OM System OM-1 OM-1 Black
Sony Alpha a1 Black 2021
What Buyers Say
OM System OM-1 OM-1 Black
The OM-1 is overwhelmingly praised for its excellent build quality, ergonomics, and lightweight design, making it a joy to use for both hobbyists and professionals. Users highlight the improved menu system, powerful computational features, and impressive image quality, especially in high-resolution modes. While there is a slight learning curve for those switching from other brands, the camera's performance and portability are seen as major advantages over full-frame competitors.
Pros
- Excellent build quality and ergonomics
- Lightweight and portable system
- Improved menu system
- Powerful computational features
- Impressive image quality
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Incompatible with older BLH-1 battery
- No external battery charger included
- WiFi cannot connect to home network
- Limited video recording time information
Sony Alpha a1 Black 2021
The Sony Alpha 1 is overwhelmingly praised as a revolutionary hybrid camera, with users highlighting its exceptional autofocus, high-resolution stills, and impressive 8K video capabilities. Many reviewers call it the best camera they've ever owned, particularly for wildlife and sports photography. However, a few significant issues are noted, including firmware updates that break Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and reject third-party batteries, plus a rare but serious EVF failure in direct sunlight. Despite the high price, most feel it delivers exceptional value for professionals.
Pros
- Exceptional autofocus
- High-resolution 50MP sensor
- Impressive 8K video quality
- Fast 30fps burst shooting
- Excellent for wildlife and sports
Cons
- Firmware updates break Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- Non-Sony batteries rejected after update
- EVF fails in direct sunlight
- High price
- Back screen quality mediocre
Scores
Specifications
| OM System OM-1 OM-1 | Sony Alpha a1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | BSI MOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Size | micro-four-thirds | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 20.399999618530273 MP | 50.099998474121094 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 200 | 100★ |
| Processor | — | BIONZ XR |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Photo, VideoPhase Detection: 1053 | Phase Detection: 759Contrast Detection: 425 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | — | ✓★ |
| Subject Detection | — | ✓★ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 10 fps | 30 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | 30 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/32000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 8K★ |
| 4K FPS | 60 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps | 240 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.264, H.265 | H.265/XAVC HS, H.264/XAVC S-I, H.264/XAVC S |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 5.8M dots | 9.4M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.51 kg★ | 0.65 kg |
| Battery Life | 520 shots★ | 430 shots |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | Micro HDMI★ | HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
OM System OM-1 OM-1 Black
- Strong evf (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong battery (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong af (94th percentile)94th %ile
Sony Alpha a1 Black 2021
- Strong evf (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 8 of 33 specs.