jeffbuzz Offline Upload & Sell: On
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Q111H wrote:
I apologize for creating such a long post, but sort of wanted to vent and get other thoughts on how they feel. I am in no way trying to start an argument or anything of the sort. I’ve just often wondered through my life what the hell constitutes a pro body? I am almost 50 years old and I’ve been interested in photography my whole life. I’ve shot daily pretty much for the last 22 years. Having said that I feel I could go out and do a paid family photo shoot with the new A6700 or a cell phone for that matter, if my technique is right. Anyhow, I fully switched over to Sony in January 2022 and prior to that shot Nikon for 20 years or so. I am extremely happy with the Sony ecosystem from the bodies to the lenses. I regret not doing it sooner to be honest. The satisfaction with the equipment and quality of the equipment is where it ends for me lol. After selling all my Nikon gear, I purchased two Sony A1 bodies and several lenses. I have been thrilled with the cameras until version 1.30 was introduced. There are several focus issues that have arisen since that update and most noticeably on my 600 GM lens. I have the most trouble when I’m trying to photograph flying birds near water. For whatever reason it seems lose focus no matter how far the subject is and is much improved by using the 1.4 teleconverter. This was not the case prior to this update. There are several other wonky issues with a Focus that have not been there prior to that update as well. Long story short, after the press release of the Sony A7RV there were several aspects of that camera that I was hoping would be implemented into the A1 bodies. As we all know none of that happened. Before someone even says it, I realize I bought the bodies as it is and not with a projected feature set. I mulled the decision for several months and ended up buying the A7RV and immediately fell in love with that camera. Honestly, I would have purchased two of them if they would’ve been available at the time. I feel there are so many features in that camera could be added to the so-called pro body. I understand all the hardware issues cannot be done, but there are several software features that absolutely can be done. Some of which are, firmware via card, in camera Focus bracketing, and I think the speed at which the camera formats the cards could be improved to closely match the other camera. I’ve put about 40,000 images through the A7RV and can say without any doubt,The auto focus is superior to that of the A1, especially with the 600 GM. I have contacted Sony twice and have yet to ever receive an answer regarding any future improvements of the A1 body. I expect whenever I pay $6500 for a camera body for it to receive support for at least 3 to 5 years and I don’t think that’s asking for much. I think with the introduction of this newer camera and then Nikon throwing in a stacked sensor camera for less than $4000, it’s going to be a hard hill to climb for Sony to sell a second generation of the A1 at that same price or even more expensive in my opinion. I can say for certain after owning this newer camera that I have zero interest in a second generation A1. Honestly, with all the wildlife shooting I do, which is about 80% of my shooting, I have never needed to shoot at 30 frames per second. Most of the time I use continuous low or continuous medium and I’ve never had an issue with anything. Perhaps down the road they will add some of these features to the A1 but at this point I’m doubtful. I do know I’m not the only one that feels this way judging by what I’ve read on several different sites. I think paying this much for a camera anyone has the right to feel this way to be honest, I’m just curious how others feel about this?...Show more →
It might be helpful to share some images showing examples of the problems you are experiencing. Most of us do better with visuals. The AF systems in modern cameras are increasingly complex. Sometimes changing a setting can dramatically improve the hit rate.
Shooting near water is especially challenging. Reflections and temperature gradients can wreak havoc on autofocus (and eyesight). The weather, time of day and shooting position can make or break many wildlife shots.
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