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Archive 2013Sony A7/A7R Setup
p.23 #1Sony A7/A7R Setup
molson wrote:
This is typical of the A7R. It's not a defect, as all 3 copies of the camera I've owned so far behave exactly the same way, regardless of the camera settings.
The viewfinders on the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are significantly better; hopefully Sony will improve this before they abandon the platform.
That isn't my experience. A friend had the X-T1 and I have the A7, and the viewfinders were very similar, more similar than both of us expected. The X-T1 is a touch larger and has a better feature set, but they are much more similar than different in all other ways. I have only looked through the E-M1 viewfinder once, but I don't recall seeing anything out of the ordinary.
Helena, is the viewfinder actually dark, or do you just have trouble viewing through it when it is bright out? The eye cup on the A7 is not that great, and bright light slips by my eye and makes it hard to see inside. I just added a Hoodman eye cup, customised to fit the A7 viewfinder, and it helps enormously.
This is typical of the A7R. It's not a defect, as all 3 copies of the camera I've owned so far behave exactly the same way, regardless of the camera settings.
The viewfinders on the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are significantly better; hopefully Sony will improve this before they abandon the platform.
That isn't my experience. A friend had the X-T1 and I have the A7, and the viewfinders were very similar, more similar than both of us expected. The X-T1 is a touch larger and has a better feature set, but they are much more similar than different in all other ways. I have only looked through the E-M1 viewfinder once, but I don't recall seeing anything out of the ordinary.
Helena, is the viewfinder actually dark, or do you just have trouble viewing through it when it is bright out? The eye cup on the A7 is not that great, and bright light slips by my eye and makes it hard to see inside. I just added a Hoodman eye cup, customised to fit the A7 viewfinder, and it helps enormously.
Sep 22, 2014 at 11:57 AM
p.23 #2Sony A7/A7R Setup
molson wrote:
This is typical of the A7R. It's not a defect, as all 3 copies of the camera I've owned so far behave exactly the same way, regardless of the camera settings.
The viewfinders on the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are significantly better; hopefully Sony will improve this before they abandon the platform.
HelenaN wrote:
Sorry to hear that!
Oh well, lots of people seem to be happy with theirs, so maybe I can be too after have gotten used to it. We'll see.
molson wrote:
As long as you don't use any other cameras, you will likely just get used to it, like everyone else has. My problem is that I have too many other cameras that are much better in this one particular aspect.
hmmm, i didn't find the em1 to be a noticeable improvement. the a7 is definitely noticeably better than the xe1 too. i would definitely compare yours to others. if that doesn't reveal any difference i would try fiddling with jpeg settings and look at using a different eye cup to do a better job of keeping out sunlight.
if you boost EC to +2 or +3 does it seem brighter or just dim but blown out?
This is typical of the A7R. It's not a defect, as all 3 copies of the camera I've owned so far behave exactly the same way, regardless of the camera settings.
The viewfinders on the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are significantly better; hopefully Sony will improve this before they abandon the platform.
HelenaN wrote:
Sorry to hear that!
Oh well, lots of people seem to be happy with theirs, so maybe I can be too after have gotten used to it. We'll see.
molson wrote:
As long as you don't use any other cameras, you will likely just get used to it, like everyone else has. My problem is that I have too many other cameras that are much better in this one particular aspect.
hmmm, i didn't find the em1 to be a noticeable improvement. the a7 is definitely noticeably better than the xe1 too. i would definitely compare yours to others. if that doesn't reveal any difference i would try fiddling with jpeg settings and look at using a different eye cup to do a better job of keeping out sunlight.
if you boost EC to +2 or +3 does it seem brighter or just dim but blown out?
Sep 22, 2014 at 12:10 PM
p.23 #3Sony A7/A7R Setup
sebboh wrote:
The viewfinders on the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are significantly better; hopefully Sony will improve this before they abandon the platform.
Oh well, lots of people seem to be happy with theirs, so maybe I can be too after have gotten used to it. We'll see.hmmm, i didn't find the em1 to be a noticeable improvement. the a7 is definitely noticeably better than the xe1 too. i would definitely compare yours to others. if that doesn't reveal any difference i would try fiddling with jpeg settings and look at using a different eye cup to do a better job of keeping out sunlight.
if you boost EC to +2 or +3 does it seem brighter or just dim but blown out?
The DR of the Sony A7R EVF (I have no experience with the A7) is far too narrow for most lighting conditions - fiddling with the EC just give you more blown highlights or blocked up shadows.
The E-M1 EVF is at least an order of magnitude better in terms of both dynamic range and resolution - Sony's line-skipping algorithm (or pixel binning, or whatever they use) makes their EVF display rather crude by comparison.
I own all three cameras (A7R, E-M1, and X-T1) and use all of them on a regular basis. The rather poor EVF of the Sony is very apparent when you're switching between the cameras, but like I said earlier, if you only have one camera you will eventually get used to it.
molson wrote
This is typical of the A7R. It's not a defect, as all 3 copies of the camera I've owned so far behave exactly the same way, regardless of the camera settings.The viewfinders on the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are significantly better; hopefully Sony will improve this before they abandon the platform.
HelenaN wrote
Sorry to hear that!Oh well, lots of people seem to be happy with theirs, so maybe I can be too after have gotten used to it. We'll see.
molson wrote
As long as you don't use any other cameras, you will likely just get used to it, like everyone else has. My problem is that I have too many other cameras that are much better in this one particular aspect.if you boost EC to +2 or +3 does it seem brighter or just dim but blown out?
The DR of the Sony A7R EVF (I have no experience with the A7) is far too narrow for most lighting conditions - fiddling with the EC just give you more blown highlights or blocked up shadows.
The E-M1 EVF is at least an order of magnitude better in terms of both dynamic range and resolution - Sony's line-skipping algorithm (or pixel binning, or whatever they use) makes their EVF display rather crude by comparison.
I own all three cameras (A7R, E-M1, and X-T1) and use all of them on a regular basis. The rather poor EVF of the Sony is very apparent when you're switching between the cameras, but like I said earlier, if you only have one camera you will eventually get used to it.
Sep 22, 2014 at 12:42 PM
p.23 #4Sony A7/A7R Setup
molson wrote:
sebboh wrote
molson wrote
This is typical of the A7R. It's not a defect, as all 3 copies of the camera I've owned so far behave exactly the same way, regardless of the camera settings.The viewfinders on the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are significantly better; hopefully Sony will improve this before they abandon the platform.
HelenaN wrote
Sorry to hear that!Oh well, lots of people seem to be happy with theirs, so maybe I can be too after have gotten used to it. We'll see.
molson wrote
As long as you don't use any other cameras, you will likely just get used to it, like everyone else has. My problem is that I have too many other cameras that are much better in this one particular aspect.if you boost EC to +2 or +3 does it seem brighter or just dim but blown out?
The E-M1 EVF is at least an order of magnitude better in terms of both dynamic range and resolution - Sony's line-skipping algorithm (or pixel binning, or whatever they use) makes their EVF display rather crude by comparison.
I own all three cameras (A7R, E-M1, and X-T1) and use all of them on a regular basis. The rather poor EVF of the Sony is...Show more →
the comment about EC was for Helena to check whether evf is actually reaching its max brightness.
with regards to dynamic range, you are aware you can dramatically increase it by modifying jpg setting I assume. I've never had trouble with shadow blocking or blown highlights. also, I have switched directly between the em1 and a7 in direct sunlight and I did not notice any real difference. maybe that has to do with the em1 I used settings?
Sep 22, 2014 at 12:58 PM
p.23 #5Sony A7/A7R Setup
molson wrote:
The viewfinders on the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are significantly better; hopefully Sony will improve this before they abandon the platform.
Oh well, lots of people seem to be happy with theirs, so maybe I can be too after have gotten used to it. We'll see.hmmm, i didn't find the em1 to be a noticeable improvement. the a7 is definitely noticeably better than the xe1 too. i would definitely compare yours to others. if that doesn't reveal any difference i would try fiddling with jpeg settings and look at using a different eye cup to do a better job of keeping out sunlight.
if you boost EC to +2 or +3 does it seem brighter or just dim but blown out?The DR of the Sony A7R EVF (I have no experience with the A7) is far too narrow for most lighting conditions - fiddling with the EC just give you more blown highlights or blocked up shadows.
The E-M1 EVF is at least an order of magnitude better in terms of both dynamic range and resolution - Sony's line-skipping algorithm (or pixel binning, or whatever they use) makes their EVF display rather crude by comparison.
I own all three cameras (A7R, E-M1, and X-T1) and use all of them on a regular basis. The rather poor EVF of the Sony is...Show more →
Your description sounds like maybe you have not tweaked the jpeg settings to lower contrast to give a more natural appearance when "setting effects" is turned on for the A7's. This does make an enormous difference.
sebboh wrote
molson wrote
This is typical of the A7R. It's not a defect, as all 3 copies of the camera I've owned so far behave exactly the same way, regardless of the camera settings.The viewfinders on the Fuji X-T1 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 are significantly better; hopefully Sony will improve this before they abandon the platform.
HelenaN wrote
Sorry to hear that!Oh well, lots of people seem to be happy with theirs, so maybe I can be too after have gotten used to it. We'll see.
molson wrote
As long as you don't use any other cameras, you will likely just get used to it, like everyone else has. My problem is that I have too many other cameras that are much better in this one particular aspect.if you boost EC to +2 or +3 does it seem brighter or just dim but blown out?
The E-M1 EVF is at least an order of magnitude better in terms of both dynamic range and resolution - Sony's line-skipping algorithm (or pixel binning, or whatever they use) makes their EVF display rather crude by comparison.
I own all three cameras (A7R, E-M1, and X-T1) and use all of them on a regular basis. The rather poor EVF of the Sony is...Show more →
Your description sounds like maybe you have not tweaked the jpeg settings to lower contrast to give a more natural appearance when "setting effects" is turned on for the A7's. This does make an enormous difference.
Sep 22, 2014 at 12:59 PM
p.23 #6Sony A7/A7R Setup
Hi Helena and Molson. I was at first very much against the EVF on the Sony A7's, and I discussed my issues in detail about the A7r with 50 Cron DR in bright sunlight and not being able to see properly, particularly in sunlight in Australia.
Having both A7r and A7s, they are both setup with the EVF on MANUAL rather AUTO, and set at +2.
As Derek and Tariq have mentioned, I have the Creative Style, Standard with CONTRAST set to -3. I leave the setting effects ON, unless I need to turn it off when I am under exposing.
Also I have custom set my LCD, to have the wheel, bottom (6 o clock) with quick access for setting for monitor brightness on MANUAL or SUNNY WEATHER. For all outside work, I set it to SUNNY WEATHER for when I need to review images and check focus points. All inside work, I set to MANUAL 0 on the LCD, and I rarely change the EVF set on MANUAL +2. If I need to see the exposure effect, I might change the EVF back to AUTO. Usually for exposure, I check the RGB curves.
Having both A7r and A7s, they are both setup with the EVF on MANUAL rather AUTO, and set at +2.
As Derek and Tariq have mentioned, I have the Creative Style, Standard with CONTRAST set to -3. I leave the setting effects ON, unless I need to turn it off when I am under exposing.
Also I have custom set my LCD, to have the wheel, bottom (6 o clock) with quick access for setting for monitor brightness on MANUAL or SUNNY WEATHER. For all outside work, I set it to SUNNY WEATHER for when I need to review images and check focus points. All inside work, I set to MANUAL 0 on the LCD, and I rarely change the EVF set on MANUAL +2. If I need to see the exposure effect, I might change the EVF back to AUTO. Usually for exposure, I check the RGB curves.
Sep 23, 2014 at 01:01 AM
p.23 #7Sony A7/A7R Setup
Thanks again everyone! I hadn't expected so much feedback.
So, I tried all your tips and am now convinced that there's nothing wrong with my EVF. It's just a question of optimizing the settings and adjusting my expectations and it's already looking better.
So, I tried all your tips and am now convinced that there's nothing wrong with my EVF. It's just a question of optimizing the settings and adjusting my expectations and it's already looking better.
Sep 23, 2014 at 03:01 AM
p.23 #8Sony A7/A7R Setup
Tag. Great thread, should get my a7r and metabones soonish looking forward to getting it setup
Nov 04, 2014 at 08:36 PM
p.23 #9Sony A7/A7R Setup
I have a annoyance with my A7r in that there is a half second lag when putting the eye to the viewfinder until it switches on. When my eye arrives at the viewfinder I see black for half a second. I just discovered that when the viewfinder/monitor is set to auto I get the lag. If I switch it to just viewfinder the lag is gone, pretty much for good. It switches even before my eye arrives at the viewfinder. However on that setting I get an extra second lag when switching on the camera and of course the rear screen is gone for good. Why on earth couldn't they have provided the ability to switch from viewfinder to rear screen using a button? Or is that possible? Can't see a way to do it.
Nov 05, 2014 at 02:33 PM
p.23 #10Sony A7/A7R Setup
dgdg wrote:
I read about eye detection in the manual but do not use it. I only spot focus which allows face detection but I recall reading that you need to use the largest focus area for it to subsequently perform eye detection, if enabled. Too many buttons/menus for me to toggle eye detect easily, but I do have a custom button assigned to access face detect quickly. I find face detect works well for those that do not know how to focus a scene (random tourists graciously taking a photo of my entire family during vacation). I usually just leave it...Show more →
I use eye detection very often for portraits and really like this feature. I wish Sony continues perfecting the algorithm. It works most of the time depending on how well lit the scene is. You have to use it with native lenses though.
carstenw wrote
Eye AF is a submode of facial detection. I am not sure what it normally focuses on, maybe whatever it finds.I use eye detection very often for portraits and really like this feature. I wish Sony continues perfecting the algorithm. It works most of the time depending on how well lit the scene is. You have to use it with native lenses though.
Nov 23, 2014 at 07:40 PM
p.23 #11Sony A7/A7R Setup
Beni wrote:
I have a annoyance with my A7r in that there is a half second lag when putting the eye to the viewfinder until it switches on. When my eye arrives at the viewfinder I see black for half a second. I just discovered that when the viewfinder/monitor is set to auto I get the lag. If I switch it to just viewfinder the lag is gone, pretty much for good. It switches even before my eye arrives at the viewfinder. However on that setting I get an extra second lag when switching on the camera and of course the rear...Show more →
Have you installed the latest firmware (1.10)?
I have a annoyance with my A7r in that there is a half second lag when putting the eye to the viewfinder until it switches on. When my eye arrives at the viewfinder I see black for half a second. I just discovered that when the viewfinder/monitor is set to auto I get the lag. If I switch it to just viewfinder the lag is gone, pretty much for good. It switches even before my eye arrives at the viewfinder. However on that setting I get an extra second lag when switching on the camera and of course the rear...Show more →
Have you installed the latest firmware (1.10)?
Nov 23, 2014 at 09:09 PM
p.23 #13Sony A7/A7R Setup
I would love to setup my A7 in particular way but I can't seem to find the way to do it. As A7 has two dials: front dial and rear dial. When working in A-mode the front dial changes aperture. Great, that's what I like. However, the rear dial *also* changes the aperture, which is not what I want. I would love to be able to change the ISO with rear dial, but for the sake of god I can't figure it out. Is there a some sort of illogical assumption here or how come it's so difficult..?
Feb 24, 2015 at 02:14 PM
p.23 #14Sony A7/A7R Setup
I have noticed with the A7ii that they changed the behavior, the rear wheel now controls the zoom and the front and rear dials move to the next picture.
Feb 26, 2015 at 12:12 PM
p.23 #15Sony A7/A7R Setup
Kalainen wrote:
I would love to setup my A7 in particular way but I can't seem to find the way to do it. As A7 has two dials: front dial and rear dial. When working in A-mode the front dial changes aperture. Great, that's what I like. However, the rear dial *also* changes the aperture, which is not what I want. I would love to be able to change the ISO with rear dial, but for the sake of god I can't figure it out. Is there a some sort of illogical assumption here or how come it's so difficult..?
Kal, in Menu - Gear - page 6 - Custom Key Settings you can select the Control Wheel to change ISO.
Not as handy as your suggestion, but a good way nonetheless.
(At least for the a7m2.)
I would love to setup my A7 in particular way but I can't seem to find the way to do it. As A7 has two dials: front dial and rear dial. When working in A-mode the front dial changes aperture. Great, that's what I like. However, the rear dial *also* changes the aperture, which is not what I want. I would love to be able to change the ISO with rear dial, but for the sake of god I can't figure it out. Is there a some sort of illogical assumption here or how come it's so difficult..?
Kal, in Menu - Gear - page 6 - Custom Key Settings you can select the Control Wheel to change ISO.
Not as handy as your suggestion, but a good way nonetheless.
(At least for the a7m2.)
Mar 15, 2015 at 04:12 PM
p.23 #16Sony A7/A7R Setup
Fred Miranda wrote:
I use eye detection very often for portraits and really like this feature. I wish Sony continues perfecting the algorithm. It works most of the time depending on how well lit the scene is. You have to use it with native lenses though.
Eye detection only seems to be available if you've got certain zoom lenses attached.
I tried with the 35/2.8 and it can't be turned on.
I use eye detection very often for portraits and really like this feature. I wish Sony continues perfecting the algorithm. It works most of the time depending on how well lit the scene is. You have to use it with native lenses though.
Eye detection only seems to be available if you've got certain zoom lenses attached.
I tried with the 35/2.8 and it can't be turned on.
Mar 17, 2015 at 05:04 PM
p.23 #17Sony A7/A7R Setup
mikedefieslife wrote:
Eye detection only seems to be available if you've got certain zoom lenses attached.
I tried with the 35/2.8 and it can't be turned on.
I don't have the 35/2.8 but Eye AF works with all my E and FE prime lenses. Now, it will only work in AF-S autofocus mode, not AF-C. Could that be your issue?
Fred Miranda wrote
I use eye detection very often for portraits and really like this feature. I wish Sony continues perfecting the algorithm. It works most of the time depending on how well lit the scene is. You have to use it with native lenses though.I tried with the 35/2.8 and it can't be turned on.
I don't have the 35/2.8 but Eye AF works with all my E and FE prime lenses. Now, it will only work in AF-S autofocus mode, not AF-C. Could that be your issue?
Mar 17, 2015 at 09:48 PM
p.23 #18Sony A7/A7R Setup
I only use AF-S mode.
Eye start AF "invalid with this lens"
Face detect works though once you register some faces with it.
Eye start AF "invalid with this lens"
Face detect works though once you register some faces with it.
Mar 18, 2015 at 03:25 AM
p.23 #20Sony A7/A7R Setup
mikedefieslife wrote:
I only use AF-S mode.
Eye start AF "invalid with this lens"
Face detect works though once you register some faces with it.
You do not need to register faces to use Face Detect AF.
I only use AF-S mode.
Eye start AF "invalid with this lens"
Face detect works though once you register some faces with it.
You do not need to register faces to use Face Detect AF.
Mar 18, 2015 at 10:15 AM