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Oh wait! I realized that the 8K internal / 4K HDMI setting can be recorded in true ProRes 422 10 bit, as it is bypassing the 8-bit limitation on the 8K HDMI output. So, it is truly a "hack."

Since the FW update mine works flawlessly, no issue at all. Since the new FW I shoot 3 horse showjumping competitions, two MTB events and 11 Pro Ice Hockey matches and not a single glitch. I finally received my second R5 II (it took two months here in Switzerland to get it 😮) and sold my beloved R5c. Now please Canon just add a way to turn Waveform on and off with a button!!!!!

The greatest thing about the A1II is that Sony didn't replace an amazing sensor for video with a higher megapixel sensor that would create rolling shutter problems and downgraded video specs. That was my biggest concern. You can also see the advantage of the A1II's new AF for wildlife, sports, and motorsport video:

Using the Gerald Undone "hack" (internal recording set to 8K, but HDMI output set to 4K), you can send out an oversampled 8K image to the Atomos and record it in 4K ProRes 422 10 bit. This bypasses noise reduction and LongGOP compression in the internal files, but I think this looks the worst in terms of color depth, as Sony lists 8K HDMI output as limited to 8-bit in the spec sheet: As for the ProRes RAW in the A1, it is hard to pick out which shots are internal and which are ProRes RAW in this video (she lists the RAW shots in one of her responses): I always look for Blue-channel clipping as a giveaway for ProRes RAW, but otherwise everything cuts together seamlessly. This suggests that the 12-bit 4.3K ProRes RAW upscales nicely to 8K and that the 8K's 10-bit internal is good enough to match with 12-bit color.

Mmmm, a used A1 in a year or so could be a good viable option for me then... Still on the fence between ditching my remaining S5ii and 2x lenses and going all in on a Sony/Nikon lineup and I probably could not spring for an A1 at this time or next year, but maybe in 2026... The single decision at this time, or for early 2025 would be Nikon Z6iii vs Sony A1, because in every other department, including lenses, I am covered, so a pretty simple decision, mostly determined by Cost A vs Cost B. Goes off to look at used A1 prices...

Truth!

No never tried that as don't like the Ninja hanging off a rig, you're better off just recording the 8K H265 internally as it's such a good codec, and resampling to a 4K timeline in post (with added ability to crop, etc.) The data rate is 500Mbit/s max, but it stands up to codecs in the 2500Mbit/s file size range including even Prores RAW.

I agree best thing about the a1 II is the price of used a1, if it gets down to $2500 that is an end-game for less than the price of an a7r V. It has very few disadvantages compared to Z8... Only the 8k60fps is missing and oversampled 4K... The subsampling is ok just something to be aware of, because of the occasional moire and it changes the grain texture in low light. That 8K though... believe me when I say it's the BEST I've ever seen from any camera that small and soon to be affordable

Problem is that in every A1II review I read comments about used OG A1 becoming cheaper... If the law of supply and demand holds true, things will be tough!