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Sony a1
86
SCORE
Sony · Mirrorless · 50.1 MP · Full Frame · 8K video

Sony a1

General 86Optics 89Video Performance 86Features and Benefits 83Storage and Battery 73
From $5,698 — 6 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandSony
Modela1
Released2021
Announcement date26/01/2021
Camera typeMirrorless
What We Like
+Large sensor captures tons of detail
+High frame rate of 30 fps
+Eye tracking (human, animal, and bird)
+Easy customization
+Silent shooting for quiet situations
+Incredible 8K/30p Ultra HD video
Worth Knowing
−Expensive
−Highest frame rates only for JPEG, HEIF, and lossy compressed RAW files
−Eye tracking only selected manually
−Small rear LCD screen
−No GPS

General 86

Brand
Sony
Model
a1
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2021
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
26/01/2021
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
129 x 97 x 81 mm
Camera weight
737 g

Optics 89

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
50.1 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
8640 x 5760
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOS
Sensor size
ⓘ
The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture.
24 x 35.9
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full Frame
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
30 fps045
Lens mount
ⓘ
The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras.
Sony FE
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
Dual Bionz XR
Aspect ratio
ⓘ
The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3.
3:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
10030200
Max ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise.
320003003280000
Min ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
5030200
Max ISO (expanded)
ⓘ
Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary.
1024003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
3044080
Max shutter speed
ⓘ
The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries.
3200080032000
Autofocus points
ⓘ
Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings.
7590300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
Viewfinder type
ⓘ
The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens.
Electronic
Viewfinder dots
943718409900000
Read our notes on optics

The Sony a1 earns a solid score of 86/100 for its general specifications. Released on January 26th, 2021, this mirrorless camera comes with a hefty launch price of $6,499. Measuring 129 x 97 x 81mm and weighing 737g (1.62 lbs), it offers a compact and lightweight design for professional photographers.

In today’s market, the Sony a1 holds its ground with impressive specs and performance. With its high score, this camera proves to be a top contender for those seeking a reliable and powerful photography tool.

Sony a1 Overview and Optics

The Sony a1 receives an optics score of 89/100. This camera boasts a 50.1-megapixel resolution, allowing for highly detailed images. Its shooting speed reaches 30 frames per second, making it suitable for capturing fast-paced action. The camera utilizes a full-frame CMOS sensor, which has a DXOMARK score of 98, indicating impressive performance.

The Dual Bionz XR processor contributes to the camera’s fast processing capabilities and image quality. The Sony a1 features a Sony FE lens mount, providing compatibility with a wide range of lenses. Additionally, the camera has built-in image stabilization, ensuring sharp images even in challenging conditions. The 3:2 aspect ratio is a standard choice for photography, offering a balanced composition.

Given these specifications, the Sony a1 stands strong in today’s market, providing photographers with advanced features and capabilities. The combination of high resolution, shooting speed, and sensor quality make it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Sony a1 Video Performance 86

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
8K
Max video format
ⓘ
Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video.
7680 x 4320
Max video frame rate
ⓘ
How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect.
120 fps
Timelapse built in
ⓘ
A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video.
No
Video file format
ⓘ
Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files.
LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 16bit), LPCM 2ch(48 kHz 24bit), LPCM 4ch(48 kHz 24bit), MPEG-4 AAC-LC 2ch
Read our notes on sony a1 video performance

The Sony a1 boasts an impressive video score of 86/100. This high score reflects the camera’s exceptional video capabilities, with a maximum video resolution of 8K and dimensions of 7680 x 4320. Moreover, the camera supports a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, ensuring smooth and crisp footage.

In the competitive market of today, the Sony a1’s video specifications stand strong. The 8K resolution surpasses many rivals, providing users with stunningly detailed and vibrant visuals. The 120fps frame rate also allows for outstanding slow-motion capture, setting the Sony a1 apart from other models.

However, the camera lacks built-in time-lapse functionality, which could be a downside for some users. Nonetheless, the Sony a1’s video performance remains remarkable, making it a reliable choice for videographers seeking top-notch quality and performance.

Sony a1 Features and Benefits 83

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
External flash
ⓘ
External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
No
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size
3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
14400001150001500000
Flip screen
ⓘ
A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on sony a1 features and benefits

The Sony a1’s features receive a score of 83/100, showcasing an impressive array of functionalities. With a 3-inch screen size and a resolution of 1,440,000 dots, this camera provides clear and sharp visuals. The touchscreen and flip screen features make it user-friendly and versatile for various shooting scenarios.

In the competitive market of today, the Sony a1 holds its ground with its modern features. Although it lacks GPS, the camera compensates with its WIFI and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for seamless connectivity and easy file transfers.

The Sony a1 proves to be a strong contender in the market, offering a range of advanced features that cater to the needs of photographers and videographers alike. Its high feature score is a testament to its quality and performance.

Sony a1 Storage and Battery 73

Memory card
SD,CFexpress Type A (UHS-II compatible)
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
NP-FZ100
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
530 shots1505000
USB charging
Yes
Read our notes on sony a1 storage and battery

The Sony a1 receives a storage and battery score of 73/100. It has two memory card slots that accept both SD and CFexpress Type A cards, with UHS-II compatibility. This compatibility allows for faster data transfer and is in line with current market standards.

The camera’s battery life lasts for 530 shots, using the NP-FZ100 battery type. This battery life is average for today’s market, offering sufficient power for most photography sessions. The Sony a1 also features USB charging, providing users with a convenient charging option.

The storage and battery specifications of the Sony a1 make it a reliable choice for photographers. Its compatibility with modern memory cards and USB charging capabilities add to its appeal as a competitive option in the market.