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

Masked Bandit said:
Thanks, I'll give that a good read later.
It was this that put me off buying an A7, as I never use jpeg.
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The big question is, does the 11+7 bit RAW file compression make the Sony A7 series cameras not worthy of consideration? Is it really a deal breaker? I guess it depends on how important pixel-level performance is for you. For 90% of photographers out there, the 11+7 bit RAW file compression won’t matter, as they won’t be analyzing images with a loupe at 100% or higher magnifications. However, if you are genuinely concerned about pixel-level image quality and want only the best results at full resolution, you might want to hold off on the Sony A7 series cameras.
 
twist said:
The big question is, does the 11+7 bit RAW file compression make the Sony A7 series cameras not worthy of consideration? Is it really a deal breaker? I guess it depends on how important pixel-level performance is for you. For 90% of photographers out there, the 11+7 bit RAW file compression won’t matter, as they won’t be analyzing images with a loupe at 100% or higher magnifications. However, if you are genuinely concerned about pixel-level image quality and want only the best results at full resolution, you might want to hold off on the Sony A7 series cameras.
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Thanks for your views, it's given me food for thought.
 
twist said:
The big question is, does the 11+7 bit RAW file compression make the Sony A7 series cameras not worthy of consideration?
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I think a more sensible question is "is this an issue that I could encounter in a real world image and if so will it be significant?"

Maybe uncompressed raws will come at some point or maybe they wont but I certainly wouldn't and wont be put off by this potential issue which I've yet to encounter even in testing and when pushing things to hell and back. Not if the alternative is to go back to a DSLR. I'll only go back to them with a gun to my head :D

Whenever I strart to think about DSLR's, I stop :D



 
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Not sure what the point of the image post was considering it has nothing to with raw files, now I'm back to a d750 I wonder why I made the big mistake of selling it. We all have different expectations.
 
twist said:
Not sure what the point of the image post was considering it has nothing to with raw files, now I'm back to a d750 I wonder why I made the big mistake of selling it. We all have different expectations.
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Nothing to do with raw files? I'll get to that but first, maybe you were swayed by the charms of the A7 and disappointed with some aspect of DSLR ownership? Whatever the reason the A7 series isn't for you and you make the point, often and repeatedly so I'm happy that you're going back to something that suits you better.

The A7 series is for me and whilst I can sort of see your point(s) and when reading your posts and the linked blog I was thinking about the plus and minus points of the A7 series and whilst I accept that the raws (you see, I get the point and I waffled on about them in my post, did you see?...) could be an issue for me they're never been a real world or even a test scenario issue and when considering that fact (it's a fact for me) and balancing it against the major plus points... the size of the system and the image quality and for me the ability to use manual lenses... I'm personally not put off by what for me is a non issue. Compressed raws. I've read reviews and blogs in the past and I have to say that I've mostly and possibly only read that the compression is a non issue and that's what it's been for me so far. Even your linked guy says it wont be an issue for 90%.

Good luck with your DSLR.
 
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woof woof said:
Nothing to do with raw files? I'll get to that but first, maybe you were swayed by the charms of the A7 and disappointed with some aspect of DSLR ownership? Whatever the reason the A7 series isn't for you and you make the point, often and repeatedly so I'm happy that you're going back to something that suits you better.

The A7 series is for me and whilst I can sort of see your point(s) and when reading your posts and the linked blog I was thinking about the plus and minus points of the A7 series and whilst I accept that the raws (you see, I get the point and I waffled on about them in my post, did you see?...) could be an issue for me they're never been a real world or even a test scenario issue and when considering that fact (it's a fact for me) and balancing it against the major plus points... the size of the system and the image quality and for me the ability to use manual lenses... I'm personally not put off by what for me is a non issue. Compressed raws. I've read reviews and blogs in the past and I have to say that I've mostly and possibly only read that the compression is a non issue and that's what it's been for me so far. Even your linked guy says it wont be an issue for 90%.

Good luck with your DSLR.
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Na, I like trying new gear, sometimes the result is disappointing. You're the one that keeps quoting me when I'm not even replying to your comments but other users, go figure, I guess you just feel the need to keep defending your choice and butting in. I'm happy you're happy but the picture post was still irrelevant to what was being discussed.

People are asking questions, I'm doing my best to provide accurate info, if you dont like it which it seems you dont, kindly stay out of the conversation.

Enjoy the a7.
 
Seriously, why are sony using LOSSLEY Raw files? is it a limitaton in mirrorless tech or something?

edit: Dont mind Twist, he likes to chop and change gears :)

He will go back to an A7 series camera soon i reckon hehe and maybe add a 5ds too!
 
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jonneymendoza said:
Seriously, why are sony using LOSSLEY Raw files? is it a limitaton in mirrorless tech or something?

edit: Dont mind Twist, he likes to chop and change gears :)

He will go back to an A7 series camera soon i reckon hehe and maybe add a 5ds too!
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Yeah, bit of fun. Some people are to serious. Every camera has issues anyway.

I dont see why not, as long as it offers what I need im willing to try it.
 
Yeah it is, but for me, half the reason is to go mirrorless is weight. So buying a II sort of negates that. I'd rather spend the money I save buying a normal A7 on better glass - cause Sony glass ain't cheap..
 
ohms12 said:
Yeah it is, but for me, half the reason is to go mirrorless is weight. So buying a II sort of negates that. I'd rather spend the money I save buying a normal A7 on better glass - cause Sony glass ain't cheap..
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My thinking too on cost actually, I'm off to London in an hour will see what the prices are like at Edinburgh Airport, might nip into Park Cameras store off Oxford Street and see if they have that deal on, if not Jessops are doing a free bag and have stock.
 
The Raw situation is the reason I haven't and probably won't invest in Sony. If it's due to sensor tech, which some say is why the option hasn't been added in a firmware update, then I'll wait for the next incarnation and see what that brings. I'm in no rush.
 
chrism_scotland said:
My thinking too on cost actually, I'm off to London in an hour will see what the prices are like at Edinburgh Airport, might nip into Park Cameras store off Oxford Street and see if they have that deal on, if not Jessops are doing a free bag and have stock.
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Wex have it for the same price as Jessops with a Billingham Hadley Digital Bag, too.
 
Well I don't think I'm fated to have an A7. .. bought one in the airport and its totally dead either the battery or charger is goosed. Will be going to a Currys store for a refund on it tomorrow. It's probably missed it's chance as I've been out tonight on Bankside in London with the D800 and 24-70 and loved it....

I would say though that of all the compact systems I had a play with in the airport the EM1 by far felt the best nice weight in the hand and if it wasn't for the m43 sensor I'd have one... thinking a change of strategy from aiming to replace my D800 to accompanying it might be an idea.
 
rodd1000 said:
The Raw situation is the reason I haven't and probably won't invest in Sony. If it's due to sensor tech, which some say is why the option hasn't been added in a firmware update, then I'll wait for the next incarnation and see what that brings. I'm in no rush.
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May i ask why it's holding you back?

It seems that it only loses a tiny bit of detail in raw but not enough for 95 percent of toggers.

So long as you can adjust levels, WB etc etc what am I missing.?
 
chrism_scotland said:
Well I don't think I'm fated to have an A7. .. bought one in the airport and its totally dead either the battery or charger is goosed. Will be going to a Currys store for a refund on it tomorrow. It's probably missed it's chance as I've been out tonight on Bankside in London with the D800 and 24-70 and loved it....

I would say though that of all the compact systems I had a play with in the airport the EM1 by far felt the best nice weight in the hand and if it wasn't for the m43 sensor I'd have one... thinking a change of strategy from aiming to replace my D800 to accompanying it might be an idea.
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I have a bit of a love / hate relationship with MFT but despite the issues I have a soft spot for my Panasonic G1, more so than for my newer and more capable GX7.

What is it about MFT that puts you off? I see the limitations as follows...

- The crop factor means I can't use old lenses at their intended field of view.
- No auto ISO in manual exposure mode.
- Will not print as large as FF and retain quality.
- Will not perform as well as FF at higher ISO's.
- MFT lacks dynamic range when compared to my A7.
I don't know what the numbers are but in real world use I have to be more careful not to blow the highlights with MFT.

Other than that, image quality wise for less than massive prints and less than stratospheric ISO's I think that MFT is a good system. Actually a while ago I shot the beams under Saltburn pier at ISO 25,600 and although it will never be an exhibition quality shot it's fine for screen viewing and would I'd imagine be ok to print quite large too.

A7 series thread but a GX7 ISO 25,600 shot :D...



Via Photobucket so will be less sharp here than on my screen. No heroic post capture processing.
 
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chrism_scotland said:
Well I don't think I'm fated to have an A7. .. bought one in the airport and its totally dead either the battery or charger is goosed. Will be going to a Currys store for a refund on it tomorrow. It's probably missed it's chance as I've been out tonight on Bankside in London with the D800 and 24-70 and loved it....

I would say though that of all the compact systems I had a play with in the airport the EM1 by far felt the best nice weight in the hand and if it wasn't for the m43 sensor I'd have one... thinking a change of strategy from aiming to replace my D800 to accompanying it might be an idea.
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Bummer! How much was it? I also had a look at Olympus & Fuji (I originally planned to get the Fuji) but i've had cropped sensor cameras for the last 8 years, it's about time I moved to FF!

Think i'll go for the Park offer.
 
A few queries.

1....Do many of you use Canon EF lenses on a A7R using an adaptor?

2....Does the adapter effect the effective focal length?

3..Is the autofocus with the said adapter really as bad as I have read?

4. What is Sony/Zeiss best offering for a walkabout/landscape lens?
 
Masked Bandit said:
A few queries.

1....Do many of you use Canon EF lenses on a A7R using an adaptor?

2....Does the adapter effect the effective focal length?

3..Is the autofocus with the said adapter really as bad as I have read?

4. What is Sony/Zeiss best offering for a walkabout/landscape lens?
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1) No
2) No
3) Yes
4) FE24-70 for zoom. FE28 and 35 for primes imo.
 
Surely question 1 is subjective? Anyways i got a 55mm prime zeiss. Will let you know how I get along.

There is some new primes coming out soon
 
Masked Bandit said:
3..Is the autofocus with the said adapter really as bad as I have read?
4. What is Sony/Zeiss best offering for a walkabout/landscape lens?
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3. I don't do this myself, there are vids on Youtube, for example these three came up and I'm sure there are more...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpGO6If7opA


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfu9fMoK250


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UTdyG3YLJA

4. I suppose it depends what focal length you want and if you prefer zooms or primes.

You should be able to Google your way to list of available lenses but if not maybe someone here can help you if you can point a little in the direction you want to go. ie zooms or primes and the focal length/lengths. I only have two Sony AF lenses, the 28-70mm kit zoom and the 55mm f1.8. I haven't used the kit lens but IMVHO it's very acceptable and the 55mm f1.8 seems to me to be very good indeed. I also have about (I think) 19 manual lenses that'll fit via the appropriate adapter.
 
Masked Bandit said:
That's certainly shot the Canon Sony adapter theory out of the water.
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It looks accurate but rather slooooow. It may be ok for static subjects and landscape but may not be suitable for casual walk about shooting, but manual focus isn't lightening fast either :D

You could always sell off all your Canon kit. That's what I did and I haven't regretted it :D
 
An interesting little write up on the 24-240mm...

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2015/03/23/sony-fe-24-240mm-f3-5-6-3-lens-first-look-by-brad-husick/

Years ago I had a Sigma 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 and used it on my 300D, 10D and 20D. It's fair to say that it wasn't a great lens but when used to its strengths I think it made a good day out and holiday lens and to be honest when I sold it I instantly regretted it. I took some of my favourite pictures with that lens.

Anyway, at the moment I can't see myself buying a 24-240mm but I'm pretty sure that it'll be a much better lens than my old Sigma was and I'm sure it'll find its fans :D
 
woof woof said:
It looks accurate but rather slooooow. It may be ok for static subjects and landscape but may not be suitable for casual walk about shooting, but manual focus isn't lightening fast either :D

You could always sell off all your Canon kit. That's what I did and I haven't regretted it :D
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I have 3L lenses and a Zeiss 21mm...I'd lose a fortune getting rid of them all.
 
Masked Bandit said:
I have 3L lenses and a Zeiss 21mm...I'd lose a fortune getting rid of them all.
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Don't Canon L's hold their value quite well? Is the Zeiss a manual lens?

When I sold up I actually sold a couple of lenses for more than I paid for them. Maybe I was just lucky and bought when prices were low and sold when they were high but if you haven't done so already it's certainly worth checking what lenses are going for. I checked a well knows used sellers website and undercut them and sold everything easily and quickly.

Anyway, it's only money :D
 
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ohms12 said:
Bummer! How much was it? I also had a look at Olympus & Fuji (I originally planned to get the Fuji) but i've had cropped sensor cameras for the last 8 years, it's about time I moved to FF!

Think i'll go for the Park offer.
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Well I got a refund on the broken A7 but I won't be rushing to give Dixons/Currys any money again... based on advice from the Dixons Travel store I bought the camera from I was advised I could take it back to any Currys/PC World in the UK for an exchange or refund on the broken A7.... so I was working in Threadneedle Street on Monday, I nipped along the road to the Currys and explained that the camera was faulty on opening the box and that the Travel store had said I could bring it in..... he firstly said they didn't stock it so he couldn't exchange it so I asked for a refund as they specifically state that if its faulty within 21 days of purchase I can have either..... he refused to refund the money based saying he can't refund it as the box has been opened..... how the hell was I meant to know it was faulty before the seal was broken on the box????? It was clear that he just didn't want to refund it..... just about lost it with him (probably a symptom of no sleep and his idiot icy)

Ended up taking it back to Terminal 5 on my way home where they did refund it and to be fair to them apologised profusely for their High Street colleague's behaviour but not sure I'd buy from them again if they're going to be that difficult on something thats clearly dud!
 
I think you should take the matter further. Dixons/Currys are rubbish for customer service.
 
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