The α mission
The aim of α is to help creative people realize their ideas. With the α1, this is more possible than ever before.
50.1 megapixels at up to 30 frames per second
The α1 offers high resolution and high speeds. The fast readout of data by the 50.1 MP sensor enables continuous shooting at up to 30 frames per second with AF and AE tracking with electronic shutter. Perfect for all situations where fractions of a second count.
Blackout-free shooting without interruptions
The blackout-free display of the subject allows you to react quickly if necessary. The electronic viewfinder is updated at 240 frames per second to minimize latency during continuous shooting.
Quiet, vibration-free shutter release
The quiet electronic shutter release is ideal for sports photography and other subjects where noise is not an issue. The vibration-free operation contributes to high image quality.
Anti-distortion shutter
The fast sensor minimizes image distortion when using the electronic shutter. The BIONZ XRTM processor with large buffer achieves approx. 1.5 times less distortion than the α9 II.
Flicker-free shutters
Technology in a new dimension: Flicker-free electronic and mechanical shutters. Flicker-free shooting under fluorescent/artificial light with all the advantages of the electronic shutter.
Multi-layer 50.1 MP Exmor RS™ CMOS full-frame sensor with memory
The multi-layer back-illuminated 50.1 MP full-frame image sensor offers higher resolution and more speed. Separate layers for pixels and circuits and the new A/D conversion ensure faster processing.
New architecture and BIONZ XR image processor
The new architecture of the BIONZ XR image processor processes data 8 times faster (compared to the previous BIONZ X™ image processor). This enables outstanding image quality and a faster response time of the camera's user interface.
Flash sync with electronic shutter
For the first time in an α, flash synchronization of the electronic shutter is possible thanks to the high readout speed of the multi-layer CMOS sensor. The advantages of this shutter are therefore also available with flash.
2x shutter for flash synchronization
The world's first (product launch in January 2021. Sony study on interchangeable lens digital cameras) dual shutter system for flash synchronization with up to 1/400 seconds enables easier shooting of dynamic action scenes and offers new creative possibilities.
Stunning resolution and image quality
The new 50.1 MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor offers high resolution and sensitivity with low distortion, as well as up to 15 stops of dynamic range. A new image processor achieves even more accurate color reproduction than previous models.
Wide sensitivity range of ISO100-32000
The back-illuminated structure with gapless lens-on-chip lenses and the outer glass with AR coating ensure a standard ISO of ISO100-32000, which can be extended to ISO50-102400, despite the sensor's high pixel count.
Pixel Shift Multi-Shot
Computer software can be used to stitch up to 16 images taken with built-in image stabilization into photos with up to 199 million pixels with more resolution, color and expression.
The Imaging Edge desktop application (Remote/Viewer/Edit) is required for stitching. Stitching may not be successful if camera or subject movement causes camera shake. The use of a tripod is recommended. If possible, the tethering function of the PC or a remote control (if the tethering function of the PC is not used) should also be used. For Pixel Shift Multi shots, uncompressed RAW format and silent mode are automatically selected. Restrictions apply for flash and other devices. For more information, please visit the Sony support website.
Creative Look: various expression options
The 10 presets of the Creative Look function can be used unchanged or edited to create different looks directly on the camera and precisely capture moods in photos and videos.
Illustration of the 5-axis image stabilization
5.5 steps through integrated optical 5-axis image stabilization
The precise image stabilization unit, gyro sensors and the latest image stabilization algorithms enable a shutter speed advantage of 5.5 steps, resulting in high-resolution, high-quality images.
Real-time eye autofocus for birds
Thanks to the first-class subject recognition technology, the real-time eye AF now also tracks and focuses on the eyes of birds - even if they suddenly fly away or the image section changes. This makes it easy to take high-quality pictures of birds.
Improved real-time eye AF for animals
This function is primarily aimed at cats and dogs and uses advanced subject recognition technology to reliably track and focus on animal eyes. It even works when the face is upside down.
Eye Detection AF
Combining cutting-edge AI technology and advanced fast hybrid AF algorithms, real-time eye AF in the α1 tracks and focuses human eyes approximately 30% more accurately than the α9 II.
Real-timetracking
Select a subject and press and hold the shutter button halfway to automatically track and focus on the subject. With face/eye AF prioritization enabled, AI keeps eyes of people, animals or birds in focus.
Comprehensive, fast, precise AF tracking
The α1 has sensitive, fast and precise autofocus phase detection. The 50.1 MP sensor and the BIONZ XR processor enable the selection of 759 phase detection points, covering around 92% of the image area.
New video potential
next-generation 8K 30p recording
The new image sensor and BIONZ XR processor enable video recording in 8K 30p for an extremely realistic result. Four times the resolution of 4K with real-time tracking and AF with eye detection. 8K recordings are perfect for flexible editing in 4K.
4K video at a high frame rate of 120 frames per second
The α1 supports internal 4K video recording at a high frame rate of up to 120 frames per second for smooth, expressive slow-motion playback (post-processing and recording in S+Q mode required). at up to one fifth of the recording speed. 10-bit 4:2:2 colour subsampling can be used with Long-GoP or Intra-compression (All-I) for superb image quality, while the new image sensor and BIONZ XR processor minimize image distortion.
4K with full sensor display and 5.8K oversampling
Super 35 mode compresses approximately 2.3 times the data required for QFHD 4K for beautiful, detailed full-frame images with full pixel readout and no pixel binning.
10-bitcolor depth and 4:2:2 color subsampling
10-bit color depth, 4:2:2 color subsampling, an efficient MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, intraframe encoding and more support flexible editing options and various final formats.
Real-time eye AF and real-time tracking for video
The BIONZ XR processor offers significantly improved detection and accurate tracking of human eyes in a wider range of viewing angles. Also available for 8K and 4K 120p recording.
S-Log for compatibility with Pro Cine cameras
S-Log2 and S-Log3 are included. S-Log3 offers smooth 10-bit gradations and 15+ dynamic range levels. S-Gamut, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine color spaces are supported.
10-bit 4:2:2 HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support
HDR HLG videos support the wide BT.2020 color spectrum and can be played directly on an HDR (HLG)-compatible TV. 10-bit HLG recordings produce fine gradations and details.
(8K videos are recorded as 10-bit 4:2:0.)
16-bit RAW output
The α1 enables 16-bit RAW output to an external recorder via HDMI for improved flexibility in post-processing. RAW output via HDMI is available for 4K recording to internal card media.
Superior sound with digital audio interface
A digital audio interface offers outstanding audio quality with compatible audio devices connected via the accessory shoe. Brilliant digital audio is transmitted directly to the camera.
Heat dissipating structure for longer shooting
A newly developed heat dissipating structure prevents overheating during continuous shooting without increasing the size of the device. Record up to 30 minutes of continuous 8K/30p or 4K/60p video.
Cinematic S-Cinetone look
The α1 features the same S-Cinetone color matrix that produces beautiful color and skin tones on the VENICE, FX6 and other Cinema Line cameras. S-Cinetone provides natural midtones, essential for healthy skin tones, as well as soft colors and beautiful highlights that meet the need for greater depth of expression.
"Active Mode" image stabilization
A new Active Mode, specifically for video recording, optimizes 5-axis optical image stabilization for hand-held shooting. It uses the real-time processing of the BIONZ XR processor to optimally correct all formats, including 4K. All this is achieved without compromising the compact size and portability of the α system.
High-performance electronic viewfinder
The resolution of the α1's OLED viewfinder with (approx.) 9.44 million pixels surpasses other current products (product announcement from January 2021. Sony study on full-frame mirrorless cameras.). The viewfinder offers 0.90x magnification, a 41° field of view for clear vision and a 25 mm eye relief. The 240 frames per second frame rate of the UXGA field of view for clear vision during fast action is unique in the world (Product announcement from January 2021. Study by Sony on full-frame mirrorless cameras.).
Panningwith electronic shutter
The electronic shutter can reduce display latency at fast shutter speeds, making it difficult to track fast-moving subjects. Turn [Low Frame Rate Limit] ON for panning shots to improve the display latency.
Switch seamlessly between full frame and APS-C
Pixel count and AF area are the same for M and S size images in full frame and APS-C mode, allowing you to switch seamlessly between full frame [M:21MP] and APS-C [M:21MP] when shooting a subject.
Separate settings Photo and video recording
Some of the settings change depending on the selected mode. This is ideal if you want to use different apertures, shutter speeds and other settings for photo and video recording.
New menu structure
Another feature requested by professional photographers and videographers: a revised menu structure for easier navigation and touch menu operation for more intuitive control.
User-defined functions
164 functions can be assigned to the 17 user-defined buttons and the front and rear dials. Independent function sets can be assigned for photos, videos and playback.
Touch-operated menus
Touch-responsive main and function menus on the left side of the display and associated parameter groups and parameters on the right side for easy navigation and tracking control.
Reliable mechanical shutter
Vibration from the shutter is minimized and continuous shooting at up to 10 frames per second is possible. The new shutter unit with improved motor, brake and dampers is designed for over 500,000 release cycles.
Two CFexpress Type A compatible media slots
Two media slots support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards as well as new CFexpress Type A cards for higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds.
Z Series battery for longer shooting times
Take up to 530 pictures per charge. The special design of the components and circuits also ensures optimized power consumption. Get higher capacity with two Z batteries in the VG-C4EM grip.
Improved dust and moisture protection
Connections and the battery cover are sealed. The double sliding cover and locking mechanism prevent water from entering the media slots. The lens lock and padding on the bracket provide additional protection.
Robust magnesium alloy frame
The light and robust magnesium alloy of the covers on the top, front and back increases the durability of the Body and the internal frame. 6 additional screws for the lens mount provide even more stability.
Fastest Wi-Fi with 2x2 MIMO support (Product launch in January 2021. Study by Sony on digital cameras with interchangeable lens.)
The integrated Wi-Fi can be used with 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band. With 5 GHz WLAN, 2x2 MIMO (IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac) is supported. Two antennas ensure reliable communication.
(USB 3.2) Type-C® port for SuperSpeed USB
The USB Type-C® port supports USB 3.2 SuperSpeed at 10 GBit/s, so that large amounts of data can be transferred faster and handled more easily when transferring data remotely from the PC (tethering).
Fast communication with 1000BASE-T Ethernet
The 1000BASE-T Ethernet connection enables fast, stable data transfers at gigabit speeds. As FTPS is supported, SSL or TLS encryption can be used for added security.
Versatile FTP connection options
Upload photos and videos to FTP and control the camera remotely via Wi-Fi, fast wired LAN or USB tethering with smartphone. The file types for transfer can be specified.
FTP transfer of photo and video files
Photos and videos can be transferred to a remote FTP server via WLAN, fast wired LAN or a connected smartphone. The data is transferred around 3.5 times faster via WLAN than with the α9 II.
Versatile remote (tethering) recording functions
The Imaging Edge Desktop application Remote enables remote recording from the PC (tethering) via WLAN or a wired USB connection. Remote control via a mobile device is also possible.
Lossless compressed RAW
The α1 includes lossless compression as well as compressed and uncompressed RAW.
New JPEG size Light
The new JPEG size setting Light results in smaller files than the Standard setting. This setting allows news and sports photographers who rely on speed to deliver faster results.
10-bit HEIF output for seamless gradations
The HEIF format can deliver smooth 10-bit gradations for a more realistic representation of skies and portrait subjects. Advanced compression reduces file size for more efficient workflows.
