Sony Smooth Reflection App
p.23 #1Sony Smooth Reflection App
RX100’s do not not have a bulb mode and SS is limited to 30 seconds (in my knowledge). Not sure about the filter thread either. And, i do not know if RX100 series can be triggered by a cable release or a wireless remote (maybe phone but that’s not an optimal solution for hiking).
Whichever way, you can’t win
PS: Does SR app have any usefulness in night time/astro photography?
What a wonderful tool for creating noise free images at whatever ISO.
fjablo wrote:
Interesting! I was not aware of the OS change. That pretty much explains it, but I hope they'll bring the popular apps - esp. multiframe NR in RAW - back somehow...
Otherwise I'll probably just have to buy an RX100V, filter adapter and 3 spare batteries for light hiking
Whichever way, you can’t win
PS: Does SR app have any usefulness in night time/astro photography?
What a wonderful tool for creating noise free images at whatever ISO.
fjablo wrote:
Interesting! I was not aware of the OS change. That pretty much explains it, but I hope they'll bring the popular apps - esp. multiframe NR in RAW - back somehow...
Otherwise I'll probably just have to buy an RX100V, filter adapter and 3 spare batteries for light hiking
Apr 01, 2018 at 06:10 AM
p.23 #2Sony Smooth Reflection App
I have posted this in a 12000 member strong group on facebook, administered by Colby Brown and includes other Sony photographers like Mark Galer etc...
Apr 01, 2018 at 06:28 AM
p.23 #3Sony Smooth Reflection App
David Kilpatrick’s reply:
The operating system is different and resources have been put into different functions, with no pixel matching of any kind offered by the A7RIII. This includes the night shot/high ISO NR multishot modes (gone), multishot sweep panoramas (gone). The functions just are not there, the processor is dedicated instead to 10fps and 14-bit raw (etc) - quality and speed rather than versatile features. I don't think there will ever be a return to the Camera App era and I suspect that there may also be licensing issues - Sony has a history of licensing features developed by third parties. These can be dropped to save royalties on future models. I agree these two apps are much missed.
The operating system is different and resources have been put into different functions, with no pixel matching of any kind offered by the A7RIII. This includes the night shot/high ISO NR multishot modes (gone), multishot sweep panoramas (gone). The functions just are not there, the processor is dedicated instead to 10fps and 14-bit raw (etc) - quality and speed rather than versatile features. I don't think there will ever be a return to the Camera App era and I suspect that there may also be licensing issues - Sony has a history of licensing features developed by third parties. These can be dropped to save royalties on future models. I agree these two apps are much missed.
Apr 01, 2018 at 06:40 AM
p.23 #4Sony Smooth Reflection App
Looks like its a lost case. Pls don’t sell your alpha 7R2’s
Apr 01, 2018 at 06:41 AM
p.23 #5Sony Smooth Reflection App
That is disappointing... perhaps if Sony had not made these apps user hostile to install and use, they would have had a lot more uptake and been a real valuable and differentiating customer benefit... Not like a bunch of ND filters aren't bought and used by photographers.
Yet another great imaging feature that will get implemented really well on smartphones and we'll soon see millions of probably handheld "smooth reflection" photos and great low-light low noise tiny sensor pics.
Yet another great imaging feature that will get implemented really well on smartphones and we'll soon see millions of probably handheld "smooth reflection" photos and great low-light low noise tiny sensor pics.
Apr 01, 2018 at 02:21 PM
p.23 #6Sony Smooth Reflection App
nandadevieast wrote:
Looks like its a lost case. Pls don’t sell your alpha 7R2’s
That's why I bought only one A7RIII, and keep a II. I will use the Arsenal device mainly on the III. But just got an update from Arsenal today, shipment is delayed again...
Edited on Apr 01, 2018 at 05:48 PM · View previous versions
Looks like its a lost case. Pls don’t sell your alpha 7R2’s
That's why I bought only one A7RIII, and keep a II. I will use the Arsenal device mainly on the III. But just got an update from Arsenal today, shipment is delayed again...
Edited on Apr 01, 2018 at 05:48 PM · View previous versions
Apr 01, 2018 at 03:23 PM
p.23 #7Sony Smooth Reflection App
Hm I am a bit surprised that the new processors should be unable to do such basic exercise as required by SR.
It „just“ takes the mean of recorded RGB values (per pixel) of all recorded images, then throws away the images that are not needed. No alignment of images necessary... Royalty fees are probably more likely (then again can you copyright basic math operations? Sony could probably just do their own version if they wanted..)
It „just“ takes the mean of recorded RGB values (per pixel) of all recorded images, then throws away the images that are not needed. No alignment of images necessary... Royalty fees are probably more likely (then again can you copyright basic math operations? Sony could probably just do their own version if they wanted..)
Apr 01, 2018 at 04:17 PM
p.23 #8Sony Smooth Reflection App
Sony could add this functionality internally but apparently it’s not their priority. All we need is a similar function to smooth reflections (image averaging) and Time Lapse (intervalometer) added to the main camera menu system.
Apr 01, 2018 at 04:24 PM
p.23 #9Sony Smooth Reflection App
I reverse engineered the bootloader for downgrading firmware during the star eater debacle. I eventually decided uncompressed raw was more valuable to me since spatial filtering can be overcome by shooting continuous.
The new cameras are not Android. The playmemories apps don't have their source code shared and there is no public api for the new OS other than a remote control feature, so no porting in their current form. No way, no how.
Etherton wrote:
If they are Android based then a developer over on XDA should be able to program the new app. Can't be any worse than jailbreaking some of those phones. Albeit, I've been long since removed from messing around with any of that stuff. But it's worth a request. Where did you read that the cameras were Android based?
The new cameras are not Android. The playmemories apps don't have their source code shared and there is no public api for the new OS other than a remote control feature, so no porting in their current form. No way, no how.
Etherton wrote:
thrice wrote
They would need to be implemented from scratch in the new api. Since the older cameras are an Android 4.x based OS programming the apps and porting them between models was simple.nandadevieast wrote
So many members here, can’t we influence Sony to enable these apps for 3rd gen cameras also?Apr 01, 2018 at 09:20 PM
p.23 #10Sony Smooth Reflection App
Just out of curiosity, could it be "simulated" in photoshop by averaging exposures together using layers or something? It is certainly not a replacement for the app, but it could be useful (if it can be done) for times when I have the 7r3 with me instead of the 7r2.
Cheers.
Ryan
Cheers.
Ryan
Apr 09, 2018 at 05:40 PM
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p.23 #11Sony Smooth Reflection App
lostinjapan wrote:
Just out of curiosity, could it be "simulated" in photoshop by averaging exposures together using layers or something? It is certainly not a replacement for the app, but it could be useful (if it can be done) for times when I have the 7r3 with me instead of the 7r2.
Cheers.
Ryan
It can definitely be done in Photoshop: Just load all the images in layers and create a "smart object". Once that's done, set Stack Mode to "Mean".
This will average all your images but unfortunately the process can be very time consuming depending on the number of images.
Just out of curiosity, could it be "simulated" in photoshop by averaging exposures together using layers or something? It is certainly not a replacement for the app, but it could be useful (if it can be done) for times when I have the 7r3 with me instead of the 7r2.
Cheers.
Ryan
It can definitely be done in Photoshop: Just load all the images in layers and create a "smart object". Once that's done, set Stack Mode to "Mean".
This will average all your images but unfortunately the process can be very time consuming depending on the number of images.
Apr 09, 2018 at 08:24 PM
p.23 #12Sony Smooth Reflection App
And of course you need the time lapse app to capture all those images without another accessory 
Apr 09, 2018 at 08:41 PM
p.23 #13Sony Smooth Reflection App
No time lapse option is really a poor decision. That is a very useful option to have. Especially for a camera that's aimed at video shooters.
Apr 11, 2018 at 05:06 PM
p.23 #14Sony Smooth Reflection App
Apologies in advance for the n00b questions; I'm attempting to finally teach myself how to shoot photos after several years of regrets. I have an a6000, and am about to grab a manual Rokinon / Samyang 12mm f/2 lens. (Other lenses are the 16-50 kit and a 50mm f/1.8).
1. Will I be able to use both the SkyHDR and Smooth Reflection apps with the (completely manual) Rokinon lens? Does either app need to be able to set the aperture on the lens?
2. Sony's got a new, $30 app for multiple exposures that seems to replace SkyHDR. Has anyone used it? From reading online, it sounds like the main upgrade is being able to set three zones instead of two. Does this make that much of a difference for landscape / seascape shots? Anyone done a side-by-side on this?
Thanks!
1. Will I be able to use both the SkyHDR and Smooth Reflection apps with the (completely manual) Rokinon lens? Does either app need to be able to set the aperture on the lens?
2. Sony's got a new, $30 app for multiple exposures that seems to replace SkyHDR. Has anyone used it? From reading online, it sounds like the main upgrade is being able to set three zones instead of two. Does this make that much of a difference for landscape / seascape shots? Anyone done a side-by-side on this?
Thanks!
Apr 25, 2018 at 04:19 PM
p.23 #15Sony Smooth Reflection App
1. Yes, manual lens should work fine. I used my CV15 with both on A7rII.
2. I haven't used it... I'm still on Sky HDR. I don't use that one much, so haven't felt the need/want to pay the extra $20. The dynamic range of the Sony cams is pretty good, and you definitely have to be careful not to overdo the exposure differences in the zones to keep the image somewhat natural. Seems like you could try Sky HDR first, then upgrade if you want 3 zones? I could see the appeal if you are shooting into the sun a lot--that is what reverse ND grads are for.
2. I haven't used it... I'm still on Sky HDR. I don't use that one much, so haven't felt the need/want to pay the extra $20. The dynamic range of the Sony cams is pretty good, and you definitely have to be careful not to overdo the exposure differences in the zones to keep the image somewhat natural. Seems like you could try Sky HDR first, then upgrade if you want 3 zones? I could see the appeal if you are shooting into the sun a lot--that is what reverse ND grads are for.
Apr 26, 2018 at 12:08 PM
p.23 #16Sony Smooth Reflection App
I bought the Sky HDR app but it's not for me. The transitions look just like a poorly blended stack in PS. I just bracket and blend manually in post.
In contrast to the smooth reflections app, the SKY HDR app has proven mostly useless for me.
In contrast to the smooth reflections app, the SKY HDR app has proven mostly useless for me.
Apr 27, 2018 at 01:37 AM
p.23 #17Sony Smooth Reflection App
I am currently using this app as a replacement to Sony's prior in-camera Smooth Reflections:
https://sites.google.com/site/longexposurestacker/home
You could do it in Photoshop:
Open each of the images in your stack as layers.
Align them (Edit → Auto-Align Layers…). Auto should work fine here.
Select all of the layers and turn them into a Smart Object (Convert to Smart Object).
Now apply the Mean Stack mode (Layer → Smart Objects → Stack Mode → Mean).
However, Photoshop uses way too much memory.
Forget about stacking more than 50 images.
I've tried the Long Exposure Stacker app and was able to stack 256 images in 20 minutes. This is not even possible in Photoshop.
https://sites.google.com/site/longexposurestacker/home
You could do it in Photoshop:
Open each of the images in your stack as layers.
Align them (Edit → Auto-Align Layers…). Auto should work fine here.
Select all of the layers and turn them into a Smart Object (Convert to Smart Object).
Now apply the Mean Stack mode (Layer → Smart Objects → Stack Mode → Mean).
However, Photoshop uses way too much memory.
Forget about stacking more than 50 images.
I've tried the Long Exposure Stacker app and was able to stack 256 images in 20 minutes. This is not even possible in Photoshop.
Aug 31, 2020 at 06:41 PM
p.23 #18Sony Smooth Reflection App
Fred Miranda wrote:
I am currently using this app as a replacement to Sony's prior in-camera Smooth Reflections:
https://sites.google.com/site/longexposurestacker/home
You could do it in Photoshop:
Open each of the images in your stack as layers.
Align them (Edit → Auto-Align Layers…). Auto should work fine here.
Select all of the layers and turn them into a Smart Object (Convert to Smart Object).
Now apply the Mean Stack mode (Layer → Smart Objects → Stack Mode → Mean).
However, Photoshop uses way too much memory.
Forget about stacking more than 50 images.
I've tried the Long Exposure Stacker app and was able to stack 256 images in 20 minutes. This is not...Show more →
huh, that actually makes the on board app seems much more impressive than I tought, which makes a real shame they are deprecating that feature...
I am currently using this app as a replacement to Sony's prior in-camera Smooth Reflections:
https://sites.google.com/site/longexposurestacker/home
You could do it in Photoshop:
Open each of the images in your stack as layers.
Align them (Edit → Auto-Align Layers…). Auto should work fine here.
Select all of the layers and turn them into a Smart Object (Convert to Smart Object).
Now apply the Mean Stack mode (Layer → Smart Objects → Stack Mode → Mean).
However, Photoshop uses way too much memory.
Forget about stacking more than 50 images.
I've tried the Long Exposure Stacker app and was able to stack 256 images in 20 minutes. This is not...Show more →
huh, that actually makes the on board app seems much more impressive than I tought, which makes a real shame they are deprecating that feature...
Aug 31, 2020 at 07:20 PM
p.23 #19Sony Smooth Reflection App
Samples look great and if works anything like Starry Landscape Stacker, I'll be buying it soon.
Aug 31, 2020 at 07:22 PM
p.23 #20Sony Smooth Reflection App
knshshnk wrote:
https://sites.google.com/site/longexposurestacker/home
You could do it in Photoshop:
Open each of the images in your stack as layers.
Align them (Edit → Auto-Align Layers…). Auto should work fine here.
Select all of the layers and turn them into a Smart Object (Convert to Smart Object).
Now apply the Mean Stack mode (Layer → Smart Objects → Stack Mode → Mean).
However, Photoshop uses way too much memory.
Forget about stacking more than 50 images.
I've tried the Long Exposure Stacker app and was able to stack 256 images in 20 minutes. This is not even possible in Photoshop.huh, that actually makes the on board app seems much more impressive than I tought, which makes a real shame they are deprecating that feature...
Yes, if your camera supports it, it's a great deal. It had its downsides though...The in-camera Smooth Reflection didn't support silent shutter or uncompressed RAW which means your mechanical shutter would wear faster with heavy usage and the files were not 14-bit. Even though the resulting image was a RAW file, it had zero latitude for the highlights.
Recent Sony cameras have a built-in intervalometer making shooting multiple images much easier. The only downside is having to shoot many images in camera and the time it takes to process in post. The new app above (Mac only) process the images very fast and the developer told me the next version will support RAWs straight from the camera.
Fred Miranda wrote
I am currently using this app as a replacement to Sony's prior in-camera Smooth Reflections:https://sites.google.com/site/longexposurestacker/home
You could do it in Photoshop:
Open each of the images in your stack as layers.
Align them (Edit → Auto-Align Layers…). Auto should work fine here.
Select all of the layers and turn them into a Smart Object (Convert to Smart Object).
Now apply the Mean Stack mode (Layer → Smart Objects → Stack Mode → Mean).
However, Photoshop uses way too much memory.
Forget about stacking more than 50 images.
I've tried the Long Exposure Stacker app and was able to stack 256 images in 20 minutes. This is not even possible in Photoshop.
Yes, if your camera supports it, it's a great deal. It had its downsides though...The in-camera Smooth Reflection didn't support silent shutter or uncompressed RAW which means your mechanical shutter would wear faster with heavy usage and the files were not 14-bit. Even though the resulting image was a RAW file, it had zero latitude for the highlights.
Recent Sony cameras have a built-in intervalometer making shooting multiple images much easier. The only downside is having to shoot many images in camera and the time it takes to process in post. The new app above (Mac only) process the images very fast and the developer told me the next version will support RAWs straight from the camera.
Aug 31, 2020 at 07:26 PM