Podcast Episode 9 – Sony NEX-7 Hands On and Talking Focusing Modes

PodCast – Alpha Tutorials

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We go hands on with the Sony NEX-7 and talk about the focusing modes available on your camera, all in Episode 9.

Hands On

We just got our hands on the new NEX-7 and though we have only had it for a day or so I am already fairly confident I want one. This camera is clearly aimed at the more serious or professional photographer looking for a compact mirrorless camera. It has a built in flash, the same 24mp sensor that is in the A77 and the OLED viewfinder. There are two control dials to control Aperture and Shutter speeds.

The body is fairly bigger than its other siblings but still feels smaller than say Fuji’s X100 and even some other mirrorless cameras out there. It feels really well made. If I have one complaint about it, it would be the lack a plus for using a cable release on it.

In addition to the tiny – and rather flimsy feeling – pop up flash, the NEX-7 has a Sony Alpha Hotshoe for using the other Sony Alpha flashes on it. We are busy putting it though it’s paces but as I say, my initial feeling is that this could very well be my primary camera as soon as it goes on sale, and I can afford to get one.

Tutorial

Now that we have covered the exposure side of photography and how the camera measures light etc, lets talk about Auto Focus modes.

Single Shot / One Shot AF
Simply put, this autofocus mode prevents the camera from taking the picture till the camera is in focus. This is great for static subjects, horrible for action like a speeding race car, where the slightest delay from the camera only beginning to take the image when the car is in focus, will mean that by the time the shutter opens the car has likely moved past the point where the camera is in focus.

Continuous AF (Focus Tracking)
This mode of Auto Focus is where the camera tries to continually keep up with and predict what your subject is doing. It will allow the camera to fire at any point that you push the shutter button completely, whether the subject is in focus or not. It is best used with your camera’s continuous or motor drive mode.

Automatic or AF Servo
This mode was created to help prevent photographers from needing to change between modes. The principle is that it looks at the scene and judges if the subject is static or moving. If static, it works like Single Shot. If the subject is moving it works like Continuous. Here is the catch! Things like camera shake can on some cameras be perceived as subject movement and the camera could switch to Continuous when you want it to be in Single Shot. Nothing is perfect I am afraid.

Viewers Question

Hubert asked us in the comments for Episode 5 if the A77 compares to the Nikon D7000.

Hubert, here is how I would answer that question. When Sony launched the A700 it was compared mainly to Nikon’s D200/300 range. If we were to view the A77 as the A700’s replacement then in theory it should be compared to the Nikon D300 still – or what ever will likely be replacing it in the near future. At the same time the D7000 is a substantial step up on the old D90 and since it comes so close the the aging D300 it will likely be the camera that gets compared to the Sony A77 most. I would say that while the two cameras are going to be compared a lot they are in many ways two different beasts. The A77 offers far higher resolution and incredible shooting speeds, if however you shoot a lot of low light photography where you really need to push the ISO to extremes the D7000 will hold an edge in terms of noise levels simply because it is 8mp down on the A77. Which you will buy then comes down to what you shoot and if you have lenses with really fast apertures etc. Personally I think the A77 is mind blowing and for the photography I do, it would serve just as well if not slightly better than the Nikon D7000 thanks to the higher resolution but I might not shoot the same things you do.

Conclusion

That about brings us to the end of another show. Be sure to check out our website http://alphatutorials.co.za for more articles and information. You can also send your questions in to us on the the site. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook

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