Sony Alpha a1 Black 2021
Panasonic LUMIX S S5II Black
What Buyers Say
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
Panasonic LUMIX S S5II Black
The Panasonic Lumix S5II is overwhelmingly praised as a top-tier hybrid camera, especially for its phase-detect autofocus, video features, and value under $2,000. Users highlight its versatility for both photo and video, with many switching from Sony or Canon. A few concerns include a shutter button issue after extended use, dark images for some, and a rolling shutter, but these are minor compared to the overall satisfaction.
Pros
- Phase-detect autofocus
- Excellent video quality
- Great value for money
- Versatile hybrid performance
- Good image stabilization
Cons
- Shutter button issue after use
- Dark images for some
- Rolling shutter
- APS-C crop in 4K60
- Menu system complex
Scores
Specifications
| Sony Alpha a1 | Panasonic LUMIX S S5II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 50.099998474121094 MP★ | 24.200000762939453 MP |
| ISO Range | 100 | 100 |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | L2 |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 759Contrast Detection: 425 | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 30 fps | 70 fps★ |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 6K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps★ | 100 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.265/XAVC HS, H.264/XAVC S-I, H.264/XAVC S | H.264/H.265/MOV/MPEG-4 AVC |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 9.4M dots★ | 3.7M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.65 kg★ | 0.66 kg |
| Battery Life | 430 shots★ | 370 shots |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI | HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
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
Panasonic LUMIX S S5II Black
- Strong display (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 6 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.