Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2024
Sony
FDR-AX700
4K HDR Handycam with 1-inch Exmor RS sensor, 12x Zeiss zoom, 273-point phase-detect AF, S-Log3, and pro-style manual controls.
$1,899
Launch priceReleased Oct 2017
Alpha 1 II is 7.2 years newer.
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Wins
Alpha 1 II
Wins
FDR-AX700
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 2,360,000)
- AAlpha 1 II has higher Resolution (50.1 MP vs 14.2 MP)
- AAlpha 1 II has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 60 frames)
- AAlpha 1 II has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 15 fps)
- AAlpha 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 share
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
FDR-AX700
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Alpha 1 II is 2mm wider, 6mm taller, and 11mm thicker than FDR-AX700.
Alpha 1 II is 163 g heavier than FDR-AX700.
Depth (front-to-back): 83mm Alpha 1 II · 72mm FDR-AX700
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
FDR-AX700
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
3.8× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
FDR-AX700: mount data unavailable
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
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
Resolution
50.1 MP vs 14.2 MP — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
Subject recognition
Adds Insect, Car/Train, Airplane
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
FDR-AX700
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Codecs
Adds ProRes
Subject recognition
Adds Vehicle
Max video bit rate
200 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Weight
580 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 759
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
FDR-AX700
Pros
- ✓1-inch stacked sensor + Hybrid AF
- ✓S-Log3 / HLG HDR workflow
- ✓12x Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
- ✓Built-in ND filters
- ✓Dual SD + proxy recording
Cons
- –No XLR without adapter
- –4K30 max
- –No SDI output
- –Consumer Handycam ergonomics
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Alpha 1 II and FDR-AX700 at major authorized retailers.
Sony Alpha 1 II
Sony FDR-AX700
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, Alpha 1 II or FDR-AX700?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for FDR-AX700 — 50.1MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 1 II and FDR-AX700?
Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP and FDR-AX700 is 14.2 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 1 II and FDR-AX700 have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while FDR-AX700 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 1 II or the FDR-AX700?
Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic. FDR-AX700 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 1 II and FDR-AX700?
Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g and FDR-AX700 weighs 580 g, so the FDR-AX700 is 163 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 1 II and FDR-AX700 record 4K video?
Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p. FDR-AX700: 4K up to 60p.
Are the Alpha 1 II and FDR-AX700 weather sealed?
Alpha 1 II: Yes. FDR-AX700: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 1 II and 640 shots for the FDR-AX700, giving the FDR-AX700 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 1 II launched at $6,499 and FDR-AX700 at $1,899. The FDR-AX700 is $4,600 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Alpha 1 II vs FDR-AX700 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.