Sony A7R IV A7RIV oddness...

[Uncle Kevriano]

Just recently I've noticed a couple of oddities or misbehaviours on my now 36 month old A7RIV, in as much as it no longer goes into sleep mode after it's set time of one minute, it just stays on, eating the battery, and for certain the AF system is really playing up, hunting an awful lot more than it ever has, and I have changed nothing at all (save for not have my hot shoe cover on as I am swapping between using a flash and not quite a bit) Now I have considered doing a full reset to see if it helps, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has had similar issues in the past.
It's getting so bad I am seriously thinking of jumping ship to the Olympus OM-1, because the images I'm seeing are mega impressive.

 

[spudhead]

Just recently I've noticed a couple of oddities or misbehaviours on my now 36 month old A7RIV, in as much as it no longer goes into sleep mode after it's set time of one minute, it just stays on, eating the battery, and for certain the AF system is really playing up, hunting an awful lot more than it ever has, and I have changed nothing at all (save for not have my hot shoe cover on as I am swapping between using a flash and not quite a bit) Now I have considered doing a full reset to see if it helps, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has had similar issues in the past.
It's getting so bad I am seriously thinking of jumping ship to the Olympus OM-1, because the images I'm seeing are mega impressive.

Sorry to hear you have issues Kev as you know I don't have the a74r, but I guess the reset is the starting point and hopefully that will cure it. the Olympus om-1 is a great camera and system for sure

 

[Unframed Dave]

My mate in oz, has just got his hands on the om1 having used micro for a few years.

Based on his comments so far, I wouldn't be making the leap kev.

 

[Unframed Dave]

Yep, I've heard plenty. But he's the first real life amateur photographer I know of that has one. I've seen plenty of his photos but he's yet to send me one out of the new camera.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Having come from M-4/3 myself and Panasonic's top of the line G9 stills camera, I still frequent the forum, although not posting. If I were going to leave FF the OM-1 would absolutely be my choice. While it's true there are some who complain about this or that, in capable hands the camera can do amazing things with its 20MP 4/3 sensor.

And don't forget the feature sets in M-4/3 like handheld night shot, in camera focus stacking, superb IS that surpasses every other company (I think the OM-1 is rated at 7 or 7-1/2 stops) and a HUGE selection of lenses.

I have honestly seen some fantastic stuff, a friend who is a long time Olympus user 9moved from Canon) has some truly remarkable shots. I love the colours they produce too. I could swap, buy some lenses and it would cost less than buying an A1, the only other option for me I think.

 

[Unframed Dave]

I have honestly seen some fantastic stuff, a friend who is a long time Olympus user 9moved from Canon) has some truly remarkable shots. I love the colours they produce too. I could swap, buy some lenses and it would cost less than buying an A1, the only other option for me I think.

You don't need the A1 kev. I've seen your photos.

 

[Tim Mayo]

Just recently I've noticed a couple of oddities or misbehaviours on my now 36 month old A7RIV, in as much as it no longer goes into sleep mode after it's set time of one minute, it just stays on, eating the battery, and for certain the AF system is really playing up, hunting an awful lot more than it ever has, and I have changed nothing at all (save for not have my hot shoe cover on as I am swapping between using a flash and not quite a bit) Now I have considered doing a full reset to see if it helps, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has had similar issues in the past.
It's getting so bad I am seriously thinking of jumping ship to the Olympus OM-1, because the images I'm seeing are mega impressive.

Do you have the remote enabled Kev as that will disable sleep mode. Strange that it's now hunting more, did you update the firmware recently? A reset might be worth a try. The OM-1 does look quite interesting! Might be worth a hire first to see how you like it.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Do you have the remote enabled Kev as that will disable sleep mode. Strange that it's now hunting more, did you update the firmware recently? A reset might be worth a try. The OM-1 does look quite interesting! Might be worth a hire first to see how you like it.

Hi Tim. No, no remote enabled, unless I've hit it by mistake! I never use one. No firmware updates since the last, ages ago. The hunting is doing my nut in, and I've cleaned all contacts etc. Seems weird. As far as I know Sony haven't ever updated the 200 600 firmware, and I haven't anyway, so I have no clue why it's started. Reset it is

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Yes that 6.5K lens is an amazing beast for sure, but I get the concerns you have too, and echo them. It's an extremely impressive bit of kit though, spec wise.

 

[spudhead]

I have honestly seen some fantastic stuff, a friend who is a long time Olympus user 9moved from Canon) has some truly remarkable shots. I love the colours they produce too. I could swap, buy some lenses and it would cost less than buying an A1, the only other option for me I think.

I have use of my daughters om1 which I bought with her after her being a canon user and struggling with big heavy lenses, I can tell you the camera is very capable and if you add the right glass, it's really good, she has the 12-40 2.8 pro and the 40-150 2.8 pro and a 1.4 x and you get 2x crop factor, what is not to like. We have both had shots that easily match the sony a7iii and a9 I use

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

I have use of my daughters om1 which I bought with her after her being a canon user and struggling with big heavy lenses, I can tell you the camera is very capable and if you add the right glass, it's really good, she has the 12-40 2.8 pro and the 40-150 2.8 pro and a 1.4 x and you get 2x crop factor, what is not to like. We have both had shots that easily match the sony a7iii and a9 I use

Yep, my friend has the 300 f4 Pro, and uses it with both teleconverters from time to time. Obviously that's 1200 f8 with the 2x. His images are fabulous. He also uses the 100 400, so effectively 200-800. It's a perfect reach for what we do.


@ Unframed Dave. Cheers for that :}

 

[spudhead]

Yep, my friend has the 300 f4 Pro, and uses it with both teleconverters from time to time. Obviously that's 1200 f8 with the 2x. His images are fabulous. He also uses the 100 400, so effectively 200-800. It's a perfect reach for what we do.


@ Unframed Dave. Cheers for that :}

Yep, Kev it's tempting I keep trying to get her to buy the 100-400 but no look so far, she is so happy with the system, and she has all the reach she needs but that does not help me

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Yep, Kev it's tempting I keep trying to get her to buy the 100-400 but no look so far, she is so happy with the system, and she has all the reach she needs but that does not help me

Terrible selfishness

 

[spudhead]

Terrible selfishness

I am ok with it

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

OM is wisely pushing the OM-1 as a sports/wildlife camera. Between the burst rates, IS, FL EQ, improved tracking and AF, and their incomparable weatherproofing, it's tough to beat as an overall outdoor system.

Yeah, I'm quite sure Sony will have looked at some of the tech and had a bit of a sweat.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Update on the not switching off. Tim was right, for some reason IR Remote was on, now I've turned it off it's doing what it should, so cheers for that. Now to sort the hunting...

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

I was surprised at the lack of special features when I came to Sony, but I don't know that it's not normal for Canikon to do the same, it's a different culture. I think M-4/3 has focused on cool features as a way to better compete with other sensor sizes.

One of my favorite 'cheat' settings on the Panasonics was Handheld Night Shot. It would take a bunch of photos in quick succession and stack them in camera for the correct lighting. It worked on everything from city streets to Orion. I say 'cheat' because it was jpeg only in automatic mode, you had no settings choices. Still, it turned out pretty good photos considering all you had to do was point and shoot.

They certainly have some clever tricks, like the pre-focussing. The burst rate is frankly overkill, it's basically taking a still from every frame of a slow mo video, which is clever, no question, but I'd never use it. I doubt I'd use 20 or 30 either, but I would like some snappier AF, and I am beginning to question the accuracy of the A7RIV when I look at some shots from other systems. Don't get me wrong, I am happy with what I achieve with it, but it's not without increasing frustration.

 

[davepnc]

Just recently I've noticed a couple of oddities or misbehaviours on my now 36 month old A7RIV, in as much as it no longer goes into sleep mode after it's set time of one minute, it just stays on, eating the battery, and for certain the AF system is really playing up, hunting an awful lot more than it ever has, and I have changed nothing at all (save for not have my hot shoe cover on as I am swapping between using a flash and not quite a bit) Now I have considered doing a full reset to see if it helps, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has had similar issues in the past.
It's getting so bad I am seriously thinking of jumping ship to the Olympus OM-1, because the images I'm seeing are mega impressive.

In the past when that happened to me I found that I had left the Sony RMT-P1BT Wireless Remote Commander connected, which prevents it from sleeping. The other option to try is to BACK UP your settings and then do a factory reset. If that's not it, I got nothing!

 

[spudhead]

They certainly have some clever tricks, like the pre-focussing. The burst rate is frankly overkill, it's basically taking a still from every frame of a slow mo video, which is clever, no question, but I'd never use it. I doubt I'd use 20 or 30 either, but I would like some snappier AF, and I am beginning to question the accuracy of the A7RIV when I look at some shots from other systems. Don't get me wrong, I am happy with what I achieve with it, but it's not without increasing frustration.

Kev are you aware you can test drive the Olympus cameras and lenes, just visit the Uk site and the info is there, it's a full 24-hour loan cost free through the Uk retailers, I think it's called test and wow

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

Kev are you aware you can test drive the Olympus cameras and lenes, just visit the Uk site and the info is there, it's a full 24-hour loan cost free through the Uk retailers, I think it's called test and wow

Nope. I will have to try!

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

In the past when that happened to me I found that I had left the Sony RMT-P1BT Wireless Remote Commander connected, which prevents it from sleeping. The other option to try is to BACK UP your settings and then do a factory reset. If that's not it, I got nothing!

Yep it was IR on causing it.

 

[Unframed Dave]

I've no dog in the fight, but here's my mates latest with the OM1. Check out his comments.

Instagram

www.instagram.com

 

[Unframed Dave]

Totally agree, I'm just highlighting that just because the OM ambassadors say it, doesn't necessarily mean it will work wonders for you or solve your issues. This guy in particular was unhappy with the sharpness of his bifs, and still is.

There are no bad cameras at this price point and another maybe unpopular opinion on the way, but really, have we reached a point where, is there any gain to an amateur? There's plenty to be gained by the manufacturers.

I'd argue not, but then I'm not a technical photographer. I like to think I've an eye for a snap and I get some good results when it comes together. I don't really want to regard myself as a master of the menu system or a software program. I respect others right to oppose my views, but horses for courses and all that.

I know the names of a dozen or more brilliant photographers from the days before digital, but I don't think I know anyone held in such high esteem now.

They didn't have in camera focus stacking, image stabilisation or topaz. They had 3 days of stubble, a permanent hangover and a battered Billingham with a few kilos of zeiss glass in it. God I love the past. Other deities are available.

 

[spudhead]

Totally agree, I'm just highlighting that just because the OM ambassadors say it, doesn't necessarily mean it will work wonders for you or solve your issues. This guy in particular was unhappy with the sharpness of his bifs, and still is.

There are no bad cameras at this price point and another maybe unpopular opinion on the way, but really, have we reached a point where, is there any gain to an amateur? There's plenty to be gained by the manufacturers.

I'd argue not, but then I'm not a technical photographer. I like to think I've an eye for a snap and I get some good results when it comes together. I don't really want to regard myself as a master of the menu system or a software program. I respect others right to oppose my views, but horses for courses and all that.

I know the names of a dozen or more brilliant photographers from the days before digital, but I don't think I know anyone held in such high esteem now.

They didn't have in camera focus stacking, image stabilisation or topaz. They had 3 days of stubble, a permanent hangover and a battered Billingham with a few kilos of zeiss glass in it. God I love the past. Other deities are available.

It's true Dave in the old days the skills and technique counted for more, and we all have every edge that tech and editing provides regardless of brand.

 

[spudhead]

We had no choice. I couldn't afford to waste film back then, the shots had to count. The cost of buying and then developing forced skills. With digital you can shoot for free all day.

Thats so true but the fact is we have moved on and I don't want to influence Kev hence I told him he could loan the Olympus gear here in the Uk for 24 hours for free if he wants, it's a big deal changing brands, even a new lens or body is a big cost now whatever brand. I still stand by my respect for Olympus gear and the thing is its just learning it, and it is a little different, we see it all the time on here people knocking the gear they have without working through the issues.

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

I've no dog in the fight, but here's my mates latest with the OM1. Check out his comments.

Instagram

www.instagram.com

Interesting. A shame he doesn't expand on that comment, Obviously there are many variables too, the skill of the photographer being one, and I never go by what Ambassadors say, they are, after all, there to promote the companies cameras regardless. I'm quite sure that every camera has it's foibles, and it's just how you deal with them that matters. Chances are I'll not change anyway, not brand at least, and I'll just wait and see what the next development Sony come up with is. There's no question they must be feeling pressure from the new Canon range, especially the ones at the lower end of the range, because the spec is very high for such a relatively inexpensive camera.

 

[Paul stuart]

Update on the not switching off. Tim was right, for some reason IR Remote was on, now I've turned it off it's doing what it should, so cheers for that. Now to sort the hunting...

you would love the olympus kev there is very little that competes with in terms of light weight package had the om-1 come earlier i would not of swapped out ,only problem is the sensor performance has not seen a improvement in 10 years since the om1.2 ,but it sure has a good lens in the 150-400mm with built in t/c nothing really compares ,sure a sony 600mm f4 is going to look better but it is a prime and some times a zoom is what is needed ,its a tough call watch mike lanes videos he goes back to olympus from the sony a1 200-600mm so guess there is some proof ,at least for wildlife if you shooting other stuff though forget it sony fullframe all the way portrait ,motor sport ,events astro ,what sony is missing is the pre capture that would benefit a lot ,but hang on a r5 around the corner with a 100mp makes the m43 crop gain obsolete .imagine 30-40mp in apsc crop mode

 

[Uncle Kevriano]

you would love the olympus kev there is very little that competes with in terms of light weight package had the om-1 come earlier i would not of swapped out ,only problem is the sensor performance has not seen a improvement in 10 years since the om1.2 ,but it sure has a good lens in the 150-400mm with built in t/c nothing really compares ,sure a sony 600mm f4 is going to look better but it is a prime and some times a zoom is what is needed ,its a tough call watch mike lanes videos he goes back to olympus from the sony a1 200-600mm so guess there is some proof ,at least for wildlife if you shooting other stuff though forget it sony fullframe all the way portrait ,motor sport ,events astro ,what sony is missing is the pre capture that would benefit a lot ,but hang on a r5 around the corner with a 100mp makes the m43 crop gain obsolete .imagine 30-40mp in apsc crop mode

Yeah. I'm waiting to see what the RV brings, and at what cost, and then I'll decide.

 

[Paul stuart]

Yeah. I'm waiting to see what the RV brings, and at what cost, and then I'll decide.

Wise, i expect a price bump just because no one else will have a 100mp sensor in the 35mm sensor market ,

 

[Paul stuart]

Of course there are trade offs. DR, Focus, and MP come to mind. Of course with MP instead of digitally cropping in post, the crop is automatic due to the sensor size. Still, these things are becoming less important as computational photography keeps getting better. OM has significantly reduced noise (but only under specific circumstances) and improved their focus to the point that they're now hanging with the big boys.

Lens selection is an important element. Between OM, Panasonic, Sigma, Sam/Rok, Tamron, and all the other players it's insane. One VERY cool unintended consequence of the smaller sensor is that with an adapted FF lens, you're only using the middle of it, automatically cropping out the softer corners. And there too, I have never seen a bad M-4/3 lens. I think it's just the nature of the beast, smaller is easier.

One very intriguing lens is the 150-400/4.5 It's awfully expensive, but with the built-in 1.25TC you get a hand-holdable 1000/5.6 equivalent lens that's slightly smaller than the Sony 200-600.

I still go through lens shock from time to time after making the switch. Here's a shot showing a G9 and Pana-Leica 100-400 (200-800 EQ) and an R-IV with the 200-600:

View attachment 25666

I could handhold the Panny for days, not so much the Sony.

This comparison is my normal carry at the track, then and now. Same FL EQ, Panasonic/Leica 50-200 on the Panny and Sigma 100-400 on the Sony:

View attachment 25667

After all of that though, there's still one big (at least to me) drawback. Even though OM has released a winner in the OM-1, they are still a 'new ' company. And let's not forget that the OM-1 is really a Olympus design, well underway before the change. Can OM sustain? There's supposedly an OM-5 in the works, a smaller body camera more along the normal M-4/3 size. When I moved to Sony part of it was due to Olympus selling off to OM. I didn't want to spend $2k on a new, unproven body only to have the company change hands yet again, or worse yet go under. That would still be a concern for me if I were considering a change.

I do not think there has been any sensor improvement in the m43 sector it is still as noisy ,maybe they got the colours better above 1600 iso ,but i would still not shoot above 3200 ,where the strengths lay with m43 is computational ,faster frame rates ,better ibis and smaller lenses if not your trying get the ff dof ,and at a guess a 100mp ff sensor makes m43 sensor crop obsolete .At the end of the day all those comparisons you shown are nonsense compare the tamron 50-400 and you can use it to compete with both of those lenses one lens will cover the range of both of those ,so it will be lighter and no need to swap lenses .A definitive win for sony ff .I owned the pl 100-400mm quality problems and not very sharp at distance and required good light ,when close very sharp,also extremely light on the olympus it will not give you all the features of the om-1 you need olympus pro lenses for focus stacking some pro capture features and combined ois and ibis and if m43 tries to match ff light gathering and dof another win for ff .my compare shows if m43 does not try to match ff it becomes lighter and smaller but not by much ,also the 25mm pro f1.2 really only has the dof of a 50mm f2.4 it needs f0.95 to match ff f1.8