36 Steps to the Ultimate Sony Alpha a1 Setup

The Sony Alpha a1 is here, and it is time to set up this camera for use. Following are the steps I took to make an out-of-the-box a1 ready for use. Note that these instructions are updated to the camera firmware version 3.0.

1. Charge the battery
2. Record the serial number, and add the camera to your insurance policy
3. Download and install the latest version of Sony Imaging Edge or your favorite RAW image processing software.
4. Insert the charged battery and a memory card(s) (we'll format it later), and power on the camera
5. Answer the power-on prompts, including setting the time zone and date
6. Select M mode, press "Menu", and configure the camera as follows:
7. Shooting > 1 Image Quality/Rec: Image Quality: Image Quality Settings: File Format: RAW; RAW File Type: Lossless Compressed L (full image quality reduced file size)
8. Shooting > 1 Image Quality/Rec: Long Exposure NR: Off (I enable this option for very long exposures)
9. Shooting > 2 Media: Format (ensure there are no important files on the card(s) prior to formatting)
10. Shooting > 3 File: Copyright Info: Write Copyright Info: On Set Photographer: [your name]; Set Copyright: [as desired]; Write Serial Number: On (entering this information on the touchscreen may be a painful process)
11. Shooting > 5 Cont. Shooting Speed: Lo(E-Shutter): 10 images/s (increased from the default of 5)
12. Shooting > 5 Drive Mode > Self-timer Type: Self-timer(Single): 2 sec
13. Shooting > 5 Drive Mode > Bracket Settings: Self-timer during Bracket: 2 Sec, Bracket order: ->0>+ (optimizes image order for selection for HDR processing)
14. Shooting > 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Lens: Disable
15. Shooting > 6 Shutter/Silent: Release w/o Card: Disable (should be the default)
16. Shooting > 9 Shooting Display: Grid Line Display: On (Rule of Thirds selected)
17. Exposure/Color > 3 Metering: Spot Metering Point: Focus Point Link
18. Exposure/Color > 6 Color/Tone: D-Range Optimizer: Off
19. Exposure/Color > 6 Color/Tone: Creative Look: NT (Neutral) Sharpness = 1 (this setting provides a low contrast histogram that better shows exposure latitude. I usually process with the default creative style in Capture One or profile in Lightroom)
20. Focus > 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-S: AF (in focus is my priority)
21. Focus > 1 AF/MF: Priority Set in AF-C: AF (in focus is my priority)
22. Focus > 2 Focus Area: Focus Area: Spot: S (this setting is often changed)
23. Focus > 2 Focus Area: Switch V/H AF Area: AF Point Only
24. Focus > 4 Initial Focus Mag.: x4.2
25. Focus > 5 Peaking Display: On
26. Focus > 5 Peaking Level: Low
27. Playback > 4 Delete: Delete confirm.: "Delete" first
28. Playback > 7 Playback Option: Display Rotation: Off (image always fills LCD)
29. Network > 9 Network Option: Airplane Mode: On (unless you plan to use the wireless capabilities)
30. Setup > 3 Operation Customize: Custom Key/Dial Set.: Dial/Wheel: Front Dial: Av/Tv (Tv in M mode), Rear Dial: Av/Tv (Av in M mode) (I adjust the shutter speed more frequently and urgently than the aperture and the front dial is easier to access quickly); Rear Dial: Av/Tv (Av in M mode); Rear Control Wheel: Av/Tv (Av in M mode)
31. Setup > 3 Operation Customize: DISP (Screen Disp) Set: Monitor: Uncheck For viewfinder press [enter]
32. Setup > 5 Touch Operations: Touch Panel/Pad: Both Valid
33. Setup > 5 Touch Operations: Touch Pad Settings: Shooting Screen: Touch Position Mode: Relative Position
34. Setup > 9 Sound Option: Audio Signal(Shooting): Off (how to turn off the AF beep sound so that no one knows you took a photo at the wrong time or missed the right time)
35. My Menu: Format, Anti-flicker Set., Steady Shot, Flash Comp., Face/Eye Subject
36. View the menu (it is always sharp) through the viewfinder while adjusting the diopter

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 tweak these steps as needed.

If you can't remember your menu setup parameters, keeping an up-to-date list such as this one is a great idea. Anytime your camera is reset to factory state for some reason, such as when being serviced or when acquiring an additional camera, you will be ready to create your setup quickly while ensuring that an important setting is not omitted. If you purchase another same or similar camera, you will be able to set it up quickly. Note that the a1 enables camera settings to be saved and loaded, a timesaving feature.

More Information

Sony Alpha a1

The Sony Alpha a1 is available for order at B&H | Adorama | Amazon.
 
Rent the Sony Alpha a1 from Lensrentals.