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Archive 2013Sony A7/A7R Setup
p.13 #1Sony A7/A7R Setup
carstenw wrote:
Generally it is the same length exposure plus a little processing time, and that should be the same for the D800. I doubt there is any significant difference in any camera here.
It would be really strange to have much difference between cameras. This is because >99% of the "delay" to display image and write to card is caused by another exposure as long as the exposure photographer wanted to shoot.
The principle of long exposure noise reduction (usually called "black frame subtraction") is that camera takes additional image using same shutter speed with shutter closed. Resulting image has only noise, which is recorded on similar conditions (sensor temperature has VERY big effect to noise). Then it subtracts RAW sensor readings with pricible:
A - B = C
where
A = pixel value from real exposure
B = pixel value from exposure shoot shutter closed
C = pixel value what will be written to RAW-file
So this has nothing to do with methods one can apply to image in post processing. Also it doesn't cause blurring like methods applied in post processing. Method is superior to any other method. It can be done later, but every sensor and every pixel in sensor (and between different cameras) act differently depending exposure length and sensor temperature ==> doing this manually in PhotoShop is possible, but one would need to have black frames from every possible condition AND sensor pixel behavior also varies over time. If there would be better way then everybody would use it, currently this method is used by all manufacturers on CMOS and CCD sensors.
This method is very simple from computation point of view, and the subtraction phase takes <0.1s, so for this we don't need heat sinks and external battery bags...
Samuli
EDIT: fixed brainfart writing from first sentence...hope it's more understandable after editing...
Edited on Dec 19, 2013 at 08:31 AM · View previous versions
Generally it is the same length exposure plus a little processing time, and that should be the same for the D800. I doubt there is any significant difference in any camera here.
It would be really strange to have much difference between cameras. This is because >99% of the "delay" to display image and write to card is caused by another exposure as long as the exposure photographer wanted to shoot.
The principle of long exposure noise reduction (usually called "black frame subtraction") is that camera takes additional image using same shutter speed with shutter closed. Resulting image has only noise, which is recorded on similar conditions (sensor temperature has VERY big effect to noise). Then it subtracts RAW sensor readings with pricible:
A - B = C
where
A = pixel value from real exposure
B = pixel value from exposure shoot shutter closed
C = pixel value what will be written to RAW-file
So this has nothing to do with methods one can apply to image in post processing. Also it doesn't cause blurring like methods applied in post processing. Method is superior to any other method. It can be done later, but every sensor and every pixel in sensor (and between different cameras) act differently depending exposure length and sensor temperature ==> doing this manually in PhotoShop is possible, but one would need to have black frames from every possible condition AND sensor pixel behavior also varies over time. If there would be better way then everybody would use it, currently this method is used by all manufacturers on CMOS and CCD sensors.
This method is very simple from computation point of view, and the subtraction phase takes <0.1s, so for this we don't need heat sinks and external battery bags...
Samuli
EDIT: fixed brainfart writing from first sentence...hope it's more understandable after editing...
Edited on Dec 19, 2013 at 08:31 AM · View previous versions
Dec 19, 2013 at 04:34 AM
p.13 #2Sony A7/A7R Setup
wfrank wrote:
the slightest unintentional touch on the shutter button removes the magn view - and this is very easy to do in particular if you have C1 set to magn.
Makes you wonder why we have to push the shutter 6" into the body to fire a shot.
the slightest unintentional touch on the shutter button removes the magn view - and this is very easy to do in particular if you have C1 set to magn.
Makes you wonder why we have to push the shutter 6" into the body to fire a shot.
Dec 19, 2013 at 04:56 AM
p.13 #3Sony A7/A7R Setup
Lee Saxon wrote:
Makes you wonder why we have to push the shutter 6" into the body to fire a shot.
<facts>
The shutter button needs to be pressed 0.5 mm to remove the magn view, and another 0.5 mm to fire a shot.
</facts>
wfrank wrote
the slightest unintentional touch on the shutter button removes the magn view - and this is very easy to do in particular if you have C1 set to magn.<facts>
The shutter button needs to be pressed 0.5 mm to remove the magn view, and another 0.5 mm to fire a shot.
</facts>
Dec 19, 2013 at 05:22 AM
p.13 #4Sony A7/A7R Setup
I'm trying to use my f43m and f60m flashes with my a7, and the af assist grid is not showing up. Is there any way to fix this? or is there some fundamental issue that I'm not seeing.
Dec 19, 2013 at 08:25 PM
p.13 #5Sony A7/A7R Setup
Lens correction app is now available for download within the camera. Has anybody used it yet?
Dec 19, 2013 at 08:49 PM
p.13 #6Sony A7/A7R Setup
Kwang68 wrote:
I'm trying to use my f43m and f60m flashes with my a7, and the af assist grid is not showing up. Is there any way to fix this? or is there some fundamental issue that I'm not seeing.
As far as I know the A7 as with the NEX cameras can't use the AF assist from the flash. They only use the AF assist light on the body. I also have the A7 and the 43M flash and the AF assist from the flash doesn't turn on.
I'm trying to use my f43m and f60m flashes with my a7, and the af assist grid is not showing up. Is there any way to fix this? or is there some fundamental issue that I'm not seeing.
As far as I know the A7 as with the NEX cameras can't use the AF assist from the flash. They only use the AF assist light on the body. I also have the A7 and the 43M flash and the AF assist from the flash doesn't turn on.
Dec 19, 2013 at 09:46 PM
p.13 #7Sony A7/A7R Setup
Peire wrote:
To anyone who may benefit:
1.There is no need to use cable or smartphone for wireless releasing of Sony A7.All my el-cheapo chinese wireless release units do this after setting remote control to "on" position in the menu.Sony didn't say a word about it in official list of specs.I haven't found it numerous reviews either.
Can you elaborate on this? Are you talking the chinese IR releases for sony or are you referring to radio releases?
To anyone who may benefit:
1.There is no need to use cable or smartphone for wireless releasing of Sony A7.All my el-cheapo chinese wireless release units do this after setting remote control to "on" position in the menu.Sony didn't say a word about it in official list of specs.I haven't found it numerous reviews either.
Can you elaborate on this? Are you talking the chinese IR releases for sony or are you referring to radio releases?
Dec 20, 2013 at 06:38 AM
p.13 #8Sony A7/A7R Setup
Does anyone have any suggestions for reducing the shutter lag on the A7r?
So far I've found single shot (not machine gun mode) and switching off review altogether do help but the lag is still horrendous (manual lenses). It's my only really big issue with the camera.
BTW anyone else done a shoot without a card yet?
I did yesterday, seems there's no menu function to disallow shooting without a card. You do get a warning in the viewfinder but it's small and tucked away in the top left corner, with manual focusing and concentrating on composition I didn't see it at all. I wasn't chimping and didn't realise until it was too late.
So far I've found single shot (not machine gun mode) and switching off review altogether do help but the lag is still horrendous (manual lenses). It's my only really big issue with the camera.
BTW anyone else done a shoot without a card yet?
I did yesterday, seems there's no menu function to disallow shooting without a card. You do get a warning in the viewfinder but it's small and tucked away in the top left corner, with manual focusing and concentrating on composition I didn't see it at all. I wasn't chimping and didn't realise until it was too late.Dec 20, 2013 at 06:41 AM
p.13 #9Sony A7/A7R Setup
Beni wrote:
BTW anyone else done a shoot without a card yet? I did yesterday, seems there's no menu function to disallow shooting without a card. You do get a warning in the viewfinder but it's small and tucked away in the top left corner, with manual focusing and concentrating on composition I didn't see it at all. I wasn't chimping and didn't realise until it was too late.
Thanks for pointing that out. Not only will it allow shooting without a memory card, but shutting the camera off and inserting a card won't save the image, as well risking inserting the memory card with power on
BTW anyone else done a shoot without a card yet?
I did yesterday, seems there's no menu function to disallow shooting without a card. You do get a warning in the viewfinder but it's small and tucked away in the top left corner, with manual focusing and concentrating on composition I didn't see it at all. I wasn't chimping and didn't realise until it was too late.Thanks for pointing that out. Not only will it allow shooting without a memory card, but shutting the camera off and inserting a card won't save the image, as well risking inserting the memory card with power on
Dec 20, 2013 at 10:05 AM
p.13 #10Sony A7/A7R Setup
miklar wrote:
I did yesterday, seems there's no menu function to disallow shooting without a card. You do get a warning in the viewfinder but it's small and tucked away in the top left corner, with manual focusing and concentrating on composition I didn't see it at all. I wasn't chimping and didn't realise until it was too late.Thanks for pointing that out. Not only will it allow shooting without a memory card, but shutting the camera off and inserting a card won't save the image, as well risking inserting the memory card with power on
- I made the same mistake and the camera is very subtle about the lack of a memory card. It was only that I went to review that I noticed.
I would like a warning as persistent and as apparent as a delivery truck backing up.
Beni wrote
BTW anyone else done a shoot without a card yet? I did yesterday, seems there's no menu function to disallow shooting without a card. You do get a warning in the viewfinder but it's small and tucked away in the top left corner, with manual focusing and concentrating on composition I didn't see it at all. I wasn't chimping and didn't realise until it was too late. - I made the same mistake and the camera is very subtle about the lack of a memory card. It was only that I went to review that I noticed. I would like a warning as persistent and as apparent as a delivery truck backing up.
Dec 20, 2013 at 11:54 AM
p.13 #11Sony A7/A7R Setup
MaxBerlin wrote:
I did yesterday, seems there's no menu function to disallow shooting without a card. You do get a warning in the viewfinder but it's small and tucked away in the top left corner, with manual focusing and concentrating on composition I didn't see it at all. I wasn't chimping and didn't realise until it was too late.Thanks for pointing that out. Not only will it allow shooting without a memory card, but shutting the camera off and inserting a card won't save the image, as well risking inserting the memory card with power on - I made the same mistake and the camera is very subtle about the lack of a memory card. It was only that I went to review that I noticed.
I would like a warning as persistent and as apparent as a delivery truck backing up.
Agree
Also, the ability to disable shooting without a memory card!
Cheers
miklar wrote
Beni wrote
BTW anyone else done a shoot without a card yet? I did yesterday, seems there's no menu function to disallow shooting without a card. You do get a warning in the viewfinder but it's small and tucked away in the top left corner, with manual focusing and concentrating on composition I didn't see it at all. I wasn't chimping and didn't realise until it was too late. - I made the same mistake and the camera is very subtle about the lack of a memory card. It was only that I went to review that I noticed. I would like a warning as persistent and as apparent as a delivery truck backing up.
Agree
Also, the ability to disable shooting without a memory card!
Cheers
Dec 20, 2013 at 12:44 PM
p.13 #12Sony A7/A7R Setup
So what method is everyone using to get higher min shutter speed with auto-ISO? With the FE55 it's going down to 1/60. Having to shoot A mode and define ISO to get up to 1/100. I can usually do 1/60 but takes some concentration and usually a bit slow for candids.
Dec 21, 2013 at 11:45 AM
p.13 #13Sony A7/A7R Setup
theophilus wrote:
So what method is everyone using to get higher min shutter speed with auto-ISO? With the FE55 it's going down to 1/60. Having to shoot A mode and define ISO to get up to 1/100. I can usually do 1/60 but takes some concentration and usually a bit slow for candids.
Maybe you could try this: Setup M mode shutter speed to 1/100s, then go to A mode and setup aperture and auto-ISO. Then shoot as usual, but if you face situation that it goes under 1/100s turn mode dial to M. If you again get more light then switch back to A mode.
Samuli
So what method is everyone using to get higher min shutter speed with auto-ISO? With the FE55 it's going down to 1/60. Having to shoot A mode and define ISO to get up to 1/100. I can usually do 1/60 but takes some concentration and usually a bit slow for candids.
Maybe you could try this: Setup M mode shutter speed to 1/100s, then go to A mode and setup aperture and auto-ISO. Then shoot as usual, but if you face situation that it goes under 1/100s turn mode dial to M. If you again get more light then switch back to A mode.
Samuli
Dec 21, 2013 at 11:54 AM
p.13 #14Sony A7/A7R Setup
How to get the most images from the A7r with one fully charged battery?
Introduction; other than acquiring a NEX-6 a few months ago and using Sony’s video FS-100 camera, most of my shooting has been done with a Nikon system. Hence, I lack the necessary familiarity with Sony’s menu system and am looking for advice on how to improve my shooting experience. Also, I’m used to much longer battery life than what I’m getting with the A7r.
The following is an attempt at settings and shooting I did a week ago to get the maximum number of images out of one fully charged battery -
Set the “Finder Monitor” to “Viewfinder”, disabled “Pre-AF” and turn “Airplane Mode” on. Also, set for RAW file only.
After doing so I spent the rest of one day shooting until the battery ran out. The number of images recorded were in excess of 350 images (actually 380). This isn’t close to what one battery on a Nikon body (D3x in my case) will provide, but it is acceptable.
Using the EVF only was surprisingly good. Admittedly, it took some time to get used to preview and magnify images while looking through the EVF. As well this will likely be the manner in which I will be shooting in bright light. This test was done using the FE 2.8/35 lens.
Hopefully, some of you will have suggestions on how to improve on this.
Cheers
Introduction; other than acquiring a NEX-6 a few months ago and using Sony’s video FS-100 camera, most of my shooting has been done with a Nikon system. Hence, I lack the necessary familiarity with Sony’s menu system and am looking for advice on how to improve my shooting experience. Also, I’m used to much longer battery life than what I’m getting with the A7r.
The following is an attempt at settings and shooting I did a week ago to get the maximum number of images out of one fully charged battery -
Set the “Finder Monitor” to “Viewfinder”, disabled “Pre-AF” and turn “Airplane Mode” on. Also, set for RAW file only.
After doing so I spent the rest of one day shooting until the battery ran out. The number of images recorded were in excess of 350 images (actually 380). This isn’t close to what one battery on a Nikon body (D3x in my case) will provide, but it is acceptable.
Using the EVF only was surprisingly good. Admittedly, it took some time to get used to preview and magnify images while looking through the EVF. As well this will likely be the manner in which I will be shooting in bright light. This test was done using the FE 2.8/35 lens.
Hopefully, some of you will have suggestions on how to improve on this.
Cheers
Dec 21, 2013 at 12:50 PM
p.13 #15Sony A7/A7R Setup
I am not sure how you guys are getting 300+ images per charge. I can hardly get more than 20 shots. I have Airplain Mode on, pre-AF off, and the display off. I have not been turning off the camera in between shots. I am going to experiment with turning the camera off after every shot and then switching the display to finder only. I tend not to take a lot of shots in a row. I'm a little more deliberate so the 20 shots will be in a day, and that's how long the battery lasts -- a whole day. This is not totally surprising to me as my NEX-7 exhibited similar battery life. I have Sony batteries and not 3rd party. For those getting these awesome number of shots per battery, are you shooting a lot? I am wondering if taking shots actually take much out of the battery. It seems like just being on eats up most of the juice.
Dec 21, 2013 at 01:11 PM
p.13 #16Sony A7/A7R Setup
sflxn wrote:
I am not sure how you guys are getting 300+ images per charge. I can hardly get more than 20 shots. I have Airplain Mode on, pre-AF off, and the display off. I have not been turning off the camera in between shots. I am going to experiment with turning the camera off after every shot and then switching the display to finder only. I tend not to take a lot of shots in a row. I'm a little more deliberate so the 20 shots will be in a day, and that's how long the battery lasts -- a whole...Show more →
Well, no problem then...
Your battery lasts a day, you do 20 shots during a day. If you weren't as deliberate, and did 300 shots in stead of 20, the battery would still last a day.
This is pretty much exactly how I've experienced the A7R and in fact all NEX cameras before it. It tells me that the image capturing process isn't very heavy on battery consumtion, in stead, the overall camera active time is what matters.
I am not sure how you guys are getting 300+ images per charge. I can hardly get more than 20 shots. I have Airplain Mode on, pre-AF off, and the display off. I have not been turning off the camera in between shots. I am going to experiment with turning the camera off after every shot and then switching the display to finder only. I tend not to take a lot of shots in a row. I'm a little more deliberate so the 20 shots will be in a day, and that's how long the battery lasts -- a whole...Show more →
Well, no problem then...
Your battery lasts a day, you do 20 shots during a day. If you weren't as deliberate, and did 300 shots in stead of 20, the battery would still last a day.
This is pretty much exactly how I've experienced the A7R and in fact all NEX cameras before it. It tells me that the image capturing process isn't very heavy on battery consumtion, in stead, the overall camera active time is what matters.
Dec 21, 2013 at 01:28 PM
p.13 #17Sony A7/A7R Setup
sflxn wrote:
I am not sure how you guys are getting 300+ images per charge. I can hardly get more than 20 shots. I have Airplain Mode on, pre-AF off, and the display off. I have not been turning off the camera in between shots. I am going to experiment with turning the camera off after every shot and then switching the display to finder only. I tend not to take a lot of shots in a row. I'm a little more deliberate so the 20 shots will be in a day, and that's how long the battery lasts -- a whole...Show more →
Some-things I did not mention; always turn the camera off when not in use and turn "Auto review" off.
As well the battery meter seems to be fluctuating a lot based on temperature. The day I took the camera out for a shoot was all done in the tunnels under Toronto's business buildings. In other words - indoors.
Cheers
I am not sure how you guys are getting 300+ images per charge. I can hardly get more than 20 shots. I have Airplain Mode on, pre-AF off, and the display off. I have not been turning off the camera in between shots. I am going to experiment with turning the camera off after every shot and then switching the display to finder only. I tend not to take a lot of shots in a row. I'm a little more deliberate so the 20 shots will be in a day, and that's how long the battery lasts -- a whole...Show more →
Some-things I did not mention; always turn the camera off when not in use and turn "Auto review" off.
As well the battery meter seems to be fluctuating a lot based on temperature. The day I took the camera out for a shoot was all done in the tunnels under Toronto's business buildings. In other words - indoors.
Cheers
Dec 21, 2013 at 03:45 PM
p.13 #18Sony A7/A7R Setup
Damn winter, thou today it was above freezing point - 2 batteries emptied (change 1st when it was 18% and when I headed home 2nd one was below 30%) and only 179 photos shoot.
I had airplane on, real display on but black, using manual lens (and would never have pre-AF it's annoying as hell with AF-lenses) and I turned camera off every time taking photo, not to save energy but because I have the ISO on real wheel and I adjust it accidentally all the time.
Samuli
I had airplane on, real display on but black, using manual lens (and would never have pre-AF it's annoying as hell with AF-lenses) and I turned camera off every time taking photo, not to save energy but because I have the ISO on real wheel and I adjust it accidentally all the time.
Samuli
Dec 21, 2013 at 03:52 PM
p.13 #19Sony A7/A7R Setup
Samuli Vahonen wrote:
Damn winter, thou today it was above freezing point - 2 batteries emptied (change 1st when it was 18% and when I headed home 2nd one was below 30%) and only 179 photos shoot.
I had airplane on, real display on but black, using manual lens (and would never have pre-AF it's annoying as hell with AF-lenses) and I turned camera off every time taking photo, not to save energy but because I have the ISO on real wheel and I adjust it accidentally all the time.
Samuli
Try shooting on what appears to be a discharged battery, i.e. one showing less than 10% remaining, and see how many images can still be captured...
Although my testing was not done outdoors, after shooting a little over 250 images the battery showed only 4% charge remaining, but after several more shots it indicated 12% remaining...
Cheers
Damn winter, thou today it was above freezing point - 2 batteries emptied (change 1st when it was 18% and when I headed home 2nd one was below 30%) and only 179 photos shoot.
I had airplane on, real display on but black, using manual lens (and would never have pre-AF it's annoying as hell with AF-lenses) and I turned camera off every time taking photo, not to save energy but because I have the ISO on real wheel and I adjust it accidentally all the time.
Samuli
Try shooting on what appears to be a discharged battery, i.e. one showing less than 10% remaining, and see how many images can still be captured...
Although my testing was not done outdoors, after shooting a little over 250 images the battery showed only 4% charge remaining, but after several more shots it indicated 12% remaining...
Cheers
Dec 21, 2013 at 04:02 PM
p.13 #20Sony A7/A7R Setup
miklar wrote:
Try shooting on what appears to be a discharged battery, i.e. one showing less than 10% remaining, and see how many images can still be captured...
Although my testing was not done outdoors, after shooting a little over 250 images the battery showed only 4% charge remaining, but after several more shots it indicated 12% remaining...
If possible I don't empty completely this type of batteries. I had two 100% full batteries in reserve at my camera bag, so this was no issue. Also I think if I have taken them to my pocket or inside mitten they would most probably have shown >50%.
Patona branded batteries work as well as original. They have package in Amazon: 2 batteries, charger and car charger. It seems good (ordered few more of them) but there is one drawback: the charger is really slow. So for example if you travel and shoot 3 batteries during the day it's not possible to charge all 3 batteries with one charger in your hotel room without waking up in middle of the night to change battery to charger. I have not measured but it takes about 4 hours to charge empty battery. Usually when I travel with 5DmkII cameras I use 3-4 chargers to charge batteries during the night - also I may charge batteries while driving, specially if I don't have hotel for the night.
Samuli
Try shooting on what appears to be a discharged battery, i.e. one showing less than 10% remaining, and see how many images can still be captured...
Although my testing was not done outdoors, after shooting a little over 250 images the battery showed only 4% charge remaining, but after several more shots it indicated 12% remaining...
If possible I don't empty completely this type of batteries. I had two 100% full batteries in reserve at my camera bag, so this was no issue. Also I think if I have taken them to my pocket or inside mitten they would most probably have shown >50%.
Patona branded batteries work as well as original. They have package in Amazon: 2 batteries, charger and car charger. It seems good (ordered few more of them) but there is one drawback: the charger is really slow. So for example if you travel and shoot 3 batteries during the day it's not possible to charge all 3 batteries with one charger in your hotel room without waking up in middle of the night to change battery to charger. I have not measured but it takes about 4 hours to charge empty battery. Usually when I travel with 5DmkII cameras I use 3-4 chargers to charge batteries during the night - also I may charge batteries while driving, specially if I don't have hotel for the night.
Samuli
Dec 21, 2013 at 04:18 PM