Buzz
The key highlight here lies in the camera's continuous shooting speed. This camera boasts a continuous shooting speed of 30 frames per second at full-pixel output of 50 megapixels. Not many cameras can achieve a continuous 30fps, but this is the only one capable of reaching the full-pixel, high-megapixel mark, ensuring continuous focus and exposure measurement.
Remarkable Performance
With an astonishing high-speed continuous shooting performance, the camera can achieve 120 AE/AF calculations per second in any conditions, enhancing autofocus and exposure measurement performance for ideal results. This is particularly crucial for high-speed continuous shooting cameras.
For Sony, single-shot autofocus performance is not a concern. Starting from the A7R3 and A9, Sony has been at the forefront of mirrorless camera development. This time, the camera's autofocus module features 759 phase-detection points, covering 92% of the frame, aligning with the brand's flagship positioning.
What deserves special mention here is that this is Sony's first camera to support Fast Hybrid AF. This camera can detect the eyes of humans, animals, and birds in real-time and can adapt to the different eye contours of various species. It automatically recognizes and focuses. In 2020, Canon EOS R5 and R6 were the first to be equipped with Hybrid AF technology; Sony narrowed the gap in this area in early 2021.
However, Sony did not elaborate on the autofocus performance in low-light conditions for the A1. Currently, the Sony A7S3 has autofocus performance down to -6EV at F2.0 aperture in low-light conditions, but other cameras, including the A9 II and A7R4, do not have ideal autofocus performance in low-light conditions. In practice, I am more concerned about Sony's low-light autofocus capabilities. Autofocus performance. Ultimately, for capturing low-light landscapes and shooting videos in low-light conditions, autofocus in low-light is crucial.
In terms of shooting performance, the camera maintains its capabilities without a significant upgrade but features effective image stabilization. The camera's five-axis image stabilization system provides a maximum of 5.5 stops of shake reduction, similar to A7R4, A9 II, A7S3, and other models. The author suggests that the Sony E-mount, introduced earlier compared to RF mount, Z mount, etc., currently has a disadvantage in its inner diameter, making it challenging to achieve higher results in future stabilization. However, this camera is equipped with an enhanced image stabilization mode applied in A7S3, which can provide stronger optical stabilization when shooting videos, thereby improving video stability.
Capable of 8K Video Recording
Regarding video performance, a standout feature of this camera is its capability to record 8K 30P videos. However, unlike the Canon EOS R5, Sony A1's body has 50.1 million pixels, enabling it to output 8K 30P video through oversampling from 8.6K capture. Nevertheless, Sony A1's 8K video format is XAVC HS 10-bit 4:2:0 and does not support 8K RAW.
This camera can also record 4K 120P videos and shoot 4K 120P 10-bit 4:2:2 internally. Additionally, when shooting regular 4K videos, it can achieve super-sampled 5.8K videos through the Super 35mm format.
Although the camera itself does not record in RAW format, it can capture 16-bit RAW video externally. Moreover, when recording internally, a 15-stop dynamic range can be achieved through S-Log3. The camera also supports the S-Cinetone color mode, fitting for Sony's professional video color management.
In terms of video recording, the Sony A1 also features a passive cooling system similar to the A7S3, ensuring better body heat dissipation, allowing for prolonged recording of 8K 30P or 4K 120P.
In terms of body performance, this camera features 9.44 million pixels and an EVF with a refreshing speed of 240 frames per second, similar to A7S3. The camera menu also adopts a design akin to A7S3 and supports touch operation.
Unfortunately, this camera still sports a 1.44 million pixel LCD screen and lacks free-angle multi-directional flipping support, akin to A7R4 and other models, only allowing tilting up and down.
Some Additional Features
The camera itself boasts several additional features, such as a flash sync speed of 1/400 second (1/500 second in APS-C format), a digital hot shoe design, and improved remote network control performance.
For this camera, purely looking at its performance, it's undoubtedly a standout in early 2021. However, despite the impressive camera capabilities, the price of 47,999 TWD is not exactly budget-friendly. Sony always spares no expense in employing cutting-edge technology, but issues like the 'ancestor LCD screen' persist.
Conclusion
From a practical standpoint, despite having 8K video capabilities, the A7S3 remains a more targeted and professional video model. The positioning of the A1 seems like a countermove against Canon EOS R5, a mega move integrating Sony's current technology. But for the general consumer, A7R4, A7S3, A7C, and other products still stand out as better choices for everyday purchase.
Certainly, I believe many of you, just like me, are eagerly anticipating Sony's A7M4! It seems like this camera might have to wait until the latter half of this year.
