Designed for uncompromised and optimal performance, the full-frame mirrorless Sony Alpha 1 or a1 camera features a newly designed 50.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR image processor. The pairing for the efficient stacked-sensor design with optimised processing affords 30 fps continuous shooting at full 50.1MP resoiution, 8K 30p and 4K 120p 10-bit video recording, as well as a versatile sensitivity range of up to ISO 102400 that benefits shooting in low light. The design of the sensor includes a Fast Hybrid AF system with 759 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection areas. It enables fast and accurate focusing in a variety of lighting conditions with sensitivity down to -6 EV and ensures critical focus on moving subjects in all recording modes in the form of intelligent subject tracking and Real-time Eye AF (autofocus). A dedicated Real-time Eye Bird Mode enables autotracking of your selected birds eye, no matter whether it is in flight or still. Benefitting handheld shooting of stills and video, a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilisation is incorporated to minimise the appearance of camera shake by up to 5.5 stops. In addition, a unique compositing mode - Pixel Shift Multi Shooting - shifts the sensor while making 16 consecutive exposures in order to acquire approximately 199MP of information for even greater colour accuracy and detail than a single exposure that the 50.1MP sensor can afford.
These files can be merged together post production using the Sony Imaging software suite. Impressive stills capabilities aside, the a 1 also boosts video capabilities that achieves 8K and 4K recording resolutions along with full pixel readout, internal 4:2:2 10-bit sampling, and 16-bit raw output via the full-size HDMI. With no recording limits, extended takes are possible. Moreover, the inclusion of S-Cinetone support for smooth skin-tone rendering and well-controlled highlights and soft colours render the a1 comparable with professional cine cameras. At the high-speed 120 fps recording, 4x and 5x slow-motion movie recording with frame rate playback set at either 30p or 24p is available; an effective 240p frame rate for even greater motion control is made available when recording at Full HD resolution. Additionally, video shooting is further enhanced by an Active IS mode that contributes more precise stablilisation methods to achieve even smoother footage straight out of camera. An incorporation of HLG, along with BT.2020, support direct HDR production and S-Log2/S-Log3 gamma profiles for advanced HDR production during editing. Physically, the a1 combines the best tech of the Alpha series alongside notable upgrades in a familiar form. The a1 features a rear tilting touchscreen LCD with a side-open articulating design and an impressive 9.44m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder that touts a 240 fps refresh rate for fluid motion rendering and a highly reduced blackout when shooting continuously. Thanks to a revised shutter design, the camera now offers full-frame flash sync speeds up to 1/400 sec; even when working with the silent electronic shutter, flash sync speed of up to 1/200 sec is supported. Via the multi interface shoe, photographers with need for improved and clearer audio recording sound have the option of working with the separately available ECM-B1M Shotgun Microphone or XLR-K3M XLR Adapter Kit.
Available Bluetooth and WI-Fi connectivity, with 2x2 MIMO support, offers wireless file transferring capabilities and remote control. The menu systems updated structure provides for more intuitive navigation and complements having different workflows and settings selections for movie recording and stills shooting. Additionally, dual memory card slots that both support working with CFexpress Type A or SD UHS-II memory cards supports flexible and high-speed file storage. The a1 features extensive weather-sealing for reliable operation in inclement weather conditions. The Sony a1 is supplied with a rechargeable battery, battery charger, body cap, USB Type-C to Type-A Cable, cable protector, shoulder strap, accessory shoe cap, and an eyepiece cup.
