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alpha-Glenn

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Everything posted by alpha-Glenn

  1. Hi Bengineer, Yes, it is true that you can customize many of the buttons on Sony cameras. The full frame 35mm cameras are the largest of the bodies in our lineup and therefore have more space for more buttons. The early models of our cameras came with a button labeled AF/MF. Later models came with a button labeled AF-ON, (Some people customized the AF/MF or AF-ON Button for other functions). The AF/MF button does function essentially as either a switch that can be rotated for either autofocus or/ Manual Focus. Can be customized for either hold or toggle in the customization menu. If it’s customized for “HOLD” then it will focus if the button is held in. If it is customized to “TOGGLE” then you would press it to initiate focus and then press again to not focus. Or if the switch is set to “MANUAL FOCUS” you would press shutter release to focus but then when you press the button in on the AF/MF Switch you would be able to focus manually by rotating the focus ring on the lens. If this button is customized to toggle then you would press once to enter manual focus and press again to exit manual focus. You have an a9 (ILCE-9) so you don’t need to worry about this. The AF-ON button is simply a press to initiate focus. If you wanted to go into manual focus many of the lenses (But not all) have a switch that allows either AF (Auto focus) or MF (Manual Focus). Also, the lower part of the dial to the left of finder (Focus Mode) can be set to either AF-S, AF-C, DMF or MF (Manual Focus). For anyone else reading about this and you want to research and learn more about your camera or customizing please read my post “Where do I find more information on my camera" By the way: If you are wondering why I keep referring to our cameras models as ILCE- model number. That’s the internal Sony model name of your camera. ILCE stands for “Inter-changeable Lens Camera E-Mount”. If you have a lens from Sony that typically, (but not always) starts with SEL2470GM2 that “SEL” stands for “Sony E-Mount Lens”. In the deeper menu system Sony does not label as “Custom Button”. The call it “Custom Key”. Newer models of cameras do have a dedicated AF-ON Button, used for back button focus, (ILCE-7C, ILCE-7M3, ILCE-7M4, ILCE-7RM3, ILCE-7RM4, ILCE-7SM3, ILCE-9, ILCE-9M2, ILCE-1). Of course, the APS-C sensor cameras from Sony like the a6000 series of cameras also offers the ability to customize buttons as well. But since the bodies are smaller you have less buttons to customize. The newer cameras mentioned above that already have the AF-ON Button do not have to customize anything. Some of the buttons on the camera already come pre-customized from the factory. Some of the pre-customized buttons are labeled, some are not labeled. The AF-ON button is labeled and is pre-customized to perform autofocus. You press the button and hold in while focusing. Depending on your focus mode, (on the ILCE-9 camera it is the lower of two stacked dials to the left of the viewfinder, Standing from behind the camera), either AF-S (Single Shot AF) or AF-C (Continuous AF). This AF-ON Button will behave differently. With AF-S you place your focus point on the stationary, non-moving subject. Press your AF-On button in and the camera will calculate the focus distance from the image sensor to the placement of focus are on the subject, (Focus area is the C2 button preconfigured from the factory. Focus area can also be found on the function menu by pressing the FN button to right side of LCD). Focus Area can also be found in the deeper menu as well. Anyway… using AF-S calculates the focus distance but should you the photographer or the subject step forward or back, (thus changing your distance to the camera) you would need to take your finger off the AF-ON button, repress so the camera can re-calculate the distance from image sensor to subject again. While if you change the focus mode from AF-S to AF-C the a9 will continuously calculate focus 60 times per second. So, if your subject or you move even just the slightest amount the camera will adjust. Now, why would you want to use back button autofocus? Well, when you press the focus button the camera takes a tiny fraction of a second to calculate the distance. So, if you are using the shutter release half press you are calculating the distance and a full press fires the shutter. By using the AF-ON button the camera has pre-performed the calculation already and has focus on the subject already. So, when you press the shutter, you don’t have to wait for any of this to happen. The focus work is already completed. It just speeds things up fractionally. One important thing to note is not only does the AF-ON button come pre-configured and customized to perform Autofocus but the shutter release button is also configured to perform autofocus with a half press as well. For those folks that are going to use AF-ON exclusively you might consider turning off the focus option on the shutter release. On the alpha-9 (ILCE-9) you would press the menu button to left of viewfinder, go to tab 1, (Maroon color with a white camera and a number 1), Go to Page 6 5th line down “AF w/shutter” and turn off. This will disable the focus feature from the shutter release. You would then only be able to focus using the AF-AN Button. Of course, first decide if this is how you prefer to do your focusing. If you have other buttons you would like to customize on the alpha 9 (ILCE-9) you can do so by pressing menu, go to Tab camera 2 (purple), go to page 9 and see “Custom Key”. Yes, there are three custom Key lines. The one with the little graphic of a mountain is to customize the buttons when in still photo mode, (Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual). The Custom Key with the film strip and sprocket holes is for customizing the same buttons but with functions that are more specific to video. So, when you change your mode dial from one of the still settings to the little icon with the same graphic icon, (film strip with sprocket holes) you are now in the video mode and when you press the same buttons, they can have a customization different than what you had for stills. So for instance in video, you might want a feature liking Picture Profile, Audio or Zebra Striping). You can have quick access to those by simply customizing these buttons for video. The third line down is Play Back Custom Key and has the graphic of the universal play arrow that we are all familiar with from using CD’s, DVD’s, Cassette Tapes VCR (I’m dating myself). You can learn more about custom key here for the ILCE-9: https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/1830/v1/en/contents/TP0002389808.html?search=custom%20key Hope that answers your question on the Back Button Focus. Thank You Alpha-Glenn
  2. Hey everyone, Welcome to the alpha Universe Forum where we will share ideas, push the boundaries of your creativity and technical understanding of Sony alpha camera, lenses, and accessories. Some people are very technical and use their knowledge to expand the creative style of their images. Some folks know relatively little about their cameras and yet capture Pulitzer Prize winning images. No worries, there is room for all of us on the forum. If you have technical questions, please let us know. If you just want to talk about creative ideas, techniques that’s great as well. I remember sitting in my photo history class back in college, learning about the first attempts at photography, Daguerreotype, William Brady Wet-Plate Collodion process yielded 7,000 photographs of the Civil War period. Imagine not only having to carry glass plates but having to coat the emulsion onto the wet plate in the field, exposing, developing, and then carrying all the gear back without breaking the plates in the process. In 2022 we don’t have to deal with any obstacles like that thank goodness. We are living in a golden age of technology that opens a tremendous trove of options. Creativity at our very fingertips! Looking forward to sharing ideas and helping on your journey. Welcome to the alpha forum! Alpha-Glenn
  3. Hi alpha-morgan, So glad you are going on your first Astro photography shoot, really exciting. There is nothing like going out and trying something new to get your imagination fired up. Shooting Astro is truly an inspiring experience. Glad you are asking about gear and tips. Aside from the photography tips, check on the weather as well so you can pack the right clothing, insect repellent, hydration etc. In terms of gear and tips I would suggest checking out alpha universe web page as it has some great tips on shooting astro. I did a quick look see and found two very interesting articles. Recommend you peruse and note details. There are so many settings to change its probably best I not write them all here, (will post the links below). You can print or bookmark the pages. Of course don't wait to read the articles until you are on site as you may not have cell service at your shoot location. Also note that it is good to have a light of some sort on location so you can see your surroundings, gear. However, don't use a regular flashlight as it will cause light pollution that may affect your shot or others shooting nearby. You will need a red colored light in order to minimize the issue. Also note the article by Andrew Eggers "Camera Setup For Astro Photography" https://alphauniverse.com/stories/camera-setup-for-astrophotography/ The article shows some screen grabs from the menu of his Sony camera. This menu may or may not match the model camera you are using. For instance we have a new improved menu style and layout on our newer cameras such as the alpha 7SM3, alpha 7M4 and alpha 1 cameras. Not to worry, I am sure you can still find the same items in your menu, but located perhaps on a different tab and page. You could always get a little assistance by looking up the "Help Guide for your camera model by opening your browser and typing in Sony Support model of camera, (example Sony Support ILCE-7M4). The 2nd article is by Stan Moniz "Photo Fundamentals: How To Get Sharp Stars With The 500 Rule For Astrophotography" https://alphauniverse.com/stories/photo-fundamentals-how-to-get-sharp-stars-with-the-500-rule-for-astrophotography/ This article shows a simple formula for calculating the length of your exposure to insure a sharp star is reproduced, not blurred. Note however the formula is based on a 35mm cameras. Not sure which camera you are using. If it is a crop sensor camera like the a6400 or a6600 there are notes for adjusting the formula and calculations.
  4. Have questions about operating your Sony Camera, Flash? You can find an incredibly valuable resource using the online “Help Guide”. How do find the online “Help Guide”? Open your web browser on your phone, tablet, or computer.Type “Sony Support + model number of your Sony product: example for a camera would be, ILCE-7M4 (alpha 7M4) or lens SEL2470GM2. Where is the model number listed? You can find it on the box or if you have the camera in your hand, you can also look at the bottom of the camera, tiny label that has the serial number etc. You can see the model number of the lens located at the bottom of the lens.Once you input “Sony Support Model number of product”, You will be on the Sony support page for that product. In addition to the Help Guide the support page also has Firmware Updates, Software etc.Here is the web link for the online Support Page for the ILCE-7M4: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-7-series/ilce-7m4Here is the web link for the online Help Guide for the ILCE-7M4: https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/2110/v1/en/index.html You can also access operating instructions for your lenses, but it is not an online help guide. It is a PDF operating instructions. For example: https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/5032/f19e117c843f4943ea63a08fd3b3eb4e/50328820M.pdf
  5. I really enjoy using the Sony Eye- AF feature. Allows me to concentrate on the composition. No need to worry if the eyes in your portrait photography will be sharp. You can achieve pictures of people with razor sharp eyes. That's what I love about Sony products, the technology is advanced, but it does not get in the way of your creativity. It in fact, it inspires you and helps you be more creative. To learn more about Sony Eye AF, (People, animals, birds). Please check out this link: https://www.sony.com/et/electronics/eye-af
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