..And now you have Sony's 1.3 Firmware update that allows you to have small, medium and large RAW files, as well as 8K 4:2:2 video in full frame and APS-Mode - would love to see a followup video from you!
Hi Wes, There's a Sony a1 where I work. In silent mode, the flash sync is up to 1/200 sec. In mechanical mode, flash sync is up to 1/400 sec with high speed sync available. I enjoy the guest cameos of Maggie the cat.
Well, sortof… I glossed over this part a bit too quickly so was unclear. It actually has Four flash sync speeds 😂 Additionally, in APS-C/crop mode, silent shutter syncs up to 1/250th, and in mechanical up to 1/500th.
Well, the A1 now has smaller size RAW through firmware update, so your wish has come true! I’ve had my A1 for well over a year, and it is still my favourite camera by far. Well worth its high price.
Although they say beggars can’t be choosers, I’m not a fan of the sizes they made available 😂 Would rather have one in the 24-33mp range. Oh well 🤷🏻♂️😏
This is the camera I have been dreaming of since the D1 in 1999: hi-resolution and hi-frame rate. Just switched from the pair of A9 I had since 2018 to A1 and the return on investment is worth every penny. I also shoot 8k with 1080p proxies and what a game-changer. I can edit video quickly for deadline as well as have 8k footage for future-proof footage or still frame-extraction. I do wish it had RAW video or 8k 4:2:2 and Slog3 recording when you the video button so I do not gave to switch to video mode for log footage. I have the a7riv and it was a huge disappointment in AF dept as well as slow electronic shutter. The A1 made up for that speed bump.
@Tim Jenkins The new 1.30 firmware update added 4:2:2 10-bit video in 8K. The A1 is the best camera I have ever owned. Coming from over 30 years of owning Canon cameras and lenses. I switched to Sony three years ago.
... without question, the a1 is the best camera in our editorial office. But we also only have one copy in use, plus an a7S III and an a7 IV, which together cost about the same. Would we want to do without the a1? No way! But Sony absolutely has to submit a firmware update to at least include the missing features of the a7 IV. Great video, Wes. As always. 👍🏻
There is so much processor headroom in a1 so it would be an unforgivable sin if they released a1 mk 2 without any major firmware improvements. The a9 was almost reborn with what they added in firmware.
@@timjenkins8943 true story. And there is No processor headroom in the a7iv. It runs So Hot doing Anything it’s obvious that they’re pushing it to its limits from the get go.
I don’t agree that Sony has to update the A1. It’s an outdated camera and they have no reason to include 2022 or 2023 features, just become its expensive. Imagine you buy a car and after 4 years you want premium features. This is not okay from my point of view.
Update! Just a few weeks after this video came out, Sony finally added S/M/L RAW support, somewhat surprisingly. BUT... As much as I was asking for this… I can’t say I totally agree with their choices here. The "Medium" one is lower resolution than any of Sony's other full frame photography-centric cameras 🤦🏻♂ It should be 24-33Mp. Small makes sense, same as the a7Siii. But imagine if you’re, say, a SONY SHOOTER and shooting with two different Sony bodies. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to match sizes? What an odd choice. Guess Medium will be ideal for shooting alongside a Canon R6 😏 Also, since it's most likely not built into the SOC and is just being on in software, why not just let us choose, Sony? Okay, I'm done 😂
Also just to add something the A1 lossy compression is NOT the same as the old lossy compression of older models it doesn't start with 12bits of data but with the full 14bits and the result is 13bits(ish) end result. This new lossy compressed and the new small raw modes make for a interesting compare. I did a compare between the old 12bit lossy compress on a a7r3 and A1's 14bits and the difference is not small... The new small raw formats are created after the first phase in the camera (probably just before they are written to card) so we don't see any bigger buffer depths or other advantages other then smaller file sizes and quicker write speeds. Because of this is suspect for most people in most use-cases the lossy compressed is still the best option. The (M) raw is matched with the crop mode (we asked for that) making files the same for sport shooters switching between crop and ff on the fly.
IMO, flagships cameras should now have built-in m.2 SSD that have like 1TB-2TB drives and better workflow like 5G connectivity for instant upload to a cloud drive/service while shooting. They can even sell these features in a battery grip. Agree that there should be a feature to scale down RAW files. Also, it should have the ability to tilt + rotate the screen. Sony had the lead in the mirrorless market but it's slowly slipping away. For the price, there should be no compromise. Great video and love the review!
1st time watching you. I was looking for reviews for the new a1 1.30 firmware. I saw your review was very recent. Great review!! I subscribed. Now I need to go through your library to get caught up. Keep up the great content. Best Regards, Cesar L.
I have both an A1 and an A7iv and I always put them close by in my humidity cabinet in the hope to find some offspring next morning : an A1 with A7iv’s S&Q/photo/video switch and flippy screen. No luck so far. Also A7iv’s 1/8000 max shutter speed struggles with 50mm f1.2 or 85mm f1.4 in bright outdoors, even on iso50, but for indoors shooting I tend to use it more than A1 due to smaller files and better noise performance.
When investment has already been made into a lens system the choice is limited. To avoid constant distraction, complains and eye rolls from the event & wedding participles/guests I had to upgrade from the "Super Loud" shutter "SLAPPING" OF A7IV (switched from the super quiet Fuji X-H1 mechanical shutter) to A7RV (50% quieter) and now an used A1 using the Anti-Flicker bending-free/black-out free electronic shutter. I don't think I would never go back to mechanical shutter again unless I encounter unresolvable bending issue since HSS works perfectly fine up to 1/32,000s on the A1 in electronic shutter mode so far with my flashes & strobes. Looking forward to test it on the indoor roller derby events when the season starts locally but hockey events are working out just great with excellent C-AF when it has been tweaked to get extra sticky time on the subject with interruptions and unpredictable movements. I look forward to the new firmware update coming soon and thanks for the review.
Goodness, if people think the a7iv is loud they have already forgotten about DSLR’s 😂 I was shooting a7iv next to another wedding photog last year and she asked if I was using the “silent electronic shutter” she had heard about. I was like “umm, no, this thing is in loud mode” haha
@@WesPerry Not everyone would complain; however, it's the few that does causes the most fuzz. Yes people do forget the past quickly in this silent smartphone era and not willing to tolerate noise like my old 7D or 5D III or even the A7IV and complained to the organizers (especially during wedding prayer time. People will put up with it does not equines to they like it at all). As someone who is doing it for living, I need to keep up my equipment with the time which is what I had always tell my customers when I worked in camera store.
If your in crop mode active stab still has to crop, because a crop lens still only projects a crop sized image onto a sensor... the sensor may be larger but the image is still APS-C, that extra sensor real-estate on the edges does not help with the active stab. Any more explanation would just become too wordy so hopfully that makes enough sense.
@@WesPerry Yes it does but that does not change the size of the image circle said lens projects onto the sensor. i.e. it still only has an APS-C size portion of data to work with and therefore must use the outer edge of that APS-C size of pixels to make the adaptive stab work... hence a small percentage must still be wasted depending on the aggressiveness of the settings you've used.
We’re that the case (which it’s not), you would get consistently measurably different t-stop measurements of equivalent or same lenses between Sony E and Nikon Z bodies. But we don’t. So it’s simply not. Lol Optically what changes is the incident angle of the final lens element can be constrained. This is not necessarily an issue for all lens designs, though, only some (purportedly primarily ultra wide angle lenses) but even as such, that hasn’t resulted in any measurable advantages in any lens designed by Nikon and Canon with their wider mounts. Perhaps someday…
@@WesPerry Wes... Active stabe is a digital stabilization that uses the outermost pixels to compensate for the movement. No matter how many pixels you start with, regardless of sensor size, you will lose the outermost pixels, hence the crop. You seem to be confusing sensor shift with active stabilization. I really wish someone else would chime in... perhaps ask Gerald Undone since you clearly do not trust what I'm saying.
Maybe we're talking about two diff things? I'm taking about the stabilization based on the gyroscope data you input into Catalyst browse. It needs pixels to work... i.e. you waste the outer pixels hense the crop.
I didn't watch your channel for some time now - but always enjoy it so I'm coming back every now and then ;-) And you are SO on point with the A1 review. I'd buy it if money was of that little concern. But even being able to afford it there are so many caveats that it just doesn't feel right (or good!). Some of the hardware is just not up to date for "THE ONE" that is supposed to be the best that's technically possible (at that date). Not getting some of those software improvements that for example a new Sony RV will provide you is also something to take in... And while it is an awesome camera, especially if you shoot a lot of video as well, for most people there just isn't any real reason to buy it. For professionals that can get the same work done with an A7III or an A9... it's not a valueable investment. This seems to be a camera for a very niche group of people who (might) need it and most of all for people with deep pockets who just WANT it and don't care. For 5500 Euro or maybe even a solid 6000 Euro I'd buy it. And I feel that's a price compared to the other Sony models but also the other brand models that feels about right. If an A1II comes out I don't think we're going to see a lot of improvement on the MP side, but many new features and a new display (especially one that is A LOT better!!!) are minimum updates. But honestly at the moment I don't see how they can improve it enough that buying it would make any more sense for most people... but having a decent display would at least make you feel better about buying the camera I guess ;-) As always: Thanks for the review!
Yeah the Sony lineup is Very complicated now, and it’s really unfortunate. Apparently the a7Rv had an AI co-processor, which would imply that the a1 will Never will updated with the additional AF features it has. So now what? The a1 isn’t old enough yet to be refreshed, and Sony shortly after launch stated it would have great staying power with many years of firmware updates. And they definitely have not lived up to that promise, only further fracturing their product lineup. At this point I would assume the a1ii is largely designed and ready to be manufactured, but is waiting for Canon to pre announce the R1 so they can stay on top of it with whatever the latest tech they have available to them at any particular time. Sony is a big ship for sure, but they can pivot Much faster than canon or Nikon can, and they seem to use trying to use this to their advantage. But this business plan is quite frustrating to the end user.
Not really no. Since “pro body” is a rather subjective construct. But as I mentioned in the video, I think they should put more focus on the grip. Both reducing the price and increasing it’s capabilities/possibilities. Possibly even a new grip that integrates Very lightly to the camera body in such a way that would make it almost indistinguishable from said “pro body”. Right now it looks like it’s tacked on, but with modern manufacturing they could do something so much nicer.
But the versatility the smaller body affords is key to their strategy, and I wouldn’t want them to move away from it. Definitely a matter of opinion, though ;)
I love the ability to put my 3rd-party grip on either my a7IV or a7RV. Usually it goes on the a7IV with a large/heavy zoom, while the a7RV stays small and light with a wider prime.
when i bought mine i had put all my eggs in one basket and bit the bullet hard and thought 5 years plus investment and i have not been disappointed yet at all and does everything i have ever wanted to do. the cf express card has sorted the issue for photos into video straight away. and it has allowed me to do so much more than i could. 4k 120 being one thing i love. also image quality so clean and coming from the 61mp a7riv the 50mp a1 is spot on. also it has been sat on electronic shutter from day one and no issues what so ever in so many scenareos, the rear screen doesnt even bother me at all its totally useable.
I honestly found the rear screen entirely unusable. I could have talked about that alone for 20 minutes 😂 But conversely I wasn’t super impressed with the image quality on the a7Riv, and was concerned this would be similar, but thankfully not at all. The files are Incredibly robust and clean.
@@sjm.photos I use the rear screen way more than I should… but that probably has something to do with a combination of my giant nose and a right eye that doesn’t focus well 😂
i agree about the electronic shutter its my favorite. but i find the battery gets depleted very fast and sometime after one hour of use the camera overheat in photo ,mode as well
I gather the A1 got mRAW via firmware update. Yay, I guess. The problem with mRAW is that it's not an actual raw file format: the data from the Bayer-pattern sensor has already been demosiaced. As such, the file is incompatible with Adobe Denoise AI and DxO DeepPRIME noise reduction. I routinely go up to ISO 25,600, so for me this file format is a no-go. The A1's big attraction, for me, is the freedom from banding and the ability to use flash with silent shutter. ALL my event work could be done with silent shutter with this camera. That's big.
I find it so weird that most of the reviewers will say something like “This camera is probably unnecessary for you”, and then only afterward, as if adding an addendum in the fine print, they’ll say “Unless you’re a sports, action, or wildlife photographer”. I have to believe that most of the people who are watching all these videos, and who are seriously considering and evaluating this camera, are sports, action, or wildlife photographers. Most people are watching these videos, at least at this point, because of the camera’s capabilities in those fields. It is its primary selling point, the main reason it costs what it does, and those are exactly the people likely to be most interested. It renders that caveat a ridiculous thing to say - as if *those consumers* are the afterthought.
I can tell you with great certainty that Most people watching these videos aren't any of those things ;) Most are just 'armchair photographers'. Now, I hate using that term, because to each their own. If you enjoy a thing, no one should begrudge you for enjoying it. But I'm in a lot of groups and forums, and they're all rife with people asking questions like "I just bought the a1 and why isn't there a lens on it." or "I'm in auto mode, but my pictures are all grainy." ... and while those people sure should be allowed to buy whatever they want... I would rather they save a few thousand dollars if they can 😂 But even secondary to that, a Lot of people are buying a1's for wedding photography, which, until recently, I would have considered it a complete non-starter for. Now that they've introduced medium and small raw modes, it's a lot more viable, though. But unfortunately I'm apparently never satisfied, as I find their medium to be a bit on the small side 😂 (21mp). Since it's clearly not a function baked into the SOC, as they added it really late in the game, they might as well just let us choose the resolution and make our own res presets at this point. 🤷🏻♂️
I honestly think the best way to buy this camera is secondhand. I got mine from WEX with £1000 off the retail price plus 12 months guarantee . £5000 should really be the retail price. Still, it is without doubt the best camera I have owned and has already paid for itself. Just love rocking up to jobs knowing I have the camera to do whatever is thrown at me.
Great video, I feel the lens pyramid of Sony e mount is left out of the conversation. To compare the auto focus, etc you need to be using both Nikon, and Cannon new lenses that support mirrorless. That my friends is a whole lot of $$$$ sure you can get adapters and use older lenses, but then you are not hitting those numbers being compared to Sony. Of course with Sony you will need to use newer GM lenses as well, but at least if you were already invested in Sony you already have that covered. Fully invested in pre mirrorless Cannon, Nikon, time to start over. I actually own two Sony A1’s I love them! I sold my a7rIV, and a9ii to help with the purchase. Personally the R4 felt sluggish, the a9ii didn’t work well with apsc mode. A1 answered all my needs.
Wes, I totally agree with you, the Sony A1 is out of place in respect to its competitors because it’s competitors have caught up. I think the Canon R3 is over price as it gives the Canon R1 no place to go but the moon in terms of price. Nikon Z9 has changed everything, but Nikon is currently being sued, which is going to cost them a ton of money and when they lose the price of this great camera might go up to cover their expenses. Sony isn’t even toying with sales or temporary rebates and although the features set is great the competitors have shown that it isn’t worth $6500. For most people a Sony A7IV with an older A9 as back up will be more than sufficient, covering 90 percent of what the Sony A1 does at a cheaper price point. I just traded in my A7III and got an A7IV with the trade in of a older Nikon D800e body and Fuji X100V body and one lens, so the A7IV was free. I purchased a Sony 24mm GM that day as well. I saw a used A9 with 17,450 shutter clicks with the battery grip for $2023.00 including the shipping so I order one. I already owned a A7RIII, so I have megapixels to spare and see no need to buy an A7RIV. I put the A7IV to the test along with my A7RIII at an event where our local mayor and the business community showed up (a who’s who type of thing) and we had the contract. Two of my photos were submitted to the local media and one of my photos ended up in the business journal. The Sony A7IV is a very good camera and combining it with a 135mm GM and a 24mm GM on the A7RIII made a deadly combination. I got shots in horrible lighting condition (no flash could be used after the lights went down, per contract). Keep up the outstanding coverage Wes because your logic defines your spirit.
Agreed on all points. I'm kinda baffled that there have been no price adjustments on the a1 still. And they likely won't need to, because as you say the R1 will be Insanely expensive, and the Z9 will likely have to increase in price. I'm surprised Nikon hasn't done that already, since they can't make even close to enough of them. (a friend of mine ordered one from their favourite retailer at launch A YEAR AND A HALF AGO and is still waiting. Just wow). Odds are Nikon is willing to eat some losses on the Z9 as they know it's doing a lot to repair their branding. But they desperately need a Z8 that costs less, is smaller, etc etc. I know So Many people (mostly wedding photogs) who have a Z6ii or Z7ii and are incredibly disappointed, but they also don't want to spring for, or wait for, a Z9. And I can't say I blame them. Those cameras are outdated, while the Z9 is still ahead of it's time (so far ahead the firmware still isn't quite ready yet 😂), but then there's Nothing in the middle! They're in such a precarious position that could easily go either way at the moment, and with a Z8 (same sensor as Z9 with less insane specs, smaller body, and less money), they could be eating Sony's lunch right now. Would have to guess they're having supply issues on the sensor itself... which is interesting, since it was recently discovered that the sensor is indeed made by Sony. Hopefully Sony isn't playing dirty here.
I don't know if you mentioned it in the video, but what do you think about the low light iso performace (for photos) vs the A7IV that you have? Great video btw!!
Oh it’s great. AF isn’t Quite as reliable as on the a9 in lowlight as far as hit rate goes, but at the same time eye and face AF kick in a lot more at the same light levels. As far as noise goes, it gets a bit noisier, but I find the messy macro colour noise doesn’t actually become a problem until later than on the a7iii and a9.
Sony heard you :) Alpha 1 Firmware Update v1.3 "The new Lossless Compressed Raw capture will offer small, medium or large (S, M or L) file sizes available in Sony’s menu. The 'L’ file corresponds to the camera's existing Lossless Raw option, which retains full image quality in a smaller file size, which the smaller alternatives reduce the pixel count in the files." ...and 8K 4:2:2 10-bit video
Just read that. Lol Need to confirm the Mp count of the files. And what exactly is going on with the Large one. 🤔 Medium seems to be 21Mp, which is odd that it’s lower res than Any of their other full frame cameras… that doesn’t sound like “medium” to me. Lol. Will have to wait for someone else to test them to see, since Sony wanted this thing back. Haha
@@WesPerry (L) is just the old lossless compressed, (m) is matched to the crop mode making workflow inside the camera easier and opening the door to burst shooting crop/ff switching on the fly for example using the 400GM and 600GM that have a 'crop/ff' ring on the lens. turn the ring a little you move into crop mode let it go and it jumps back in ff mode.. now the files moving into the rest of the camera is the same size/flow...
Lots of useful info - many thanks Wes. May I ask how you deal with the AF situation you describe where the focus point is pulled away by another person once the subject turns their head. This is a common problem for me. Would you switch off subject recognition altogether?
It’s gotten a little better with later firmware updates, but not as good as in the a7Rv (annoyingly), or even in the a9 or a9ii for this particular issue oddly enough. I have a button on the back under my thumb programmed to toggle off and on the face priority in AF. It takes a long time to build up the muscle memory for it, but when I’m getting stuck grabbing faces from behind, I’ll toggle that off for a time. Also switching to small tracking point AF, but even when you’re in that mode it will often go well beyond the confines of the small point to grab a face elsewhere in the frame.
I got one about 6 months ago to replace my a9, It's hopefully the last camera I will be buying for a long time. Autofocus is near perfect, banding on silent shutter is something I don't worry about anymore (a7iii was OK up to 1/100th) and the best thing is, it will fire my Elinchrom's up to 1/4000th on electronic shutter. I've just replaced them with some Profoto B10X's, early testing looks like it's usable up 1/32000 on electronic shutter. Only thing I don't like is the Sony hotshoe design, really appalling, those tiny pins have no place on any camera..
Those tiny pins do serve a purpose (multiple analog and digital inputs), but they were a terrible design from the get go, and apparently it’s too late to go back on 🤦🏻♂️
@@WesPerry The pins on the camera can get shorted out or rust when exposed to raindrops. I also damaged a $430 profoto air trigger because the pins on any flash device are extremely fragile. I have Sony K3-M XLR mic adapter and had to velcro the hotshoe cover so I can stick it to the side of the device as you can easily destroy the pins.
@@Finsterwald_ Yes, had 0 problems with it, never had any overheating. Won't be looking at upgrading/replacing for a long time, does everything I want. Regards Ed
I've paid the deposite on my, patiently waiting for the store to ring me to say come and pick it up LOL Switched from Nikon DSL few years back got standard Sony A7 still use it, have some old Mamiya 6X7 lens with an adapter just to fun to play around with, then got the Sony A7R2, has a great senor it (looked up top 10 cameras re senors and guess what there is was the R2!)
i was excited to have this (got it used less $1700AUD since aguy returned a mint one to the store) but after shooting a wedding with it --- the 256gb tough card usually having 9000+ photos goes 3000+ for this camera. that made me put it back to the hard case and go back to both my a9 orig hahahahaha files are not practical for my wedding gigs :)
Yeah storage gets Real expensive when you’re shooting 50mp! I’m hoping Sony manages to release an a9iii. Same res as the a7iv, but with a stacked sensor. If it uses the same tech as the a1, it wont need a mechanical shutter, as the scan speed will be even faster than on the Z9!
@@WesPerry So much for 33MP on the a9III. Mebbe next time 'round. I agree that 33MP seems like a Goldilocks rez for event work. Unless you want to use Crop Mode with primes. Then it's 50MP-61MP.
Great review. My favorite camera. Love the new update that reduces file size and improves rhe already great autofocus even more. Don't count sony out for updates remember the a9 came out with significant update years later. it's only been a year and a few months for the A1. I do wish they were quicker about this.
focus breathing - I rarely get this unless i'm trying to focus within minimum focal length. focusing faces that are covered, with small area focus and the back joycon. you can argue you get sony cine log in a non cinema camera... that could be a value at 6500; up to you. for me this is the one.
I used to think that. Until I did a commercial shoot using the 35GM and had to scrap a lot of the footage. Every time the talent shifted in their seat, the edges of the frame shifted and shimmered distractingly. 🤦🏻♂️
I'd imagine they didn't do a higher resolution back screen because of power consumption. I own the a1 along side an a7Siii and between the two they cover 100% of my workflow so I'm pretty happy with both! When comparing the value, you really have to drop the a7IV piece because the a1 is essentially a hybrid pairing of the a9, a7Siii, and the a7RIV. There is no other Sony camera that can switch from high resolution high speed photography to 60fps-120fps video shots. The feature pairing is what drives the price as it should. 90% of people comparing the a7IV to the a1 are going to be just fine with the a7IV. If you don't truly know or understand where the price variance lies then you really should buy the a7IV because chances are you aren't working in areas that require the a1's capabilities! The Canon and Nikon cameras... it's not about $1,000 difference... it's an entire system swap! I'm a Sony shooter with $15k in sony glass, I'm not switching to Canon or Nikon to save $500-$1000 on a body. Again, if you are bouncing around like that between systems with the flagship cameras then you are probably over purchasing your equipment, that or you're rich and it doesn't matter to you!
That’s a bit of a cop-out of a reason, though. If they need a new battery then they need a new battery 🤷🏻♂️ It already gets middling battery life compared to the rest of the lineup, so as inconvenient as that might be for someone like me who already has 10 FZ100 batteries, if it gets the job done, it would be appropriate.
@@WesPerry Well yeah of course it is but look at the last time they developed a new battery. It's clearly not high on their or any other companies priorities because really none of the high end bodies provide stellar battery life.
But they could also get creative. Like perhaps using a variable refresh rate LTPO OLED display that automagically goes into low power/low refresh mode when you’re not holding the grip, or if your finger isn’t on the shutter button (customizable parameters, just like time out times).
@@WesPerry And the price on the handle is nuts for you guys up north man. It's only $350 usd for us. I just did a shoot on Saturday north Texas 90 degrees (32.2 C via Google), 4 1/2 hours 1,300 shots raw, had 46% battery left when I got home. And that was on the factory a1 battery.
given that the z8 is a lot cheaper I wish I had bought into the Nikon eco system instead. Sony still asks for the same amount of money 3 years later without giving it anz new features whatsoever
You are absolutely right! However, I wouldn't buy the a7iv. It still has front focused issues!!! No thanks. I think the a7riii is a great deal right now for less than the a7iv.
Not sure how you come to the conclusion the silent shutter on the z9 id better than on the A1, the speed is about the same 3.8ms vs 3.7ms the A1 has todo 5mpixels mode but this is not important what is important is that sony can do 30 fps near full raw (14 bits lossy) and can do a higher flash sync in FF and even faster in crop mode 1/200 and 1/250. This all is not a big deal just don't get why you feel the silent shutter is better... well you can set your own sound effects thats cool... Z9 can't do flash sync 1/8000 of second unless in hss mode just like the A1... both do 1/8000 in mech shutter.
Not sure where you heard that, but as shown in the video the Z9 has a faster scan speed than the a1. Additionally you mentioned the Z9 does 1/8000 sync with mechanical shutter… it doesn’t. It has no mechanical shutter. It does this with electronic shutter.
@@WesPerry Sorry i was unclear the read out speed on z9 is a little faster but not that much. You say a1 does 160/200 thats 1/200 (ff) and 1/250 (crop). The A1 mech shuetter is 1/400 (ff) and 1/500 (crop). The Z9 is fixed at 1/200. What i am wondering about is where you got this 1/8000 of a second from for the z9 since it has no mech shutter its 1/200 for 1/8000 both need to use hss. So thats why i wonder why you feel the z9 has a much better sensor readout the bases for the z9 is a sony stacked sensor (IMX609 based) the A1 uses a IMX610 stacked sensor. I have no idea why nikon doesn't allow you a higher sync speed in crop mode (should also be able todo 1/250 or maybe even 1/300). But if you can point me to how synce the z9 manual states it can only do 1/8000 in 'auto FP highspeed sync (hss). Sorry my goal is not to argue your nice review and no idea why i stated 1/8000 with mech shutter since it doesn't have one indeed only a 'door' that closes for dust.
@@WesPerry again last thing i want is start a fight really but then it becomes same as on the A1. The A1 is better for flash-sync both in electronic and mech mode (clearly since it has none). I (and i see others) only commented on this because you where so specific in the video... but lets move on no harm done. I think both are great cameras but for me my A1 wins everytime i just don't want such a big camera as the z9 thats a showstopper for me i prefer a l-bracket.
I find that Sony is a lot slower in providing software upgrades than Canon or Nikon. The Sony A1 has been around for 1 year and no mayor update when compared to Canon and Nikon.
It wasn’t that long ago that they were much faster. But it’s beginning to feel like they just did it all to fake us out and win market share. Now they’re much less forthcoming with strong updates. Remember when the a9 was updated with Real Time Tracking AF?? Man that was Huge.
Indeed. Their “AI” needs to be smarter. Ironically one of the big advances when the a9 was upgraded to have real time AF was that it would simply hold onto a subject in general if it lost the eye or the head turned. And now with the latest generation they’ve regressed on that front.
@@WesPerry with z9 and the 1.10 and 1.11 it did switch to the head when the face was not visible, now in 2.0 it will jump on the brightest face even is it is out of focus. The ai model looks good at finding faces and eye even if they are out of focus but the prioritization is a bit strange.
it needs a major firmware update for the price let alone that cheaper Sony's have more options at a fraction of the price, and seriously it will damage Sony if they dont up their game on the flagship camera. I hear some users groups are trying to go on an action lawsuits for its over heating issues specially after Sony's claim it doesn't overheat .
@@WesPerry so do I lol - got the camera at 3 am when I was drunk lol. Now it’s mostly sitting in my camera bag because I’m not a pro and I can’t find work. Maybe I’ll start renting it out.
Uhhh… let me know. Haha. Could be wrong. Would make more sense. But the same settings don’t seem to exist in the a1 menu. Other Sony cameras Can do it, but not in the full quality 1080 mode that the a7iv does.
@@WesPerry nah just tested it. u have to install that webcam thingy and activate pc remote function to USB in camera. so the a7iv is quick and easy. but its doable via usbc. i used that first on my a7c and found it here on the a1.
Sorry but you cannot judge something's toughness just by touching it. The only way is to run tests. Something big and heavy doesn't mean it's more durable at all.
Donate $75,000 CDN and I will be more than happy to do some comprehensive objective comparative durability testing on the a1, R3 and Z9. Until then… we have to make some educated guesses I’m afraid. 😏
Hopefully Sony will launch immediately after the v1.3 another worthy firmware update for the a1. The R3 and Z9 gets so munch usefull pro features with the newest updates - unbelievable. 🫣
..And now you have Sony's 1.3 Firmware update that allows you to have small, medium and large RAW files, as well as 8K 4:2:2 video in full frame and APS-Mode - would love to see a followup video from you!
I just like the cat on the video lol.. jahahaha Thanks again Wes!!
Hi Wes, There's a Sony a1 where I work. In silent mode, the flash sync is up to 1/200 sec. In mechanical mode, flash sync is up to 1/400 sec with high speed sync available. I enjoy the guest cameos of Maggie the cat.
Well, sortof… I glossed over this part a bit too quickly so was unclear.
It actually has Four flash sync speeds 😂
Additionally, in APS-C/crop mode, silent shutter syncs up to 1/250th, and in mechanical up to 1/500th.
Well, the A1 now has smaller size RAW through firmware update, so your wish has come true! I’ve had my A1 for well over a year, and it is still my favourite camera by far. Well worth its high price.
Although they say beggars can’t be choosers, I’m not a fan of the sizes they made available 😂
Would rather have one in the 24-33mp range. Oh well 🤷🏻♂️😏
Great video! Owning the A1 I fully agree.
This is the camera I have been dreaming of since the D1 in 1999: hi-resolution and hi-frame rate. Just switched from the pair of A9 I had since 2018 to A1 and the return on investment is worth every penny. I also shoot 8k with 1080p proxies and what a game-changer. I can edit video quickly for deadline as well as have 8k footage for future-proof footage or still frame-extraction. I do wish it had RAW video or 8k 4:2:2 and Slog3 recording when you the video button so I do not gave to switch to video mode for log footage. I have the a7riv and it was a huge disappointment in AF dept as well as slow electronic shutter. The A1 made up for that speed bump.
@Tim Jenkins The new 1.30 firmware update added 4:2:2 10-bit video in 8K. The A1 is the best camera I have ever owned. Coming from over 30 years of owning Canon cameras and lenses. I switched to Sony three years ago.
Why didn’t you go for the Sony FX3? Because of the foto picture quality? I am currently torn between the A1 and FX3. Any advice would be great.
... without question, the a1 is the best camera in our editorial office. But we also only have one copy in use, plus an a7S III and an a7 IV, which together cost about the same. Would we want to do without the a1? No way! But Sony absolutely has to submit a firmware update to at least include the missing features of the a7 IV. Great video, Wes. As always. 👍🏻
It will be a great injustice to their customers if they don’t at least give the a1 feature parity to the a7iv 🤦🏻♂️
There is so much processor headroom in a1 so it would be an unforgivable sin if they released a1 mk 2 without any major firmware improvements. The a9 was almost reborn with what they added in firmware.
@@timjenkins8943 true story. And there is No processor headroom in the a7iv. It runs So Hot doing Anything it’s obvious that they’re pushing it to its limits from the get go.
This is excellent and hope one of many firmware updates for a1
I don’t agree that Sony has to update the A1. It’s an outdated camera and they have no reason to include 2022 or 2023 features, just become its expensive. Imagine you buy a car and after 4 years you want premium features. This is not okay from my point of view.
Update! Just a few weeks after this video came out, Sony finally added S/M/L RAW support, somewhat surprisingly. BUT... As much as I was asking for this… I can’t say I totally agree with their choices here. The "Medium" one is lower resolution than any of Sony's other full frame photography-centric cameras 🤦🏻♂ It should be 24-33Mp. Small makes sense, same as the a7Siii. But imagine if you’re, say, a SONY SHOOTER and shooting with two different Sony bodies. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to match sizes? What an odd choice. Guess Medium will be ideal for shooting alongside a Canon R6 😏
Also, since it's most likely not built into the SOC and is just being on in software, why not just let us choose, Sony? Okay, I'm done 😂
Also just to add something the A1 lossy compression is NOT the same as the old lossy compression of older models it doesn't start with 12bits of data but with the full 14bits and the result is 13bits(ish) end result. This new lossy compressed and the new small raw modes make for a interesting compare. I did a compare between the old 12bit lossy compress on a a7r3 and A1's 14bits and the difference is not small... The new small raw formats are created after the first phase in the camera (probably just before they are written to card) so we don't see any bigger buffer depths or other advantages other then smaller file sizes and quicker write speeds. Because of this is suspect for most people in most use-cases the lossy compressed is still the best option. The (M) raw is matched with the crop mode (we asked for that) making files the same for sport shooters switching between crop and ff on the fly.
Very informative. Every time I pick up my Z6ii (coming from D850) I thank Sony for all their innovation.
The Z6ii does indeed borrow heavily from Sony. The Z9 charts it’s own path to a refreshing degree though. 👌🏻
IMO, flagships cameras should now have built-in m.2 SSD that have like 1TB-2TB drives and better workflow like 5G connectivity for instant upload to a cloud drive/service while shooting. They can even sell these features in a battery grip. Agree that there should be a feature to scale down RAW files. Also, it should have the ability to tilt + rotate the screen. Sony had the lead in the mirrorless market but it's slowly slipping away.
For the price, there should be no compromise. Great video and love the review!
I’m definitely on board with all that. I had a big part of this video talking about many of those things but cut them from the final plan for time.
1st time watching you. I was looking for reviews for the new a1 1.30 firmware. I saw your review was very recent. Great review!! I subscribed. Now I need to go through your library to get caught up. Keep up the great content.
Best Regards,
Cesar L.
Unfortunately that firmware came out just a week after this review. Lol
I have both an A1 and an A7iv and I always put them close by in my humidity cabinet in the hope to find some offspring next morning : an A1 with A7iv’s S&Q/photo/video switch and flippy screen. No luck so far. Also A7iv’s 1/8000 max shutter speed struggles with 50mm f1.2 or 85mm f1.4 in bright outdoors, even on iso50, but for indoors shooting I tend to use it more than A1 due to smaller files and better noise performance.
The iso 50 is fake, so it doesn’t really help you retain your highlights over iso 100 anyway.
But don’t stop trying! Lol
When investment has already been made into a lens system the choice is limited. To avoid constant distraction, complains and eye rolls from the event & wedding participles/guests I had to upgrade from the "Super Loud" shutter "SLAPPING" OF A7IV (switched from the super quiet Fuji X-H1 mechanical shutter) to A7RV (50% quieter) and now an used A1 using the Anti-Flicker bending-free/black-out free electronic shutter. I don't think I would never go back to mechanical shutter again unless I encounter unresolvable bending issue since HSS works perfectly fine up to 1/32,000s on the A1 in electronic shutter mode so far with my flashes & strobes. Looking forward to test it on the indoor roller derby events when the season starts locally but hockey events are working out just great with excellent C-AF when it has been tweaked to get extra sticky time on the subject with interruptions and unpredictable movements. I look forward to the new firmware update coming soon and thanks for the review.
Goodness, if people think the a7iv is loud they have already forgotten about DSLR’s 😂
I was shooting a7iv next to another wedding photog last year and she asked if I was using the “silent electronic shutter” she had heard about. I was like “umm, no, this thing is in loud mode” haha
@@WesPerry Not everyone would complain; however, it's the few that does causes the most fuzz. Yes people do forget the past quickly in this silent smartphone era and not willing to tolerate noise like my old 7D or 5D III or even the A7IV and complained to the organizers (especially during wedding prayer time. People will put up with it does not equines to they like it at all). As someone who is doing it for living, I need to keep up my equipment with the time which is what I had always tell my customers when I worked in camera store.
If your in crop mode active stab still has to crop, because a crop lens still only projects a crop sized image onto a sensor... the sensor may be larger but the image is still APS-C, that extra sensor real-estate on the edges does not help with the active stab. Any more explanation would just become too wordy so hopfully that makes enough sense.
And if you’re not using a crop lens? 🤔 the camera knows what lens I’m using…
@@WesPerry Yes it does but that does not change the size of the image circle said lens projects onto the sensor. i.e. it still only has an APS-C size portion of data to work with and therefore must use the outer edge of that APS-C size of pixels to make the adaptive stab work... hence a small percentage must still be wasted depending on the aggressiveness of the settings you've used.
We’re that the case (which it’s not), you would get consistently measurably different t-stop measurements of equivalent or same lenses between Sony E and Nikon Z bodies. But we don’t. So it’s simply not. Lol
Optically what changes is the incident angle of the final lens element can be constrained. This is not necessarily an issue for all lens designs, though, only some (purportedly primarily ultra wide angle lenses) but even as such, that hasn’t resulted in any measurable advantages in any lens designed by Nikon and Canon with their wider mounts. Perhaps someday…
@@WesPerry Wes... Active stabe is a digital stabilization that uses the outermost pixels to compensate for the movement. No matter how many pixels you start with, regardless of sensor size, you will lose the outermost pixels, hence the crop. You seem to be confusing sensor shift with active stabilization. I really wish someone else would chime in... perhaps ask Gerald Undone since you clearly do not trust what I'm saying.
Maybe we're talking about two diff things? I'm taking about the stabilization based on the gyroscope data you input into Catalyst browse. It needs pixels to work... i.e. you waste the outer pixels hense the crop.
I didn't watch your channel for some time now - but always enjoy it so I'm coming back every now and then ;-)
And you are SO on point with the A1 review. I'd buy it if money was of that little concern. But even being able to afford it there are so many caveats that it just doesn't feel right (or good!).
Some of the hardware is just not up to date for "THE ONE" that is supposed to be the best that's technically possible (at that date).
Not getting some of those software improvements that for example a new Sony RV will provide you is also something to take in...
And while it is an awesome camera, especially if you shoot a lot of video as well, for most people there just isn't any real reason to buy it.
For professionals that can get the same work done with an A7III or an A9... it's not a valueable investment.
This seems to be a camera for a very niche group of people who (might) need it and most of all for people with deep pockets who just WANT it and don't care.
For 5500 Euro or maybe even a solid 6000 Euro I'd buy it. And I feel that's a price compared to the other Sony models but also the other brand models that feels about right.
If an A1II comes out I don't think we're going to see a lot of improvement on the MP side, but many new features and a new display (especially one that is A LOT better!!!) are minimum updates. But honestly at the moment I don't see how they can improve it enough that buying it would make any more sense for most people... but having a decent display would at least make you feel better about buying the camera I guess ;-)
As always: Thanks for the review!
Yeah the Sony lineup is Very complicated now, and it’s really unfortunate.
Apparently the a7Rv had an AI co-processor, which would imply that the a1 will Never will updated with the additional AF features it has. So now what? The a1 isn’t old enough yet to be refreshed, and Sony shortly after launch stated it would have great staying power with many years of firmware updates. And they definitely have not lived up to that promise, only further fracturing their product lineup.
At this point I would assume the a1ii is largely designed and ready to be manufactured, but is waiting for Canon to pre announce the R1 so they can stay on top of it with whatever the latest tech they have available to them at any particular time. Sony is a big ship for sure, but they can pivot Much faster than canon or Nikon can, and they seem to use trying to use this to their advantage. But this business plan is quite frustrating to the end user.
Wes dont you think that Sony should do at least one camera with a pro-body just like the Nikon and Canon?
Not really no. Since “pro body” is a rather subjective construct. But as I mentioned in the video, I think they should put more focus on the grip. Both reducing the price and increasing it’s capabilities/possibilities. Possibly even a new grip that integrates Very lightly to the camera body in such a way that would make it almost indistinguishable from said “pro body”. Right now it looks like it’s tacked on, but with modern manufacturing they could do something so much nicer.
But the versatility the smaller body affords is key to their strategy, and I wouldn’t want them to move away from it. Definitely a matter of opinion, though ;)
Nikon Z9 and Canon R3 are like cell phones in Miami Vice. No thank you. We are better than this.
I love the ability to put my 3rd-party grip on either my a7IV or a7RV. Usually it goes on the a7IV with a large/heavy zoom, while the a7RV stays small and light with a wider prime.
Kitty 😺 Said, You Are Welcome 😊
when i bought mine i had put all my eggs in one basket and bit the bullet hard and thought 5 years plus investment and i have not been disappointed yet at all and does everything i have ever wanted to do. the cf express card has sorted the issue for photos into video straight away. and it has allowed me to do so much more than i could. 4k 120 being one thing i love. also image quality so clean and coming from the 61mp a7riv the 50mp a1 is spot on. also it has been sat on electronic shutter from day one and no issues what so ever in so many scenareos, the rear screen doesnt even bother me at all its totally useable.
I honestly found the rear screen entirely unusable. I could have talked about that alone for 20 minutes 😂
But conversely I wasn’t super impressed with the image quality on the a7Riv, and was concerned this would be similar, but thankfully not at all. The files are Incredibly robust and clean.
@@WesPerry i guess i dont really use the rear screen much so doesnt bother me at all. oh the image quality blows the a7riv out of the water
@@sjm.photos I use the rear screen way more than I should… but that probably has something to do with a combination of my giant nose and a right eye that doesn’t focus well 😂
i agree about the electronic shutter its my favorite. but i find the battery gets depleted very fast and sometime after one hour of use the camera overheat in photo ,mode as well
@Wes did you get a 3rd party (why am i forgetting what these are called) viewfinder that is larger.
helps loads
I gather the A1 got mRAW via firmware update. Yay, I guess. The problem with mRAW is that it's not an actual raw file format: the data from the Bayer-pattern sensor has already been demosiaced. As such, the file is incompatible with Adobe Denoise AI and DxO DeepPRIME noise reduction. I routinely go up to ISO 25,600, so for me this file format is a no-go. The A1's big attraction, for me, is the freedom from banding and the ability to use flash with silent shutter. ALL my event work could be done with silent shutter with this camera. That's big.
I find it so weird that most of the reviewers will say something like “This camera is probably unnecessary for you”, and then only afterward, as if adding an addendum in the fine print, they’ll say “Unless you’re a sports, action, or wildlife photographer”. I have to believe that most of the people who are watching all these videos, and who are seriously considering and evaluating this camera, are sports, action, or wildlife photographers. Most people are watching these videos, at least at this point, because of the camera’s capabilities in those fields. It is its primary selling point, the main reason it costs what it does, and those are exactly the people likely to be most interested. It renders that caveat a ridiculous thing to say - as if *those consumers* are the afterthought.
I can tell you with great certainty that Most people watching these videos aren't any of those things ;) Most are just 'armchair photographers'. Now, I hate using that term, because to each their own. If you enjoy a thing, no one should begrudge you for enjoying it. But I'm in a lot of groups and forums, and they're all rife with people asking questions like "I just bought the a1 and why isn't there a lens on it." or "I'm in auto mode, but my pictures are all grainy." ... and while those people sure should be allowed to buy whatever they want... I would rather they save a few thousand dollars if they can 😂
But even secondary to that, a Lot of people are buying a1's for wedding photography, which, until recently, I would have considered it a complete non-starter for. Now that they've introduced medium and small raw modes, it's a lot more viable, though. But unfortunately I'm apparently never satisfied, as I find their medium to be a bit on the small side 😂 (21mp). Since it's clearly not a function baked into the SOC, as they added it really late in the game, they might as well just let us choose the resolution and make our own res presets at this point. 🤷🏻♂️
I honestly think the best way to buy this camera is secondhand. I got mine from WEX with £1000 off the retail price plus 12 months guarantee . £5000 should really be the retail price. Still, it is without doubt the best camera I have owned and has already paid for itself. Just love rocking up to jobs knowing I have the camera to do whatever is thrown at me.
I’ll have to keep an eye out then 😏
Why would a better camera than the Z9 and R3 cost less than them..? Lol, you’re making no sense.
Great content sir! Well done 👍🏼
Thanks Ken!
Great video, I feel the lens pyramid of Sony e mount is left out of the conversation. To compare the auto focus, etc you need to be using both Nikon, and Cannon new lenses that support mirrorless. That my friends is a whole lot of $$$$ sure you can get adapters and use older lenses, but then you are not hitting those numbers being compared to Sony. Of course with Sony you will need to use newer GM lenses as well, but at least if you were already invested in Sony you already have that covered. Fully invested in pre mirrorless Cannon, Nikon, time to start over.
I actually own two Sony A1’s I love them! I sold my a7rIV, and a9ii to help with the purchase. Personally the R4 felt sluggish, the a9ii didn’t work well with apsc mode. A1 answered all my needs.
Wes, I totally agree with you, the Sony A1 is out of place in respect to its competitors because it’s competitors have caught up. I think the Canon R3 is over price as it gives the Canon R1 no place to go but the moon in terms of price.
Nikon Z9 has changed everything, but Nikon is currently being sued, which is going to cost them a ton of money and when they lose the price of this great camera might go up to cover their expenses. Sony isn’t even toying with sales or temporary rebates and although the features set is great the competitors have shown that it isn’t worth $6500.
For most people a Sony A7IV with an older A9 as back up will be more than sufficient, covering 90 percent of what the Sony A1 does at a cheaper price point. I just traded in my A7III and got an A7IV with the trade in of a older Nikon D800e body and Fuji X100V body and one lens, so the A7IV was free. I purchased a Sony 24mm GM that day as well.
I saw a used A9 with 17,450 shutter clicks with the battery grip for $2023.00 including the shipping so I order one. I already owned a A7RIII, so I have megapixels to spare and see no need to buy an A7RIV.
I put the A7IV to the test along with my A7RIII at an event where our local mayor and the business community showed up (a who’s who type of thing) and we had the contract. Two of my photos were submitted to the local media and one of my photos ended up in the business journal.
The Sony A7IV is a very good camera and combining it with a 135mm GM and a 24mm GM on the A7RIII made a deadly combination. I got shots in horrible lighting condition (no flash could be used after the lights went down, per contract). Keep up the outstanding coverage Wes because your logic defines your spirit.
Agreed on all points. I'm kinda baffled that there have been no price adjustments on the a1 still. And they likely won't need to, because as you say the R1 will be Insanely expensive, and the Z9 will likely have to increase in price. I'm surprised Nikon hasn't done that already, since they can't make even close to enough of them. (a friend of mine ordered one from their favourite retailer at launch A YEAR AND A HALF AGO and is still waiting. Just wow). Odds are Nikon is willing to eat some losses on the Z9 as they know it's doing a lot to repair their branding. But they desperately need a Z8 that costs less, is smaller, etc etc. I know So Many people (mostly wedding photogs) who have a Z6ii or Z7ii and are incredibly disappointed, but they also don't want to spring for, or wait for, a Z9. And I can't say I blame them. Those cameras are outdated, while the Z9 is still ahead of it's time (so far ahead the firmware still isn't quite ready yet 😂), but then there's Nothing in the middle! They're in such a precarious position that could easily go either way at the moment, and with a Z8 (same sensor as Z9 with less insane specs, smaller body, and less money), they could be eating Sony's lunch right now. Would have to guess they're having supply issues on the sensor itself... which is interesting, since it was recently discovered that the sensor is indeed made by Sony. Hopefully Sony isn't playing dirty here.
I don't know if you mentioned it in the video, but what do you think about the low light iso performace (for photos) vs the A7IV that you have? Great video btw!!
Oh it’s great. AF isn’t Quite as reliable as on the a9 in lowlight as far as hit rate goes, but at the same time eye and face AF kick in a lot more at the same light levels.
As far as noise goes, it gets a bit noisier, but I find the messy macro colour noise doesn’t actually become a problem until later than on the a7iii and a9.
Sony heard you :) Alpha 1 Firmware Update v1.3
"The new Lossless Compressed Raw capture will offer small, medium or large (S, M or L) file sizes available in Sony’s menu. The 'L’ file corresponds to the camera's existing Lossless Raw option, which retains full image quality in a smaller file size, which the smaller alternatives reduce the pixel count in the files."
...and 8K 4:2:2 10-bit video
Just read that. Lol
Need to confirm the Mp count of the files. And what exactly is going on with the Large one. 🤔
Medium seems to be 21Mp, which is odd that it’s lower res than Any of their other full frame cameras… that doesn’t sound like “medium” to me. Lol. Will have to wait for someone else to test them to see, since Sony wanted this thing back. Haha
@@WesPerry (L) is just the old lossless compressed, (m) is matched to the crop mode making workflow inside the camera easier and opening the door to burst shooting crop/ff switching on the fly for example using the 400GM and 600GM that have a 'crop/ff' ring on the lens. turn the ring a little you move into crop mode let it go and it jumps back in ff mode.. now the files moving into the rest of the camera is the same size/flow...
Lots of useful info - many thanks Wes. May I ask how you deal with the AF situation you describe where the focus point is pulled away by another person once the subject turns their head. This is a common problem for me. Would you switch off subject recognition altogether?
It’s gotten a little better with later firmware updates, but not as good as in the a7Rv (annoyingly), or even in the a9 or a9ii for this particular issue oddly enough.
I have a button on the back under my thumb programmed to toggle off and on the face priority in AF. It takes a long time to build up the muscle memory for it, but when I’m getting stuck grabbing faces from behind, I’ll toggle that off for a time. Also switching to small tracking point AF, but even when you’re in that mode it will often go well beyond the confines of the small point to grab a face elsewhere in the frame.
@@WesPerry thanks Wes. Think I will hang on to see what the A9iii brings to the table.
I got one about 6 months ago to replace my a9, It's hopefully the last camera I will be buying for a long time. Autofocus is near perfect, banding on silent shutter is something I don't worry about anymore (a7iii was OK up to 1/100th) and the best thing is, it will fire my Elinchrom's up to 1/4000th on electronic shutter. I've just replaced them with some Profoto B10X's, early testing looks like it's usable up 1/32000 on electronic shutter. Only thing I don't like is the Sony hotshoe design, really appalling, those tiny pins have no place on any camera..
Those tiny pins do serve a purpose (multiple analog and digital inputs), but they were a terrible design from the get go, and apparently it’s too late to go back on 🤦🏻♂️
@@WesPerry The pins on the camera can get shorted out or rust when exposed to raindrops. I also damaged a $430 profoto air trigger because the pins on any flash device are extremely fragile. I have Sony K3-M XLR mic adapter and had to velcro the hotshoe cover so I can stick it to the side of the device as you can easily destroy the pins.
Hi mate are you still happy? What are your long term experiences with the A1? What about over heating?
@@Finsterwald_ Yes, had 0 problems with it, never had any overheating. Won't be looking at upgrading/replacing for a long time, does everything I want. Regards Ed
Fantastic review 👌does this camera have better auto focus tracking for wildlife than the Nikon z9?
I’m not experienced with the Z9, but most say that it does by a bit.
you format the memory cards and all the profiles dispear except the camera main memory it still retains what the last profile it was using.
I've paid the deposite on my, patiently waiting for the store to ring me to say come and pick it up LOL Switched from Nikon DSL few years back got standard Sony A7 still use it, have some old Mamiya 6X7 lens with an adapter just to fun to play around with, then got the Sony A7R2, has a great senor it (looked up top 10 cameras re senors and guess what there is was the R2!)
Can I use a V90 card to fill 8K 24? Or do I need cf express?
You can yeah 👍🏻
Well explained :) Sony, it's time to upgrade A1 machine
firmware update now!
i was excited to have this (got it used less $1700AUD since aguy returned a mint one to the store) but after shooting a wedding with it ---
the 256gb tough card usually having 9000+ photos goes 3000+ for this camera.
that made me put it back to the hard case and go back to both my a9 orig hahahahaha
files are not practical for my wedding gigs :)
Yeah storage gets Real expensive when you’re shooting 50mp! I’m hoping Sony manages to release an a9iii. Same res as the a7iv, but with a stacked sensor. If it uses the same tech as the a1, it wont need a mechanical shutter, as the scan speed will be even faster than on the Z9!
@@WesPerry So much for 33MP on the a9III. Mebbe next time 'round. I agree that 33MP seems like a Goldilocks rez for event work. Unless you want to use Crop Mode with primes. Then it's 50MP-61MP.
After purchasing A1 Sony after reading reviews but i always use costly lens now i am thinking what is the use
What’s wrong with the lenses?
The screen is the reason why i would not by this camera even if i had the mone the sony a7r5 screen should have been on it.
Great review. My favorite camera. Love the new update that reduces file size and improves rhe already great autofocus even more. Don't count sony out for updates remember the a9 came out with significant update years later. it's only been a year and a few months for the A1. I do wish they were quicker about this.
Nikon are being very aggressive with pricing to win back market share.
Yep. The Z8 competes quite directly with the A9, for significantly less.
focus breathing - I rarely get this unless i'm trying to focus within minimum focal length.
focusing faces that are covered, with small area focus and the back joycon.
you can argue you get sony cine log in a non cinema camera... that could be a value at 6500; up to you.
for me this is the one.
I used to think that. Until I did a commercial shoot using the 35GM and had to scrap a lot of the footage. Every time the talent shifted in their seat, the edges of the frame shifted and shimmered distractingly. 🤦🏻♂️
I'd imagine they didn't do a higher resolution back screen because of power consumption. I own the a1 along side an a7Siii and between the two they cover 100% of my workflow so I'm pretty happy with both! When comparing the value, you really have to drop the a7IV piece because the a1 is essentially a hybrid pairing of the a9, a7Siii, and the a7RIV. There is no other Sony camera that can switch from high resolution high speed photography to 60fps-120fps video shots. The feature pairing is what drives the price as it should. 90% of people comparing the a7IV to the a1 are going to be just fine with the a7IV. If you don't truly know or understand where the price variance lies then you really should buy the a7IV because chances are you aren't working in areas that require the a1's capabilities! The Canon and Nikon cameras... it's not about $1,000 difference... it's an entire system swap! I'm a Sony shooter with $15k in sony glass, I'm not switching to Canon or Nikon to save $500-$1000 on a body. Again, if you are bouncing around like that between systems with the flagship cameras then you are probably over purchasing your equipment, that or you're rich and it doesn't matter to you!
That’s a bit of a cop-out of a reason, though. If they need a new battery then they need a new battery 🤷🏻♂️
It already gets middling battery life compared to the rest of the lineup, so as inconvenient as that might be for someone like me who already has 10 FZ100 batteries, if it gets the job done, it would be appropriate.
@@WesPerry Well yeah of course it is but look at the last time they developed a new battery. It's clearly not high on their or any other companies priorities because really none of the high end bodies provide stellar battery life.
Well the R3 and Z9 will outlast it, but that’s with some truly enormous batteries 😏
But they could also get creative. Like perhaps using a variable refresh rate LTPO OLED display that automagically goes into low power/low refresh mode when you’re not holding the grip, or if your finger isn’t on the shutter button (customizable parameters, just like time out times).
@@WesPerry And the price on the handle is nuts for you guys up north man. It's only $350 usd for us. I just did a shoot on Saturday north Texas 90 degrees (32.2 C via Google), 4 1/2 hours 1,300 shots raw, had 46% battery left when I got home. And that was on the factory a1 battery.
given that the z8 is a lot cheaper I wish I had bought into the Nikon eco system instead. Sony still asks for the same amount of money 3 years later without giving it anz new features whatsoever
The a1 still has significantly better AF than the Z8 (don’t tell the Nikon peeps I said that lol)
You are absolutely right! However, I wouldn't buy the a7iv. It still has front focused issues!!! No thanks. I think the a7riii is a great deal right now for less than the a7iv.
Anecdotally, I have much less front focusing issues with the a7iv than I have with the a1 👀
But I think I got a bad copy of the 70-200 GM ii
Not sure how you come to the conclusion the silent shutter on the z9 id better than on the A1, the speed is about the same 3.8ms vs 3.7ms the A1 has todo 5mpixels mode but this is not important what is important is that sony can do 30 fps near full raw (14 bits lossy) and can do a higher flash sync in FF and even faster in crop mode 1/200 and 1/250. This all is not a big deal just don't get why you feel the silent shutter is better... well you can set your own sound effects thats cool... Z9 can't do flash sync 1/8000 of second unless in hss mode just like the A1... both do 1/8000 in mech shutter.
Not sure where you heard that, but as shown in the video the Z9 has a faster scan speed than the a1. Additionally you mentioned the Z9 does 1/8000 sync with mechanical shutter… it doesn’t. It has no mechanical shutter. It does this with electronic shutter.
@@WesPerry Sorry i was unclear the read out speed on z9 is a little faster but not that much. You say a1 does 160/200 thats 1/200 (ff) and 1/250 (crop). The A1 mech shuetter is 1/400 (ff) and 1/500 (crop). The Z9 is fixed at 1/200. What i am wondering about is where you got this 1/8000 of a second from for the z9 since it has no mech shutter its 1/200 for 1/8000 both need to use hss. So thats why i wonder why you feel the z9 has a much better sensor readout the bases for the z9 is a sony stacked sensor (IMX609 based) the A1 uses a IMX610 stacked sensor. I have no idea why nikon doesn't allow you a higher sync speed in crop mode (should also be able todo 1/250 or maybe even 1/300). But if you can point me to how synce the z9 manual states it can only do 1/8000 in 'auto FP highspeed sync (hss). Sorry my goal is not to argue your nice review and no idea why i stated 1/8000 with mech shutter since it doesn't have one indeed only a 'door' that closes for dust.
For the 1/8000s I was referring to your comment. This is indeed HSS, and it has no mechanical shutter, achieving this with its electronic shutter.
@@WesPerry again last thing i want is start a fight really but then it becomes same as on the A1. The A1 is better for flash-sync both in electronic and mech mode (clearly since it has none). I (and i see others) only commented on this because you where so specific in the video... but lets move on no harm done. I think both are great cameras but for me my A1 wins everytime i just don't want such a big camera as the z9 thats a showstopper for me i prefer a l-bracket.
I find that Sony is a lot slower in providing software upgrades than Canon or Nikon. The Sony A1 has been around for 1 year and no mayor update when compared to Canon and Nikon.
Honestly this entire business suffers from lack of software updates above 2 years after release.
It wasn’t that long ago that they were much faster. But it’s beginning to feel like they just did it all to fake us out and win market share. Now they’re much less forthcoming with strong updates. Remember when the a9 was updated with Real Time Tracking AF?? Man that was Huge.
Bet you're glad they have smaller raws now
Lol. They did it just in time for me to miss out on it! 😂
Great video! 👍🏻👍🏻 I have a ( Sony a7III ) and would like to upgrade to a ( Sony a7 IV ).
The a7iv is definitely a great alternative! Lol
is that the a9 original wes? ( the other camera)
It is indeed. First one in Canada ;)
@@WesPerry still pretty good, i still use two of them for weddings! i just have the A1 and fx3 to be able to shoot video with my a7s3 friends hahahaa
I get that issue to with the jumping af and the glasses autofocus on my z9. My "slower" z6 doesn't have this behaviour.
They’re just too aggressive 🤦🏻♂️
@@WesPerry yes, that to. but for some reason it will prefer to jump to the brightest eye in the frame.
Indeed. Their “AI” needs to be smarter. Ironically one of the big advances when the a9 was upgraded to have real time AF was that it would simply hold onto a subject in general if it lost the eye or the head turned. And now with the latest generation they’ve regressed on that front.
@@WesPerry with z9 and the 1.10 and 1.11 it did switch to the head when the face was not visible, now in 2.0 it will jump on the brightest face even is it is out of focus. The ai model looks good at finding faces and eye even if they are out of focus but the prioritization is a bit strange.
why a background music , it adds nothing to the review and it is destructing
Who else purely focused on the cat and missed everything else?...
it needs a major firmware update for the price let alone that cheaper Sony's have more options at a fraction of the price, and seriously it will damage Sony if they dont up their game on the flagship camera. I hear some users groups are trying to go on an action lawsuits for its over heating issues specially after Sony's claim it doesn't overheat .
I certainly didn’t have any overheating issues with the a1, but I have with the a7iv.
@@WesPerry the a1 overheats as well and battery get depleted very fast specially with a grip
Both A1 get hot but I shoot a ton of 8k+1080p proxy and never had overheating warning even in 102-110 degree Texas weather.
I can’t afford it bought I bought it and I’m in debt. Be in debt too - it’s a cool camera
Lol I have enough debts as it is 😂
@@WesPerry so do I lol - got the camera at 3 am when I was drunk lol. Now it’s mostly sitting in my camera bag because I’m not a pro and I can’t find work. Maybe I’ll start renting it out.
Haha not a bad idea! Lol
The last camera Sony lent me, just a ZV-E10 I put about 6,000 actuations on it in two weeks. 😂
It would indeed get used 😏
actually, i can use the usbc to make my A1 a webcam... wait.. let me try now (just to make sure) :)
Uhhh… let me know. Haha. Could be wrong. Would make more sense. But the same settings don’t seem to exist in the a1 menu.
Other Sony cameras Can do it, but not in the full quality 1080 mode that the a7iv does.
@@WesPerry nah just tested it. u have to install that webcam thingy and activate pc remote function to USB in camera. so the a7iv is quick and easy. but its doable via usbc. i used that first on my a7c and found it here on the a1.
The “webcam thingy” only produces 720p video as well. Not great.
@@WesPerry got it... ill try to test my friend's a7iv :)
yeah confirmed its 720p
Sorry but you cannot judge something's toughness just by touching it. The only way is to run tests. Something big and heavy doesn't mean it's more durable at all.
Donate $75,000 CDN and I will be more than happy to do some comprehensive objective comparative durability testing on the a1, R3 and Z9.
Until then… we have to make some educated guesses I’m afraid. 😏
Hopefully Sony will launch immediately after the v1.3 another worthy firmware update for the a1. The R3 and Z9 gets so munch usefull pro features with the newest updates - unbelievable. 🫣