Canon R1 vs Sony A1
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Sony A1 vs Canon R1 - Which one to choose and why?
Why choose the Canon R1?
Newer camera
July 2024 vs. January 2021
Higher ISO sensitivity
102 400 vs. 32 000
63% longer battery life
700 images vs. 430 images
Higher max. speed (electr.)
1/64 000s vs. 1/32 000s
Has an electronic burst
12 fps vs. -
Better burst (electr.)
40 fps vs. 30 fps
Larger buffer
230 images vs. 80 images
Better screen resolution
2.1 M-dot vs. 1.44 M-dot
Larger screen
3.19" / 8.1 cm vs. 2.95" / 7.5 cm
More sensitive low-light sensor
-8 EV vs. -4 EV
More Focus points
4897 vs. 759
Why choose the Sony A1?
More megapixels
50.1Mp vs. 24.2Mp
Cheaper body
6 198$ / 5524£ / 6 499€ vs. 6 799$ / 6333£ / 7 450€
Camera 378g lighter
1.62 lb / 737 g vs. 2.46 lb / 1 115 g
More compact
129×97×70 mm vs. 158×150×87 mm
58% smaller body
53.4 in3 / 875 cm3 vs. 125.77 in3 / 2 061 cm3
Higher max video resolution
8K UHD 30 fps vs. 6K 60 fps
In December 2024, Sony revealed the successor to this camera, the Sony A1 II, featuring improved autofocus, better noise management and the addition of a more powerful processor incorporating AI!.
Technical specifications - Canon R1 vs Sony A1
General
| Canon R1 | Sony A1 | ||
Release Date | July 2024 | VS | January 2021 |
Mount | RF | VS | FE |
Definition | 24.2 Mp | VS | 50.1 Mp |
Sensor Size | Full Frame | VS | Full Frame |
Image Stabilization | Yes | VS | Yes |
ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 102 400 | VS | 100 - 32 000 |
Extended ISO | 50 - 409 600 | VS | 50 - 102 400 |
Card Slots | 2 | VS | 2 |
Card Type | 1 x CF Express (Type B) 1 x CF Express (Type B) | VS | 1 x SD (UHS-II) 1 x CF Express Type A |
Processor | DIGIC Accelerator / | VS | BIONZ XR |
Recommended Price | 6 799$ / 6333£ / 7 450€ | VS | 6 198$ / 5524£ / 6 499€ |
Viewfinder Features
| Canon R1 | Sony A1 | ||
Resolution | 9.44 M-dot | VS | 9.44 M-dot |
Magnification | 0.9x | VS | 0.9x |
Autofocus Features
| Canon R1 | Sony A1 | ||
Sensibilidad AF | -8 / 21 EV | VS | -4 / 20 EV |
Number of Focus Points | 4 897 | VS | 759 |
Video
| Canon R1 | Sony A1 | ||
Maximum Resolution | 6K UHD 60 i/s 4K DCI 120 i/s 4,2K UHD 120 i/s 1080p 240 i/s | VS | 8K UHD 30 i/s 4K DCI 120 i/s 4K UHD 120 i/s 1080p 240 i/s |
Recording Format | VS | ||
Recording Time Limit | - | VS | 780 min |
DxO Score
| Canon R1 | Sony A1 | ||
General | - | VS | 98 |
Portrait | - | VS | 25.9 |
Landscape | - | VS | 14.5 |
Sports | - | VS | 3 163 |
Physical Characteristics
| Canon R1 | Sony A1 | ||
Weather-Sealed | Yes | VS | Yes |
Battery Type | LP-E19 | VS | NP-FZ100 |
Weight | 2.46 lb / 1 115 g | VS | 1.62 lb / 737 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D)
| 6.2 × 5.9 × 3.4" 158 × 150 × 87 mm | VS | 5.1 × 3.8 × 2.8" 129 × 97 × 70 mm |
Volume | 125.77 in3 / 2 061 cm3 | VS | 53.4 in3 / 875 cm3 |
Viewfinder Battery Life
| 700 images | VS | 430 images |
LCD Battery Life | 1 330 images | VS | 530 images |
Built-in Flash
| No | VS | No |
Maximum Flash Sync Speed | 1/250s | VS | 1/400s |
Min. Shutter Speed | 30s | VS | 30s |
Max. Shutter Speed (Mechanical) | 1/8 000s | VS | 1/8 000s |
Max. Shutter Speed (Electronic) | 1/64 000s | VS | 1/32 000s |
Max. Burst Rate (Mechanical) | 12 fps | VS | - |
Max. Burst Rate (Electronic) | 40 fps | VS | 30 fps |
RAW Buffer | 230 images | VS | 80 images |
Screen Features
| Canon R1 | Sony A1 | ||
Type | Fully-articulating | VS | Tilting |
Resolution | 2.1 M-dot | VS | 1.44 M-dot |
Diagonal | 3.19" / 8.1 cm | VS | 2.95" / 7.5 cm |
Touchscreen | Yes | VS | Yes |
Optional Features
| Canon R1 | Sony A1 | ||
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Yes / Yes | VS | Yes / Yes |
Headphone Jack | Yes | VS | Yes |
USB Version | USB-C 3.2 | VS | USB-C 3.2 |
GPS | No | VS | No |
Time Lapse | Yes | VS | Yes |
Recommended lenses
Check recommended lenses for these cameras
Suggested Accessories
For Canon R1
For Sony A1
Others VS to check
Canon R1
Detailed comparison by Sylvain PONS
As a photography enthusiast, I've spent a lot of time exploring, comparing and analysing these cameras' features to help you make the right choice!
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Release Date
Mount
Definition
Sensor Size
Image Stabilization
ISO Sensitivity
Card Slots
Processor
Recommended Price
Magnification
Sensibilidad AF
Number of Focus Points
Maximum Resolution
Recording Format
Recording Time Limit
General
Portrait
Landscape
Sports
Weather-Sealed
Battery Type
Weight
Dimensions (W×H×D)
Volume
Viewfinder Battery Life
Built-in Flash
Maximum Flash Sync Speed
Min. Shutter Speed
Max. Burst Rate (Mechanical)
RAW Buffer
Diagonal
Touchscreen
Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
Headphone Jack
USB Version
GPS
Time Lapse










