Key Points
- A November 20-21 teaser on Sony Japan’s Alpha Universe page suggests that a new mirrorless camera, potentially the Sony A1 II, will be released.
- It is rumored to include the same 50MP full-frame sensor as the Sony A1 but with faster frame rates, upgraded autofocus, and a new AI chip.
- The A1 II is expected to cost more than the original Sony A1, priced at $6,500 at launch in 2021.
- It will likely support CFexpress Type A cards with the 4.0 standard, enabling faster data transfer.
Sony has been unusually quiet in 2023 regarding new camera releases, but this lull may soon end with a major announcement on the horizon. Sony Japan recently teased a “special event” scheduled for November 20 and 21 on its Alpha Universe page, where fans can experience a new mirrorless Alpha camera. Though Sony hasn’t confirmed the specific model, speculation from trusted sources, including Sony Alpha Rumors, points to the anticipated arrival of the Sony A1 II.
The original Sony A1, released in January 2021, marked a milestone in mirrorless camera technology with its 50.1MP sensor, 30fps shooting speeds, and groundbreaking hybrid capabilities that appealed to photographers and videographers alike. Rumors suggest that the Sony A1 II will build on this legacy, though its upgrades may be less revolutionary and more incremental. The A1 II is expected to retain its predecessor’s 50MP stacked full-frame sensor but will likely offer enhanced frame rates, autofocus, and processing speeds.
One of the key changes anticipated for the Sony A1 II is the addition of a new AI chip to improve autofocus accuracy and efficiency. This model may also support CFexpress Type A cards with the 4.0 standard, potentially doubling data transfer speeds. These enhancements could make the A1 II a powerful yet versatile choice for professionals across photography genres, including sports, wildlife, and high-resolution stills.
Sony Alpha Rumors also suggests that the A1 II will likely be priced higher than the original Sony A1, which debuted in 2021 with a body-only price of $6,500 / £6,499 / AU$10,499. This price increase reflects the advancements in its technology and Sony’s positioning of the A1 II as a premium flagship. The camera is expected to be available in early 2025, making it one of the more highly anticipated releases of the new year.
Alongside the A1 II, Sony may launch a new 28-70mm f/2 zoom lens, rumored to be the company’s first zoom with a constant f/2 aperture. While this lens could be an appealing addition to the lineup, it’s expected to come with a steep price tag, estimated at around $3,000 (or approximately £2,330 / AU$4,570).
If these rumors hold, the A1 II’s improvements suggest that camera technology may be approaching a performance plateau, where software and incremental hardware advancements refine rather than redefine the field. However, the A1 II’s anticipated upgrades could once again position Sony as a top choice in the hybrid camera market, competing closely with models like Nikon’s Z8 and Z9 and Canon’s upcoming EOS R1.
