Should I Get the Sony a1 II or (Keep) the a1?

The Alpha 1 II is, without a doubt, the best for most uses Sony camera, and lower price is practically the only reason to choose otherwise. Before the II, the a1 version I was my ultimate choice, and leads to the question I'm asking. Should I get the Sony a1 II or keep the Sony a1?

Check out the a1 II vs. a1 specification comparison and the visual comparison of these cameras. What are the differences between the Sony Alpha 1 II and the Alpha 1?

Let's get the short list out of the way first. I already gave you the answer, but I'll put a bullet beside it. Here are the Sony a1 advantages over the a1 II:

  • Lower price

When the a1 II was announced, the a1 was immediately discounted by $1,000.00. That discount is not a factor for those considering an upgrade, except that the lower new camera cost may put downward pressure on the used camera sale price, directly impacting the upgrade cost. The items on the next list must be worth the additional expense for the II purchase to be logical.

Here are the a1 II's advantages:

  • 0.03 to 1 second Pre-Capture of up to one second and Continuous Shooting Speed Boost
  • 8.5-stop IBIS vs. 5.5
  • Improved grip ergonomics
  • New C5 button
  • 4-axis articulated LCD
  • 3.2" LCD with 2.1 million dots vs. 1.44 million dots
  • AF-dedicated AI processor
  • Insect, vehicle (planes, trains, and automobiles), and Auto subject detection modes
  • Improved eye detection for animals and humans (by 30%) and birds (50% improvement).
  • Upgraded human pose estimation
  • XS and XL Spot AF area options
  • 30 ms electronic Shutter lag vs. 42
  • Video improvements, including AF performance, auto framing, movie self-timer, breathing compensation, import and embed of up to 16 custom LUTs
  • 2.5Gbps Ethernet vs. 1Gbps, and Wake on LAN vs. no
  • Stacked exposure mode dial
  • FDA-EP21 enhanced eyecup additionally included

Serious photographers chasing wildlife and other action subjects will find the first bullet worth the upgrade cost. Pre-Capture is game-changing.

Other individual improvements, such as AF and IBIS performance, will also be worth the upgrade cost to many photographers, and the cumulative enhancements show the II to be a solid upgrade.

Still, the price difference is a factor, and the a1 is still the outstanding performer it always was.

Those of us considering the a1 to a1 II upgrade must consider that the value of our current cameras will continue to decline, and a fresh camera with a full warranty has value.

Learn more: Sony Alpha 1 II

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Posted: 12/16/2024 2:33:46 PM ET    Posted By:
Posted to: Sony News    Category: Camera Gear Review News
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