The Sony Alpha 1 II flagship camera has evolved with many features that photographers and videographers are going to be excited about. Professional photographer and Sony Artisan Miguel Quiles had the chance to try out the new Sony Alpha 1 II, and in this deep dive he walks us through the highlights and shares his first impressions. “It truly is the best blend that we’ve seen of high-resolution images at high frame rates that help to ensure that you get the right shot.” Watch the full video below and learn more about the new Sony Alpha 1 II HERE.

AI Processing Unit & Pre-Capture

One of the biggest updates to the Sony Alpha 1 II that Quiles mentions is the inclusion of a dedicated AI processor for subject recognition and tracking. The camera can recognize a variety of subjects including humans, animals, birds, insects, cars, trains and airplanes in both stills and video modes – and it even takes it a step further from that. “The Alpha 1 II takes it up a notch by giving you an option where you can identify the subjects automatically, which will save you time when you’re out shooting,” Quiles says.

Another major update is the ability to use the Pre-Capture Feature, which continuously shoots images before you press the shutter button. “You can program this in the camera to capture images from .03-1 second before pressing the shutter,” Quiles explains. “And best of all, you can enjoy this feature up to 30 frames per second while still using full autofocus and exposure tracking. And you can shoot these in full resolution RAW files so you can tweak them later on in post.”

Ergonomic & Design Upgrades

Quiles says that the ergonomic changes are where he really fell in love with this camera. The four-axis, multi-angle LCD monitor allows him to get the perfect composition, and the dust and moisture resistant body gives him the confidence to shoot in any situation. “Sony really nailed it here when it comes to balancing the ergonomics and the overall weight of the camera body.”

The Alpha 1 II also features dual CF-Express Type A slots, which Quiles says you’ll want to use for fast action stills or video. These slots also take the more common SD card. He points out the various updates to the camera’s IO ports, like separate doors for the headphone and mic jacks.

Video Capabilities

He also walks through the details of the Sony Alpha 1 II’s video capabilities, all of which give you ultra high resolution footage and allow the use of custom profiles. “If you’d like, you can also import up to 16 of your own LUTs into your camera to give you a real-time preview of the final look of your video while you’re shooting.”

The Alpha 1 II also has focus breathing compensation as well as active and dynamic stabilization. Quiles says, “If you’ve never tried recording videos using dynamic stabilization you need to check it out. It’s as close to having the camera on a gimbal that you’ll actually see outside of having your camera on a gimbal.”

Another feature Quiles was excited to see is the camera’s support for UBC and UAC protocols. “This simply means that you could take the Alpha 1 II and you can connect it to your computer with a USB cable and you could use it as a 4k web cam,” he explains. “This can be done without having to download any additional software. You simply just plug it in, and you’re ready to go.”

Stunning Portraits & More

After putting the new Sony Alpha 1 II to the test for video, wildlife, and of course, portrait photography both in-studio and on-location, Quiles says, “If you’re using it for any kind of portrait work like I did, or really anything that’s slower paced, the 50 megapixel sensor on this camera is going to give you stunning images.”

Learn more about the new Sony Alpha 1 II HERE.