OM System
PEN-F
Retro-styled MFT rangefinder body with 20MP sensor, built-in EVF, and classic dial controls.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased Jan 2016
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 8.8 years newer.
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Wins
PEN-F
Wins
Alpha 1 II
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,360,000)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 60 frames)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Resolution (50.1 MP vs 20.3 MP)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to sharePEN-F
125 × 72 × 37 mm
427 g (0.94 lb / 15.06 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
PEN-F is 11mm narrower, 25mm shorter, and 46mm thinner than Alpha 1 II.
PEN-F is 316 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 37mm PEN-F · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
PEN-F
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
3.8× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
PEN-F
Micro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
PEN-F
AF low-light limit
-7 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 124.8, 72.1, 37.3
Weight
427 g vs 743 g — lower is better
AF points / zones
1053 vs 759 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Vehicle
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
AF frame coverage
100 % vs 94 % — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Resolution
50.1 MP vs 20.3 MP — higher is better
AA filter
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Insect, Car/Train, Airplane
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
PEN-F
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓Built-in EVF
- ✓20MP MFT
- ✓Creative dial modes
Cons
- –No IBIS
- –MFT sensor
- –Discontinued
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the PEN-F and Alpha 1 II at major authorized retailers.
OM System PEN-F
Sony Alpha 1 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, PEN-F or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 2.0/10 for PEN-F — 50.1MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the PEN-F and Alpha 1 II?
PEN-F is 20.3 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the PEN-F and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
PEN-F has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the PEN-F or the Alpha 1 II?
PEN-F reaches 15 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the PEN-F and Alpha 1 II?
PEN-F weighs 427 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the PEN-F is 316 g lighter.
Do the PEN-F and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
PEN-F: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the PEN-F and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
PEN-F: No. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the PEN-F and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the PEN-F the edge.
How much does each cost?
PEN-F launched at $1,199 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The PEN-F is $5,300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way PEN-F vs Alpha 1 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of OM System and Sony press materials.