The α1 II gives users everything they need to achieve a higher capture success rate and more, including 50MP high resolution, AI-based subject recognition AF, high-speed continuous shooting, and an advanced workflow from capture to delivery that provides professionals with unrivalled efficiency and freedom

A fusion of leading technologies delivers overwhelming performance
The massive volume of data from the 50.1 megapixel^*1 full-frame Exmor RS™ image sensor is processed in real time by Sony’s BIONZ XR™ image processing engine. An advanced AI processing unit applies high-level subject recognition to reliably recognize a wide range of subjects. These state-of-the-art technologies make it easy to capture even the most challenging subjects in extraordinary resolution, with blackout-free viewing and full AF/AE tracking at up to 30 fps. ^*2

An advanced AI processing unit achieves high-level subject recognition
The α1 II features a dedicated AI processing unit that helps to recognize people more accurately based on human pose estimation and supports recognition of a wide range of subjects other than people, such as animals, vehicles and insects^*5, with high accuracy. This results in a dramatic improvement in Real-time Recognition AF and Real-time Tracking capability, and higher overall AF performance.

Human eye recognition improved by up to approximately 30%^*6
Real-time Recognition AF has improved human eye recognition by approximately 30%^*6, and its human pose estimation technology also delivers precise recognition of subjects facing away from the camera, wearing sunglasses, or with the face obscured. Recognition of distant human subjects occupying only a small part of the frame has been notably improved, so approaching subjects are recognized and tracked sooner. Subjects can also be tracked better across occlusions among many people.

A wide variety of subjects accurately recognized^*7
A wider variety of subjects^*7 is now recognized for stills and movies, with a new [Auto] mode letting the camera select. ^*8 Recognition of animals overall is improved by approximately 30%^*6, with eyes of some small animals added, and the eyes, heads and faces of animals like dogs and cats recognized. Recognition of birds is improved by 50%^*6.

AF tracking response settable to match subject speed changes
Fast Hybrid AF combines phase detection and contrast detection for superb speed, precision and tracking performance. 759^*10 phase-detection points cover 92% of the image sensor. The AF tracking response for stills can now be selected from [Stable], [Standard], and [Responsive] to suit the likely subject motion, useful for example in bird photography. High AF precision is achieved right down to light levels as low as EV-4.0^*11 in AF-S mode, with improved contrast AF response.

Flexible focus area settings
XL and XS focus area spot sizes are now available in addition to the existing L, M, and S. XS can be useful to avoid focusing on foreground objects such as branches. It is also possible to create a custom focus area of specified size and aspect ratio, useful in situations like a track event where athletes are lined up side-by-side and you want to focus on the leading runner.

Selectable release time lag
Selectable release time lag modes are available via the [Release Lag] / [Start Display] menu ^*16. With blackout occurring on only the first image in a continuous burst, [Fastest Release/On] provides the shortest possible release time lag, while [Stable Release/On] minimizes variations in release time lag making it easier to release the shutter at the intended moment. The default [Auto/Off] setting gives no blackout when shooting is started.