Sony a1 Specs and Scores
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General
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Sony a1
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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. | January 26, 2021 |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless |
Camera Size | |
Camera Weight | |
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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.
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Optics
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 50.1 MP |
Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 8640 x 5760 px |
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 mm |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 30 fps |
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 |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 |
Maximum ISO (Native) 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. | 32,000 |
Minimum 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. | 50 |
Maximum 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. | 102400 |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s |
Maximum 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. | 1/ 32000 s |
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. | 759 |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   |
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 Resolution | 9,437,184 dots |
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.
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Video
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  |
Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  8K |
Max Video Dimensions 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 px |
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 p |
Time-Lapse 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. |   |
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 |
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.
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Features
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  |
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. |  |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  |
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. |  |
Screen Size |  3" |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,440,000 dots |
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. |  |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  |
Wi-Fi |  |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  |
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.
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD,CFexpress Type A (UHS-II compatible) |
Dual Memory Card Slots |  |
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 shots |
USB Charging |  |
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Photography Genre
Graded from the first-hand experience of one of our writers |
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Sports and Action | 
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |
Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | 25.9 bits |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | 14.5 EVs |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | 3163 |
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Scores
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User Scores
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Sony a1 Alternatives
Do you want to know how the Sony a1 compares to its competitors? Have a look at the most popular comparisons for this camera below:
- Canon EOS R5 vs Sony a1
- Sony a1 vs a7R V
- Nikon Z9 vs Sony a1
- Sony a1 vs a7R IV
- Fujifilm GFX 50S II vs Sony a1
- Nikon D850 vs Sony a1
Sony a1 FAQ
Does the Sony a1 Have Built-in Image Stabilization?
Yes, the Sony a1 features a 5-axis built-in image stabilization system, which helps minimize camera shake and improve image sharpness during handheld shooting.
Does the Sony a1 Support 4K Video Recording?
Yes, the Sony a1 does support 4K video recording, but it can also record at an even higher resolution, offering 8K video recording capabilities for more detailed footage.
What Size Sensor Does The Sony a1 Have?
The Sony a1 is equipped with a full-frame 50.1MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor, providing excellent image quality and low-light performance.
Does the Sony a1 Have a Dual Memory Card Slot?
Yes, the Sony a1 features a dual memory card slot, allowing for simultaneous or relay recording and providing more storage flexibility for users.
Does the Sony a1 Have a Touch Screen?
Yes, the Sony a1 comes with a 3.0-inch tilting touch screen LCD, allowing for easy navigation, menu control, and touch focus.
Does the Sony a1 Have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?
Yes, the Sony a1 is equipped with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity options, enabling wireless file transfer and remote camera control.
Does the Sony a1 Have GPS?
No, the Sony a1 does not have built-in GPS functionality. However, location data can be acquired through a connected smartphone using the Imaging Edge Mobile app.
Is the Sony a1 Weather Sealed?
Yes, the Sony a1 features a robust weather-sealed construction, providing dust and moisture resistance for reliable performance in challenging conditions.
Does the Sony a1 Have a Built-in Flash?
No, the Sony a1 does not have a built-in flash, but it does feature a hot shoe mount for attaching external flashes and accessories.