Sony
Alpha 1
Original 50MP stacked flagship for sports and wildlife pros.
$6,499
Released Jan 2021
Sony
Alpha 7R VI
66.8MP fully-stacked full-frame high-resolution body with 30fps bursts, 8K 30p, 4K 120p, and Sony's new BIONZ XR2 engine.
$4,499
Released Jun 2026
Alpha 7R VI is 5.3 years newer.
Wins
Alpha 1
Wins
Alpha 7R VI
8 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Max video bit rate (600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps)
- AAlpha 1 has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 150 frames)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Resolution (66.8 MP vs 50.1 MP)
- BAlpha 7R VI has higher Battery life (CIPA) (600 shots vs 530 shots)
- BAlpha 7R VI has lower Weight (713 g vs 737 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 7R VI
133 × 97 × 83 mm
713 g (1.57 lb / 25.15 oz)
Alpha 1 is 4mm narrower and 2mm thinner than Alpha 7R VI.
Alpha 1 is 24 g heavier than Alpha 7R VI.
Depth (front-to-back): 81mm Alpha 1 · 83mm Alpha 7R VI
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Alpha 1
129 × 97 mm
Alpha 7R VI
133 × 97 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Alpha 1
129 × 81 mm
Alpha 7R VI
133 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Alpha 1
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Alpha 7R VI
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Alpha 1
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Alpha 7R VI
✓ 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
AA filter
Only Alpha 1 supports it
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 1 supports it
Weather sealing
Only Alpha 1 supports it
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
RAW buffer depth
200 frames vs 150 frames — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7R VI
AF low-light limit
-6 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Max video bit rate
600 Mbps vs 150 Mbps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 132.7, 82.9
Subject recognition
Adds Eye, Insect, Vehicle
Card types
Adds SDXC UHS-II
Resolution
66.8 MP vs 50.1 MP — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
600 shots vs 530 shots — higher is better
Weight
713 g vs 737 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 32,000
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 759
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 30 fps
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 7R VI
Pros
- ✓66.8MP fully-stacked Exmor RS sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free electronic burst
- ✓8K 30p and 4K 120p video
- ✓8.5-stop in-body stabilization
- ✓9.44M-dot HDR OLED EVF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Large files demand fast cards and storage
- –8K workflow can be heavy
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Alpha 1 or Alpha 7R VI?
Alpha 1 scores 9.5/10 versus 8.0/10 for Alpha 7R VI — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7R VI?
Alpha 1 is 50.1 MP and Alpha 7R VI is 66.8 MP, so the Alpha 7R VI captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7R VI have in-body image stabilization?
Alpha 1 has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while alpha 7R VI has in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Alpha 1 or the Alpha 7R VI?
Alpha 1 reaches 30 fps electronic. Alpha 7R VI reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7R VI?
Alpha 1 weighs 737 g and Alpha 7R VI weighs 713 g, so the Alpha 7R VI is 24 g lighter.
Do the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7R VI record 4K video?
Alpha 1: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p. Alpha 7R VI: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Alpha 1 and Alpha 7R VI weather sealed?
Alpha 1: Yes. Alpha 7R VI: No.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 530 shots (CIPA) for the Alpha 1 and 600 shots for the Alpha 7R VI, giving the Alpha 7R VI the edge.
How much does each cost?
Alpha 1 launched at $6,499 and Alpha 7R VI at $4,499. The Alpha 7R VI is $2,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Sony press materials.