Ten things to consider when setting up your new Sony a7Riii
Congrats! Getting a new camera is exciting, but there are a few things you should consider setting up first on your new Sony, before you go out to take on the world.
Camera Software
Sure your camera is brand new and just out of the box, but it’s possible that there is already a software update for your camera. If not, at least you can familiarise yourself with the Sony Website and know how and where when the time comes. Check out this article for some ideas on how it’s done.
Basic Settings
I know you’re probably super keen to get out and shoot, but take a few minutes to set up the basic functions, such as setting your Area/Date/Time. I know it seems a bit basic, but if you plan on using the GPS Image tagging (with the Sony Play Memories App) it could be handy. Not to mention lining up images to a travel timeline in your editing program. When you first turn your camera on you will be prompted to set an option and then it jumps straight into the Area/Date/Time, but if you are looking for it Date/Time setup in Toolbox Menu tab on Page 5.
Raw or Jpeg
The age-old question with digital cameras Raw or JPEG, personally I shoot Raw, it allows for access to ALL the image data. Once you’ve selected Raw, the question becomes Compressed or Uncompressed. The default is Compressed, which makes for slightly smaller file size (40mb Vs 80Mb). It all gets a bit technical but Sony has an algorithm which removes unnecessary image data. In most situations, they claim it makes very little difference. But if you shoot in High contrast or say astrophotography, uncompressed is recommended by some photographers. These are found in Camera Options 1 (little camera icon) tab on page one.
Turn on Grid Lines
I find these grid lines super helpful for shooting both hand-held and on a tripod. Help keep your horizon straight and for composition too. Found Camera Options tab 2, page six
Turn OFF Auto-Brightness in Viewfinder
Not sure why they thought Auto-Brightness by default was a great idea, but I found it annoying. Going mirrorless means you can pretty much see exactly what you are shooting through the Viewfinder. Having it automatically adjust to the ambient light can be a little confusing, to be honest. Found Toolbox page 1.
Set ISO Auto and Minimum SS with Auto ISO
When shooting in Aperture priority or Shutter Priority you have the option to set your camera to auto ISO, which can be pretty handy in many situations. But to really take advantage of this you also really need to set the minimum shutter speed as well. 1/125 pretty much avoids camera shake. Camera Options Tab 1 on page 9.
Set your Multi-Card Workflow
A real feature of this model is the multi-card slots. You have several options available, actually, there are a LOT of options. You can set to back up from slot 1 to slot 2, Raw in slot 1, JPEG slot 2. To keep it simple if you are just starting with a single card (which you can do) just pop it in slot 1. If you are going two cards…how you set it up depends on your genre and card redundancy options. Found Toolbox page 6.
Back Button Focus
If you’re not already using Back Button Focus, perhaps you should. This is already set up by default on this camera with a dedicated AF-On button on the back of the camera, This stops inadvertently readjusting your focus when you press the shutter button…but you do need to turn the Autof Focus with shutter OFF. (Camera Option Tab 1, page 6
Customize Eye AF
Auto Eye Focus is pretty cool, but have to press the centre of the menu wheel is a bit awkward, try using Custom button 3, I found AEL was better set for DMF focus, but they could be switched over.
Enable Touch Screen and Adjustable Spot metering
The a7Riii was the first model in the a7 series to receive the new Touch Screen Support, which allows you to pick specific focus points on the screen. Found in Toolbox page 2.
Now using the Focus Point Link as opposed to Centre focus, when used with the touch screen and spot metering mode, you can force the camera light meter to from an adjustable focus point. Very handy. Found Camer Options tab 1, page 10.
Now you have all that set up, feel free to go shoot. There are more settings to discover so reading your camera manual is a great thing to do. I suggest getting comfortable with your camera and going through the manual and checking things out on your camera at the same time. A really good way to familiarize yourself with your new gear. Enjoy!
