Canon EOS R5 Mark II vs Sony Alpha A1
Sony Alpha A1 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The EOS R5 Mark II is the better pick for portraits.
Choose the EOS R5 Mark II for
- a newer design (2024)
Choose the Alpha A1 for
- more resolution (50.1MP vs 45MP)
- faster sensor readout (≈4ms vs ≈6ms)
- a lighter body (737g vs 746g)
- a lower price (from £2,439)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 36)
Specs side by side
| Spec | EOS R5 Mark II | Alpha A1 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 45MP | Full frame, 50.1MP |
| Mount | Canon RF (full frame) | Sony FE (full frame) |
| Released | 2024 | 2021 |
| Burst | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Readout | ≈6 ms | ≈4 ms |
| Max ISO | 51,200 | 32,000 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 8K 60p RAW | 8K 30p / 4K 120p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 746 g | 737 g |
| Battery | Canon LP-E6P | Sony NP-FZ100 |
| Card slots | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) | 2×CFexpress A/SD |
| New price | £4,399 | £4,199 |
| Used at MPB | £3,199–3,499 | £2,439–2,769 |
| Native lenses in our database | 36 (14 third-party) | 105 (82 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | EOS R5 Mark II |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The EOS R5 Mark II uses Canon RF / RF-S (36 lenses in our database, 14 third-party) and the Alpha A1 uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses, 82 third-party). Batteries: Canon LP-E6P (about £99) vs Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65).
EOS R5 Mark II compatible lenses → · Alpha A1 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Canon EOS R5 Mark II better than the Sony Alpha A1?
It depends on your priorities. The EOS R5 Mark II offers a newer design (2024); the Alpha A1 offers more resolution (50.1MP vs 45MP), faster sensor readout (≈4ms vs ≈6ms), a lighter body (737g vs 746g).
Which is better for video, the EOS R5 Mark II or the Alpha A1?
They are closely matched for video (8K 60p RAW vs 8K 30p / 4K 120p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the EOS R5 Mark II or the Alpha A1?
The EOS R5 Mark II costs £4,399 new and from £3,199 used at MPB; the Alpha A1 costs £4,199 new and from £2,439 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Canon EOS R5 Mark II lenses on the Alpha A1?
Not directly. The EOS R5 Mark II uses Canon RF / RF-S and the Alpha A1 uses Sony E / FE; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.