Sony has unveiled a new camera under its Alpha series called the Sony Alpha 1 or a1. It is a high-resolution camera with a 50 MP sensor, capable of shooting 30 images per second. The camera can also shoot 8K videos at 30fps.
It works with the same E-mount lenses as others in the a7 and a9 family.
Alpha 1 Camera is stacked with 50MP Sensor
Sony’s a1 camera sports a brand-new sensor. The sensor’s stacked structure and advanced analogue-to-digital conversion capabilities allow the camera to read and temporarily store pixel data to quickly process high-resolution imagery. Its stacked BSI CMOS tech allows the a9 to capture photos silently and without any blackout, with upped EVF resolution and size, and an improved refresh rate of 240fps.
Despite the increase in pixel density, the a1’s data move 50% faster with a capture rate up to 30fps. The camera is also better able to track subjects, with better autofocus.
It’s now possible to use the electronic shutter with a flash at speeds of 1/200-second for full-frame imaging. With the mechanical shutter, the a1 supports 1/400-second sync. Flash can be used in the multi-shot mode, too.
The a1 includes two memory card slots; each supports either a UHS-II SDXC or CFexpress Type A memory card.
It can be configured to partition files or provide overflow recording. USB Type-C connectivity supports USB 10-Gbps data transfer for fast, reliable tethering and file transfer. Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to share content as soon as it is captured via 2.4 and 5.0 GHz bands with 2×2 MIMO support. The Alpha a1 can also be used with the Imaging Edge Mobile application for smartphone control.
The headline-grabbing feature for a1 is 8K. Sony promises 30 minutes of continuous capture at up to 8K30 or 4K60.
It can push the frame rate to 120fps for slow-motion and offers both full-frame and Super35mm recording formats.
Internal recording has been improved to 10-bit quality and clean 16-bit output is available via the full-size HDMI port.
The Xperia Pro connects via HDMI for live streaming. The a1 supports a few different cinema profiles, including S-Log3, HLG for HDR, and S-Cinetone.
Sony is pricing the a1 at $6,499.99 as a body-only configuration, with shipments slated to begin in March.
The new camera is sure to please wildlife photographers and sport enthusiasts with its fast shutter speed to catch motion. The silent treatment will not scare off animals. Its great connectivity features and future preparedness for 5G and more give it added advantage.
Here is a look at a1 features
- 1MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ XR Image Processor
- Up to 30 fps Shooting, ISO 50-102400
- 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video in 10-Bit
- 44m-Dot EVF with 240 fps Refresh Rate
- 759-Point Fast Hybrid AF
- 5-Axis SteadyShot Image Stabilization
- Dual Drive Mech. Shutter, 1/400 Sec Sync
- 5 GHz Wi-Fi, 1000BASE-T Ethernet
- Dual CFexpress Type A/SD Card Slo