

“From our testing, it's clear that the Sony Alpha 1 is an incredibly effective photographic tool. “Finally, we performed the same tests with the fully mechanical shutter at its maximum rate of 10fps and also observed a near-100% hit rate.” Then they moved to a more challenging test, switching the camera into Tracking: Flexible Spot M’ mode, and still got insanely impressive results. They tested a single, central AF point with a subject approaching in a straight line and got a 100% hit rate. The reviewers also put the camera through a number of tests to see its autofocus performance.

The redesigned autofocus and drive mode dials are welcome.” The menus are now spectacularly well organized and touch sensitive. The mechanical shutter, topping out at 1/400 sec for flash sync (most competitors top out at 1/320), also makes a lovely sound and is well-dampened. “Aside from the headline-stealing specs, there are lots of other aspects of the Alpha 1 worth mentioning. In their extensive review, Carey Rose, Richard Butler and Rishi Sanyal recount impressive specs provided by the Alpha 1, but also note that there’s even more to be excited about. After examining the camera’s handling and controls, image quality, autofocus, video performance and more, they gave the Alpha 1 the Gold Award and a 93% rating, the highest rating DPReview has ever given a camera. DPReview recently completed their extended review for the Sony Alpha 1.
