Sony
Alpha 1
Original 50MP stacked flagship for sports and wildlife pros.
$6,499
Released Jan 2021
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Released Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 3.8 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 1
Wins
Alpha 1 II
15 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher IBIS effectiveness (8.5 stops vs 5.5 stops)
- AAlpha 1 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (530 shots vs 520 shots)
- AAlpha 1 has lower Weight (737 g vs 743 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Alpha 1
129 × 97 × 81 mm
737 g (1.62 lb / 26.00 oz)
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
Alpha 1 is 7mm narrower and 2mm thinner than Alpha 1 II.
Alpha 1 is 6 g lighter than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 81mm Alpha 1 · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 1
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 1
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
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
Alpha 1
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 128.9, 80.8
Battery life (CIPA)
530 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Weight
737 g vs 743 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 82.9
Subject recognition
Adds Insect, Car/Train, Airplane
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
IBIS effectiveness
8.5 stops vs 5.5 stops — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 50.1 MP
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 32,000
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 759
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 94 %
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Alpha 1
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked
- ✓30fps burst
- ✓8K video
- ✓Pro AF
Cons
- –Superseded by A1 II
- –Very expensive
- –Large files
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Alpha 1 or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for Alpha 1 — 30fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 1 and Alpha 1 II?
Both cameras share the same 50.1 MP resolution.
Do the Alpha 1 and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 1 has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 1 or the Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 1 and Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 weighs 737 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the Alpha 1 is 6 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 1 and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
Alpha 1: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 1 and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
Alpha 1: Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 530 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 1 and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the Alpha 1 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Both launched at $6,499.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.