Were the Sony A1 II specs leaked? AI, improved autofocus, & more

With a suspected imminent announcement forthcoming, were the Sony A1 II specs just leaked? Will we really see AI, improved autofocus, but the same 50MP sensor from 2020?

The Sony A1 was announced nearly five years ago at the start of 2021 and went on sale in March that year. The Sony A1 II has been rumored for a little while following Sony’s release of the A9 III, and recently the rumor mill has moved into high gear. An announcement is now expected to be imminent, between November and the New Year to narrow it down, and it appears the specs may have been leaked.

Among the rumored features we have:

• A new AI chip and features, possibly to help with autofocus
• Faster and improved autofocus and possibly Real-Time Recognition AF as found in the Sony A9 III
• Frame rate improvements and/or speed enhancements
• The same 50 megapixel sensor (though this is now over 4.5 years old)
• Same A1 camera body
• SD+ CFExpress Type A 4.0 generation dual hybrid slot.
• C2PA authentication
• Very likely the same 8K at 24p and 30p video capabilities as the original (I'm speculating here)

It's interesting that, despite improved and faster autofocus along with an AI sensor and the improved frame rate (better than the original's 30 fps?), not much else changes with the Sony A1 II. You're getting the same 50MP processor from 2020 and the same camera body as the Sony A1. 

As always, until it's announced nothing is certain. But it does feel like more of a 0.5 update that a full hardware update, thanks to the alleged lack of a camera body or sensor update. The AI chip, faster autofocus (including the possibility of Real-Time Recognition AF), and improved and/or faster frame rates are intriguing, but if you need an upgrade, the Sony A9 III might be your best best.

The Sony A1 is a highly capable camera though, so anything is welcome. Check out Ned Soltz' in-depth analysis.