The one key missing hardware from A1ii is a new processor to unlock more photo and video features from this class-leading IMX610 sensor, even through future firmware updates.
The A1 ii is the finale of what Sony set out to do when they started with the A7 mk 1. The future might look very different than the DSLR shaped cameras we have now. I imagine this A1 ii will get plenty of updates unlike it's predecessor
I actually said the same thing about opengate. It is crazy that it isn't available in the A1mk2. Sony should have just released an A1C, and then released a Global Shutter A1mk2.
By A1c, Do you mean an a1 in an a7c style body? If so, I anticipate that may not have good reception. The a7c cameras are awesome, don’t get me wrong, but I thing those ergonomics would make the a1 consumer pretty unhappy. And probably would probably overheat
@@kylemeshna They said the same thing about the A7CR, and people love it. Those of us that want stacked sensor in an RF body will pay for it. And make it $4500, so will a lot of others, who would choose it over a Q3 or a Leica M.
@@kylemeshna Yeah they need a new set of cpu's these are based on a arm design from 2015. Sony is always slow in moving cpu's (6-8 years). My guess is the cpu's are now about 1/40 the speed of a iphone16pro and 14nm based to get performance and heat down we need 3,4,5bnm. I was hoping the a1ii would be the first one with new cpu's but i guess it will be a few more years.
There won't be a global shutter for a 50mpx sensor for a long time. There has already been a wave of hate for the low ISO in the A9 III. The global shutter has its limitations, which unfortunately results in poorer photo quality, and the A1 is supposed to be a flagship with top quality, so they first have to figure out how to make the quality good for the 24mpx and only then try to do it for 50Mpx
THANK YOU for being honest and not kissing Aloha’s butt. So lame when Sony fanboys are drunk on the kool-aid and they can’t see when they are being screwed. I also own an A1, day one owner as well. I won’t buy Sony again honestly, I also own an fx3/a7s3 and prior I owned the a7r2, a7r3, a7r4. About 30-40k in Sony gear and lenses currently. Why won’t I buy Alpha anymore? Simple.. I don’t trust Sony. They rarely if ever update firmware. If you google this: sony camera model firmware bricked. Example.. Sony fx3 firmware bricked you’ll see many people with bricked Sonys. Sony cameras that were bricked updating their firmware. Add in that Sony locks down hdmi so using hdmi out, to an atomos as example, even though the A1/A1 II is 8K, it’s locked at 4k60. No other 8k cameras are locked down. My own fault for assuming a flagship would be better than cameras that are 3000-3500 less. 😂 I love my A1, but for what I paid… no, Sony just wants to sell new models. Heck, they’re even moving to a pay firmware model if we believe the rumors. They did it already with the Sony A7V. Google Sony paid firmware. Oh well. If 8k doesn’t matter, the locking off doesn’t matter. Spending this much for no firmware updates or support though? Yikes.
The internet tribes and rumours sweep us up into this mode. The funny part is if you ask 'what features would excite you' they mostly come up with silly demands like nothing but price should be as canon r5ii or it should have a global sensor. We already knew these things would not happen. Most of the downsides you talk about is because they are not ready to update the cpu's yet to a new design which i was hoping really. For that reason i consider this a facelift release and happy to have it on preorder but they could have done more like 32bit audio, gen4 cards, new cpu's but doubt that would have excited people. I also feel many forget things complained about now added like animal af in video.
I found it most interesting when you said the presales are through the roof. I think that kind of points out that SOME of the online folks we all all subscribe to are looking for a "wow" factor, where maybe the regular bread and butter types just want something that makes their job go better. You know what I mean? I'm a hobbyist. I've got 2 bodies: the Fujifilm x-T5 and the Sony A7iii, The X-T5 feels SO fun and magical and fiddly. You can fetishize it. The A7iii is boring. It just works. BUT, if I asked a pro, they'd push me off the roof because autofocus, because full frame, blah blah. I'm more like a camera fetishist, such as it were. I'm cosplaying being a photographer, if I wanted to be flippant. But the REAL people who need this thing, I'm sure they'll love what it does. It points to there being a few different markets. Loved the video and loved the discussion, Kyle.
I am saying the same about Sony bodies, they give you everything you want, but they are not... I have no word for this. I can't say "they don't motivate to go out" or "fun"... but like, you have all, but there is no... soul? Maybe this word could fit. I shoot A7-IV, and I am very impressed of how clean these photos can be on 12.800, not like every of them but only the sharp ones, but what would change if I got A1-2? Nothing. Literally nothing. I wouldn't go out since that day EVERYDAY out for shooting session. I'd have better IBIS, pre-capture, more megapixels than now, better video, better evf, screen, blah blah.. but I would really enjoy it like every kid on Christmas who unpackage the present...? Like everybody else in the same situation. We don't rationalize our purchases. We should always ask ourself, IF WE INVEST in this or that, will it change drasticaly our motivation or succes in this or that? Do we have a proper LENSES before we go this or that camera? What do we really want from our photography? What field we go into, because we can't shoot 50 areas of photography, from weddings to sport professionaly. It's not in the same league. There is a lot of aspect, and you have to ask always yourself: - what you miss, - what you need, - for how many years you are investing this money - what if this or that will happen in next years - do we have a lens we NEED to our field etc. people are so crazy about fullframe lobby, they forget there are other cameras and lens choices. And if you don't monetize your work, or really won't go for it professionaly, you should even think about these cameras, for real.
@@pentagramyt417 - that's pretty much where I am in my "journey," at present. I have an APS-C (Fuji) and I have a FF (Sony) and I prefer taking the Fuji out. The knobs and dials. But I'm not a pro. So, now that I know that, I just appreciate Kyle and his POV and I don't worry about what I should buy or not. ;)
The issue is not a "seemingly" disappointing upgrade of a camera that was already top notch in its first version. The issue is overall pricing which is 7499 Euro here in Europe. This is insane for acamera that is no longer in a class of its one. The two direct competitiors out there offer cameras with 85-90% of the features the a1 ii offers, for almost half the price. That should be plenty enough for most people. Good for us but not good for me having been a Sony a1 user who will now change camp.
@@kylemeshna Good point ... In the end you have to balance overall cons and pros. I will stay with Sony in parts because I also own the superb 300/2.8 GM but hope they come with an a7 V in the future that is not restricted to 10fps like they did in the past :)
@@kylemeshnaswitching costs are extensive, A1 and Fx3 owner here. but staying in the wrong camp is more expensive. the lack of firmware support alienated me from the brand - every entry camera got better AF, took them ages to provide breathing comp updates etc …I‘ve had it with Sony.
You said very well, if it Fits your needs, I'm staying with Sony, I will keep enjoying my A7R5, my A74 and I'm hoping to see a nice A75 in the near future. Great review
@@kylemeshna It's definitely true. Sony understands that Sony users will never leave Sony and they love new gear. So why do firmware updates when I can just sell you a new camera. 🤷🏿♂️
@@kingcuttttWhy would Sony users never leave Sony? Nikon has done a beautiful job of positioning themselves as the destination for disgruntled Sony users.
A1-2 ---> could be EXCELLENT, maybe even best investment for next years, if you UPGRADE from like anything below A1 and A9III. A1-2 ---> may be good, if you want an upgrade from A1, only for some features, but is it worth it? consider selling your own A1 for 60% of market price because it's used product, and add another 40% of the costs to A1-2... meh. Nope. At least that's my personal opinion.
Definitely see where you're coming from. In my opinion, if you can sell an A1 for ~$4000-$4500, then the upgrades are worth it. Having owned an A1 for 3 years, that means I'll spent ~$2000 for using it almost every day during that time. The work its done for me has more than made up for that investment, so I'll gladly invest another $2000 for another 3 years.
I would buy a GFX 100s II or 100ii Yes slower...but image quality it's not even a conversation Fuji GFX files would blow this away Unless you shoot wildlife it's not a conversation 😮
@kylemeshna ummmm yeah nah Dynamic range ..gfx Image quality GFX Low light GFX Weight...similar GFX cheaper.... GFX colours ... Sony cameras produce over sharpened files that are way too clinical But that's just me and yes I shoot professionally
No offence intended, as I don’t know you personally, nor am I familiar with your channel or particularly interested in cameras (I own a Sony ZV-E10 Mk1). However, I came across your video about this camera-thanks to TH-cam’s algorithm-and ended up watching it in its entirety. One thing that struck me is that, despite your extensive experience in this field, it seems the industry’s relentless cycle of “upgrades” continues to dominate. Manufacturers will always leave us yearning for the next feature or the missing capability-it’s how they ensure we keep chasing the so-called “next best thing.”
You aren't really making a point... You talk about his experience and then how companies press consumerism without any sort of link. If they didn't push updates then they wouldn't make any money. Us as consumers absolutely win from this. Nobody is forced to upgrade, only tempted. We get market competition and are able to pick older models second hand or refurbished if we so choose.
@@SoggyKatnip Here’s the point I’m making, and I’ll explain it as if addressing a five-year-old: “The only surprising thing about his video is that he seems surprised.”
As a wildlife photographer who wants to remain in the Sony ecosystem because of the glasses already invested, I will most likely be ordering this camera for the RAW pre-capture capability. The A1 already has a very good wildlife auto-focus, but this pre-capture is a game changer, IMHO. Sure other cameras, like the Nikon Z8/9, also has pre-capture -- but only in JPG.
The one key missing hardware from A1ii is a new processor to unlock more photo and video features from this class-leading IMX610 sensor, even through future firmware updates.
Don't think 8K60 will be a thing until they update the Bionz chip. Encoding is probably hardware bound.
Can always count on an accurate review. Understanding the brand and their intentions 👌🏻
Thanks for å god video! How is the noise reduction compared to the A1? When shooting slog3?
The A1 ii is the finale of what Sony set out to do when they started with the A7 mk 1. The future might look very different than the DSLR shaped cameras we have now. I imagine this A1 ii will get plenty of updates unlike it's predecessor
needed this video. Thanks bro!
You freaking nailed it.....
I actually said the same thing about opengate. It is crazy that it isn't available in the A1mk2. Sony should have just released an A1C, and then released a Global Shutter A1mk2.
By A1c, Do you mean an a1 in an a7c style body? If so, I anticipate that may not have good reception. The a7c cameras are awesome, don’t get me wrong, but I thing those ergonomics would make the a1 consumer pretty unhappy. And probably would probably overheat
@@kylemeshna They said the same thing about the A7CR, and people love it. Those of us that want stacked sensor in an RF body will pay for it. And make it $4500, so will a lot of others, who would choose it over a Q3 or a Leica M.
@soholingo I mean don’t get me wrong. I love my A7CR. I just think the A1 internals are gonna melt in that body
@@kylemeshna Yeah they need a new set of cpu's these are based on a arm design from 2015. Sony is always slow in moving cpu's (6-8 years). My guess is the cpu's are now about 1/40 the speed of a iphone16pro and 14nm based to get performance and heat down we need 3,4,5bnm. I was hoping the a1ii would be the first one with new cpu's but i guess it will be a few more years.
There won't be a global shutter for a 50mpx sensor for a long time. There has already been a wave of hate for the low ISO in the A9 III. The global shutter has its limitations, which unfortunately results in poorer photo quality, and the A1 is supposed to be a flagship with top quality, so they first have to figure out how to make the quality good for the 24mpx and only then try to do it for 50Mpx
THANK YOU for being honest and not kissing Aloha’s butt. So lame when Sony fanboys are drunk on the kool-aid and they can’t see when they are being screwed. I also own an A1, day one owner as well. I won’t buy Sony again honestly, I also own an fx3/a7s3 and prior I owned the a7r2, a7r3, a7r4. About 30-40k in Sony gear and lenses currently. Why won’t I buy Alpha anymore? Simple.. I don’t trust Sony. They rarely if ever update firmware. If you google this: sony camera model firmware bricked. Example.. Sony fx3 firmware bricked you’ll see many people with bricked Sonys. Sony cameras that were bricked updating their firmware. Add in that Sony locks down hdmi so using hdmi out, to an atomos as example, even though the A1/A1 II is 8K, it’s locked at 4k60. No other 8k cameras are locked down. My own fault for assuming a flagship would be better than cameras that are 3000-3500 less. 😂 I love my A1, but for what I paid… no, Sony just wants to sell new models. Heck, they’re even moving to a pay firmware model if we believe the rumors. They did it already with the Sony A7V. Google Sony paid firmware.
Oh well. If 8k doesn’t matter, the locking off doesn’t matter. Spending this much for no firmware updates or support though? Yikes.
The Sony A1 II is a matured product. It's better than It's predecessor and it's still top tier as a flagship. Value is another matter.
The internet tribes and rumours sweep us up into this mode. The funny part is if you ask 'what features would excite you' they mostly come up with silly demands like nothing but price should be as canon r5ii or it should have a global sensor. We already knew these things would not happen. Most of the downsides you talk about is because they are not ready to update the cpu's yet to a new design which i was hoping really. For that reason i consider this a facelift release and happy to have it on preorder but they could have done more like 32bit audio, gen4 cards, new cpu's but doubt that would have excited people. I also feel many forget things complained about now added like animal af in video.
I found it most interesting when you said the presales are through the roof. I think that kind of points out that SOME of the online folks we all all subscribe to are looking for a "wow" factor, where maybe the regular bread and butter types just want something that makes their job go better.
You know what I mean? I'm a hobbyist. I've got 2 bodies: the Fujifilm x-T5 and the Sony A7iii, The X-T5 feels SO fun and magical and fiddly. You can fetishize it. The A7iii is boring. It just works. BUT, if I asked a pro, they'd push me off the roof because autofocus, because full frame, blah blah.
I'm more like a camera fetishist, such as it were. I'm cosplaying being a photographer, if I wanted to be flippant. But the REAL people who need this thing, I'm sure they'll love what it does. It points to there being a few different markets. Loved the video and loved the discussion, Kyle.
I am saying the same about Sony bodies, they give you everything you want, but they are not... I have no word for this. I can't say "they don't motivate to go out" or "fun"... but like, you have all, but there is no... soul? Maybe this word could fit. I shoot A7-IV, and I am very impressed of how clean these photos can be on 12.800, not like every of them but only the sharp ones, but what would change if I got A1-2? Nothing. Literally nothing. I wouldn't go out since that day EVERYDAY out for shooting session. I'd have better IBIS, pre-capture, more megapixels than now, better video, better evf, screen, blah blah.. but I would really enjoy it like every kid on Christmas who unpackage the present...? Like everybody else in the same situation. We don't rationalize our purchases.
We should always ask ourself, IF WE INVEST in this or that, will it change drasticaly our motivation or succes in this or that? Do we have a proper LENSES before we go this or that camera? What do we really want from our photography? What field we go into, because we can't shoot 50 areas of photography, from weddings to sport professionaly. It's not in the same league. There is a lot of aspect, and you have to ask always yourself:
- what you miss,
- what you need,
- for how many years you are investing this money
- what if this or that will happen in next years
- do we have a lens we NEED to our field
etc.
people are so crazy about fullframe lobby, they forget there are other cameras and lens choices. And if you don't monetize your work, or really won't go for it professionaly, you should even think about these cameras, for real.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Chris!
@@pentagramyt417 - that's pretty much where I am in my "journey," at present. I have an APS-C (Fuji) and I have a FF (Sony) and I prefer taking the Fuji out. The knobs and dials. But I'm not a pro. So, now that I know that, I just appreciate Kyle and his POV and I don't worry about what I should buy or not. ;)
I want that screen so bad but I'm shooting Canon
I will stick with my a7r V
The issue is not a "seemingly" disappointing upgrade of a camera that was already top notch in its first version. The issue is overall pricing which is 7499 Euro here in Europe. This is insane for acamera that is no longer in a class of its one. The two direct competitiors out there offer cameras with 85-90% of the features the a1 ii offers, for almost half the price. That should be plenty enough for most people. Good for us but not good for me having been a Sony a1 user who will now change camp.
How do you factor in the switching costs of changing to a new system?
@@kylemeshna Good point ... In the end you have to balance overall cons and pros. I will stay with Sony in parts because I also own the superb 300/2.8 GM but hope they come with an a7 V in the future that is not restricted to 10fps like they did in the past :)
@@kylemeshnaswitching costs are extensive, A1 and Fx3 owner here. but staying in the wrong camp is more expensive. the lack of firmware support alienated me from the brand - every entry camera got better AF, took them ages to provide breathing comp updates etc …I‘ve had it with Sony.
You said very well, if it Fits your needs, I'm staying with Sony, I will keep enjoying my A7R5, my A74 and I'm hoping to see a nice A75 in the near future. Great review
This camera has everything I didn't have and wanted.
That’s why I don’t like Sony camera, they can just update the A1 to do most of A1ii new function but they just don’t.
Well, that’s not actually true. But I do agree that more regular firmware updates would be nice
@@kylemeshna It's definitely true. Sony understands that Sony users will never leave Sony and they love new gear. So why do firmware updates when I can just sell you a new camera. 🤷🏿♂️
How ? New Grip, new screen, new AI processor by firmware update ?
@@kingcuttttWhy would Sony users never leave Sony? Nikon has done a beautiful job of positioning themselves as the destination for disgruntled Sony users.
A1-2 ---> could be EXCELLENT, maybe even best investment for next years, if you UPGRADE from like anything below A1 and A9III.
A1-2 ---> may be good, if you want an upgrade from A1, only for some features, but is it worth it? consider selling your own A1 for 60% of market price because it's used product, and add another 40% of the costs to A1-2... meh. Nope. At least that's my personal opinion.
Definitely see where you're coming from.
In my opinion, if you can sell an A1 for ~$4000-$4500, then the upgrades are worth it. Having owned an A1 for 3 years, that means I'll spent ~$2000 for using it almost every day during that time. The work its done for me has more than made up for that investment, so I'll gladly invest another $2000 for another 3 years.
@@kylemeshna I agree with you as same as with my own opinion, I am very open minded.
I would buy a GFX 100s II or 100ii
Yes slower...but image quality it's not even a conversation
Fuji GFX files would blow this away
Unless you shoot wildlife it's not a conversation 😮
There’s a lot of scenarios aside from wildlife where an A1 II beats a GFX. Very different cameras though so to each their own
@kylemeshna ummmm yeah nah
Dynamic range ..gfx
Image quality GFX
Low light GFX
Weight...similar
GFX cheaper....
GFX colours ...
Sony cameras produce over sharpened files that are way too clinical
But that's just me and yes I shoot professionally
Lens selection and versatility makes the GFX series a non-consideration.
No offence intended, as I don’t know you personally, nor am I familiar with your channel or particularly interested in cameras (I own a Sony ZV-E10 Mk1). However, I came across your video about this camera-thanks to TH-cam’s algorithm-and ended up watching it in its entirety.
One thing that struck me is that, despite your extensive experience in this field, it seems the industry’s relentless cycle of “upgrades” continues to dominate. Manufacturers will always leave us yearning for the next feature or the missing capability-it’s how they ensure we keep chasing the so-called “next best thing.”
You aren't really making a point... You talk about his experience and then how companies press consumerism without any sort of link.
If they didn't push updates then they wouldn't make any money.
Us as consumers absolutely win from this. Nobody is forced to upgrade, only tempted. We get market competition and are able to pick older models second hand or refurbished if we so choose.
@@SoggyKatnip Here’s the point I’m making, and I’ll explain it as if addressing a five-year-old: “The only surprising thing about his video is that he seems surprised.”
🍕
I shoulda asked you for those clips for the anamorphic section of the vid 😂 Knew you were a bit busy this weekend though
As a wildlife photographer who wants to remain in the Sony ecosystem because of the glasses already invested, I will most likely be ordering this camera for the RAW pre-capture capability. The A1 already has a very good wildlife auto-focus, but this pre-capture is a game changer, IMHO. Sure other cameras, like the Nikon Z8/9, also has pre-capture -- but only in JPG.
The pre-capture is wicked awesome. Helped me get a couple of these street shots that I would have missed otherwise. Would be even better for wildlife
Overpriced garbage 😂 just get the A1 or Canon R5 Mark II 😊
LOL! So you have been shooting with the A1 Mark II everyday for the last 3 years? Really?🤣🤣🤣
Did you literally not watch the next sentence?
Basic critical thinking skills at an all time low I see