Sony Alpha 1 announced: new 50.1-megapixel camera packs eight times more power

Sony's just launched a brand new camera, the Alpha 1

Sony Alpha 1
(Image credit: Sony)

Sony has just launched the brand new Alpha 1 camera during a YouTube livestream. The Alpha 1 offers a range of new features including a new 50.1 megapixel CMOS sensor and a new image processor in the upgraded BIONZ XR. 

Video professionals will absolutely love the support for video at 8K resolutions which the camera can record in 10-bit 4:2:0 in XAVC. There's also support for 4K at 120fps which can be recorded in 10-bit 4:2:2. Sony's also claiming 15+ stops of dynamic range - very handy for HDR video production. 
It also makes use of Sony's S-Cinetone colour, which is found on Sony's movie-focused cameras, like the FX9, and offers a film-like colour profile that's based on the look produced by cinema cameras like the Venice. 

For still shooters, there's plenty on offer too. The silent, vibration-free electronic shutter will appeal to anyone who needs their camera to be quiet during shoots. Sony also says there are 15 stops of dynamic range in still images. 

Sony also says that the speed of the sensor will enable 120 AF/AE calculations per second which, it says, is double the speed of the Alpha 9 II. There's also a very impressive 30 still frame per second shooting, which Sony claims is "blackout-free". 

It's this new processing and sensor tech that's allowed Sony to claim this camera as "compatible with birds". That means that the autofocus is now so good that it's able to track animal eyes - even if those eyes belong to winged creatures high in the sky. 

In addition, there's Sony's 5-axis optical in-body stabilisation. This gives the camera a claimed 5.5 step shutter speed advantage. 

Sony Alpha 1

(Image credit: Sony)

Yann Salmon Legagneur, Director of Product Marketing, Digital Imaging, Sony Europe said, "We are always listening to our customers, challenging the industry to bring new innovation to the market that goes far beyond their expectations."

"Alpha 1 breaks through all existing boundaries, setting a new bar for what creators can accomplish with a single camera. What excites us the most – more than the extensive product features – is Alpha 1's ability to capture that which has never been captured before. This camera unlocks a new world of creative possibilities, making the previously impossible now possible."

If you're in the market for a new camera, check out our best mirrorless cameras buying guide. There's loads of info in there about what to look for and the best cameras on the market right now. 

The YouTube link for the video is below - so you can catch the announcement right here for Sony's fantastic new Alpha 1.

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Ian has been involved in technology journalism since 2007, originally writing about AV hardware back when LCDs and plasma TVs were just gaining popularity. Nearly 15 years on, he remains as excited about how tech can make your life better.