Sony Alpha A1 vs Sony Alpha A1 II
Sony Alpha A1 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. the Alpha A1 II is better for portraits.
Choose the Alpha A1 for
- a lighter body (737g vs 743g)
- a lower price (from £2,439)
Choose the Alpha A1 II for
- a newer design (2024)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A1 | Alpha A1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 50.1MP | Full frame, 50.1MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | Sony FE (full frame) |
| Released | 2021 | 2024 |
| Burst | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | ≈4 ms | ≈4 ms |
| Max ISO | 32,000 | 32,000 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 8K 30p / 4K 120p | 8K 30p / 4K 120p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 737 g | 743 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Sony NP-FZ100 |
| Card slots | 2×CFexpress A/SD | 2×CFexpress A/SD |
| New price | £4,199 | £5,699 |
| Used at MPB | £2,439–2,769 | £4,519–4,599 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 105 (82 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Alpha A1 II |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
Both cameras use the Sony E / FE mount, so lenses move between them. They share the same battery (Sony NP-FZ100).
Alpha A1 compatible lenses → · Alpha A1 II compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A1 better than the Sony Alpha A1 II?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A1 offers a lighter body (737g vs 743g), a lower price (from £2,439); the Alpha A1 II offers a newer design (2024).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A1 or the Alpha A1 II?
They are closely matched for video (8K 30p / 4K 120p vs 8K 30p / 4K 120p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A1 or the Alpha A1 II?
The Alpha A1 costs £4,199 new and from £2,439 used at MPB; the Alpha A1 II costs £5,699 new and from £4,519 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A1 lenses on the Alpha A1 II?
Yes. Both use the Sony E / FE mount.