I realize that this review is a couple years old now, but I just bought this camera new about a month ago and this a great video for me to bookmark and come back to for matter of fact explanations of many of this camera's settings whose names are not always obvious to me as to their function. Thank you for putting the time to product this great reference material.
What makes Marrten's reviews so unique is that he reviews cameras from inside the camera, helping the viewer get acquainted with the camera as if it is in his/her hand. Thanks...
It's been out a while and I've seen countless reviews but as always, no review is as good as yours. By far. Truly appreciate your work, this covers everything I want to know when considering the A7riii. Thank you so much Maarten!
I’ve had my A7r3 for a month now and am still experimenting with the settings. Your video has been the most informative and valuable of just about any of those I watched both before and after buying the camera. In fact, I need to view this several times to fully comprehend all of the nuggets of information you mention. Sony should ditch the manual that comes with the camera and instead include a USB thumb drive with this video on it! Thanks again for creating and posting.
That's very kind of you to say - I certainly appreciate the compliment and kind words, thanks for taking the time comment.
7 лет назад+2
Thank you for spending the time to put this very informative review/tutorial together, watching this was 30 minutes well spent. I learned what otherwise would have taken weeks or months experimenting with this very complex camera. Excellent work Maarten.
I'm halfway through this video and I have to say that your videos are absolutely amazing. They're so informative and concise. I'm waiting for my A7RIII to arrive (should be coming today) and your video will definitely help me to set mine up. I'm coming from the Sony a99, so it'll be a strange, yet familiar, change. Take care man!
I don't pretends to know how your mind works. But this is a very lean review packed with informations and almost without a single wasted breath! Something rare on RUclips where rants are the norm.Instant like and subs!
That's very kind of you to say. My estimate, based on work effort from research and writing to shooting and editing is 2-3 hours per minute. Thankfully, I enjoy doing this.
Thank you Marteen for this review, very informative. I also appreciate the fact that you took the time to reply and thank every comment. Thats talks more about who you are and is not very common. Thanks. Keep the good work!
The work you put into these blows me away Maarten (yes, applause is appropriate lol). I'm only disappointed I've been falling behind on your videos (as well as putting out my own episodes!). I'm sure we'll be running into you again, now that the weather is "supposed to" improve. An ice storm mid April?!!!
Thank you - I certainly appreciate the kind words. I'm hoping for improvement, the video about lenses I'd planned to do this week is postponed to next. Say hi next time you see me, or send me a DM and we'll plan to meet for coffee.
Absolutely SUPERB review. So well written, organized and so clearly delivered. It's impossible to do this any better than Maarten does. Bravo! Maarten, did I miss you talking about video recording limits? Also did you see any heat problems when shooting video? I'm guessing that you can make unlimited recordings over HDMI with no heat problems? Thanks again!
Thank you for your kind words, always appreciated. Recording limits are the same (30 minutes). No heat issues in my tests - that's typical for the larger bodies (compared to the A6xxx series). The conditions on which the camera might overheat would depend on the external temperature - I'm sure there are conditions (40C+) that, even if you're recording externally, that it could overheat.
I really appreciate you thoughtful, detailed approach to camera reviews. I currently have a Sony a6000 and would like a camera with better dynamic range, lowlight capability and generally better image quality. I have seen your reviews of the a7riii and the a7iii. I print maximum 16 by 20 inch most times; rarely 20 by 24. What camera would you suggest? Thanks again for your great work!
I'm sure you'd be happy with either, I find the larger resolution of the A7R series to be hard to appreciate, and I see more faults in those files. I'd take the A7III
Thank you Maarten. Agree about Menu button placement. I wish it was assignable to another button! FYI..... Pixel Shift ALSO works in camera WITHOUT tethering. While it won't process images in camera (you still need a computer and the Sony software) you don't need to be tethered to a computer when shooting.
Always my pleasure, thanks for the kind words, and your notes - helpful. I should have mentioned that - but you'll still need the app to process the images. I can't imagine a scenario other than a studio where you might use this - it's not usually possible to get everything still enough in a real scene, and it really makes a mess if there's movement. I was trying hard to keep under 30 minutes.
LOVE LOVE LOVE (you can tell that is quite alot) mine! I just got the 100-400 GM yesterday and omg so amazing! So glad I made the switch from Nikon after many years.
Thank you so much. It's probably the best review I've seen since the A7R III came out. I own it and I love it except the very bad weather sealing. Can you, please, talk more on the video settings and especially the Hybrid log gamma ? I started filming last year with the A6300 following your advices for S-Log 2 and it was really helpful. And to be honest, I'm looking for more advices as I'm shooting 90 % of the time action on snow. Thank you again
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. I'm working on a best video settings video - but hybrid log gamma needs a more intensive video. How's SLog working for you? Are you using a LUT or hand-tuning? How do you determine the correct exposure?
As a photographer, I shooting RAW and I like to start from a neutral (flat) image so SLog-2 seems to work for me but I still try to find the right thing for me. I only hand-tune and didn't try too much to use LUTs, maybe I should. And to find the correct exposure ,this days I start to adjust my TIFFEN ND Variable filter to find +0.7 stop at 800 ISO then turn the ISO to auto as the light is constantly changing on snow ( I got the zebra set on C1=105). I don't know if it's the right way to do it but I find it more convenient, I don't have to constantly adjust my ND filter. If you thing I should do it in a different way, please let me know. It will be much appreciated
Please don't confuse neutral with SLog2. For most situations you're actually reducing the dynamic range by using SLog - but I kind of assume that shooting in snow you need the range that SLog provides. I did a video about this: ruclips.net/video/1P8pIKYBmP0/видео.html Thanks for your tips about exposing for shooting for snow. Interesting use of meter plus zebra, and I like the process - sounds effective.
Hello Maarten you've earned my subscription. This is my first time viewing one of your clear and straight forward reviews and I have to say it's been quite an enjoyable experience!!! I appreciate your very hard work in producing these videos. EDIT: I've moved this video to my favorite section.
Question, on the sony SLT you have ----Chromatic aberration compensation----shading compensation and lens compensation....Which ones would you turn off??? ..... i did turn off the wind noise in the video menu,
I don't have an SLT, but I would turn those settings on, particularly with Sony lenses. I turn wind on when it seems to be needed, although in general I don't rely on in-camera audio.
Thank you for all your help Maarten! Your videos are incredible. I have one more question. I have the Sony A7R 3 and for some reason when I record with it, it will emit this very high pitch frequency noise and it's even picking it up in my videos and i'm really not sure what to do. I've tried looking into it on the internet for hours and on RUclips and have had no luck...
I'm not sure whether you are very sensitive to this frequency and all A7R3s will have this sound, or whether there is a specific defect with your model. However, it sounds (from the research you've done) that it's the latter.
Good review. Beg to differ on record button. I was constantly hitting it when using afl as a back button shooter. However, menu allows for record to be set to operate in video mode only.
Hello Mr. Heilbron! Great review as usual! I want to ask several questions. I hope you will answer them. 1.) What are the differences in the information shown in the live view and evf? 2.) If I shoot using live view, will I miss anything in terms of features like AF etc (in comparison with evf shooting)? 3.) How is the lcd screen's visibility in bright sunlight? Thanks
This is a mirrorless camera - "liveview" is the only option, there is no optical viewfinder. Sony uses the term to distinguish between the mode where the effects of exposure adjustments (etc.) are seen, and where they're not. There is no difference in any functionality, as there are not two modes (as there are in DSLR cameras). Sony provides a sunlight mode to brighten the screen in sunlight - but you can also use the viewfinder. Incidentally, you can also use the viewfinder for video. Hope this helps.
This is a very detailed and helpful review of a camera with so many features... thanks. I did notice that on some videos with you speaking, there was lack of sync between the images and the audio. Is that the camera, the post processing? The full frame video was in sync.
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. For the scene recorded with the remote app, it tends to skip frames (well, even more than frames) - that's recorded directly on the iPad and is exactly the way it looks when you use that feature.
awesome video as always,, but I wish you would decipher that Touch pad settings - Operation Area for me, thats what I was really looking for.. still don't know how it works, choosing from whole screen to right 1/2 etc etc, if u do please explain.
Thanks, I appreciate your kind words. The touch pad is used to select the focus point with touch on the LCD screen when you are using the viewfinder. The options let you select how much of the screen you will use to make your selection. I hope that’s clear, it is a feature that is difficult to demonstrate in a video.
YEAH It makes no sense and why does it not work with LCD screen when not looking thru eyepiece. worst thing using touch and when u lower your camera, u risk the flexible sport being somewhere else on the screen when u lift it back to take a pic.. so annoying.. the touch needs to be revamped.
Not sure I follow - when you're not using the viewfinder, it does work on the LCD screen - just touch where you want to focus. But I do agree, that touch focus can sometimes be triggered accidentally - however, on the A7Rm3, there is no touch shutter, so no chance of taking a picture by touching the screen.
How does the sony A7R III play back images when buffer is clearing ? Can I view those that area already written to the card? Other Q: What else is limited when buffer is clearing. I heard about auto focus point being disabled to move. Is there anything else you came across? Thank you very much. Josef
I don't remember the specifics - yes, you can view images, but only those that have already been transferred (ie, not those in the buffer). I've returned the camera, but I'm pretty sure that focus point remained movable. In general, the A7R III is more flexible, but still locks out the menu and prevents mode changes will writing.
HI Maarten, GREAT REVIEW! Having just taken the A7Riii and the A9 with me to Venice on a workshop with Scott Kelby, I got a first hand view of both of these “beasts” up close and personal. I can say, without a doubt, the sensors are AMAZING. But... and I say but with a lot of trepidation...both of these cameras have menus that honestly render each of of them UNUSABLE AT TIMES. If you are shooting long exposures, I cannot tell you how humbling (and embarrassing) it is to not be able to put the camera into simply BULB mode, because not only is there no button for this important mode, but if you don’t know “the secret handshake” as my friend Scott Kelby would say, you could be left losing key seconds of blue hour. In order to get it into blue mode, you need like 5 things to be set correctly (no bulb mode button, sadly), and there are so many horrible menu snafus I cannot tell you. They can be great cameras, and I think your recom of a voice activation mode is great, but until they create a fully operational touch screen, they leave me wanting for a Nikon D850, or a Canon 5D Mark iv, which is not what Sony would want to hear. Great review, thanks very much.
Thanks for the kind words, and I certainly share your pain - ruclips.net/video/pPSIaIn1mys/видео.html It's certainly worth repeating that for as good a camera as this (and many other Sony models) is, the menu can be an exercise in frustration. For specific situations that do require additional contortions or multiple disparate settings to be adjusted, there is likely a way to customize the camera to more or less simplify switching to a mode or setting like bulb. However, that requires a deep understanding of the complexities and conflicts of the menu system - I'll collect this as a use case and consider it as a future topic.
Thanks for the information, well done.......thanks....Question---On your camera bodies menu, do you keep the noise feature and the lens compensation features off ? and if you do or don't, why?....thanks REPLY
Always appreciate the kind words, nice to read your thoughts. Interesting question - I do keep noise off, mostly because I believe in minimal in camera processing (and typically shoot RAW+JPEG). If I want to make that adjustment, I have more control in Lightroom or other processing tools. As for lens compensation, I typically leave that on auto or (on).
thanks ........i was told by a friend that the reason he kept both those features off is because they interfered with the image sharpness........i was not sure because i always kept them on, but after hearing you i will follow you.......i mainly shoot jpeg......
Right. Lens comp. likely works best with Sony lenses, otherwise, might be just as well to keep that off too. Even when on, the camera only uses it for long exposures - you'll see when it's working as it takes the camera extra time to save the image.
Hey Maarten, I know you like to shoot with -7 detail. Could you be so kind as to let me in on what you use to sharpen your footage back up in final cut pro? I find the sharpen effect is really strong. If you do use the default one, what settings do you find useful for sharpening up something shot on a sony with a -7 detail? Thanks,
Actually, I set the detail to -4. And I do not sharpen it afterwards, as I don't like the crispy video look. Set it where it pleases you, as making adjustments in post is slightly messy.
I always throw a face party, when see I a video of you. I incidentally learned myself the auto iso settings myself today, would have saved google a couple of searches if I'd seen your video earlier. One quick question: Is the S&Q still 1080P only or can the timelapse be recorded in 4k?
According to the specs, by 1 stop. I don't have the means to evaluate that accurately. Note that this is a feature that's mostly useful for stills, not video.
Yes, I found more to like (as I demonstrate) than I expected. It's quite useful and captures quite a bit that can later be recovered, without sacrificing as much as SLog does. I thought it was supposed to be autodetected by the display device, but it's more than that.
“On board memory,” the implementation of, would be most conscientious of modern day camera manufacturers. This was a through reviews and assessment MH. Hey MH, would you say the focus speed on the A 6500 and this camera has caught up to regular DSLR? I am waiting for an A7III, if that camera is not released by summer I’ll go with this super image maker. Always a delight experiencing your take on gear and everything else.
Always nice to see your (updated) avatar - and to read your kind words. In my humble opinion, I feel that Sony's autofocus surpassed others with the A9. What I'm also noticing is that the response of the entire system has improved with the A9 and A7Rm3 - Ii don't have to anticipate quite so much to get the shot - which is now comparable or faster than DSLRs in the same price class.
The main cpu is 1.8x faster and they changed the OS. This is also partly why we lost the apps (i hated them anyway). The remote control is now way better since its in the 'core' of the camera now. Lets hope they also bring back some basic features like timelapse but this time also in the core firmware.
Thanks for this review, Maarten. It serves the ultimate purpose of any review: To let us judge for ourselves what to buy - or, as in this case, what not to.
Every time I format my SD cards the video file names reset back to 0... how can I get around that to avoid duplicating files?? On the Photography side the files are fine and are continuous.. NOT for video!HELP!
Yup, that's what it does. No, I have no workaround or solution. I create a folder in my SD card backup files that's today's date and then copy the "private" folder to it.
Maarten Heilbron ugh!! Sony really needs to do something about that!. The rep I just talked to said that it was an isolated issue with my unit (and I specifically told him it was NOT) and had me initialize my camera. Now I have to re-do all my custom buttons and settings!! FRUSTRATING!!Thanks for the reply my friend!
Always happy to help. This has been an issue since they created the "private" folder structure for XAVC-S files. I should complain more about this, but ... ruclips.net/video/pPSIaIn1mys/видео.html We'd like the ability to rename the folder (Cam1) and to name the files.
Maarten Heilbron you so realize that movie cameras are 500k$ . For a cheap one. The reason is the lens. Renting one for a weekend is 12k$. The light refraction engineering is incomparable. And also intensely custom. There is, at very best, no chance of you understanding the refraction deflection that cause vignettes.
While I appreciate your spirited defence of your initial remarks, I don't see that the cost of renting cinema gear nor light refraction engineering is relevant to the point. Nor did you reply to my questions. Sony and others make lens that are perfectly suitable and capable of creating 42MP images. Thanks for your comments.
"Throwing shade" Nice one :-) By the way, no histogram WITH the level gauge on the same display is a big annoyance for me. I like having both displayed at the same time. For now, I just use the level and go without the histogram. I hope they change that later in firmware. Also, you find all the hidden gems in the menu. I'll have to watch this again since I noticed a few things I'd like to go back to and try on my own a7R III (certain menu settings and so on)
Thanks for the kind words, always appreciated. I usually go with the histogram ... but I completely agree. Fuji offers a completely customizable display, wish Sony did too. As for the hidden gems - there are lots more, I just wanted to stay inside 30 minutes.
Maarten Heilbron You’re welcome and keep up the good work. I always seem to find myself saying “Oh! I didn’t know that” when watching, even after I’ve been through all the menus. ;-)
nice review (still watching and updating this comment). A few things probably happened after/during your review. Lightroom now supports a7r3. Pixel shift for many needs 2 to 4 seconds to get the ibis stable for best results. I also think sony added it for people with a slower flash to it can recycle. The amount of shots on buffer slowdown moment should be about 84 to 86 on fastest cards but the buffer is for some types a nice one for example is shooting compressed raw in crop mode (18 megapixels) where on 1 card you get 578 shots on HI mode before the buffer slows down. For MUCH better wifi, make sure that on iOS you really turn BT off. That means not just in the menu that doesn't work (and you get a break every 10 seconds) best way turn airplane mode on and then turn wifi back on. Also check out a app called 'FieldMonitor' for iOS for much better video remote. Cool idea about the internal memory i would even consider them 'merging' it with the normal buffer. So a massive buffer when you don't use the 64Gig and make it less if it can't find space on one of the cards. Once it finds cards dump them to the cards. Have a rotational (ring) memory idea of last 500 shots in the buffer as a 'running backup' like security cameras do.
Thanks for the kind words. And the update on Lightroom (which happened too late to change in the video). Working in a studio setting on a tripod, would one not turn IBIS off for the best results? The flash makes sense. The buffer size does vary with the image quality settings, I'm going by what I saw on-screen at the point I stopped shooting - that was generally just over 70 with extra fine JPEG. And the RUclips cut you off - please finish your thoughts on wifi ...
Weird i can read the whole comment. Here is the rest since the wifi 'hack' is important. repeat part : For MUCH better wifi, make sure that on iOS you really turn BT off. That means not just in the menu that doesn't work (and you get a break every 10 seconds) best way turn airplane mode on and then turn wifi back on. Also check out a app called 'FieldMonitor' for iOS for much better video remote. Cool idea about the internal memory i would even consider them 'merging' it with the normal buffer. So a massive buffer when you don't use the 64Gig and make it less if it can't find space on one of the cards. Once it finds cards dump them to the cards. Have a rotational (ring) memory idea of last 500 shots in the buffer as a 'running backup' like security cameras do.
Second reply not to confuse. For pixel shift you always use IBIS since thats how it works. It shifts the sensor using that but some testing shows that for most people the sensor (so IBIS) needs 2 to 4 seconds to find its new position for the 4 different shots.
Not following - isn't the pixel shift accomplished without IBIS? Thanks, I'll have to explore this further. And if I may, do you find PSMS to be worthwhile, and with what positive effect?
It is complicated, but it does enable a range of possibilities that really extend the camera’s capabilities beyond the usual. And for the most part they are settings or features that you only need to select once, or use for a very specific situation. For general every day shooting, it’s actually quite easy to use, and the custom settings and the my menu can further simplify your experience and interaction.
i paid $600 dollars for a new version of this lens(sigma 18-35f1.8) for a Nikon, they wanted $799 dollars for the sony version, what the hell is up with that?....so i applied the $200 dollars i saved to buy a nikon d3400 for $340 dollars also brand new......NO focus issues....
That may depend on which Canon model you're looking at (they do make some excellent dedicated video cameras) ... but I'm sure the A7S III will be a superb camera for video.
I realize that this review is a couple years old now, but I just bought this camera new about a month ago and this a great video for me to bookmark and come back to for matter of fact explanations of many of this camera's settings whose names are not always obvious to me as to their function. Thank you for putting the time to product this great reference material.
How kind of you to take the time to comment, thanks!!!
What makes Marrten's reviews so unique is that he reviews cameras from inside the camera, helping the viewer get acquainted with the camera as if it is in his/her hand. Thanks...
A pleasure to read your kind words. Thanks for taking the time to comment, appreciated.
It's been out a while and I've seen countless reviews but as always, no review is as good as yours. By far. Truly appreciate your work, this covers everything I want to know when considering the A7riii. Thank you so much Maarten!
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for taking the time to comment.
Maarten, you do the best reviews. Always clear and precise. Thank you.
A pleasure to read your kind words, thanks for commenting.
Thank you, I always respect your videos and honesty. Helps me enormously.
I’ve had my A7r3 for a month now and am still experimenting with the settings. Your video has been the most informative and valuable of just about any of those I watched both before and after buying the camera. In fact, I need to view this several times to fully comprehend all of the nuggets of information you mention. Sony should ditch the manual that comes with the camera and instead include a USB thumb drive with this video on it! Thanks again for creating and posting.
That's very kind of you to say - I certainly appreciate the compliment and kind words, thanks for taking the time comment.
Thank you for spending the time to put this very informative review/tutorial together, watching this was 30 minutes well spent. I learned what otherwise would have taken weeks or months experimenting with this very complex camera. Excellent work Maarten.
That's very kind, thanks for taking the time to comment, appreciated.
Maarten Heilbron's videos are a whole educational class of their own with a great deal of practicality. Thanks so much!
Glad you like them! Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I'm halfway through this video and I have to say that your videos are absolutely amazing. They're so informative and concise. I'm waiting for my A7RIII to arrive (should be coming today) and your video will definitely help me to set mine up. I'm coming from the Sony a99, so it'll be a strange, yet familiar, change. Take care man!
A pleasure to read your comments - thanks for the kind words, appreciated.
Astonishingly thorough review, as always. Thank you for taking so much of your time to make such detailed, objective reviews!
I'm always pleased when someone recognizes the amount of time required to create these videos, so thanks, I appreciate the kind words.
Great review Maarten! Lots of good detail & lends itself to repeat viewing .
I'm so happy to hear, thanks for taking the time to comment, I appreciate the kind words.
I don't pretends to know how your mind works. But this is a very lean review packed with informations and almost without a single wasted breath! Something rare on RUclips where rants are the norm.Instant like and subs!
Thanks for the kind words and your subscription, appreciated. And honestly, I don’t know how my mind works either.
Amazingly humble man. Wishing you all the best of 2018!
I appreciate your kind words, and reciprocate your wishes.
Thanks so much - best review video I have ever seen. No time lost with basics. Wonder how long it takes to create such a great piece of work.
That's very kind of you to say. My estimate, based on work effort from research and writing to shooting and editing is 2-3 hours per minute. Thankfully, I enjoy doing this.
Thank you Marteen for this review, very informative. I also appreciate the fact that you took the time to reply and thank every comment. Thats talks more about who you are and is not very common. Thanks. Keep the good work!
Thanks, it was a pleasure to read your kind words.
Yet another HIGHLY detailed, VERY informative video. Thanks!! You TRULY are the best in the business... and that's no hyperbole.
That's very kind of you to say, I appreciate your comments.
As always splendid. You're still the best!
You are too kind - thanks for commenting.
I've been watching reviews of A7Riii and by far your review my friend was one of the best with some nice details. Thank you so much
My goodness, what a pleasure to read your kind words. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
All your videos are extremely enjoyable to watch.
That is a very kind thing to say - thank you very much.
Great review. Very informative👍🏼👍🏼
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
Simply the best. I am talking about review. Thank you very much Maarten!
How kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
The work you put into these blows me away Maarten (yes, applause is appropriate lol). I'm only disappointed I've been falling behind on your videos (as well as putting out my own episodes!). I'm sure we'll be running into you again, now that the weather is "supposed to" improve. An ice storm mid April?!!!
Thank you - I certainly appreciate the kind words. I'm hoping for improvement, the video about lenses I'd planned to do this week is postponed to next. Say hi next time you see me, or send me a DM and we'll plan to meet for coffee.
Nice video, this is what I've been waiting for to make the change from Nixon DSLR to Sony mirrorless
Thanks for the kind words, always nice to know my videos are helpful and appreciated.
Absolutely SUPERB review. So well written, organized and so clearly delivered. It's impossible to do this any better than Maarten does. Bravo! Maarten, did I miss you talking about video recording limits? Also did you see any heat problems when shooting video? I'm guessing that you can make unlimited recordings over HDMI with no heat problems? Thanks again!
Thank you for your kind words, always appreciated. Recording limits are the same (30 minutes). No heat issues in my tests - that's typical for the larger bodies (compared to the A6xxx series). The conditions on which the camera might overheat would depend on the external temperature - I'm sure there are conditions (40C+) that, even if you're recording externally, that it could overheat.
best photography reviews online.... DONE. Maarten your the king.
I appreciate your kind words, thanks for commenting.
Love the macro shots in this video it looks beautiful
Thanks so much!
Another great informative review, and big congrats on breaking 40k subscribers :)
Thanks for your kind words, always nice to read your comments. Forty thousand - that’s a large number.
I really appreciate you thoughtful, detailed approach to camera reviews. I currently have a Sony a6000 and would like a camera with better dynamic range, lowlight capability and generally better image quality. I have seen your reviews of the a7riii and the a7iii.
I print maximum 16 by 20 inch most times; rarely 20 by 24. What camera would you suggest? Thanks again for your great work!
I'm sure you'd be happy with either, I find the larger resolution of the A7R series to be hard to appreciate, and I see more faults in those files. I'd take the A7III
Thank you Maarten. Agree about Menu button placement. I wish it was assignable to another button! FYI..... Pixel Shift ALSO works in camera WITHOUT tethering. While it won't process images in camera (you still need a computer and the Sony software) you don't need to be tethered to a computer when shooting.
Always my pleasure, thanks for the kind words, and your notes - helpful. I should have mentioned that - but you'll still need the app to process the images. I can't imagine a scenario other than a studio where you might use this - it's not usually possible to get everything still enough in a real scene, and it really makes a mess if there's movement. I was trying hard to keep under 30 minutes.
LOVE LOVE LOVE (you can tell that is quite alot) mine! I just got the 100-400 GM yesterday and omg so amazing! So glad I made the switch from Nikon after many years.
Thanks for your enthusiasm - always nice to hear from a passionate photographer.
Very thorough and informative video, well done.
That's kind of you to say, I appreciate the kind words.
This video was worth the wait... I am hoping to get mine soon! :D
Always nice to know I've produced a video that's been eagerly anticipated. Thanks for the kind words.
Thank you so much. It's probably the best review I've seen since the A7R III came out. I own it and I love it except the very bad weather sealing. Can you, please, talk more on the video settings and especially the Hybrid log gamma ? I started filming last year with the A6300 following your advices for S-Log 2 and it was really helpful. And to be honest, I'm looking for more advices as I'm shooting
90 % of the time action on snow. Thank you again
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. I'm working on a best video settings video - but hybrid log gamma needs a more intensive video. How's SLog working for you? Are you using a LUT or hand-tuning? How do you determine the correct exposure?
As a photographer, I shooting RAW and I like to start from a neutral (flat) image so SLog-2 seems to work for me but I still try to find the right thing for me. I only hand-tune and didn't try too much to use LUTs, maybe I should. And to find the correct exposure ,this days I start to adjust my TIFFEN ND Variable filter to find +0.7 stop at 800 ISO then turn the ISO to auto as the light is constantly changing on snow ( I got the zebra set on C1=105). I don't know if it's the right way to do it but I find it more convenient, I don't have to constantly adjust my ND filter. If you thing I should do it in a different way, please let me know. It will be much appreciated
Please don't confuse neutral with SLog2. For most situations you're actually reducing the dynamic range by using SLog - but I kind of assume that shooting in snow you need the range that SLog provides. I did a video about this: ruclips.net/video/1P8pIKYBmP0/видео.html
Thanks for your tips about exposing for shooting for snow. Interesting use of meter plus zebra, and I like the process - sounds effective.
Informative and well-made video. Thanks! You earned a new subscriber.
So glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the kind words and the subscription , appreciated.
Hello Maarten you've earned my subscription. This is my first time viewing one of your clear and straight forward reviews and I have to say it's been quite an enjoyable experience!!! I appreciate your very hard work in producing these videos. EDIT: I've moved this video to my favorite section.
Thank you for your kind words, and your subscription - both are appreciated.
Maarten Heilbron you’re welcome.
Romancing The Stone is my favourite movie theme song of all time.
Oh. I kind of prefer "A Hard Day's Night", particularly when paired with Richard Lester's visuals and the irrepressible energy of the Beatles.
Question, on the sony SLT you have ----Chromatic aberration compensation----shading compensation and lens compensation....Which ones would you turn off??? ..... i did turn off the wind noise in the video menu,
I don't have an SLT, but I would turn those settings on, particularly with Sony lenses. I turn wind on when it seems to be needed, although in general I don't rely on in-camera audio.
Thank you for all your help Maarten! Your videos are incredible. I have one more question. I have the Sony A7R 3 and for some reason when I record with it, it will emit this very high pitch frequency noise and it's even picking it up in my videos and i'm really not sure what to do. I've tried looking into it on the internet for hours and on RUclips and have had no luck...
I'm not sure whether you are very sensitive to this frequency and all A7R3s will have this sound, or whether there is a specific defect with your model. However, it sounds (from the research you've done) that it's the latter.
Good review. Beg to differ on record button. I was constantly hitting it when using afl as a back button shooter. However, menu allows for record to be set to operate in video mode only.
Thanks for the kind words - good to know, wasn't thinking about that!
Hello Mr. Heilbron! Great review as usual! I want to ask several questions. I hope you will answer them. 1.) What are the differences in the information shown in the live view and evf? 2.) If I shoot using live view, will I miss anything in terms of features like AF etc (in comparison with evf shooting)? 3.) How is the lcd screen's visibility in bright sunlight? Thanks
This is a mirrorless camera - "liveview" is the only option, there is no optical viewfinder. Sony uses the term to distinguish between the mode where the effects of exposure adjustments (etc.) are seen, and where they're not. There is no difference in any functionality, as there are not two modes (as there are in DSLR cameras).
Sony provides a sunlight mode to brighten the screen in sunlight - but you can also use the viewfinder. Incidentally, you can also use the viewfinder for video. Hope this helps.
Thanks Mr. Heilbron!
always my pleasure
Thanks for your in-depth review!
Always my pleasure, thanks for the kind words.
This is a very detailed and helpful review of a camera with so many features... thanks. I did notice that on some videos with you speaking, there was lack of sync between the images and the audio. Is that the camera, the post processing? The full frame video was in sync.
Thanks, I appreciate the kind words. For the scene recorded with the remote app, it tends to skip frames (well, even more than frames) - that's recorded directly on the iPad and is exactly the way it looks when you use that feature.
Awesome tutorial video as always❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
How nice to read your kind words, and loving emojis, thanks.
The video we've all been waiting for! Thank you
Always good to hear that my videos have found their audience, thanks for commenting.
Brilliant review, im going to order one A7RIII next month. Thank you for this review :D
Thanks for the kind words, always appreciated.
awesome video as always,, but I wish you would decipher that Touch pad settings - Operation Area for me, thats what I was really looking for.. still don't know how it works, choosing from whole screen to right 1/2 etc etc, if u do please explain.
Thanks, I appreciate your kind words. The touch pad is used to select the focus point with touch on the LCD screen when you are using the viewfinder. The options let you select how much of the screen you will use to make your selection. I hope that’s clear, it is a feature that is difficult to demonstrate in a video.
YEAH It makes no sense and why does it not work with LCD screen when not looking thru eyepiece. worst thing using touch and when u lower your camera, u risk the flexible sport being somewhere else on the screen when u lift it back to take a pic.. so annoying.. the touch needs to be revamped.
Not sure I follow - when you're not using the viewfinder, it does work on the LCD screen - just touch where you want to focus. But I do agree, that touch focus can sometimes be triggered accidentally - however, on the A7Rm3, there is no touch shutter, so no chance of taking a picture by touching the screen.
You’re the best in the reviews ! Thanks
How kind of you to say - thanks for taking the time to comment.
Excellent review Maarten. FYI you can do some incredible time lapse functions using Cascable.
I appreciate the kind words and the note - I'll have to check that out.
More information? I ended up at CAS CABLE systems. lol
It's an IOS app - cascable.se
Aaand, well, do you happen to know guys any Android app too? :-). Great review btw!
I don't know of one.
How does the sony A7R III play back images when buffer is clearing ? Can I view those that area already written to the card? Other Q: What else is limited when buffer is clearing. I heard about auto focus point being disabled to move. Is there anything else you came across? Thank you very much. Josef
I don't remember the specifics - yes, you can view images, but only those that have already been transferred (ie, not those in the buffer). I've returned the camera, but I'm pretty sure that focus point remained movable. In general, the A7R III is more flexible, but still locks out the menu and prevents mode changes will writing.
HI Maarten, GREAT REVIEW! Having just taken the A7Riii and the A9 with me to Venice on a workshop with Scott Kelby, I got a first hand view of both of these “beasts” up close and personal. I can say, without a doubt, the sensors are AMAZING. But... and I say but with a lot of trepidation...both of these cameras have menus that honestly render each of of them UNUSABLE AT TIMES. If you are shooting long exposures, I cannot tell you how humbling (and embarrassing) it is to not be able to put the camera into simply BULB mode, because not only is there no button for this important mode, but if you don’t know “the secret handshake” as my friend Scott Kelby would say, you could be left losing key seconds of blue hour. In order to get it into blue mode, you need like 5 things to be set correctly (no bulb mode button, sadly), and there are so many horrible menu snafus I cannot tell you. They can be great cameras, and I think your recom of a voice activation mode is great, but until they create a fully operational touch screen, they leave me wanting for a Nikon D850, or a Canon 5D Mark iv, which is not what Sony would want to hear. Great review, thanks very much.
Thanks for the kind words, and I certainly share your pain - ruclips.net/video/pPSIaIn1mys/видео.html
It's certainly worth repeating that for as good a camera as this (and many other Sony models) is, the menu can be an exercise in frustration.
For specific situations that do require additional contortions or multiple disparate settings to be adjusted, there is likely a way to customize the camera to more or less simplify switching to a mode or setting like bulb. However, that requires a deep understanding of the complexities and conflicts of the menu system - I'll collect this as a use case and consider it as a future topic.
Thanks for the information, well done.......thanks....Question---On your camera bodies menu, do you keep the noise feature and the lens compensation features off ? and if you do or don't, why?....thanks
REPLY
Always appreciate the kind words, nice to read your thoughts. Interesting question - I do keep noise off, mostly because I believe in minimal in camera processing (and typically shoot RAW+JPEG). If I want to make that adjustment, I have more control in Lightroom or other processing tools. As for lens compensation, I typically leave that on auto or (on).
thanks ........i was told by a friend that the reason he kept both those features off is because they interfered with the image sharpness........i was not sure because i always kept them on, but after hearing you i will follow you.......i mainly shoot jpeg......
Right. Lens comp. likely works best with Sony lenses, otherwise, might be just as well to keep that off too. Even when on, the camera only uses it for long exposures - you'll see when it's working as it takes the camera extra time to save the image.
Hey Maarten, I know you like to shoot with -7 detail. Could you be so kind as to let me in on what you use to sharpen your footage back up in final cut pro? I find the sharpen effect is really strong. If you do use the default one, what settings do you find useful for sharpening up something shot on a sony with a -7 detail?
Thanks,
Actually, I set the detail to -4. And I do not sharpen it afterwards, as I don't like the crispy video look. Set it where it pleases you, as making adjustments in post is slightly messy.
Hi, i just bought it used for 1000$ with mc11 adapter. Really loved your video. Any advice on the 1st standard zoom lens?
Thanks for your kind words. I'd suggest the 24-70GMII lens: ruclips.net/video/2ypH8VkSVEY/видео.html
Thank you for the wonderful review!
Always my pleasure, thanks for the kind words.
great job Manrtenc, can you do one for A7III??? Thank you.
I was hoping to hear from Sony Canada that the A7 III would be on its way today - no news yet.
Came here for the review, left with new music to listen to!
Excellent! I appreciate the kind words. Hope to work on another video with Liam soon.
Jagmeet made it in! Great review, as always.
He's in thanks to Miriam - although I didn't use the photo I took with her. The pink turban makes it.
I always throw a face party, when see I a video of you. I incidentally learned myself the auto iso settings myself today, would have saved google a couple of searches if I'd seen your video earlier. One quick question: Is the S&Q still 1080P only or can the timelapse be recorded in 4k?
Face Party!!! Yes, S&Q is 1080 only - thanks for the question, should have mentioned that.
Maarten Heilbron thanks for your answer. This is quite a shame, since they pulled the app support for timelapse as well
I find the omission of cinema 4K resolution to be an oversight also.
What about inbuild stabiliser. Did it improve over a7rII or a6500?
According to the specs, by 1 stop. I don't have the means to evaluate that accurately. Note that this is a feature that's mostly useful for stills, not video.
Lightroom update does now support A7R3 raw.
Perfect, thanks for the update.
A great review. Just bought the camera myself :-)
Thanks for your kind words, appreciated.
Hybrid log gamma! How interesting!
Yes, I found more to like (as I demonstrate) than I expected. It's quite useful and captures quite a bit that can later be recovered, without sacrificing as much as SLog does. I thought it was supposed to be autodetected by the display device, but it's more than that.
“On board memory,” the implementation of, would be most conscientious of modern day camera manufacturers. This was a through reviews and assessment MH. Hey MH, would you say the focus speed on the A 6500 and this camera has caught up to regular DSLR? I am waiting for an A7III, if that camera is not released by summer I’ll go with this super image maker. Always a delight experiencing your take on gear and everything else.
Always nice to see your (updated) avatar - and to read your kind words. In my humble opinion, I feel that Sony's autofocus surpassed others with the A9. What I'm also noticing is that the response of the entire system has improved with the A9 and A7Rm3 - Ii don't have to anticipate quite so much to get the shot - which is now comparable or faster than DSLRs in the same price class.
The main cpu is 1.8x faster and they changed the OS. This is also partly why we lost the apps (i hated them anyway). The remote control is now way better since its in the 'core' of the camera now. Lets hope they also bring back some basic features like timelapse but this time also in the core firmware.
Interesting observations, thanks for sharing.
That was my experience also.
Very good review. You touched upon things most other review videos skip over. Like actually using the camera! ;-)
I appreciate your kind words, thanks!
wow very well explainedd!!!
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your kind words.
Excellent review!
So kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.
I just love my A7rii
As you should , great camera!
Like always you've done a great job Manrten. Thank you and keep them coming buddy. :)
I appreciate the kind words, thanks for taking the time.
Thanks for this review, Maarten. It serves the ultimate purpose of any review:
To let us judge for ourselves what to buy - or, as in this case, what not to.
hehe, always nice to know my reviews have been useful. Thanks for taking the time to comment and your kind words.
Every time I format my SD cards the video file names reset back to 0... how can I get around that to avoid duplicating files?? On the Photography side the files are fine and are continuous.. NOT for video!HELP!
Yup, that's what it does. No, I have no workaround or solution. I create a folder in my SD card backup files that's today's date and then copy the "private" folder to it.
Maarten Heilbron ugh!! Sony really needs to do something about that!. The rep I just talked to said that it was an isolated issue with my unit (and I specifically told him it was NOT) and had me initialize my camera. Now I have to re-do all my custom buttons and settings!! FRUSTRATING!!Thanks for the reply my friend!
Always happy to help. This has been an issue since they created the "private" folder structure for XAVC-S files. I should complain more about this, but ... ruclips.net/video/pPSIaIn1mys/видео.html
We'd like the ability to rename the folder (Cam1) and to name the files.
May be 42mp on disk... but what are the percieved megapixels on the lens...that lowers the actual Mp on file.
That's a lens by lens issue - there are some excellent lenses from Sony and others that are up to the task.
Maarten Heilbron wrong its an issue with every lens. Unless you are paying 30k$ for a lens you are not getting full pixel aspect ratio of the sensor.
"full pixel aspect ratio" ? I'm afraid you've lost me. Which $30K lens are you referring to? Have you checked the DXOmark review?
Maarten Heilbron you so realize that movie cameras are 500k$ . For a cheap one. The reason is the lens. Renting one for a weekend is 12k$. The light refraction engineering is incomparable. And also intensely custom. There is, at very best, no chance of you
understanding the refraction deflection that cause vignettes.
While I appreciate your spirited defence of your initial remarks, I don't see that the cost of renting cinema gear nor light refraction engineering is relevant to the point. Nor did you reply to my questions.
Sony and others make lens that are perfectly suitable and capable of creating 42MP images. Thanks for your comments.
"Throwing shade" Nice one :-) By the way, no histogram WITH the level gauge on the same display is a big annoyance for me. I like having both displayed at the same time. For now, I just use the level and go without the histogram. I hope they change that later in firmware. Also, you find all the hidden gems in the menu. I'll have to watch this again since I noticed a few things I'd like to go back to and try on my own a7R III (certain menu settings and so on)
Thanks for the kind words, always appreciated. I usually go with the histogram ... but I completely agree. Fuji offers a completely customizable display, wish Sony did too. As for the hidden gems - there are lots more, I just wanted to stay inside 30 minutes.
Maarten Heilbron You’re welcome and keep up the good work. I always seem to find myself saying “Oh! I didn’t know that” when watching, even after I’ve been through all the menus. ;-)
That's very kind of you to say, always nice to know I've helped you uncover features.
A7r3 vs a6400..... Which one is gud 2go?....
Both. Either. About the same except the larger sensor on the A7R3.
nice review (still watching and updating this comment). A few things probably happened after/during your review. Lightroom now supports a7r3. Pixel shift for many needs 2 to 4 seconds to get the ibis stable for best results. I also think sony added it for people with a slower flash to it can recycle. The amount of shots on buffer slowdown moment should be about 84 to 86 on fastest cards but the buffer is for some types a nice one for example is shooting compressed raw in crop mode (18 megapixels) where on 1 card you get 578 shots on HI mode before the buffer slows down. For MUCH better wifi, make sure that on iOS you really turn BT off. That means not just in the menu that doesn't work (and you get a break every 10 seconds) best way turn airplane mode on and then turn wifi back on. Also check out a app called 'FieldMonitor' for iOS for much better video remote. Cool idea about the internal memory i would even consider them 'merging' it with the normal buffer. So a massive buffer when you don't use the 64Gig and make it less if it can't find space on one of the cards. Once it finds cards dump them to the cards. Have a rotational (ring) memory idea of last 500 shots in the buffer as a 'running backup' like security cameras do.
Thanks for the kind words. And the update on Lightroom (which happened too late to change in the video). Working in a studio setting on a tripod, would one not turn IBIS off for the best results? The flash makes sense.
The buffer size does vary with the image quality settings, I'm going by what I saw on-screen at the point I stopped shooting - that was generally just over 70 with extra fine JPEG.
And the RUclips cut you off - please finish your thoughts on wifi ...
Weird i can read the whole comment. Here is the rest since the wifi 'hack' is important. repeat part : For MUCH better wifi, make sure that on iOS you really turn BT off. That means not just in the menu that doesn't work (and you get a break every 10 seconds) best way turn airplane mode on and then turn wifi back on. Also check out a app called 'FieldMonitor' for iOS for much better video remote. Cool idea about the internal memory i would even consider them 'merging' it with the normal buffer. So a massive buffer when you don't use the 64Gig and make it less if it can't find space on one of the cards. Once it finds cards dump them to the cards. Have a rotational (ring) memory idea of last 500 shots in the buffer as a 'running backup' like security cameras do.
Second reply not to confuse. For pixel shift you always use IBIS since thats how it works. It shifts the sensor using that but some testing shows that for most people the sensor (so IBIS) needs 2 to 4 seconds to find its new position for the 4 different shots.
That is weird. On my screen, it ends at "For MUCH better wifi," with no "read more" button.
Thanks for your insight, appreciated.
Not following - isn't the pixel shift accomplished without IBIS? Thanks, I'll have to explore this further. And if I may, do you find PSMS to be worthwhile, and with what positive effect?
how do you turn on or off ibis?
Using the steady shot menu option.
Thank you I thought that only controlled the lens OSS but now I see that that setting controls both. Thanks for your help!
Always happy to help. If the lens has a switch, that's the primary control for both OSS and IBIS.
I have sold all my Nikon gear and want to buy this camera. Now I look at the menus, I am not so sure. It looks SO complicated!
It is complicated, but it does enable a range of possibilities that really extend the camera’s capabilities beyond the usual. And for the most part they are settings or features that you only need to select once, or use for a very specific situation. For general every day shooting, it’s actually quite easy to use, and the custom settings and the my menu can further simplify your experience and interaction.
i paid $600 dollars for a new version of this lens(sigma 18-35f1.8) for a Nikon, they wanted $799 dollars for the sony version, what the hell is up with that?....so i applied the $200 dollars i saved to buy a nikon d3400 for $340 dollars also brand new......NO focus issues....
Always nice to hear from a viewer who has made a smart purchase,].
Canon is falling WAY behind! I am sure the A7S III is going to be great for video
That may depend on which Canon model you're looking at (they do make some excellent dedicated video cameras) ... but I'm sure the A7S III will be a superb camera for video.
To fast end of…..
I can't wait to see how this ends!
Great review !
That's very kind of you to say, thanks for commenting.