Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Sony ALPHA A7r and A7 TIPS of the DAY Part 10

a99+50mm f1.4 ZA SSM , @ f4, 1/100, iso320

Sony ALPHA A7r and A7 TIPS of the DAY Part 10

These are a few of my TIPS of the DAY  I have been posting on a Sony ALPHA - TALK  Group created on Facebook.  It "is" open to everyone ,  Just "JOIN"  by entering your FB name to the box with " + ADD people to Group ".


Sony ALPHA TIP # 150: "α" (Alpha) CLOCK Project Overview
When you Click on a Location ,  Also Click on the Bottom edge to see the Sony Camera used , and with the Scroll of your Mouse and see the Location at Different times (that is posted on the Left)

Throughout the world, there are numerous "World Heritage" locations selected by UNESCO - treasures, both natural and manmade, that must be maintained for future generations to also enjoy. These locations include magnificent scenery formed naturally over innumerable decades, historical sites constructed in ancient eras, and other irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. There are so many locations across the globe in the World Heritage List that it would be very difficult to visit all of them in a single lifetime.
The "α" CLOCK project, brought to you by Sony, is an attempt to photograph these World Heritage locations with Sony's own "α" camera and to share these recorded treasures with the world.

Photographer
YUJI NUKUI
Yuji Nukui is a well-known photographer and video artist whose work has been featured in a wide variety of print and motion media. Mr. Nukui contributes to the Sony "α" CLOCK project, and is currently photographing world heritage sites.

Composer
MASASHI HAMAUZU
Born September 20, 1971 in Munich, Germany, Masashi Hamauzu was hired by the music department of game developer Square Enix, following his graduation from university. There he contributed original compositions to the titles Final Fantasy XIII, SaGa Frontier 2, Final Fantasy X and Unlimited SaGa, among others. In 2010 he established his own freelance music studio, MONOMUSIK.

The scope of the composer’s activities now range from productions organized within the country, to events and concerts performed overseas, to soundtrack composition for anime and games. In 2011, he established the music group "IMERUAT" with vocalist Mina, holding concerts in Poland, France, the United States and Switzerland. In 2012, he began writing music for the "α" CLOCK project. Developed in collaboration with engineer and sound producer Yutaka Une, this most recent project pays tribute to international heritages.

Marcin Warmuz, Thank you for posting the link  :)

a7r+16-35 f2.8 ZA

Sony ALPHA TIP # 149: SONY Alpha Learning Portal, Packed with information : http://aportal.sony-asia.com/#/learn

On the Portal Shooting Techniques :
On this Tutorial you need to click on each of the Numbered TIPS
Click each number to see the TIP,  and click again to get out and click on the next number



a99+50mm f1.4 ZA SSM  @ f2.8, 1/80, iso1000

Sony ALPHA TIP # 148: BIG benefit of EVF "Live View" ,  because it "is" LV there is little need to Review ...

but when you must, You can Review in the EVF (even Auto Review).

I am actually finding that looking for Eye Blinks on a group shot is getting easier and easier to do via the EVF on a Auto Review.
The more I do it, the better I am getting at it.

* The other important benefit few mention: when in the Bright Sun you don't need to bring along your Hoodman loop.


Sony ALPHA TIP # 147: You can BETA Test New Sony APPS for FREE
As of 4/22/14 there is Four(4)

* Catch Light    ...  seems interesting :)
* Stop Motion
* Snapshot Me
* ID Photo



Sony ALPHA TIP # 146: If you are looking for a a7/r Off camera cord for the MIS Hot Shoe.
My guess is ANY Hot Shoe Cord will work "IF"  you plan to fire a non-Sony Flash in Manual mode.

Fired Nikon Flashes off a Nikon cord , and a copy Nikon TTL cord by Vello 3 foot us$14.99 http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=749778&gclid=CP-voaOD9L0CFcprfgodMTsA9g&Q=&is=REG&A=details  ... both worked in Manual Mode on the Flash.
Problem is the Sony 60m Flash will not trigger because the PIN does not line up in the center of a Standard Hot Shoe.  I noticed this issue with "other"  Hot Shoes I use for Off Camera , like the RadioPopper JrX Hot Shoe adapter. (the Sony 60m will not line up)

I use the Sony FA-CC1AM TTL cord to fire off the Sony 60m Flash in TTL.  It works!
Though, there is that 60m TTL flash delay (slow fire) still.
Gary Friedman from Dec 2012

Now , here is where I think Sony needs to improve.

1)  The cord only works on Sony Flashes.  The flash end only will plug into Sony Flashes.  (very BetaMax like)
2)  on this "AM" cord you will need a "MIS Adapter".  and that does NOT have a lock ... so it can come off.
3)  The Sony Cord is kinda "thin"  ... even the cheap Vello's cord is thicker and looked more heavy duty.
*
4)  And new Sony PRO Flash , needs to be FASTER, RADIO Wireless, and have "standard" trigger inputs like this one

5)  Make the MIS  "Flash"  FOOT  "PIN"   line up to the Standard Hot Shoe ... so it can be triggered Manually via any Radio Hot Shoe.
There is a few Hot Shoes that the 60m Flash will not work with ... including the Nikon cord and the RadioPopper JrX Hot Shoe Adapter.

A Direct  MIS to 60m  TTL cord combo FA-CS1M + FA-MC1AM   (should note: I have not personally tried this)


The Sony TTL Flash delay , is why on Wireless flash , on fast moving night events I still use my Nikon flashes in Manual Mode via RadioPoppers.



Sony ALPHA TIP # 145: tutorials by French photographer Serge Ramelli that can be found on Youtube or Facebook, or Google+. He has over 100 free tutorials for Lightroom. He also offers longer video courses for a fee.
Serge also shoots A7R.

Check out the Video on Kelby One webcast:


Sony ALPHA TIP # 144: Not a TIP , but good to know.
I broke the foot off my 60m flash.
Fell in the Rain with it + a7r.  (a7r , no problems ... still shooting with it)
It did not break off at the foot (would have been my guess).
But it broke off at the Base. Remember , this was a hard fall on a hard surface.
The Base and the Foot connection can be totally replaced.
Learned when the Foot was still in the Hot Shoe , that there is a PIN that keeps the Foot in the Hot Shoe.
and will not release even after the Flash is broken off.  (at first I thought the Foot was just smashed in the Hot Shoe) ... you need to lift the PIN.
Just so you know,  to replace the Foot section by Sony is $75.  I does look like new.

"Water Ingress"  repair on a a7r,  will cost you £175  , not sure what that converts to in USA $.
Here is the blog: http://tobinators.com/blog/index.php/2014/04/everything-else/sony-a7r-in-not-weatherproof-shock/

Sony ALPHA TIP # 143: Easy way to get a Aerial image Super High above.
Use a 24 foot Manfrotto 269HDB-3U Super High Camera Stand :)

us$380 + prime Free ship
but I paid for Priority shipping just $12 to get it- to Hawaii faster.
"Thank you"  Bob Krist for the TIP and link.

I will be using the Sony WIFI a7r Remote control to Live View my composition and fire the a7r.
The extra Res of the a7r 36mp non-AA  will allow me to loose crop the shot.


note: ordered on a FRI  arrived at my door on a MON.
Impressive Prime Priority shipping to Hawaii for $12
Big box  5 foot 8 inches ,  stand is 5 foot 6 aprox.

Came in "just" the stand. (cheaper)
Had one dinged leg , which will need to be replaced.
Boxing was too simple. No padding at all.
It's a heavy stand.
NO foot  ground pegs, or  three rope Tie Downs.
Interesting that there is No Clip holes on the top section for the Tie Downs/Stabilizing ropes.
Guess will need to make a trip to  Home Depot. :)


Sony ALPHA TIP # 142: Gary L. Friedman book video, with some good tips:

The Complete Guide to Sony's A7 & A7r Cameras by Gary L. Friedman us$ 29.95


Sony ALPHA TIP # 141: The Manufacture that Dominates Digital Imaging Sensors , will INCREASE there Digital Camera Sales and Lens Sales.  And will eventually be #1 in Digital Cameras.

* Think Canon when they had the only FF

* Think Nikon with there "increased" market share and come back from the dead after the D3 and D700 ... D3s  ... D800

Now SONY  ...  Imagine the DXO Sensor Ratings List  , after the A7s and these new MF sensors from the three (3) MF Manf.
it will be interesting to see how far SONY can take this.
but, imho  History is on there side.

Just my opinion  ... please don't read anything else into it  :)


Sony ALPHA TIP # 140: 50mm f1.4 ZA SSM + UV Zeiss T* or probably any UV will create more flare/light reflections

The 50mm f1.4 SSM even without the hood, "by itself" is very resistant to Flare.
Got to love the deep front of the lens.
But, "as soon as I put the UV filter" on it I can see a difference in flare.
The UV filter is very far from the front of the lens itself.
Light just off the frame, or a light reflection of the light when almost straight on.

Because on some events I am very close to a lot of action, will keep the UV on for that.
But, when it really matters ... will probably take the UV off and just use the Hood.

fyi: the Hood is slightly better than the Pre-Production Hood I first saw.
Still Plastic, but has a Black flannel lining inside.

This is my favorite f1.4 lens I have used. Because of it's usability at f1.4. Sharpness. Bokeh. Sony's Live View Focus Peaking (at LOW). AF accuracy of ON Sensor AF. and it's FAST/Solid Auto Focus.

Even with it's Longitudinal chromatic aberration (light color bokeh, contrast transitions behind the focus point are tinged with green,  and in front of the focus point are tinted purple)   But, easily taken out in Lightroom with two clicks ... Lens Correction>Color>Remove Chromatic Aberration (check)>Defringe "Dropper"

Though for Portrait, I still feel a 85mm f1.4 is better.
Love the 135mm f1.8.  but it is too far away , and you have to call in your instructions.


Sony ALPHA TIP # 139: for BEGINNERS
Beginners Guides to Digital SLR Photography by Mark David
Easy-to-read primers
Teaching people individually has shown me the areas beginners struggle with. These primers explain them.

Easy to read explanations ... Highly Recommended reading :)



MORE TIPS OF THE DAY LINKS:

TIP 121-138

TIP 110-120

TIP 89-109

TIP 88   A7r & A7 Back Button Auto Focus + ZOOM IN on any LENS

TIP 71-87

TIP 50-70

TIP 32-49

TIP 31   Exposure Compansation Dial "PRIORITY"

TIP 20-30

TIP 1-19

Hope this Helps someone,

Ross Hamamura

The Tourist of Light
SONY ALPHA Camera Ambassador
(and have been given SONY products for accepting this additional role)
Please follow me on Instagram:  @RDHphoto
Facebook Sony ALPHA - TALK  Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SonyAlphaTalk/
SONY Community ID:  Hawaii-Geek
Posted by Ross Hamamura at 1:03 PM 0 comments

Sony ALPHA A7r and A7 TIPS of the DAY Part 9

Michael Fasulo President & COO Sony USA, 
Sony Hawaii’s Outgoing President Naobumi “Ned” Nomura, 
Shusuke Oshima Sony Hawaii President, 
Karl Okemura SVP Sony Hawaii

Sony ALPHA A7r and A7 TIPS of the DAY Part 9

These are a few of my TIPS of the DAY  I have been posting on a Sony ALPHA - TALK  Group created on Facebook.  It "is" open to everyone ,  Just "JOIN"  by entering your FB name to the box with " + ADD people to Group ".


Sony ALPHA TIP # 138: IF SONY dropped the Mirror in A-mount. Sony could easily create a Stainless Steal Screw IN Mount that could allow A-Mount users to shoot FE E-Mount lens?

My thing is I would like to be able to Auto Focus on both system with both lens like it was Native. Sony Native.
That to me, is a Powerful WOW ! ...

Now, you could use smaller f4 Trinity FE ... or f2.8 Trinity (larger) A-Mount on BOTH Systems
A-Mount without the Mirror / SLT there is now space for a Mount to drop into the body for the right Register.
So, the BASE stainless steel Mount is actually Wider. and the Adapter would then screw IN.
With A-Mount there seems to be Space for that. Weight less a factor.

It's the ON SENSOR AF PDAF/CDAF that needs to be done without Penalty. ALL SONY Of Course

* "FE" E-Mount where the priority is compromised for SIZE / weight. (even though some Lens can be made both Small and Great , 55mm f1.8 ZA FE) .

* A-Mount where SONY should have all there BIG / FAST PRO lens.

Then there is a natural split that will start to make sense. And a reason for Both.

NOW, to make this "work" , BOTH also NEED to "Auto Focus" on A-Mount and E-Mount the "Same", even off the (simple , LAEA3 like) Sony Adapters.
Then Sony users can move seamlessly the A & E mount lens between New Camera lines, with NO Auto Focus Penalty. * Which is the way it "SHOULD BE".



Sony ALPHA TIP # 137: wanted to put this on a TIP.
Just to make a point :)   ... the Lens path is Simple
My view:
Sony needs to complete the FE Holy trinity f4 with the 16-35mm f4 ZA FE. and the 85mm 1.8 ZA FE for Portrait.  Macro that Kills on sharpness.

Then a PRO Weather Sealed f2.8 Holy Trinity for A-Mount that can AF Blazing FAST !
and Tops DXO ... Kills by f4  ... and yes, a bag of f2.8 primes
So, any real prime needs to be faster than f2.8.  or crazy good.  talking Zeiss 21mm f2.8 good.

Update the 85mm f1.4 and 135mm f1.8 A-Mounts.  (have the 135mm f1.8 do Macro off a switch)

* Make A Mount "and" E Mount lens Auto-Focus "AS-FAST" on BOTH mounts with simple SONY Adapters on a solid Stainless Steel Mount.  Because you know if you want a fast FF lens it's going to be big and heavy.
Using PDAF/CDAF OFF the Sensor.

"Make THAT the SELLING feature to buy SONY Lens" ...
and now the combination of FE and A-Mount lens cover a Lot of ground quickly !

Then we are talking ALPHA LENS ! in one breath.

Ross Hamamura, 
Michael Fasulo President & COO Sony USA, 
Sony Hawaii’s Outgoing President Naobumi “Ned” Nomura

Sony ALPHA TIP # 136: Adobe Camera Raw 8.4 and Lightroom 5.4 now available 4/8/14
Note the long list of Older Sony Alpha Lens that was "not" supported in Lightroom before.
Including the relatively new 50mm f1.4 ZA SSM ... Finally it's there , after a lot of complaining. I even posted on the Adobe site. :)

LR now has different sections for Sony E , Sony FE , Sony Alpha  Lens  ... in the Lens Profile list.

I installed both the Lightroom 5.4 and ACR for CS  in Win 64 bit.  with no problems.
Will wait a few days and update my Win8 install.

SONY Camera RAW support :
  • Sony Alpha a5000 (ILCE-5000)
  • Sony Alpha a6000 (ILCE-6000)
SONY Lens Support:

Sony E

Sony E PZ 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 OSS

Sony FE

Sony FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

Sony Alpha

Sony 20mm F2.8
Sony 24mm F2 ZA SSM
Sony 35mm F1.4 G
Sony 50mm F1.4
Sony 50mm F1.4 ZA
Sony 50mm F2.8 Macro
Sony 85mm F1.4 ZA
Sony 85mm F2.8 SAM
Sony 135mm F1.8 ZA
Sony DT 11-18mm F4.5-5.6
Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM
Sony DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA
Sony DT 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 SAM II
Sony DT 18-135mm F3.5-5.6 SAM
Sony DT 30mm F2.8 Macro SAM
Sony DT 35mm F1.8 SAM
Sony DT 50mm F1.8 SAM
Sony DT 55-200mm F4-5.6 SAM
Sony DT 55-300mm F4.5-5.6 SAM


Sony ALPHA TIP # 135: SONY new A7s LINKS
DPR :


Imaging-Resource quote " Like the A7R, the Sony A7S lacks on-chip phase-detection autofocus elements, so it uses the same "Fast Intelligent AF" as the A7R, a system based solely on contrast detection. Sony promises better autofocus performance on the A7S, though, thanks to the larger pixels on its new sensor. In fact, for low-light autofocus it should best any phase detection system on the market, able to focus right down to light levels of -4EV, with an f/2.0 lens. (This is the lowest-light AF capability we've ever heard of, by a full EV step.)
Sony A7S review -- Connectivity
In continuous shooting mode, the Sony A7S offers the same performance as the A7 before it: 5 frames per second in speed priority mode, which locks focus from the first shot in the series, or 2.5 fps with autofocus adjustment between frames. "

NAB Frederick Van Johnson brings out some good points thru Sony Product Mang. El Deane Nuade and DP Den Lennie.
How each of these cameras .. a7s , a7 , a7r  hits different Photographer needs.

Mark Weir at NAB on the a7s

NAB Newsshooter Interview with Kanta Yamamoto

NAB Atomos Shogun 4K recorder for the Sony A7s ... newsshooter

Check out this High ISO demo:


Full Video:

fStopAcademy Hands On Review:


Sony ALPHA TIP # 134: The Turning Point imho is when SONY can combine the a7s -4 EV AF , High ISO ... a6000 AF-C tracking ... and a Ability to AF FAST A-Mount f1.4 & f2.8 Alpha Lens on E-Mount + LEA3 using the AF Sensors OFF the E-Mount Sensor. and have it "FEEL" like it is Native A-Mount.

BOOM ! Break-Thru

Yes, there will probably be a A-Mount A77 II soon.

bUT, The Power of "this" idea is seamlessly swapping your Sony Lens collection between both A & E Mount with  "NO AF SPEED"  Penalty.

So, yes it should also work the other way ... E-Mount lens working on a A-Mount like it is sitting on a E-Mount body.

Now, that is my view of SONY Heaven.  :)


Sony ALPHA TIP # 133: Update on the Sony Alpha APP List

First, Update on your camera PlayMemories APP list by connecting to your WIFI access point (my fav way is using doing a "WPS Push" on the Access Point and then on the WIFI menu on the A7/r "WPS Push".
Next, go to Applications List > PlayMemories Camera Apps   ...  you will then see a updated LIST  when it goes to the WEB to update list.
note: you also need to be Registered on the PlayMemories web site  ... www.sony.net/pmca

1) Direct Upload: FREE   Facebook , Flicker   v2.02
2) Photo Retouch: FREE   lets you CROP but not the Instagram Square, Soft Skin, Resize, Horizontal Adjustment, Brightness Control, Contrast Control, Saturation Control Even on a RAW it seems.   v1.20
3) Picture Effect: FREE   Partial Color+ B&W and choose up to 2 colors, High Contrast Mono, Soft Focus, HDR Painting, Rich-Tone Mono, Miniature+, Watercolor, Illustration, Toy Camera+, Pop Color, Posterization, Retro Photo, Soft High-Key+
Update v1.20
4) Smart Remote Control: FREE    Update v2.20
5) Direct Upload : FREE    Facebook , Flicker    v1.00
6) Multiple Exposure $4.99   v1.10
7) Lens Compensation $9.99   v1.20
8) Time Lapse us$9.99  v2.10
1/10/14 Eight(8) Time-Lapse Themes: Cloudy, Sky, Night Sky, Night Scene, Sunset, Sunrise, Miniature, Standard, Custom, You can choose to save the still images as a series of photos instead of a movie.
The Custom Setting allows you to shoot in modes other than Program.

Just make sure you set the shutter speed shorter than the interval. Switching off the long exposure Noise Reduction so that the image is written directly to the card.
9) Bracket Pro $4.99   v1.10
10) Light Shaft us$4.99   v1.10
11) Portrait Lighting us$ 4.99  v1.10
12) Motion Shot us$4.99   v1.1
13) Liveview Grading $9.99   v1.00    This APP expands creative possibilities by letting you fine-tune the color of your movies while viewing the effects in Real-Time.


Sony ALPHA TIP # 132: Two (2) Books on A7/A7r
Brian Smith's (Sony Artisan)
From Snapshots to Great Shots  ... Kindle edition only us$ 16.19:

The Complete Guide to Sony's A7 & A7r Cameras by Gary L. Friedman us$ 29.95

Gary L. Friedman book video, and a few good tips:

The Sony a7 and a7R: The Unofficial Quintessential Guide:
Paperback us$19.12


Sony ALPHA TIP # 131:  Needed to Re-Post  Brian Smith's (Sony Artisan) TIP on removing Moire Quickly in Lightroom, on a Sony A7r shot.
Which by the way "rarely" happens ... and easily correctable if you see it on the shoot,  my changing distance.



Sony ALPHA TIP # 130:  TIP from Satoru Murata on A7r Update on a MAC

So, if you're thinking of upgrading your A7/R firmware to 1.02 on a Mac, take note:
(p.s.  I am kinda thinking the #2 solution might be the easiest)

(1) If you are running Mavericks, like 40% of the entire Mac install base right now, you apparently need to run the firmware updater software in 32-bit mode. You can do this by right-clicking (ctrl-clicking) the app icon to get info, and checking the "Run in 32-bit mode" option.

(2) If you fail to do this, there is a very good chance that the firmware update will fail, prompting you to unplug, take out the battery, reboot camera and try again.
* note step 3 :)

(3) * If you do (2), your camera is bricked LOL.

(4) To "unbrick" your camera and complete the firmware upgrade, get a hold of a pre-Windows 8 (i.e., Win7, XP) machine or a VM environment (I used the latest VMWare with WinXP SP3), download the Windows version of the firmware upgrade, and run it from there. It seems the updater just picks off where you left off and completes the firmware upgrade.

ANOTHER SOLUTION :

--------------------------
1. Make sure all other programs are shut down, programs like Mail and iTunes. The mistake I made is that, while downloading the software, I decided to read some emails and listen to music. Don't do it. Close everything down.

2. And, if your camera looks dead, with red light on, it's not. It's just asleep, caught in the midst of a download that was aborted.

3. If you have closed all programs down, just start again and follow all instructions as though the camera were not dead-appearing: Unplug and then replug the USB to the computer; turn the camera to the on position even though it seems dead; and proceed.


Sony ALPHA TIP # 129: Here is just a link to my Feature Request post to make sure all the Sony Alpha cameras are Black Rapid strap  "Proof".  Particularly when using large / heavy flashes like the 60m.

This is not a issue.
 But, just wanted to post this  so it does NOT become a issue in the Future.
More and more shooters are using the Black Rapid System  ... Camera Stap that uses the Tripod Mount to carry.
Also, on Events ... large / Heavy Flashes (like the 60m)  are used with this Black Rapid system.
So, now you got maybe a heavy body a99 + heavy flash 60m  hanging on a  swinging Black Rapid strap all day or night  (talking PROs).
1)  The  Tripod Mount needs to be   Strong Enough for this
2)  The Flash Mount  Needs to be  Thick on the Metat that holds the Flash Foot.
* This was the issue  on the D700  Hot Shoe  and the sb900 ...  The  Hot Shoe metal would bend just a little ... creating  movement on the Flash ...
* This would Fire the Flash by itself  ...  at the beginning
* But as the issue got worse  , it would  make the Flash NOT fire .
* and then it would Progress to a point that the D700 itself would not fire with the sb900 on the Hot Shoe.
Only way to get the D700 shutter working is to take the sb900 off the Hot Shoe.
* Eventually the ONLY way to solve this was a Complete Hot Shoe Replacement ...  that was clearly THICKER on the Hot Shoe metal.



Sony ALPHA TIP # 128: Sony 24-70mm ZA FW OSS (some) Reviews up.

The telling Graph is the SLRgear one on the a7r : http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1654/cat/83
It does reflect what reviewers are saying about the lens.

Now , compare this with the much more expensive Nikon 24-70mm f2.8 or the PRO Olympus 24-70 f2.8 ... after the Great Sony 55mm f1.8 ZA FE  the expectations where HIGH.

Sony Really needs to get Olympus to help them with a  A-Mount 24-70mm f2.8 SSM PRO lens. In Fact, with the Holy Trinity f2.8 (14-24, 24-70, 70-200)  .. and YES it "should be" a Bag of Primes , and YES it will cost us$ 2,400 each.  (but, must be competitive with Nikons/Canon prices)   ...  SONY need only do the Holy Trinity + 1 (sports)  ZOOMS and they are DONE with Zooms on A-Mount.

A possible great Zoom for sports would be a  200-400mm with a switch for the in lens  1.4x TC.

Zeiss Primes "should" ALL be FAST ..  ALL  f2  and BELOW ... that is how Primes  fit in - to this Mix.

SAR post:


Sony ALPHA TIP # 127: I would think with ALL SONY components   a6000 + LAEA3 + 24-70Z   .. including the connections on the new LAEA3 there would be enough "Connections" so the a6000 and the 24-70Z  could "talk" to each other.
* Enough to use PDAF on the a6000 ?

It would seem "Logical" ... and USEFUL.  for all  Sony users.      it would immediately Expand the Lens selection of the E-Mount. (with Sony Lens , A-Mount in PDAF Auto Focus)

* It would  allow you to use the "Current" FASTEST  PDAF/CDAF   on the a6000  with  any A-Mount.
Which would make A-Mount Lens users happy.

* IN FACT,  I would   project  FARTHER with this ... and say.

The Future  A-Mount  A77 II ? (or any FF future A-Mount)   ...  should have a WEATHER SELAED   "Changeable" Mount!

(because if it is MirrorLess it now has the space to do that ... like the already made video Sony does)

Then you could use E-Mount Lens on A-Mount Bodys ... and A-Mount on E- mount bodys  ... BUT,  it needs to Auto-Focus using the PDAF/CDAF  "On-Sensor" at the similar speeds as the native lens.    To be truly Usable and Flexible.

* and a HUGE  Selling Feature.



Sony ALPHA TIP # 126: a TIP from Alexander Heinrichs.
He messaged me
" Before this decision I made a test with my Canon 5DIII, my Hasselblad H3DII and the Sony 7R. The Video is only available in german, the Shooting starts at 6:54. You can see the pictures from the sony in the video and below the video you can find a Download-Link for the original files of all cameras":

And also said: " In my opinion the 2 big players (Canon and Nikon) are sleeping for the last years, nothing really new.
All the new interesting things are coming from companies like Sony, Fuiji or Olympus.
The first reviews to the 7R sounds really good, so I ask Sony to get a camera for testing.
The first pictures convinced me, that it was time for a change...

I'm working as a photographer for commercials, so for me the most important point is the Image Quality.
The quality of thr 7R is really great.
The pictures are nearly the same like the pictures from my Hasselblad H3DII-31 and the cam is easier to handle.
And for my clients it is nice to have 36MP.
Some things are not so good at the moment, like the AF, but I'm no sportsphotographer, so I don't matter about it.
Other point are great like the eye-AF (I love to shoot with a wide open aperture), or the focus magnifier in the viewfinder in the MF Mode, or the possibility to adapt a hugh range of lenses.
At the moment I'm really happy with my decision,
This week I will get some adapters to test other lenses.

my wishlist of lenses would be 1,2 or 1,4/85 12 or 16mm and a tele lens 200 or 300 f 2.8 "


Sony ALPHA TIP # 125: Low Light AF with LAEA4 and 3 vs a99

Just got a new Production 50mm f1.4 FE SSM today (had been shooting with a Pre-Production) and what surprised me is on a a99 it's still one of the fastest in Low Light.

When I put the 50mm f1.4 ZA SSM on the A7r+LAEA4 it slowed down (and would not lock in a low light / low contrast area that the same lens would lock on the a99. .. on a LAEA3+a7r  it got dead slow on AF but it locked at some point.

The A7r+ 35mm f2.8 ZA FE , and s99+50mm f1.4 ZA SSM , D700+24-70 f2.8 is the Fastest and Can lock in the Low Light/Low Contrast area. The D800+24-70 f2.8 was a little slower on the Low Light / Low Contrast area.

A7r + LAEA4 + 16-35 f2.8 and the a99 + 16-35 f2.8 was slightly slower and could NOT lock on the Low Light / Low contrast area.

I thought the LAEA4 was  almost as fast as the a99 ... I have evolved on that ... it is NOT.

I am kinda wondering how the A-Mount Lens with the non-sensor LAEA3 and a6000 will perform.


Sony ALPHA TIP # 124: Sharing Jimmy Ton SONY Photo Specialty rep in the South BTS video shot with the Sony A7+Metabones+Canon Canon 17-40mm f4 L
Dodge Viper Rig shot

Dodge Viper Rig shot
jton•media


Sony ALPHA TIP # 123:  Just a fun bit of info from Josselin Cornou, a GOOGLE Cloud Technical Solutions Engineer shared with me. He shoots with A7r,  and so does two other's at Google ... that he knows of. :)

Check out his images with the A7r



Sony ALPHA TIP # 122: Colby Brown  In-Depth Conversation with SONY 3/21/14
Interesting read as he mentions all the web issues talk.

On the a6000 AF Tech and Full Frame: "As for where we might find this technology next, Mark alluded to that as well. “ The fact that it is in this camera is an accident of timing. I think it is the development of the technology that is important and it is going to be the way cameras are going to be made in the future by companies that have access to this kind of silicone.”

Does this mean we might some day find a FF mirror-less body with 90% of our frame covered in AF points? I think so! "



Sony ALPHA TIP # 121: Full Frame VS APS-C:  A very interesting blog by mDavid.com.au  that Kellan Cathal shared Link.

There is NO real right or wrong on this APS-C vs Full Frame (FF) debate.
* But, Ultimately APS-C only real advantage is COST , and that part is real.

Cost aside (FF costing MORE - both camera and lens).
Macro shooting seems to be easier in general on APS-C.  Though there is FF work arounds.  (including just shooting in crop mode)
And Size advantage on APS-C Lens (Lens SIZE advantage is Real).  Camera body size advantage is getting smaller with Mirrorless FF.  And then there is a "limit" to which you want a camera to be small.

The "Reach"  advantage (Zoom) of APS-C is being off-set now with Higher Resolution No Optical Low Pass filter 36mp + sensors, that might have the same pixel density as APS-C (or very close).  and a simple changing of the CROP Mode on a Full Frame (FF)
* Also, when you shoot on Full Frame (FF) in  APS-C  "CROP Mode" you are shooting into the SWEET SPOT of a Full Frame LENS.
And when in APS-C crop mode on a Full Frame body you also get the Benefit of SEEING "Around" the Crop, which is useful in Sports shooting.
A High Res Full Frame Camera can give you the same benefits of APS-C , but now you have "Flexibility".

You can CROP (or shoot in Crop mode)  on a Full Frame camera,  but you cannot change a APS-C camera to FULL Frame.

Having said that: a High Res FF camera can be harder to shoot vs APS-C. (can require higher shutter speeds), but that is more a result of Pixel Density. If both have the same density both can be equally hard to handhold.

As the Resolutions get Higher on Full Frame Sensors ...  the Full Frame Size advantage will come into play. Not just Resolution. But, DR  etc.    a  Quick trip to  DXO Sensor Ratings gives you a fast clue.
Although the newest technology will probably appear on a APS-C sensor first. But, if it works well that will not last for long.

Ultimately, what I am trying to say is the Advantage of APS-C (m43) is COST.
And Lens Size.
There is NO Image Quality advantage on APS-C that Full Frame High Resolution Sensors cannot work around.
And most of the BEST lens are Full Frame, and there is more to choose from. (including old from any brand w/ Adapter)


MORE TIPS OF THE DAY LINKS:

TIP 110-120

TIP 89-109

TIP 88   A7r & A7 Back Button Auto Focus + ZOOM IN on any LENS

TIP 71-87

TIP 50-70

TIP 32-49

TIP 31   Exposure Compansation Dial "PRIORITY"

TIP 20-30

TIP 1-19

Hope this Helps someone,

Ross Hamamura

The Tourist of Light
SONY ALPHA Camera Ambassador
(and have been given SONY products for accepting this additional role)
Please follow me on Instagram:  @RDHphoto
Facebook Sony ALPHA - TALK  Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SonyAlphaTalk/
SONY Community ID:  Hawaii-Geek
Posted by Ross Hamamura at 12:50 PM 0 comments
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