The Sony flagship A1 is a very versatile camera that excels not only with photography but also video. With all the different accessories out there, this camera can be perfected for any situation.
Here are the top accessories that I think are great for the Sony A1, including a few video accessories.
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Sony Alpha 1 – Amazon / Adorama / B&H
1. Batteries For Sony A1
Sony batteries are great but the A1 can go through them fairly quickly depending on what you’re doing so it’s a good idea to have a few spares. If you’re using a vertical battery grip it’s a good idea to use two official Sony batteries. If you need some for backup, third-party batteries are working great.
Here are some recommendations.
Official Battery Sony NPFZ100Available At: Amazon / Adorama / B&H The Sony NPFZ100 batteries run at 7.2V with a 2280mAh, which comes in a little higher than the third-party options right now. These batteries use an iNFOlithium technology which communicates with the camera how many charges the battery is good for. |
Third-Party Batteries For Sony A1
For the last few years, third-party battery companies have struggled to keep up with proprietary coding, however, it seems Wasabi has figured it out and these batteries have been working for quite some time now. It’s likely they got the decoding correct and Sony won’t be able to kill these batteries via firmware, but we’ll see.
Wasabi Third-Party BatteryAvailable At: Amazon Wasabi has been making third-party batteries for a long time and they are based out of California. Currently, their batteries are made in China. These are rated at 7.2V and 2000mAh which is a little under what the official Sony batteries are rated at. These are decoded like the Sony iNFOlithium to show the remaining battery charges. They come with a 3-year warranty. |
2. Memory Cards
I have tested many of the most popular memory cards in the Sony Alpha 1, so if you’re looking for the absolute fastest memory cards, or can’t decide if CFexpress Type-A cards are worth it over V90 SD cards I’ve got you covered.
Also, some brands are now offering some great cards at very competitive prices so be sure to check this guide below for all the latest updates.
3. Screen Protectors
There are a lot of different brands of screen protectors out there. For a flagship camera like the Alpha one, I would probably just use a high-quality glass screen protector. That’s what I used on my A7rIII and saved the camera on more than one occasion. Here is a solid recommendation of a brand I use a lot.
PCTC Glass Screen ProtectorAvailable At: Amazon The PCTC is a hard glass screen protector, and they do a pretty good job of securing the screen without a lot of bubbles. This pack is a 3-pack, so you can make a few mistakes when trying to install them or do it right the first time (which I always do) and have a few backups. Glass screen protectors will adhere to the screen and can be difficult to remove after a few months. If you need to replace your screen protector, try using some gentle heat from a hairdryer or space heater first. |
4. Body Cases For Sony A1
If you’re not using a battery grip sometimes leather half-cases can be great to not only extend the grip of the camera but also to protect it from damage. Here are the cases I typically use.
Lim’s Half Leather CasesAvailable At: Amazon When it comes to mirrorless cameras like the A1, Lim’s is my go-to brand for cases. I’ve been using their cases on my Nikon Z6 and previously on my A7rII, and they never disappoint. The base plate is compatible with arca Swiss tripods, which is incredibly convenient for seamless transitions. Moreover, the leather case not only provides a comfortable grip but also extends the overall grip, offering a designated resting spot for the pinky finger. |
Gariz Half Leather CaseAvailable At: Amazon Gariz also makes a nice half-case. The only thing I don’t like about their case for the Alpha 1 right now is the extra space around the base of the handgrip. Makes gripping the case awkward. Try to buy Lim’s case instead for this reason. But maybe it won’t bother you, it bothers me because it interferes with my ability to properly grip the camera. |
KazaAvailable At: Kaza When it comes to premium options, the Kaza Deluxe Handmade cases undoubtedly stand out as one of the top choices, offering a blend of exceptional quality and reasonable pricing. As an owner of multiple Kaza cases over the years, I can confidently attest to their suitability for both rangefinder-style cameras and mirrorless cameras like the Sony A1. These cases are not only aesthetically pleasing but also are made for exceptional durability. |
5. Camera Straps
There are so many great straps out there now that it’s hard to decide what to go with. Personally, with my mirrorless hybrid cameras, I’m using a Peak design setup because the system is somewhat modular and allows you to quickly change out straps or hand grips on the fly without any headache.
I use the clutch as a handgrip, and I attach the Peak Design camera strap to it.
Peak Design ClutchAvailable At: Amazon This Peak Design Clutch hand strap is a must-have. I use it on all my hybrid mirrorless cameras. It includes a base plate that works with Arca Swiss tripods and extra rings to attach more Peak Design connectors. One thing is, unlike their straps, the quality of these is just okay. They do wear out after 2 to 3 years of heavy use. |
Peak Design StrapsAvailable At: Amazon The Peak Design seat belt material straps are very high quality and last a long time with heavy use. The only thing you’ll ever need to replace is the little connectors from time to time, and they generally send extras. I like the way these straps are designed to work with their other products for a somewhat modular type strap system that’s easy to swap around. For the Alpha 1, you’ll likely want the 32mm strap, which is the SSL if you’re using medium to heavy lenses. If you’re running a light setup, you can get by with the L – 19mm strap. SL – 45mm wide SSL – 32mm wide L – 19mm wide |
6. Best On-Camera Mic For Sony A1
In the world of microphones, you’ll find a range of options. Sony offers their selection, while there are inexpensive options from China, high-end ones from Germany, and Rode microphones hailing from Australia.
I’ve developed a fondness for Rode microphones due to their excellent value. They strike a great balance between affordability, impressive sound quality, and useful features. Another brand I’ve been exploring is Diety Mic.
It’s worth noting that the Sony A1 hotshoe supports Sony’s latest digital audio interface, granting access to all the features of their digital microphones. This opens up even more possibilities for capturing top-notch audio with your camera.
Sony ECM-B1M Camera Digital ShotgunSimilar to the Sony A7rIV and A7IV, the Sony A1 camera also features the latest digital hot shoe, which enables seamless connectivity with digital audio devices, including the Sony ECM-B1M microphone. Sony specifically designed this microphone to perfectly interface with their cameras, such as the Sony A1, utilizing a digital connection for optimal performance and convenience. |
Sony ECM-B10 Compact Digital Shotgun micFor those in search of a compact digital microphone, the Sony ECM-B10 is an excellent choice. It offers many of the same advanced technologies found in the ECM-B1M, such as a digital interface, versatile Super/Uni/Omni pickup patterns, and advanced beamforming technology. The key distinction lies in its smaller form factor. While the ECM-B1M features 8 mic capsules on top, the ECM-B10 is equipped with 4. This difference in capsule count sets the two apart, making the B10 a more compact option for capturing high-quality audio. |
Rode NTG Hybrid MicThe Rode NTG Hybrid microphone with USB support has an impedance of 10 Ohms and delivers outstanding performance when paired with Sony cameras. When it comes to on-camera microphones, both the Rode NTG Hybrid mic and the Rode VideoMic GO II (mentioned below) are excellent choices. For run-and-gun scenarios, I personally lean towards the VideoMic GO II. However, if you’re seeking a microphone that excels in professional settings, the Rode NTG offers additional features that make it a top contender. |
Rode Video Mic Go IIRode has recently released a new version of the VideoMic Go. Version II now comes with USB support, allowing you to use it with your smartphone or computer in addition to cameras. The original Version I remains a solid choice as well. Overall, both versions are fantastic, simple on-camera microphones that are incredibly convenient and deliver great sound quality. Personally, I find the sound of the VideoMic Go to be superior to the Pro+ mic, which has a slightly metallic and hollow tone to it. |
Deity V-Mic D4 Duo Microphone MiniAvailable At: Amazon / Adorama The Deity 2-way mic is great since it can be set to pick up sound that is coming from behind the camera. This is great if you’re narrating while still needing clean audio coming from the front of the camera. The build quality is great, and the sound quality is also very nice. On the Mic is a switch so you can turn on or off the back mic. It will record separate audio to the Left and Right channels, so the volume can be tweaked later. |
7. Cleaning Accessories
Here are a few very useful cleaning accessories that I recommend.
I’ve also built a full guide for the best accessories for cleaning your camera and sensor if you’re looking for more.
Air Blasters
Air blasters are a must-have item, I have a few. One I keep in my bag and one I keep at home.
Rocket Air BlasterRocket Air Small: Amazon Rocket Air Medium: Amazon Rocket Air makes a few sizes; I prefer the small or medium for these smaller cameras. I like these more than any other air blaster because the fins allow you to set it upright on your desk or work area without it rolling around. |
Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloths
Micro-fiber cloths are sometimes the only effective way to clean a UV filter or lens. Here is the pack I buy when I run out.
Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloths 6-PackAvailable At: Amazon This is a six-pack. The cleaning cloths are lighter and silkier than some of the other microfiber cloths that I also have. This is good because you can tuck them in various pouches of your camera bag without them taking up much space. |
Sensor Brushes
There is much online debate about how to clean your camera sensor or the best way to clean it. Usually, people overcomplicate it. Unless you have spit, oil, or some liquid on your sensor, a sensor brush is sometimes all you need.
The Sensor Cleaning BrushSensor Cleaning Brush Full Frame – Amazon Sensor Cleaning Brush APS-C / All Sizes – Amazon Try this to clean up general dust and lint from the sensor. This won’t work if you have liquid, a fingerprint, or some type of oil on the sensor. |
Sensor Swabs
Sensor Cleaning Swab KitAvailable At: Amazon When the Sensor Brush doesn’t quite cut it, I’ve introduced a new cleaning kit into my routine: the UES cleaning wands. These wands are equipped with a cleaning solution and have quickly become an essential part of my cleaning arsenal. Numerous brands offer comparable products with shared features. However, what sets these wands apart is their exceptional user-friendliness and impressive effectiveness. Each brush is thoughtfully packaged individually for single use, making it incredibly convenient. |
Electric blower
Nitecore BB2 Electric BlowerAvailable At: Amazon For Sony A1 photographers and videographers, the Nitecore BB2 Electric Blower is an indispensable tool. Designed with the specific needs of mirrorless cameras, it offers a powerful airflow that effortlessly eliminates dust and debris from delicate equipment and lenses. Its compact and lightweight design enhances portability, making it easy to carry during your shoots. The added benefit of a rechargeable battery ensures that you’re always prepared for thorough gear cleaning whenever the need arises. With the Nitecore BB2 Electric Blower, your Sony A1 will remain pristine. See a full Nitecore BB2 Electric Blower review. |
Extras
Lenses For Sony A1
I keep a list of all the Sony FE lenses here.
Sony Alpha 1 Accessories Conclusion
This list covers some of the best basic accessories for the Sony Alpha 1. I could make this list huge as there are so many great accessories, but I just wanted to list some of the basics that I like, that aren’t too expensive, and that I think you’ll like.