How do you perceive the differences in handling, autofocus, etc., between the A1 and the A1 II?
I like the A1 II even more than I expected to. All those "small" improvements, IMHO, add-up to be quite signifiant. It feels better in the hand, the LCD size and flexibility are great, the AI focus chip is welcome and the auto subject detect saves a lot of frustration in the field.
I originally started with two A1's, then replaced one of them with the A7R5 to get the AI focus chip and flexible LCD. Now, I expect to replace my A7R5 with another A1 Ii sometime in the future when I can acquire at a discount. Of course, Sony will probably release an 80mp A7R6 with killer features that might derail those plans.
InFocus2014 wrote:
I like the A1 II even more than I expected to. All those "small" improvements, IMHO, add-up to be quite signifiant. It feels better in the hand, the LCD size and flexibility are great, the AI focus chip is welcome and the auto subject detect saves a lot of frustration in the field.
I originally started with two A1's, then replaced one of them with the A7R5 to get the AI focus chip and flexible LCD. Now, I expect to replace my A7R5 with another A1 Ii sometime in the future when I can acquire at a discount. Of course, Sony will probably release an 80mp A7R6 with killer features that might derail those plans. ...Show more →
Thanks, that's helpful info. I was moving away from replacing my A1 with the A1 II because of the slight increase in size and also because the differences didn't seem significant. But the A1 II is probably going to be Sony's major stacked sensor camera for a few years, so I might just get it now. The supply seems to be loosening up.
I went through this myself. I chose the A7RV. I decided the cost difference was just not worth it and I coveted the enhanced IBIS over the fps and blackout-free viewing. I am not a bird shooter particularly. I do have an m43 system which is my fast, blackout-free viewing system if I want it. I have not been disappointed and IMO the A7 is fast enough for any normal photography, and in fact it would have been fine for my sports shooting in the past too.
seabiscuit68 wrote:
If I'm able to get a new A7RV for $2550 pre-tax and the cheapest A1 I can find new is about $3700 pretax (or $3200 used), is the A1 worth the difference?
I do general photography as a hobby (family, macro, some birds if available on a hike, some landscape).
You should be able to find a used A1 for the same or less than what a new A7R V sells for.
If you enjoy shooting macro, the focus bracketing feature of the 7R V is really nice to have... I still don't know why Sony didn't add that to the A1 via a firmware update, like they did with the A7 IV.
Cliff L. wrote:
If you enjoy shooting macro, the focus bracketing feature of the 7R V is really nice to have... I still don't know why Sony didn't add that to the A1 via a firmware update, like they did with the A7 IV.
They did .
For a majority of people (no sports non birds). General photography, street, portraits etc. The A7RV used is about what 800 dollars cheaper than the A1. You can get a couple of cheap lenses for that or close to a GM prime.
Now if you have have the speed used A1 makes perfect sense. If a budget maybe even try a used A9II (But they seem harder to find).
It's just a tool, use the best tool that fits your needs and budget.
Always pros and cons. If money is not an issue A1 II is obvious choice.
I have really enjoyed my A7RV and to me overall its so much more responsive and better for what I do than the A7RIV.
I tried the RV wanting to experience the subject recognition. It is better than the A1 as long as things aren't moving or you need the silent e-shutter.
No regrets in selling the RV for the A1 II though. I like to shoot BIF and other subjects that require speed. Will be keeping the A1 as a backup unless someone offers me too much money for it.
The flippy screen of the RV/A1 II is really nice too.
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