Important Quirks and Features of Sony Alpha 1 for Cinematography

The Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) is Sony’s flagship hybrid camera that is supposed to be the best photo and video camera.

It’s natural for a serious video shooter and filmmaker to be interested in this camera. Let’s go over some important quirks and features of the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) for cinematography and video.

The 50 MP Image Sensor

What is new is not the megapixel count, but the lightning speed readout.

Sony claims this improves the rolling shutter performance of the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H). Curiously, they haven’t compared it with the Sony a7S III (Amazon, B&H).

8K up to 30p. What do you really get?

The Alpha 1 is capable of recording 8K UHD video up to 30p. This is 8.6K downsampled to 8K.

• 8K UHD (7680 x 4320) in XAVC HS 8K at 400Mbps, no RAW.
• 10-bit 4:2:0 only
• Frame rates are 23.976p, 25p and 29.97p.
• Only available in full frame recording. If you pick Super 35mm mode the resolution drops.
• Maximum time limit of 30 minutes of continuous recording in 8K.

What is disappointing about this is the 4:2:0 chroma subsampling. Soon we’ll pit the Alpha 1 to the Canon EOS R5, which shoots 8K RAW internally.

Sony claims a dynamic range of 15+ stops in S-Log3. Here’s a sample for image quality, from Sony:

What do you think? To me the skin tones look very video-y and not at all filmic. The color shifts are similar to what we had on the original a7S. We don’t know what they did but on first impression I prefer the footage from the Sony a7S III (Amazon, B&H).

What are the data rates for 8K?

Here are the data rates for 8K:

Resolution	XAVC HS 8K
8K UHD	400 Mbps / 200 Mbps

This equates to:

• About 43 minutes on a 128 GB card at 400Mbps
• About 87 minutes on a 128 GB card at 200Mbps

What is the crop factor in 8K?

As far as we can tell, there is no crop in the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) while shooting in 8K.

4K up to 120p. What do you really get?

Sometimes it’s worth reading the fine print:

• There is a 10% crop in 120p (and with RAW over HDMI).
• You get 4K DCI 60p (4096 x 2048) RAW externally via HDMI Type A. Not internally. Internally, it’s UHD only.
• You can use both the Super 35 mode and full frame while recording in 4K.
• Sony does not mention that the 4K is downsampled from 8K but the camera does perform a 5.8K downsample when using the Super 35 mode. It’s quite possible there’s line-skipping involved, but that needs to be tested.
• You get 10-bit 4:2:2 internally up to 60p in XAVC S-I 4K and 120p in XAVC HS 4K.
• You get up to 240 fps with 1408 x 804 being the effective pixel area (not full HD 1080p). The slow and quick mode is not available for shooting in XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K and XAVC S-I 4K.
• Sony claims the output via HDMI is 16-bit RAW but the camera in stills mode is only capable of 14-bit RAW. The RAW isn’t truly 16-bit, and neither is the sensor.
• You can transfer video directly to a computer via SuperSpeed USB-C 10Gbps (USB 3.2).

What is the crop factor in 4K?

There is a 10% crop factor. E.g., a 50mm lens will give you a 35mm equivalent of about 55mm. It’s not a big difference, but it’s important to highlight, especially if you’re trying to match the Alpha 1 to other full frame cine cameras.

What are the data rates for 4K?

Here are the data rates for 10-bit 4:2:2 for the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H):

Frame rates at 4K	Codec	Data rate
23.976p to 59.94p*	XAVC S-I	240 to 600 Mbps
23.976p to 119.88p	XAVC HS	100 to 280 Mbps

If you want to grade your videos, you might want to stick to XAVC S-I, because it gives you the least compression in 10-bit 4:2:2.

Just to put some perspective, this equates to:

• About 74 minutes on a 160 GB card at 240 Mbps
• About 30 minutes on a 160 GB card at 600 Mbps

What about anamorphic mode?

The Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) does not have an anamorphic mode, nor an anamorphic desqueeze function. The aspect ratio of the. sensor is 16:9, so a 2x squeeze will result in an aspect ratio of 3.55:1. You’ll be forced to chop off the sides to get 2.39:1.

With a 1.8x squeeze anamorphic lens, a 16:9 aspect ratio transforms into a 3.2:1 aspect ratio, and if you shoot full frame 1.5 (like with the Sony Venice), you’ll get 2.7:1.

If you shoot in 8K, and want to use 2x anamorphic lenses, you’ll get an effective resolution of 5184 x 4320 (1.2:1), so you definitely accomplish a 4K anamorphic finish.

The Sony Alpha 1 isn’t the perfect camera for anamorphic shooters. But it’s doable with an external monitor.

What about 1080p or HD?

The maximum frame rate for HD is 240 fps. No crop.

Proxy files can be written in 8-bit 4:2:0 XAVC-L 1080p at 16Mbps.

What is the dynamic range of the Sony Alpha 1?

According to Sony, the dynamic range is about 15+ stops in S-Log3. No info on the native ISO. Unlike the Sony FX6, the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) does not claim to come with dual base ISOs.

The ISO range is ISO 100–32000, and the expanded ISO (only forcan reach ISO 102400. I think it’s safe to say the Alpha 1 isn’t a low light camera a la Sony a7S III.

What about overheating in 8K?

Sony’s official website claims that Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) can record in XAVC 8K for a maximum of 30 minutes continuously.

There isn’t a fan, but 30 minutes seems to be the limit:

A newly developed heat-dissipating structure keeps image sensor and image processing engine temperatures within their normal operating range, preventing overheating while maintaining compact body dimensions. This makes it possible to record 8K/30p or 4K/60p videos, or 10-bit 4:2:0 video continuously for more than 30 minutes.

Sony

Of course, ambient temperatures and the camera temperature will dictate what actual record times you get.

What media card do you need?

The Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) has dual CFexpress Card Type A slots.

These slots are also compatible with SDXC cards supporting UHS-I and UHS-II speed classes. However, I don’t think anybody would buy this expensive camera and use cheaper SD cards – not unless they were desperate.

If you need sustained 4K at the highest frame rates, CFExpress cards are recommended by Sony. You can use any UHS-II card, preferably V90, to record in UHD XAVC-I up to 60fps.

Sony doesn’t include a card in the camera package, and CFexpress Type A cards are still rare (and expensive).

Note: Other camera brands have preferred to use the faster Type B CFexpress card. Unfortunately, Type B is not supported.

What is the ISO range for 8K?

The ISO range is ISO 100–32000, and the expanded ISO (only for stills) can reach ISO 102400. I think it’s safe to say the Alpha 1 isn’t a low light camera a la Sony a7S III.

There is no info on the native ISO in S-Log3 or RAW. Unlike the Sony FX6, the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) does not claim to come with dual base ISOs.

What type of stabilization is in the Sony Alpha 1 ?

The Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) has 5-axis In Built Image Stabilization (IBIS). They claim that this can provide 5.5 stops of image stabilization.

For video they have an Active Mode of recording, similar to the a7S III, which provides yaw, pitch and roll stability. Active mode is only available till 60p in 4K and it comes with a slight image crop:

Much like the FX9 and the FX6, the Alpha 1 will have a gyroscope in it. You can use the gyro data to stabilize the footage further in the post using Sony’s own Catalyst Software.

What exposure and focus tools are available in the Alpha 1?

Zebras, histogram and in-camera meter. Nothing better, sadly. They really should have added a false color display.

You get peaking for manual focus.

One major distinguishing feature of the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) is you get the S-Cinetone color matrix similar to FX6 and FX9. However, to be honest, if that’s what was used in the sample above, I’ll pass.

What about the EVF (electronic viewfinder)?

The Sony Alpha 1 has a 1.6 cm electronic color viewfinder, which has 9,437,184 dots and 100% field coverage.

Like with other Sony alpha cameras, you get everything on the EVF. The major improvements seem to be for stills mode, because it eliminates blackout.

Does the Sony Alpha 1 have built-in ND Filters?

No, the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) does not come with in built ND filters. Another opportunity wasted for this price class.

What about the LCD?

You get a 3.0 inch 1.44 million dot LCD touchscreen. They have brought back their old LCD screen back which only extends outwards with the option of tilting up and down. It does not swivel out.

What is the best format for external video recording?

The best video format that can be exported is “16-bit” 4K RAW via HDMI Type A. The maximum frame rate is 59.94p.

It is possible to output RAW via HDMI while recording XAVC HS 4K, XAVC S 4K, or XAVC S-I 4K internally. Proxy recording is also available.

Compatible recorders have not been officially announced at the time of the writing.

What format should I choose for the best video quality on the Sony Alpha 1?

I suggest S-Log3, XAVC S-I 4K in 10-bit 4:2:2. This would give you the best dynamic range and the most flexible video for post production.

What about timecode?

The Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) has timecode input and output for multi camera sync. Sony’s official website has not delved into this in detail.

Can you record simultaneously to both CFexpress cards?

Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) is capable of recording simultaneously on both the cards. This includes:

1. Auto Switch recording: Auto Switch recording allows you to carry on your recording from one card to the other, i.e. if while recording one of your memory card is filled up auto switch recording will start writing on to the second memory card instantaneously.
2. Copy recording: This mode of recording allows you to basically create a backup of your recording parallel to your first recording.
3. Proxy recording allows you to record 10-bit 4:2:2 to one card and a proxy 8-bit 4:2:0 format in the other card as backup.

How good is the autofocus for video?

It’s going to be quite remarkable, if Sony’s marketing is to be believed. Keep in mind the marketing of this camera was heavily directed towards high end photographers. Especially with the Olympics around the corner (if it happens).

Real eye tracking looks precise and consistent. Sony has also released Face only Focus Detection where the focus only shifts if the face moves.

With the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) they have introduced AI based Tracking, which will maintain the focus on the subject while the shutter button is half pressed.

The Eye AF option exists only for humans in the movie mode. The good news is AF is available in most 4K modes, including 120p.

What are the audio specs?

The audio is recorded as Linear PCM in 24-bit mode. The cold shoe can transmit power directly to a Sony mic or XLR. You will need to attach the accessories necessary for recording audio, preferably one that supports 24-bit, 4-channel with the Multi Interface Shoe.

The Alpha 1 has a 3.5mm jack for the microphone. It also has a 3.5mm Stereo mini headphone jack.

Connectivity

Sony has included Wi-Fi Sharing in the Sony Alpha 1 with 5GHz Wi-Fi 11ac 2×2 MIMO for better connectivity with your phone and other wireless devices.

In addition to this, the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) also has a wired LAN port which Sony recommends you to use with a 1000BASE-T. It also sports a SuperSpeed 10 Gbps (USB 3.2) Type C port for quicker transfers.

The other big news (if you have any money left) is you can also use the new Sony Xperia Pro (Amazon, B&H) as a monitor with the Sony Alpha 1. The mobile phone has the ability to connect to the camera via HDMI type A. That’s great for journalists, but I doubt it will excite many professional filmmakers.

Any word on battery life for video for the Sony Alpha 1?

You get one rechargeable battery pack NP-FZ100 with the camera, which can be extended using the optional VG-C4EM Vertical Grip (sold separately). You get about 145 minutes of continuous recording if you choose to use the viewfinder and around 150 minutes of continuous recording if you choose to use the LCD monitor.

If you’re not recording continuously you get about 90 minutes. That’s not that bad.

The Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) draws about 6.8 Watts if you use the viewfinder and 6.6 watts if you use the LCD screen. I believe with four batteries you should be able to get through most days.

Is the Sony Alpha 1 weather sealed?

Nothing has been mentioned about any sort of weather sealing on the Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H). Not even an empty “improved dust and moisture resistance”. However, the Sony official website has mentioned an Anti-Dust System for their image sensor.

The Sony Alpha 1 (Amazon, B&H) is shaping up to be one hell of a camera but I’m not sure for whom. In the coming weeks I’ll be comparing it to the Sony a7S III and the Canon EOS R5, to see what the real value proposition is.

Stay tuned.