Upgrade Guide

Sony A1→Sony A1 II

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Sony

£5999

2021

→

Upgrade to

Sony

A1 II

£6500 (+£501)

2025

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the A1. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the A1 II

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	A1	A1 II
Price	£5,999	£6,500
Released	2021	2025	↑
Sensor	50.1MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS Exmor RS	50.1MP full-frame stacked BSI CMOS
Resolution	50MP	50MP
Video	8K/30p, 4K/120p, 1080p/240p	8K/30p, 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/240p super slow-motion
Autofocus	Real-time Tracking, AI subject recognition — 759 phase-detect points	AI subject recognition — human, animal, bird, insect, vehicle, aircraft, train
Stabilisation	IBIS — up to 5.5 stops	8.5-stop IBIS (with in-lens OSS)
Burst Rate	30fps electronic with full AF/AE	30fps electronic (with full AF/AE), 10fps mechanical
Battery Life	~430 shots (CIPA)	~530 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	737g (with battery)	743g body only	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification, 240fps	EVF 0.9× 9.44M-dot — the highest resolution EVF available
Screen	3.0" fully tilting touchscreen	3.2" fully articulating touchscreen, 2.1M dots
Mount	Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount)	Sony E-mount (full-frame)
Memory Cards	Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II	Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II slots

Compare side-by-side

See A1 and A1 II next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the A1 II against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the A1

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Camera family history