1/60 to insert blackout frames at an appropriate frame rate to improve display response and make it easier to follow the subject without display lag35.
Seamlessly switch full-frame and APS-C formats
M and S size images have the same number of pixels in the full-frame and APS-C modes36, so you can switch seamlessly between full-frame [M:M21] and APS-C [M:M21], for example, while shooting the same scene. And because the full array of 759 phase detection points is available in APS-C mode as well as full-frame mode, you get the same smooth AF performance. [1] Full Frame [2] APS-C
Fast USB Type-C and 1000BASE-T network connections
A USB Type-C® connector that supports fast SuperSpeed USB 10-Gbps (USB 3.2) data transfer is provided. This makes high-speed PC Remote (tethered) data transfer available for smooth handling of large image files. The α1 also has a built-in 1000BASE-T LAN connector for high-speed, stable data transfers, including remote shooting. FTPS (File Transfer over SSL/TLS) is supported, allowing SSL or TLS encryption for increased data security.
High-resolution viewfinder with the widest view in its class
A 9.44 million-dot (approx.) electronic viewfinder with high-definition OLED display and refined optics delivers the highest resolution in its class37. It also offers 0.90x viewfinder magnification, a 41 ° diagonal FOV, and a 25-mm high eyepoint for clear, low-distortion viewing from corner to corner. This advanced viewfinder also features up to 240fps refresh rate with UXGA FOV for super-smooth display.
Built-in Wi-Fi supports 2 x 2 MIMO
Built-in wireless LAN allows communication on the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz38 bands, the latter with 2x2 MIMO support (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac) for industry-leading speed. Dual antennas ensure reliable communication, even with the camera's durable magnesium alloy chassis. 5-GHz communication can be a notable advantage for news and sports shooters who need to deliver with reliable speed.
Comprehensive touch operation
A revised menu structure provides easier navigation, and touch-responsive menu operation offers faster, more intuitive control. All main and function menus are touch responsive. Even more intuitive control is provided by Touch Focus and Touch Tracking. With Touch Tracking enabled, all you have to do is touch a subject on the monitor to initiate Real-time Tracking for that subject, for both stills and movies.
Lossless compression plus "Light" JPEG
In addition to compressed and uncompressed RAW, the α1 includes efficient lossless compression with minimal quality degradation. There is also a new "Light" JPEG size setting that results in smaller files than the "Standard" setting, allowing faster delivery for news and sports photographers who depend on speed.
HEIF: High compression with excellent image quality
In addition to a versatile range of RAW and JPEG formats, the α1 includes the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) format for smooth 10-bit gradations that provide more realistic reproduction of skies and portrait subjects where subtle, natural gradation is essential. The advanced compression technology used by the HEIF format also maintains image quality that is on par with the best JPEGs, with approximately twice the compression.
Two CFexpress Type A-compatible media slots
The α1 has two media slots that both support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards as well as new CFexpress Type A cards for higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds. CFexpress Type A cards are ideally suited to high-speed continuous still shooting, as well as high-resolution, high-bitrate movie recording. Recorded stills and movies can be saved to the memory media in numerous ways, to match a wide range of applications and needs.
Footnotes:
1 Reseller price may vary.
2 Images shot in Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode can be processed using Sony dedicated imaging software.
3 When using accessories that support 4-ch output / 24 bits with the Multi Interface Shoe.
4 Proxy movies
5 When [Gamma] is set to [HLG] and [Color Mode] is set to [BT.2020] in [Picture Profile].
6 Number of effective pixels: 1408 x 804 at 240 or 200 fps. 240 or 200 fps not available when using [XAVC HS 4K], [XAVC S 4K], or [XAVC S-I 4K] file formats.
7 When [Movie recording system] is [XAVC HS 8k], S&Q is not available.
8 When [Finder Frame Rate] is set to [HI+], [Standard] is not available in [Viewfinder Magnification].
9 With compatible external flash
10 When A-mount lens is used via mount adopter, the speed of continuous shooting varies depending on the attached lens.
11 When the Focus Mode is set to AF-C (Continuous AF), the speed of continuous shooting varies depending on the attached lens. See Sony support page for compatibility details.
12 Continuous Drive Speed at a setting of Hi/Mid/Lo is selectable.
13 During uncompressed RAW shooting, 20 images are shot per second at maximum.
14 (Configuration method/Access method) WPS or manually/infrastructure mode. When connecting to smartphones, the camera can always work as a base without a wireless access point. (Security: WEP/WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK)
15 Models sold in some countries/regions support IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) wireless LAN only.
16 Sony accessories for the Accessory Shoe can be attached.
17 Approximate, effective.
18 Sony tests, compared to the BIONZ X engine.
19 "Hi+" continuous shooting mode, shutter speeds of 1/125 s. or higher. At shutter speeds of 1/250 s. or higher in AF-C mode, the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode and lens used. 20fps max. when shooting uncompressed or lossless compressed RAW.
20 "Hi+" continuous shooting mode, CFexpress Type A memory card. Sony tests.
21 "Hi+" continuous shooting mode, compressed RAW, CFexpress Type A memory card. Sony tests.
22 Electronic shutter mode with "Hi+" finder frame rate. Display updating will be slower at slow shutter speeds.
23 Shutter speed slower than 1/2 cannot be set while continuous shooting. Tracking performance and max. aperture differs by settings and lenses.
24 As of the January 2021 product announcement, Sony survey of interchangeable-lens digital still cameras.
25 Depending on power supply frequency.
26 Sony tests. Stills.
27 Standard ISO range: ISO 100–32000 for stills and movies (expandable to ISO 50–102400 for stills).
28 CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off.
29 Stills only.
30 Accurate focus may not be achieved with certain subjects in certain situations.
31 For still images. The number of points varies according to the shooting mode.
32 When recording 4K 120p/100p or 8K movies, [APS-C S35 Shooting] becomes disabled and locked to [Off].
33 With 10% image crop.
34 Post-production editing and S&Q mode recording required. Data must be recorded to a CFexpress Type A memory card when recording in XAVC S-I format at a frame rate of 120(100)fps or higher.
35 Effective at shutter speeds of 1/60 and lower. Stills only. S and M modes only. Electronic shutter only.
36 When using a full-frame lens.
37 As of the January 2021 product announcement. Sony survey of full-frame mirrorless cameras.
38 5-GHz communication may be restricted in some countries and regions.
39 ©2020 Sony Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Sony, EXTRA BASS, BRAVIA, and BRAVIA CORE and its logos are trademarks of Sony Corporation. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Features at a Glance
Product information
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