Sony a1 Mirrorless Camera

Product Features

• 50MP Full-Frame Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
• Up to 30 fps Shooting, ISO 50-102400
• 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video in 10-Bit
• 4.3K 16-Bit Raw Video Output, S-Cinetone
• 9.44m-Dot EVF with 240 fps Refresh Rate
• 759-Pt. Fast Hybrid AF, Real-time Eye AF
• 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
• Dual Drive Mech. Shutter, 1/400 Sec Sync
• 5 GHz MIMO Wi-Fi, 1000BASE-T Ethernet
• Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slots

In the Box

• Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)
• Sony NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery (2280mAh)
• Sony BC-QZ1 Battery Charger
• Sony ALC-B1EM Body Cap for E-Mount Cameras
• USB Type-C to Type-A Cable
• Cable Protector
• Shoulder Strap
• Accessory Shoe Cap
• Eyepiece Cup

Overview

Sony Alpha 1 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

The Sony a1 is a top-tier camera in every way. It's designed to handle everything with no limits. This full-frame mirrorless camera delivers high-resolution photos, stunning 8K video, fast performance, great sensitivity, and connectivity for the most demanding professional needs.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

50.1MP 35 mm full-frame stacked CMOS sensor with integral memory

Advanced BIONZ XR engine boosts speed by up to 8x

30fps continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking

Movie making with 8K 30p and 4K 120p

Wide AF coverage with 759-point phase-detection and 425-point contrast detection AF points

Capture What You’ve Never Been Able To Before

The Alpha 1 is the most advanced and innovative camera Sony has ever made. It combines high resolution with fast performance in a way that's never been done before. With its 50.1-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS image sensor, you can shoot up to 30 frames per second and get up to 120 autofocus and auto-exposure calculations per second. It also records 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video, and much more. The Alpha 1 lets creators capture things they never could before.

Introducing The Alpha 1

The a1 camera has a new image sensor and a faster processing engine, allowing it to take 50.1-megapixel photos at 30 frames per second. It can autofocus and adjust exposure up to 120 times per second. The camera features a high-quality electronic viewfinder with a refresh rate of up to 240 fps, so you won’t miss a moment.

For the first time, the a1 can record 8K video at 30 frames per second and 4K video at 120 frames per second. It also supports advanced colour options and has a wireless transfer speed that is 3.5 times faster than before.

Resolution and Speed

50.1 Megapixels at Up to 30 Frames Per Second

The α1 provides an impressive mix of high resolution and incredible speed. Its 50.1 MP sensor allows for continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second with autofocus (AF) and auto-exposure (AE) tracking using the electronic shutter. It’s perfect for capturing fast-moving action, like in sports, where every split second counts.

Blackout-Free for an Uninterrupted View

With a blackout-free view, you can see your subject clearly and react quickly. The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is designed to reduce lag during continuous shooting.

120 AF/AE Tracking Calculations Per Second

The fast sensor readout supports 120 AF/AE calculations per second, even during 30 fps bursts. This ensures precise autofocus on fast and unpredictable subjects, with auto-exposure lag of less than 0.033 seconds.

Silent, Vibration-Free Shutter

The silent electronic shutter is ideal for shooting in quiet environments, like sports events. It operates without vibrations, helping to maintain high image quality.

Anti-Distortion Shutter

The fast sensor readout helps to reduce distortion in still images when using the electronic shutter. The BIONZ XR™ engine and a large buffer reduce distortion by about 1.5 times compared to the α9 II.

Flicker-Free Electronic & Mechanical Shutters

The α1 introduces flicker-free shooting with both electronic and mechanical shutters. This means you can shoot under fluorescent or artificial lighting without flicker, while still enjoying the benefits of the electronic shutter.

Full-Frame Stacked 50.1 MP Exmor RS™ CMOS Sensor with Integral Memory

This full-frame sensor has a stacked design that enhances both resolution and speed. Its separate pixel and circuit layers, along with advanced A/D conversion, allow for faster processing.

All-New Architecture and BIONZ XR Image Processing Engine

The new BIONZ XR engine offers 8 times more processing power, resulting in excellent image quality and improved camera response.

Advanced Flash Features for Broader Expression

Flash Sync with Electronic Shutter

For the first time in an α camera, you can use flash with the electronic shutter, thanks to the fast readout of the stacked CMOS sensor. This keeps all the benefits of the electronic shutter while using flash.

Dual Driven Shutter Drive for Flash Sync Up to 1/400 Sec.

The α1 features the world’s first dual-driven shutter system, allowing flash sync at speeds up to 1/400 sec. This makes it easier to capture fast action and opens up new creative possibilities.

Overwhelming Image Quality

Stunning Detail

The 50.1 MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor offers high resolution and sensitivity with low noise, plus up to 15 stops of dynamic range. The new processing engine improves colour accuracy compared to previous models.

Wide ISO 100 ~ 32000 Sensitivity Range

Despite its high pixel count, the sensor’s back-illuminated design with gapless on-chip lenses and an AR-coated seal glass allows for a standard ISO range of ISO 100 to 32000, expandable to ISO 50 to 102400.

Pixel Shift Multi Shooting

Capture up to 16 images with precise in-body image stabilization and combine them with computer software to create photos with up to 199 million pixels, offering exceptional resolution and detail.

Creative Look Supports Varied Expression

The Creative Look feature offers 10 presets that can be used as-is or adjusted to create different “looks.” This helps you fine-tune the mood of your photos or videos directly in-camera.

5-Axis Optical In-Body Image Stabilisation for a 5.5-Step Advantage

The α1 uses a precision stabilisation unit and gyro sensors, along with the latest image stabilization algorithms, to provide a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage, improving the quality of high-resolution images.

Incomparable AF

Unrivalled Autofocus

Real-Time Eye AF for Birds

Sony’s Real-Time Eye AF can now track and focus on bird eyes, even if the bird flies away or the framing changes. This feature is designed to meet the challenges of bird photography.

Improved Real-Time Eye AF for Animals

Designed for cats and dogs, this feature uses advanced subject recognition technology to reliably track and focus on animal eyes, even if the animal’s face is upside-down.

Real-Time Eye AF

Combining advanced AI technology with improved Fast Hybrid AF algorithms, Real-Time Eye AF in the α1 tracks and focuses on human eyes with about 30% greater precision than the α9 II.

Real-Time Tracking

Select a subject, half-press the shutter, and the camera will track and maintain focus automatically. You can also use AF face/eye priority for seamless AI-based tracking of human, animal, or bird eyes.

Wide, Fast, Precise AF Tracking

The α1 features focal plane phase-detection AF that is fast and precise. With 759 selectable phase-detection points covering about 92% of the image, it works perfectly with the 50.1 MP sensor and BIONZ XR engine.

Unprecedented Movie Performance

New Movie Potential

Next-Generation 8K 30p Recording

The α1’s new image sensor and BIONZ XR engine provide 8K (7680×4320) 30p recording, offering exceptional realism. This resolution is four times that of 4K and supports Real-Time Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF. 8K footage can also be edited flexibly in 4K. Version 1.3 or later adds 8K 4:2:2 10-bit recording for better editing options.

4K Movies at a High 120 fps Frame Rate

The α1 supports internal 4K movie recording at up to 120 fps, allowing for smooth slow-motion playback at up to 5x speed. 10-bit 4:2:2 chroma subsampling is available with Long-GOP or Intra (All-I) compression for excellent image quality, and the new image sensor and BIONZ XR engine minimize distortion.

4K with Full Sensor Readout, No Pixel Binning, and 5.8K Oversampling

In Super 35 mode, the α1 captures about 2.3 times the amount of data needed for QFHD 4K through full-frame readout with no pixel binning, resulting in detailed and rich imagery.

10-Bit 4:2:2 Chroma Subsampling

The α1 supports 10-bit depth, 4:2:2 chroma subsampling, efficient MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, intra-frame coding, and more, providing flexible editing and various delivery formats.

Real-Time Eye AF and Real-Time Tracking for Movies

The BIONZ XR engine significantly improves detection, accurately tracking human eyes even at different head angles. This feature is available for 8K and 4K 120p recording.

S-Log for Compatibility with Pro Cine Cameras

The α1 includes S-Log2 and S-Log3, with S-Log3 offering smooth 10-bit gradations and a dynamic range of over 15 stops. It supports S-Gamut, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine colour spaces.

10-Bit 4:2:2 HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) Support

The α1 supports high-dynamic-range HLG movies in the wide-gamut BT.2020 colour space and can be played directly on HDR (HLG) compatible TVs. 10-bit HLG recordings provide fine gradation and detail.

16-Bit RAW Output

The α1 supports 16-bit RAW output to an external recorder via HDMI for better post-production flexibility. RAW output via HDMI is available while recording 4K to internal card media.

Digital Audio Interface for Superior Sound

The digital audio interface ensures high-quality audio with compatible devices connected via the Multi Interface Shoe, delivering pristine digital sound directly to the camera.

Heat-Dissipating Structure for Extended Recording

The α1 features a new heat-dissipating design to prevent overheating during continuous recording without increasing the camera size. It can record 8K/30p or 4K/60p video continuously for up to 30 minutes.

The Cinematic S-Cinetone Look

The α1 includes the S-Cinetone colour matrix from Sony’s Cinema Line cameras, delivering natural mid-tones, soft colours, and beautiful highlights, meeting the need for more expressive depth in video.

“Active Mode” Image Stabilisation

The new Active Mode enhances 5-axis optical image stabilization for handheld shooting. It uses the BIONZ XR engine’s real-time processing to apply optimal compensation in all formats, including 4K, without compromising the camera’s compact size and mobility.

Control and Reliability for Any Scene

High-Performance Electronic Viewfinder

The α1’s OLED viewfinder has 9.44 million dots, offering the highest resolution currently available. It features 0.90x magnification, a 41° field of view, and a 240fps refresh rate with UXGA FOV, providing a clear view of fast action.

Panning Shots with Electronic Shutter

When using the electronic shutter at low shutter speeds, display response can be reduced. Turning on the [Low Frame Rate Limit] option improves display response, making panning shots easier.

Seamlessly Switch Full-Frame and APS-C Formats

The α1 allows for seamless switching between full-frame [M:21MP] and APS-C [M:21MP] modes while shooting the same scene, with the same number of pixels and autofocus area.

Separate Settings for Stills and Movies

Settings can be adjusted separately for stills and movies, allowing for different aperture, shutter speed, and other settings for each mode.

New Menu Structure

A revised menu structure and touch-responsive menus make it easier to navigate and control the camera.

Customisable Functions

You can assign 164 functions to 17 custom keys, as well as the front and rear dials. Independent function sets can be created for stills, movies, and playback.

Touch Menu Control

The touch-responsive main and function menus, with tabs on the left and parameter groups on the right, make navigation and control easy.

High-Reliability Mechanical Shutter

The new shutter unit reduces vibration while allowing continuous bursts at up to 10 fps. It’s designed to last for over 500,000 cycles.

Two CFexpress Type A Compatible Media Slots

The α1 has dual media slots supporting UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards as well as new CFexpress Type A cards for increased capacity and faster read/write speeds.

High-Capacity Z-Series Battery for Extended Recording

The Z-series battery allows you to shoot up to 530 stills per charge. With two Z batteries in the VG-C4EM grip, you get even more capacity.

Improved Dust and Moisture Resistant Design

The α1 is sealed at all body seams and the battery cover, with a double sliding cover and lock for the media slots. The lens mount has a cushion and lock button to keep out dust and moisture.

Durable Magnesium Alloy Chassis

The magnesium alloy chassis is light yet strong, enhancing the durability of the top, front, and rear covers, as well as the internal frame. Six lens mount attachment screws add extra strength.

A New Workflow Solution

Pro Workflow

Industry’s Fastest Built-in Wi-Fi Supports 2x2 MIMO

The α1 features built-in wireless LAN with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, including 2x2 MIMO support. Dual antennas ensure reliable communication.

SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps (USB 3.2) Type-C® Connector

The USB Type-C® connector supports fast data transfer at 10Gbps, allowing smooth handling of large files and fast PC Remote (tethered) data transfer.

1000BASE-T Ethernet for Fast Communication

A built-in 1000BASE-T Ethernet connector enables fast, stable data transfers at gigabit speeds, with support for FTPS for added security.

Versatile FTP Connectivity

The α1 supports FTP still and movie uploads, as well as remote camera control, via wireless LAN, wired LAN, or a USB-tethered smartphone. You can specify file types for transfer.

FTP Transfer of Still and Movie Files

Stills and movies can be transferred to a remote FTP server via wireless LAN, high-speed wired LAN, or wired smartphone connection. Wireless data transfer is about 3.5 times faster than the α9 II.

Versatile Remote (Tethered) Shooting Functions

The Imaging Edge Desktop “Remote” application allows for PC Remote (tethered) shooting via wireless LAN or wired USB. You can also control the camera from a mobile device.

Lossless Compressed RAW

The α1 offers efficient lossless compression in addition to compressed and uncompressed RAW options.

New “Light” JPEG Size

The “Light” JPEG size setting creates smaller files than the “Standard” setting, which is useful for news and sports photographers who need quick delivery.

10-Bit HEIF for Smoother Gradations

The HEIF format provides smooth 10-bit gradations for more realistic skies and portraits. Its advanced compression reduces file size, improving workflow efficiency.

A Range of Useful Support Applications

Imaging Edge Mobile

Imaging Edge Mobile now allows the transfer of RAW files and files with lossless compression. It also supports remote control of Touch Tracking and Touch Focus.

Transfer & Tagging Add-On

The Transfer & Tagging add-on (Ver. 1.3 or later) can automatically convert voice memos attached to image files into text captions or transfer the files to an FTP server from a mobile device.

Remote Camera Tool

This tool lets you remotely change camera settings and shoot from a computer connected via LAN cable. It includes faster transfer, touch response, dual slot, and HEIF support.

Creators’ Cloud Platform

Creators’ Cloud supports creative work from shooting to production by combining Sony’s camera technology with cloud-based AI. It’s a place to discover and collaborate with other creators worldwide.

Creators’ App

The Creators’ App is a smartphone application that connects your Sony camera to the cloud, enhancing functionality and convenience for shooting and sharing.

50.1 MP Full Frame Stacked Exmor RS CMOS Sensor With Integral Memory

The new full-frame Exmor RS image sensor offers an impressive mix of high resolution and speed with 50.1 megapixels in a stacked CMOS design with built-in memory. This setup improves performance over the α9II by quickly reading and temporarily storing a lot of data from the sensor, which helps in fast processing without delays. Even though the sensor has about twice as many pixels as the α9 II, the Alpha 1 can shoot continuously at up to 30 frames per second (1.5 times faster than the α9 II) with accurate phase-detection autofocus.

Continuous Shooting Up To 30 FPS With 120 AF/AE Calculations Per Second

The Alpha 1 lets you capture moments that might be missed with its 50.1-megapixel sensor, allowing continuous shooting at up to 30 full-frame images per second using the electronic shutter. It performs autofocus and auto-exposure tracking with up to 120 calculations per second and an exposure response time as quick as 0.033 seconds, even with sudden brightness changes. With a large buffer memory and faster system speed, you can shoot around 165 JPEG images or 155 compressed RAW images in a 30 fps burst. At 20 fps, it can shoot up to 238 compressed RAW images or 400 JPEG images. This is great for capturing fast-moving subjects like in sports or wildlife photography.

8X More Powerful, Next Generation BIONZ XR Image Processing Engine

The Alpha 1 features the new BIONZ XR image processing engine, which is 8 times faster than the previous BIONZ X engine. This new engine handles autofocus, image recognition, quality adjustments, and more in real time, reducing processing delays and improving both still image and movie processing. It also improves the user interface, network functions, and file management for quick, responsive control.

Selectable Continous Shooting Speeds With Electronic Shutter

The Alpha 1 offers different continuous shooting speeds: 20, 15, 10, or 5 fps, which you can set in the Hi, Mid, and Lo drive modes. Continuous shooting is fixed at 30 fps in the Hi+ mode. This flexibility helps you choose the best speed for your subject and environment. For example, shooting at 15 fps with the “M:21M JPEG + Compressed RAW” mode lets you take over 1000 images in one burst in APS-C mode.

Blackout-Free For An Uninterrupted View

The Alpha 1 provides a continuous, uninterrupted view of your subject with its blackout-free shooting. The electronic viewfinder updates at 240 fps to reduce latency during continuous shooting, so you can keep track of fast-moving subjects without missing a moment.
(A) Blackout-free Shooting
(B) Shooting with blackouts

Silent, Vibration-Free Shutter

The silent electronic shutter makes it easier to shoot in quiet environments like sports events where noise is a concern. Its vibration-free operation helps maintain high image quality.

Anti-Distortion Shutter

The Alpha 1’s fast sensor readout reduces image distortion when using the electronic shutter. The BIONZ XR engine and large buffer result in about 1.5 times less distortion compared to the α9 II.

[1] Conventional electronic shutter
[2] Anti-distortion shutter

Flicker-Free Electronic & Mechanical Shutters

The Alpha 1 features flicker-free electronic and mechanical shutters, allowing you to shoot under fluorescent or artificial lighting without the usual flicker.

Anti-flicker [1] ON [2] OFF

Flash Sync With Electronic Shutter

For the first time in an α camera, the Alpha 1 supports electronic shutter flash sync. This means you can use the electronic shutter for flash photography while keeping all its advantages.

Dual Driven Shutter Drive For Flash Sync Up To 1/400s.

The world’s first dual driven shutter system allows flash sync up to 1/400 second, making it easier to capture dynamic action and explore new creative possibilities.

Breathtaking Resolution & Image Quality

The 50.1-MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor provides high resolution and sensitivity with low noise and up to 15 stops of dynamic range. The new image processing engine offers even better colour accuracy than previous models.

Wide ISO 100–32000 Sensitivity Range

Despite the high pixel count, the sensor’s back-illuminated structure and gapless on-chip lenses offer a standard ISO range of 100–32000, expandable to ISO 50–102400.

Pixel Shift Multi Shooting

By shooting up to 16 images with precise in-body image stabilization, the Alpha 1 can create photos with up to 199 million pixels for exceptional resolution, colour, and detail.

[1] Normal Shooting
[2] 16-image Pixel Shift Multi Shooting

Creative Look Supports Varied Expression

The Creative Look feature offers 10 presets that you can use as-is or modify to create various "looks" for your photos and videos, helping you adjust the mood and style in-camera.

5-Axis Optical In-Body Image Stabilization For A 5.5-Step Advantage

The Alpha 1 features a precision stabilization unit with gyro sensors and advanced algorithms that provide a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage, improving the quality of high-resolution images.

[1] Yaw [2] Pitch [3] Roll

Improved Real-time Eye AF For Animals

This feature, designed mainly for cats and dogs, uses advanced subject recognition to reliably track and focus on animal eyes, even if their face is upside-down.

Real-Time Eye AF

Combining cutting-edge AI and advanced Fast Hybrid AF algorithms, Real-time Eye AF in the Alpha 1 tracks and focuses on human eyes with about 30% greater precision than the α9 II.

Real-Time Tracking

Select a subject, half-press the shutter, and the camera will automatically track and maintain focus. With AF face/eye priority on, it provides seamless AI-based tracking for human, animal, or bird eyes.

Wide, Fast, Precise AF Tracking

The Alpha 1 features sensitive, fast, and precise phase-detection autofocus. The 50.1-MP sensor and BIONZ XR engine provide 759 selectable phase-detection points covering about 92% of the image.

4K Movies At A High 120fps Frame Rate

The Alpha 1 supports high frame-rate 4K movie recording at up to 120 fps, offering smooth slow-motion playback up to 5 times slower. You can use 10-bit 4:2:2 chroma subsampling with Long-GOP or Intra (All-I) compression for great image quality, while the new sensor and BIONZ XR engine help reduce image distortion.

The Cinematic S-Cinetone Look

The Alpha 1 includes the S-Cinetone colour matrix from Sony’s VENICE and FX6 Cinema Line cameras. S-Cinetone provides natural mid-tones, soft colours, and beautiful highlights, catering to a growing need for more expressive depth.

 "Active Mode" Image Stabilization

The new Active Mode for movie shooting makes 5-axis optical image stabilization very effective for handheld shooting. It uses real-time processing to provide optimal compensation in all formats, including 4K, without affecting the camera’s compact size and mobility.

Panning Shots With Electronic Shutter

When using the electronic shutter at low speeds, you may notice a lag in the display, making it hard to follow fast-moving subjects. Turn on the [Low Frame Rate Limit] to improve display response for smoother panning shots.

Seamlessly Switch Full-Frame & APS-C Formats

You can switch between full-frame and APS-C modes with the same number of pixels and autofocus area while shooting the same scene, providing flexibility in framing and composition.

[1] Full Frame [2] APS-C

New Menu Structure

The updated menu structure makes navigation easier with touch-responsive controls for more intuitive operation. This new layout was designed based on feedback from professional photographers and videographers.

Customizable Functions

You can assign 164 functions to 17 custom keys, as well as the front and rear dials. Separate function sets can be set up for stills, movies, and playback, offering tailored control for different shooting scenarios.

High-Capacity Z-Series Battery FoExtended Recording

The Alpha 1’s Z-series battery lets you shoot up to 530 stills per charge. The design also improves power efficiency, and you can extend recording time further with two Z batteries in the VG-C4EM grip.

Improved Dust & Moisture-Resistant Design

The camera has enhanced sealing at all body seams and the battery cover. The media slots feature a double sliding cover and lock to keep water out. A lens lock button and mount cushion also help protect the camera from dust and moisture.