Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Released Nov 2024
Sony
FX3
Compact full-frame cinema line camera with S-Cinetone and pro video ergonomics.
$3,899
Released Feb 2021
Alpha 1 II is 3.8 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 1 II
Wins
FX3
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- AAlpha 1 II has higher Resolution (50.1 MP vs 12.1 MP)
- BFX3 has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- BFX3 has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 32,000)
- AAlpha 1 II has higher Burst (electronic) (30 fps vs 10 fps)
- AAlpha 1 II has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 120 frames)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
FX3
130 × 78 × 85 mm
715 g (1.58 lb / 25.22 oz)
Alpha 1 II is 2mm thinner than FX3 but it is also 6mm wider and 19mm taller.
Alpha 1 II is 28 g heavier than FX3.
Depth (front-to-back): 83mm Alpha 1 II · 85mm FX3
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
FX3
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 1 II
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
FX3
✓ 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
Alpha 1 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
Resolution
50.1 MP vs 12.1 MP — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Bird, Insect, Car/Train…
Burst (electronic)
30 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 120 frames — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
8.5 stops vs 5.5 stops — higher is better
AF points / zones
759 vs 627 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
FX3
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 129.7, 77.8, 84.5
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 32,000 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
80 vs 100 — lower is better
Battery life (CIPA)
580 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Weight
715 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (mechanical) — Both 10 fps
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 120 fps
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
FX3
Pros
- ✓Cinema form factor
- ✓S-Log3 / S-Cinetone
- ✓Compact for gimbals
- ✓Full-frame sensor
Cons
- –No EVF
- –Still photo ergonomics limited
- –Single card slot
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Alpha 1 II or FX3?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 4.0/10 for FX3 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 1 II and FX3?
Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP and FX3 is 12.1 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 1 II and FX3 have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while fX3 has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 1 II or the FX3?
Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic. FX3 reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 1 II and FX3?
Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g and FX3 weighs 715 g, so the FX3 is 28 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 1 II and FX3 record 4K video?
Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p. FX3: 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 1 II and FX3 weather sealed?
Alpha 1 II: Yes. FX3: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 520 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 1 II and 580 shots for the FX3, giving the FX3 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 1 II launched at $6,499 and FX3 at $3,899. The FX3 is $2,600 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.