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Archive 2017 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Parariss
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p.31 #1 · p.31 #1 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Gunzorro wrote:
I guess I'm lost!

I thought you reduced your exposure to preserve highlights, then lifted shadow areas. How do you keep from clipping highlights when you increase exposure nearly two stops?

With a7R and a7RII, I reduce exposure between 0 and -1EV, and still find some instances where I've clipped the highlights in side lit or partially back lit scenes. Is the a7RIII so different in handling highlights/shadows?

The camera calculates the exposure and the in-camera histogram using a jpg image. As it happens, RAW files have more highlight headroom to work with than jpgs. So, to optimize the RAW exposure and record the maximum amount of information, you overexpose the jpg and then dial the exposure back down as needed in post. This technique only applies if you're shooting RAW -- your jpg copies will be shot.

So, how much you can get away with before overexposing the RAWs is a function of how much the camera is under-valuing the light in the scene. This depends on the metering mode you choose and the way the firmware weighs the highlights present in a particular scene. The great testing being done here seems to show you've almost always got +1EV extra headroom, but sometimes it's as much as +2EV. Personally, I set my internal Menu compensation on the max +1EV and don't bother with it further until such time as I'm still worried about my shadows and I'm considering bracketing.

The a7rii doesn't have Highlight metering mode, but the sensor is the same and will thus underexpose similarly in the metering modes shared with the a7riii [supposition untested]. The headroom may be less in older sensors.

May 06, 2018 at 03:32 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.31 #2 · p.31 #2 · FM members A7R III first impressions

The easiest way to learn about this is to try it out. Keep in mind that you MUST use metering mode “Highlight”.
Try +1.3, +1.7 and +2. I prefer the latter and never had issues. Basically it’s an automated ETTR that works most of the time as long as you are not shooting is super harsh lighting conditions.

Gunzorro wrote:
I guess I'm lost!

May 06, 2018 at 05:09 PM

Gunzorro
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p.31 #3 · p.31 #3 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Thanks! That explains the technique a little more clearly.

Seems worthwhile to check it out at some point, to see how it works and make sure I'm not missing an opportunity.

Since I often look for scenes and subjects in strong contrast situations, such as glancing side-lighting, or even back-lighting, and I don't use "Highlight" metering, I guess I'll continue as I've been doing, since it's working well enough.

May 07, 2018 at 08:21 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.31 #4 · p.31 #4 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Gunzorro wrote:
Thanks! That explains the technique a little more clearly.

Seems worthwhile to check it out at some point, to see how it works and make sure I'm not missing an opportunity.

Since I often look for scenes and subjects in strong contrast situations, such as glancing side-lighting, or even back-lighting, and I don't use "Highlight" metering, I guess I'll continue as I've been doing, since it's working well enough.

Try it out just as a test. Use Highlight metering and +2. The worse that can happen is you having to lower exposure in post (or just the highlight slider). Your shadows will thank you.

May 07, 2018 at 05:37 PM

Parariss
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p.31 #5 · p.31 #5 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Sorry if this link is a repeat:

https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1383282

May 07, 2018 at 07:13 PM

Gunzorro
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p.31 #6 · p.31 #6 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Thanks, I'll give it a try and see how I do.

Weird Zebras take a little getting used to!

May 08, 2018 at 08:35 AM

Michael Gordon
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p.31 #7 · p.31 #7 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Parariss wrote:
The camera calculates the exposure and the in-camera histogram using a jpg image. As it happens, RAW files have more highlight headroom to work with than jpgs. So, to optimize the RAW exposure and record the maximum amount of information, you overexpose the jpg and then dial the exposure back down as needed in post. This technique only applies if you're shooting RAW -- your jpg copies will be shot.

So, how much you can get away with before overexposing the RAWs is a function of how much the camera is under-valuing the light in the scene. This depends on...Show more →

Raw 3 channel histos and zebra based on raw data is available on Canon using Magic Lantern for over 4 years. High time for Sony to provide the same. It is clearly doable. If not exp bracketing/hdr one can pick what to clip. There is an auto ETTR mode with Magic Lantern but it can be trouble--photog is best choosing what data to leave behind.

May 08, 2018 at 04:06 PM

maestrofilms
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p.31 #8 · p.31 #8 · FM members A7R III first impressions

I'm always in manual mode, and the zebras work great for me. I just set them to 109+ and make sure there aren't any zebras on the screen. Everything's been perfect so far.

May 08, 2018 at 04:10 PM

Stoffer
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p.31 #9 · p.31 #9 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Bliss...

Just got the A7rIII and it really is much more responsive than Mr. Turtle. Makes a big difference in practice so far.

Very happy with autofocus on the 85 GM and adapted Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II (it got Eye AF now, hurrah) and me ol’ Canon 100mm Macro has decent AF now.

Silent Shutter at 14bit is just awesome, I love shooting outside at fast apertures so this will optimize bokeh. It is also just fun shooting completely silent sometimes, but the shutter sound is very nice.

Obviously love the AF joystick and review speed is actually decent with my Sandisk UHS-I card, but I will get one of the fast UHS-II soon.

Very happy so far, and there is a lot I haven’t play around with yet.

May 10, 2018 at 02:25 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.31 #10 · p.31 #10 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Stoffer wrote:
Bliss...

Just got the A7rIII and it really is much more responsive than Mr. Turtle. Makes a big difference in practice so far.

Very happy with autofocus on the 85 GM and adapted Canon EF 24-70 f/2.8L II (it got Eye AF now, hurrah) and me ol’ Canon 100mm Macro has decent AF now.

Silent Shutter at 14bit is just awesome, I love shooting outside at fast apertures so this will optimize bokeh. It is also just fun shooting completely silent sometimes, but the shutter sound is very nice.

Obviously love the AF joystick and review speed is actually decent with my Sandisk...Show more →

Don't forget to update to the latest firmware. They added bracketing during Silent Shooting with uncompressed RAW (14-bit)

May 14, 2018 at 11:39 PM

Stoffer
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p.31 #11 · p.31 #11 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Fred Miranda wrote:
Don't forget to update to the latest firmware. They added bracketing during Silent Shooting with uncompressed RAW (14-bit)

Yeah, that was a nice little addition. Will update later this week.

May 15, 2018 at 12:24 PM

pizzada
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p.31 #12 · p.31 #12 · FM members A7R III first impressions

OK...1st impression:

Coming from a7 'classic' to to this riii is, for me, is quite an experience. Viewfinder magnificent. The 'snap' into focus of my copy of the Ai-s 28 2.8 crc was an eye-opener. I practically despised that lens for anything but wide close-ups where it is a dream. Now, at 12x mag..easy-pie.

EVF and IBIS were prime reasons for the move. All you previous rII owners already know about IBIS...but for me it's a whole beautiful thing...and 42mp at that. Tack sharp handheld on 42mp at 105 fl. Just Wow.

I was apprehensive about the 42mp after reading all the talk about needing the GM Sony glass to 'handle' the higher res...but this sensor seems to love my old Ai-s glass.

Was out birding last weekend and high speed silent shooting is a beautiful thing...had to switch back to Med speed(till I get used to it) because I found it too easy to fire off a few dozen shots without realizing it due to no audio feedback. But what the birds don't hear...won't startle them.

I'll cut it short...but the thing that impresses me the most has to be the colors. I really am thankful for the orig a7...but with the rIII(and again, you rII owners already knew about this) post is like a dream now.

This is an impressive photographic tool, and I'm thankful for this forum for all the early feedback from this thread. I was borderline on getting the rII and maybe the Firin 20...but so very glad to have gone with the rIII for the significant list of practical refinements it comes with.

Also, thanks for the ETTR 'highlights' method...been experimenting at +1.7, so far getting useful results.

Happy Tulip Month:

May 15, 2018 at 05:14 PM

milkod2001
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p.31 #13 · p.31 #13 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Only got camera yesterday and my first impressions:
First bad: camera is freaking heavy. For its size, compactness i was surprised how heavy it is. Not a big deal for me at all as i was using much heavier cameras all the time but still i did not expect that

I've been using Canon 350D, 40D, 5D2, Nikon D750, D810 and none of them cameras were as slow as A7R3. Navigating through menus, reviewing images, zooming in-out feels slower than any camera mentioned. It is not super slow though and is OK but could have been a wee bit faster.

Good: IQ outstanding, 42MP sensor really delivers, low/high ISO very good, AF great, no issues. Did not try video yet but i expect it to be very good.

Menus: I've seen many complaining about menus being messy and confusing, hard to navigate etc.Honestly don't understand that. Never had any issues with menus be it Canon, Nikon or Sony.

Camera button layout: i think Canon has edge here. Its cameras layout is the most intuitive / ergonomic. Then goes Nikon and then Sony. It will take some time to get used what is where but that's not going to be an issue.

I only got 24-105 f4 lens for now. For standard zoom lens it is fantastic value lens. I used to have Nikon 24-120 f4
and results were nowhere near as good as Sony version.

Next lenses where things will very likely get even better will be: 55 1.8 ,70-200 f4 and Loxia 21mm 2.8.

Jun 19, 2018 at 04:43 AM

Fred Miranda
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p.31 #14 · p.31 #14 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Hard to believe this camera is still out of stock at most stores!

Aug 18, 2018 at 01:19 PM

Todd
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p.31 #15 · p.31 #15 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Fred I have two A7r III bodies after switching from Nikon. I just came across this thread as I just received my two cameras about a month ago. Do you still have your AstroTrac? Have you taken any long exposures with your Sony yet? I’ve taken some, but not enough. The weather and high humidity here in Southeast Texas is bad, so I’m hoping for some fall weather like a random cool front to help clear the skies up. This is a quick shot I took of M13 with a Tamron 500mm f/8 mirror lens.

Let me / us know if you plan to get some test shots of the night sky, tracked...

Todd
Fred Miranda wrote:
Hard to believe this camera is still out of stock at most stores!

Aug 18, 2018 at 02:08 PM

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p.31 #16 · p.31 #16 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Todd wrote:
Fred I have two A7r III bodies after switching from Nikon. I just came across this thread as I just received my two cameras about a month ago. Do you still have your AstroTrac? Have you taken any long exposures with your Sony yet? I’ve taken some, but not enough. The weather and high humidity here in Southeast Texas is bad, so I’m hoping for some fall weather like a random cool front to help clear the skies up. This is a quick shot I took of M13 with a Tamron 500mm f/8 mirror lens.

Let me / us know...Show more →

Hi Todd,
Great shot! I have not used my astrotrac for ages. I think I forgot how I was using it but I remember using a software star tracking working in conjunction with astrotrac when using my 500/4 lens.

Aug 18, 2018 at 02:40 PM

Todd
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p.31 #17 · p.31 #17 · FM members A7R III first impressions

I remember seeing your setup. It was cool. The only thing I did differently to mine was adding the wedge and the counterweight bar. I also replaced the not so sturdy tripod with the Oberwerk wood field tripod with stainless steel hardware option.
Well maybe you’ll get the itch to get it out one night..

Todd

Fred Miranda wrote:
Hi Todd,
Great shot! I have not used my astrotrac for ages. I think I forgot how I was using it but I remember using a software star tracking working in conjunction with astrotrac when using my 500/4 lens.

Aug 18, 2018 at 04:31 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.31 #18 · p.31 #18 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Todd wrote:
I remember seeing your setup. It was cool. The only thing I did differently to mine was adding the wedge and the counterweight bar. I also replaced the not so sturdy tripod with the Oberwerk wood field tripod with stainless steel hardware option.
Well maybe you’ll get the itch to get it out one night..

Todd

I looked into those wooden field tripods and almost got one.

At first I was using the Astrotrac without the wedge and software star locking but eventually added this and was able to shoot all night.

See the progression:

Aug 23, 2018 at 04:30 PM

Fred Miranda
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p.31 #19 · p.31 #19 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Do you have an updated polaris map for the astrotrac scope. This is the one I was using before:

Aug 23, 2018 at 04:32 PM

Todd
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p.31 #20 · p.31 #20 · FM members A7R III first impressions

Thanks for the reply Fred... I do have that polar scope reticle in my current polar scope. Nice set up!

Fred Miranda wrote:
Do you have an updated polaris map for the astrotrac scope. This is the one I was using before:

Aug 24, 2018 at 09:10 AM

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