This week SAR readers photos selection

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Don Vilfer‎
The Sony A9 did a great job continuously focusing in limited light for this shot. Halter horse running in the barn past an open window shot
with A9 and Sony 24-70 2.8GM at ISO 1600.

1) Submit your picture with a message and picture here: facebook.com/sonyalpharumors or on the SonyAlphaForum image section.
2) Like and comment the pictures from other readers here: facebook.com/sonyalpharumors/posts_to_page/ and on SonyAlphaForum.
3) A selection of most liked pictures by the community and by me SAR admin will be posted weekly on SAR.

Note: When sending a pic feel free to also add a link to your site to promote yourself!

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Top deal: Save $120 on the Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE lens

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For a limited time you can grab that Samyang 35mm f/2.8 FE autofocus lens for $279 only at Amazon US (Click here).

Reminder:
The A7rIII with free accessories is back in Stock at Amazon and FocusCamera.
The new Godox Xpro-S now available for preorder at Amazon and Adorama.
Meike Battery Grip for the Sony A9 and A7rIII in Stock at Amazon US, Amazon CA, Amazon DE, Amazon UK.
10% discount on Capture One 11 (Click here) and Capture One 11 for Sony (Click here). Use the coupon code “AMBSAR“.

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How to shoot continuous frames with the A9 and external flash, my findings (by Alin Popescu)

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How to shoot continuous frames with the A9 and external flash, my findings
by Alin Popescu – Sony Image Ambassador, Romania

My very first frustrations with the A9 and event photography was the use of flash in different situations. This was actually my only complain about this magnificent camera.

What bothered me most, except the lag before the shot was taken, was that it was almost impossible for me to take continuous sequences with flash, without getting a miss or two, and by that I mean a flash-missfire or out-of-sync during the continuous shoot. I knew Sony cameras can do it, since the launch of the A7R III back in London when we shoot at 10fps with Profoto gear.

So today I tried everything I could, with every setting I imagined it might have a “saying” in this situation and I’ve finally found the “perfect” solution. I’m not saying I’ve discovered the wheel, maybe I was too stupid and did something wrong before, but trust me, I’m no beginner at this.

What I did?

First of all, I’ve upgraded all my equipment to the latest firmware. So this is what I’ve used:

Sony A9 – v. 2.0
Sony Zeiss Distagon 35mm f 1.4 – v. 02
Godox Wistro AD600B – v. 2.5
Godox X1T S – v. 16

Even if the Godox is the TTL version, for consistency between frames, I prefer to go full manual and set the trigger accordingly to shoot at 1/32 power.

A9 was on continuous M and Mechanical Shutter (the only way you can use flash on the A9), at 1/125s and F4, with an ambient value at -2.0 EV so I could clearly see if a no-flash shot happened during my sequence. ISO was set to 100 for no variation either and focus was AF-C.

I’ve filmed this with my iPhone on Slow-Mo at 240 fps, just to be able to “see” if flash popped at every shutter opening.

What I’ve discovered?

The lag we all noticed before is still present, but only at the first frame of the sequence. You can see in slow-mo, the complete black-out of the LCD, just before the first flash was fired, and then no black-out or any other lag. I’ve tested also afterwards if focus is working accordingly and it did, moving the camera to close and distant objects, did the trick.

What is to be solved? This mysterious blackout at the initial start of shooting. I have no explanation for this, since it wasn’t a TTL sequence I could blame on, as the flash/camera needed to perform pre-ttl flash to measure everything. Hope Sony will give us a no-lag system soon, but until then I’m happy I can shoot sequences without missed frames.

Please let me know of your findings!
aLLin

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Sony to Begin Shipments of VENICE Full-frame cine camera with Dual native ISO (New A7sIII to have it too?)

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Sony announced that it’s now shipping their new VENICE Full Frame Cine camera. And interesting news is that they added a Dual native ISO feature (ISO 500 and ISO 2500). This could be something we might see on the new A7sIII too. This camera is likely to be announced at the next NAB show.

Press text:

Sony Announces Upcoming VENICE Features, Including Dual Base ISO and Future Planned Support for High Frame Rates

 

Sony’s much-anticipated VENICE, its next-generation CineAlta motion picture camera, begins shipping to customers in February.

As previously announced, version 1.0 features in VENICE will include support for Full-Frame 24x36mm recording. Now, continuing its approach of incorporating customer feedback into the camera’s development, Sony is announcing several new capabilities including a “Dual Base ISO” mode. With 15+ stops of exposure latitude, VENICE will support an additional High Base ISO of 2500 utilizing the sensor’s unique physical attributes. This takes advantage of Sony’s unique sensor for superb low light performance with exceptional dynamic range – from 6 stops over to 9 stops under 18% middle gray.

This new capability is a result of requests to increase exposure indexes at higher ISOs for night exteriors, dark interiors, working with slower lenses or where content needs to be graded in High Dynamic Range, while maintaining the maximum shadow details.

An added benefit unique to VENICE is its built-in 8-step optical ND filter servo mechanism. This can emulate different ISO operating points when in High Base ISO 2500 and also maintains the extremely low levels of noise characteristics of the VENICE sensor. This new flexibility significantly expands the range of creative possibilities for production professionals.

VENICE also features new color science designed to deliver a soft tonal film look, with shadows and mid-tones having a natural response and the highlights preserving the dynamic range.

Sony has also developed the VENICE camera menu simulator. This user-friendly tool is designed to give camera operators an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the camera’s operational workflow before using VENICE in production via an intuitive, elegant menu system.

Additional upcoming features and capabilities planned to be available later this year as free firmware upgrades in version 2.0 include:

  • 25p in 6K Full-Frame Mode will be added in Version 2
  • “False Color” has been moved from version 3 to version 2

VENICE has an established workflow with support from Sony’s RAW Viewer v3, and third party vendors including Filmlight Baselight v5, Davinci Resolve v14.3, and Assimilate Scratch v8.6 among others. Sony continues to work closely with all relevant third parties to ensure a cohesive workflow including editing, grading, color management, and dailies.

Another often requested feature is support for high frame rates, which Sony is working to implement and make available at a later date.

The latest public demonstration of VENICE is at the BSC Expo 2018, which begins today in Battersea, London. Internationally renowned British cinematographer Richard Blanshard will showcase Full-Frame content shot with the VENICE camera system. He will also deliver a seminar titled “Full-Frame shooting with CineAlta VENICE.”

VENICE Key Features

  • True 36x24mm Full Frame imaging based on the photography standard that goes back 100 years
  • Built-in 8-Step Optical ND filter servo mechanism
  • Dual Base ISO mode, with High Base ISO 2500
  • New color science for appealing skin tones and graceful highlights – out of the box.
  • Aspect ratio freedom: Full Frame 3:2 (1.5:1), 4K 4:3 full height anamorphic, spherical 17:9, 16:9.
  • Lens mount with 18mm flange depth opens up tremendous lens options (PL Lens mount included).
  • 15+ stops of exposure latitude: Exceptional Dynamic Range, whether you’re shooting in searing sunlight or almost no light.
  • User-interchangeable sensor, an industry first, requires removal of just six screws, enabling future upgrades and production flexibility.
  • 6K resolution (6048 x 4032) in Full Frame mode

The VENICE CineAlta motion picture camera system will be available in February 2018. VENICE version 2.0 firmware upgrades will be available in summer 2018. Optional licenses are required for Full Frame and anamorphic shooting. For more information about the VENICE platform, please visit www.sony.com/VENICE.

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Sony Tidbits…

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What’s in my bag

Affordable UWA Lens for Astro and Landscape (SonyAlphaForum).
Kodak 8K 360 VR 4th Generation Camera Prototype (Personal View).
Prueba de campo de la Sony α7R III (Albedomedia).
Review: Sigma 16mm f1.4 DC DN Contemporary (ThePhoBlographer).
Apps for Photographers (photorec).
I Just Got a New Camera… What Do I Do? (Explora).

Personal photos and tests from SAR Admin Andrea on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and 500px.

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