Sony just revealed that the Sony A1 II is launching next week – gazumping the Canon EOS R1 on-sale week in the process
(Image credit: Sony)
In a shock move, Sony has spoiled its own surprise and revealed that the flagship Sony A1 II will be announced next week – which, intentionally or not, rains on the parade of the Canon EOS R1, the competing flagship camera that goes on sale this week.
As predicted, the Sony Creative Space event will indeed host a major new camera launch. The company revealed that its new flagship body, the Sony A1 II, will be announced on November 19 at 09:00 EST / 14:00 BST / November 20 at 01:00 AEDT.
"Learn more about the Alpha 1 II on our Livestream," proclaims the Alpha Universe website, linking to the announcement holding page on YouTube (which you can see below). At the same time, retailer B&H has published its preorder page for the camera.
Alpha 1 II Live Event on November 19th, 2024 - YouTube
I can't recall anything quite like this happening when it comes to high-profile camera launches. We all know that camera rumors are all over the place, and leaks have happened before virtually every launch I can think of.
But I don't know of any camera company that decided to break their own embargo a week before a major launch event.
Was it to get in front of all the leaks? Maybe. Was it to drum up interest in Creative Space? Perhaps. Or was it tactfully timed, knowing that the EOS R1 goes on general sale this week – perhaps with the intention of getting potential customers to wait a week and buy the A1 II instead?
Cynical, but possible. Very cynical. But very possible.
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Either way, the cat is out of the bag and we know that Sony's new flagship is coming in a week. Will it pack enough firepower to challenge the R1, which features the most remarkable in-camera AI features that the industry has ever seen? We'll find out next Tuesday…
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.
