I find this channel more useful and trustworthy than those with a million subscribers. Thank you sir.

Another excellent update on this amazing camera. Your honesty, openness and enthusiasm is great to see. Thank you.

Many thanks Mark. The only review I was waiting for (but I bought the A1 anyway). Using the same combo and I'm impressed too. All I need now is your talent!

As usual, a superb review of a remarkable camera - thank, Mark!

Thanks so much Mark. I appreciate your review and seeing you again!

Good to have you back Mark. Great video, always looking for what makes a great camera, sounds like you have found a real gem.

Another great video. Can not wait for you to do your set up guide!!!!!

Happy to have you back!

Nice video Marc and already looking forward in one of your future videos that shows us how _you_ setup this beast 👍🏻

Nice Review. Thanks for your letting me be a part of your wonderful workshop this month on the 15th and 16th. Those Eagles are crazy.

This is my current setup. I love this combination more and more as I learn how to use both the a1 and the FE 200-600. Thanks for your videos!

Thanks for the review Mark. And yes, I am saving for it. Loved your shots.

Great info Mark, part 1 and part 2. Really enjoy your storytelling and probably even more with your new favorite camera. I’m a little past novice and shooting manual mode almost always now with a used D500 and AF-S 80-400 VR. It’ll be a while before I look to upgrade, but I enjoy learning and seeing the great results people are getting with the latest equipment. Really hard to comprehend the days of film...and not that long ago by my calendar!!

Thanks Mark, I ordered the a1 the day it was announced and for me, it has been a game changer. Now I need to save for the 600 f4.

Fantastic video Mark!!! I just got a used a9 in New condition and I love it! The a9 with the 200-600 fits my budget for now! I may look at getting the a1 in a few years!!! For now I am loving my a9!!!!!!

Thanks Mark for that excellent and unbiased review! 👍👍📷📷

Thanks Mark for the video. I am as well using the A1 and I absolutely love it. I can't explain it completely but it just seems to do what a camera is supposed to do and it does it quickly, efficiently, and very well. I've used four other Sony bodies and this is by far my favorite

Another great informative video.Cant wait for the A11 set up guide!

Top quality, highly professional review as always thanks Mark

Thanks so much for these 2 videos Mark. I have been looking at moving from Nikon. These types of raw videos help us little guys to make better informed decisions.

Another amazing video that I've been waiting for so long!!! I'm looking forward to receive my A1 in a few days. Will there be a video with your camera setup coming soon?

It's really amazing to see what the latest AF technology can do. I can only talk about the R5, but it really changed the way I shoot (in a good way).

Wonderful to learn about sony a1. The ease in your hands shows how light-weighted this set up is. With sony camera and lens, i would request you to make more birding videos.

As always Great Video Mark. I recently switched to Sony A1 from my D850 and its been awesome...

Thanks Mark. Looking forward your setup video when you return to Fl. I use a small piece of electrical tape on the left 1/3 of the eye sensor and this solved my blackout problem. It works like it is supposed to during my wildlife shooting.

Thanks for that Mark. Very useful and much appreciated.

Thank you for the input. You sold me on a used A9 for now, but in some years this looks like a dream camera for me.

Great video, the explanation of the AF system is the same as what I have observed. I think you are spot on Mark or really really close!.

Thanks for taking the time to update us on your switch to Sony. This eye-track technology seems to be a real game changer for serious bird photographers. I wonder how the A1 will impact the rest of the Sony lineup. I'd love to see this level of eye-track filter down to an RX10 Mk5 for those of us who just don't see our budgets or backs up to hefting a 600mm f4 lens. Maybe with a full articulated screen, Sony. Like the rest of your work, your eagle photos are outstanding and I look forward to your next video.

Mark smith thanks for the info I am your fan you explain it so nicely I really likes it all your info thank you for all

Hey Mark! You inspired me and today I purchased a Sony A7R IVa with the 200-600. Im only 22 years old and im amateur and don't have endless money so it was a very serious purchase for me. I know you said the A9 was a better setup for the price, but I tested the A7R IV with the 600mm and it was amazing and I was happy with the focusing. Also I got a 2021 manufactured 1 so im sure it wont have any problems.

waited so long for this. happy now :)

Thanks for posting Mark. Would really appreciate an overview of your set up on the A1.

Those series of shots of the eagle swooping towards you is just short of remarkable. Sony has done some amazing magic with their latest mirrorless and even though my Z body is slowly catching up, it’s still far behind in the field. Great demo Mark👍, sadly I can only watch in envy😔

FANTASTIC VIDEO!!!!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!! I DREAM to have this camera in my hands.... I have been a SONY user since the first mirrorless camera A7R1 and have been delighted with this new changes that mirrorless can offer. Now this A! seems aoutstanding in every way!!!!! Thanks for making this videos and blessings to you!!!!!

Hi Mark, I was in Washington and met you there. I did have an issue with the EVF going dark on me and I have missed shots due to that and had no idea why it was happening. Thank you so much for giving clarity that it's an issue with the sensor. Thank you, Christina

I like your review as they are backed with a lot of great photos

Thanks for the update. Will you be posting a video on your recommended settings for the A1?

Beautiful and amazing captures...!!!!

Thank you for the explanation of the EVF blackout issue. I ran into that problem while out on the ocean whale watching in Monterey Bay with the A1 and 200-600. It was a bright, cold, windy day so I ditched my baseball cap for a warm knit cap. I shoot with both eyes open and pull the camera slightly away from my face to scan the horizon for the next breach. That would explain the EVF issue. I wonder if an extended eye piece might help to protect the sensor from direct sunlight? Thank you for the setup videos.

Hey 👋, I just saw u there today at sunset(Saturday 22) I was the kid in the black coat btw! Amazing pictures

Hey Mark, great video as always! I’d love to pick-up an A1 but hard to justify the cost when it’s just a hobby. On another note, welcome to WA! We’ve had great weather up until this weekend... Sorry about that. If you ever head towards Bellevue and feel like grabbing a beer, hmu. I owe you several for all the great advice you’ve given with these videos. All the best, cheers!

Great information!!! I just bought a1 recently.

Great review. I was sold within the first 1:20. Guess I have to go watch 1st video now.

Looking forward to your next eposide/s.

Thanks Mark, I switched from nikon to Sony for the very same reasons you did. No confidence in the auto foucus!! My first Sony rental and eagle fly by all were in focus, was a fun week of shooting. Then back to my Nikon gear in a month I gladly bought the A9ii. Yay, a trip to McNeil River in Ak, 90% of in focus shots! Thanks to your set up guide,, the camera arrived, 2 days before. You have been a great help, will you be doing an A1 setup video anytime soon! Hope to see you in a claa soon. Thanks again Mark your work is amazing!!

Greetings from Africa Mark. Great video.... I joined the SKIN Club (Spend the Kids Inheritance Now) held my breath, and managed to get 2x A1's, because I always shoot two rigs in the field. As the menu's are quite different, I did this to standardise, so I don't have to spend time thinking about how to change a setting in the heat of the action. I am now shooting A1 / 100mm-400mm+1.4xTC and A1 / 600mm f4+1.4xTC... That gives me an instant choice of focal range 140mm through to 840mm, and my AEL buttons are configured to the APS-C / Super 35 crop, so at the touch of a button, I have 1,260 mm still @ 21 Megapix, and still more to crop if I need it, and it really paid off this last week that we were in the bush... Loving this body.... Keep up the great work . Warm regards, Tim.

Ooo yea just what I needed today thanks again.

Keep up the great work my friend! God Bless!

The fact that there aren't even 10x more followers is simply because too many people are still being seduced by dazzlers. Your work is simply honest&great, again and again.

Not surprised by the content of your video Mark as I love the A1 and great to hear you endorse it with such enthusiasm as I have great respect for your skills and opinions on wildlife photography with the Sony gear. The EVF issue is frustrating but I appear to have solved it by switching the EVF to manual ( always on ) and turning the monitor on/off with a custom button when I need it , has not failed me since and I have tried to replicate the problem in bright sunlight. Are you going to do a set up video like you did with the A9ii and A7Riv ?

Great feedback and impressions. I am very happy with mine too. Only issue is the EVF. I have never had this issue on my other sony's body (a7rii, a7riii, a7riv, a9, a7iii...). I hope a firmware can fix that to make it perfect. Some complain also about IBIS but i have not had this issue while using my camera.

Very impressive! I wish the book was on Eagles, but in time!

Hi Mark, Great real world and unbiassed thus most valuable report! And inspirational as well! Can relate to fun enhancing and approach shifting effects this “mighty beast” could have on one’s approach to reviewing work/shots! Question: How would you interpret/rate the A1’s bird Eye-AF performance relative to the Canon’s R5’s you also reported on a little while back ? And did you notice any differences in these two combo’s image stabilization’s systems efficacy ?

Can you please talk about the 200-600 lens? Great video as always, greetings from Costa Rica!

Hey Mark! Thanks once again for your interesting videos. The shots of the eagle are stunning! If I may ask a question: What are your settings on the A1 / do you still use Zone as you did with the A9 or did you switch/use tracking? Thanks and have a great day! Greetings from Switzerland

Great video as always. Question What is your setup for the A1 for birds in flight and birds on perches. I have just got the A1 and wondered are you going to do a video on how you set your camera up like you did with your previous cameras. Great watching. Many Thanks John Gubbins

Hi Mark Have you experienced any autofocus issues when using the 600 f4 + 1,4 tele with the a1? And thank you very much for another great video as always.

Mark, nice to see you in the PNW! I have a friend considering the a1 and he wears glasses. I don’t wear glasses to shoot so I cannot give any comment as to whether the blackout issue is worse with glasses on as it might give a chance for more light to hit the sensor. I do the tape thing with mine, but I do find I need to keep my eye pressed up against the cup or I still get a bit of blackout once in awhile. Thanks!

Hi Mark. Thanks for the informative video. While waiting for your setup guide, do you think I can use your a9 setup for now? I know the menu is completely different, but are your a1 settings actually much different than the a9?

Are you going to do a settings setup on the a1 like you did with the a9II? This would be very helpful. Thanks

Other than some glitches, the camera is remarkable. The dynamic range and colors, especially yellows are incredible for an electronic shutter! Now we just need reasonably priced memory cards that are bigger than 106 seconds worth of burst fire on this beast lol

Excellent as always. Any chance of a full A1 setup video?

great honest review.. TFS

Always appreciate your guidance! I've been enjoying the A1 and 200-600 combo for nearly a month. Did my best to set it up wisely for birding. Still hoping you will share your menu settings like you did for the A9. Also haven't been very satisfied with using a 2x converter and would appreciate your comments. Many thanks!

BTW this channel and you are so bloody awesome.

Please do a video about how you set up your A-1 for birds/action photography. You did one about the A7R4 and it was extremely helpful. Love your videos. Probably see you shooting eagles this week as I will be going to where you shoot on Wednesday. Hope to run into you.

... great video and what a camera! 👍🏻 Mark, did you notice a delayed stabilization of the sensor while filming? there is a lot of discussion about this right now ...

Informed and informal as always. Learn so much from your tutorials . I know it would be a ton of work but could you consider doing something for total novice on video. Would like to do some but not got the nerve yet!

Great video Mark I will be reviewing my copy in the next couple of weeks having had it for nearly 3 months ! I can confirm everything you have said in the video, the best camera I have ever used for my wildlife photography here in the UK ! Difficult to find fault! We have not had enough sunshine here in the UK to effect the EVF !! (seriously actually missed that one, good tip will look out for that!) You didn't mention the good news for Nikon & Canon users it has forced those companies to produce mirrorless flagship cameras the Nikon Z9 with the same A1 sensor is coming ! And the Cannon R3 should be even better than the A1. Well that's the rumours anyway If you can afford to wait ! Exciting fun times in wildlife photography, just feel privileged to own the best wildlife camera in the world at the moment . Awesome !

Of course the bees are buzzing all around you; you're sitting in the middle of their food buffet. That was an excellent review of the A1, I'm already looking for a way to buy one.

Hey Mark thanks for the very informative video loved it man. Just wanted to know how accurate is the Sony Alpha 1 and 200-600mm combo for capturing a pied Kingfisher dropping from the sky into the water like a missile for getting its prey? Will it be able to capture the very precise moments when the Kingfisher is getting into the water? Or rising from the level of water like a phoenix ? Do u think a Nikon d500 with a 500mm f/4 would be able to do that ?

Great video as always Mark. You are uniquely qualified to answer my question. I upgraded from the 7iii to the Riv last year and use the 200-600G. That upgrade has been amazing and love my Riv. I’ve been saving (and saving and saving) to eventually get the 600GM. I know it’s almost always better to get the glass first and that is what I would advise someone to do but in this case is the A1 that much better than the Riv that it would outweigh conventional wisdom?

Yeah I can't wait to get one...Have to save save save!!!

Thanks for the review great video I've been using it for a month and a half now in Costa Rica and having trouble with the tracking system with small birds even Quetzal any comments on that

Hi Mark is it in the future plan for you to put out a SONY A1 Quick Start guide for Bird and Wildlife Photography?? (btw great explanation on the a1's amazing things it can do)

I agree with you. Sony A1 has the best focusing system.When it lock on a flying bird it never miss it.

Great video. Do you think you can do a comparison of the 200-600 vs the 600 f/4? Thanks.

The a1 is the first camera that I needed to tape up to work. And also the most expensive. So much good stuff about this camera, sad it has so many problems as well.

I've been very happy with the A1, my only issue is the frame rate dial as I wish they would let you control that view the menu like on the A7 series.

Great job Mark. See you next week! :)

I broke-down and picked up an a1. Pretty much killed me financially. But along with the 200-600, it pretty much makes birding feel trivially easy lol. But hey, now I’m challenged to do even better shots, instead of struggling with the equipment. The a1 really is a stellar camera. Words can’t even describe…

Mark will you be sharing your alpha 1 settings too. That would be super helpful...

Another big issue with the EVF being on all the time is that it will have a significant impact on battery life. (Although not a big deal compared to getting screen burn there!)

I'm on my way to getting one of these as well. Although my D850 with the 500 PF still holds ground. My question is the shutter speed changing instantly to suit the situation by thumb. Say for Example I'm at 3000s for humming birds. Oh snap he/she landed....bang 350s immediately to drop the auto ISO into gold. What am I looking at for the a1 in this perspective? You can see where I'm going with this in post noise editing, the changing variables from a bird flying to another bird sitting and maximizing what's available in manual setting changes very quickly.

I just got my A1 yesterday. Today is setup day except for my CF Express Type A cards, which don't arrive until Wednesday.

For bird non-video photography, what ways is the A1 better than the A9 and A9ll?

Another solution for the EVF is pick up a larger rubber eye cup. They are super cheap and all over Amazon. That did it for me. I had a problem with the 70-200 locking up the camera. Had a friend send me his configuration and loaded that and it fixed the problem.

Nice and informative video !! Just a little wabbling and breathing. I'm curious about what camera you used in this video.

Very honest review

Great video!

I like a1 very much for auto focus

I love your long-sleeve shirt, mind telling me what brand made it? Haha. Gr8 video!

Hi! Thank you for this video! Does Bird Eye AF work when you are shooting video?

Hi Mark, luv your videos and photos for few years now. Saw your video why I switched to Sony. This was the tipping point for me, and after 42 years using Nikon, since I was 20 years old. Have a ton Nikon glass. But not selling mine till after Z8 or Z9 comes out then we will know if any hope for Nikon focus tracking. Bought Sony A7RIV this week. Because of your video was the last straw for me. Please advise for high-speed stoop or dive photos of Osprey into the water. In the Sony A7RIV, what size SD memory card, Brand size and V30, V60, V90 transfer rate do you use. Many Thanks, All the best regards, Nigel R

Great videos. I have a question nobody can answer but after I saw 20 videos of your chanel I think you have that answer. I have a d850 with 200-500 for my wildlife and birdwatching shoots. I have a dilema to buy the sigma 500mm f4 to do a big jump or I will be better with sony a7riv with Sony 200-600? I do not have enough money to go for a1 or better lens just around 6 thousands. I need lots pixel for my extra large prints so a9 is not enough after I tried for fews weeks. So what will be better decision?

Thank you for the nice video Mark! May I ask what lens did you use to shoot this video? I've noticed some quite frequent focus breathing. Was it the 35gm?

Hi Mark, Will you do a quick setup guide for the A1? It would be really helpful! I would be willing to pay because I understand how much time and effort it would take.

Do find the a1's AF performance to be better than the a9 II's?

Sir, can u tell me please your experiences. A7r4 or A1 Which better performance ISO and picture quality or detailed.