PetaPixel: Sony Has the Problem Every Competitor Wants: Its Flagship Was Too Good to Follow


Sony A1II at  BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama

Jeremy Gray from PetaPixel nails it when he writes:

When Sony announced the a1 II at its Creative Space event earlier this week, the camera was met with a slight buzz in the room. When Sony unveiled its incredible new FE 28-70mm f/2 GM lens, the room erupted. It’s not often that a new lens sucks up all the air in a room, especially not when a flagship camera is also announced.The original a1’s excellence is primarily to blame. The a9 III can also take some responsibility for the tepid response to the a1 II because it is the new measuring stick by which Sony camera announcements will be measured, fairly or not.

That’s exactly the point, Sony used us to give us big “WOW’s” when they announced new flagship models. This time around we didn’t get that. Still, I think the A1II is still an excellent camera as Jeremy writes

The Sony a1 II doesn’t provide Sony with the big leap ahead its predecessor did and I don’t believe it’s for a lack of effort or ability. I think it’s because the Sony a1 was so damn good that it’s practically impossible to follow. There was no significant shortcoming to address, and the technology to make the same type of revolutionary leap forward again simply doesn’t exist yet.
the company should take stock of the fact that it made its best camera even better, even if it’s not the mic drop moment of the original a1 or a9 III. Sony raised the standards so frequently that making something groundbreaking is almost impossible. Almost.

My personal take:
The A1II is made for professionals. And they will be happy with the up to 50% better autofocus performance, pre-capture, the better body and other small improvements it brings. Maybe in 3-4 years, when the Sony AIII is announced, the global shutter will have gotten so good that we’ll get a big jump in speed and features. Or maybe Sony can finally solve the 3-shift problems that Sigma hasn’t been able to solve yet. That would be a big WOW moment, don’t you think?

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Preorder links:
Sony A1II at  BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.
Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.

 

Sony announced an impressive new 394 fps global shutter sensor


IMX925 CMOS image sensor

The new global shutter sensor is smaller than FF and APS-C and made for industrial use. But I’m some aspects of this technology will find its way into future Alpha cameras featuring global shutter.

Press text from Sony Semicron:

Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release an Industrial CMOS Image Sensor
with Global Shutter for High-Speed Processing and High Pixel Count
Offering an Expanded, High-Precision Product Lineup Supporting Faster Recognition and Inspection

Atsugi, Japan — Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) today announced the upcoming release of the IMX925 stacked CMOS image sensor with back-illuminated pixel structure and global shutter. This new product offers 394 fps high-speed processing and a high, 24.55-effective-megapixel*1 count and is optimized for industrial equipment imaging.

The new sensor product is equipped with the Pregius S™ global shutter technology made possible by SSS’s original pixel structure, delivering a compact design with minimal noise and high-quality imaging performance. It also employs a new circuit structure that optimizes pixel reading and sensor drive in the A/D converter, making processing approximately four times faster and twice as energy efficient as conventional products.*2

Along with the IMX925, SSS will also release three models with different sensor sizes and frame rates. The expanded product lineup will help make recognition and inspection tasks faster and more precise, improving productivity in the industrial equipment domain, where this kind of superior performance is increasingly in demand.

*1 Based on the image sensor effective pixel specification method.
*2 Compared to SSS’s IMX530 1.2-type 24.55-effective-megapixel CMOS image sensor.

With factory automation progressing, demand continues to grow for machine vision cameras capable of fast, high-quality imaging for a variety of objects in the industrial equipment domain. By employing a global shutter capable of capturing moving subjects free of distortion together with a proprietary back-illuminated pixel structure, SSS’s global-shutter CMOS image sensors deliver superb pixel characteristics, including high sensitivity and saturation capacity. They are mainly being used to recognize and inspect precision components such as electronic devices.

The IMX925 sensor is compact enough to be C mount compatible, the most common mounting standard for machine vision cameras. It has a total of 24.55 effective megapixels*1 and offers a higher frame rate than previous models thanks to the enhanced high-speed signal processing. These features enable increased image capture per unit of time, thereby reducing measurement and inspection process times and helping to save energy. The product is also expected to be useful in advanced inspection processes such as 3D inspections which employ multiple image data.

Main Features

■New circuit structure with optimized sensor drive for high-speed imaging and power saving
The new sensor models employ a new circuit structure that optimizes pixel reading and sensor drive in the A/D converter. Reducing the data output time enables high-speed imaging, so the IMX925 delivers a frame rate of 394 fps, about four times faster than conventional products.*2 Power consumption is also more than twice as efficient as on conventional products.*2 The reduced power consumption and shorter measurement and inspection times will contribute to improved productivity in various applications.

■Global shutter with original pixel structure for high-definition imaging in a compact package
The new products are equipped with SSS’s proprietary Pregius S global shutter technology. The back-illuminated pixels and stacked structure enable high sensitivity and saturation capacity on very small, 2.74 µm pixels. This structure delivers 24.55 effective megapixels*1 on the IMX925 in a C-mount-compatible 1.2-type size, delivering a high pixel count in a compact package. This design also ensures that the sensors can capture fast-moving objects free of distortion, which in turn makes the products highly useful in compact, high-definition machine vision cameras that can be easily installed on equipment and manufacturing lines.

■Higher data transmission per lane for higher camera precision and speed

The new products employ SSS’s own embedded clock*3 high-speed interface SLVS-EC™, which supports up to 12.5 Gbps/lane. With high-resolution image data transmitted on fewer data lanes than in the past, FPGA options are expanded, supporting the development of high-precision, high-speed cameras.

*3 A transfer method that embeds the clock in the data. There is no need to suppress delay time variance between lanes, resulting in easier board design and faster processing.

Related Links
IMX925 series product page: https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/products/is/industry/gs/imx925-926.html
Global shutter technology: https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/technology/industry/pregius.html　
High-speed interface SLVS-EC™: https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/technology/is/slvsec.html

Asked ChatGPT why I should upgrade from the A1 to the A1II

Preorder links:
Sony A1II at  BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.
Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.

I asked ChatGPT to analyze all the reviews and YouTube videos. And then I asked two questions that are on everyone’s mind here:

1) Why should someone sell his A1 and upgrade to the A1II?

Upgrading from the Sony A1 to the A1 II depends on your needs as a photographer or videographer. Here are the key reasons why an upgrade might be worth considering:

1. Significantly Enhanced Autofocus

  • AI Processor: The A1 II introduces a dedicated AI processor for advanced subject tracking, including “Human Pose Estimation” for better detection of faces, eyes, and bodies in dynamic scenarios.
  • Faster AF Calculations: Doubling the autofocus calculations to 120 times per second ensures better accuracy in fast-moving scenes.

2. Better Image Stabilization

  • The A1 II offers 8.5 stops of in-body image stabilization (up from 5.5 stops in the A1), a substantial improvement for handheld shooting, especially in low light.

3. Pre-Capture and Workflow Efficiency

  • Pre-Capture Feature: The ability to record up to 1 second of RAW images before fully pressing the shutter is a game-changer for capturing critical moments.
  • Enhanced workflow tools and refinements, such as speed boosts for burst shooting, help professionals operate more efficiently.

4. Improved Video Features

  • The A1 II retains the 8K/30p capability of the A1 but adds advanced thermal management, allowing for longer recording durations.
  • Video modes like Auto Framing and Framing Stabilizer enable dynamic subject tracking and more stable handheld footage.

5. Future-Proofing

  • With updated technology like the AI processor and enhanced stabilization, the A1 II is better suited to handle evolving demands, making it a more future-proof investment.

6. Edge in Competitive Scenarios

  • Professionals competing with cameras like the Nikon Z9 or Canon EOS R1 may find the A1 II’s advanced autofocus and video features necessary to remain competitive.

Why Stick with the A1?

If you don’t rely heavily on cutting-edge autofocus, ultra-stabilization, or advanced video features, the original A1 still offers top-tier resolution, speed, and versatility. The decision hinges on whether these incremental but meaningful upgrades justify the cost for your use case.

2) Why are people disappointed with the A1II ?

Some users and reviewers have expressed disappointment with the Sony A1 II, primarily because they perceive it as a more incremental update rather than a revolutionary leap over the original A1. Here are the main reasons for their criticisms:

1. Minimal Sensor and Image Quality Upgrades

  • The A1 II uses the same 50.1MP sensor as the original A1, with no significant increase in resolution or dynamic range. Many were expecting a next-generation sensor with higher resolution or improved low-light performance.

2. Limited 8K Video Improvements

  • While the A1 II can record 8K for longer durations due to better heat management, there is no leap in frame rates (still capped at 30fps) or advanced codec options that would set it apart from competitors like the Nikon Z9 or Canon EOS R5 Mark II.

3. High Price with Incremental Upgrades

  • The price of the A1 II remains at a premium level (~$6,500), but some argue that the updates—such as the AI processor, stabilization improvements, and autofocus tweaks—don’t justify the cost for those already using the original A1.

4. Lack of Game-Changing Features

  • Critics were hoping for groundbreaking innovations, such as global shutter technology, higher burst rates, or new video capabilities like internal raw recording. The absence of such features leaves some feeling underwhelmed.

5. Focus on Niche Improvements

  • Many of the upgrades, such as pre-capture and pose estimation, are valuable but appeal primarily to specific types of photographers (e.g., sports or wildlife). For general users, the original A1 already meets most needs.

Summary of Discontent

The A1 II is seen as a refinement of an already excellent camera, but for many professionals, the incremental nature of the improvements does not justify the upgrade—especially considering the cost. It remains a fantastic tool, but the lack of revolutionary changes has left some users disappointed.

And here is a way more funny explanation on why you have to update to the Sony A1II:

First leaked images of the soon to be announced new Samyang AF35mm F1.4 P FE

The above official teaser shows the 12mm RF lens on the left and the new Samyang AF35mm F1.4 P FE lens on the right

Samyang will soon announce the first lens with the “P” mark. It will be the 35mm F1.4 P autofocus Full Frame E-mount. It is not yet clear what the “P” stands for but this lens will have a special new lightweight construction.

Compared to the current existing Samyang 35mm AF lens the new lens will weight 470g instead of 659g. The lens barrel length is 12cm compared to 13.5cm for the previous generation. The minimum focusing distance is 30cm compared to 29cm for the previous generation. Additionally, the third generation also features a new lens hood and a new lens cap design.

via Weibo

Follow it live: Sony A1II panel discussion

BHphoto has setup the probably best Sony A1II “new features” page you can read (Click here). And above you can follow the live panel discussion they are having today.

Preorder links:
Sony A1II at  BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.
Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.