Sony hinted at finally launching the first new full-frame camera of 2024 soon – here’s what it could be
Sony’s camera department has had an unusually quiet year. Through all of 2024, we’ve only seen one new mirrorless camera from Sony. And as impressive as the Sony ZV-E10 II is with its 26MP APS-C sensor and 4K video features, the sub-$1,000 entry-level video camera – that’s an iterative update – isn’t really something that Sony fans will get excited about .
As Ny Breaking’s camera editor, I can’t remember a time when Sony has ever been so quiet. In fact, I had started writing a piece about Sony’s inaction – it couldn’t just be related to reported global supply chain issues, could it? It turns out I may have to resign, at least if the latest rumors are true.
Sony’s likely candidates
Sony Alpha Rumors listed the most likely candidates for a November launch, speculating that there could be two new cameras and an exciting new lens in the next six months. It has also poured cold water on other potential camera updates from Sony’s existing range.
I should clarify that rumors have been circulating from this source for a while now and potential launch dates for certain future cameras are long gone. This time the focus is on two cameras and a lens, all of which would be super exciting for Sony fans to see happen.
The first and most likely camera is a successor to the Sony Alpha A1 (pictured above), Sony’s flagship mirrorless camera, which it would like to call the Sony A1 II. Another potential is the so-called Sony A7 V, which would upgrade the Sony A7 IV, which has been at the top of our list of the best mirrorless cameras for quite some time, but recently lost its spot to the new Nikon Z6 III.
The A1 was launched in March 2021 and the A7 IV in December 2021, so both cameras are due for an update. However, Sony is more innovative than most, and it is not unknown to quietly discontinue a line of cameras to explore new avenues. Neither successor is guaranteed.
For example, Sony’s last full-frame camera was the Sony A9 III (above), a bold and truly innovative camera that surpassed the A1 as Sony’s fastest camera for professional sports and wildlife photographers. I’m struggling to see how an A1 II, if it were to become a reality, could improve on the A1 and differentiate itself from the A9 III, without surpassing the A9 III in every way and making it obsolete. Can Sony realistically maintain the A1 and A9 series?
On the other hand, a potential A7V would be a win. It would continue Sony’s original and popular all-rounder series of full-frame mirrorless cameras. The A7 IV was the best all-rounder for a few years, but now the Nikon Z6 III and Canon EOS R6 Mark II have improved it in most respects. Sony needs to strike back, and I would expect great things from an A7V because Sony is a true innovator. That’s the model I think most Sony fans are hoping for.
There is also talk of a Sony FE 24-70mm F2 GM pro lens. That would be some serious glass, a world’s first 24-70mm lens with a constant F2 aperture. Canon has the beastly RF 28-70mm F2L USM lens, but Sony would go a lot better than Canon with that broader perspective.
There is a chance that both the camera and the lens will become a reality. But which of the two cameras could arrive in November? Sony Alpha Rumors is thinking of the A1 II. If true, I’m curious to see what upgrades there are and how it fits next to the A9 III.