Sony a1, a camera to break limits: 8K, S-Cinetone and more

Sony a1, the best of Sony in a compact body

At the end of the year we had the opportunity to test the Sony a7s III, a camera that had been released in the middle of the year and put a clear focus on video issues. We loved the camera and beyond the price, we really couldn’t fault it. Because its performance in photo was very good, but in video it was simply spectacular.

Even so, when that new Sony proposal was unveiled, there were those who accused the brand of not taking risks. An accusation motivated in part by the move that Canon had made months before to introduce the EBoxS R5, a camera with the option to record video in 8K. Now we understand why Sony preferred to play it safe, to a camera capable of offering great quality in all kinds of scenarios and always according to technical characteristics that did not weigh on it but on the contrary, because it was working on The Chosen One.

Yes, the Japanese manufacturer describes the new Sony a1 as the chosen one and we may be wrong. Because it is a camera that, from its technical sheet, makes it clear from the beginning that it is aimed at the most professional users with the highest demands. And yes, now he is capable of capture video at 8K resolution at 30p or arrive up to 120p at 4K resolution. All this with color profiles that make the most of the information capture capabilities. What’s more, it shares the S-Cinetone profile that until now was on the Sony Venice, a film camera.

On the Sony website you have all the complete and detailed specifications, but we will tell you what is important to know if you are interested in the whole subject of cameras and especially high-end ones.

Sony a1 technical characteristics:

• Full-frame sensor with 50.1 MP resolution
• 5-axis image stabilizer on the body
• BIONZ XR processor
• Mount E
• Maximum photo resolution 8640 x 5760 pixels (49.7 MP)
• Maximum resolution in 8K video at 30p and at a speed of 120 fps in 4K
• Phase detection focus system and 759 points
• Screen adjustable up and down, but not rotatable like the A7s III
• 1.6 cm electronic viewfinder and 9,437,184 dots of resolution
• Bluetooth, WiFI and gigabit ethernet connection built into the body
• USB C connectors, audio input and output
• Dual SD / CFexpress type A card slot

These are the most striking aspects and the basics that anyone looks at at first when deciding which camera to buy or which one could best meet their needs, but there are still many more details that you can consult on the Sony a1 website.

A camera for whatever you want

Let’s put aside the technical specifications, which are logically important to the audience for this new camera, and let’s talk about its possibilities. Who would need a Sony a1 and who would we recommend it to? Well basically anyone who can pay what it costs and that is not little, but this is a proposal for demanding users and image professionals.

The camera has not only been designed to offer great image quality when capturing photos or recording video, but also with the idea of ​​improving user workflows. Hence all the improved wireless connectivity options that allows more precise and faster control through software that can be installed on PCs and Macs. But it is not the only thing, because you can also connect a network cable for remote control and to facilitate Faster file transfer via FTP connection.

All this plus other details such as the inclusion of the S-Cinetone color profile which until now was present in film cameras such as Sony Venice, the use of much more optimized formats such as HEIF, etc., make this a camera with such a wide range of possibilities that it will be difficult not to take it into account when it comes to upgrade equipment. Even more so if you dedicate yourself to studio photography.

In this example video with material recorded by the Sony a1 with different lenses and at 8K resolution, you can get a very clear idea of ​​the camera’s ability to achieve incredible images.

Sony hits the camera market

Sony recently became the number one interchangeable lens camera manufacturer in Japan. Something that had not been achieved to date if all types of cameras were put, both SLR and without mirrors. Now, with the launch of this new Sony a1, they not only hit the table but also shake up the entire market.

The Sony a1 is without a doubt a very versatile and very powerful camera for photo and video themes. You always have to be cautious, because until you can try it you should not value it. Even less if problems like those of Canon and its heating occur later, although here Sony seems that it has been more ready and added a better cooling system inside.

However, the only downside that we can put again is none other than the price. And not because it is not going to be worth it, but because few will be those who can really assume a disbursement that in dollars will be around $ 6,500 and at the change we assume that it will go to about 7,000 euros.