The Sony a1 II ISN'T What We Expected!

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The original Sony a1 is one of the most capable, advanced, and expensive flagship cameras ever. When it first came out, it wowed potential buyers with a fast-scanning 50-megapixel sensor without major rolling shutter issues while offering fast burst rates. It has been almost four years since then, and now we have a version II from Sony in our hands. Does the apple fall far enough from the tree to make it worth the $6,500 cost? Chris and Jordan find out while photographing motocross and the NFL! Special thanks to Spenser Wilton and Ben Liebengerg.

0:00 - Intro
1:46 - Handling
3:22 - Displays
3:59 - Additional Modes
4:47 - Stabilization
5:16 - Sensor
6:30 - Autofocus Features
7:43 - Motocross!
9:32 - Burst Shooting
10:21 - Video performance
13:29 - Football!
15:10 - Autofocus Performance
17:16 - Image Quality
17:56 - Who is it for?

[bailey.nt]

0:46 if you stand any closer the that police van with that stache, they might just offer you a job 😂

[leanderhoefler]

I unofficially preordered the camera at my local store, because I thought the A1 II was finally the ultimate hybrid camera. I don‘t care much about the minor improvements for photo, because the A1 was already rock solid there.
But subsampled 4K is a complete dealbreaker for that kind of money and class of camera.

[jonasgillmann]

I can't believe that 4K recording is still subsampled or line skipped and not 8K oversampled like in the Nikon Z8 (8.3K oversampled 4K60p) or in the R5 (4K Fine oversampled from 8K up to 30p).
The only oversampled 4K mode in the a1 II is the cropped APS-C mode. A flagship should be able to record full-width 8K oversampled 4K60p or at the very least 30p!

[markwang]

memory lane: i remember your 'mirrorless autofocus shootout' video done several years ago. at the conclusion of the video, you had posited that mirrorless cameras will one day outperform DSLRs in autofocus performance and capabilities. oh how far we've progressed in terms of camera tech 👏

[danmiddle]

I've almost never missed focus with my A1.... so it's a lot of money to add precapture and a slight ergonomic improvement.

[mauriciolee]

Thank Chris & Jordan for this DETAILED & INFORMATIVE video.

[NikonDave]

Sorry your first NFL shooting experience had to be the Jets. 😀

[Jeo-What]

Thank you for the review. Without having the camera in hand it is hard to appreciate some of the upgrade.

From my personal general & event photography point of view, I sold my new A7R V and purchased a used A1 at discounted price that still has 3 years of international warranty with very low shutter count early this year and never miss anything on the A7R V. The A.I. was making a lot of mistakes in focusing while the variable angle LCD was mostly in closed position since the viewfinder most of the time and the 61MP files was mathematically taking way too much storage space compare to the 10MP less A1 files. It was mentioned by many people that when the original A1 received the newest firmware update the I.B.I.S. thought never been rated was noticeable improved together with the AF lock-on stickiness and I sure have the same experiences. Based on those information, I wonder how much improvement is really there compared to the original released A1 specifications?

Sure the pre-capture is great to have and I wonder it's not a feature that can be but never will be unlocked by Sony on the OG A1 and just because there is a chip now labeled "AI" it does not mean the similar chip is not in the A1 already but not called "A.I." since Sony has been using "Machine Learning Processor" for over 15 years now inside their cameras (I know I will get screaming people telling the it's different but we will see on the chips on the circuit boards when the teardown video is released).

For those who wants/needs the improved feature or just want the newest camera gears... Go for it!... since they are going to get it regardless what anyone has to say anyway. I will wait for more reviews on the production units and maybe pickup a used one if needed.

[RiceCubeTech]

As an A1 owner I feel like nothing here could justify an upgrade. Was at least expecting 8K 60

[autoexoticswestcoast]

Can't imagine what Nikon will kick out with the Z9 II now that RED has been acquired.

[Zomlies]

So this is an A1 “B” and not an A1 II? It just seems like a minor update to just make it more cohesive with the rest of their lineup, but it’s not the most competitive move.

[petrg]

crazy price 6500, -usd, competition Canon R5II and Nikon Z9 4200, -usd

[dancejam]

As a Nikon shooter who moved to mirrorless with the Z9, I have to say, on the one hand, this shows you just how far Nikon jumped when they brought the Z9/Z8 to market. It also leaves me without a feeling of FOMO - a great thing headed into the holidays. On the other hand, it does make me a little sad that Sony is not pushing the pack to make a quantum leap forward (as the A9iii starts to do). For the moment, it's the limit of current technology. I'm curious if Nikon will have a firmware update coming for the Z9/Z8 soon to add even more capability. As for the flip screen and EVF resolution, well done Sony.

[janbonne]

I LOVE watching your reviews even if I ultimately don’t like the camera system I still like what all the industry is getting into. It helps how y’all put things in order, that said I enjoy just watching y’all having fun at ur work. And the locations you shoot at is very nicely shot and curated thanks for sharing it all.

[chris]

As a Jets fan, no matter where I run I cant escape

[sh]

Nice to see Gordon! This is like the A9 to A92 update not a lot of changed features. However I upgraded my R4 to R5 based on the flippy and rotating screen and the focus stacking. Never got the A1 after trying it felt like a lot for some one who only shoots stills and not video. Happy now that I upgraded in Jan to the A93 the pre capture is really good, but where is the in camera multiple exposure that is in every other brand!

[salamanca]

Thanks for the video! Fantastic production. Really unbievable what just the 2 of you pull together! And I love those flash shots in the dirt!!

[Avinash-wgxl]

As days goes by, my respect for Nikon z8 z9 keeps increasing

[TomOhle]

I don’t shoot emount (shoot L mount) but I gotta say that if you weren’t bought into any of the big three ecosystems, the body capabilities and price/performance of canon s5ii and Nikon z8/z9 exceed the A1ii. Both have dramatically better video capabilities, better IBIS, better history with firmware updates and similar image quality. For significantly less money… I’m kind of scratching my head here at how Sony has positioned this from a price perspective.

[anildangol]

that stabilization on video looks terrible compared to r5