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Archive 2021Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
p.9 #1Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
arbitrage wrote:
One shot I really wanted was a Egret flyby , I got my first EVF not coming on in sunlight so I totally missed the shot, this happened 3 times today so I'm hoping the extended eyecup helps.
Another hiccup I lost tracking I had assigned to couple of my buttons , it just went to normal flex spot . I checked in focus menu and the tracking had disappeared , checked to be sure it was still in AF-C , I removed battery and put back in, tracking working again. I had this happen again after looking through the FN menu , after battery out and in it was working again, no problem after that .
Battery power consumption is definitely higher than my A9ii but not as bad as I thought it would be . I've ordered another couple to stick in my bag .
I can't really comment too much on IQ , I had the usual smaller birds requiring cropping because of distance . Soon as travel restrictions are removed I can get some better subjects .
I mainly use DxO PhotoLab for PP but unfortunately its not going to updated until June for the A1 RAW's . I've been trying JPG but don't like them tbh, I'm finding they look a little like paintings when you zoom in , I've tried high ISO NR low and off so may need to have a look at the other settings or look into an alternative software until DXO is updated, I don't have an Adobe account . TBH I've never used JPG out before always RAWWhich customization did you use on the buttons that were acting up? Recall Custom Hold? Tracking ON? Recall Reg. AF Area Hold? Recall Reg. AF Area Toggle?
Tracking on set to AF-ON button, Recall custom hold on record button , Reg.AF Area +AF on set to AEL. All three of those just went to standard AF . When I looked in FN menu after they went off under Focus Area the tracking was missing
multibit wrote
Took the A1 out just mainly to test it out, not a lot of interesting subjects to photograph unfortunately .One shot I really wanted was a Egret flyby , I got my first EVF not coming on in sunlight so I totally missed the shot, this happened 3 times today so I'm hoping the extended eyecup helps.
Another hiccup I lost tracking I had assigned to couple of my buttons , it just went to normal flex spot . I checked in focus menu and the tracking had disappeared , checked to be sure it was still in AF-C , I removed battery and put back in, tracking working again. I had this happen again after looking through the FN menu , after battery out and in it was working again, no problem after that .
Battery power consumption is definitely higher than my A9ii but not as bad as I thought it would be . I've ordered another couple to stick in my bag .
I can't really comment too much on IQ , I had the usual smaller birds requiring cropping because of distance . Soon as travel restrictions are removed I can get some better subjects .
I mainly use DxO PhotoLab for PP but unfortunately its not going to updated until June for the A1 RAW's . I've been trying JPG but don't like them tbh, I'm finding they look a little like paintings when you zoom in , I've tried high ISO NR low and off so may need to have a look at the other settings or look into an alternative software until DXO is updated, I don't have an Adobe account . TBH I've never used JPG out before always RAW
Tracking on set to AF-ON button, Recall custom hold on record button , Reg.AF Area +AF on set to AEL. All three of those just went to standard AF . When I looked in FN menu after they went off under Focus Area the tracking was missing
Mar 25, 2021 at 12:36 PM
p.9 #2Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
arbitrage wrote:
One shot I really wanted was a Egret flyby , I got my first EVF not coming on in sunlight so I totally missed the shot, this happened 3 times today so I'm hoping the extended eyecup helps.
Another hiccup I lost tracking I had assigned to couple of my buttons , it just went to normal flex spot . I checked in focus menu and the tracking had disappeared , checked to be sure it was still in AF-C , I removed battery and put back in, tracking working again. I had this happen again after looking through the FN menu , after battery out and in it was working again, no problem after that .
Battery power consumption is definitely higher than my A9ii but not as bad as I thought it would be . I've ordered another couple to stick in my bag .
I can't really comment too much on IQ , I had the usual smaller birds requiring cropping because of distance . Soon as travel restrictions are removed I can get some better subjects .
I mainly use DxO PhotoLab for PP but unfortunately its not going to updated until June for the A1 RAW's . I've been trying JPG but don't like them tbh, I'm finding they look a little like paintings when you zoom in , I've tried high ISO NR low and off so may need to have a look at the other settings or look into an alternative software until DXO is updated, I don't have an Adobe account . TBH I've never used JPG out before always RAWHave read that there will be an update in the firmware update for the evf problem
Hope it's correct
will certainly be updated for the freezes, etc.Hi Ronnie, can you share where you read about a possible EVF FW update? That would be amazing if they could do something via FW for it. This issue has been on all Sony cameras but the new position of the EVF sensor on the A7SIII/A1 seems to make it 10x worse (more frequent). I didn't have much (any) hope FW would fix it because it has always been an issue.
Hi Geoff
maybe get to take it as a rumor ?
But I read it on facebook in the A1 group
was someone who had contacted sony
Kristy Rosenfeld in A1 group
I thought I would share some good news.
I had to contact Sony, because my camera was locking up when I viewed the menu screen. I couldn’t even turn it off and on. I initialized it and have not had lock up issues anymore🤞Sony believes I have some hardware issues and wants me to still send it in. They even offered a loaner while I wait for it.
So the good news is that he mentioned the viewfinder sensitivity is being addressed in the firmware update they are working on. Hooray! Hopefully that will happen soon!
Ronny Olsson wrote
multibit wrote
Took the A1 out just mainly to test it out, not a lot of interesting subjects to photograph unfortunately .One shot I really wanted was a Egret flyby , I got my first EVF not coming on in sunlight so I totally missed the shot, this happened 3 times today so I'm hoping the extended eyecup helps.
Another hiccup I lost tracking I had assigned to couple of my buttons , it just went to normal flex spot . I checked in focus menu and the tracking had disappeared , checked to be sure it was still in AF-C , I removed battery and put back in, tracking working again. I had this happen again after looking through the FN menu , after battery out and in it was working again, no problem after that .
Battery power consumption is definitely higher than my A9ii but not as bad as I thought it would be . I've ordered another couple to stick in my bag .
I can't really comment too much on IQ , I had the usual smaller birds requiring cropping because of distance . Soon as travel restrictions are removed I can get some better subjects .
I mainly use DxO PhotoLab for PP but unfortunately its not going to updated until June for the A1 RAW's . I've been trying JPG but don't like them tbh, I'm finding they look a little like paintings when you zoom in , I've tried high ISO NR low and off so may need to have a look at the other settings or look into an alternative software until DXO is updated, I don't have an Adobe account . TBH I've never used JPG out before always RAW
Hope it's correct
will certainly be updated for the freezes, etc.
Hi Geoff
maybe get to take it as a rumor ?
But I read it on facebook in the A1 group
was someone who had contacted sony
Kristy Rosenfeld in A1 group
I thought I would share some good news.
I had to contact Sony, because my camera was locking up when I viewed the menu screen. I couldn’t even turn it off and on. I initialized it and have not had lock up issues anymore🤞Sony believes I have some hardware issues and wants me to still send it in. They even offered a loaner while I wait for it.
So the good news is that he mentioned the viewfinder sensitivity is being addressed in the firmware update they are working on. Hooray! Hopefully that will happen soon!
Mar 25, 2021 at 12:44 PM
p.9 #3Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
Sony did not offer me a loaner when my α1 had issues... Maybe it’s only something they do for the Sony Pro’s. I did not have the menu problem, mine was a battery drain and humming from inside the camera (sounded exactly like a cooling fan)
Mar 25, 2021 at 12:59 PM
p.9 #4Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
LiveShots wrote:
Sony did not offer me a loaner when my α1 had issues... Maybe it’s only something they do for the Sony Pro’s. I did not have the menu problem, mine was a battery drain and humming from inside the camera (sounded exactly like a cooling fan)
How severe was your battery drain? Mine seems more excessive than what others are reporting and I'm wondering if I should have Sony have a look at it. Although I haven't had any humming. Was the battery and humming related?
Sony did not offer me a loaner when my α1 had issues... Maybe it’s only something they do for the Sony Pro’s. I did not have the menu problem, mine was a battery drain and humming from inside the camera (sounded exactly like a cooling fan)
How severe was your battery drain? Mine seems more excessive than what others are reporting and I'm wondering if I should have Sony have a look at it. Although I haven't had any humming. Was the battery and humming related?
Mar 25, 2021 at 01:03 PM
p.9 #5Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
I think the two were related. I used the camera for about 1.5 hours, maybe an hour working through the menus and 30 minutes taking photos.
I use the 1min power save when taking photos. Using this method I could easily get 6+ hours from my a9 battery. The α1 lost 50% of the battery in 1.5 hours, the humming was CONSTANT.
I’ve been without a camera for 2 weeks now, another two to go until I get a replacement α1.
I use the 1min power save when taking photos. Using this method I could easily get 6+ hours from my a9 battery. The α1 lost 50% of the battery in 1.5 hours, the humming was CONSTANT.
I’ve been without a camera for 2 weeks now, another two to go until I get a replacement α1.
Mar 25, 2021 at 01:15 PM
p.9 #6Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
LiveShots wrote:
I think the two were related. I used the camera for about 1.5 hours, maybe an hour working through the menus and 30 minutes taking photos.
I use the 1min power save when taking photos. Using this method I could easily get 6+ hours from my a9 battery. The α1 lost 50% of the battery in 1.5 hours, the humming was CONSTANT.
I’ve been without a camera for 2 weeks now, another two to go until I get a replacement α1.
Do you have the Airplane Mode in the “On” setting? If it is “off” it tends to drain battery quite a bit. I am not sure what the humming noise is, probably the IBIS motor?
I think the two were related. I used the camera for about 1.5 hours, maybe an hour working through the menus and 30 minutes taking photos.
I use the 1min power save when taking photos. Using this method I could easily get 6+ hours from my a9 battery. The α1 lost 50% of the battery in 1.5 hours, the humming was CONSTANT.
I’ve been without a camera for 2 weeks now, another two to go until I get a replacement α1.
Do you have the Airplane Mode in the “On” setting? If it is “off” it tends to drain battery quite a bit. I am not sure what the humming noise is, probably the IBIS motor?
Mar 25, 2021 at 01:36 PM
p.9 #7Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
Airplane mode was ON.
I’ve no clue what was making the noise, it could be heard on video too, so it was loud enough for the internal mic to pick up.
I’ve no clue what was making the noise, it could be heard on video too, so it was loud enough for the internal mic to pick up.
Mar 25, 2021 at 01:49 PM
p.9 #8Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
LiveShots wrote:
I think the two were related. I used the camera for about 1.5 hours, maybe an hour working through the menus and 30 minutes taking photos.
I use the 1min power save when taking photos. Using this method I could easily get 6+ hours from my a9 battery. The α1 lost 50% of the battery in 1.5 hours, the humming was CONSTANT.
I’ve been without a camera for 2 weeks now, another two to go until I get a replacement α1.
That sucks having to wait on the next batch to B&H but better than keeping a lemon and having to deal with repair.
My battery is nowhere near that bad but still is way worse than my A9II and for the first few days I was running with Power Save OFF or 30mins.
As per Joshua's suggestion, at least in my case, Airplane Mode ON has been set from Day 1 when I did my full setup of the camera.
I think the two were related. I used the camera for about 1.5 hours, maybe an hour working through the menus and 30 minutes taking photos.
I use the 1min power save when taking photos. Using this method I could easily get 6+ hours from my a9 battery. The α1 lost 50% of the battery in 1.5 hours, the humming was CONSTANT.
I’ve been without a camera for 2 weeks now, another two to go until I get a replacement α1.
That sucks having to wait on the next batch to B&H but better than keeping a lemon and having to deal with repair.
My battery is nowhere near that bad but still is way worse than my A9II and for the first few days I was running with Power Save OFF or 30mins.
As per Joshua's suggestion, at least in my case, Airplane Mode ON has been set from Day 1 when I did my full setup of the camera.
Mar 25, 2021 at 01:49 PM
p.9 #9Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
I wonder if that EVF resolution is the culprit...
Mar 25, 2021 at 03:05 PM
p.9 #10Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
LiveShots wrote:
I wonder if that EVF resolution is the culprit...
Of the battery drainage? Yes, that's for sure but the processor mostly, from what I was told. But the battery usage of yours or of the loaner seems to be quite excessive though. Mine drains more power than let's say the A9 II and A7r IV but still quite good. My guesstimate is that it is draining some 20% more battery than the other two I mentioned above. But frankly, it also has to do with me fiddling more with the camera while waiting for actions to take place. I didn't do that with the others anymore and I am sure before too long, I won't being doing that with the A1 as well.
I wonder if that EVF resolution is the culprit...
Of the battery drainage? Yes, that's for sure but the processor mostly, from what I was told. But the battery usage of yours or of the loaner seems to be quite excessive though. Mine drains more power than let's say the A9 II and A7r IV but still quite good. My guesstimate is that it is draining some 20% more battery than the other two I mentioned above. But frankly, it also has to do with me fiddling more with the camera while waiting for actions to take place. I didn't do that with the others anymore and I am sure before too long, I won't being doing that with the A1 as well.
Mar 25, 2021 at 03:30 PM
p.9 #11Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
The battery drain is definitely more. 20% like you said seems about right, maybe even a little worse in my experience, but so far I'm also shooting in 30fps mode, where on the RIV at best I was at 10fps cropped. So I'm taking triple the photos 
AGeoJO wrote:
Of the battery drainage? Yes, that's for sure but the processor mostly, from what I was told. But the battery usage of yours or of the loaner seems to be quite excessive though. Mine drains more power than let's say the A9 II and A7r IV but still quite good. My guesstimate is that it is draining some 20% more battery than the other two I mentioned above. But frankly, it also has to do with me fiddling more with the camera while waiting for actions to take place. I didn't do that with the others anymore and I am...Show more →
AGeoJO wrote:
LiveShots wrote
I wonder if that EVF resolution is the culprit...Mar 25, 2021 at 05:51 PM
p.9 #12Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
arbitrage wrote:
After being out for 2 hrs now all I can say is either Tony Northrup is an idiot or Sony tweaked the BEAF pre production FW.
This BEAF is every bit as good as the R5. It is picking up eyes on everything I point it at. Even speedy buffleheads in flight.
You had doubts Tony is an idiot? Shame on you Geoff!
Didn't you also see him claim the battery life on the A1 was now well over 5000 shots, at least a 500% increase on the A9.
After being out for 2 hrs now all I can say is either Tony Northrup is an idiot or Sony tweaked the BEAF pre production FW.
This BEAF is every bit as good as the R5. It is picking up eyes on everything I point it at. Even speedy buffleheads in flight.
You had doubts Tony is an idiot? Shame on you Geoff!
Didn't you also see him claim the battery life on the A1 was now well over 5000 shots, at least a 500% increase on the A9.
Mar 25, 2021 at 07:19 PM
p.9 #13Sony A1 - Bird Photography Camera for Dummies
Pixel Perfect wrote:
This BEAF is every bit as good as the R5. It is picking up eyes on everything I point it at. Even speedy buffleheads in flight.You had doubts Tony is an idiot? Shame on you Geoff!
Didn't you also see him claim the battery life on the A1 was now well over 5000 shots, at least a 500% increase on the A9.
The battery life is abysmal on this camera....Tony is a riot
arbitrage wrote
After being out for 2 hrs now all I can say is either Tony Northrup is an idiot or Sony tweaked the BEAF pre production FW.This BEAF is every bit as good as the R5. It is picking up eyes on everything I point it at. Even speedy buffleheads in flight.
Didn't you also see him claim the battery life on the A1 was now well over 5000 shots, at least a 500% increase on the A9.
The battery life is abysmal on this camera....Tony is a riot
Mar 25, 2021 at 07:49 PM