Sony Alpha 1 Full-frame Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Camera

Capture what you’ve never been able to before

The Alpha 1 offers professionals an unprecedented combination of resolution and speed, merging the worlds of still and cinematic creation all in one body. Ultra-fast readout from the 50.1 MP sensor allows continuous bursts at up to 30 fps with AF and AE tracking using the electronic shutter. Perfect for any situation where the critical action is over in an instant.

The most technologically advanced, innovative camera that Sony has ever released, the Alpha 1  combines high-resolution and high-speed performance at a level never previously reached. A 50.1-megapixel full-frame stacked Exmor RS™ image sensor capable of up to 30 fps continuous shooting with up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second4, 8k 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video and much more, the Alpha 1 will allow creators to capture what they’ve never been able to before. 

Introducing the Alpha 1
The Alpha 1 features a newly developed stacked Exmor RS CMOS image sensor, built with integral memory and paired with an upgraded BIONZ XR imaging processing engine, making it capable of shooting 50.1-megapixel images continuously at an astounding 30fps with up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second. The Alpha 1 shooting capabilities are further enhanced by a 9.4 million dot OLED Quad-XGA electronic viewfinder, with a refresh rate of up to 240 fps, ensuring no black out.  Additionally, for the first time in an Alpha series camera, 8K 30p 10-bit 4:2:0 video is available, along with 4K 120p 10-bit 4:2:2 recording and S-Cinetone color. The Alpha 1 is also packed with features that support field professionals with faster workflow, including 3.5x faster wireless FTP transfer speed  and more.

50.1MP 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 megapixels 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 second (1.5x the speed of the α9 II) while offering fast, precise phase-detection AF 

Continuous Shooting up to 30fps with 120 AF/AE calculations per sec.

The Alpha 1 captures moments that would otherwise be lost thanks to its high-speed readout from the 50.1-megapixel image sensor, making it possible to shoot up to 30 full-frame images per second, using the electronic shutter, with full AF (autofocus) and AE (auto exposure) tracking up to an astonishing 120 calculations per second, with AE response latency as low as 0.033 second, even with sudden changes in brightness. A large buffer memory and increased overall system speed allow up to approximately 165 JPEG images or 155 compressed RAW images 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.

8x more powerful, 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.

World’s first 240 fps refresh rate, 9.44M 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 first 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-free shooting up to 30fps 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-free 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 first anti-flicker mechanical and electronic shutter
In addition to anti-flicker shooting with mechanical shutter, the Alpha 1 is the World’s first 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 shooting, up to 120 AF/AE tracking calculations per second, up to 30 fps continuous shooting, 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 megapixel image sensor, the Alpha 1 reduces rolling shutter by approximately 1.5x19 compared to the α9 II when shooting stills 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.

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 fastest 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 sync 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 points, 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)
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 animals, the Alpha 1 employs high-level subject recognition technology to provide Real-time Eye AF for birds, 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 102,400 and 15+stop dynamic range
The Alpha 1 delivers exceptional image quality and 15-stop dynamic range from the new high-resolution 50.1 megapixel 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 ISO50~102,400 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.

Stunning realism with 8K 30p movies
For the first time in the α series, the α1 offers 8K 30p XAVC HS recording with 8.6K oversampling for extraordinary resolution and realism. Combined with superior α1 AF, gradation, and color reproduction performance, 8K resolution brings the world to life. Four times the resolution of 4K with full Real-time Tracking and Real-time Eye AF functionality. 8K footage is also ideally suited to flexible 4K editing. Low-bit-rate proxy files with HD resolution can be recorded simultaneously with 8K.

4K movies at a high 120fps frame rate
The α1 supports high frame-rate internal 4K movie recording at up to 120fps, for smooth, expressive slow-motion playback at up to 5x. 10-bit 4:2:2 chroma subsampling can be used with Long-GOP or Intra (All-I) compression for outstanding image quality, while the new image sensor and BIONZ XR engine minimize image distortion.

4K with full sensor readout, no pixel binning, and 5.8K oversampling
In the Super 35 mode, approximately 2.3x the amount of data required for QFHD 4K is acquired through full-frame readout with no pixel binning, for beautifully imagery that is rich in detail.

10-bit 4:2:2 chroma subsampling
10-bit depth, 4:2:2 chroma subsampling, a high-efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec, intra-frame coding, and more, support flexible editing and a variety of delivery formats.

Real-time Eye AF and Real-time Tracking for movies
The BIONZ XR engine features significantly improved detection, accurately tracking human eyes at a wider range of head angles. Also available for 8K and 4K 120p recording.

S-Log for compatibility with pro cine cameras
S-Log2 and S-Log3 are included. S-Log3 provides smooth 10-bit gradations and a dynamic range of 15+ stops. S-Gamut, S-Gamut3, and S-Gamut3.Cine color spaces supported.

10-bit 4:2:2 HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) support
High-dynamic-range HLG movies support the wide-gamut BT.2020 color space, and can be directly played on an HDR (HLG) compatible TV. 10-bit HLG recordings reproduce fine gradation and detail.

16-bit RAW output
The α1 allows 16-bit RAW output to an external recorder via HDMI for improved post-production flexibility. RAW output via HDMI is available while recording 4K to internal card media.

Digital audio interface for superior sound
A digital audio interface delivers outstanding audio quality with compatible audio devices connected via the Multi Interface Shoe. Pristine digital audio is delivered directly to the camera.

Heat-dissipating structure for extended recording
A newly developed heat-dissipating structure prevents overheating during continuous recording without increasing body size. Record 8K/30p or 4K/60p video continuously for up to 30 minutes.

The cinematic S-Cinetone look
The α1 includes the same S-Cinetone color matrix that produces beautiful color and skin tones in the VENICE, FX6, and other Cinema Line cameras. S-Cinetone delivers natural mid-tones that are essential to healthy-looking skin color, plus soft colors and gorgeous highlights, responding to a growing need for more expressive depth.

Active Mode image stabilization
A new Active Mode dedicated to movie shooting makes 5-axis optical image stabilization highly effective for handheld shooting. It uses the BIONZ XR engine's real-time processing capability to apply optimum compensation in all formats, including 4K. All of this is realized without compromising the compact size and mobility of the α system.

5-axis optical in-body image stabilization for a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage
A high-precision stabilization unit and gyro sensors plus optimized image stabilization algorithms achieve up to a 5.5-step shutter speed advantage, maximizing the quality of the high-resolution images derived from the camera's 50.1-megapixel sensor. The α1 also features an Active Mode that offers outstanding stabilization for handheld movie shooting. 

Independent still and movie settings
A subset of the camera's shooting settings now change according to the selected shooting mode. This can be an advantage when you want to use different aperture, shutter speed, and other settings for shooting stills and movies. The available settings are: Aperture, Shutter Speed, Exposure Compensation, ISO Sensitivity, Metering Mode, White Balance, and Picture Profile.

Pan shots with electronic shutter
Using electronic shutter at low shutter speeds can reduce display response, making it difficult to follow fast subjects. Turn [Low Frame Rate Limit] ON when shooting at a shutter speed lower than 1/60 to insert blackout frames at an appropriate frame rate to improve display response and make it easier to follow the subject without display lag

HEIF: High compression with excellent image quality
In addition to a versatile range of RAW and JPEG formats, the α1 includes the HEIF (High Efficiency Image File) format for smooth 10-bit gradations that provide more realistic reproduction of skies and portrait subjects where subtle, natural gradation is essential. The advanced compression technology used by the HEIF format also maintains image quality that is on par with the best JPEGs, with approximately twice the compression.

Lossless compression plus "Light" JPEG
In addition to compressed and uncompressed RAW, the α1 includes efficient lossless compression with minimal quality degradation. There is also a new "Light" JPEG size setting that results in smaller files than the "Standard" setting, allowing faster delivery for news and sports photographers who depend on speed.

Comprehensive touch operation
A revised menu structure provides easier navigation, and touch-responsive menu operation offers faster, more intuitive control. All main and function menus are touch responsive. Even more intuitive control is provided by Touch Focus and Touch Tracking. With Touch Tracking enabled, all you have to do is touch a subject on the monitor to initiate Real-time Tracking for that subject, for both stills and movies.

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

Two CFexpress Type A-compatible media slots
The α1 has two media slots that both support UHS-I and UHS-II SDXC/SDHC cards as well as new CFexpress Type A cards for higher overall capacity and faster read/write speeds. CFexpress Type A cards are ideally suited to high-speed continuous still shooting, as well as high-resolution, high-bitrate movie recording. Recorded stills and movies can be saved to the memory media in numerous ways, to match a wide range of applications and needs.

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 fastest 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. 

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.

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