SonyBug

I sold all my Nikon gear after over 10 years of using it. Then bought the neat little Sony a6500. Not knowing how complex it really is. I had lots of trouble figuring out the menus, so I created a spreadsheet for the menus. There are over 175 items there alone. But, wait, that is not the real story. Many of the items are tied to other menu items, so if one is turned on, the other stays off. How to figure that out??

But what is really interesting is a neat trick I found out a week ago. Sony has a thing called Clear Image Zoom. An "in camera" zoom that allows most lenses to be zoomed up to 200%.

So, starting with my 70-300 zoom, which I really like. The crop factor brings it to 450mm, and then use Clear Image Zoom and it becomes a 900mm lens. So far, it looks just as good or better with Clear Image Zoom as just cropping down from 450mm. But further testing will tell me definitively how that works.

I hope to learn every bell and whistle on this little jewel before I start forgetting what I have learned to date. Oh wait, I already forgot some of the stuff that makes this so interesting. Just have to keep learning all over again. Once I set this up on a tripod, I will post pictures of the test for all to see.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

Best of luck on your journey.

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

I do not want to burst your bubble, but I am always a bit suspicious of claims that seem to basically violate the rules of Physics.
As for the zoom capabilities:
(Quote from an article)”However, it has two downsides. The first one (probably expected) is – you can only use it in JPEG mode. And the second one is that you have no option to choose focus point. There will be a big “box” around your screen, and the camera chooses where to focus. Although, if there’s an obvious subject in your image, it will focus properly. After pixel-peeping in Manny’s video, you can see that the focus is correct and the quality of the image is still pretty good.”
The Sony utilizes a smaller sensor so there is a crop rather than a zoom effect.

Now, neither of these factors may make a difference to you; but I don’t think you will quite experience the results you are hoping for.

Bill_de Loc: US

[B]Clear Image Zoom[b]

Is that the same as what is typically known as digital zoom, maybe with some in camera sharpening?

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lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

[quote=Bill_de][B]Clear Image Zoom[b]

Is that the same as what is typically known as digital zoom, maybe with some in camera sharpening?

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Sony is very careful to say that their method does not use digital zoom; but on the other hand it is not the same as optical zoom either. It is some sort of smart technology that allows the computer/camera to recognize shapes and to fill in information based on the presumptions made as the image is enlarged. The results are reported as being "pretty good".

Bill_de Loc: US

Thank You!

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SonyBug

Here are some test shots. One at full extension of lens, one at zoomed and one cropped.

(Download)


(Download)


(Download)

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Yes it is a little jewel.... I also have the A6500 and its a 'CONTINUAL' learning process. By the time I learn one process, I've forgotten two previous processes 🙃🙃

PCB_smv

I have the a6500 and didn’t know this. Post any other interesting things you find.

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

As a note, I use Back Button Focus on my A6500 and as you press the BBF and when you turn the manual focus adjustment on the lens, it goes to focus zoom (which can be set to a minimal time or indefinite) and then you can tweak the focus of your subject, especially handy when you subject is embedded or surrounded by other distractions. Also used in conjunction with a half press of the shutter to enable image stabilization.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

As a memory aide you might find either of Busch's or Friedman's books of value. They are, I suppose, in ebook or pdf form for use on a tablet. iPhone screens are too small for my eyes, so will not suggest that route.

lloydl2 Loc: Gilbert, AZ

I recommend a book on the a 6500 by Gary Friedman he writes very accurate and complete e books for every sony camera and they will explain every menu item including how they combine and work together. He will also provide suggested setups. I too shoot sony and have his books for each of my sony cameras. http://www.friedmanarchives.com/ebooks/index.htm

hookedupin2005 Loc: Northwestern New Mexico

Does the a6300 have this 'clear image zoom' also?

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

FACT: Yes, the entire a6xxx series has it. So does the RX10 series.

OPINION: I have tried it numerous times and found that it only works well on some subject and poorly on others. Sadly, complex natural objects such as plants, flowers and birds are in the "not so much" category.

I have mine set up with CIZ "on" but since I shoot raw, it doesn't function for stills. But for movies, it does function and there is it worthwhile. For stills, I'd rather work with the original pixels and do my cropping and even enlarging in "post". Just my opinion, of course.

distill Loc: Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire UK

I have just applied to "Massachusetts Institute of Technology" and "Harvard" for their 3 year degree course on the A6500 so will be able to help you in about 4 years time