Sony has announced the release of the new Sony Alpha 1 digital camera. This model is equipped with a completely new full-frame sensor. The 50.1MP multi-layer, full-frame Exmor RS sensor can go up to 120 AF / AE calculations (tracking) per second.
The camera contains the improved image processor BIONZ XR, and the used sensor has built-in memory. This combination allows you to capture pictures in full 50.1-megapixel resolution at 30 frames per second (with an electronic shutter). Continuous shooting at this speed can be up to 155 full-frame shots in compressed RAW or 165 in JPEG. Also, for the first time in the Alpha family, the camera can record video in 8K 10-bit XAVC HS with 4: 2: 0 color downsampling at 30 fps, as well as 4K 10-bit 4: 2: 2 video at 120 frames per second and S-Cinetone color technology.
The sensor provides a dynamic range of more than 15 stops of exposure for video and 15 stops for stills. The sensitivity is from ISO 100 to ISO 32000 (in photo mode, the range can be extended from ISO 50 to 102400). In addition to RAW (compressed and uncompressed) and JPEG formats, 10-bit HEIF is additionally supported.
The Sony Alpha 1 camera also features a new 0.64-inch, a 9.4-million-dot electronic viewfinder with OLED Quad-XGA technology. The refresh rate is 240 frames per second. In this case, the viewfinder does not darken at the time of exposure. An optional 3-inch touchscreen display with a resolution of 1.44 million dots is available. For the first time in the Alpha family, it is possible to synchronize an electronic shutter with a flash at shutter speeds up to 1/200 second. The mechanical shutter is synchronized with the flash at shutter speeds up to 1/400 of a second.
According to the manufacturer, the autofocus system is capable of tracking fast-moving objects. The matrix has 759 phase-detection autofocus sensors, covering approximately 92% of its area. Real-time eye AF is supported (even when the gaze is not directed at the camera). In addition to tracking the eyes of people and animals, the novelty is also capable of tracking birds’ eyes. New algorithms do not miss the subject, even if a seated bird suddenly takes off or when the framing is suddenly changed. Alpha 1 also features AI-powered real-time object tracking. The recognition algorithm is guided by color, brightness, and distance to the object, allowing you to determine its location in space quickly.
The camera features a gyroscope, stabilizer, and new image stabilization algorithms. They provide an advantage of 5.5 stops of exposure. There is also a dedicated Active Mode for handheld video stabilization. For post-processing on your computer, you can use the fine image stabilization feature in Sony Catalyst Browse or Catalyst Prepare, which relies on metadata captured by the camera’s gyroscope.
The Sony Alpha 1 has a variety of features for professional users. For example, the camera can output 16-bit RAW data to an external recorder via HDMI. Also mentioned is the digital audio interface built into the Multi Interface Shoe, oversampling from 5.8K to 4K with per-pixel readout without pixel binning in Super 35 mode. The camera also features an updated pixel shift mode that allows up to 16 full-frame images to be stitched together. In this mode, Alpha 1 shifts the sensor in half-pixel or pixel increments to obtain 16 separate images with a total resolution of 796.2 megapixels. They can then be merged into a single 17280 × 11520 pixel image using Sony Imaging Edge PC software. In this case, synchronization with a flash at a speed of up to 1/200 second is possible. This mode is suitable for shooting architecture, art objects, and other static subjects.
The Sony Alpha 1 has two SDXC / SDHC UHS-I and UHS-II memory card slots for storing footage. Also, the CFexpress Type A format is supported. The camera has a built-in dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11a / b / g / n / ac wireless communication module supporting 2 × 2 MIMO technology. This model also has a 1000BASE-T LAN interface. The secure FTPS protocol is also supported, which allows you to encrypt transmitted files using SSL or TLS. The camera is equipped with an HDMI Type-A connector and supports USB PD (Power Delivery) technology.
The Sony Alpha 1 camera will go on sale in March for $ 6,500.
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