The Amazing Sony A1/A7/A9/APS-C & Anything else welcome Mega Thread!

dancook said:
Football match is 90 minutes long? 1.5h for 3k.

I've shot 17 hours for 29k, at your rate you would have shot 34k - not far off!
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Lol Yea true. Well and half hour shoot as I shoot before the game and during half time sometimes and post match too. Have you tried ftp features of your camera to automatically upload to your home server?
 
dancook said:
I took 28,922 photos from Friday 7th December to Tuesday 11th December - and delivered everything in that same time frame, except Tuesday's events were delivered by noon Wednesday.

That included - Masquerade Ball, Corporate Christmas Party, Choir Rehearsals, Junior Nativity, Senior Panto, Senior Carol Service, Christmas Rock Concert, Rugby and Hockey.

Hurrah for Photo Mechanic [emoji4] and the A9..
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Dan, would you say you might over-shoot just a bit? Some going that, but you’re only keeping 5%.

Quite curious as to what percentage an event photographer would keep. I guess many wedding snappers would keep 15-25% as a generalisation (shoot 2-3k, deliver 3-500)
 
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Livin The Dream said:
Dan, would you say you might over-shoot just a bit? Some going that, but you’re only keeping 5%.

Quite curious as to what percentage an event photographer would keep. I guess many wedding snappers would keep 15-25% as a generalisation (shoot 2-3k, deliver 3-500)
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I am a full time event photographer :-O !

I know what it's like to slow down because I do that with the Leica and Hasselblad, but I decide to make the most of the A9 and Photo Mechanic lets me keep up with processing.

I think what I deliver is to a pretty high standard compared to all the other stuff I see from schools.

Also the school would like to have photographs for every student at each event, there's only so much I can do - but I give it a damn good go.

Photographing weddings is very different, moving to another position for an angle can mean losing minutes of an event - unique opportunities where a student gets to do their part. I create nice compositions, but I'm not continually looking for the next super creative shot, there is no time - so much is packed into short times.
 
Livin The Dream said:
Dan, would you say you might over-shoot just a bit? Some going that, but you’re only keeping 5%.

Quite curious as to what percentage an event photographer would keep. I guess many wedding snappers would keep 15-25% as a generalisation (shoot 2-3k, deliver 3-500)
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This gallery is public.
https://gallery.danielcook.com/g/thomsonchristmasparty/

(most aren't https://gallery.danielcook.com/ )

I was shooting in burst at f1.4, 1/125th, ISO 6400

1/125th easily creates motion blur, the lighting was also cycling colour leds - shooting burst allows me to get more keepers from each setup to choose from. Not missing a shot because they moved as they laughed and it blurred.
 
dancook said:
I am a full time event photographer :-O !

I know what it's like to slow down because I do that with the Leica and Hasselblad, but I decide to make the most of the A9 and Photo Mechanic lets me keep up with processing.

I think what I deliver is to a pretty high standard compared to all the other stuff I see from schools.

Also the school would like to have photographs for every student at each event, there's only so much I can do - but I give it a damn good go.

Photographing weddings is very different, moving to another position for an angle can mean losing minutes of an event - unique opportunities where a student gets to do their part. I create nice compositions, but I'm not continually looking for the next super creative shot, there is no time - so much is packed into short times.
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I’ve not thought about the ratio before of an event photographer. My immediate thought is that they wouldn’t have the variety of a wedding, say. Agree that they’re quite different and the end product different.

Did wonder whether fast FPS might add to the quantity taken. Do you shoot higher than 8fps?
 
Livin The Dream said:
I’ve not thought about the ratio before of an event photographer. My immediate thought is that they wouldn’t have the variety of a wedding, say. Agree that they’re quite different and the end product different.

Did wonder whether fast FPS might add to the quantity taken. Do you shoot higher than 8fps?
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I shoot at 5 fps, the silent shutter is pretty responsible for this too - if I had a shutter sound I'd be a bit more conservative.

If I'm shooting an orchestra, some students may play intermittently - if you see them play it might be one of the few opportunities you have to photograph them doing so, as they may not be playing all night or when you change position later you might not have a clear view. So I take some photos and with no black out I can just think about how to improve the composition, and move and takes more photos - it's very easy to take 20+ similar photos of a student, but usually one of the last ones is best, when you feel you've done all you can. So that right there is a 5% keeper rate.

That also might have taken 5-10 seconds to do, if you're biding your time to line up the shot - you don't know if someone will obstruct it, or whether they will stop.. and did you take any photos at all?

Typically other musicians will move in an out of each other's way with bows, arms and heads - and somewhere in there will be the best composition. Very much like when shooting the conductor, just gattling gun! Particularly as the shutter speed at this point will easily blur them. There will be a point where they have a great expression that is sharp, their arms will frame a student who at that moment is looking up at them.. if you rely on timing that and get it wrong, well the A9 doesn't leave much to chance.
 
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Typically when I shoot live music in Guildford I have three songs to get some photos (happy to use Hasselblad for this), when photographing a Christmas Rock Concert for a school - I have a single 3 minute song to get as many different photos as I can and to include every member of each band (5-8).

I just have to work much faster, and I cannot afford to wait long for each of the shots else it will be over before I know it.

I started at the back to take a wide shot a band, I wanted a photo of them all playing - but it started with a singing solo and they didn't all start playing until half way through the song, I struggled then to get around the room for good shots of each person.
 
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dancook said:
Typically when I shoot live music in Guildford I have three songs to get some photos (happy to use Hasselblad for this), when photographing a Christmas Rock Concert for a school - I have a single 3 minute song to get as many different photos as I can and to include every member of each band (5-8).

I just have to work much faster, and I cannot afford to wait long for each of the shots else it will be over before I know it.

I started at the back to take a wide shot a band, I wanted a photo of them all playing - but it started with a singing solo and they didn't all start playing until half way through the song, I struggled then to get around the room for good shots of each person.
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That sounds a more interesting gig. Interesting insight, thanks.

Some events I guess need certain skill sets more than others, but concentration and timing are factors in all. Technology has meant that timing isn’t quite like
It used to be but positioning is clearly most important in any event.

Have you been finding many issues with banding in venues generally?
 
Livin The Dream said:
That sounds a more interesting gig. Interesting insight, thanks.

Some events I guess need certain skill sets more than others, but concentration and timing are factors in all. Technology has meant that timing isn’t quite like
It used to be but positioning is clearly most important in any event.

Have you been finding many issues with banding in venues generally?
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Yes occasionally I get banding with some LEDS but at 1/125th the banding can be reduced to an unnoticeable amount on a per photo basis, it's only when you cycle photos quickly does it become noticeable. Overall though the finished delivered set looks great :)
 
dancook said:
Yes occasionally I get banding with some LEDS but at 1/125th the banding can be reduced to an unnoticeable amount on a per photo basis, it's only when you cycle photos quickly does it become noticeable. Overall though the finished delivered set looks great :)
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Save you a shutter replacement every year too [emoji15]
 
Can I ask what memory cards everyone uses with the A7Riii? I’m currently using SanDisk extreme pro 95mb/s UHS-I cards. They are fine but I’m noticing it takes a while to clear the buffer when shooting bursts at high FPS.

Looking at UHS-II SD cards 64GB cards seems a good compromise on capacity v price. The top options performance wise seems to be Sony and SanDisk as read and write speeds are pretty similar but both are at the top price end.


Sony G card 300MB/s read 299MB/s write- £108.49
https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/sd-cards/sf-g-series

SanDisk 300MB/S read 260MB/S write- £112.67
https://www.sandisk.co.uk/home/memory-cards/sd-cards/extremepro-sd-uhs-ii


There seems to be some cheaper options that may be worth investigating.

ProGrade 250MB/s write 200MB/s read £75.99
https://progradedigital.com/products/sdxc-uhs-ii-v90-sd-card/

Lexar 300MB/s read 260MB/s write £91.53
http://www.lexar.com/portfolio_page/professional-2000x-sdhcsdxc-uhs-ii-cards/

Integral 280MB/s read 240MB/s write- £83.03
https://www.integralmemory.com/prod...hs-ii-u3-class-10-V90-video-speed-memory-card

I’ve got a while yet to research and decide as I’m planning on using some Sony cash back to help buy one. I thought it would be worth asking others what they use and how they find them. Looking at UHS-II cards it seems write speeds are a mine field when trying to get the full performance the A7Riii is capable of. If any one knows a website that’s tested different cards out on the Sony cameras that would be very useful.
 
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rob-nikon said:
Can I ask what memory cards everyone uses with the A7Riii? I’m currently using SanDisk extreme pro 95mb/s UHS-I cards. They are fine but I’m noticing it takes a while to clear the buffer when shooting bursts at high FPS.

Looking at UHS-II SD cards 64GB cards seems a good compromise on capacity v price. The top options performance wise seems to be Sony and SanDisk as read and write speeds are pretty similar but both are at the top price end.


Sony G card 300MB/s read 299MB/s write- £108.49
https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/sd-cards/sf-g-series

SanDisk 300MB/S read 260MB/S write- £112.67
https://www.sandisk.co.uk/home/memory-cards/sd-cards/extremepro-sd-uhs-ii


There seems to be some cheaper options that may be worth investigating.

ProGrade 250MB/s write 200MB/s read £75.99
https://progradedigital.com/products/sdxc-uhs-ii-v90-sd-card/

Lexar 300MB/s read 260MB/s write £91.53
http://www.lexar.com/portfolio_page/professional-2000x-sdhcsdxc-uhs-ii-cards/

Integral 280MB/s read 240MB/s write- £83.03
https://www.integralmemory.com/prod...hs-ii-u3-class-10-V90-video-speed-memory-card

I’ve got a while yet to research and decide as I’m planning on using some Sony cash back to help buy one. I thought it would be worth asking others what they use and how they find them. Looking at UHS-II cards it seems write speeds are a mine field when trying to get the full performance the A7Riii is capable of. If any one knows a website that’s tested different cards out on the Sony cameras that would be very useful.
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I use 2x Adata 64GB UHS-II cards
And 2x Fuji 32GB UHS-II cards
 
Just read yet again on DPR that f1.2 lenses are only possible on the new Canikons and impossible on Sony. Do these twits not understand that you can buy a f1.2 lens and faster today and stick it on a Sony A7x/9? These fanboys just make me want to shake them.
 
woof woof said:
Just read yet again on DPR that f1.2 lenses are only possible on the new Canikons and impossible on Sony. Do these twits not understand that you can buy a f1.2 lens and faster today and stick it on a Sony A7x/9? These fanboys just make me want to shake them.
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uC549GA.jpg
 
woof woof said:
Just read yet again on DPR that f1.2 lenses are only possible on the new Canikons and impossible on Sony. Do these twits not understand that you can buy a f1.2 lens and faster today and stick it on a Sony A7x/9? These fanboys just make me want to shake them.
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But Sony doesn't make any Native lenses that fast, so it must be impossible...

As an aside, given the price of the GM lenses, anyone care to consider just how expensive and f/1.2 GM would be :eek:
 
woof woof said:
Just read yet again on DPR that f1.2 lenses are only possible on the new Canikons and impossible on Sony. Do these twits not understand that you can buy a f1.2 lens and faster today and stick it on a Sony A7x/9? These fanboys just make me want to shake them.
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Best not to get too worked up about DPR, you'd have an easier time convincing someone to renounce their faith.
 
Faldrax said:
But Sony doesn't make any Native lenses that fast, so it must be impossible...

As an aside, given the price of the GM lenses, anyone care to consider just how expensive and f/1.2 GM would be :eek:
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Probably around the same price as the new RF 50mm/1.2 which I imagine most people won't buy. But they'll complain about it anyway lol
 
woof woof said:
Just read yet again on DPR that f1.2 lenses are only possible on the new Canikons and impossible on Sony. Do these twits not understand that you can buy a f1.2 lens and faster today and stick it on a Sony A7x/9? These fanboys just make me want to shake them.
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They are all singing from the same hymn sheet aren't they. Makes me think canon/nikon/Leica have colluded somewhere lol.

Someone thought they need something unique that'll give them an advantage over Sony. So they came up with a large mount and a 35mm f1.8 lens :D
 
nandbytes said:
They are all singing from the same hymn sheet aren't they. Makes me think canon/nikon/Leica have colluded somewhere lol.

Someone thought they need something unique that'll give them an advantage over Sony. So they came up with a large mount and a 35mm f1.8 lens :D
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They are really thinking outside of the box with that one.
 
woof woof said:
Just read yet again on DPR that f1.2 lenses are only possible on the new Canikons and impossible on Sony. Do these twits not understand that you can buy a f1.2 lens and faster today and stick it on a Sony A7x/9? These fanboys just make me want to shake them.
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Best give yourself a good shake as the biggest Sony fanboy going! Does it really matter what others say?
 
Fraser Euan White said:
Best give yourself a good shake as the biggest Sony fanboy going! Does it really matter what others say?
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As I've had a freekin nightmare day in a freekin nightmare week in a freekin nightmare month I don't give a frig if this gets me banned. Just need to release a little stream...

How the frek am I a Sony fan boy Fraser? Fraser You a borderline troll and you bring a little anger and bitterness wherever you post. I can't remember ever reading anything positive, uplifting or fun from you. I sincerely hope you balance this out by being an absolute star in your off line life.

What's the point in arguing with you Fraser, please just take a long hard look at yourself and grow up will you.
 
simonbarker said:
Best not to get too worked up about DPR, you'd have an easier time convincing someone to renounce their faith.
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It just seems so odd to me. Might as well say there are not and never will be any double decker busses. The things exist.

The internet, eh?
 
woof woof said:
As I've had a freekin nightmare day in a freekin nightmare week in a freekin nightmare month I don't give a frig if this gets me banned. Just need to release a little stream...

How the frek am I a Sony fan boy Fraser? Fraser You a borderline troll and you bring a little anger and bitterness wherever you post. I can't remember ever reading anything positive, uplifting or fun from you. I sincerely hope you balance this out by being an absolute star in your off line life.

What's the point in arguing with you Fraser, please just take a long hard look at yourself and grow up will you.
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LOL
 
woof woof said:
As I've had a freekin nightmare day in a freekin nightmare week in a freekin nightmare month I don't give a frig if this gets me banned. Just need to release a little stream...

How the frek am I a Sony fan boy Fraser? Fraser You a borderline troll and you bring a little anger and bitterness wherever you post. I can't remember ever reading anything positive, uplifting or fun from you. I sincerely hope you balance this out by being an absolute star in your off line life.

What's the point in arguing with you Fraser, please just take a long hard look at yourself and grow up will you.
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Just put him on ignore like the rest of us.
 
woof woof said:
As I've had a freekin nightmare day in a freekin nightmare week in a freekin nightmare month I don't give a frig if this gets me banned. Just need to release a l

How the frek am I a Sony fan boy Fraser? Fraser You a borderline troll and you bring a little anger and bitterness wherever you post. I can't remember ever reading anything positive, uplifting or fun from you. I sincerely hope you balance this out by being an absolute star in your off line life.

What's the point in arguing with you Fraser, please just take a long hard look at yourself and grow up will you.
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Anyway back to the f1.2 discussion; is there an f1.2 lens that mounts directly to the Sony camera? (I honestly don't know) using an adapter is surely similar to an extension tube and mounting a Canon f1.2 via an adapter will mean the lens is not really acting as an f1.2 in terms of light transmission - again I may be very wrong
 
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Fraser Euan White said:
Anyway back to the f1.2 discussion; is there an f1.2 lens that mounts directly to the Sony camera? (I honestly don't know) using an adapter is surely similar to an extension tube and mounting a Canon f1.2 via an adapter will mean the lens is not really acting as an f1.2 in terms of light transmission - again I may be very wrong
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The adaptor doesn't move the lens further from the sensor than on a native Canon body (like an extension tube), it mounts it at the same flange depth as it was designed for the Canon EF body. The Sony mirrorless body has a considerably shorter flange depth than a Canon DSLR, hence the lens adaptor mounts the lens forwards of the Sony sensor.
 
stevelmx5 said:
The adaptor doesn't move the lens further from the sensor than on a native Canon body (like an extension tube), it mounts it at the same flange depth as it was designed for the Canon EF body. The Sony mirrorless body has a considerably shorter flange depth than a Canon DSLR, hence the lens adaptor mounts the lens forwards of the Sony sensor.
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Thanks for explaining Steve :-)
 
Fraser Euan White said:
Anyway back to the f1.2 discussion; is there an f1.2 lens that mounts directly to the Sony camera? (I honestly don't know) using an adapter is surely similar to an extension tube and mounting a Canon f1.2 via an adapter will mean the lens is not really acting as an f1.2 in terms of light transmission - again I may be very wrong
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Most f1.2 lenses don't transmit t1.2, they are closer to t1.5-1.6 in terms of transmission. If you buy f1.2 for just extra light I think it's a bit wasteful.
While what Steve explained is true I believe the adaptor does decrease transmission but it's negligible that it can be ignored.

But there are native f0.95 and f1.2 lenses for e-mount. Eg: mitakon 50mm f0.95 or voigtlander 40mm F1.2
 
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There must be some maths involved where a mount size restricts the maximum aperture of the lens?
Nikon produced an f1.2 in manual focus for the F mount but never autofocus. Was this simply marketing or actually a physical constraint of the lens mount?
 
Fraser Euan White said:
There must be some maths involved where a mount size restricts the maximum aperture of the lens?
Nikon produced an f1.2 in manual focus for the F mount but never autofocus. Was this simply marketing or actually a physical constraint of the lens mount?
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Well if you can make a manual lens at a certain aperture I see no technical reason why you can't make an AF one, it'll just add extra bulk.
On DSLRs getting critical focus on a f1.2 or greater lens is rather hard. Might be the reason they decided not to pursue that route.

Mount size probably does restrict the maximum aperture. Nikon claims it can make a f0.65 AF lens with the z-mount but is that something people would use or even buy practically speaking? To that extent it does sound like marketing BS.

At the same time I am not refuting that there could be some advantages to having a larger mount like reducing complexity of lenses and thus size. But whatever canon/Nikon/Leica have released so far doesnt really show off these supposed benefits or back up their claims.

So far it's basically Sony manager's word Vs. Canon/Nikon/Leica managers' word. While I'd like to go with the majority claim, so far Sony has really delivered on the mirrorless front. So their word has some weight too. So whom do you believe?
 
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Looking through the internet the reason Nikon never produced an F1.2 AF lens in the F mount was the size of the rear element would have meant there was no room left for the communication pins to transmit AF info and lens data. The MF 1.2 obviously didn't need this.
An engineer must be able to look at lens mount design and location of communication pins and say if it's possible or not?
I haven't looked at the DPR stuff but surely someone must have said they already exist for the Sony and that quickly negates the arguments?
 
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