Sony Alpha A1 II vs Leica M EV1
Sony Alpha A1 II has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Alpha A1 II is the better pick for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, vlogging; the M EV1 is better for a film look.
Choose the Alpha A1 II for
- faster bursts (30fps vs 4.5fps)
- a lower price (from £4,519)
- stronger video (8K 30p / 4K 120p)
- in-body image stabilisation
- weather sealing
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 8)
Choose the M EV1 for
- more resolution (60MP vs 50.1MP)
- a lighter body (545g vs 743g)
- a newer design (2025)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A1 II | M EV1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 50.1MP | Full frame, 60MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | Leica M |
| Released | 2024 | 2025 |
| Burst | 30 fps | 4.5 fps |
| Readout | ≈4 ms | — |
| Max ISO | 32,000 | 50,000 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | Lens only |
| Video | 8K 30p / 4K 120p | No video |
| Weather sealed | Yes | No |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 743 g | 545 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Leica BP-SCL7 |
| Card slots | 2×CFexpress A/SD | SD + internal memory |
| New price | £5,699 | £6,840 |
| Used at MPB | £4,519–4,599 | £5,839 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 8 (2 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Alpha A1 II |
| Landscape | Alpha A1 II |
| Wildlife & animals | Alpha A1 II |
| Sports & action | Alpha A1 II |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | Alpha A1 II |
| Vintage / film look | M EV1 |
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
The Alpha A1 II uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses in our database, 82 third-party) and the M EV1 uses Leica M (8 lenses, 2 third-party). Batteries: Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65) vs Leica BP-SCL7 (about £160).
Alpha A1 II compatible lenses → · M EV1 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A1 II better than the Leica M EV1?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A1 II offers faster bursts (30fps vs 4.5fps), a lower price (from £4,519), stronger video (8K 30p / 4K 120p); the M EV1 offers more resolution (60MP vs 50.1MP), a lighter body (545g vs 743g), a newer design (2025).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A1 II or the M EV1?
The Alpha A1 II is stronger for video: Alpha A1 II records 8K 30p / 4K 120p, M EV1 records No video.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A1 II or the M EV1?
The Alpha A1 II costs £5,699 new and from £4,519 used at MPB; the M EV1 costs £6,840 new and from £5,839 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A1 II lenses on the M EV1?
Not directly. The Alpha A1 II uses Sony E / FE and the M EV1 uses Leica M; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.