Sony Alpha 1 Mark II vs Sony Alpha 1: How Sony Made a Great Camera Even Better

As someone who spends countless hours out in the wild photographing birds and elusive animals, the original Sony Alpha 1 has been a workhorse in my kit. Its combination of speed, resolution, and autofocus gave me the edge I needed for fast, unpredictable wildlife. But when I got my hands on the new Alpha 1 Mark II, I immediately noticed refinements that matter where it counts—in the field. This post is a hands-on take on how the A1 Mark II compares to the original after almost a year of use, and why these upgrades genuinely make a difference for wildlife photography. 

The AI Autofocus is a Game Changer

Let’s start with the biggest upgrade: the autofocus system. Sony brought in a new AI processing unit for the A1 Mark II, and it shows. It picks up birds and animals with way more consistency. Even in awkward poses, the AF locks on and stays there. I’ve tracked butterflies and even dragonflies mid-flight—things I wouldn’t attempt confidently with the original A1. The new pose estimation is surprisingly good. I had a moment with a fox partially hidden in bush—the camera didn’t lose focus when it turned its head. That wouldn’t always happen with the original. For me, this means fewer missed moments and more shots worth keeping. 

Performance You Feel in the Field
Both cameras use the same 50.1MP stacked CMOS sensor, but the A1 Mark II feels snappier. It’s not just numbers—it’s practical: Buffer clearing is faster, so I can keep shooting longer bursts during action moments like take-offs or fights. The rolling shutter is barely noticeable now, so I feel more confident using the electronic shutter even when birds zip across the frame. In low light—early mornings especially—the autofocus feels stickier and more confident.

Ergonomics That Matter on Long Days
I’m often hiking with a 300mm lens or the 600mm lens, so how the camera feels really matters. The A1 Mark II makes a nice leap in comfort, especially with the new VG-C5 vertical grip: Shooting vertical compositions (common with perched owls or raptors) feels much more natural. The buttons are where they should be. I don’t have to think—I just adjust and shoot. Dual batteries keep me going from sunrise to sunset without worry. And yes, the grip on the main body is also slightly improved—it’s a small change, but after a full day in the field, your hands feel it. 

If You Film Wildlife Too…
I occasionally shoot wildlife videos, and the A1 Mark II has made that easier: I can now record in 8K for longer without worrying about overheating. The AF during video with Eye Autofocus for Animals and Birds is smoother—less breathing, more natural transitions. The colors straight out of camera look better. Skin tones and feathers both benefit from the updated color science. 

Final Thoughts
If you’re using the original Alpha 1, you know how good it is. But the Mark II polishes nearly every area that matters in the field. The improved AI, better ergonomics, and subtle performance tweaks add up to a smoother, more efficient shooting experience. For me, that means more time focusing on the subject, and less time fighting with the gear. Whether I’m tracking hummingbirds in Colombia or waiting hours for a desert fox in the UAE, the A1 Mark II feels like a camera built for the way I shoot. I’ll be sharing field tips, sample shots, and camera setups in the future posts—stay tuned! Since I have the A93 as well which is matched, minus the megapixels, with the A1 Mark II, I have since sold the original Sony A1 now as both these cameras are now much ahead the older model for me.