SONY ALPHA 1 BODY

Specifications

50.1MP1 full-frame stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor w/ integral memory
The innovative full-frame Exmor RS™ image sensor delivers an overwhelming combination of resolution and speed with 50.1 effective megapixels1 in a stacked CMOS architecture with integral memory. The sensor’s stacked structure and advanced A/D (analogue to digital) conversion provides significant improvements over the α9 II, allowing a huge amount of data to be read from the pixel area at high speed, then temporarily store it in the chip’s integrated memory so that high-speed processing can proceed without delays. Despite the large volume of data produced by the sensor’s 50.1 million pixels (approx. twice the pixel count of the α9 II), the Alpha 1 can shoot continuous bursts at up to 30 frames per second³ (1.5x the speed of the α9 II) while offering fast, precise phase-detection AF

Continuous Shooting up to 30fps3 with 120 AF/AE calculations per sec. ⁴
The Alpha 1 captures moments that would otherwise be lost thanks to its high-speed readout from the 50.1-megapixel1 image sensor, making it possible to shoot up to 30 full-frame images per second³, using the electronic shutter, with full AF (autofocus) and AE (auto exposure) tracking up to an astonishing 120 calculations per second⁴, with AE response latency as low as 0.033 second^*4, even with sudden changes in brightness. A large buffer memory and increased overall system speed allow up to approximately 165 JPEG images^*2 or 155 compressed RAW images^*3 to be captured in one continuous 30 fps burst and at 20 frames per second, users can shoot up to 238 full-frame compressed RAW images or 400 full-frame JPEG images. This can be a huge confidence-booster when timing is critical for sports, wildlife, and other moving subjects.

^*1 “Hi+” continuous shooting mode. In focus modes other than AF-C, effective at 1/125 sec. or higher shutter speed. In AF-C mode, effective at 1/250 sec. or higher shutter speed, and the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode and lens used. 20 fps max. when shooting uncompressed RAW or lossless compressed RAW. A software update may be required for some lenses. Visit Sony’s support web page for lens compatibility information.
^*2 “Hi+” continuous shooting mode, Fine JPEG images recorded to one Sony CFexpress Type A memory card. Sony tests.
^*3 “Hi+” continuous shooting mode, compressed RAW, recorded to one Sony CFexpress Type A memory card. Sony tests.
^*4 “Hi+” continuous shooting mode. In focus modes other than AF-C, effective at 1/125 sec. or higher shutter speed. In AF-C mode, effective at 1/250 sec. or higher shutter speed, and the maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode and lens used. 20 fps max. when shooting uncompressed RAW or lossless compressed RAW. A software update may be required for some lenses. Visit Sony’s support web page for lens compatibility information.

8x more powerful2, next generation BIONZ XR image processing engine

The Alpha 1 incorporates the next generation BIONZ XR image processing engine which performs 8x faster processing compared to the BIONZ X processing engine. found on previous models. The BIONZ XR handles all of AF, image recognition, image quality adjustments, development, and more in real time, minimizing processing latency while markedly boosting still image and movie processing power. Furthermore, user interface, network, and file management processing are distributed so that fast, stress-free control response is maintained regardless of real-time processing load.

Selectable continuous shooting speeds with electronic shutter

The Alpha 1 offers a range of selectable continuous shooting speeds: 20, 15, 10, or 5 fps assignable to the Hi, Mid, and Lo drive modes. Continuous shooting is fixed at 30 fps in the Hi+ mode. This makes it easier to set a continuous shooting speed that best suits the subject and shooting environment, while an expanded range of speed and compression combinations offers new flexibility. A continuous shooting speed of 15 fps coupled with the “M: 21M JPEG + Compressed RAW” recording mode, for example, will allow more than 1000 still images to be shot in one burst^* in APS-C mode.
^* Number may change according to shooting conditions and the memory card used.

World’s first6 240 fps refresh rate, 9.44M1 dot 0.64” QXGA OLED EVF

Complimenting the camera’s ability to capture images at an unprecedented speed, the Alpha 1 viewfinder features the world’s first6 240 fps refresh rate, for a super-smooth display. The viewfinder does not black out when an exposure is made to offer an uninterrupted view and allow for seamless framing and tracking, even during continuous shooting. The 9.44 million-dot (approx.), 0.64 type Quad-XGA high-definition OLED display and refined optics deliver the highest resolution in its class . It also offers 0.90x viewfinder magnification, a 41° diagonal FOV, and a 25mm-high eyepoint for clear, low distortion viewing from corner to corner.

Blackout-free5 shooting up to 30fps3 from fast sensor readout speed

Viewfinder blackout occurs in conventional DSLRs when the mirror flips up to expose an image. Since the Alpha 1 viewfinder does not black out when an exposure is made, the user has an uninterrupted view of the subject and scene that allows smooth, seamless framing and tracking even during high-speed continuous shooting, ensuring that fleeting moments can be captured with confidence. Blackout-free5 shooting is a game-changer for shooting sports where rapid and erratically moving subjects must be captured, and even for portraits where fleeting expressions can make a huge difference. The Alpha 1 offers a viewing experience that is close to viewing with the naked eye.

World’s first6 anti-flicker mechanical and electronic shutter

In addition to anti-flicker shooting with mechanical shutter, the Alpha 1 is the World’s first6 camera to boast ant-flicker with electronic shutter thanks to the high-speed readout from the stacked Exmor RS image sensor. This makes blackout-free shooting5, up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, up to 30 fps continuous shooting3, silent shooting, and other advantages of the electronic shutter available without flicker issues when shooting under fluorescent or other flicker-prone types of artificial light. Anti-flicker shooting is also available with the mechanical shutter at up to 10 fps (“Hi+” setting) with full AF/AE tracking.

High-frequency flicker-free shooting

In situations where it is necessary to shoot silently using the electronic shutter at stage performances under LED lighting, or for high-speed continuous shooting which requires electronic shutter at sports venues that use LED lighting and signage, the Alpha 1 Hi Frequency Flicker function [Variable Shutter] can significantly reduce problems caused by high-frequency flicker from those light sources by precisely matching the shutter speed to the flicker frequency. While normal shutter speed increments (1/3 or 1/2 step) make it difficult to match the flicker frequency, the Hi Frequency Flicker function finely adjusts shutter speed to match the flicker frequency and thereby minimize related problems.

Anti-Distortion Shutter

Even with its high-resolution 50.1 effective megapixel1 image sensor, the Alpha 1 reduces rolling shutter by approximately 1.5x19 compared to the α9 II when shooting stills^*1 using electronic shutter. Fast sensor readout and the powerful BIONZ XR processing engine all work together to achieve extremely high processing speeds. Additionally, the Alpha 1 also pushes beyond mechanical device limitations with a maximum shutter speed of 1/32000 sec. This extended shutter speed range provides new exposure flexibility and makes ND filters unnecessary in a wider range of lighting and shooting environments.
^*1 Slight distortion may be noticeable in some shooting situations.

Dual drive mechanical shutter for up to 1/400 sec. flash sync

With significant advances in mechanical as well as electronic shutter performance, the Alpha 1 boasts the world’s fastest6 flash sync speed  of 1/400 sec. in Full-frame and 1/500 sec. in APS-C mode with mechanical shutter. It incorporates a carbon fiber shutter curtain that is both durable and lightweight along with a newly developed dual-driven shutter system utilizing spring and electromagnetic drive actuator for faster shutter response. Flash can be added to bring out extra dimensionality in the subject. A faster flash sync. speed takes advantage of the higher flash output vs. using HSS ( using high-speed sync.) for images with wide open aperture in bright situations can also be used to match exposure to a bright background while flash is used to illuminate a moving subject.

Electronic shutter w/ flash sync7 up to 1/200 sec.

Thanks to high readout speed from the stacked Exmor RS CMOS sensor, flash sync7  with electronic shutter is possible for the first time in an Alpha camera. Flash sync. Speed when using electronic shutter is 1/200sec. in Full-frame and 1/250sec. in APS-C mode. The ability to use a flash with silent shooting or at high frame rates opens a new world of expression for many photographers.

Silent, vibration free electronic shutter w/ all-in-one Silent Mode

The electronic shutter in the Alpha 1 has several advantages, including the ability to shoot completely silently and without any vibration that can occur with a mechanical shutter. Silent shutter is ideal when shooting sports or events in a quiet environment, while being vibration-free minimizes the likelihood of vibration-induced blur, further contributing to superior resolution and image quality. Since the electronic shutter has no moving components, it is much more durable than any mechanical counterpart. A convenient All-in-one Silent Mode setting in the menu makes it possible to set all parameters related to silent operation in one quick step, allowing faster setup when shooting concerts, theater, or in other situations where absolute silence is required.

Incredible autofocus w/ 759 phase detection AF points13, 92% coverage

The Alpha 1 incorporates Sony’s highly acclaimed Fast Hybrid AF in all modes for both still and movie shooting. The Exmor RS sensor and powerful BIONZ XR processing engine make it possible to provide a high-density array of 759 selectable phase-detection AF points13 for high-speed autofocus tracking capability with the precision of 425-point contrast-detection AF to quickly lock onto subjects that move erratically or change speed suddenly and track them with tenacious reliability across 92% (approx.) of the imaging area.

Real-time AF tracking, Real-time Eye-AF (humans, animals, birds) 8

Sony’s advanced Real-time Eye AF improves detection performance by 30% over the previous systemi, thanks to the powerful BIONZ XR image processing engine. It ensures accurate, reliable detection, even when the subject’s face looks away. In addition to improved Real-time Eye AF for humans and animals8, the Alpha 1 employs high-level subject recognition technology to provide Real-time Eye AF for birds8, a first in Alpha series cameras. Optimized algorithms ensure that tracking is maintained even if a sitting bird suddenly takes flight, or the framing suddenly changes.

AI-based Real-time AF Tracking

AI-based Real-time Tracking with a 30% improvement in subject detection performance thanks to the new BIONZ XR processing engine and a new subject recognition algorithm uses color, pattern (brightness), distance (depth), face and eye information to process spatial information in real time at high speed. The focus area will seamlessly change between face and eye to object tracking according to the condition of the subject. Tracking [On] and Tracking [Off] can be assigned to custom buttons which are useful to activate AF tracking when needed or temporarily= turn tracking off in situations where tracking is difficult or when the tracking frame might switch to the wrong subject.

Low noise images w/ ISO up to 102,40011 and 15+stop dynamic range12

The Alpha 1 delivers exceptional image quality and 15-stop12 dynamic range from the new high-resolution 50.1 megapixel1 stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor and next generation BIONZ XR processing engine. Highly efficient noise reduction technology results in low noise throughout the standard ISO100~32,000 and expanded ISO50~102,40011 sensitivity ranges. The high-speed BIONZ XR processing engine also deliver constantly acute color reproduction. Deep reds and fresh greens are reproduced in all their natural beauty, while skin textures and tones are smooth, realistic, and healthy looking. A new “Visible Light and IR Sensor” on the front of the body helps to achieve more precise white balance under artificial lighting, including fluorescent and LED lights that sometimes confuse conventional AWB systems.

199MP¹⁸ Pixel Shift Multi shooting w/ flash sync. up to 1/200 sec. 7

Additionally, the new camera features an evolved Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode that composites up to 16 full-resolution images. In this mode, the camera precisely shifts the sensor in one pixel or half-pixel increments to capture 16 separate pixel-shifted images containing a total of 796.2 million pixels of data, which are then composited into a 199 million pixel18 (17,280 x 11,520 pixels) image using Sony’s Imaging Edge™ desktop application. With a flash sync7 of up to 1/200 sec. in this mode, it is ideal for photographing architecture, art or any other still life subject with a level of detail and color accuracy that is simply stunning. 

High transfer speed USB Type-C® (USB 3.2) connector

A USB Type-C® connector that supports fast USB Type C® (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps (USB 3.2)) data transfer is provided. This makes high-speed PC Remote (tethered) data transfer available for smooth handling of large image files. It also provides USB to high-speed wired LAN connectivity to 1000BASE-T Ethernet networks (via an optional USB-Ether wired LAN adapter) for fast wired FTP data transfers in Ethernet based environments. Movie file transfer is supported.

Ethernet port for fast communication

The Alpha 1 provides upgraded network functionality with a built-in connector for wired 1000BASE-T Ethernet terminal, enabling high-speed gigabit communication for stable data transfer operations, including FTP upload and remote shooting.  Ethernet connection provides a more durable connector and over longer cable runs than possible with USB.  1000BASE-T allows data transfer at up to 1 Gbps, FTPS (File Transfer over SSL/TLS) is supported, allowing SSL or TLS encryption for increased data security.

"Industry's fastest6 built-in WiFi supporting 2x2 MIMO

Photojournalists and sports shooters need to be able to deliver stills or movies as quickly as possible. α I has been configured with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac 5GHz/2.4GHz with multi-threading 2x2 MIMO (multiple input multiple output), achieving 3.5x faster^* wireless LAN data transfer . Remote shooting and FTP data transfer for both still and video files are also implemented. 2x2 MIMO utilizes dual antennas to establish two data streams, dividing the load while utilizing the same band.

^* 3.5x speed relative to a9II.

FTP file transfer with Multi-threaded connection for stills and movies with ‘save and load’

α I can transfer still image and movie files to a specified remote FTP server via wireless LAN, high-speed wired LAN via an optional USB to Ethernet adapter, or a USB-tethered smartphone connection to a cellular network. With multi-threading, a more robust and up to 3.5 times (wireless) and 1.2x faster (wired) connection can be realized vs single threading.  Both movie files and still images can be transferred. It is also possible to specify protected files for transfer, single-file transfer via custom key assignment, a file format (JPEG or HEIF/RAW), and more. Up to nine FTP servers can be pre-registered. FTP transfer settings can be saved to and loaded from a memory card separately from the camera settings. This can be useful when connecting multiple cameras of the same model number to an FTP server. All FTP transfer settings are applicable. Up to 10 sets of settings can be saved to one memory card.

Smartphone integration

The Imaging Edge Mobile application (Ver. 7.5 or later) allows a compatible mobile device to be used as a remote-control terminal and data transfer hub with expanded functionality. With IE v7.5, it is now possible to switch between image transfer and remote control functions from the smartphone.  This app also supports Touch Focus and Touch Tracking during movie recording. Transfer & Tagging add-on app is supported to transfer full-size still image files via Wi-Fi. New high-speed, stable USB tethering capability allows FTP data transfers to be carried out via some smartphones. GPS Location Information Link via Bluetooth allows the connected mobile device to record that data with still images or movies (refer to manual for more details). It is also possible to transfer files from a memory card in the camera via Wi-Fi even if the camera power is OFF.

More Features:

MI shoe w/ digital audio interface up to 4ch. 24bit capability¹⁹

Long life Z-battery extendable via USB Type C with Power Delivery

RAW file size options: Uncompressed, Lossless comp. and Compressed

Anti-distortion shutter reduces rolling shutter effect by 1.5x¹⁹

BIONZ XR, Visible Light and IR Sensor improve color and WB accuracy

Σ (sigma) graphite heatsink effectively dissipates internal heat

 802.11ac 2x2 MIMO Wi-Fi delivers industry-leading6 transfer speed

Fast wired data transfer; 10Gbps SuperSpeed USB 3.2 / 1000BASE-T Ethernet

8.6K oversampling for 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 HDR w/ no pixel binning

Up to 4K 120p¹⁵ 10-bit 4:2:2 and full pixel readout in all rec. modes

Up to 4K 120p¹⁵ in XAVC S (AVC), XAVC HS (HEVC) and XAVC S-I (All-I)

Up to 60p 4.3K 16-bit RAW movie output¹⁶ via HDMI Type-A connector

5.8K over sampling for 4K movie in Super 35mm format

5-axis in-body image stabilization for 5.5-step9 advantage

Active Mode¹⁰ image stabilization for smooth handheld movie shooting

Picture Profiles including S-Cinetone, HLG and S-Log 2 & 3

10 pre-set creative looks w/ 8 customizable parameters

No 29m 59s continuous recording limit for movie shooting

Dual card slots, both compatible with CFexpress Type A and SDXC/SDHC

Robust magnesium alloy body w/ dust and moisture resistant sealing17

New menu layout w/ intuitive 3 level structure and touch operation

In-camera extraction of 33.2-megapixel stills from 8K movies

FOOTNOTES

1

Approx., effective

2

Processing power compared to the BIONZ X imaging processing engine

3

“Hi+” continuous shooting mode. In focus modes other than AF-C, effective at 1/125 sec. or higher shutter speed. In AF-C mode, effective at 1/250 sec. or higher shutter speed. The maximum continuous frame rate will depend on the shooting mode and lens used. 20 fps max. when shooting uncompressed or lossless RAW.

4

At shutter speeds of 1/125 sec. or higher. The number of AF calculations will depend on the lens used.

5

Using electronic shutter. Display updating will be slower at low shutter speeds.

6

As of the January 2021 product announcement, Sony survey of full-frame interchangeable-lens digital still cameras.

7

Full-frame up to 1/200 sec., APS-C up to 1/250sec. Synchronization via the sync terminal is not available for electronic shutter. Continuous shooting speeds are slower during flash use when shooting with the electronic shutter.

8

Still image for humans, animals, and birds. Eye-AF for animals and birds not available in movie mode.

9

5.5-step shutter speed advantage based on CIPA standards. Pitch/yaw shake only. Planar T* FE 50mm F1.4 ZA lens. Long exposure NR off.

10

Slight 1.1x (10%) image crop in Active Mode. “Standard” setting recommended for focal lengths of 200mm or longer. Active Mode is not available for 8K recording or when recording at frame rates of 120 fps (100 fps PAL) or higher, or when using S&Q.

11

ISO range ISO100-32,000, expanded to ISO50-102,400 for stills and ISO100-32,000 for movies.

12

15 stop for Still images. 15+ stops movie shooting with S-Log 3. Sony test conditions.

13

759 AF measurement points for still images. The number of points used varies according to the shooting mode.

14

APS-C and Super 35 modes are not available when shooting 4K 120p and 8K movies.

15

120p has a 1.1x crop. XAVC S-I (S&Q) 4K 120p 10-bit 4:2:2 requires CFexpress Type A (VPG200 or higher).  XAVC S-I 4K 60p 10-bit 4:2:2 requires SDXC V90 or faster. XAVC S / XAVC HS 4K 120p 10-bit 4:2:2 requires SDXC V60 or faster. XAVC S HD 240p 10-bit 4:2:2 requires SDXC V60 or faster. CFexpress Type A supports all internal shooting modes.

16

Requires optional compatible external recorder.

17

Not guaranteed to be 100% dust and water resistant.

18

Image size after compositing is approx. 49.7  million (8640 x 5760) pixels for 4-image shots, and approx. 199 million pixels (17280 x 11520) for 16-image shots. Four 49.7 megapixel images, provide approx. 199 million pixels, and sixteen 49.7 megapixel images provide approx. 796 million pixels before compositing.

19

When paired with optional compatible microphone like the XLR-K3M digital microphone adaptor kit

20

Approx. 1.5x compared to the α9 II using electronic shutter. Slight distortion may be noticeable in some shooting situations. Shutter speeds slower than 1/2 sec. cannot be selected.