Photo sharing: Sony Alpha

[havoc315]

nice shots Havoc - Where are they from?

Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown...

Interestingly, I shot in brackets for HDR, but ended up with better results simply taking the underexposed shot and lifting the shadows. I really wanted to keep the proper exposure out the windows, especially in the last shot where you can see the river and the bridge out the window.

Those were the true barons.... The mansion was last owned by railroad tycoon Jay Gould, it was his "country house." 60 acres, sitting right on the Hudson river, just 20 miles north of Manhattan.

A general sense of the property:

lyndhurst-4.jpg by Havoc315, on Flickr

Of course, that's nothing compared to the Rockefeller properties up the street!

 

[fractal]

Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown...

Interestingly, I shot in brackets for HDR, but ended up with better results simply taking the underexposed shot and lifting the shadows. I really wanted to keep the proper exposure out the windows, especially in the last shot where you can see the river and the bridge out the window.

Those were the true barons.... The mansion was last owned by railroad tycoon Jay Gould, it was his "country house." 60 acres, sitting right on the Hudson river, just 20 miles north of Manhattan.


Of course, that's nothing compared to the Rockefeller properties up the street!

Thanks! Reminded me of the Packer Mansions in Jim Thorpe, PA.

 

[havoc315]

The A-mount has life!!!!!
Sony announced the A77II.

I'm unlikely to step back down to APS-C, but I wouldn't totally rule out the possibility.

Early impression: The big upgrades are a newer much improved AF module, improved buffer for burst shooting, Wifi (hopefully finally tethering for those studio shooters who use it), Eye-AF (Perhaps a bit of a gimmick, but a good sounding one).

Sony seems incapable of ever giving a pure upgrade -- they always have to downgrade something. They took out the GPS. Possibly to make room for the wifi. GPS is certainly not a critical tool, but I do like having it for organizing travel pictures. Especially since I'm not always super efficient at tagging pictures in lightroom..... it's an even easier way to "find all the pictures I took at the wedding in Long Island" or even more specific, "find all my Epcot pictures."

The question marks:
My Sony A99 has auto ISO in Manual modes. This was sadly lacking on earlier dSLTs. It is my preferred shooting style... I want full control over shutter speed and aperture, but let the computer drive the ISO. I believe the Sony A58 has auto ISO in M mode, so it should be on the A77II.

Sony is claiming the camera has increased "sensitivity" of 20%... What does this mean in real life?
Sony SLTs, due to the mirror, have lagged behind other dSLRs and mirrorless cameras in high ISO performance. Depending on the reviewer and the method of measurement, the degree of difference has been described as almost imperceptible, all the way to a massive difference. Personally, I've seen it as a visible and noticeable difference, but not massive. So any improvement would be nice.

Early jpeg sample images..
http://www.photographyblog.com/previews/sony_a77_ii_photos/

Going by memory, still looks about the same as my A55, maybe a very slight improvement. Looking at the high ISO images, you start to see a real difference between 800 and 1600. 1600 looks usable, but pixel peeping shows some real flaws. You can get away with going as high at ISO 6400 if you aren't super discriminating, but going any higher is pointless. This is all with the camera jpeg processing.... Really need to compare RAW files for a better idea. Clearly not looking at a 1-stop improvement or anything. (which would have been miraculous). It's possible that ISO 1600-3200 is a bit more usable than it was.

It does appear the biggest benefactors of the upgrades will be sports/action shooters -- With the improved AF module, deeper buffer, a 2.8 focusing point, and with the addition of a focal range limiter (a really helpful device for wildlife and action shooting).

Body pricing $200 more than the Canon 70D and $100 more than the Nikon D7100.. but all three with the same undiscounted pricing... Sony has put itself in the position where it can claim to be the best of the prosumer APS-C cameras, with a straight face.

Though obviously each camera has different strengths and weaknesses... but for anyone not tied to an optical viewfinder, it appears the A77ii would be pretty compelling compared to the competition.

 

[fractal]

Nice summary of the A77II -camera looks great. Right now I'm really torn between getting an A6000 or waiting for 2015. Based on things I've read and observed, it seems like next year we may get a big leap forward in sensor technology. I guess I could sell my NEX-7 for the A6000 but there are things on the NEX-7 I don't want to give up like the Tri-Nav controls and the better EVF.

I've also considered expanding into full frame but I'm not totally sold with the A7 line. I tend to agree with you that stabilization is worthy enough to consider the A99, but I see the sensor on the A99 as a bit long in the tooth and await it's successor. A stabilized mirrorless full frame - whatever mount it would be - is what I'm really desiring.

So in the end it looks like I'll stay put and continue saving up the dollars.

Here are a few pictures of the Harry Packer mansion in Jim Thorpe. His father's (Asa) is right next to his. At one point Asa Packer was one of the richest - if not richest - men in the world. Harry's mansion was one of the mansions used as inspiration for WDW's Haunted Mansion as well as others from the Hudson River Valley. I took these a few years ago with the NEX-3.

 

[zackiedawg]

I'm thoroughly enjoying my A6000! Really nice, big step up from the NEX-5N for sure - and especially in the area of focus tracking in AF-C, which on previous NEX models ranged from impossible (most NEX) to slow movement only (NEX-6)...with the A6000, AF-C is now at entry-level DSLR speed for focus tracking on moving subjects, which means even fast tiny erratic subjects like swallows can be focused on while moving, and tracked as they move. Quite something!

BTW - the A6000 has auto ISO in Manual mode too, so it's almost certainly on the A77II. The A6000 added a bunch of really nifty upgrades for e-mount models - including the settable ISO floor and ceiling, Auto ISO in M, 3 memory recall banks for favorite camera setups, lock-on AF, expanded bracketing, separating the remote from the drive modes, adding MFNR mode to the ISO range, and so on. Amazing for a $649 body.

 

[havoc315]

Nice summary of the A77II -camera looks great. Right now I'm really torn between getting an A6000 or waiting for 2015. Based on things I've read and observed, it seems like next year we may get a big leap forward in sensor technology. I guess I could sell my NEX-7 for the A6000 but there are things on the NEX-7 I don't want to give up like the Tri-Nav controls and the better EVF.

I've also considered expanding into full frame but I'm not totally sold with the A7 line. I tend to agree with you that stabilization is worthy enough to consider the A99, but I see the sensor on the A99 as a bit long in the tooth and await it's successor. A stabilized mirrorless full frame - whatever mount it would be - is what I'm really desiring.

So in the end it looks like I'll stay put and continue saving up the dollars.

Nice shots of the mansion!

The A99 sensor isn't really so old.... Full frame cameras go through a pretty long cycle. So it's about a year and a half old at this point. About middle aged. The successor could be 6 months away.. or easily could be another 1-2 years away.

I don't expect to see stabilized mirrorless full frame any time soon.

And of course, you need to consider price. If Sony sticks to their recent pricing model.... When released, a new A99II, will be around $2800 for body only. You can get an A99 now for $1600-$2200 (depending on new or used).

Also, you can still *sell* an A900 for about $900.....

Point being.... wait indefinitely, and pass up the joy of using a great camera while you wait.... and then pay a super high price for the newest in technology.. Or buy a good condition used A99 now for $1650ish....
If you use it for 2 years, and then sell it for around $900+.... You will have gotten a lot of use out of it for $750. And then upgrade to the next and newest level.

In terms of NEX-7 vs A6000 vs A99...

I know dxoMark gave the A6000 amazing scores, very close to the A99. But I don't buy it totally. Take a look at the charts on Techradar and take a look at real image samples in ephotozine and imaging-resource-- The A6000 is quite good, but it is not nipping at the heals of the A99.

If compact size (and cheaper) are the highest priorities, then the A6000 is a no-brainer.

Imaging-resource seems to suggest that the image quality between the A6000 and NEX-7 are still very very close. So not sure I'd see the A6000 as being a big upgrade from the NEX-7, though potentially better AF performance.

The Sony A99.... yes, it costs much more. It's not compact (but it's not huge either). But it still objectively has the best IQ. And subjectively to me, it's the best overall shooting experience. Twin control dials, really well laid out body. A fast responsive auto focus system. Dual card slots. Huge EVF.

Guess if I were you... I'd either stick with the Nex-7, I'd consider the A7, the A99 (with the realization that I can sell it later hopefully without a massive loss), or simply waiting. Not sure the gains on the A6000 are big enough over the NEX-7.

What really really annoys me about Sony, is the amount of upgrades that are really just firmware issues.. that they won't make available for older models. I owned the A55 --- the last generation that lacked focus peaking. They couldn't add focus peaking as a firmware update? The "Eye-AF" seems like a neat feature on the newest Sony cameras, can't they add it as a firmware update to their supposed "flagship" A99?

So to some extent, I feel like updated from the NEX-7 to the A6000, you'd largely be buying a new camera just to get a firmware update.

 

[zackiedawg]

What really really annoys me about Sony, is the amount of upgrades that are really just firmware issues.. that they won't make available for older models. I owned the A55 --- the last generation that lacked focus peaking. They couldn't add focus peaking as a firmware update? The "Eye-AF" seems like a neat feature on the newest Sony cameras, can't they add it as a firmware update to their supposed "flagship" A99?

It's hit or miss with Sony - they actually DO sometimes add things with firmware updates, and other times they just release a new model. Unfortunately it's not always a matter of releasing something just for the highest end model - sometimes the entry-level buyers get a nice firmware feature update while the high-end buyer with the full frame gets nothing.

I bought the NEX3 way back when because they released a firmware update that made significant improvements to button customization, added focus peaking, and reworked the focus algorithm...quite a comprehensive update and added features. The NEX-5N had an update to upgrade the focus system as well. Many other firmware updates that followed were just to add lens firmware for in-camera correction and/or PDAF compatibility. But never had a firmware update to add features on any of my Sony DSLRs.

As for NEX-7 vs A6000 - the focus is most certainly a very substantial improvement - focus speed in low light, focus point size adjustments in flex mode for more accurate acquisition, and most of all, a massive upgrade of AF-C tracking ability. No tri-navi, same 24MP, maybe a very slight improvement at highest ISO levels...but mostly anyone looking to move from NEX-7 to A6000 would probably be making the move to get the ability to track moving subjects fast and accurately...that would be the big upsell. If you don't need to track moving subjects, then the NEX7 is by no means outdated and still perfectly viable today.

 

[fractal]

What really really annoys me about Sony, is the amount of upgrades that are really just firmware issues.. that they won't make available for older models. I owned the A55 --- the last generation that lacked focus peaking. They couldn't add focus peaking as a firmware update? The "Eye-AF" seems like a neat feature on the newest Sony cameras, can't they add it as a firmware update to their supposed "flagship" A99?

It's hit or miss with Sony - they actually DO sometimes add things with firmware updates, and other times they just release a new model. Unfortunately it's not always a matter of releasing something just for the highest end model - sometimes the entry-level buyers get a nice firmware feature update while the high-end buyer with the full frame gets nothing.

I bought the NEX3 way back when because they released a firmware update that made significant improvements to button customization, added focus peaking, and reworked the focus algorithm...quite a comprehensive update and added features. The NEX-5N had an update to upgrade the focus system as well. Many other firmware updates that followed were just to add lens firmware for in-camera correction and/or PDAF compatibility. But never had a firmware update to add features on any of my Sony DSLRs.

As for NEX-7 vs A6000 - the focus is most certainly a very substantial improvement - focus speed in low light, focus point size adjustments in flex mode for more accurate acquisition, and most of all, a massive upgrade of AF-C tracking ability. No tri-navi, same 24MP, maybe a very slight improvement at highest ISO levels...but mostly anyone looking to move from NEX-7 to A6000 would probably be making the move to get the ability to track moving subjects fast and accurately...that would be the big upsell. If you don't need to track moving subjects, then the NEX7 is by no means outdated and still perfectly viable today.

Yes - and that's what is making me consider the A6000. Last weekend I missed some potentially great shots of my daughter playing lacrosse because she was moving towards me and the camera focused on the background. I really thought I nailed it until I saw the results. Still torn, but I'm excited to hear that you are enjoying your A6000!

Nice shots of the mansion!

The A99 sensor isn't really so old.... Full frame cameras go through a pretty long cycle. So it's about a year and a half old at this point. About middle aged. The successor could be 6 months away.. or easily could be another 1-2 years away.

I don't expect to see stabilized mirrorless full frame any time soon.

And of course, you need to consider price. If Sony sticks to their recent pricing model.... When released, a new A99II, will be around $2800 for body only. You can get an A99 now for $1600-$2200 (depending on new or used).

Also, you can still *sell* an A900 for about $900.....

Point being.... wait indefinitely, and pass up the joy of using a great camera while you wait.... and then pay a super high price for the newest in technology.. Or buy a good condition used A99 now for $1650ish....
If you use it for 2 years, and then sell it for around $900+.... You will have gotten a lot of use out of it for $750. And then upgrade to the next and newest level.

In terms of NEX-7 vs A6000 vs A99...

I know dxoMark gave the A6000 amazing scores, very close to the A99. But I don't buy it totally. Take a look at the charts on Techradar and take a look at real image samples in ephotozine and imaging-resource-- The A6000 is quite good, but it is not nipping at the heals of the A99.

If compact size (and cheaper) are the highest priorities, then the A6000 is a no-brainer.

Imaging-resource seems to suggest that the image quality between the A6000 and NEX-7 are still very very close. So not sure I'd see the A6000 as being a big upgrade from the NEX-7, though potentially better AF performance.

The Sony A99.... yes, it costs much more. It's not compact (but it's not huge either). But it still objectively has the best IQ. And subjectively to me, it's the best overall shooting experience. Twin control dials, really well laid out body. A fast responsive auto focus system. Dual card slots. Huge EVF.

Guess if I were you... I'd either stick with the Nex-7, I'd consider the A7, the A99 (with the realization that I can sell it later hopefully without a massive loss), or simply waiting. Not sure the gains on the A6000 are big enough over the NEX-7.

What really really annoys me about Sony, is the amount of upgrades that are really just firmware issues.. that they won't make available for older models. I owned the A55 --- the last generation that lacked focus peaking. They couldn't add focus peaking as a firmware update? The "Eye-AF" seems like a neat feature on the newest Sony cameras, can't they add it as a firmware update to their supposed "flagship" A99?

So to some extent, I feel like updated from the NEX-7 to the A6000, you'd largely be buying a new camera just to get a firmware update.

Thanks for the input. Is the A6000 AF a big enough plus vs the Tri-Nav and EVF? I bought the Nex-7 in November 2012 and at the time I told myself I would not buy another camera for 2 years. The A6000 release is making this tough.

At the same time, I could go with FF and use the NEX-7 as a back up but that would expand my camera budget significantly. But as I remind my wife, it's still much cheaper than a sports car or girlfriend.

I hope you're wrong about a stabilized full-frame mirrorless.

 

[havoc315]

What really really annoys me about Sony, is the amount of upgrades that are really just firmware issues.. that they won't make available for older models. I owned the A55 --- the last generation that lacked focus peaking. They couldn't add focus peaking as a firmware update? The "Eye-AF" seems like a neat feature on the newest Sony cameras, can't they add it as a firmware update to their supposed "flagship" A99?

It's hit or miss with Sony - they actually DO sometimes add things with firmware updates, and other times they just release a new model. Unfortunately it's not always a matter of releasing something just for the highest end model - sometimes the entry-level buyers get a nice firmware feature update while the high-end buyer with the full frame gets nothing.

I bought the NEX3 way back when because they released a firmware update that made significant improvements to button customization, added focus peaking, and reworked the focus algorithm...quite a comprehensive update and added features. The NEX-5N had an update to upgrade the focus system as well. Many other firmware updates that followed were just to add lens firmware for in-camera correction and/or PDAF compatibility. But never had a firmware update to add features on any of my Sony DSLRs.

As for NEX-7 vs A6000 - the focus is most certainly a very substantial improvement - focus speed in low light, focus point size adjustments in flex mode for more accurate acquisition, and most of all, a massive upgrade of AF-C tracking ability. No tri-navi, same 24MP, maybe a very slight improvement at highest ISO levels...but mostly anyone looking to move from NEX-7 to A6000 would probably be making the move to get the ability to track moving subjects fast and accurately...that would be the big upsell. If you don't need to track moving subjects, then the NEX7 is by no means outdated and still perfectly viable today.

Particularly when they are waiting a long time between releases, they could make their customer base so much happier by giving them new features with updates. The A55 did have an update that added picture effects, so it was pretty significant at the time.
But most updates on their dSLRs are just lens profiles and fixing obvious bugs.

I think your comparison of the NEX-7 and A6000 sounds very accurate. The biggest update being the AF capabilities.

It's often annoying watching the lower level cameras get some features, often long before the supposedly advanced cameras. The A58, an entry level dSLR launched over a year ago.. had multiple features that took the prosumer A77ii over a year to incorporate with the new release.

I wouldn't put down the money for a fullframe upgrade regardless right now, but it's a bit annoying to see the A77ii get a greatly improved AF-module, which is one of the big problems with the A99. (It uses the same AF-module as the original A77, which is much too small for full frame). And it's annoying to watch the A77ii get a feature like eye-AF, which could likely be added to the A99 with a simple firmware update.

I am hoping that the A77ii is the beginning of a re-fresh of the dSLR line, and not simply a matter of chugging the A-mount along on life support, milking some more money from current A-mount shooters on the way to the grave. SAR seems pretty convinced there is no A65 upgrade in the works, but perhaps we will see a A58 upgrade soon --- That would be sufficient, a current entry level, and a current prosumer level, and a mid-cycle full frame semi-pro camera.

 

[havoc315]

Yes - and that's what is making me consider the A6000. Last weekend I missed some potentially great shots of my daughter playing lacrosse because she was moving towards me and the camera focused on the background. I really thought I nailed it until I saw the results. Still torn, but I'm excited to hear that you are enjoying your A6000!



Thanks for the input. Is the A6000 AF a big enough plus vs the Tri-Nav and EVF? I bought the Nex-7 in November 2012 and at the time I told myself I would not buy another camera for 2 years. The A6000 release is making this tough.

At the same time, I could go with FF and use the NEX-7 as a back up but that would expand my camera budget significantly. But as I remind my wife, it's still much cheaper than a sports car or girlfriend.

I hope you're wrong about a stabilized full-frame mirrorless.

Sony just released 3 full frame mirrorless cameras in the last 6 months. So I'm not expecting any massive changes any time soon. Plus, they are putting optical stabilization in the lenses. So it might not even make sense for them to re-engineer and stick stabilization in mirrorless.

The A99 is very nice for shooting sports and action. I'll be in a better position to judge after I shoot some of my son playing baseball, probably this weekend. But I shot some dance pictures you can see on my flickr, they came out great.

The bad thing about shooting sports on full frame --- No crop effect on the lenses, so you get less reach.

But there are also some real nice benefits of shooting sports with full frame -- The higher ISO quality lets me shoot at much higher shutter speeds to freeze the action.
And the A99 has a very very impressive AF speed. Popphoto testing suggested it is much faster than the Canon 5dM3 and Nikon D800. Imaging-resource tested it even faster -- around 0.127 to AF. That's faster than their test of the A6000 --- Their testing of the A6000, had an AF speed of 0.150.

So AF speed seems about equal between the A6000 and A99. The A6000 has a deeper buffer, but the A99 can clear it's buffer much faster.

And of course, for shooting outdoor sports -- longer lenses available for A-mount. Though, you lose the crop factor if you go full frame.
And faster lenses for A-mount. The dance pictures I took, were with a 200/2.8 prime.
Compared to shooting with 200/6.3 on E-mount.... that's more than a 2-stop advantage. Throw in the full frame ISO advantage, that's a 3-stop advantage shooting sports with A-mount (with a good lens) compared to shooting E-mount with a native telephoto lens.

 

[fractal]

Sony just released 3 full frame mirrorless cameras in the last 6 months. So I'm not expecting any massive changes any time soon. Plus, they are putting optical stabilization in the lenses. So it might not even make sense for them to re-engineer and stick stabilization in mirrorless.

The A99 is very nice for shooting sports and action. I'll be in a better position to judge after I shoot some of my son playing baseball, probably this weekend. But I shot some dance pictures you can see on my flickr, they came out great.

The bad thing about shooting sports on full frame --- No crop effect on the lenses, so you get less reach.

But there are also some real nice benefits of shooting sports with full frame -- The higher ISO quality lets me shoot at much higher shutter speeds to freeze the action.
And the A99 has a very very impressive AF speed. Popphoto testing suggested it is much faster than the Canon 5dM3 and Nikon D800. Imaging-resource tested it even faster -- around 0.127 to AF. That's faster than their test of the A6000 --- Their testing of the A6000, had an AF speed of 0.150.

So AF speed seems about equal between the A6000 and A99. The A6000 has a deeper buffer, but the A99 can clear it's buffer much faster.

And of course, for shooting outdoor sports -- longer lenses available for A-mount. Though, you lose the crop factor if you go full frame.
And faster lenses for A-mount. The dance pictures I took, were with a 200/2.8 prime.
Compared to shooting with 200/6.3 on E-mount.... that's more than a 2-stop advantage. Throw in the full frame ISO advantage, that's a 3-stop advantage shooting sports with A-mount (with a good lens) compared to shooting E-mount with a native telephoto lens.

OSS in some of the lenses. The Sony Zeiss 55mm FE doesn't, which is the lens I would buy first.

I could get an adapter and use a 200/2.8 with the NEX-7, but no stabilization. I'm actually amazed at the result I can get with my long but slow zoom, but it takes work and I now carry a tripod to the games. Again, give me a mirrorless A99 with the a7r sensor and I will throw money at Sony.

 

[havoc315]

OSS in some of the lenses. The Sony Zeiss 55mm FE doesn't, which is the lens I would buy first.

I could get an adapter and use a 200/2.8 with the NEX-7, but no stabilization. I'm actually amazed at the result I can get with my long but slow zoom, but it takes work and I now carry a tripod to the games. Again, give me a mirrorless A99 with the a7r sensor and I will throw money at Sony.

But that's the typical OSS model. Most Canon/Nikon primes aren't stabilized either. Stabilize zooms, not primes. (And the advantage of Sony/Pentax). If their plan was to introduce stabilization to E-mount, I don't know what they are waiting for. It doesn't seem any more likely than the Nikon D7200 suddenly having IBIS.

Use the 200/2.8 with an adapter -- you lose the stabilization advantage of A-mount. And you lose the mirrorless advantage of E-mount. (If you want to keep AF, you would need the mirrored adapter). So to me, an adapter is a good emergency stop-gap solution, but it's also a lose-lose situation.
You get the disadvantages of both systems!

I've seen your sports shots, you have indeed gotten great results with your slower lens. But it goes to show, you can get some great results with almost any gear if used properly. A faster lens would certainly make things easier

 

[fractal]

But that's the typical OSS model. Most Canon/Nikon primes aren't stabilized either. Stabilize zooms, not primes. (And the advantage of Sony/Pentax). If their plan was to introduce stabilization to E-mount, I don't know what they are waiting for. It doesn't seem any more likely than the Nikon D7200 suddenly having IBIS.

Use the 200/2.8 with an adapter -- you lose the stabilization advantage of A-mount. And you lose the mirrorless advantage of E-mount. (If you want to keep AF, you would need the mirrored adapter). So to me, an adapter is a good emergency stop-gap solution, but it's also a lose-lose situation.
You get the disadvantages of both systems!

I've seen your sports shots, you have indeed gotten great results with your slower lens. But it goes to show, you can get some great results with almost any gear if used properly. A faster lens would certainly make things easier

My 50mm E mount has OSS, but you bring up a good point. Does a 50mm need to have OSS on full frame camera? I also have the Sony 35mm 1.8 with OSS and frankly I'm not thrilled with it. I almost bought the Sony Zeiss 24mm 1.8 but didn't because of price and no OSS. I regret that decision.

I see what you're saying about the A-mount adapter. I believe the LA-EA3 adapter is mirrorless but as you said I would lose AF. I could also go with a Canon 200mm 2.8 with a metabones adapter and retain AF although likely slower.

Another option I've been kicking around it getting a speedbooster adapter and some full frame lenses. The results I've seen with that combo look very good. Any thoughts?

thanks for the comments! Even if I don't do anything it sure is fun to discuss.

 

[havoc315]

My 50mm E mount has OSS, but you bring up a good point. Does a 50mm need to have OSS on full frame camera? I also have the Sony 35mm 1.8 with OSS and frankly I'm not thrilled with it. I almost bought the Sony Zeiss 24mm 1.8 but didn't because of price and no OSS. I regret that decision.

I see what you're saying about the A-mount adapter. I believe the LA-EA3 adapter is mirrorless but as you said I would lose AF. I could also go with a Canon 200mm 2.8 with a metabones adapter and retain AF although likely slower.

Another option I've been kicking around it getting a speedbooster adapter and some full frame lenses. The results I've seen with that combo look very good. Any thoughts?

thanks for the comments! Even if I don't do anything it sure is fun to discuss.

I agree it's a fun discussion. And I don't want to come across as anti-E-mount. It is in the back of my mind that I might sell gear some day and switch to an A7 or similar, perhaps only keeping my favorite A-mount lenses.

But I do firmly believe, if you are going to mostly use A-mount lenses, it makes the most sense to use an A-mount camera. I don't understand photographers with a big collection of A-mount glass, seriously thinking they will simply use those lenses on E-mount with adapter.
The adapter seems to me to be a good choice to have, but doesn't make sense as a primary option.

If I'm happy without extreme telephoto and with slightly slower lenses, then I'd go with E-mount. If I prefer faster lenses and longer telephoto, I'd be more inclined to A-mount. That's really the main issues for me.

 

[Hockeyman]

You guys ever mess with the Long Exposure noise reduction or the high ISO NR options. I have both of mine off but wondered if the long exposure would help at all with some of my night photography and if the hig iso nr would help with my on ride photos. I never think about while im actually out shooting of course so wondered what if you guys have played around with those settings at all

 

[zackiedawg]

I certainly do, but then I'm also a predominantly JPG shooter - if you shoot mostly RAW, these won't really matter to you. If you want to use the JPGs, they can be a big help. The high ISO NR I tend to set to the lowest setting - these tend to clean up the worst noise, like chroma noise, and slightly reduce the overall noise, without as much smearing of details. The long-exposure NR is great for night landscapes and scenics - any nighttime long exposure that you are in no rush to capture or shoot quickly. It's essentially performing a dark-frame subtraction, the same length as your exposure, after you shoot - and maps out hot pixels which are inevitable in long exposures especially in hot weather. Removing these isn't terribly difficult, but just time consuming, and the LENR does it very well.

 

[Animagic!]

My A99 arrived in the mail. I'll try to post some pictures soon. Right now I'm using the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 and the Tamron SP 70-300 f/4-5.6 US Di.

I really need a 50mm. LOL I'm still waiting for the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art to come out. Can anyone recommend any other relatively 50mm for use on the A99 until the Sigma is released? Also, has anyone used the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art?

 

[havoc315]

My A99 arrived in the mail. I'll try to post some pictures soon. Right now I'm using the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 and the Tamron SP 70-300 f/4-5.6 US Di.

I really need a 50mm. LOL I'm still waiting for the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 Art to come out. Can anyone recommend any other relatively 50mm for use on the A99 until the Sigma is released? Also, has anyone used the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art?

My first walk around for my a99 was the Minolta 50/2.8 macro. Under $200. Razor sharp. And once you get the Sigma, you can keep the Minolta for true 1:1 macro.

I was shooting with the Tamron 70-300 usd today as well. Realized I was spoiled by the Minolta 200 prime. I had been happy with the Tamron, still decent results for shooting sports. But I've definitely fallen out of love with it.

So what do you think of the a99 so far?

 

[fractal]

Justin,

I had the opportunity to peruse your gallery today. Although I was immediately drawn to the bikini clad women on the beach, I also viewed your other work. Very nice job - especially the bird shots with the NEX-5t!

Animagic,

Good luck with the A99 - can't wait to see some images!


Here's a shot I took from my car while purposely getting lost during my lunch hour.

 

[havoc315]

Speaking of the Minolta 50 macro... It was the only "wide" lens in my bag this evening, so used it for HDR sunset:

Sunset over Chappaqua by Havoc315, on Flickr