The α1 II gives users everything they need to achieve a higher capture success rate and more, including 50MP high resolution, AI-based subject recognition AF, high-speed continuous shooting, and an advanced workflow from capture to delivery that provides professionals with unrivalled efficiency and freedom.

A fusion of leading technologies delivers overwhelming performance
The massive volume of data from the 50.1 megapixel full-frame Exmor RS™ image sensor is processed in real time by Sony’s BIONZ XR™ image processing engine. An advanced AI processing unit applies high-level subject recognition to reliably recognize a wide range of subjects. These state-of-the-art technologies make it easy to capture even the most challenging subjects in extraordinary resolution, with blackout-free viewing and full AF/AE tracking at up to 30 fps. 

An advanced AI processing unit achieves high-level subject recognition
The α1 II features a dedicated AI processing unit that helps to recognize people more accurately based on human pose estimation and supports recognition of a wide range of subjects other than people, such as animals, vehicles and insects, with high accuracy. This results in a dramatic improvement in Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking capability, and higher overall AF performance.

Human eye recognition imrpoved by up to approximately 30%⁶
Real-time Recognition AF has improved human eye recognition by approximately 30%, and its human pose estimation technology also delivers precise recognition of subjects facing away from the camera, wearing sunglasses, or with the face obscured. Recognition of distant human subjects occupying only a small part of the frame has been notably improved, so approaching subjects are recognized and tracked sooner. Subjects can also be tracked better across occlusions among many people.

A wide variety of subjects accurately recognized⁷
A wider variety of subjects⁷ is now recognized for stills and movies, with a new [Auto] mode letting the camera select. ⁸ Recognition of animals overall is improved by approximately 30%⁶, with eyes of some small animals added, and the eyes, heads and faces of animals like dogs and cats recognized. Recognition of birds is improved by 50%⁶.

AF tracking response settable to match subject speed changes
Fast Hybrid AF combines phase detection and contrast detection for superb speed, precision and tracking performance. 759 phase-detection points cover 92% of the image sensor. The AF tracking response for stills can now be selected from [Stable], [Standard], and [Responsive] to suit the likely subject motion, useful for example in bird photography. High AF precision is achieved right down to light levels as low as EV-4.0 in AF-S mode, with improved contrast AF response.

Flexible focus area settings
XL and XS focus area spot sizes are now available in addition to the existing L, M, and S. XS can be useful to avoid focusing on foreground objects such as branches. It is also possible to create a custom focus area of specified size and aspect ratio, useful in situations like a track event where athletes are lined up side-by-side and you want to focus on the leading runner.

Selectable release time lag
Selectable release time lag modes are available via the [Release Lag] / [Start Display] menu . With blackout occurring on only the first image in a continuous burst, [Fastest Release/On] provides the shortest possible release time lag, while [Stable Release/On] minimizes variations in release time lag making it easier to release the shutter at the intended moment. The default [Auto/Off] setting gives no blackout when shooting is started.

High-speed continuous shooting at full 50.1 MP ¹ resolution
High-speed continuous shooting at up to 30 fps with full AF/AE tracking is possible at a stunning 50.1 MP resolution, with up to 120 AF/AE calculations per second¹² on the data from the image sensor. Blackout-free shooting with no loss of viewfinder image allows seamless framing and capture of the subject as if viewed with the naked eye.

Pre-Capture and Continuous Shooting Speed Boost
Pre-capture retroactively captures moments that occurred before the shutter was released, without compromising resolution, even when shooting continuously at up to 30 fps² with selectable recording time options. Continuous Shooting Speed Boost can temporarily change the burst speed. Both features reduce the chance of missing that vital instant.

Stunning resolution with 50.1 megapixels¹
Sony’s extensive high-performance G Master line work with the 50.1 megapixel Exmor RS image sensor and BIONZ XR image processing engine to create deep, lifelike, high-resolution rendering. The sensor’s high pixel count means that resolution is still a very impressive 21 megapixels (approx.) when shooting in APS-C mode or cropping to APS-C size after shooting.

Selectable RAW image size and quality
Compressed, Uncompressed, and high-compression Lossless compressed RAW still images are provided. Compressed RAW images can be shot continuously at up to 30 fps. Three Lossless compressed RAW image sizes can be selected to suit the application: L, M, and S. Lossless compressed RAW, JPEG, and HEIF images in M and S size have the same number of pixels whether shot in the full-frame or APS-C mode, making it possible to seamlessly switch modes while maintaining the same image resolution. JPEG and RAW sizes can be freely mixed and matched to meet the needs of the application.

High sensitivity, low noise, and wide dynamic range
Feedback from professionals has been taken into account to create noise reduction that is highly effective without sacrificing image detail, so users can shoot clear images of indoor sports at mid to high sensitivity without hesitation. Dynamic range at lower sensitivities is an impressively wide 15 stops¹⁷ for smooth, realistic gradations.

Consistently accurate exposure and color
Exposure and color reproduction are notably improved compared to the α1. The AE algorithm detects faces and optimizes exposure for stills and movies. Exposure stability has been improved by approximately 20%, even when the face is backlit and dark, or over-illuminated in direct sunlight, or not facing the camera. Working with a “Visible Light and IR Sensor” on the front of the body, the advanced AI processing unit helps to achieve accurate white balance even where the subject is in shade.

Optical 5-axis image stabilization achieves 8.5-step performance at the center
A high-precision image stabilization unit, advanced gyro sensors, and leading-edge algorithms detect and correct camera shake, achieving a groundbreaking up to 8.5-step effect at the center and 7.0-step at the periphery, and transforming handheld shooting with precision down to the single-pixel level and the finest subject details. With compatible lenses that include built-in stabilization, improved body-lens synchronization provides effective blur control even at otherwise problematic telephoto focal lengths.

Composite RAW modes for lower noise and higher resolution
The NR Shooting Settings mode captures between 4 and 32 RAW images which can then be composited using Sony’s Imaging Edge Desktop™ application to create a full-resolution image with very low noise even at mid to high sensitivities. Pixel Shift Multi Shooting captures 4 or 16 pixel-shifted images that are later composited with the same PC application to achieve overwhelming resolution in a single image.