I stayed up late to get FW 5.0 when it was released because I had a sports shoot the next morning and couldnt wait to try it out. What is really amazing is that with fw 5.0 on humans it will lock onto to a specific person out of a large group (even all wearing the same jerseys and colors) then attempt to keep focus on the eye, then face, then body in that order. If something blocks the person partially it will maintain the lock, and as they become exposed again it locks back on the face or eye. All of this focusing as well as exposing happens 60 times per second allowing you to safely get 20 shots per second. Now fw 5.0 is cool, but when fw 6.0 comes out this summer, we will get that same eye AF tracking priority for animals. Then all of those shots you were taking would have each one with focus set on the birds eye (left or right, you choose). I also shoot with the a7R3 (for landscapes, fine art and architecture). And put the latest FW for it on which already has the animal eye AF. I've only been able to test this with birds and animals in the woods behind my house, but holy crap. For animals like dogs, alligators, pelicans, etc that have a long "nose area" in front of the eyes. It was always a skill to be able to quickly set focus on the animals eye instead of their nose, since the nose was the closest part, the AF would lock on that first. So you either needed to DMF it or set a small expandable locking spot at their eye. Now, you just pick which animal and if the a7R3 can see any eye it will set focus there and the AF-C will keep focus there ready at any moment for you to press the shutter. One other thing about the a7R3 is, I forget just how much further I can zoom into an image with its 42.4mp sensor. Now that the eye is what sets focus for animals when I zoom in or crop, the details are insane. The a7R3 with my 100-400 GM and 1.4x TC just may be the perfect setup until the 600 prime comes out. Or knowing that Sony is going to have that set higher than the 400 primes cost, I may have to wait on their 150-600 to come out. Then the a9 with its then animal eye AF is going to be really hard to beat. I dont know about you Mark, but one thing I'm noticing about all this new technology and AI is that I am finding myself freed up to concentrate more on composition, balance, anticipating where they are going. Not having to worry about focus or exposure is really letting me concentrate on thos other areas of photography that were always difficult to do in the moment at the same time as all the technical stuff. Absolutely loving it. Great video as always, have a great day!!
I appreciate your thoughts especially the idea of the gear getting out of the way so I can concentrate on composition and light. I bought a used a7r3 yesterday to see how it works for me. I’ve looked at mirrorless cameras at Best Buy but always walked out with a headache from the evf. I’m gonna adapt my canon L glass until I’m sure this works for me.
@@RichardBO9 congrats man, that is a great high res FF body. If I could only own 2 lenses for landscapes and wildlife for the a7R3 I would get the 16-35GM and 100-400GM. I assign the "APS-C S35/Full Frame Select" to C1 right next to the shutter. It's essentially a crop that gives you 50% more focal length. Granted its digital and you could do that in post, but I find it helps me compose better for when you are going to crop because you see what it will be. Once you compose at 50%, if you prefer cropping in post, then just hit C1 again to go back to FF. Then my most important shooting technique on a9 or a7R3, is to start with a customized Aperture mode, where you assign "ISO AUTO Min. SS" to C2, also right next to shutter. You run your ISO in AUTO mode, but go to the right and set your min to 100 and max to say 6400 or 12800. Now, you want to get control of the shutter and that is where your C2 comes in. For most things I start with ISO AUTO Min. SS set to 1/500. But say I'm shooting sports or wildlife and i want to bump that up to 1/2000. Just hit C2 and change the ISO A SS to 2000. Your a7R3 or a9 will honor your aperture setting, and will try to maintain 1/2000th SS by adjusting the ISO upto the max ISO you have allowed. At that point, it will blink and start slowing down your shutter speed. Once you practice this you will find that you can very quickly respond to changing light conditions and subject motion. I used to shoot everything in manual, until I figured out the ISO AUTO Min. SS AND assigned that to the C2 button by the shutter. I will still shoot in manual, but only when reaction time is greatly slowed down. Great thing is you still kind of have control over shutter speed and image noise, you learn how to quickly adjust with custom keys ready to go.. Have a great day
Hangs4Fun Wow! Thanks for the insight. I’ve been looking at exactly those two lenses. I’m going to have to sell my Canon 5dm4, my d850, and a bunch of Canon glass to afford those two lenses. 😲 Trying to move on from older gear while it is still worth something.
Favorite moment: Seeing that the lens is bigger than your head!!, ha, ha! No, seriously, the captures are amazing. And fast! No fuzzy splashes as the birds hit the water. Your videos are a real service to both photographers and nature lovers. Thanks!
Mark, you’ve created another masterpiece. What you are also doing is setting up a lot of people to be very frustrated. Anyone who thinks you can just buy an A9 and 100-400mm GM and start creating spectacular images like you have will be reduced to tears. What you do with your gear is spectacular not the other way around! It takes enormous skill and experience to achieve photos like yours. You do however provide the inspiration to your followers. For that, a big thanks! But, your vids should come with a warning: “You can buy the gear I use, but don’t expect to achieve the same results without lots of skill, study, and practice.”
Lol, thanks for the kind words. I would hate to post that type of warning in fear of sounding conceded but you are correct, it takes a lot of practice getting to this point.
I swore up and down that I was just be a nature photographer. Y'know, just trees, rocks, and flowers. Then came the doves. They built a nest on an electric panel box. Good thing I have been watching Mark's videos. They really helped with my backyard bird shoots.
@@MarkSmithphotography - I wish my backyard birdie friends were flying around and offering nice, clean shots like *your* birds. But no-o--o. They've been peering over the edge of a very messy nest, and I have to keep telling myself to focus on the eyes, whatever you do, just concentrate on the eyes. And it's working.
Another wonderful video full of stunning images Mark, I also love the way you also show no bias to either Sony or Nikon giving them equal screen time when you can, that's the way it should be, let the pictures speak for the systems and let the viewer decide.
Great video Mark! 68 hits in a row is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! My favorite image is where the osprey elongates just before impact with the water. Such a powerful photo!
Dude your photos are amazing and I can only imagine how many photos you take to get these great shots. Please keep the videos coming because it is really motivational to see the great photos you take.
Your videos have inspired me and I'm sure many others to "switch" over to the Sony brand of cameras! I have watched many of your videos and they are all inspiring for me as a photographer! Keep up the great work.
Probably will never have one of these, just drooling over the superb quality. One can dream! Awesome storytelling btw. You didn’t lead on and only teased in a way the viewer knew they were about to see something awesome. Tom
thanks Mark. it's pretty incredible to think that Sony & The A9 mirrorless is ahead of the competition for tracking already : it was so fast! I'm committed with Nikon for AF wildlife, but if Sigma or Tamron Come with an E mount for their telelens, I'll upgrade my old and chunky A7 for wildlife too ;)
Sometime back I was surprised to see photo “focused” on Ant Lion, one of my favorite in teaching Zoology. Your detail in display of it was perfect. You are so good man!!
Mark your videos are AMAZING! the way you make them the images you capture and the way you describe every scene on the video, you have a gift/talent to do that.
We had an Osprey spend the Winter at our local pond. I was able to get many shots leaving the water with fish and flying with fish, but as hard as I tried I could not get a shot of the bird entering the water. My hat is off to you sir. A lot of my problem was having trees behind the bird and could not get focus on the dive.
Impressive camera but an even more impressive photographer, your images are outstanding and your videos just get better every time. Thanks so much for sharing your great adventures.
Thanks it's amazing for wildlife I think it's definitely the best time to upgrade to an A9, having great AF abilities combined with the 20fps shooting is very impressive.
Hello Mark, your photos are awesome and I love all of your youtube videos. I shoot a lot of hummingbirds and zoo animals. Keep showing your excellent photos. Thank you for your talent.
As always, all the shots were amazing. The opening footage of the Pelicans was insane. Such gorgeous light. Really hoping Sony comes out with a few more lens options for bird/wildlife photography.
If only Sony could make the A9 with 47mp and had some long fast lenses like Nikon does. I probably would seriously think of switching. That is crazy how well the AF works. Very good work Mark.
I'm pretty sure that you'll get your wishes granted by next year, because of the Tokyo Olympics, so companies are going to release their next sports cameras, so there will be an A9 mark 2 with more MP (maybe not 47, but I think at least 36), and of course super telephoto lenses.
@@jamesturner3012 current buffer is 6GB, and raws are 1MB/1MP, so that's 250 images at 24mp, or 166 at 36mp. At 20fps, that means 12 seconds at 24mp, or 8 seconds at 36mp.
I’m a Nikon guy, Z7, D850, D500. But I have to say, Sony is killin’ it. I’m waiting to see what Nikon’s coming mirrorless Sports camera will do. Maybe I’ll do both? Z7 and A9 II.
Yup....Fw 5.0 is pretty good for sure. Completely agree with the idea of whipping this lighter camera/lens combo up to get some great photos with the tracking. Even before 5.0, it was great. I liked the sequence of those pelicans diving. Nice video once again Mark.
Great pics as always Mark! I just got my A9 yesterday pretty much based on your videos (and the awesome Sony sale right now). Just did the firmware, can't wait to go shoot tomorrow morning!
Absolute stunner Mark, top work again, I updated mine straight away and like you say it was already amazing, I am waiting this year they are supposed to release a 500mm & 600mm f4 GM lenses
Thanks for the video,,,,i shared a couple of your amazing pictures with my friends,,,its great to see we can use technology for something good. Im saving to get my a9 in the summer....thanks a lot again.
Hi MARK, A-MA-Z-I-N-G! I have always shot on Nikon (except when film was a big deal, I shot on HASSELBLAD). I will soon be working for a short time as a brand ambassador for Sony which lead me to research their pro cameras. You have really done justice on the imagery in this vid. Sooooo impressed. I will seriously be considering the A9 in 2020 as my choice of camera. Keep up the great work! :))
Hi Mark. I think I saw you today (4-20) making a u-turn on SR-60. I was right behind you heading back east. I was going to chase you down to say hi but I was starving and the gizzards at the Kenansville gas station were calling my name so I turned north on 441. :-) Anyway, I love your videos and your photos are amazing. I am stunned by how consistently sharp all of your photos are. Great job and thanks for all of the great tutorials.
Friend of mine sold his Canon equipment and is using Sony. He has the 400 2.8 lens. His images are amazing of birds in flight, example Easter Bluebird. Also, you can stack teleconverters on the 400 2.8 lens. I wouldn’t recommend this for birds in flight but for birds that are static, yes.
Awesome pics and your commentaries just make them feel more alive. Really look forward to watching your vids every time I get that notification. Great job :)
Good stuff Mark... Thanks for the inspiration . Ok, I don't have the A9, but another great little Sony camera is the A6400 Apsc. It also has the real time tracking and is a lot of fun.
Hey Mark, Just wanted to follow up and say congratulations on 30,000. I've been learning from you pretty much since you first started posting. You are definitely the one that inspired me to "shoot" birds. I'm fortunate to have a Great Blue Heron rookery, that also has an Osprey nest, nearby. Birds are awesome! Thanks Mark.
Another great video, Mark! I know nothing about how lenses are manufactured but in checking some specs out of curiosity, I just realized the new Sony 400 f2.8 is an incredible 2 pounds lighter than Nikon’s newest version of that lens. If they were able to keep a similar edge for future lenses, that would put a new Sony 500 f4 at nearly the same weight as the Nikon 200-500... a total game changer! Guess we’ll have to wait and see but certainly interesting...
I had been waiting for this video, just like waiting for a new episode of my favorite TV series :) The synchronized shots were pretty awesome, and 68/68 shots in focus is incredible too. I hope the 500mm f4 is coming soon. By the way, I've been thinking about the A9 mark 2, I think they will make it higher resolution, 36mp+, if they do that, then it means you will be able to get more details and be able to crop more, so that's one good way to get more reach while keeping the whole system compact.
Amazing photos as always. I liked the sequence of the Osprey crashing into the water. The light intensity is incredibly high for many of these photos. For example the photo at 5:56, ISO 400, F6.3, 1/4000 is a lux of about 80,000. So the sun must be reasonably high and bright. In spite of that, the photo has great color, contrast and look. I have been using my D500 and 200 to 500 mm lens in different lighting conditions and at 1/2000 and F5.6 it requires a lot of light to keep the ISO reasonable.
I would recommend stepping over to the D850 when you get the chance. I have the D500 as well, and the 200-500mm, and am currently using my new D850 with the 300mm PF on a trip to Hawaii, and I will tell you, there really is no comparison. The D850 blows the D500 completely out of the water with its resolution and detail. Check out Mark’s other videos using the D850 if you haven’t seen them yet. It really is that much better.
Shawn Weber some if not all of that "resolution" you are experiencing will be as a result of using the 300 f4 PF lens over and above the Nikkor 200-500. Whilst the 200-500 is an excellent lens for its price (and having used one for nearly 2 years now) one of the new primes like the 300 PF or the new 500PF will give far superior clarity and resolution. I have had my 500 f5.6 PF lens for only about 2 months and I can state without hesitation that the jump in resolution and clarity in shots is astounding on my D500, D7200 and my D750. The benefits of the D500 being a crop sensor camera far outweigh the extra megapixels of the D850 that is more than double the cost of the D500. The BEST use of spending $$$$$ for better quality shots is the glass...... Prmies will outperform zooms everyday of the week and twice on weekends......
ozmid40scouple Again, I have both the D500 and D850. Not sure if you have both as well, but I can tell you in my direct comparison through usage of both with the 300mm PF is that the D850, even with the 1.4x teleconverter attached to it, blows the D500 out of the water. Of course, I realize this is due to the increase in megapixels of the sensor that the D850 has over the D500, and that the D500 is a crop sensor camera, and that prime lenses will always be sharper than zoooms - even the 200-500mm. All I can say is that I am seriously considering selling my D500 after using the D850. It’s currently in need of repair due to a drop on pavement and critical failure, so I may keep it as a backup camera, but the D850 is my go to for wildlife now, even for BiF, and the occasional landscape shot as well. They’re two different cameras, but the D850 is the jack of all trades and my go to camera. Probably will be until I go mirrorless with Nikon once the bugs are ironed out in a new model, past the Z6 and Z7.
@@MarkSmithphotography Ah ok, as in, "If Sony releases a new APS-C camera with the A9 tech"...? If so, now I understand. But how would that help? An APS-C camera never gets you closer to the action, just a 'crop and zoom in' version in-camera. Now if it were 42MP like the A7R iii, that would be something as you'd be able to heavily crop and still render decent resolution. But I don't think Sony would do that - for that, they have the A7R iii ;)
Do you think it is even remotely possible that you would test the A6400 with the 100-400 at some point? Having watched your videos it is clear that you are extremely competent at birding, you are a great story teller as well, and for those wanting to get into birding I think you are a perfect source for information and inspiration, really the only "problem" is that you use a very expensive Sony A9 camera (some of the time at least), which most regular bird photographers properly cannot afford. The A6400 has been praised for its focusing abilities and I for one would love to see that proven by someone with the 100-400 and your level of skill, so here is hoping that you one day manage to borrow or rent an A6400 for that purpose :) Keep up the great work, look forward to your next story.
Great video Mark, you only miss that if you use the 400 gm f2.8 with tc 1.4x you will get 560mm f4 and if you use 2x you will get 800mm f5.6. Cheers 👍🏼
Amazing work Mark !! I have the A7riii with the 100-400GM and was debating of getting the Z6 and 200-500 as a 2nd camera or getting the A9 with the new tracking update. Your video just convinced me to get the A9!!
This is another amazing video! It was so nice to meet you and your wonderful wife in Fort DeSoto Park and talk birding & Cameras! I got some really wonderful photographs, and I hope you did too! Marvin
Now we just need the right long telephoto lenses from Sony. That means a 600mm 4.0 GM lens. Without that, the Sony A9 is just of limited use for bird photography as typically you are far away, especially when you go after small forest birds or marshland birds. So currently I am using the Sony A9 with a Sigma MC-11 adapter and a Canon 600mm 4.0 III (this lens is really a beast...super light and super sharp). To my big surprise the autofocus tracking works excellent although it is an adapted lens.
Hey Mark just picked up the A9, fantastic camera. I also purchased the sigma 150-600 Canon mount with the MC-11 adapter and it works flawless on the A9. Focus as fast as my 100-400 native lens. They are both on sale atm.
The 400/2.8 with the 1.4x converter becomes a 560/4. It is sharp in that combination from what I have read and seen on others videos here. It also works quite well with the 2x converter if you need more reach at times. Only problem is that the 400/2.8 isn't wallet friendly exactly...
Sony are the BEST camera, no let me change that Tech company OF ALL TIME. Apple get alot of credit for this, but Sony has been around longer, has more range, from Playstions to tvs to cameras phones etc etc. This Japanese tech firm has always pushed the envelope. Great pics.
All those shots are amazing! I don't think Inhave a favorite one. But I can say I like it when you shoot with the d500 and 200-500 mm just because I have the exact same gear! Keep it up.
Mark Smith Deserve the compliment as your style would be perfect for School presentations to attract more people to enjoy the environment and photography
@@ath3263 That always comes to mind for us too when watching Mark's videos, I think kids would really relate to his enthusiastic presentation of nature. Only so many things one man can do though!
Dude this was more like a documentary than a review. Love it. I loved the shots where the bird has impaled the fish in the eye with its beak, sending that fish straight to destination fucked. hehehe Very dramatic.
I did the switch form Canon to the Sony, much better, it's sharper, much better high ISO. The eye focus for people is crazy good. Now with the cat & dog eye focus, wow what a game changer.
I stayed up late to get FW 5.0 when it was released because I had a sports shoot the next morning and couldnt wait to try it out. What is really amazing is that with fw 5.0 on humans it will lock onto to a specific person out of a large group (even all wearing the same jerseys and colors) then attempt to keep focus on the eye, then face, then body in that order. If something blocks the person partially it will maintain the lock, and as they become exposed again it locks back on the face or eye. All of this focusing as well as exposing happens 60 times per second allowing you to safely get 20 shots per second.
Now fw 5.0 is cool, but when fw 6.0 comes out this summer, we will get that same eye AF tracking priority for animals. Then all of those shots you were taking would have each one with focus set on the birds eye (left or right, you choose).
I also shoot with the a7R3 (for landscapes, fine art and architecture). And put the latest FW for it on which already has the animal eye AF. I've only been able to test this with birds and animals in the woods behind my house, but holy crap. For animals like dogs, alligators, pelicans, etc that have a long "nose area" in front of the eyes. It was always a skill to be able to quickly set focus on the animals eye instead of their nose, since the nose was the closest part, the AF would lock on that first. So you either needed to DMF it or set a small expandable locking spot at their eye. Now, you just pick which animal and if the a7R3 can see any eye it will set focus there and the AF-C will keep focus there ready at any moment for you to press the shutter. One other thing about the a7R3 is, I forget just how much further I can zoom into an image with its 42.4mp sensor. Now that the eye is what sets focus for animals when I zoom in or crop, the details are insane. The a7R3 with my 100-400 GM and 1.4x TC just may be the perfect setup until the 600 prime comes out. Or knowing that Sony is going to have that set higher than the 400 primes cost, I may have to wait on their 150-600 to come out. Then the a9 with its then animal eye AF is going to be really hard to beat.
I dont know about you Mark, but one thing I'm noticing about all this new technology and AI is that I am finding myself freed up to concentrate more on composition, balance, anticipating where they are going. Not having to worry about focus or exposure is really letting me concentrate on thos other areas of photography that were always difficult to do in the moment at the same time as all the technical stuff.
Absolutely loving it. Great video as always, have a great day!!
Thanks! Sounds like the other update will be pretty amazing too!
I appreciate your thoughts especially the idea of the gear getting out of the way so I can concentrate on composition and light. I bought a used a7r3 yesterday to see how it works for me. I’ve looked at mirrorless cameras at Best Buy but always walked out with a headache from the evf. I’m gonna adapt my canon L glass until I’m sure this works for me.
@@RichardBO9 congrats man, that is a great high res FF body. If I could only own 2 lenses for landscapes and wildlife for the a7R3 I would get the 16-35GM and 100-400GM. I assign the "APS-C S35/Full Frame Select" to C1 right next to the shutter. It's essentially a crop that gives you 50% more focal length. Granted its digital and you could do that in post, but I find it helps me compose better for when you are going to crop because you see what it will be. Once you compose at 50%, if you prefer cropping in post, then just hit C1 again to go back to FF.
Then my most important shooting technique on a9 or a7R3, is to start with a customized Aperture mode, where you assign "ISO AUTO Min. SS" to C2, also right next to shutter. You run your ISO in AUTO mode, but go to the right and set your min to 100 and max to say 6400 or 12800. Now, you want to get control of the shutter and that is where your C2 comes in. For most things I start with ISO AUTO Min. SS set to 1/500. But say I'm shooting sports or wildlife and i want to bump that up to 1/2000. Just hit C2 and change the ISO A SS to 2000. Your a7R3 or a9 will honor your aperture setting, and will try to maintain 1/2000th SS by adjusting the ISO upto the max ISO you have allowed. At that point, it will blink and start slowing down your shutter speed. Once you practice this you will find that you can very quickly respond to changing light conditions and subject motion.
I used to shoot everything in manual, until I figured out the ISO AUTO Min. SS AND assigned that to the C2 button by the shutter.
I will still shoot in manual, but only when reaction time is greatly slowed down. Great thing is you still kind of have control over shutter speed and image noise, you learn how to quickly adjust with custom keys ready to go..
Have a great day
Hangs4Fun Wow! Thanks for the insight. I’ve been looking at exactly those two lenses. I’m going to have to sell my Canon 5dm4, my d850, and a bunch of Canon glass to afford those two lenses. 😲 Trying to move on from older gear while it is still worth something.
Seems like I will have to rent the A9 now this sounds great
Favorite moment: Seeing that the lens is bigger than your head!!, ha, ha! No, seriously, the captures are amazing. And fast! No fuzzy splashes as the birds hit the water. Your videos are a real service to both photographers and nature lovers. Thanks!
Mark, you’ve created another masterpiece. What you are also doing is setting up a lot of people to be very frustrated. Anyone who thinks you can just buy an A9 and 100-400mm GM and start creating spectacular images like you have will be reduced to tears. What you do with your gear is spectacular not the other way around! It takes enormous skill and experience to achieve photos like yours. You do however provide the inspiration to your followers. For that, a big thanks! But, your vids should come with a warning: “You can buy the gear I use, but don’t expect to achieve the same results without lots of skill, study, and practice.”
Lol, thanks for the kind words. I would hate to post that type of warning in fear of sounding conceded but you are correct, it takes a lot of practice getting to this point.
I'm just speechless. You skills combined with the technological prowess of the superb camera create amazing work.
Thanks!
I swore up and down that I was just be a nature photographer. Y'know, just trees, rocks, and flowers.
Then came the doves. They built a nest on an electric panel box. Good thing I have been watching Mark's videos. They really helped with my backyard bird shoots.
That's awesome!
@@MarkSmithphotography - I wish my backyard birdie friends were flying around and offering nice, clean shots like *your* birds. But no-o--o. They've been peering over the edge of a very messy nest, and I have to keep telling myself to focus on the eyes, whatever you do, just concentrate on the eyes. And it's working.
Unbelievable 68 shots ALL in focus!!! Outstanding!!
Another wonderful video full of stunning images Mark, I also love the way you also show no bias to either Sony or Nikon giving them equal screen time when you can, that's the way it should be, let the pictures speak for the systems and let the viewer decide.
I'm not I to bird photography but your enthusiasm and narrating keeps me watching. Great job man!
Great video Mark! 68 hits in a row is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! My favorite image is where the osprey elongates just before impact with the water. Such a powerful photo!
Thanks! Impressive camera!
Dude your photos are amazing and I can only imagine how many photos you take to get these great shots. Please keep the videos coming because it is really motivational to see the great photos you take.
Wow, these photos are incredible. The Sony A9 is a fantastic camera.
Thanks!
Your videos have inspired me and I'm sure many others to "switch" over to the Sony brand of cameras! I have watched many of your videos and they are all inspiring for me as a photographer! Keep up the great work.
Probably will never have one of these, just drooling over the superb quality. One can dream! Awesome storytelling btw. You didn’t lead on and only teased in a way the viewer knew they were about to see something awesome.
Tom
Thanks
This is quickly becoming my favorite YT channel. Excellent work.
Thanks
thanks Mark. it's pretty incredible to think that Sony & The A9 mirrorless is ahead of the competition for tracking already : it was so fast! I'm committed with Nikon for AF wildlife, but if Sigma or Tamron Come with an E mount for their telelens, I'll upgrade my old and chunky A7 for wildlife too ;)
Sometime back I was surprised to see photo “focused” on Ant Lion, one of my favorite in teaching Zoology. Your detail in display of it was perfect. You are so good man!!
Mark your videos are AMAZING! the way you make them the images you capture and the way you describe every scene on the video, you have a gift/talent to do that.
Thanks
Best pelican shots I've ever seen in my life
Thanks!
We had an Osprey spend the Winter at our local pond. I was able to get many shots leaving the water with fish and flying with fish, but as hard as I tried I could not get a shot of the bird entering the water. My hat is off to you sir. A lot of my problem was having trees behind the bird and could not get focus on the dive.
It is very difficult getting them going in the water like that. I get about a 50/50 success rate with that.
If you’re using a Nikon camera, try using Group AF. It will set AF to the closest subject. I use that setting primarily for BiF.
Thanks for another great review of the Sony A9. You are so fortunate to have ready access to the photo locations in this video.
The quality is just Great Mark, on both photos and video. I could watch this all day.👍🏼
Sony keeps upping the game, for sure. Great shots, Mark.Thanks.
Thanks!
Impressive camera but an even more impressive photographer, your images are outstanding and your videos just get better every time. Thanks so much for sharing your great adventures.
Thanks
Great shots again Mark, indeed you are my fav bird photographer, especially doing the flight shots. Keep up the good work!!!
Thanks!
Reynan Lucero
I’ve learned a lot from Mark 🇿🇦
You are a true master of your craft! Those images are fantastic.
Thanks
Thanks it's amazing for wildlife I think it's definitely the best time to upgrade to an A9, having great AF abilities combined with the 20fps shooting is very impressive.
Your are passionate abt your Work and excellent photographer! Always great images! Love the Ospreys! Saving for A9! Thx
tHANKS
Hello Mark, your photos are awesome and I love all of your youtube videos. I shoot a lot of hummingbirds and zoo animals. Keep showing your excellent photos. Thank you for your talent.
The pictures are so impressing, absolutely fantastic.
Thanks!
Wow that lens is...just impressive to look at
As always, all the shots were amazing. The opening footage of the Pelicans was insane. Such gorgeous light. Really hoping Sony comes out with a few more lens options for bird/wildlife photography.
Thanks and me too! Just waiting.
If only Sony could make the A9 with 47mp and had some long fast lenses like Nikon does. I probably would seriously think of switching. That is crazy how well the AF works. Very good work Mark.
I'm pretty sure that you'll get your wishes granted by next year, because of the Tokyo Olympics, so companies are going to release their next sports cameras, so there will be an A9 mark 2 with more MP (maybe not 47, but I think at least 36), and of course super telephoto lenses.
I'm not too sure how the buffer will play out shooting even 36mp at 20fps, won't get more than a couple seconds spray
That's all you need! ;)
@@jamesturner3012 current buffer is 6GB, and raws are 1MB/1MP, so that's 250 images at 24mp, or 166 at 36mp. At 20fps, that means 12 seconds at 24mp, or 8 seconds at 36mp.
Could be the next a7r 4?
I’m a Nikon guy, Z7, D850, D500. But I have to say, Sony is killin’ it. I’m waiting to see what Nikon’s coming mirrorless Sports camera will do. Maybe I’ll do both? Z7 and A9 II.
Still love my Nikons but Sony is killing it in the mirrorless. Remember, the A9 is almost 2 years old now. What's coming?
i LOVE this video. i could see you doing some discovery channel commentary or something. your knowledge along with photography skill is amazing to see
Thanks so much.
Yup....Fw 5.0 is pretty good for sure. Completely agree with the idea of whipping this lighter camera/lens combo up to get some great photos with the tracking. Even before 5.0, it was great. I liked the sequence of those pelicans diving. Nice video once again Mark.
Thanks!
Great pics as always Mark! I just got my A9 yesterday pretty much based on your videos (and the awesome Sony sale right now). Just did the firmware, can't wait to go shoot tomorrow morning!
Congrats!
Your writing and commentary continue to pull in viewers. I’ll bet you could write enough to cover all 68 in-focus Osprey shots. Nicely done.
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Impressive to say the least. Lots of amazing pictures with so many key moments captured. Well done!
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Absolute stunner Mark, top work again, I updated mine straight away and like you say it was already amazing, I am waiting this year they are supposed to release a 500mm & 600mm f4 GM lenses
Thanks!
Thanks for the video,,,,i shared a couple of your amazing pictures with my friends,,,its great to see we can use technology for something good. Im saving to get my a9 in the summer....thanks a lot again.
Thanks!
Hi MARK, A-MA-Z-I-N-G! I have always shot on Nikon (except when film was a big deal, I shot on HASSELBLAD). I will soon be working for a short time as a brand ambassador for Sony which lead me to research their pro cameras. You have really done justice on the imagery in this vid. Sooooo impressed. I will seriously be considering the A9 in 2020 as my choice of camera. Keep up the great work! :))
Hi Mark. I think I saw you today (4-20) making a u-turn on SR-60. I was right behind you heading back east. I was going to chase you down to say hi but I was starving and the gizzards at the Kenansville gas station were calling my name so I turned north on 441. :-) Anyway, I love your videos and your photos are amazing. I am stunned by how consistently sharp all of your photos are. Great job and thanks for all of the great tutorials.
Yep, that was me! Just finished a photo shoot on blue cypress!
Friend of mine sold his Canon equipment and is using Sony. He has the 400 2.8 lens. His images are amazing of birds in flight, example Easter Bluebird. Also, you can stack teleconverters on the 400 2.8 lens. I wouldn’t recommend this for birds in flight but for birds that are static, yes.
I tried the 400 2.8 and it was crazy!
Great photography and commentary as always, Mark! And yeah... Really impressive, and seemingly-consistent focus on high-speed targets. Excellent.
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those shots are breathtaking man
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Wow, just Wow Sir. Some beautiful shots with a great narrative! You make it look so damn easy. Thank you for sharing your talents with us!
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wow that's one impressive camera. I already really liked the A9 but it now looks like a proper killer. gorgeous shots as always .
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Awesome pics and your commentaries just make them feel more alive. Really look forward to watching your vids every time I get that notification. Great job :)
Thank you!
Good stuff Mark... Thanks for the inspiration . Ok, I don't have the A9, but another great little Sony camera is the A6400 Apsc. It also has the real time tracking and is a lot of fun.
Thanks!
Hey Mark, Just wanted to follow up and say congratulations on 30,000. I've been learning from you pretty much since you first started posting. You are definitely the one that inspired me to "shoot" birds. I'm fortunate to have a Great Blue Heron rookery, that also has an Osprey nest, nearby. Birds are awesome! Thanks Mark.
That's great to hear. Thanks for following along and good luck with the birds!
That is some impressive shooting Mark. You got a lot more keepers than I did with the D850 and 200-500.
THANKS!
A camera as good as the D850 deserves a 500mm f/4, or at least the 500mm f/5.6 PF! 🙂
Another great video, Mark! I know nothing about how lenses are manufactured but in checking some specs out of curiosity, I just realized the new Sony 400 f2.8 is an incredible 2 pounds lighter than Nikon’s newest version of that lens. If they were able to keep a similar edge for future lenses, that would put a new Sony 500 f4 at nearly the same weight as the Nikon 200-500... a total game changer! Guess we’ll have to wait and see but certainly interesting...
Eagerly waiting!
I had been waiting for this video, just like waiting for a new episode of my favorite TV series :)
The synchronized shots were pretty awesome, and 68/68 shots in focus is incredible too. I hope the 500mm f4 is coming soon. By the way, I've been thinking about the A9 mark 2, I think they will make it higher resolution, 36mp+, if they do that, then it means you will be able to get more details and be able to crop more, so that's one good way to get more reach while keeping the whole system compact.
That all sounds great!
Sony is the best😍😍🤗🇨🇱
Amazing photos as always. I liked the sequence of the Osprey crashing into the water. The light intensity is incredibly high for many of these photos. For example the photo at 5:56, ISO 400, F6.3, 1/4000 is a lux of about 80,000. So the sun must be reasonably high and bright. In spite of that, the photo has great color, contrast and look. I have been using my D500 and 200 to 500 mm lens in different lighting conditions and at 1/2000 and F5.6 it requires a lot of light to keep the ISO reasonable.
The a9 is very impressive. That water really helps with the light too!
I would recommend stepping over to the D850 when you get the chance. I have the D500 as well, and the 200-500mm, and am currently using my new D850 with the 300mm PF on a trip to Hawaii, and I will tell you, there really is no comparison. The D850 blows the D500 completely out of the water with its resolution and detail. Check out Mark’s other videos using the D850 if you haven’t seen them yet. It really is that much better.
Shawn Weber some if not all of that "resolution" you are experiencing will be as a result of using the 300 f4 PF lens over and above the Nikkor 200-500. Whilst the 200-500 is an excellent lens for its price (and having used one for nearly 2 years now) one of the new primes like the 300 PF or the new 500PF will give far superior clarity and resolution. I have had my 500 f5.6 PF lens for only about 2 months and I can state without hesitation that the jump in resolution and clarity in shots is astounding on my D500, D7200 and my D750. The benefits of the D500 being a crop sensor camera far outweigh the extra megapixels of the D850 that is more than double the cost of the D500. The BEST use of spending $$$$$ for better quality shots is the glass...... Prmies will outperform zooms everyday of the week and twice on weekends......
@@ozmid40scouple Thanks, since I already have to 200 to 500mm, I am going with that and the D500, also purchased. the 500 pf might be a future option.
ozmid40scouple Again, I have both the D500 and D850. Not sure if you have both as well, but I can tell you in my direct comparison through usage of both with the 300mm PF is that the D850, even with the 1.4x teleconverter attached to it, blows the D500 out of the water. Of course, I realize this is due to the increase in megapixels of the sensor that the D850 has over the D500, and that the D500 is a crop sensor camera, and that prime lenses will always be sharper than zoooms - even the 200-500mm. All I can say is that I am seriously considering selling my D500 after using the D850. It’s currently in need of repair due to a drop on pavement and critical failure, so I may keep it as a backup camera, but the D850 is my go to for wildlife now, even for BiF, and the occasional landscape shot as well. They’re two different cameras, but the D850 is the jack of all trades and my go to camera. Probably will be until I go mirrorless with Nikon once the bugs are ironed out in a new model, past the Z6 and Z7.
Awesome pics. If Sony drops the crop sensor with the A9 tech, I'm definitely going that route. By the way, the shirt is pretty neat too.
That would be some amazing stuff and thanks!
Kevin Turner how is this achieved?
Like Derek Irons, I'm curious too.... what do you mean "drop the crop sensor"?
@@drummingspain207 rumored to have a new crop sensor camera
@@MarkSmithphotography Ah ok, as in, "If Sony releases a new APS-C camera with the A9 tech"...? If so, now I understand. But how would that help? An APS-C camera never gets you closer to the action, just a 'crop and zoom in' version in-camera. Now if it were 42MP like the A7R iii, that would be something as you'd be able to heavily crop and still render decent resolution. But I don't think Sony would do that - for that, they have the A7R iii ;)
I say the same thing every time I think. Fantastic !!
Jim
Thanks!
Do you think it is even remotely possible that you would test the A6400 with the 100-400 at some point?
Having watched your videos it is clear that you are extremely competent at birding, you are a great story teller as well, and for those wanting to get into birding I think you are a perfect source for information and inspiration, really the only "problem" is that you use a very expensive Sony A9 camera (some of the time at least), which most regular bird photographers properly cannot afford.
The A6400 has been praised for its focusing abilities and I for one would love to see that proven by someone with the 100-400 and your level of skill, so here is hoping that you one day manage to borrow or rent an A6400 for that purpose :)
Keep up the great work, look forward to your next story.
You make a good point. I'll see if I can borrow one. Thanks for the compliments.
Yup, your birding skills are the difference. I’m sure some will think that with an a9 they can walk into their yard and get shots like yours 😂
Brilliant Mark! I think you’ve set the benchmark for BIF images with Osprey.
Thanks
LOVE your photos, love your comments!!!!! Thanks for sharing!!!!!
Thanks!
What a great series on the Osprey diving into the water, just fantastic! Oh and the rest of the video isn't bad either ;)
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Always love the Osprey shots Mark. You manage to do an awesome job of capturing them.
Thanks
Great video Mark, you only miss that if you use the 400 gm f2.8 with tc 1.4x you will get 560mm f4 and if you use 2x you will get 800mm f5.6. Cheers 👍🏼
Thanks! That lens is so expensive though! I can get a Nikon 500 F4 for around 5k. It is used but a lot more affordable!
I know@@MarkSmithphotography but It wont perform the same. Btw I m from Costa Rica, let me know when you are here cheer mate.
Wonderful video; sadly the A9 is out of reach for me...but I love my A99V.
Good to know about the performance and the captures are great.
I should have known you when I used to live in the South. Amazing locations for bird photography
Impressive. My compliments to the A9 and your skill/passion.
Thanks!
Love the photos mark .the inlet is a fantastic place to capture nature .keep up the great work
I watch your videos. They are simply awesome. You are the best. I hope to meet you one day. I am asked in Mumbai, India.
You do GREAT work... I'm really impressed and a big fan now... keep doing you!!!
Amazing work Mark !! I have the A7riii with the 100-400GM and was debating of getting the Z6 and 200-500 as a 2nd camera or getting the A9 with the new tracking update. Your video just convinced me to get the A9!!
Good choice!
This is another amazing video! It was so nice to meet you and your wonderful wife in Fort DeSoto Park and talk birding & Cameras! I got some really wonderful photographs, and I hope you did too!
Marvin
It was great meeting you too. I did get some good ones as well!
Now we just need the right long telephoto lenses from Sony. That means a 600mm 4.0 GM lens. Without that, the Sony A9 is just of limited use for bird photography as typically you are far away, especially when you go after small forest birds or marshland birds. So currently I am using the Sony A9 with a Sigma MC-11 adapter and a Canon 600mm 4.0 III (this lens is really a beast...super light and super sharp). To my big surprise the autofocus tracking works excellent although it is an adapted lens.
Good thing those Osprey don't have jet engines. You are one of the best birders I know of.
Yo are right. With jet engines, I could never track them. Thanks!
Incredible shots Mark! That A9 certainly sells itself - Those shots of the heron were fantastic - only one problem - Video's too short! Cheers !
Thanks so much!
A9 is very good. but i like D850's colour science. anyway fantastic video mark-thanks
Thanks!
Loving my A9 with the new firmware update. Great work as usual, Cheers The Sony 500mm f4, and 600mm f4 are coming, patents are already done for them.
Waiting eagerly
Although they'll likely be about 15 grand each!!
Amazing video. I'm torn between a Nikon D850 & A9, and this video may have persuaded me towards the Sony.
Decision is easy. Have lot of existing Nikon glass? d850. If not ...consider moving to Sony
Hey Mark just picked up the A9, fantastic camera. I also purchased the sigma 150-600 Canon mount with the MC-11 adapter and it works flawless on the A9. Focus as fast as my 100-400 native lens. They are both on sale atm.
Very impressive images for one outing!
Thanks!
Really enjoyed your video. I also have the Sony a9 and I'm looking forward to getting into bird photography.
Oh man Bud you are such a nerd, I love it, consider me subscribed!!!
your Osprey shoots are my favorite moments, please keep up the great work, TFS Mark, as always UDAMAN!
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Great shots Mark,first time iv seen pelicans dive into the water,Our white pelicans here in Australia dont do that.
Yes, they are amazing!
The 400/2.8 with the 1.4x converter becomes a 560/4. It is sharp in that combination from what I have read and seen on others videos here. It also works quite well with the 2x converter if you need more reach at times. Only problem is that the 400/2.8 isn't wallet friendly exactly...
Or available...
Me too! I would love the 400 2.8 if anyone wants to send me one, I'll give you my address.
Really inspiring and useful video! Thanks 😊
Thanks
Great video & information on the Sony, Mark!
Thanks!
Sony are the BEST camera, no let me change that Tech company OF ALL TIME. Apple get alot of credit for this, but Sony has been around longer, has more range, from Playstions to tvs to cameras phones etc etc. This Japanese tech firm has always pushed the envelope.
Great pics.
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A9 looks really good Mark. Great shots. Thanks for sharing the video. Cheers!
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Amazing footage captured Mark well done.
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How the hell do you always make such incredible animal photos?
Thanks for sharing!
You are showing the camera settings. This is very helpful.
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Great series of images Mark and as usual fantastic description... I wish Nikon can come up with something like a9 soon...
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All those shots are amazing! I don't think Inhave a favorite one. But I can say I like it when you shoot with the d500 and 200-500 mm just because I have the exact same gear! Keep it up.
Thanks! I still shot that combo all the time!
mark these images are stunning, well done. Great video
Thanks!
Always quality production and narration. America’s version of David Attenborough
Thanks. That's a great compliment.
Mark Smith Deserve the compliment as your style would be perfect for School presentations to attract more people to enjoy the environment and photography
@@ath3263 That always comes to mind for us too when watching Mark's videos, I think kids would really relate to his enthusiastic presentation of nature. Only so many things one man can do though!
robwas A pity Mark is not presenting on National Geographic Channel. Mark gets the message across to the audience and you learn
Mark Smith Your a great presentation style would be perfect for the National Geographic Channel and you learn a lot whilst listening to the videos.
Dude this was more like a documentary than a review. Love it.
I loved the shots where the bird has impaled the fish in the eye with its beak, sending that fish straight to destination fucked. hehehe Very dramatic.
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Another nice video uploaded by you.
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Could you pls try reviewing micro 4/3 cameras?
I like the osprey's talons forward w/ wings back pic the best
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Great images, but the AF on the camera amazes me. I'm a Canon shooter, but wow really thinking about picking up a Sony body.
I did the switch form Canon to the Sony, much better, it's sharper, much better high ISO. The eye focus for people is crazy good. Now with the cat & dog eye focus, wow what a game changer.