Ok so here is your chance to have a say, get it out what is Sony doing right or wrong, kit, firmware, service what ever you want

[spudhead]

Doesn't matter. I have several custom modes set up for what I need. I spin the dial to 1, 2, or 3, and I have the settings I want. The last thing I need is to have to remember to move 2 or 3 dials to get something so common as burst rate. I guess that's Sony's idea of a 'professional' set up. Idiots.

So I dont have any memory setups on the a9, so could not answer question, just looked at memory recall options and mr 1-3 I can set frame rate low-med -high on the a9

 

[MeowZzz]

I set the numbers up as P/A/L, and then promptly forget all about using them and just shoot manual

 

[MeowZzz]

Well that makes sense. I would assume then that the A1 is no different. Given that, I think I've enjoy the dials for quick changes.

Custom modes aren't necessarily about P or A or S. I am in M 99% of the time. In fact I don't think I've used anything else in well over a year. Even at the drag strip with non-stop fast action the camera is in M. The difference is that by programming all of my preferences like burst rate, metering, AF tracking, M, etc. etc. ad-nauseum into Custom Mode 1, I can set the mode dial there, have everything properly set up, and still have the ability to spin the aperture and shutter dials as needed. It really is the best of both worlds, and no need to worry about what I may have changed in the camera last time I was shooting a flower or landscape.

Yup, Portrait, Action and Landscape ---- and I still don't really bother ---- I am more likely to hold down the AF-ON and use that mode-switch for those "oh sh*t, there's a bird" moments

 

[AlphaWorld]

Well that makes sense. I would assume then that the A1 is no different. Given that, I think I've enjoy the dials for quick changes.

Custom modes aren't necessarily about P or A or S. I am in M 99% of the time. In fact I don't think I've used anything else in well over a year. Even at the drag strip with non-stop fast action the camera is in M. The difference is that by programming all of my preferences like burst rate, metering, AF tracking, M, etc. etc. ad-nauseum into Custom Mode 1, I can set the mode dial there, have everything properly set up, and still have the ability to spin the aperture and shutter dials as needed. It really is the best of both worlds, and no need to worry about what I may have changed in the camera last time I was shooting a flower or landscape.

The P A L settings are Mark Galer’s suggestions as a way to remember what 1 2 and 3 are set to. I started with those, then varied them. My 1 is set to studio shooting ( M, ISO 100, sync speed, etc) while 2 is still action ( A, auto-ISO, min shutter speed, etc). Still haven’t locked in what I want as 3, although I might play with setting it up for focus bracket (because I expect to need a bunch of unusual settings).

I agree, the big advantage with setting up the modes is to be able to clean up after setting something odd - it’s so annoying to realise you have tried to shoot using a studio strobe at 1/2000, for example.

 

[NatureBoyOhio]

I'd like to whine about all the whining, but I'm having dinner, and I don't like to whine and dine (sorry, that pun was crying out to be made).

I've seen (on another site - the people here are smarter) someone claiming that the "AI" chip is a hoax, and that the new AF could be added to any Sony camera. Apparently the information came "from an inside source" (perhaps inside a bottle?).

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Has anyone noticed that the neck strap supplied with Sony cameras is getting cheaper? I didn't bother putting the one that came with the A7RV onto my camera, but I noticed the edges felt kind of "sharp". I don't think it would be all that comfortable to use for long.

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As an anti-whine - I bought a pair of Sony headphones recently, and they really are trying to improve their packaging. No styrofoam, and no plethora of plastic bags. The A7RV was similar - cleverly folded cardboard packaging and reduced waste. I like that.

I am with you on the straps. Junk and what is with the el cheapo lens bags? For the amount of money invested I would have hoped for something other than a pull string.

 

[spudhead]

I am with you on the straps. Junk and what is with the el cheapo lens bags? For the amount of money invested I would have hoped for something other than a pull string.

Not much to complain about then?

 

[AlphaWorld]

I am with you on the straps. Junk and what is with the el cheapo lens bags? For the amount of money invested I would have hoped for something other than a pull string.

I notice that the 20-70 and 70-200 f/4 G II did not come with "pouches" - no bag at all. I think that's a good thing - I have a bunch of zipped lens cases for GM lenses, but the lenses are never in them.

 

[RogerSmith]

I would love to see a 200-400 f/4 with built in TC, like Canon's.

 

[Landshark99]

I went to Sony because of the sensor size and resolution in a mirror-less body, many of the feature others here talk about as must haves, deal breakers or needs have never meant much to me. I am pretty simple in my needs in the controls of a camera, and do use much in the way custom settings. So for me the results are what I like about Sony. My disappointments with Sony in the beginning was in the lack of lens options, like the other camera companies I had come from. I went with some Zeiss Batis lenses which were fine I guess back then. Since that time I have been very glad to see they have more than made up for that lack of lenses. Yes there are still some lenses I wish they would make like a 300mm F2,8, a 120mm F1.8 Macro, a pancake like a 28 or 35 f2.
My biggest issue with Sony was the lack of a new version of the RX1RII, my first full frame Sony camera that made me want to be in the Sony camera world. I realize that they were a lot of money on paper for what they did but I find the camera a joy to shoot with. A few years ago I thought they will never make an updated version because of the cost but then Leica has now done 3 version of theirs. Those Leica Qs are in demand, so there might still be market fora new Sony one. Instead I will probably have to buy a A7CR and a pancake lens and spend more money than a new RX1RIII would sell for.

 

[liggy]

I went to Sony because of the sensor size and resolution in a mirror-less body, many of the feature others here talk about as must haves, deal breakers or needs have never meant much to me. I am pretty simple in my needs in the controls of a camera, and do use much in the way custom settings. So for me the results are what I like about Sony. My disappointments with Sony in the beginning was in the lack of lens options, like the other camera companies I had come from. I went with some Zeiss Batis lenses which were fine I guess back then. Since that time I have been very glad to see they have more than made up for that lack of lenses. Yes there are still some lenses I wish they would make like a 300mm F2,8, a 120mm F1.8 Macro, a pancake like a 28 or 35 f2.
My biggest issue with Sony was the lack of a new version of the RX1RII, my first full frame Sony camera that made me want to be in the Sony camera world. I realize that they were a lot of money on paper for what they did but I find the camera a joy to shoot with. A few years ago I thought they will never make an updated version because of the cost but then Leica has now done 3 version of theirs. Those Leica Qs are in demand, so there might still be market fora new Sony one. Instead I will probably have to buy a A7CR and a pancake lens and spend more money than a new RX1RIII would sell for.

I'd just buy a used Q2 and call it a day. Great value now that the Q3 is out. Will probably get most of your money back if you decide to sell.
Even if you hold out for a Q3 - it's probably the A7 R IV sensor anyway.

I find the A1 / Q2 a great pair. Instead of bringing a fast prime like the 35GM on a trip I bring the Q2. Lovely to operate.
20-70 for day, Q2 for low light/night.

 

[NatureBoyOhio]

Not much to complain about then?

nope. Just thought I would throw in.

 

[BrianN]

A simple timer for long exposure images...my first camera had it a Canon 800D.... surely they can update the firmware

 

[Gaz]

The geolocation by connection of phone via app to camera is seriously flaky.

Basically if you turn your cam off to save battery or change the lens, the only way to be certain is to open the app and check that the phone is connected before taking a photo. This is a serious inconvenience for a street photographer that relies on geolocation so that one can identify and return to that spot if desired.

Just having to whip out the phone makes me push the photo button instead. When I’m traveling with my camera most of my photos have no geolocation info unless I add it in post. That’s bloody annoying to say the least.

 

[Brojon]

My list is small and RIV firmware centric:
1 - focus stacking
2 - Give us the option to customize the screen.
#2 in particular - why can't you have the level indicator, composition guides and histogram on a single screen?
Composition screen could sure use some variety such as golden ratio and such.

 

[Brojon]

The geolocation by connection of phone via app to camera is seriously flaky.

Basically if you turn your cam off to save battery or change the lens, the only way to be certain is to open the app and check that the phone is connected before taking a photo. This is a serious inconvenience for a street photographer that relies on geolocation so that one can identify and return to that spot if desired.

Just having to whip out the phone makes me push the photo button instead. When I’m traveling with my camera most of my photos have no geolocation info unless I add it in post. That’s bloody annoying to say the least.

TBF I have noticed that it will connect (on my A7RIV anyway) within a second or two.
I agree that's less than optimal for those "decisive moment" shots.
I have worked around that by taking the shot, waiting a second or so then taking a reference shot that I know will have the Geo info.