Looking for help from Sony a77 users
May 10, 2013 22:26:22 #
Hi everyone! =)
I was hoping that some Sony a77 users could help me out. I'm a Sony shooter, and I am currently using the a55. I am thinking heavily about upgrading to the a77. However, while I was looking at some reviews online today I saw a review (that I can no longer find because my browser crashed and ate it while I was reading) that has me a bit confused/concerned.
It said (or seemed to say) that autofocus is not available in program auto, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes. While I shoot in full manual usually there are instances where I do use shutter or aperture priority, and I can't imagine in certain circumstances having to manually focus my lens (i.e. when shooting hummingbirds). Is what I read right?? Or was it referring to when you are shooting a movie that autofocus isn't available in those modes?
Also...I'd love any feedback from people who've used theirs for a while and what they think of the a77 and it's performance.
Thanks in advance. =)
Jewells
I was hoping that some Sony a77 users could help me out. I'm a Sony shooter, and I am currently using the a55. I am thinking heavily about upgrading to the a77. However, while I was looking at some reviews online today I saw a review (that I can no longer find because my browser crashed and ate it while I was reading) that has me a bit confused/concerned.
It said (or seemed to say) that autofocus is not available in program auto, shutter priority, and aperture priority modes. While I shoot in full manual usually there are instances where I do use shutter or aperture priority, and I can't imagine in certain circumstances having to manually focus my lens (i.e. when shooting hummingbirds). Is what I read right?? Or was it referring to when you are shooting a movie that autofocus isn't available in those modes?
Also...I'd love any feedback from people who've used theirs for a while and what they think of the a77 and it's performance.
Thanks in advance. =)
Jewells
May 10, 2013 23:13:38 #
May 10, 2013 23:19:08 #
Thank you tainkc! It was really wigging me out that the collective Sony brain would remove that ability from their camera. =)
May 11, 2013 01:00:20 #
I found this at www.cameralabs.com and it is probably what you are referring to:
"Pressing the dedicated movie record button in a stills shooting mode records movies in Program Auto exposure mode, but turn the mode dial to the movie shooting position and you get three further exposure modes aperture priority, shutter priority and manual. There's only one drawback though: you can't use these semi auto and manual exposure modes in combination with AF, which thanks to the phase-change AF system, needs the aperture wide open in order to maintain continuous autofocus.
The SLT-A77's fixed semi-reflective mirror always reflects a small portion of the incoming light to a phase-change AF sensor, while allowing the rest to pass through to the imaging sensor. This allows the camera to continuously autofocus using its quick and accurate phase-change system while filming video - a pretty unique capability. Only the Nikon 1 models join the SLTs to offer this capability while filming video (or operating in live view). All other mirrorless CSCs, along with traditional DSLRs employ contrast-based AF systems which in most cases isn't anywhere near as quick or confident. The latest Micro Four Thirds models are making good progress in this regard, but compared to a traditional DSLR, the movie AF on the SLTs is nothing short of miraculous.
You can alternatively manually focus the A77 during movies, which is made very easy thanks to the focus-peaking assistance; the manual focusing ring on the 16-50mm kit lens is also very smooth. It's just a little disappointing that you can't have your cake and eat it by taking advantage of continuous AF and manual exposures modes concurrently. Once again the continuous movie AF on the A77 demands that the aperture be wide open, so there's no chance of combining movie AF with a large depth of field (using a big f-number)."
Ken McMahon cameralabs.com
"Pressing the dedicated movie record button in a stills shooting mode records movies in Program Auto exposure mode, but turn the mode dial to the movie shooting position and you get three further exposure modes aperture priority, shutter priority and manual. There's only one drawback though: you can't use these semi auto and manual exposure modes in combination with AF, which thanks to the phase-change AF system, needs the aperture wide open in order to maintain continuous autofocus.
The SLT-A77's fixed semi-reflective mirror always reflects a small portion of the incoming light to a phase-change AF sensor, while allowing the rest to pass through to the imaging sensor. This allows the camera to continuously autofocus using its quick and accurate phase-change system while filming video - a pretty unique capability. Only the Nikon 1 models join the SLTs to offer this capability while filming video (or operating in live view). All other mirrorless CSCs, along with traditional DSLRs employ contrast-based AF systems which in most cases isn't anywhere near as quick or confident. The latest Micro Four Thirds models are making good progress in this regard, but compared to a traditional DSLR, the movie AF on the SLTs is nothing short of miraculous.
You can alternatively manually focus the A77 during movies, which is made very easy thanks to the focus-peaking assistance; the manual focusing ring on the 16-50mm kit lens is also very smooth. It's just a little disappointing that you can't have your cake and eat it by taking advantage of continuous AF and manual exposures modes concurrently. Once again the continuous movie AF on the A77 demands that the aperture be wide open, so there's no chance of combining movie AF with a large depth of field (using a big f-number)."
Ken McMahon cameralabs.com
May 11, 2013 01:07:30 #
I found this a little confusing. Tell me if I got this right.
You can AF if you hit the "movie" button while shooting stills, but if you switch the control knob to "movie mode" you lose AF?
You can AF if you hit the "movie" button while shooting stills, but if you switch the control knob to "movie mode" you lose AF?
May 11, 2013 01:20:40 #
wierdphotoguy...that sounds exactly like the one I was trying to read when my browser took a dump. Apparently I wasn't reading very closely when I had it because i didn't even notice that it was referring to movies. You are right though it is incredibly confusing why they would do that. It makes no sense. Either he's not making his point clear or the community brain at Sony tipped one too many back before working on the movie portion of the camera design. =)
May 11, 2013 01:34:40 #
As I understand it, the camera needs the aperture wide open to AF in movie mode. What I don't get is: which modes won't AF?
I have been on the fence between a65 and a77 for some time now. That review helped a lot; when I do get a new camera I will get the a77 if the money is flowing, but if it's too tight I will settle for the a65. This is basically why I have the a37 now instead of the a57. I opted for the a37 with two lenses for the same price as the a57 with just the 18-55mm kit lens. Plus I got a 32gb card and camera bag thrown in to boot!
I have been on the fence between a65 and a77 for some time now. That review helped a lot; when I do get a new camera I will get the a77 if the money is flowing, but if it's too tight I will settle for the a65. This is basically why I have the a37 now instead of the a57. I opted for the a37 with two lenses for the same price as the a57 with just the 18-55mm kit lens. Plus I got a 32gb card and camera bag thrown in to boot!
May 11, 2013 01:42:36 #
wierdphotoguy wrote:
Just be patient. The a77 is also weatherproof.As I understand it, the camera needs the aperture ... (show quote)
May 11, 2013 01:50:45 #
I don't really know and I've never used my camera to make movies. It would definitely be something that I would need to play with if I get the camera.
Sounds like you got your start like I did except mine was an a230 with a 18-55 and a 55-200 which discontinued the same month I received it. From there I went to the a55 and I think it probably discontinued the following day. =) LOL It's time for a bit more oomph in my camera, and I think the a77 is going to be just what I need. So long as my Sigma lenses will work with the new camera I'll be golden. =)
Sounds like you got your start like I did except mine was an a230 with a 18-55 and a 55-200 which discontinued the same month I received it. From there I went to the a55 and I think it probably discontinued the following day. =) LOL It's time for a bit more oomph in my camera, and I think the a77 is going to be just what I need. So long as my Sigma lenses will work with the new camera I'll be golden. =)
May 11, 2013 01:53:50 #
tainkc wrote:
Just be patient. The a77 is also weatherproof.
That is one thing that makes this a gem. I spent a couple of days in the past week shooting my a55 through a walmart bag to keep it dry in light rain. What a pain!!
May 11, 2013 01:57:04 #
tainkc wrote:
Just be patient. The a77 is also weatherproof.
Don't need a camera that is weatherproof, I need one that is idiotproof! :D
I plan on getting up the money for the a77, then spending time at both local camera shops to see if I can get them into a bidding war or something. Get the price as low as online, then get free accessories. Maybe I'll bring cookies. (heh heh heh the dark side beckons) :twisted:
May 11, 2013 09:16:50 #
JBTaylor
Loc: In hiding again
tainkc wrote:
Just be patient. The a77 is also weatherproof.
I think the kit lens is weatherproof too but this may not be true for most lens available for the camera.
May 11, 2013 12:01:57 #
I should make it clear that whilst I have an a77, I never use the "Movie" button, it is in fact disabled.
Having said that, I can say that the camera will only Autofocus in program mode. The camera will choose an aperture of f/3.5 or the largest available if the lens doesn't have f/3.5 (the A/F system can only operate with apertures larger than f/6.3)
If you want full control of Aperture/shutter/iso, you will have to choose the movie mode and focus manually.
From what I hear, this is a reasonable compromise and works well enough in practice.
Having said that, I can say that the camera will only Autofocus in program mode. The camera will choose an aperture of f/3.5 or the largest available if the lens doesn't have f/3.5 (the A/F system can only operate with apertures larger than f/6.3)
If you want full control of Aperture/shutter/iso, you will have to choose the movie mode and focus manually.
From what I hear, this is a reasonable compromise and works well enough in practice.
May 11, 2013 12:18:30 #
I have two A77 and they autofocus in any mode Manual,aperture,shutter,& program.
Since I do not want a movie camera I have the movie mode disabled.
Since I do not want a movie camera I have the movie mode disabled.
May 11, 2013 12:36:19 #
Because you already own an A55 there might not be a whole lot new in the book for you but Robert Correll's book on the A65 & A77 does cover a lot of ground for those two models. It makes it pretty easy to compare the differences and understand where the are not differences.
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