Sony Alpha a1 Announced – 50.1MP Full-Frame Sensor, 8K30p Video, 16-bit RAW Output, and Much More

As promised earlier, Sony has just introduced the Sony Alpha a1. The latest full-frame mirrorless camera offers an extraordinary combination of high resolution and blazing speed.

The newcomer boasts a 50.1MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor combined with BIONZ XR Image Processor capable of producing internal 10-bit 4:2:0 8K video recording up to 30fps as well as 4K up to 120fps in 10-bit 4:2:2 using XAVC HS. What’s more, Sony has included S-Cinetone on the Alpha 1 which is the same color matrix you’ll find on the FX9 and FX6.

Additionally, the ultra-fast readout from the 50.1 MP sensor allows continuous bursts at up to 30 fps with AF and AE tracking using the electronic shutter.

The Sony a1 comes equipped with a 9.44 million dot OLED Quad-XGA electronic viewfinder with 240 fps refresh rate and a 3.0″ 1.44m-dot tilting screen.

To ensure flawless 8K video recording for extended periods of time, the Sony Alpha 1 has an effective heat-dissipation design combined with durable magnesium alloy chassis.

Extensive weather-sealing, including enhanced sealing around the battery cover, terminal cover, and chassis joints has also been added as additional protection against dust and moisture in harsh weather conditions.

The camera also features more than impressive ISO sensitivity ranging between 100-32,000 which can be further expanded to 50-102,400 when shooting stills.

Other noteworthy features include a 759-Point Fast Hybrid AF system, advanced 5-axis image stabilization for a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage, and Dual CFexpress Type A/SD card slots supporting UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC formats.

There’s also a decent number of ports you will find on the Sony Alpha a1 such as full-size HDMI, Ethernet, USB 3.2 Gen 2, 3.5mm headphone and external microphone ports, and 5GHz MIMO Wi-Fi.

Redesigned menu structure of the camera, on the other hand, is more intuitive and complements having different workflows and settings selections for movie recording and stills shooting. The menu system also works in conjunction with the touchscreen design of the rear LCD.

The camera uses a high-capacity NP-FZ100 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides approximately 430 shots/90 minutes of recording per charge when using the viewfinder or 530 shots/95 minutes of recording per charge when using the rear LCD.

Last but not least, the Alpha 1 offers several features for fast and reliable file transfers along with connectivity to 5G compatible devices enabling safe and quick media offloading in virtually any situation. The included support of variety of apps, add-ons, and tools complements this functionality even further.

And now, here’s some sample footage captured in 8K on Sony’s latest mirrorless camera.

Sony Alpha a1 Highlights

  • 50.1MP Full-Frame Exmor R BSI CMOS Sensor
  • BIONZ XR Image Processor
  • Up to 30 fps Shooting, ISO 100-204800
  • 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video in 10-Bit
  • 9.44m-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 Slots
  • Price: $6,498
  • Availability: March 2021

The brand new Sony Alpha a1 can already be pre-ordered selling for $6,498 with expected availability in March 2021.

[source: Sony]

B&H Order Link:

Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)

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