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Sony A1: The Best Camera for Professional Photographers?
The Sony A1, also known as the Sony Alpha 1, has earned a reputation for being the best mirrorless camera on the market. But considering such a hefty price tag (£5,800), it makes one wonder if it is worth every penny. Let’s find out what makes the Sony A1 to stand out. And why it is hard to ignore it.
Sony A1’s first impressions.
You will realise this is not an average mirrorless camera, since you take it in your hands. The Sony A1 is designed with serious consideration, and it is obvious from its design and performance abilities. With 50.1MP full frame sensor and 30fps burst rate, this camera is meant for professionals.
The Sony Alpha 1 combines the high resolution of DSLRs with the speed of mirrorless cameras. If you are into sports or wildlife photography, where every moment counts, this camera will amaze you.
If you are used to compact mirrorless models, then the weight might be a concern (737 g inc. battery).
Image quality and resolution.
What we like.
All photographers want quality, and the Sony A1 delivers a high level of detail with its 50.1MP sensor. If you are shooting portraits, landscapes, or wildlife, your images will be vivid and sharp regardless of lighting. It captures an impressive amount of detail without compromising speed. Also, the high resolution allows for extensive cropping without losing quality. This can be helpful for wildlife photographers, who can’t get close enough to the subject.
What we don’t like.
The downside of the high quality images is the file sizes. At ISO 100, file sizes are 102.2MB uncompressed, 64MB non-lossy, and 54.4MB lossy. Please find below detailed file sizes at different ISO values.
| Type / ISO | 100 | 200 | 400 | 800 | 1600 | 3200 | 6400 | 12800 | 25600 | 51200 | 102400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncompressed | 102.2 | 102.2 | 102.1 | 102.1 | 102.2 | 102.5 | 102.4 | 102.6 | 103.4 | 103.4 | 104.4 |
| Non-Lossy | 64.0 | 64.7 | 65.7 | 67.1 | 69.1 | 71.6 | 74.4 | 78.2 | 80.8 | 96.0 | 93.9 |
| Lossy | 54.4 | 54.4 | 54.3 | 54.2 | 54.4 | 54.6 | 54.5 | 54.7 | 55.6 | 55.6 | 56.4 |
How is the speed and performance of the Sony A1?
What we like.
The Sony A1’s ability to record 30 fps and the autofocus system with 759 phase detection is a game changer. Also, the real time eye tracking locks in and stays with the moving subject. This helps you stay focused on framing, rather than adjusting the focus.
The downside of the Sony A1.
When shooting at high speed, the battery drains much faster compared to the other Sony models. It is highly recommended to pack some extra batteries to avoid frustration.
Video capabilities of a mirrorless masterpiece.
What is great?
The Sony A1 provides exceptional quality, 8K recording at 30fps, and 4K at up to 120fps. This makes it a versatile camera for content creators, offering artistic flexibility. Also, the 15-stop dynamic range helps maintain detail in the shadows and highlights.
Limitations.
Sony included a heat management design, but recording 8K for a long time can lead to overheating.
Autofocus and the real time tracking.
What we love.
The real time tracking and the eye autofocus are highly responsive and accurate. They make the Sony A1 one of the most impressive mirrorless cameras. This feature could convince any wildlife photographer to consider the Sony A1.
Consideration.
You should expect a learning curve. Dedicate some time to practice with the autofocus settings, especially if you are new to Sony’s cameras.
Battery life and storage.
What we like:
The CFExpress Type A memory cards are fast enough to handle massive files.
The downside:
The cost of batteries (NP-FZ100 – £65) and high speed memory cards (CFExpress 160GB – £280) is significant. If you are recording 8K, you should expect to go through batteries and memory cards pretty often.
Sony A1 is built to last.
Alpha 1 is built with magnesium alloy and is weather sealed. It is a sturdy choice for travel photographers. Nobody wants to worry when things get intense.
The Sony A1 is a significant investment. To keep it in top shape, you should consider using protective accessories.
Sony A1’s price tag.
The Sony A1 is an investment that pays off in the results. If you are a professional photographer who wants the best image quality and speed, it is worth the price.
If you don’t need 50.1 MP and 8K video, you should consider other Sony models that are more budget friendly.
If you are into comparing the Sony A1 with the other models, please check our review on the Sony A9 III vs. Sony A9 II. You will see how these cameras compare in resolution and low light capabilities. Understanding the full lineup can help you make a more informed decision. For more specifications from Sony, you can visit its official Sony website.