Sony announced the new A1II and the best new feature is that it forced a price drop on the Sony A1 :)

Sony A1II at  BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, FotoKoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.
Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, BestBuy, FotoErhardt, Fotokoch, Calumet, WexUK, Clifton, CameraPro. Sony Australia.

The Sony A1II has been announced and the full presentation page can be seen on that BHphoto page (Click here).

The first reaction from Sony Alpha shooters is that this isn’t a great update. Obviously there are some cool minor changes like the new body and new AI chip. But they were expecting to get “MORE” new features. Well, there is a good news fro them: The Sony A1II forced a $1,000 price drop on the original A1 at BHphoto, Amazon, Adorama, Fotokoch, FotoErhardt, WexUK. This now makes it a very attractive option!

Fujifilm finally enters the cinema market with the GFX ETERNA Cinema Camera

FUJIFILM is currently in the process of developing its first-ever filmmaking camera, the GFX ETERNA, with plans for a release in 2025.

The GFX ETERNA will feature a large format sensor, GFX 102MP CMOS II HS, which is approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm sensor, and the high-speed image processing engine X-Processor 5, enabling filmmakers to capture rich, true to life visuals and have enhanced flexibility in post-production.

Both the GFX 102MP CMOS II HS sensor and X-Processor 5 are the latest technologies featured in the FUJIFILM’s mirrorless digital camera GFX100 II, which delivers extraordinarily high image quality with its 102 million pixels.

Early confirmed Sony A1II specs (not a big enhancement)

The Sony A1II introduces key advancements over its predecessor, the Sony A1, especially for professional photographers and videographers seeking refined features and performance.

  1. **Enhanced In-Body Stabilization**: With up to 8 stops of in-body image stabilization, the A1II offers superior steadiness, allowing handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds and reducing reliance on tripods or gimbals.
  2. **AI-Driven Autofocus**: Borrowing from the A9III, the A1II incorporates an advanced AI-based autofocus system that improves subject tracking, particularly for challenging action and wildlife shots.
  3. **Pre-Capture Mode**: This feature offers significant advantages for capturing fast-moving subjects, buffering frames just before the shutter press, helping photographers capture fleeting moments they might have missed otherwise.
  4. **Faster CFexpress Type A Support**: The addition of faster CFexpress Type A card support reduces data transfer times and allows users to work with high-resolution files more efficiently, making it ideal for professionals handling large volumes of high-bitrate video and images.
  5. **Potential Price Adjustment**: If the original A1 sees a price reduction with the A1II’s release, professionals on a budget might find the A1 more accessible, while those investing in the A1II gain the most current technology.

While the core specs like 30fps burst and 8K at 30p video remain the same, these targeted upgrades make the Sony A1II a strong candidate for professionals looking to improve image stabilization, autofocus precision, and workflow efficiency.