Sony A1 II Camera Review (A1M2)

This is a camera review of the long-awaited update to Sony's flagship camera, the Alpha 1 MK II (A1M2).
In this review I will highlight benefits of using a camera with a high-resolution 'stacked' sensor for shooting sports and birds in flight. I highlight 10 reasons why someone may want to upgrade to an Alpha 1 and why someone would want to choose an A1M2 over an A9III or A7RV camera.

Start 00:00
Introduction 00:38
Why an A1/A1M2? 00:56
The Competition 09:42
10 reasons to Upgrade to an A1M2 10:53
Pre-Capture & Speed Boost 13:59
Changes to Drive Mode dial 17:24
Improved AWB 17:55
Improved High ISO 19:42
Improved Steadyshot 20:49
Composite Raw (NR) Shooting 22: 24
AI Subject recognition 23:47
Improved Bird Tracking 27:44
My MotoGP Camera Settings 28:50
A1 II eBook 33:57
Movie Shooting Upgrades 35:52
Changes to Menus 36:33
Changes to Camera Body 40:48
Conclusion and Comparisons 45:02

Mark Galer is a Sony Alpha Ambassador for Australia.

#SonyAustralia #SonyAlpha #SonyAmbassador #SonyAlphaANZ #sonydigitalimagingambassador sonydigitalimagingambassador

[RodMacQuarrie]

The first place I come for Sony reviews. Not disappointed!

[thedogphotographerUK]

Ok you’ve done it!! Put a deposit down on one today so hopefully be with me soon!
Thanks for a detailed break down and honest review!!

[BarryBarfield-df]

Thank you for confirming so many questions. I am now waiting for my A1ii to arrive.

[InspectahDeck-nk]

Mark, your reviews and videos are just priceless. These videos take so much time and effort. Thank you so much for what you do.

[Digitalfiendscom]

Now THIS is a proper review. No sounds bites, silly hyperbole, or nipple clips. :) I'm currently shooting go karts with my A7Cii and 70-200gm2+1.4tc. I can get some amazing shots but the fps isn't very fast and there are times where I could really use that extra 17mp. I've been mulling over whether to pickup something like the A9iii or A1ii. I love the global shutter of the A9iii but feel the 24.6mp would be slightly limiting. Pre-focus sounds incredibly useful.

My biggest concern with the A1ii is that Sony seems to somewhat neglect the A1 when it comes to firmware feature updates and tend to give their lower models newer tech. Since the A1ii didn't seem to get anything revolutionary, it makes me wonder if it'd be better to wait for an A7VRii or A7V, which should have some more flashy features. My only real gripe with the A1ii is the price ... I think Sony has really overpriced it but sort of pigeonholed themselves in being able to drop the price (if they even wanted to).

A quick question: does the A1ii auto AF support helmet recognition when shooting cars? i.e. can you have it prioritize the helmet over the vehicle?

[jimpool]

I just got my a1 M2. As usual very good video on the new features. Thank you for doing this.

[ThePoiMechanic]

By far the best review out there! Thanks a ton

[Lifeonbooks]

As a Sony shooter and a MotoGP fan, this is my favorite type of video!

[jeroenvdw]

This review hyped me up even more! Already ordered this camera last week, release date unknown but at least by the end of December

[LernToSpeel]

Real review with real results. Excellent as always.

[Cosmopolitm]

So many details!
Thanks for this amazing presentation!!!

[mjh]

Awesome review as usual. Appreciate your time and effort keeping us informed.

[suzyrad]

Great review, as always, packed with well-organized info. I especially appreciate that your videos apply a novel approach (in this case, shooting the event with the 300 mm lens), you choose subjects/events where the camera's new/upgraded features would be important to test for pro photographers, and that you say the name of your subjects.

[joachimreiner]

I am not a SONY user, but your sports photography is absolutely amazing!

[mcr]

Great review and thanks for all the detail!

[ZTimZ]

Excellent review especially as you were using my favourite motor sport as examples.

[chrisgibbsphoto]

My first stop, excellent review as usual, no need to go look at other reviews now!

[kambizkeshvari]

Thank you, Mark, for a fantastic review!

[davidmcc]

Excellent, mate. Great review, great photography.

[Canada]

As pricey as it is, I think my only worthwhile upgrade coming from an original a9 is the a1ii. Thanks Mark, some of the best reviews out there. Primarily sports, but enjoy wildlife, the occasional landscape, and doing an interior design/architectural job here and there... The a9iii just isnt flexible enough, maybe one day when i'm super successful I can have both!