My Sony A1 II review - first month with the new flagship! Buy used gear from MPB: prf.hn/l/YLqwRAP // Sell used gear: bit.ly/3ULU9yL Sony A1 II USA price at B&H: bhpho.to/3Zfdwo8 or UK price at WEX: tidd.ly/4hRrbZX Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop Gordon’s retro gear channel: www.youtube.com/@DinoBytes Gordon's travel tips channel: www.youtube.com/@GordonsTravelTips #mympb @mpbcom Equipment used for producing my videos MacBook Air 15in (M3): amzn.to/4cPat9S DJI Osmo Pocket 3: click.dji.com/AIOhqT-LWUFDq-bGk8hD4Q?pm=link Panasonic Lumix S5 II: amzn.to/3Hf5IcI Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5 Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF 00:00 - Sony A1 II intro and rivals 03:06 - Buy or sell your camera gear at MPB (Sponsor) 04:35 - Sony A1 II design and controls 06:16 - Sony A1 II C5 button and speed boost 07:14 - Sony A1 II viewfinder and new eyecup 07:59 - Sony A1 II viewfinder quality demo 11:48 - Sony A1 II screen 12:43 - Sony A1 II card slots 13:54 - Sony A1 II card speeds SD vs CFE 14:50 - Sony A1 II ports 15:43 - Sony A1 II battery, grip and charger 16:24 - Sony A1 II sensor 17:08 - Sony A1 II photo quality settings 18:55 - Sony A1 II noise high ISO tests 20:13 - Sony A1 II IBIS stabilization 21:06 - Sony A1 II shutter types and drive modes 23:27 - Sony A1 II pre-capture 24:40 - Sony A1 II skewing rolling shutter for photo 25:39 - Sony A1 II focusing 26:09 - Sony A1 II subject detection 26:32 - Sony A1 II auto vs face detection 26:57 - Sony A1 II bird detection 27:31 - Sony A1 II birds in flight 29:24 - Sony A1 II video settings 30:56 - Sony A1 II video quality 1080 vs 4k vs 8k 33:03 - Sony A1 II video autofocus 33:29 - Sony A1 II slow motion 4k 120 34:00 - Sony A1 II video skewing rolling shutter 34:40 - Sony A1 II overheating and recording times 36:35 - Sony A1 II verdict and sample images Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
so if my math is right, according to the spec sheet, you should have been able to stabilize that 70mm shot for 4-5 seconds with the IBIS alone? no way! under what lab circumstances did they get that number lol! thanks for keeping it real gordon
This new version feels like the typical refresh that Apple does with its Macs and iPads in a 12-18 months cycle. Four years for chips and software should allow for more and better in my opinion. Even iPhones have a new chip and new sensors and new iOS every single year, therefore these advancements from Sony are very very mild at such a price level. I have to admit though that I can’t follow Sony’s strategy across their Alpha line and its particular tiers, I find it intransparent. On the other hand, and let’s be fair here, there’s always that one camera available that you really want. So no idea where Sony is heading, but they certainly have what I need. And as always great many thanks to you, Gordon, for pointing out these details and your honest opinion!!
Very disappointed, as a A1 owner in Sony. They crippled our camera with a lack of firmware support, once the a7IV debuted and withheld “Animal/Bird Eye Support in Video” and “Focus Breathing Comp”. They have still never provided us with Animal Eye tracking in Video, while the old a7C got that firmware update in 12/21. They will do the exact same thing with this body when the a7V debuts in 2025. I am not investing any further into Sony, as a Sony Pro Member, until I see that they change their firmware policy for the Flagship.
This is what Sony has been doing forever now. Sony photographers have the most toxic mindset I've had to deal with. You can't criticize Sony whatsoever, even if you own a Sony camera.
As a Fuji user that was promised kaizen, it's unfortunately the same there except the firmware updates are making things worse, not better. At least Sony released an update for the A7SIII (finally!), but I agree, Sony's firmware support is awful. Their small/cheap products like the A7CII and ZV-E1 seem to get better support than the expensive pro stuff...
I disagree from photography perspective. For video, yes underwhelming. You get the best stacked ans highest resolution sensor with this time a much useful screen, precapture and subject detection AI stuff. It will definitely focus faster than the Z9 or the Z8. The problem: industry has moved on, the price is too expensive to be competitive given it's weaker video features. I will continue using my A1. Only thing I wanted tbh was a better screen that articulates but trading so much $$$ nevee worth it. Maybe A1 will keep getting cool updates since a lot of the internals seem to be still the same.
At $,6500 usd, the A1 is definitely dropping down to $5,500 usd now. A1-ii is perfect for anyone who doesn't own an A1 and A1 users can keep holding onto their A1.
Excellent work Gordon a very thorough review. I think the only extra important feature over mark 1 is the pre capture for me... but it looks implemented well in that it does raw mode as Z8 is jpg only. I wonder how easy it would have been to just give a firmware update for the pre capture on the MK1. It does seem the ultimate camera but I expect UK prices will make it an easy win for a Z8 for wildlife. Canon R5II is excellent too but lenses for wildlife not quite as good as Nikon's long primes.
I feel like some of these upgrades could have been a firmware update on the A1 (2021). Sure, some stuff like the improved subject detection definitely needs the new processor but other stuff like pre-capture could have been integrated easily with existing hardware. Actually, camera firmware regardless of brand is another can of worms entirely. Look at Canon seemingly artificially limiting the functionality of their newer lenses on older bodies that can easily be patched via firmware. Ultimately, I think these new wave of releases show how negligent camera makers had been with regards to software support. And for an investment that a professional would be using for years to come, I think software support should be better especially with the feature sets expected these days.
Still NO internal raw or 8k60 in 2024! Limited codec options, R5ii way superior in terms of codec flavors. EVF still drops rez while focusing. NO top plate LCD. LCD still low rez from 2020. NO Zebra or False color for video. Still using super slow/expensive Type A cf card(no gen4 support). Menu system still convoluted to navigate. Body ergonomics still meant for guys with super “tiny” hands! Rebadged 2020 sensor. Still the same limited AF area coverage and AF points vs R5ii. NO eye AF. NO cooling grip option. Over $2000 vs R5ii but only matching 85% of R5ii’s capabilities. 100%….. DEAD BEFORE ARRIVAL 🤣😂🤣😂
The problem with all camera reviews on UA-cam is that none of them capture the actual usability experience from real world standpoint. So many quirks that can make or break a camera but which are rarely conveyed in reviews going over features, image quality, ergonomics etc. to illustrate the problem, I can watch 20 such reviews and still have no real idea whether or not this camera will work for me in practice.
This is the launch review. Its to give everyone an insight of the camera and nothing more. After the camera is release to the public, that's when everyone starts releasing their real-world review. Then they release their 1 year update as well. And you can't fully review the camera yet when you just got a model with the pre-firmware instead of the official firmware. Until the camera becomes firmware 1.0 and release to the entire public, then you can truly review it. Same reason as us users. We can't review the camera until it comes out. And then we have to use it for at least a month to give a detail review. You act like everyone can give a full detail review when they only had the camera for 1 week and its a pre-model as well. This is what you don't understand about reviews but are quick to bash others.
Rip canon?? Nah, Rip to Sony owners once a new body comes out after this. You'll pay $6500 for a camera today and the $1000 camera will have better features next year. And if u get a firmware update it'll turn your camera into a brick.
My Sony A1 II review - first month with the new flagship!
Buy used gear from MPB: prf.hn/l/YLqwRAP // Sell used gear: bit.ly/3ULU9yL
Sony A1 II USA price at B&H: bhpho.to/3Zfdwo8 or UK price at WEX: tidd.ly/4hRrbZX
Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs
Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ
Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop
Gordon’s retro gear channel: www.youtube.com/@DinoBytes
Gordon's travel tips channel: www.youtube.com/@GordonsTravelTips
#mympb @mpbcom
Equipment used for producing my videos
MacBook Air 15in (M3): amzn.to/4cPat9S
DJI Osmo Pocket 3: click.dji.com/AIOhqT-LWUFDq-bGk8hD4Q?pm=link
Panasonic Lumix S5 II: amzn.to/3Hf5IcI
Sony A6400: prf.hn/l/pRO0wp5
Sony e 24mm f1.8: amzn.to/2TqWNzk
Rode NT USB mic: amzn.to/3AdHcUp
Rode Wireless Go II mic: amzn.to/3xkCvGo
Rode Lavalier Go mic: amzn.to/3ygzzKY
Godox UL150 light: amzn.to/2VpVbXE
Godox QR-P70 softbox: amzn.to/3yQfGdF
00:00 - Sony A1 II intro and rivals
03:06 - Buy or sell your camera gear at MPB (Sponsor)
04:35 - Sony A1 II design and controls
06:16 - Sony A1 II C5 button and speed boost
07:14 - Sony A1 II viewfinder and new eyecup
07:59 - Sony A1 II viewfinder quality demo
11:48 - Sony A1 II screen
12:43 - Sony A1 II card slots
13:54 - Sony A1 II card speeds SD vs CFE
14:50 - Sony A1 II ports
15:43 - Sony A1 II battery, grip and charger
16:24 - Sony A1 II sensor
17:08 - Sony A1 II photo quality settings
18:55 - Sony A1 II noise high ISO tests
20:13 - Sony A1 II IBIS stabilization
21:06 - Sony A1 II shutter types and drive modes
23:27 - Sony A1 II pre-capture
24:40 - Sony A1 II skewing rolling shutter for photo
25:39 - Sony A1 II focusing
26:09 - Sony A1 II subject detection
26:32 - Sony A1 II auto vs face detection
26:57 - Sony A1 II bird detection
27:31 - Sony A1 II birds in flight
29:24 - Sony A1 II video settings
30:56 - Sony A1 II video quality 1080 vs 4k vs 8k
33:03 - Sony A1 II video autofocus
33:29 - Sony A1 II slow motion 4k 120
34:00 - Sony A1 II video skewing rolling shutter
34:40 - Sony A1 II overheating and recording times
36:35 - Sony A1 II verdict and sample images
Music: www.davidcuttermusic.com / @dcuttermusic
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
so if my math is right, according to the spec sheet, you should have been able to stabilize that 70mm shot for 4-5 seconds with the IBIS alone? no way! under what lab circumstances did they get that number lol! thanks for keeping it real gordon
This new version feels like the typical refresh that Apple does with its Macs and iPads in a 12-18 months cycle. Four years for chips and software should allow for more and better in my opinion. Even iPhones have a new chip and new sensors and new iOS every single year, therefore these advancements from Sony are very very mild at such a price level. I have to admit though that I can’t follow Sony’s strategy across their Alpha line and its particular tiers, I find it intransparent. On the other hand, and let’s be fair here, there’s always that one camera available that you really want. So no idea where Sony is heading, but they certainly have what I need.
And as always great many thanks to you, Gordon, for pointing out these details and your honest opinion!!
Very disappointed, as a A1 owner in Sony. They crippled our camera with a lack of firmware support, once the a7IV debuted and withheld “Animal/Bird Eye Support in Video” and “Focus Breathing Comp”. They have still never provided us with Animal Eye tracking in Video, while the old a7C got that firmware update in 12/21. They will do the exact same thing with this body when the a7V debuts in 2025. I am not investing any further into Sony, as a Sony Pro Member, until I see that they change their firmware policy for the Flagship.
This is what Sony has been doing forever now.
Sony photographers have the most toxic mindset I've had to deal with. You can't criticize Sony whatsoever, even if you own a Sony camera.
As a Fuji user that was promised kaizen, it's unfortunately the same there except the firmware updates are making things worse, not better. At least Sony released an update for the A7SIII (finally!), but I agree, Sony's firmware support is awful. Their small/cheap products like the A7CII and ZV-E1 seem to get better support than the expensive pro stuff...
@@Metaconceptual I criticize them and I am a Sony Pro Member with 4 GMs and two bodies with the A1
@hikertrashfilms you'd be one of the rare ones
As an A1 owner: this Mark II Version is the most underwhelming update Sony ever did :(
I agree as I have 2 A1s
I disagree from photography perspective. For video, yes underwhelming.
You get the best stacked ans highest resolution sensor with this time a much useful screen, precapture and subject detection AI stuff. It will definitely focus faster than the Z9 or the Z8.
The problem: industry has moved on, the price is too expensive to be competitive given it's weaker video features.
I will continue using my A1. Only thing I wanted tbh was a better screen that articulates but trading so much $$$ nevee worth it. Maybe A1 will keep getting cool updates since a lot of the internals seem to be still the same.
Thanks Gordon, great review as always!
The best review so far. Thanx Gordon. Top man. 📸👍🏻
Most detailed review. Thx)
Thanks, I put a lot into it, and still have lots for a follow up!
At $,6500 usd, the A1 is definitely dropping down to $5,500 usd now. A1-ii is perfect for anyone who doesn't own an A1 and A1 users can keep holding onto their A1.
The Z8 is only £3200 in the UK at moment - that makes the A1ii a hard sell by comparison - unless you’re already heavily invested.
Excellent work Gordon a very thorough review. I think the only extra important feature over mark 1 is the pre capture for me... but it looks implemented well in that it does raw mode as Z8 is jpg only. I wonder how easy it would have been to just give a firmware update for the pre capture on the MK1. It does seem the ultimate camera but I expect UK prices will make it an easy win for a Z8 for wildlife. Canon R5II is excellent too but lenses for wildlife not quite as good as Nikon's long primes.
should shoot camera b roll with smaller aperture, we see blurry bokeh not camera when it's rotating :)
I feel like some of these upgrades could have been a firmware update on the A1 (2021). Sure, some stuff like the improved subject detection definitely needs the new processor but other stuff like pre-capture could have been integrated easily with existing hardware. Actually, camera firmware regardless of brand is another can of worms entirely. Look at Canon seemingly artificially limiting the functionality of their newer lenses on older bodies that can easily be patched via firmware. Ultimately, I think these new wave of releases show how negligent camera makers had been with regards to software support. And for an investment that a professional would be using for years to come, I think software support should be better especially with the feature sets expected these days.
Still NO internal raw or 8k60 in 2024! Limited codec options, R5ii way superior in terms of codec flavors. EVF still drops rez while focusing. NO top plate LCD. LCD still low rez from 2020. NO Zebra or False color for video. Still using super slow/expensive Type A cf card(no gen4 support). Menu system still convoluted to navigate. Body ergonomics still meant for guys with super “tiny” hands! Rebadged 2020 sensor. Still the same limited AF area coverage and AF points vs R5ii. NO eye AF. NO cooling grip option. Over $2000 vs R5ii but only matching 85% of R5ii’s capabilities.
100%…..
DEAD BEFORE ARRIVAL 🤣😂🤣😂
The problem with all camera reviews on UA-cam is that none of them capture the actual usability experience from real world standpoint. So many quirks that can make or break a camera but which are rarely conveyed in reviews going over features, image quality, ergonomics etc. to illustrate the problem, I can watch 20 such reviews and still have no real idea whether or not this camera will work for me in practice.
This is the launch review. Its to give everyone an insight of the camera and nothing more. After the camera is release to the public, that's when everyone starts releasing their real-world review. Then they release their 1 year update as well. And you can't fully review the camera yet when you just got a model with the pre-firmware instead of the official firmware. Until the camera becomes firmware 1.0 and release to the entire public, then you can truly review it.
Same reason as us users. We can't review the camera until it comes out. And then we have to use it for at least a month to give a detail review. You act like everyone can give a full detail review when they only had the camera for 1 week and its a pre-model as well. This is what you don't understand about reviews but are quick to bash others.
@ to this day I have not seen a single review articulate any of my frustrations with my R6 which are making me want to switch systems entirely.
@@Seanonyoutube Mang, you are just trolling. Jared Polin has released a review of the R6 years ago.
ua-cam.com/video/gG8BJsFDAUo/v-deo.html
RIP Canon. What a monster of a camera!
Of course I will never be able to afford it.
r5ii similar and more affordable and better AF for ball sports
Rip canon?? Nah, Rip to Sony owners once a new body comes out after this. You'll pay $6500 for a camera today and the $1000 camera will have better features next year. And if u get a firmware update it'll turn your camera into a brick.