This topic is in the 2013 archive. You can read it and like its posts here. It is read only.
Archive 2013Sony A7/A7R Setup
p.9 #1Sony A7/A7R Setup
philip_pj wrote:
'Is it possible to set a shortcut to get directly into focus magnification without having click an extra one or two times to go past rectangle?'
READ THIS, SONY. Add a menu selection for level of magnfication also please.
+10
This is very frustrating! With the M240 is so easy as it is controlled via the focusing cam sensor. This is a major ergonomic error, as Sony has one lens on offer, and yet it provides adapters for third party lenses, but it is road block to be able to grab shots easily.
I have mentioned previously, the illumination of the EVF during the day is low, and even with adjustment it difficult to compose and focus, when lenses are set at f/4 or 5.6. I have set all the in camera settings preview to OFF, and it is relatively dim in bright ambient light. I thought this might be my A7r, but I have tested it against another one, and it is same. The comparison with the M240 the Oly VF-2, maybe lower resolution, but it works great in bright sunlight with any lens. The A7r EVF works magic in lower lighting, and at night time.
These two items are important IMO, for the ergonomics of the A7r to work well. Having now spent a week, with the A7r, it has an amazing IQ, almost MF with a select number of lenses. Picking up the M240 again this morning, and you realize how easy just these two ergonomic functions slows down the process of just having fun and taking shots!
Another question, is there a quick way to review shots, and check for the focus accuracy. I am finding this is a three step process. Play, C2 and scroll to reduce the magnification. The scrolling is very slow. I would appreciate any setting changes here that might help!
'Is it possible to set a shortcut to get directly into focus magnification without having click an extra one or two times to go past rectangle?'
READ THIS, SONY. Add a menu selection for level of magnfication also please.
+10
This is very frustrating! With the M240 is so easy as it is controlled via the focusing cam sensor. This is a major ergonomic error, as Sony has one lens on offer, and yet it provides adapters for third party lenses, but it is road block to be able to grab shots easily.
I have mentioned previously, the illumination of the EVF during the day is low, and even with adjustment it difficult to compose and focus, when lenses are set at f/4 or 5.6. I have set all the in camera settings preview to OFF, and it is relatively dim in bright ambient light. I thought this might be my A7r, but I have tested it against another one, and it is same. The comparison with the M240 the Oly VF-2, maybe lower resolution, but it works great in bright sunlight with any lens. The A7r EVF works magic in lower lighting, and at night time.
These two items are important IMO, for the ergonomics of the A7r to work well. Having now spent a week, with the A7r, it has an amazing IQ, almost MF with a select number of lenses. Picking up the M240 again this morning, and you realize how easy just these two ergonomic functions slows down the process of just having fun and taking shots!
Another question, is there a quick way to review shots, and check for the focus accuracy. I am finding this is a three step process. Play, C2 and scroll to reduce the magnification. The scrolling is very slow. I would appreciate any setting changes here that might help!
Dec 09, 2013 at 07:16 PM
p.9 #2Sony A7/A7R Setup
charles.K wrote:
I have mentioned previously, the illumination of the EVF during the day is low, and even with adjustment it difficult to compose and focus, when lenses are set at f/4 or 5.6. I have set all the in camera settings preview to OFF, and it is relatively dim in bright ambient light.
Do you have setting effect on?
Graham
I have mentioned previously, the illumination of the EVF during the day is low, and even with adjustment it difficult to compose and focus, when lenses are set at f/4 or 5.6. I have set all the in camera settings preview to OFF, and it is relatively dim in bright ambient light.
Do you have setting effect on?
Graham
Dec 09, 2013 at 07:47 PM
p.9 #3Sony A7/A7R Setup
grahamb3 wrote:
Do you have setting effect on?
Graham
Hi Graham, the settings effect have been set to OFF in the menu, and with the other A7r, I did the same and see if there much difference. Both were relatively dim in bright light.
charles.K wrote
I have mentioned previously, the illumination of the EVF during the day is low, and even with adjustment it difficult to compose and focus, when lenses are set at f/4 or 5.6. I have set all the in camera settings preview to OFF, and it is relatively dim in bright ambient light.Graham
Hi Graham, the settings effect have been set to OFF in the menu, and with the other A7r, I did the same and see if there much difference. Both were relatively dim in bright light.
Dec 09, 2013 at 08:14 PM
p.9 #4Sony A7/A7R Setup
Has anyone determined if its possible to assign aps-c crop vs full frame to a custom function button? I keep looking through the list and not seeing it and not believing that there are choices like 'download application' and not this.
Dec 09, 2013 at 09:10 PM
p.9 #5Sony A7/A7R Setup
coffeeshakes wrote:
Has anyone determined if its possible to assign aps-c crop vs full frame to a custom function button? I keep looking through the list and not seeing it and not believing that there are choices like 'download application' and not this.
Why not just leave it at auto?
Has anyone determined if its possible to assign aps-c crop vs full frame to a custom function button? I keep looking through the list and not seeing it and not believing that there are choices like 'download application' and not this.
Why not just leave it at auto?
Dec 09, 2013 at 09:12 PM
p.9 #6Sony A7/A7R Setup
charles.K wrote:
Do you have setting effect on?
GrahamHi Graham, the settings effect have been set to OFF in the menu, and with the other A7r, I did the same and see if there much difference. Both were relatively dim in bright light.
Charles, that's your problem.
One of the big advantages of the EVF is the ability to offer one an accurate preview, before you take the shot. It's literally a WYSIWYG image. I don't bother with a histogram, or with auto image review. I might add a little positive EV, depending on the lens, but one can count on the image in the EVF being very similar to the exposed raw.
Turn setting effect on, and shoot with it for a week or so. Unless you're using flash, or studio lighting, I doubt you'll go back to a "dumb" vf image.
Graham
As a PS, the ability to actually see (and well), with an alternative lens stopped down to f/11 is one reason I'd hate to go back to an OVF. Thanks to "setting effect" on.
grahamb3 wrote
charles.K wrote
I have mentioned previously, the illumination of the EVF during the day is low, and even with adjustment it difficult to compose and focus, when lenses are set at f/4 or 5.6. I have set all the in camera settings preview to OFF, and it is relatively dim in bright ambient light.Graham
Charles, that's your problem.
One of the big advantages of the EVF is the ability to offer one an accurate preview, before you take the shot. It's literally a WYSIWYG image. I don't bother with a histogram, or with auto image review. I might add a little positive EV, depending on the lens, but one can count on the image in the EVF being very similar to the exposed raw.
Turn setting effect on, and shoot with it for a week or so. Unless you're using flash, or studio lighting, I doubt you'll go back to a "dumb" vf image.
Graham
As a PS, the ability to actually see (and well), with an alternative lens stopped down to f/11 is one reason I'd hate to go back to an OVF. Thanks to "setting effect" on.
Dec 09, 2013 at 09:40 PM
p.9 #7Sony A7/A7R Setup
wfrank wrote:
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that while focusing (MF) in magnified view the camera sometimes exits the magnified view by itself? Very annoying.
I've been seeing some strange behavior like this (not just magnified view but also exposure lock and playback). It's like a button is being pressed that is "canceling" the current operation, but no button is actually being depressed. I actually think I've narrowed it down to my M-mount adapter (Hawks M Helicoid v1). I could be seeing things though
Any chance you're using an adapter?
-Dustin
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that while focusing (MF) in magnified view the camera sometimes exits the magnified view by itself? Very annoying.
I've been seeing some strange behavior like this (not just magnified view but also exposure lock and playback). It's like a button is being pressed that is "canceling" the current operation, but no button is actually being depressed. I actually think I've narrowed it down to my M-mount adapter (Hawks M Helicoid v1). I could be seeing things though
Any chance you're using an adapter?-Dustin
Dec 09, 2013 at 09:53 PM
p.9 #8Sony A7/A7R Setup
grahamb3 wrote:
Do you have setting effect on?
GrahamHi Graham, the settings effect have been set to OFF in the menu, and with the other A7r, I did the same and see if there much difference. Both were relatively dim in bright light.Charles, that's your problem.
One of the big advantages of the EVF is the ability to offer one an accurate preview, before you take the shot. It's literally a WYSIWYG image. I don't bother with a histogram, or with auto image review. I might add a little positive EV, depending on the lens, but one can count on the image in the EVF being very similar to the exposed raw.
Turn setting effect on, and shoot with it for a week or so. Unless you're using flash, or studio lighting, I doubt you'll go back to a "dumb" vf image.
Graham
As a PS,...Show more →
Hi Graham,
This maybe my issue, and I continue to use both settings. Low light, inside, and lower ambient lighting it is great. Then of course, there are times where you wish to turn the setting to OFF. The point here was that with the setting to OFF, and even adjusting the EVF to maximum brightness, the image lacks brightness IMO. This may well have the do with the very harsh lighting we have in Australia. I am finding this a problem in the midday sun, and even late afternoon shots. I have tested two A7r's, and both are the same. I suspect this may have to do with the external light sensor on the A7r that is not compensating the illumination sufficiently in AUTO mode. The LV LCD is fine, as this can be adjusted for bright sunlight, with just a single step.
Of course, there is great use for seeing the effects of the exposure settings, but not at the expense of being of sufficient brightness for functionality.
In this bright ambient lighting, I now avoid using the EVF and just the LV screen, set on bright daylight.
I posted here in this thread, hoping that someone else, may have had a similar experience!
charles.K wrote
grahamb3 wrote
charles.K wrote
I have mentioned previously, the illumination of the EVF during the day is low, and even with adjustment it difficult to compose and focus, when lenses are set at f/4 or 5.6. I have set all the in camera settings preview to OFF, and it is relatively dim in bright ambient light.Graham
One of the big advantages of the EVF is the ability to offer one an accurate preview, before you take the shot. It's literally a WYSIWYG image. I don't bother with a histogram, or with auto image review. I might add a little positive EV, depending on the lens, but one can count on the image in the EVF being very similar to the exposed raw.
Turn setting effect on, and shoot with it for a week or so. Unless you're using flash, or studio lighting, I doubt you'll go back to a "dumb" vf image.
Graham
As a PS,...Show more →
Hi Graham,
This maybe my issue, and I continue to use both settings. Low light, inside, and lower ambient lighting it is great. Then of course, there are times where you wish to turn the setting to OFF. The point here was that with the setting to OFF, and even adjusting the EVF to maximum brightness, the image lacks brightness IMO. This may well have the do with the very harsh lighting we have in Australia. I am finding this a problem in the midday sun, and even late afternoon shots. I have tested two A7r's, and both are the same. I suspect this may have to do with the external light sensor on the A7r that is not compensating the illumination sufficiently in AUTO mode. The LV LCD is fine, as this can be adjusted for bright sunlight, with just a single step.
Of course, there is great use for seeing the effects of the exposure settings, but not at the expense of being of sufficient brightness for functionality.
In this bright ambient lighting, I now avoid using the EVF and just the LV screen, set on bright daylight.
I posted here in this thread, hoping that someone else, may have had a similar experience!
Dec 09, 2013 at 10:15 PM
p.9 #9Sony A7/A7R Setup
Dustobub wrote:
I've been seeing some strange behavior like this (not just magnified view but also exposure lock and playback). It's like a button is being pressed that is "canceling" the current operation, but no button is actually being depressed. I actually think I've narrowed it down to my M-mount adapter (Hawks M Helicoid v1). I could be seeing things though Any chance you're using an adapter?
-Dustin
Yes, I have this happening also with both the M mount, Novaflex and Metabones adapters. It is almost related to a slight movement without depressing the shutter.
wfrank wrote
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that while focusing (MF) in magnified view the camera sometimes exits the magnified view by itself? Very annoying. Any chance you're using an adapter?-Dustin
Yes, I have this happening also with both the M mount, Novaflex and Metabones adapters. It is almost related to a slight movement without depressing the shutter.
Dec 09, 2013 at 10:18 PM
p.9 #10Sony A7/A7R Setup
charles.K wrote:
I've been seeing some strange behavior like this (not just magnified view but also exposure lock and playback). It's like a button is being pressed that is "canceling" the current operation, but no button is actually being depressed. I actually think I've narrowed it down to my M-mount adapter (Hawks M Helicoid v1). I could be seeing things though Any chance you're using an adapter?
-DustinYes, I have this happening also with both the M mount, Novaflex and Metabones adapters. It is almost related to a slight movement without depressing the shutter.
Same issue w novoflex. Buttons are way to sensitive
Dustobub wrote
wfrank wrote
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that while focusing (MF) in magnified view the camera sometimes exits the magnified view by itself? Very annoying. Any chance you're using an adapter?-Dustin
Same issue w novoflex. Buttons are way to sensitive
Dec 09, 2013 at 10:26 PM
p.9 #11Sony A7/A7R Setup
charles.K wrote:
Dustobub wrote
wfrank wrote
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that while focusing (MF) in magnified view the camera sometimes exits the magnified view by itself? Very annoying. Any chance you're using an adapter?-Dustin
Interesting. I don't think I've seen it yet with my Metabones Nikon mount but I haven't spent much time with it. Might have to figure out a way to prevent the pins from making contact with the adapter. Hmm. I'll be getting the Phigment Tech M mount adapter soon so that should fix it, but someone will need to find a solution. When it happens, it's infuriating. Sony could probably resolve in firmware as well, but I wouldn't hold my breath.
Dec 09, 2013 at 10:30 PM
p.9 #12Sony A7/A7R Setup
I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but here is my MF only setup with a strong emphasis with focus peaking:
- I shoot both JPG & RAW (i only use raw and will explain why the jpg)
- I have the JPG set at Black and White (make sure Setting Effect is ON)
- Have focus peaking set to red
With this setup, when you look into the EVF, you'll notice the live display is in black and white, BUT when you focus manually, the red highlight of the focus peaking is 100% easier to see.
Granted, the jpgs take up extra space and the screen is in black & white, but with large capacity SD cards, this isn't much of an issue to me.
Also, beside saving battery life when setting DISPLAY QUALITY (pg 295) to standard over high, what is the exact difference between the two on the display? I must be blind because I didn't notice anything.
- I shoot both JPG & RAW (i only use raw and will explain why the jpg)
- I have the JPG set at Black and White (make sure Setting Effect is ON)
- Have focus peaking set to red
With this setup, when you look into the EVF, you'll notice the live display is in black and white, BUT when you focus manually, the red highlight of the focus peaking is 100% easier to see.
Granted, the jpgs take up extra space and the screen is in black & white, but with large capacity SD cards, this isn't much of an issue to me.
Also, beside saving battery life when setting DISPLAY QUALITY (pg 295) to standard over high, what is the exact difference between the two on the display? I must be blind because I didn't notice anything.
Dec 09, 2013 at 11:09 PM
p.9 #13Sony A7/A7R Setup
sxgva wrote:
Why not just leave it at auto?
Because I am not using a non-native full frame lens that I would like the option of using either full frame or in crop mode, ie a 28/2 or a (field of view) 35/2
And to answer the additional question, 16mp is enough in those cases, and cropping later is a different shooting experience with a different field of view in the viewfinder. Composition would not be the same in fluid shooting situations.
Why not just leave it at auto?
Because I am not using a non-native full frame lens that I would like the option of using either full frame or in crop mode, ie a 28/2 or a (field of view) 35/2
And to answer the additional question, 16mp is enough in those cases, and cropping later is a different shooting experience with a different field of view in the viewfinder. Composition would not be the same in fluid shooting situations.
Dec 09, 2013 at 11:10 PM
p.9 #14Sony A7/A7R Setup
Alpha_Geist wrote:
I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but here is my MF only setup with a strong emphasis with focus peaking:
- I shoot both JPG & RAW (i only use raw and will explain why the jpg)
- I have the JPG set at Black and White (make sure Setting Effect is ON)
- Have focus peaking set to red
With this setup, when you look into the EVF, you'll notice the live display is in black and white, BUT when you focus manually, the red highlight of the focus peaking is 100% easier to see.
Granted, the jpgs take up...Show more →
Best trick I've learned these days. Thank you!
Dec 09, 2013 at 11:19 PM
p.9 #15Sony A7/A7R Setup
coffeeshakes wrote:
sxgva wrote
Why not just leave it at auto?And to answer the additional question, 16mp is enough in those cases, and cropping later is a different shooting experience with a different field of view in the viewfinder. Composition would not be the same in fluid shooting situations.
I thought post processing would work for me but what you said is true.
Dec 09, 2013 at 11:20 PM
p.9 #16Sony A7/A7R Setup
Alpha_Geist wrote:
I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but here is my MF only setup with a strong emphasis with focus peaking:
- I shoot both JPG & RAW (i only use raw and will explain why the jpg)
- I have the JPG set at Black and White (make sure Setting Effect is ON)
- Have focus peaking set to red
With this setup, when you look into the EVF, you'll notice the live display is in black and white, BUT when you focus manually, the red highlight of the focus peaking is 100% easier to see.
Granted, the jpgs take up...Show more →
You can set the camera to only shot raw and still have the setting on B&W
Just saved you space and a faster writing to your memory card
I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but here is my MF only setup with a strong emphasis with focus peaking:
- I shoot both JPG & RAW (i only use raw and will explain why the jpg)
- I have the JPG set at Black and White (make sure Setting Effect is ON)
- Have focus peaking set to red
With this setup, when you look into the EVF, you'll notice the live display is in black and white, BUT when you focus manually, the red highlight of the focus peaking is 100% easier to see.
Granted, the jpgs take up...Show more →
You can set the camera to only shot raw and still have the setting on B&W
Just saved you space and a faster writing to your memory card
Dec 09, 2013 at 11:27 PM
p.9 #17Sony A7/A7R Setup
Awesome, If I could give you a cookie, I would!
Looks like I'll be able to save some space left for more raws.
Woot woot!
MRosth wrote:
- I shoot both JPG & RAW (i only use raw and will explain why the jpg)
- I have the JPG set at Black and White (make sure Setting Effect is ON)
- Have focus peaking set to red
With this setup, when you look into the EVF, you'll notice the live display is in black and white, BUT when you focus manually, the red highlight of the focus peaking is 100% easier to see.
Granted, the jpgs take up extra space and the screen is in black & white, but with large capacity SD cards, this isn't much of an issue to me.
Also, beside saving battery life when setting DISPLAY QUALITY (pg 295) to standard over high, what is the exact difference between the two on the display? I must be blind because I didn't notice anything.You can set the camera to only shot raw and still have the setting on B&W
Just saved you space and a faster writing to your memory card
Looks like I'll be able to save some space left for more raws.
Woot woot!
MRosth wrote:
Alpha_Geist wrote
I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but here is my MF only setup with a strong emphasis with focus peaking:- I shoot both JPG & RAW (i only use raw and will explain why the jpg)
- I have the JPG set at Black and White (make sure Setting Effect is ON)
- Have focus peaking set to red
With this setup, when you look into the EVF, you'll notice the live display is in black and white, BUT when you focus manually, the red highlight of the focus peaking is 100% easier to see.
Granted, the jpgs take up extra space and the screen is in black & white, but with large capacity SD cards, this isn't much of an issue to me.
Also, beside saving battery life when setting DISPLAY QUALITY (pg 295) to standard over high, what is the exact difference between the two on the display? I must be blind because I didn't notice anything.
Just saved you space and a faster writing to your memory card
Dec 09, 2013 at 11:37 PM
p.9 #18Sony A7/A7R Setup
philip_pj wrote:
Jeff, what works best for AF with Sony is using the centre spot (if that suits you for the shot) and waiting until it gets it right. Take care getting the spot exactly were you want it to focus on. The RX1 gets it right virtually every time in ISO 12800 f2 1/60s light doing it this way.
As I got lazy with my Nex 7 and autofocus lenses, when taking photos of people I fell under the spell of Face Detect AF. I recently spent many hours at my computer deleting poor images and doing a back up of the keepers. About 2/3 of the way through that process it dawned on me how many more critically focused shots I achieved (with more effort I grant you) when I was using MF lenses versus Face Detect AF. Face Detect AF is a real time saver; too bad it's accuracy isn't a little better. I don't think taking care to place the center spot exactly where I want it is much if any faster than MF.
Jeff, what works best for AF with Sony is using the centre spot (if that suits you for the shot) and waiting until it gets it right. Take care getting the spot exactly were you want it to focus on. The RX1 gets it right virtually every time in ISO 12800 f2 1/60s light doing it this way.
As I got lazy with my Nex 7 and autofocus lenses, when taking photos of people I fell under the spell of Face Detect AF. I recently spent many hours at my computer deleting poor images and doing a back up of the keepers. About 2/3 of the way through that process it dawned on me how many more critically focused shots I achieved (with more effort I grant you) when I was using MF lenses versus Face Detect AF. Face Detect AF is a real time saver; too bad it's accuracy isn't a little better. I don't think taking care to place the center spot exactly where I want it is much if any faster than MF.
Dec 09, 2013 at 11:50 PM
p.9 #19Sony A7/A7R Setup
Can someone help me how to enter copyright info/owner info into my Sony A7r, please? I tried and tried but couldn't figure it out. I downloaded PlayMemories Home and connected my camera to my Mac and still no luck. Thanks!
BTW, the Mac version of the PlayMemories Home is very buggy. It started out OK but after the file download, my MBP froze a few times, even after the restart
. It simply froze too many times for may taste.
BTW, the Mac version of the PlayMemories Home is very buggy. It started out OK but after the file download, my MBP froze a few times, even after the restart
. It simply froze too many times for may taste. Dec 10, 2013 at 01:02 AM
p.9 #20Sony A7/A7R Setup
Dustobub wrote:
I've been seeing some strange behavior like this (not just magnified view but also exposure lock and playback). It's like a button is being pressed that is "canceling" the current operation, but no button is actually being depressed. I actually think I've narrowed it down to my M-mount adapter (Hawks M Helicoid v1). I could be seeing things though Any chance you're using an adapter?
-Dustin
Thanks. Actually the question was solved some posts earlier but worth repeating: 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.
wfrank wrote
Is it just me or has anybody else noticed that while focusing (MF) in magnified view the camera sometimes exits the magnified view by itself? Very annoying. Any chance you're using an adapter?-Dustin
Thanks. Actually the question was solved some posts earlier but worth repeating: 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.
Dec 10, 2013 at 02:07 AM