Sony released the next generation to their flagship Alpha 1 lineup, now designated with a “II”, and their first G Master fast 28-70 standard zoom lens.
Press Release with commentary in italics.
New: Sony Alpha 1 II flagship with G Master zoom
The Sony Alpha 1 II is priced at USD 6,498, and the G Master Zoom is USD 2,898. Prices are before taxes. Availability in Singapore is scheduled for December 2024. Pre-orders are open from 22 Nov to 6 Dec.
Commentary
Sony updates their flagship camera – the Alpha 1 II, aka A1 II. This is their latest do-it-all camera for both stills photography and video. The same 50MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS sensor capable of 30fps and 8k video which is found in the first generation A1 remains in the new camera. A new processing engine, now equipped with AI is now added. A pre-capture mode of up to 1s is also introduced, a feature we first saw in the Alpha 9 II.
The new camera also now offers a 4 axis multi angle LCD monitor, which will prove useful in almost any shooting situation.
The new lens is a constant aperture standard zoom lens, covering the essential 28mm to 70mm range. This lens is in the G Master lineup, which Sony calls their premium E-mount series. The lens is constructed with extreme spherical elements which Sony says is rivalling their prime lenses. In macro mode, it also features a floating element to correct for close focussing. The lens is capable for both stills and video, and coupled with the Alpha 1 II offers correction for lens breathing during zoom.
We look forward to trying out this new combination, especially as a candidate for the principal camera for our new adventures in YouTube production.
Release Details
Sony Alpha 1 II
Sony introduces the second-generation Alpha™ 1 II, a new flagship full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera powered by Sony’s latest AI processing unit. The camera features an approximate effective 50.1 MP (megapixel) resolution sensor, up to 30 fps (frames-per-second) blackout-free continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking, an anti-distortion shutter, and improved image clarity at mid-to-high sensitivities. The AI processing unit brings advanced AI-based subject recognition performance and features including a new “Auto” mode which can detect a wide variety of subjects. In addition, the Alpha 1 II also inherits innovations from the Alpha 9 III, including Pre-Capture of up to one second, and an improved ergonomic design. The camera maintains a lightweight form factor of approximately 743 grams (1 lb, 7.3 oz) for usability in a variety of professional scenarios.
High-Resolution, Speed, and AI Combination
The Alpha 1 II produces high-resolution images with a wide dynamic range through the combination of the full-frame Exmor RS® stacked CMOS sensor with approx. 50.1 effective MP resolution and the latest BIONZ XR® image processing engine. The camera delivers high-resolution images even in APS-C crop mode, capturing approximately 21 effective MP.
The camera offers blackout-free high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking at up to 30 frames per second, which can track complex movements with AF/AE calculations at up to 120 times per second. The camera also includes the highly-requested Pre-Capture function, which allows images to be captured up to one second before the shutter button is pressed, and the Continuous Shooting Speed Boost that can temporarily change the burst shooting speed.
In addition, Real-time Recognition AF has been added to the latest Alpha 1 II with the addition of the AI processing unit. This technology maintains focus on subjects, including a human pose estimation that instantly recognises a person’s head and torso, as well as accurately tracks animals, birds, insects, and vehicles. The Alpha 1 II introduces the latest evolution to Real-time Recognition AF with a newly added “Auto” feature that allows the camera to automatically recognise the subject without specifying a recognition target.
Stable Shooting with Reduced Distortion and Noise
To support the need for high-performing speed required by many professionals, the Alpha 1 II features an anti-distortion shutter that enables shooting with reduced distortion. The low noise performance at mid- to high-sensitivity, which is highly requested by professional photographers, has also been improved through tuning, allowing you to capture images with less noise and clear backgrounds even in indoor sports where a high shutter speed is required.
Additionally, the Alpha 1 II has impressive improved optical image stabilisation of up to 8.5 stops (center) and 7.0 stops (periphery) when shooting still images, as well as a newly supported Dynamic active Mode for video shooting.
Comfortable Operability and Highly Responsive Workflow
The camera features a highly requested 4-axis multi-angle 3.2-type LCD monitor that offers excellent versatility. This second-generation camera body has improved ergonomics compared to the original Alpha 1, including thoughtful design updates to the grip, shutter button, custom buttons and mode dials.
The Alpha 1 II includes a new deep-type padded eyepiece cup (model FDA-EP21) accessory for additional viewing support. A standard eyepiece comes attached to the camera by default but can be swapped with the deep pad option based on the user’s preference.
For additional battery support, the Alpha 1 II comes with the BC-ZD1 Dual-Battery Charger that rapidly and stably charges two Z batteries (model NP-FZ100) simultaneously in 155 minutes to full charge. In addition, the VG-C5 compatible vertical grip offers additional ergonomic support with additional battery performance for extending shooting needs.
For professionals seeking a quick, real-time image transfer solution, the Alpha 1 II supports 2.5GBASE-T via wired LAN. This high level of connectivity dramatically improves workflows from data transfer to content creation and distribution, increasing the work efficiency of professionals.
Additionally, captured data can be automatically transferred to Adobe Lightroom™ or Google Drive™ via Sony’s cloud storage service, Creators’ Cloud. This makes editing work after shooting even more convenient.
Sony FE 28-70mm F2 G Master
Sony today announces a first1 with the FE 28-70mm F2 G Master (SEL2870GM) – a premium E-mount lens boasting a large aperture of F2 across the entire zoom range to achieve beautiful bokeh, high resolution and unrivalled autofocus for both stills and video, with sharpness and contrast to rival prime lens quality. All this achieved in a compact, lightweight and well-balanced design that gives professionals and creators the ultimate freedom to capture a variety of scenes with just one lens so that no shots will be missed, including portraits, weddings, sports, documentaries and cinematic video.
Sharp, refined rendering in a unique constant F2 standard zoom lens
The FE 28-70mm F2 G Master is the first1 G Master standard zoom lens with a constant F2 aperture, making it ideal for both stills and video with extraordinary creative scope. Advanced design and optical simulation result in a zoom quality that rivals prime lenses2 with three XA (extreme aspherical) elements manufactured using original techniques to ensure high corner-to-corner resolution at F2 throughout the entire zoom range. Floating focus also allows for sharpness, even at close focus down to 0.38 m/1.25 ft, throughout the zoom range.
Sony’s original Nano AR Coating II minimises flare/ghosting and optics designed to suppress internal reflections to provide further flare resistance, therefore ensuring high clarity whenever a strong light source appears in the frame. The G Master optics delivers exquisite, soft bokeh for deep, dimensional images thanks to the carefully controlled spherical aberration at both the design and the manufacturing stages with XA elements and a newly developed 11-blade aperture unit. What’s more, the Super ED (extra-low dispersion) and ED glass elements effectively reduce chromatic aberration.
A compact, lightweight lens packed with superb optics and functionality
The FE 28-70mm F2 G Master delivers stress-free shooting with all the advantages of zoom without compromising on image quality. Innovative technologies including advanced optics and XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors make all this fit in a constant F2 zoom that is only 92.9 x 139.8 mm (3-3/4 x 5-5/8) and weighs just 918 g (32.4 oz).
Precise, tenacious AF tracking with instant response
Four XD (extreme dynamic) linear motors and the latest algorithm precisely control the large and heavy focus group. It delivers reliable focus tracking and instant response, which are essential for weddings or sports events whereby every frame counts. This lens is fully compatible with the α9 III ‘s high-speed continuous shooting with AF/AE tracking of up to 120 frames per second, with continued tracking even while zooming.
Designed for refined, expressive movie production
By using the latest optical technology, Sony’s newest lens effectively subdues focus breathing, resulting in refined movie imagery. Rack focus and zoom effects can be used with F2 depth of field to create smooth, natural transitions and critical focus for high frame rate 4K 120p/FHD 240p recording is easy due to the high AF tracking performance. The XD linear motors and the newly developed aperture unit operate quietly and support α bodies’ breathing compensation along with the α series camera’s image stabilisation “Active Mode”.
Operability and reliability that support professional needs
Important control functions include Linear Response MF for intuitive manual focus, adjustable zoom ring torque, and an aperture ring with a clickable ON/OFF switch. There are also two customisable focus hold buttons, an iris lock switch, and an AF/MF switch. The filter diameter is 86 mm, and the lens hood has a window for easy variable filter operation, designed with users in mind.
Buttons and switches feature silicone gaskets, the lens mount includes a rubber ring, and all other critical areas are precisely and carefully designed to prevent the intrusion of dust and moisture to ensure maximum reliability in challenging outdoor conditions. A fluorine coating on the front element effectively repels contaminants and makes cleaning easy.
