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

[robj20]

Are you guys being newbs and only running one catalogue

Newbs? A single catalogue is preferable for me. I see no negatives only positives to a single catalogue.

 

[nandbytes]

I suppose what I should be asking is how fast read do I need? I probably wouldn't burst shoot for more than 2 seconds, but then some of the video options are 100Mb/s.

EDIT: bits not bytes

Read is more or less only a concern while transferring photos off your card or while importing. Write is more of a concern for fast shooting or even high Res high frame rate video because faster the cards quicker the buffer clears or camera can write to you card(s).
Since your camera has one UHS-I slot that's the main bottleneck. The above UHS-I I linked is the fastest one I know off. So if you are shooting to both slots I suggest picking up one of those to match with your manfrotto

 

[snerkler]

I don't think it's just lack of motivation, I think it's just that there's no ideal solution. s*** fails, there are no guarantees... Even if you think you've backed it up. 90% of my shots edits over years are gone, sure I'll revisit and edit them to a higher standard but it will always bug me. I'm strict on keepers so it's not like 50% of them were crap.

I guess one other way would be to export all adjusted files as TIFFs so it's as close as you're going to get to RAW with adjustments, but think of the storage you'd need
I suppose what I should be asking is how fast read do I need? I probably wouldn't burst shoot for more than 2 seconds, but then some of the video options are 100Mb/s.

EDIT: bits not bytes

As mentioned, read speed is essentially just how quickly your files will transfer to the computer. If using an SD card reader (as I do) as opposed to cable from the camera just make sure it's a UHS-II card reader otherwise you'll only get UHS-I read speeds.

Are you guys being newbs and only running one catalogue

I did up until recently, but I've started using a new catalogue for each import just to see if it helps with the speed LR runs as I thought it was slow due to the amount of photos I had in the catalogue. Doesn't appear to have made one bit of difference

Newbs? A single catalogue is preferable for me. I see no negatives only positives to a single catalogue.

The negative is like in Twist's scenario, if the catalogue corrupts you've lost everything. By using different catalogues if one corrupts at least you've only lost the files in that catalogue.

 

[nandbytes]

The negative is like in Twist's scenario, if the catalogue corrupts you've lost everything. By using different catalogues if one corrupts at least you've only lost the files in that catalogue.

Maintaining multiple catalogues is a pain.
Easier to maintain multiple levels of backups.
Keep weekly backups for a month. Keep monthly backups for a year. Sorted.
So at any given point I have back ups for the last 4-5 weeks and 12 backups going back to a year.

 

[robj20]

As mentioned, read speed is essentially just how quickly your files will transfer to the computer. If using an SD card reader (as I do) as opposed to cable from the camera just make sure it's a UHS-II card reader otherwise you'll only get UHS-I read speeds.
I did up until recently, but I've started using a new catalogue for each import just to see if it helps with the speed LR runs as I thought it was slow due to the amount of photos I had in the catalogue. Doesn't appear to have made one bit of difference
The negative is like in Twist's scenario, if the catalogue corrupts you've lost everything. By using different catalogues if one corrupts at least you've only lost the files in that catalogue.

That's what backups are for. Multiple catalogues stop you searching your entire lot of photos.
I have two separate backups a weekly one and a monthly one. I don't see how is lose all three of them without being very careless.

 

[snerkler]

Maintaining multiple catalogues is a pain.
Easier to maintain multiple levels of backups.
Keep weekly backups for a month. Keep monthly backups for a year. Sorted.
So at any given point I have back ups for the last 4-5 weeks and 12 backups going back to a year.

I'm not sure why maintaining multiple catalogues is a pain? I just open LR with a new catalogue, it saves to the default location I've set and that's it. I have 2x time machine backups that I run regularly and job done, it's no different to running one catalogue imo

 

[nandbytes]

I'm not sure why maintaining multiple catalogues is a pain? I just open LR with a new catalogue, it saves to the default location I've set and that's it. I have 2x time machine backups that I run regularly and job done, it's no different to running one catalogue imo

Because then I need to somehow remember what images were imported into what catalogue or go through a bunch trying to find something.
If I had a clear cut way of doing it for example business vs. personal I'd do it.

 

[snerkler]

Because then I need to somehow remember what images were imported into what catalogue or go through a bunch trying to find something.
If I had a clear cut way of doing it for example business vs. personal I'd do it.

I just name my catalogues and then I know what’s in which, no different to naming a folder within a catalogue

 

[f/1.2]

I did up until recently, but I've started using a new catalogue for each import just to see if it helps with the speed LR runs as I thought it was slow due to the amount of photos I had in the catalogue. Doesn't appear to have made one bit of difference
The negative is like in Twist's scenario, if the catalogue corrupts you've lost everything. By using different catalogues if one corrupts at least you've only lost the files in that catalogue.

This is the reason why you should always use a new catalogue for each project.

I set up a new catalogue for every wedding, every portrait session, every commercial shoot. I also set up a new catalogue each year for the kids, dogs, days out, trips away(can't see that won't getting filled too much this year) etc. That way it is easy to find stuff.

 

[mike_6480]

Looks like its on offer again then. pretty sure I paid £95 each direct from Manfrotto too.
Edit:
yep its on offer! great price for something that nearly the same speed as Sandisk for less than half price and also tough.
they are real tight fit in A7RIV though.

Can also use the code MANFROTTO10 to get a further 10% off the sales price, making them even cheaper.

 

[snerkler]

Can also use the code MANFROTTO10 to get a further 10% off the sales price, making them even cheaper.

Thanks for this, 2 x 128GB 280/260mb/s cards for £180 is still expensive but much cheaper than any other alternative with similar speeds

 

[SFTPhotography]

I want a new 70-200 (that doesn't exist) now Fro Knows!

Hopefully there's some people out there looking to buy Hasselblad right now I'm making a Sony shopping list

70-200 2.8 GM

That can't be bad

 

[nandbytes]

Thanks for this, 2 x 128GB 280/260mb/s cards for £180 is still expensive but much cheaper than any other alternative with similar speeds

Am thinking of picking up 2x 64GB for £90
I really shouldn't though!

 

[snerkler]

Am thinking of picking up 2x 64GB for £90
I really shouldn't though!

I couldn’t resist at that price

I’ve got far more cards than I need now though

 

[nandbytes]

I couldn’t resist at that price

I’ve got far more cards than I need now though

Once you use the tough cards you won't be going back to normal one.

My main concern at this point is most brands are moving towards CF express cards for higher end bodies. Though Sony still has good backwards compatibility at the moment.

 

[rob-nikon]

choosing memory cards for cameras is a minefield. it’s not just the memory card write speed that can be the bottleneck but the camera too. If you put the fastest 300MB/s write card in an A9 you are only going to get around 150MB/s. I’m not sure on the other cards as many haven’t been tested on the website I used to use. The A7Rii tops out at around 30MB/s even with the fastest UHS-I 95MB/s card.

 

[nandbytes]

choosing memory cards for cameras is a minefield. it’s not just the memory card write speed that can be the bottleneck but the camera too. If you put the fastest 300MB/s write card in an A9 you are only going to get around 150MB/s. I’m not sure on the other cards as many haven’t been tested on the website I used to use. The A7Rii tops out at around 30MB/s even with the fastest UHS-I 95MB/s card.

Yeah A7Rii was horrendous.
I wonder what the ratings are for A7RIV... What website do you use?

 

[robj20]

This is the reason why you should always use a new catalogue for each project.

I set up a new catalogue for every wedding, every portrait session, every commercial shoot. I also set up a new catalogue each year for the kids, dogs, days out, trips away(can't see that won't getting filled too much this year) etc. That way it is easy to find stuff.

Doesn't work for everyone. For instance you say easy to find stuff but it wouldn't be, how do you find all images that contain a certain person if they're across multiple catalogues?

For professional use I can certainly see a use, but then even I wouldn't have multiple of use folders within the catalogue to separate projects.

If something goes wrong and you can't recover without massive loss then it's your backup routine that's lacking same as any data and backup I guess.

 

[rob-nikon]

Yeah A7Rii was horrendous.
I wonder what the ratings are for A7RIV... What website do you use?

Camera Memory Speed Comparison & Performance tests for SD and CF cards

Perfomance testing SD and CF Memory Cards for Digital Cameras.

www.cameramemoryspeed.com

it used to be good for Nikon cameras but not many Sony cameras on there. It doesn’t look like it’s been updated in a while.

 

[nandbytes]

Camera Memory Speed Comparison & Performance tests for SD and CF cards

Perfomance testing SD and CF Memory Cards for Digital Cameras.

www.cameramemoryspeed.com

it used to be good for Nikon cameras but not many Sony cameras on there. It doesn’t look like it’s been updated in a while.

I just googled it which turned up this webpage

Best Memory Cards Sony A7rIV - Real Benchmarks | Alik Griffin

A complete list of memory card speeds and their in-camera performance (coming soon) as well as some great recommendations and a video record time chart. Use this guide to find the best memory cards…

alikgriffin.com

Apparently you can get 180-200MB/s which isn't too bad if it can maintain that over both card slots

 

[mike_6480]

Am thinking of picking up 2x 64GB for £90
I really shouldn't though!

That's what's I've done! Do seem to have to pay postage though. In effect the discount offsets the postage cost (and a little bit more)

I think postage is free if you get 2 X 128gb cards.

 

[nandbytes]

That's what's I've done! Do seem to have to pay postage though. In effect the discount offsets the postage cost (and a little bit more)

I think postage is free if you get 2 X 128gb cards.

Postage was free when I bought them but I only bought 128GB ones.

 

[robj20]

I just googled it which turned up this webpage

Best Memory Cards Sony A7rIV - Real Benchmarks | Alik Griffin

A complete list of memory card speeds and their in-camera performance (coming soon) as well as some great recommendations and a video record time chart. Use this guide to find the best memory cards…

alikgriffin.com

Apparently you can get 180-200MB/s which isn't too bad if it can maintain that over both card slots

Handy website looks like the A7C caps out at about 180MBps.

 

[gman]

Can also use the code MANFROTTO10 to get a further 10% off the sales price, making them even cheaper.

I had tried using a code but it said you can't use discounts on a promotion item?

 

[snerkler]

I just googled it which turned up this webpage

Best Memory Cards Sony A7rIV - Real Benchmarks | Alik Griffin

A complete list of memory card speeds and their in-camera performance (coming soon) as well as some great recommendations and a video record time chart. Use this guide to find the best memory cards…

alikgriffin.com

Apparently you can get 180-200MB/s which isn't too bad if it can maintain that over both card slots

That’s why I don’t understand why cameras have different card slots, such as the A9 having UHS-II and UHS-I, if you’re a dual card shooter like me you’re only going to get the lower speed.

I had tried using a code but it said you can't use discounts on a promotion item?

Worked for me On the 128GB cards.

 

[Raymond Lin]

That’s why I don’t understand why cameras have different card slots, such as the A9 having UHS-II and UHS-I, if you’re a dual card shooter like me you’re only going to get the lower speed.
Worked for me On the 128GB cards.

LOL, do you remember when I started a thread about 5DIV having UHS-I and not UHS-II and a LOT of people here were against the idea having 2 fast card slots?

 

[nandbytes]

That’s why I don’t understand why cameras have different card slots, such as the A9 having UHS-II and UHS-I, if you’re a dual card shooter like me you’re only going to get the lower speed.

LOL, do you remember when I started a thread about 5DIV having UHS-I and not UHS-II and a LOT of people here were against the idea having 2 fast card slots?

Couldn't agree more. now its kinda worst IMO with 1x CFExpress type B card and 1x UHS-II card slot. You have to spend a fortune on the CFe card to shoot at USH-II speeds! what's the point?

Even Sony's CFe type A cards aren't as popular at least there's two slots!

 

[woof woof]

It's another awful day here, chilly, raining, no sky at all and just... drab. No chance of venturing out with a camera.

Anyone doing any better? Any snaps to share?

PS.
I enjoyed a short film on David Thorpe's site. I posted about it here...

David Thorpe on 8k and Seeing Beethoven.

The read was thought provoking as usual and the short film was a bonus... Enjoy... http://m43blog.dthorpe.net/2021/01/30/you-want-8k-already/

www.talkphotography.co.uk

Direct link to the film on Youtube...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLSnRyK0qq0&feature=emb_logo

 

[SFTPhotography]

It's another awful day here, chilly, raining, no sky at all and just... drab. No chance of venturing out with a camera.

Planning locations in the French Alps and Bavarian Alps to take my "Sony Sensor" Pentax 645z to get landscapes.

Dull days are great for editing and location planning. I've got the Watzmann peak and Lac D'Allos to my list.

 

[gman]

That’s why I don’t understand why cameras have different card slots, such as the A9 having UHS-II and UHS-I, if you’re a dual card shooter like me you’re only going to get the lower speed.

Worked for me On the 128GB cards.

That's odd re. code, oh well not to worry.

So with the A9, if I use the UHS-I slot along with the UHS-II slot, will the UHS-II one be restricted to the other slot's max speed?

I was thinking about using the UHS-II for photos and sending video to the UHS-I if that's possible, will that allow the UHS-II to retain full speed?

 

[snerkler]

That's odd re. code, oh well not to worry.

So with the A9, if I use the UHS-I slot along with the UHS-II slot, will the UHS-II one be restricted to the other slot's max speed?

I was thinking about using the UHS-II for photos and sending video to the UHS-I if that's possible, will that allow the UHS-II to retain full speed?

I'm not sure if that's possible as I don't shoot video. You can designate the second slot to have different photo formats (eg jpeg) but not sure about video, I would imagine not though as you're obviously shooting at different times and will use the primary slot for each.

When I had my Nikon D850 which had one XQD (fast) and one SD (slow) slot I shot raw to slot one and jpeg to slot 2, that way I at least had a jpeg backup if the primary card failed and write speed was as fast as it could be. Not ideal as I'd rather have raw backup as well, but better than nothing.

 

[snerkler]

LOL, do you remember when I started a thread about 5DIV having UHS-I and not UHS-II and a LOT of people here were against the idea having 2 fast card slots?

No as I don't go on the Canon thread but I can't see why anyone would be against it

 

[nandbytes]

No as I don't go on the Canon thread but I can't see why anyone would be against it

Serious fans will almost defend anything.

 

[LeeRatters]

It's another awful day here, chilly, raining, no sky at all and just... drab. No chance of venturing out with a camera.

Anyone doing any better? Any snaps to share?

PS.
I enjoyed a short film on David Thorpe's site. I posted about it here...

David Thorpe on 8k and Seeing Beethoven.

The read was thought provoking as usual and the short film was a bonus... Enjoy... http://m43blog.dthorpe.net/2021/01/30/you-want-8k-already/

www.talkphotography.co.uk

Direct link to the film on Youtube...

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLSnRyK0qq0&feature=emb_logo

Popped out for sunrise and a few hours afterwards. No fog though as predicted I'm not keen on woodlands in the sunshine!

 

[f/1.2]

Doesn't work for everyone. For instance you say easy to find stuff but it wouldn't be, how do you find all images that contain a certain person if they're across multiple catalogues?

It is easy.

For example if I want a photo of one of my kids from last year I just open Kids 2020 catalogue.

Not sure it could be much easier to be honest.

Can’t think of any reason why I would ever need to have every single photo taken of a single person in front of me. Unless I am stalking them off course

 

[robj20]

It is easy.

For example if I want a photo of one of my kids from last year I just open Kids 2020 catalogue.

Not sure it could be much easier to be honest.

Can’t think of any reason why I would ever need to have every single photo taken of a single person in front of me. Unless I am stalking them off course

I get you don't see a need. But I often search my whole catalogue.
Most used focal length.
All photos from a certain camera or lens.
Although you think it's funny I often want a photo of my son for instance so I search for his name and I can view all of them. If I knew exactly when I took it I wouldn't be searching would I.
Anyway I have one catalogue that has everything on it from the beginning which I think it's about 2003. I tag everything in detail so I can do just about any search I want.
Never had a single issue and if I did I'd load a backup.

 

[GyRob]

Anyone know this - so the a1 does 240 AF and exposure calculations a second now if I did a burst of say 10fps at 1/2000 of a second how many calculations will it do per frame .

Rob.

Ok it looks like you can't work it out as above as its around 00.2 of 1 calculation per 1 /2000 second it's the burst time that matters so if you do a burst of say 1 half a second it would be 120 or 1 quarter 60 calculations per second etc etc .

Yes i should go out more -oh but I can't

Rob

 

[nandbytes]

Dprtv's A1 review out

DPReview TV: Sony a1 review

With Chris still in quarantine, Jordan becomes a one man camera reviewing machine. He takes us through the Sony a1 from top to bottom, then tells us what he thinks. (Spoiler: he's impressed.)

m.dpreview.com

Looks like the bird eyeAF really does suck. I am rather disappointed tbh
Thinking if I should make the move to canon or give Sony another chance.... It's not like I am going a great deal of photography yet.

I really like my 200-600mm lens though

 

[Bobsyeruncle]

Dprtv's A1 review out

DPReview TV: Sony a1 review

With Chris still in quarantine, Jordan becomes a one man camera reviewing machine. He takes us through the Sony a1 from top to bottom, then tells us what he thinks. (Spoiler: he's impressed.)

m.dpreview.com

Looks like the bird eyeAF really does suck. I am rather disappointed tbh
Thinking if I should make the move to canon or give Sony another chance.... It's not like I am going a great deal of photography yet.

I really like my 200-600mm lens though

Why is the bird eye af such a deal breaker?

 

[GyRob]

I think it's too early to say bird eyeAF doesn't work I really hope it does perhaps it just settings need Mark Galer on it , but it doesn't put me off, the A9 af is so good and this is said to be better so i don't see it as a problem .
That said they should at leased match The r5 for bird eye if the canon really does beat the a1 that won't help them sell so many .

Rob.