Sony a1: I’m still trying to figure out my new camera. I try and read things on the web, but trying to make since of things. I have been using the electronic shutter for most pics. I...

Through_MI_Eyes

I’m still trying to figure out my new camera. I try and read things on the web, but trying to make since of things. I have been using the electronic shutter for most pics. I read that the mechanical shutter is faster. Wondering what others are using when taking photos. Also is there an easy way to program buttons for single shot and continuous shots with a click of button. Thanks everyone

User ID

Keep using it unless you encounter a conflict. This good advice is not specific to the a1. Is there anything peculiar about an a1 vs other high end cameras that would exempt it from general protocol ? If not, keep on keepin on.

Your user manual isnt written to give advice. For advice get a D. Busch or D. Young book.

gwilliams6

The A1 Help guide is more important:
https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/2040/v1/en/index.html

The A1 focus guide:
https://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/.../en/tips.html...

Mark Galer's A1 E-book:
https://www.markgaler.com/product/a1-ebook

Cheers

bnsf

Sony does a poor job printing the user manual for the cameras. It must be done by another outside firm Sony gave the contract too. What I would suggest as I am also a Sony user is if you are not sure about a bios setting for the camera "Contact Sony Customer Support" and have them explain in detail your problem or concern about a bios setting or what is the difference between this setting A and this setting B when I take a photo with this camera.

I had an issue with my RX10M4 camera. Did not understand how a certain feature operated and after going thru all the reference books I had for the camera I still did not understand the feature. So I contacted Sony Customer support and talked to a gentleman for over 45 minutes going over certain features on the camera that I did not understand and how they would effect the exposure and how the would effect the taking the photo. It was all about nighttime shooting with different effects on the photo.

gwilliams6

Through_MI_Eyes wrote:

I’m still trying to figure out my new camera. I try and read things on the web, but trying to make since of things. I have been using the electronic shutter for most pics. I read that the mechanical shutter is faster. Wondering what others are using when taking photos. Also is there an easy way to program buttons for single shot and continuous shots with a click of button. Thanks everyone

You can use the electronic shutter for most shooting. The electronic shutter has flash sync up to 1/250 sec., a first for any fullframe electronic shutter on a camera. The mechanical shutter can flash sync up to 1/400 sec, in fullframe mode, and 1/500 sec, in crop mode.

That is the only time the mechanical shutter is faster.

To go up to the A1's max shutter speed of 1/32000 you have to be in electronic shutter .

Yes you can program all buttons to do a myriad of duties.
From the Help Guide:
https://helpguide.sony.net/ilc/2040/v1/en/contents/TP1000426085.html#:~:text=MENU%20%E2%86%92%20(Setup)%20%E2%86%92%20%5B,to%20that%20button%20will%20appear.

Cheers

gwilliams6

bnsf wrote:

Sony does a poor job printing the user manual for ... (show quote)

Forget the owners manual, the Help Guides are much more useful. You can download them and store a copy on your phone and computer for quick reference, even in the field. .

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/e-mount-body-ilce-1-series/ilce-1/manuals

Cheers

gwilliams6

The A1 is so capable and has so much it can do , it is best if you sit down with Mark Galer's A1 E-book and do some study.

Linked in my first comment.

Cheers and best to you.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Go to Steve Perry's web site. He did a great job in helping me set up custom buttons.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Through_MI_Eyes wrote:

I’m still trying to figure out my new camera. I try and read things on the web, but trying to make since of things. I have been using the electronic shutter for most pics. I read that the mechanical shutter is faster. Wondering what others are using when taking photos. Also is there an easy way to program buttons for single shot and continuous shots with a click of button. Thanks everyone

You asked this same question about the electronic shutter yesterday. And we answered it. Why are you asking the same question?

gmar3180 Loc: Waxahachie, TX

I would suggest getting Steve Perry's book on the A1. You can't go wrong if it's anything like his Z8/Z9 book. He has recommended settings and explanations on why he uses them.

The Ultimate Sony A1 Setup Guide For Wildlife Photography
https://bcgwebstore.com/product/the-ultimate-sony-a1-setup-guide-for-wildlife-photography/

elee950021 Loc: New York, NY

Through_MI_Eyes wrote:

I’m still trying to figure out my new camera. I try and read things on the web, but trying to make since of things. I have been using the electronic shutter for most pics. I read that the mechanical shutter is faster. Wondering what others are using when taking photos. Also is there an easy way to program buttons for single shot and continuous shots with a click of button. Thanks everyone

Whenever I get a new or "brand-used" camera, I always Google: "Suggested settings for XXX camera" and many hits later, I can peruse any number of websites and their recommendations.

Here's one for your Sony A-1: https://www.colbybrownphotography.com/the-complete-setup-guide-for-the-sony-a1/

The photographer shows each of the camera's menus and his suggested choice. Although he's a Sony shooter, when you click on "Blog," there's quite a few travel and technique articles that would interest all photographers.

Be well! Ed