A month after its initial announcement, Sony has officially launched its flagship mirrorless camera in Malaysia: the Sony Alpha 1 Mark II, or a1 II for short. While the ai II retains the same sensor as its predecessor, it boasts several performance and design upgrades, all for a cool RM29,299.

At its core, the A1 II features a 50.1MP stacked CMOS sensor capable of continuous 30fps stills shooting and up to 8K 30p video recording. The camera also features a taller, deeper grip now reminiscent of the Sony a9 III, which debuted last year.

Additionally, the A1 II introduces a new button layout, including a Boost Mode button, an improved in-body image stabilizer offering 8.5 stops, a revamped LCD display, and an upgraded electronic viewfinder (EVF). The LCD screen now features a four-axis tilt mechanism borrowed from the a9 III too, and it boasts a higher resolution of 2.1 million dots.

Another significant upgrade is the inclusion of an AI Processor – also inherited from the a9 III – which enhances autofocus capabilities. The a1 II’s AI Processor, on the other hand, enables expanded autofocus subject detection modes, including options for detecting insects and vehicles, as well as a new automatic subject detection mode, eliminating the need to manually select between human or animal subjects.

The a1 II also debuts Pre-Capture and Speed Boost functionality. Pre-Capture allows the camera to buffer images from 0.03 to 1 second before the shutter is fully depressed – a valuable feature for action and wildlife photography. Meanwhile, the Boost Mode button allows photographers to adjust the continuous shooting speed on the fly, enabling faster frames per second at the press of a button.

As the flagship model in Sony’s mirrorless camera lineup, the a1 II is a powerhouse designed to handle almost any photographic situation. While the updates mentioned may not seem revolutionary, they do make the a1 II a significant improvement over its predecessor, especially in the wake of the a9 III’s release.

Alongside the a1 II, Sony has also launched the FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens. While the 24-70mm F2.8 GM is already a versatile and fast lens, the new 28-70mm F2 takes things up a notch with its wider F2 aperture. Though not compact or lightweight, this tradeoff delivers a faster and brighter lens.

To recap, the Sony a1 II retails for RM29,299, and pre-orders come with free gifts worth RM3,381, including a Sony CEA-G80T CF Express Card, a Sony NP-FZ100 battery, a PGYTECH ONE PRO Flex 50L backpack, and a three-month subscription to CAPTURE ONE.

Meanwhile, the FE 28-70mm F2 GM lens is priced at RM13,199. Early buyers will receive a Sony NP-FZ100 battery (worth RM402) and a NITECORE BB21 air blower (worth RM299).