Sony A1 vs Canon R5
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Canon R5 vs Sony A1 - Which one to choose and why?
Why choose the Sony A1?
Newer camera
January 2021 vs. July 2020
More megapixels
50.1Mp vs. 45Mp
More compact
129×97×70 mm vs. 138×98×88 mm
26% smaller body
53.4 in3 / 875 cm3 vs. 72.62 in3 / 1 190 cm3
34% longer battery life
430 images vs. 320 images
Higher max. speed (electr.)
1/32 000s vs. 1/8 000s
Better burst (electr.)
30 fps vs. 20 fps
Better viewfinder resolution
9.44 M-dot vs. 5.76 M-dot
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!.
Why choose the Canon R5?
Higher ISO sensitivity
51 200 vs. 32 000
Cheaper body
3 299$ / 2787£ / 3 279€ vs. 6 198$ / 5524£ / 6 499€
Has an electronic burst
12 fps vs. -
Larger buffer
180 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
-6 EV vs. -4 EV
More Focus points
5940 vs. 759
Higher max video resolution
8K DCI 30 fps vs. 8K UHD 30 fps
In July 2024, Canon announced the release of the Canon R5 Mark II, an evolution of this camera body with a number of important changes. Among the most important: a new processor, improved autofocus, a new battery and improved autonomy.
Technical specifications - Sony A1 vs Canon R5
General
| Sony A1 | Canon R5 | ||
Release Date | January 2021 | VS | July 2020 |
Mount | FE | VS | RF |
Definition | 50.1 Mp | VS | 45.0 Mp |
Sensor Size | Full Frame | VS | Full Frame |
Image Stabilization | Yes | VS | Yes |
ISO Sensitivity | 100 - 32 000 | VS | 100 - 51 200 |
Extended ISO | 50 - 102 400 | VS | 50 - 102 400 |
Card Slots | 2 | VS | 2 |
Card Type | 1 x SD (UHS-II) 1 x CF Express Type A | VS | 1 x SD (UHS-II) 1 x CF Express (Type B) |
Processor | BIONZ XR | VS | DIGIC X |
Recommended Price | 6 198$ / 5524£ / 6 499€ | VS | 3 299$ / 2787£ / 3 279€ |
Viewfinder Features
| Sony A1 | Canon R5 | ||
Resolution | 9.44 M-dot | VS | 5.76 M-dot |
Magnification | 0.9x | VS | 0.76x |
Autofocus Features
| Sony A1 | Canon R5 | ||
Sensibilidad AF | -4 / 20 EV | VS | -6 / 18 EV |
Number of Focus Points | 759 | VS | 5 940 |
Video
| Sony A1 | Canon R5 | ||
Maximum Resolution | 8K UHD 30 i/s 4K DCI 120 i/s 4K UHD 120 i/s 1080p 240 i/s | VS | 8K DCI 30 i/s 4K DCI 120 i/s 4K UHD 120 i/s 1080p 120 i/s |
Recording Format | VS | ||
Recording Time Limit | 780 min | VS | 30 min |
DxO Score
| Sony A1 | Canon R5 | ||
General | 98 | VS | 95 |
Portrait | 25.9 | VS | 25.3 |
Landscape | 14.5 | VS | 14.6 |
Sports | 3 163 | VS | 3 042 |
Physical Characteristics
| Sony A1 | Canon R5 | ||
Weather-Sealed | Yes | VS | Yes |
Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | VS | LP-E6NH |
Weight | 1.62 lb / 737 g | VS | 1.62 lb / 737 g |
Dimensions (W×H×D)
| 5.1 × 3.8 × 2.8" 129 × 97 × 70 mm | VS | 5.4 × 3.9 × 3.5" 138 × 98 × 88 mm |
Volume | 53.4 in3 / 875 cm3 | VS | 72.62 in3 / 1 190 cm3 |
Viewfinder Battery Life
| 430 images | VS | 320 images |
LCD Battery Life | 530 images | VS | 490 images |
Built-in Flash
| No | VS | No |
Maximum Flash Sync Speed | 1/400s | VS | 1/200s |
Min. Shutter Speed | 30s | VS | 30s |
Max. Shutter Speed (Mechanical) | 1/8 000s | VS | 1/8 000s |
Max. Shutter Speed (Electronic) | 1/32 000s | VS | 1/8 000s |
Max. Burst Rate (Mechanical) | - | VS | 12 fps |
Max. Burst Rate (Electronic) | 30 fps | VS | 20 fps |
RAW Buffer | 80 images | VS | 180 images |
Screen Features
| Sony A1 | Canon R5 | ||
Type | Tilting | VS | Fully-articulating |
Resolution | 1.44 M-dot | VS | 2.1 M-dot |
Diagonal | 2.95" / 7.5 cm | VS | 3.19" / 8.1 cm |
Touchscreen | Yes | VS | Yes |
Optional Features
| Sony A1 | Canon R5 | ||
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 | No |
Recommended lenses
Check recommended lenses for these cameras
Suggested Accessories
For Sony A1
For Canon R5
Others VS to check
Sony A1
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










