The new Sony Camera has some special features

Sony has unveiled their new flagship camera, aptly named Alpha 1. It has some impressive headline specs, such as 8K video at 30fps, 4K at 120, and 50.1 megapixel still images. It can even take those 50.1MP images at 30 frames per second.

In addition, it is said to have 15 stops of dynamic range, 5-axis internal image stabilization, mechanical and digital shutters, Wi-Fi, wired ethernet, and more. Here is a preview of it.

The attention span number is, of course, 8K. At a time when most people don’t even have 4K TV yet (though many do), the notion that someone needs 8K is funny, at least. While I totally agree that no one needs 8K, 8K TV camara certainly a good idea. You can still crop in and still have 4K resolution or more, which allows for many creative possibilities that a lower resolution camera would not be able to do.

Sony is not the first company to announce a consumer-level 8K camera. Canon launched the R5 a few months ago. One of the most notable issues with that camera was the limited number of recording times in 8K, apparently for heat issues. Sony is making it a talking point about their “heat-dissipating structure” that will help the Alpha 1 8K30 tablet for up to 30 minutes.

The ability to record 8K also allows for something else interesting, 4K at 120 frames per second. This should allow you to create some slow motion videos in high resolution.

Video is definitely a major reason that anyone should consider this camera, but it is also still a camera. 50.1 megapixels translates to 8640×5760. It can record those at up to 30 images per second, which should be awesome for sports designers.

The Exmor RS CMOS image sensor is full-frame, as you would expect. Sony claims to have 15 stops of dynamic range (over 15 for video), which should help make up for some beautiful HDR content.

There are also two shutters, electrical and mechanical. The electronic can be used, among other purposes, in situations where silent camera operation is of paramount importance. Prolonged exposures are another use, where any camera vibration could damage the bullet.

There are a number of connectivity options as well, including the obvious ones like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but also ethernet and USB-C. The latter can charge the batteries while in the camera.

To store your images, CFexpress Type A has dual SD and dual card slots.

Potential Disadvantages? Well, it’s not light, at 1lb, 10oz (737g). But then I would assume that anyone who would get such an expensive camera would have straps / tripods / mounts etc Oh, and yes, the price. I want it for just $ 6,500. That’s not so bad for a camera that tends to be used in pro and semi-pro film and photo situations for several years.

The Alpha 1 stars will move in March.

Alpha 1: $ 6,500

Sony.com