Camera Gear Review News (Page 9)

The Sony Alpha 7R V is here and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 35 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box a7R V.

1. Charge the battery
2. Record the serial number, and add the camera to insurance policy
3. Download and install Capture One (for Sony) or Sony Imaging Edge (unless your current favorite RAW image processing software supports this camera)
4. Insert the charged battery, and power on the camera
5. Insert a memory card(s) (we'll format it later)
6. Select M mode press "Menu" and configure the camera as follows:
7. Set the time zone date time timeformat
8. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Image Quality Settings: File Format: RAW RAW File Type: Lossless Compressed L (full image quality reduced file size)
9. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Long Exposure NR: Off (I'll enable this option for very long exposures)
10. Shooting Menu 1 High ISO NR: Low
11. Shooting Menu 1 Image Quality: Lens Compensation: Shading Chromatic Aberration and Distortion Comp: All Off (I use the RAW processing software to enable any lens compensation with CA correction frequently selected)
12. Shooting Menu 2 Media: Format (ensure there are no important files on the card(s) prior to formatting)
13. Shooting Menu 3 File: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On Set Photographer: [your name] Set Copyright: [as desired] Write Serial Number: On (note: entering this information on the touchscreen may be a painful process)
14. Shooting Menu 5 Drive Mode: Selftimer during Bracket: 2 Sec
15. Shooting Menu 5 Drive Mode: Bracket Settings: Bracket order: ->0>+ (considerably enhances image selection for HDR processing)
16. Shooting Menu 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Lens: Disable
17. Shooting Menu 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Card: Disable (why is this not the default?)
18. Shooting Menu 9 Shooting Display: Grid Line Display: On (Rule of Thirds selected)
19. Exposure/Color Menu 6 Color/Tone: D-Range Optimizer: Off
20. Exposure/Color Menu 6 Color/Tone: Creative Look: NT (Neutral) Sharpness = 1 (this setting provides a lower contrast histogram. I usually process with the Natural creative style in Capture One)
21. Focus Menu 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-S: AF
22. Focus Menu 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-C: AF
23. Focus Menu 2 Focus Area: Focus Area: Spot: S (this setting is often changed)
24. Focus Menu 2 Switch V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
25. Focus Menu 4 Initial Focus Mag.:c x4.7
26. Focus Menu 5 Peaking Display: On
27. Playback Menu 4 Delete: "Delete" first
28. Playback Menu 7 Playback Option: Display Rotation: Off (image fills LCD)
29. Network Menu: 7 Network Menu: Airplane Mode: On
30. Setup Menu: 4 Dial Customize: Custom Key/Dial Set.: Dial/Wheel: Front Dial: Av/Tv (Tv in M mode) (option #2) (I adjust the shutter speed more frequently and urgently than aperture and the front dial is easier to access quickly); Rear Dial: Av/Tv (Av in M mode)
31. Setup Menu: 5 Touch Operations: Touch Panel/Pad: Both Valid
32. Setup Menu: 5 Touch Operations: Touch Pad Settings: Touch Position Mode: Relative Position
33. Setup Menu: 10 Sound Option: Audio signals: Off (how to turn off the loud and usually-annoying AF beep sound)
34. My Menu: Format Shutter Type Steady Shot Recognition Target Anti-flicker Set. Flash Comp.
35. With a lens mounted and a subject in focus adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do - including in RAW-only format. While this setup works great for me you should adjust the setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Consider saving the camera settings to a card for an easy restore.

More Information

Sony Alpha 7R V

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RRS's long-awaited version II Pano-Gimbal head is on the streets!

Just posted: Really Right Stuff PG-02 MK2 Pano-Gimbal Head Review.

This head features another really great (and innovative) RRS design.

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Resolution test results are now available on the Sony Alpha 7R V Review page.

These results are outstanding, as expected.

Here is the Sony Alpha 7R V vs. Alpha 1 resolution comparison.

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Noise test results are now available on the Sony Alpha 7R V Review page.

The results are very good, as expected for the resolution.

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Just completed: Canon EOS R6 Mark II Review

At some point, I have to call this review finished. Still, I'll likely continue to update it.

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Noise test results (high ISO noise – not audible sounds) are now available for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II in electronic shutter mode, including exdposure variance results.

The R6 II shifts from 14-bit to 12-bit capture in electronic shutter mode. While the noise in 12-bit images appears similar to that of 14-bit images at the exposed brightness, 12-bit image noise levels are increased in brightened images.

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Noise test results are now available for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II.

Again, no surprises here. The results look great.

Here is a comparison with the 20 megapixel EOS R6 (the higher resolution R6 II sample is the larger background image).

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The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the 44 steps taken to prepare an out-of-the-box R6 II.

1. Record serial number and add camera to the insurance policy
2. Open the box, find the battery, place it in the charger, and plug it in.
3. Consider downloading and installing the latest Canon imaging software to gain support for the latest camera model(s). Canon Digital Photo Pro (DPP), EOS Utility, and Lens Registration Utility are the options I include in the install.
4. Insert a memory card (we'll format the card in a later step), insert a charged battery, and power the camera on.
5. The date, time, and time zone setup screen will show at the first startup. Use the rear control dial and set button to update this information.
6. Set the camera's mode to Av, Tv, or M (some modes may provide only a subset of available menu options) and press the menu button.
7. Shooting Menu, Tab 1: Image quality: Use the top control dial to set RAW to "RAW", and use the rear control dial to set JPEG to "-" (RAW image files provide the highest quality and are especially valuable for post-processing work)
8. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: White balance: AWB W (White) (I seldom use another white balance setting while shooting, though I often adjust white balance modestly during post-processing)
9. Shooting Menu, Tab 4: Picture Style: Neutral with Sharpness = 1 (Note: the low contrast "Neutral" picture style provides a histogram that best shows the available dynamic range. I usually change the Picture Style to "Standard" in DPP after capture.)
10. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: Lens Aberration Correction: All options "OFF" (I suggest that most photographers enable Chromatic Aberration correction)
11. Shooting Menu, Tab 5: High ISO speed NR: Off or Low (noise reduction is destructive to images details, so I prefer to add noise reduction sparingly during post-processing)
12. Shooting Menu, Tab 7: Release shutter without card: OFF (only in a retail store would you want to press the shutter release without saving the image file)
13. Shooting Menu, Tab 8: Image review: Review duration: 4 sec. (the Viewfinder review option is disabled by default, speeding the shooting process)
14. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Screen info. settings: Enable 1, 2, 3, and 4; edit screen 2 to show only: Basic shooting info and Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Basic shooting info, Histogram, and Electronic level
15. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: VF info/toggle setting: Enable 1, 2, and 3 (the default); edit screen 2 to show only: Electronic level; edit screen 3 to show only: Histogram and Electronic level
16. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Grid display: 3x3 (sometimes the 3x3 grid is helpful for alignment checking while not complicating the view)
17. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Shooting info. disp.: Histogram disp: RGB, Small (show the brightness levels of each channel separately and do not let the graph to take up much space in the display as it can affect the perceived composition)
18. Shooting Menu, Tab 9: Disp performance: Smooth (select Smooth if shooting fast action and battery life is not a concern, and Power saving otherwise.)
19. AF Menu, Tab 1: Subject to detect: Select Auto, People, Animals, Vehicles, or No priority as makes sense for your current shooting scenario
20. AF Menu, Tab 4: Touch & drag AF settings: Touch & drag AF: Enable (allows the thumb drag across the rear LCD to quickly move the AF point while looking through the electronic viewfinder)
21. AF Menu, Tab 4: Limit AF methods: enable Spot AF, Single Point, and Whole area AF
22. AF Menu, Tab 4: Orientation linked AF point: Separate AF pts: Pt only (instructs the camera to individually save the selected AF points for vertical and horizontal orientation)
23. AF Menu, Tab 5: MF peaking settings: On
24. AF Menu, Tab 6: RF lens MF focus ring sensitivity: Linked to rotation degree
25. Playback Menu, Tab 5: Magnification: 10x (allows one button press during playback to zoom deeply into the image)
26. Playback Menu, Tab 7: Playback information display: 1, 2, and 3 only; change view 2 histogram to RGB
27. Playback Menu, Tab 7: Highlight Alert: Enable (overexposed pixels will blink during image review)
28. Set-up Menu, Tab 1: Format card (always format a memory card in-camera before using it - all data on the card will be lost)
29. Set-up Menu, Tab 1: Auto Rotate: On computer (images are properly rotated when viewed on a computer, but are always oriented to fill the LCD when viewed on the camera)
30. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Mode guide: Disable
31. Set-up Menu, Tab 2: Feature guide: Disable
32. Set-up Menu, Tab 3: Beep: Disable (probably no one wants to hear your camera's beep)
33. Set-up Menu, Tab 3: Power saving: Screen dimmer: Disable (I found the dimmer to be highly annoying — the LCD is as useful off as dimmed)
34. Set-up Menu, Tab 6: Custom shooting mode (C1, C2, C3): Auto update set: Enable (see Configuring Custom Shooting Modes)
35. Set-up Menu, Tab 6: Copyright information: enter as desired
36. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing auto cancel: OFF (I want to control when AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing) is enabled and disabled)
37. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 1: Bracketing sequence: -0+ (if images are captured in brightness sequence, they are easier to work with during post-processing. Capturing the darkest image first means quickly getting the first frame)
38. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize buttons: Multi-function button: Dial function and press info to set details: Top row: 1. Drive mode, 2. One Shot - Servo, 3. Exp. comp, 4. Off, 5: Off; Bottom row: 1. ISO, 2. AF area, 3. Flash exp. comp, 4. Off, 5: Off
39. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 3: Customize dials: Control ring: OFF (consider using this dial for a function logical for your needs)
40. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Default erase option: [Erase] selected (less safe, but one less button press required to delete an image)
41. Custom Functions Menu, Tab 4: Retract lens on power off: OFF (prevents a carefully-selected focus distance from resetting when the camera auto powers off)
42. My Menu: Add My Menu 1; Register the following options: Expo.comp./AEB, IS (Image Stabilizer) mode, Expo. simulation, Subject to detect, Format card, Date/Time/Zone (great for monitoring the time); reorder menu items as desired
43. My Menu: Add My Menu 2; Register the following options: Anti-flicker shoot., RAW burst mode, Focus bracketing, Shutter mode, Number of bracketed shots, reorder menu items as desired
44. With a lens mounted and a subject focused on, adjust the viewfinder diopter until the scene is sharp

I make additional menu and other setting changes based on current shooting scenarios, but this list covers my initial camera setup process.

To copy this configuration means you intend to shoot as I do – including in RAW-only format. While this setup works great for me, you should adjust the setup to your needs.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime the camera is set to the factory state, such as when serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, the list will ensure all settings are re-established. If you purchase another same or similar camera, setup will be fast and identical.

More Information

Canon EOS R6 Mark II

Support this site by ordering the Canon EOS R6 Mark II from B&H | Adorama | Canon USA | Amazon USA | WEX

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Resolution test results are now available for the Canon EOS R6 Mark II.

No surprises here. The results look great.

Here is a comparison with the 20 megapixel EOS R6.

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Just posted: Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens Review.

This is an interesting lens — compact, lightweight, affordable, and a good performer. Sometimes, the 20-40mm focal length range is ideal, avoiding frequent lens changes.

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Sabrent, a popular and respected brand in the computer accessories market, is now producing memory cards and readers. I mentioned using them recently, and here is a closer look at the Sabrent CFexpress Type B and SDXC Memory Cards and Readers.

Support this site by ordering the Sabrent CFexpress Type B and SDXC Memory Cards and Readers from B&H.

The black lines indicate contrast, and the blue lines show resolution. The solid lines are sagittal, and the dashed lines are meridional. The higher, the better, and that comparison tells a story.

The RF lens's performance is substantially improved.

Prefer a mouseover comparison? View that MTF comparison in the Canon RF 135mm F1.8 L IS USM Lens Review.

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Image quality test results are now available on the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD Lens Review page.

Create some comparisons.

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Just posted: Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens Review

This lens is currently ranked 21st among the best-selling mirrorless lenses at B&H — out of 1204 lenses.

Support this site by ordering the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Just posted: Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens Review page.

Fun, but expensive, lens.

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Image quality test results are now available on the Canon RF 1200mm F8 L IS USM Lens page.

This lens exceeds my image quality expectations.

While the RF 1200 is not as sharp as the Canon RF 600mm F4 L Lens, it is nicely sharper than the Canon RF 600mm F4 L Lens plus 2x extender.

The RF 1200mm lens's image quality is about the same as that of the RF 800mm F5.6 Lens.

Note that RF 1200mm lens plus extender results are not included in the tool. I'm still arguing with myself but have not yet justified spending over $1,000.00 to fund the smaller test chart needed for testing focal lengths over 1200mm.

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Image quality test results are now available on the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens page.

I like what I see except the wide open 400mm results are a bit soft (f/8 produces better sharpness).

Create a few comparisons.

Support this site by ordering the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD Lens from B&H | Adorama | Amazon USA | WEX

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Just Posted: Canon RF 24mm F1.8 Macro IS STM Lens Review.

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Just Posted: Canon RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Review.

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Just posted: Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG DN Art Lens Review

Image quality test results from a second lens (Sample 2) are now available. The second lens performs similarly to the first.

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