Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
p.2 #1Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
I think you're the first person to complain about the "new" Sony menu system 
.
Seriously though, if you can post some sample pictures we could try to analyze them. Is it wrong exposure (shutter speed to fast -> too high ISO (noise) ) or is the camera misfocusing (too dark for AF to work reliably) or the DoF is shallow, which exacerbates issues with even slightly missed focus or is it about tracking (focus) not working good enough on moving targets... There can be many reasons, including a faulty camera . Just take some neutral sample shots to show the issues you're having.
In general, I'd say AF-C in Aperture-priority (A on mode dial) + autoISO (e.g. 100-12800) with min. shutter speed set is the easiest way to get repeatable pictures in a non-completely automatic way. You see too much noise -> open the aperture or lower min. ss. You see movement blur -> increase min. ss. And so on...
Map ISO Auto Min. SS to a button (or one of the directions on the control wheel) so that changing it is near-instaneous.
.Seriously though, if you can post some sample pictures we could try to analyze them. Is it wrong exposure (shutter speed to fast -> too high ISO (noise) ) or is the camera misfocusing (too dark for AF to work reliably) or the DoF is shallow, which exacerbates issues with even slightly missed focus or is it about tracking (focus) not working good enough on moving targets... There can be many reasons, including a faulty camera
. Just take some neutral sample shots to show the issues you're having.In general, I'd say AF-C in Aperture-priority (A on mode dial) + autoISO (e.g. 100-12800) with min. shutter speed set is the easiest way to get repeatable pictures in a non-completely automatic way. You see too much noise -> open the aperture or lower min. ss. You see movement blur -> increase min. ss. And so on...
Map ISO Auto Min. SS to a button (or one of the directions on the control wheel) so that changing it is near-instaneous.
Nov 28, 2025 at 04:50 PM
p.2 #2Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
@snegron7 can you find a way to post a link to a full-resolution image as it came out of a camera? Your initial post leaves numerous questions unanswered and too broad to diagnose the issue.
Nov 28, 2025 at 05:00 PM
p.2 #3Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
Like others, not enough detail. There are many here willing to help diagnose and hopefully solve the dilemma. Agree with starting first by taking a raw capture of a stationary subject with the settings mentioned above while on a tripod with a 2 second delay. This eliminates a number of variables that may or may not have been contributing to what you have experienced. Afterwards please post a link for downloading by others.
Nov 28, 2025 at 05:19 PM
p.2 #4Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
j4nu wrote:
I think you're the first person to complain about the "new" Sony menu system
.Seriously though, if you can post some sample pictures we could try to analyze them. Is it wrong exposure (shutter speed to fast -> too high ISO (noise) ) or is the camera misfocusing (too dark for AF to work reliably) or the DoF is shallow, which exacerbates issues with even slightly missed focus or is it about tracking (focus) not working good enough on moving targets... There can be many reasons, including a faulty camera
. Just take some neutral sample shots to...Show more →Thanks! I'll be taking some more test shots in a few days and will post them.
Nov 28, 2025 at 05:39 PM
p.2 #5Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
A photo with one of your lenses on an a7IV:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140694868@N05/52761090897/in/album-72177720306876116
Shows it was taken In Tanzania and no tripod
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140694868@N05/52761090897/in/album-72177720306876116
Shows it was taken In Tanzania and no tripod
Nov 28, 2025 at 05:51 PM
p.2 #6Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
snegron7 wrote:
ruthenium wrote
How/where do you process the raw?Do you shoot in aperture priority, full manual, or some other mode? What is your typical aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in the photos that don’t look good to you?
Also, I process the RAW images on Photoshop.
The 1/focal_length rule is for subjects that do not move.
For kids I try to use 1/500
Nov 28, 2025 at 07:48 PM
p.2 #7Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
Slalom wrote:
A photo with one of your lenses on an a7IV:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140694868@N05/52761090897/in/album-72177720306876116
Shows it was taken In Tanzania and no tripod
I wish my pics with my A7iv were as sharp as that!
Nov 28, 2025 at 07:51 PM
p.2 #8Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
snegron7 wrote:
I wish my pics with my A7iv were as sharp as that!
Then maybe learn how to use it properly. Seems you find a lot of photo gear faulty or too complicated, so maybe stop buying the latest 'complicated' gear.
I wish my pics with my A7iv were as sharp as that!
Then maybe learn how to use it properly. Seems you find a lot of photo gear faulty or too complicated, so maybe stop buying the latest 'complicated' gear.
Nov 28, 2025 at 11:29 PM
p.2 #9Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
Did I note you use continuous AF maybe set it to single. I have an A7r5 and continuous AF gave mixed results.
Also maybe turn off the af altogether and focus manually by doing it yourself and or using focus peaking?
Also maybe turn off the af altogether and focus manually by doing it yourself and or using focus peaking?
Nov 28, 2025 at 11:56 PM
p.2 #10Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
Please post some of your photographs so we are not making comments in the dark. It would help to pinpoint the problem and help you solve it.
Nov 29, 2025 at 08:55 AM
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p.2 #11Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
jdcoletv wrote:
Please post some of your photographs so we are not making comments in the dark. It would help to pinpoint the problem and help you solve it.
Thank you! I'm working this weekend, so I won't be able to get out and take pics until Tuesday. Thanks again!
Nov 29, 2025 at 10:33 AM
RoamingScott
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p.2 #12Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
Slalom wrote:
A photo with one of your lenses on an a7IV:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140694868@N05/52761090897/in/album-72177720306876116
Shows it was taken In Tanzania and no tripod
The line between parody and earnestness blurs further every day.
A photo with one of your lenses on an a7IV:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/140694868@N05/52761090897/in/album-72177720306876116
Shows it was taken In Tanzania and no tripod
The line between parody and earnestness blurs further every day.
Nov 29, 2025 at 11:33 AM
p.2 #13Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
snegron7 wrote:
.
Seriously though, if you can post some sample pictures we could try to analyze them. Is it wrong exposure (shutter speed to fast -> too high ISO (noise) ) or is the camera misfocusing (too dark for AF to work reliably) or the DoF is shallow, which exacerbates issues with even slightly missed focus or is it about tracking (focus) not working good enough on moving targets... There can be many reasons, including a faulty camera . Just take some neutral sample shots to show the issues you're having.
In general, I'd say AF-C in Aperture-priority (A on mode dial) + autoISO (e.g. 100-12800) with min. shutter speed set is the easiest way to get repeatable pictures in a non-completely automatic way. You see too much noise -> open the aperture or lower min. ss. You see movement blur -> increase min. ss. And so on...
Map ISO Auto Min. SS to a button (or one of the directions on the control wheel) so that changing it is near-instaneous.Thanks! I'll be taking some more test shots in a few days and will post them.
A7IV sample
DSC01906 by acurian, on Flickr
Crop
DSC01906-1 by acurian, on Flickr
No sharpening done. Just Lightroom -> Auto settings -> Export
j4nu wrote
I think you're the first person to complain about the "new" Sony menu system .Seriously though, if you can post some sample pictures we could try to analyze them. Is it wrong exposure (shutter speed to fast -> too high ISO (noise) ) or is the camera misfocusing (too dark for AF to work reliably) or the DoF is shallow, which exacerbates issues with even slightly missed focus or is it about tracking (focus) not working good enough on moving targets... There can be many reasons, including a faulty camera
. Just take some neutral sample shots to show the issues you're having.In general, I'd say AF-C in Aperture-priority (A on mode dial) + autoISO (e.g. 100-12800) with min. shutter speed set is the easiest way to get repeatable pictures in a non-completely automatic way. You see too much noise -> open the aperture or lower min. ss. You see movement blur -> increase min. ss. And so on...
Map ISO Auto Min. SS to a button (or one of the directions on the control wheel) so that changing it is near-instaneous.
A7IV sample
DSC01906 by acurian, on FlickrCrop
DSC01906-1 by acurian, on FlickrNo sharpening done. Just Lightroom -> Auto settings -> Export
Nov 29, 2025 at 12:42 PM
p.2 #14Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
snegron7 wrote:
Do you shoot in aperture priority, full manual, or some other mode? What is your typical aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in the photos that don’t look good to you?I tried shooting in aperture priority mode for the outdoor/daylight shots and manual (auto iso) for the indoor shots. I try keeping my shutter to 2x the focal length of any lens I use, plus I stop down one or two stops to improve contrast.
Also, I process the RAW images on Photoshop.
Like already mentioned by others, I don't see anything that could affect the sharpness, based on the the way you shoot.
Keeping "shutter to 2x the focal length of any lens" can be excessive when shooting static scenes, but it shouldn't have hurt, unless when this necessitates ISO higher than 6400.
When you say "I stop down one or two stops" - I believe you refer to the lens' aperture, like stopping from f/2.8 to f/5.6. This is not unreasonable for landscapes and similar subjects.
Suggestions:
(a) double-check whether the camera IBIS is on.
(b) try a different raw converter. I don't mean to say that PS isn't good - not at all. Nevertheless, it might be useful to see how your photos should look if processed in a different converter. For example, DxO Photolab 9 should be free to try for one month (at least this was the case in the past). Thus, this should cost you nothing. Install PL9, apply the standard corrections, then export to jpeg, either as Adobe RGB or Display P3. Do not resize the jpegs, and use the "quality" setting at around 85. This wouldn't take much of your time.
ruthenium wrote
How/where do you process the raw?Do you shoot in aperture priority, full manual, or some other mode? What is your typical aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in the photos that don’t look good to you?
Also, I process the RAW images on Photoshop.
Like already mentioned by others, I don't see anything that could affect the sharpness, based on the the way you shoot.
Keeping "shutter to 2x the focal length of any lens" can be excessive when shooting static scenes, but it shouldn't have hurt, unless when this necessitates ISO higher than 6400.
When you say "I stop down one or two stops" - I believe you refer to the lens' aperture, like stopping from f/2.8 to f/5.6. This is not unreasonable for landscapes and similar subjects.
Suggestions:
(a) double-check whether the camera IBIS is on.
(b) try a different raw converter. I don't mean to say that PS isn't good - not at all. Nevertheless, it might be useful to see how your photos should look if processed in a different converter. For example, DxO Photolab 9 should be free to try for one month (at least this was the case in the past). Thus, this should cost you nothing. Install PL9, apply the standard corrections, then export to jpeg, either as Adobe RGB or Display P3. Do not resize the jpegs, and use the "quality" setting at around 85. This wouldn't take much of your time.
Nov 29, 2025 at 12:45 PM
p.2 #15Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
ruthenium wrote:
snegron7 wrote
ruthenium wrote
How/where do you process the raw?Do you shoot in aperture priority, full manual, or some other mode? What is your typical aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in the photos that don’t look good to you?
Also, I process the RAW images on Photoshop.
Keeping "shutter to 2x the focal length of any lens" can be excessive when shooting static scenes, but it shouldn't have hurt, unless when this necessitates ISO higher than 6400.
When you say "I stop down one or two stops" - I believe you refer to the lens' aperture, like stopping from f/2.8 to f/5.6. This is not unreasonable for landscapes and similar subjects.
Suggestions:
(a) double-check whether the camera IBIS is on.
(b) try a different raw converter. I don't mean...Show more →
Thank you!!!
Nov 29, 2025 at 12:47 PM
p.2 #16Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
jdcoletv wrote:
Please post some of your photographs so we are not making comments in the dark. It would help to pinpoint the problem and help you solve it.
From previous threads by the OP, he does not seem to understand or want to post images showing his problem at the START of his thread with EXIF included, so that members have more info to give him better feedback.
e.g. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1905752/0#16838503
On top of that he gets snarly when others offer feedback he does not like.
Please post some of your photographs so we are not making comments in the dark. It would help to pinpoint the problem and help you solve it.
From previous threads by the OP, he does not seem to understand or want to post images showing his problem at the START of his thread with EXIF included, so that members have more info to give him better feedback.
e.g. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1905752/0#16838503
On top of that he gets snarly when others offer feedback he does not like.
Nov 29, 2025 at 01:05 PM
p.2 #17Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
Imagemaster wrote:
jdcoletv wrote
Please post some of your photographs so we are not making comments in the dark. It would help to pinpoint the problem and help you solve it.e.g. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1905752/0#16838503
On top of that he gets snarly when others offer feedback he does not like.
I only get "snarly" with trolls like you who never provide any sort of useful feedback. Have you ever had anything of value to add to any post here on FM, or is your only purpose here to troll everyone?
p s. I blocked you for the past year or so. However, thinking that you might have changed. I decided to unblock you. I now see that you are the same bitter, useless troll as always. My mistake. Your back on my block list.
Nov 29, 2025 at 01:43 PM
RoamingScott
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p.2 #18Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
It’s a British Columbia thing, they come with it preinstalled 🤣
snegron7 wrote:
From previous threads by the OP, he does not seem to understand or want to post images showing his problem at the START of his thread with EXIF included, so that members have more info to give him better feedback.
e.g. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1905752/0#16838503
On top of that he gets snarly when others offer feedback he does not like.I only get "snarly" with trolls like you who never provide any sort of useful feedback. Have you ever had anything of value to add to any post here on FM, or is your only purpose here to troll everyone?
p s. I blocked you for the past year or so. However, thinking that you might have changed. I decided to unblock you. I now see that you are the same bitter, useless troll as always. My mistake. Your back on my block list.
snegron7 wrote:
Imagemaster wrote
jdcoletv wrote
Please post some of your photographs so we are not making comments in the dark. It would help to pinpoint the problem and help you solve it.e.g. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1905752/0#16838503
On top of that he gets snarly when others offer feedback he does not like.
p s. I blocked you for the past year or so. However, thinking that you might have changed. I decided to unblock you. I now see that you are the same bitter, useless troll as always. My mistake. Your back on my block list.
Nov 29, 2025 at 01:46 PM
p.2 #19Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
RoamingScott wrote:
It’s a British Columbia thing, they come with it preinstalled 🤣
snegron7 wrote
Imagemaster wrote
jdcoletv wrote
Please post some of your photographs so we are not making comments in the dark. It would help to pinpoint the problem and help you solve it.e.g. https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1905752/0#16838503
On top of that he gets snarly when others offer feedback he does not like.
p s. I blocked you for the past year or so. However, thinking that you might have changed. I decided to unblock you. I now see that you are the same bitter, useless troll as always. My mistake. Your back on my block list.
😀
Nov 29, 2025 at 01:47 PM
p.2 #20Why is my A7iv so Complicated to Set Up?
snegron7 wrote:
Have you ever had anything of value to add to any post here on FM,
Well yes I have for 20+ years here, even to trolls like YOU.
Your back on my block list.
Awesome!
Seems you have time to post replies here, but not to provide the images you have already taken but not posted yet.
Have you ever had anything of value to add to any post here on FM,
Well yes I have for 20+ years here, even to trolls like YOU.
Your back on my block list.
Awesome!
Seems you have time to post replies here, but not to provide the images you have already taken but not posted yet.
Nov 29, 2025 at 02:32 PM