Portrait

VLOG

Nailing the Aesthetic with Creative Look

Calvin — Wed, 08 May 2024 07:13:17 +0000

Nailing the Aesthetic with Creative Look

Calvin Wed, 05/08/2024 - 12:43

Article Categories

Tips

Body Category

Alpha 7C II

Lens Category

FE 24-50mm F2.8 G

Applying Creative Look Presets

With 10 dynamic presets, the Creative Look enables you to effortlessly create stunning visuals according to your desired mood. To explore the different types of Creative Look presets available, click here.

To select a Creative Look preset, press the Fn (function) button on your camera while on your shooting screen. Then, select Creative Look from the function menu to see all the preset options displayed on your screen. You can also preview the colour tones as you toggle through different looks.

Choosing Your Preferred Mood

This article will explore four specific Creative Look presets: VV2, FL, IN, and SH, detailing the optimal conditions and scenarios for using each, while showcasing samples captured with the Alpha 7C II full-frame camera.

Alpha 7C II | FE 24-50mm F2.8 G | 27mm | 1/2000 sec | F2.8 | ISO 125

Alpha 7C II | FE 24-50mm F2.8 G | 50mm | 1/2500 sec | F2.8 | ISO 200

VV2

The VV2, or Vivid 2 Preset enhances images by adding brightness and vibrancy to colours. It is especially effective for making colourful subjects and scenes pop and brightening up pale or dull colours during high-key shooting or in cloudy conditions.

Alpha 7C II | FE 24-50mm F2.8 G | 44mm | 1/500 sec | F2.8 | ISO 100

Alpha 7C II | FE 24-50mm F2.8 G | 50mm | 1/100 sec | F2.8 | ISO 640

FL

The FL, or Film Preset, subtly softens certain colours and enhances contrast, achieving a nostalgic look that transports viewers back in time. This preset is particularly useful for photographers aiming to infuse their images with a vintage charm, making it excellent for portraits or scenes that benefit from a softer, more timeless aesthetic.

Alpha 7C II | FE 24-50mm F2.8 G | 50mm | 1/640 sec | F2.8 | ISO 100

Alpha 7C II | FE 24-50mm F2.8 G | 37mm | 1/400 sec | F2.8 | ISO 160

IN

The IN, or Instant Preset reduces contrast and saturation for a matte look. This preset is recommended for creating an elegant ambience or producing dignified stills and videos.

Alpha 7C II | FE 24-50mm F2.8 G | 50mm | 1/2000 sec | F2.8 | ISO 500

Alpha 7C II | FE 24-50mm F2.8 G | 50mm | 1/400 sec | F2.8 | ISO 160

SH

The SH, or Soft Highkey Preset produces a bright atmosphere characterised by transparency, softness, and vibrancy. This preset is great for achieving a delicate and gentle mood in both stills and videos.

Customising Creative Look Presets

The Creative Look feature provides extensive customisation options, including adjustments for:

Contrast
Highlights
Shadows
Fading
Saturation
Sharpness
Sharpness range
Clarity

Once you've created your ideal look, you can save it as a custom preset for future use. This functionality also allows you to save variations of the same mode, enabling you to apply different versions of your favourite presets to suit various scenes.

Status

Pending Approval

FL Preset & VV2 Preset

Status

Pending Approval

SH Preset & IN Preset

Shoot Fuss-free Today!

Creative Look is a user-friendly feature that lets you experiment with unique visual styles directly from your camera, without the need for complex post-production. With various presets available, even beginners can express a wide range of moods and tones in their photos using Creative Look. For additional inspiration and tips on using the Creative Look feature, visit Sony Asia's YouTube Shorts at https://www.youtube.com/@sonyasia/shorts.

Products

Featured

Alpha 7C II

กล้องฟูลเฟรมขนาดกะทัดรัด

FE 24-50mm F2.8 G

เลนส์ซูมมาตรฐาน G สำหรับกล้องฟูลเฟรม

Article Theme

Vario-Tessar T* FE 16-35mm F4 ZA OSS

VLOG

FE 16-35mm F4 | Best for selfies | Review by Choi Jihye

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 10:49:03 +0000

FE 16-35mm F4 | Best for selfies | Review by Choi Jihye

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 16:19

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Alpha 7 IV

Lens Category

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 24mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 16mm | F8 | 1/100s | ISO 160

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 16mm | F4.0 | 1/2s | ISO 1000

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 26mm | F4.0 | 1/400s | ISO 100

Memories of your travels, captured for a lifetime

Since a young age, I've always loved beautiful landscapes. This includes the seasonal flowers, buildings and architecture that showcase a country's culture. That's why on my travels, I find happiness in taking photos of these landscapes. After some time, I started to capture myself in these landscapes, and now I shoot people (and myself) harmoniously with the environments they are in.

My favourite camera is the Alpha 7 IV, and my lens of choice is the outstanding FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G zoom lens. Today, I'll take you along on my journey to Singapore and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how I captured my “Singapore Project”.

The Singapore Project: Showcasing the city to the world

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 17mm | F4 | 1/2s | ISO 2000

This series was shot in collaboration with the Singapore Tourism Board. My goal was to capture the beauty of the country and give international audiences a reason to visit this wonderful location. On this journey, I snapped a collection of photos – often using myself as the subject – featuring the country's many picturesque gardens, parks and cityscapes.

Accompanying me on this trip were my Alpha 7 IV camera and FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G zoom lens. As I had planned to take many selfies and landscape shots, I also went prepared with my tripod for vertical shots. Even with the plate mounted on, I could take full advantage of the camera's swivel LCD, which proved to be very convenient.

This lightweight package was important as it allowed me to pack my outfits and props too. Weighing only 353g, the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is both lightweight and compact – which meant I never strained my wrists, even after full days of shoots. And the high resolution of this zoom lens was essential for capturing every detail of this city's amazing landscapes.

The iconic Changi International Airport

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 16mm | F8 | 1/100s | ISO 160

This photo was taken at the Changi International Airport in Singapore. My vision was to capture a person surrounded by a forest, so I went to the second floor for a better angle. To take an unobscured shot, I leaned on a railing and stretched my arms as far (and low) as possible, so I could capture the leaves within the frame. And to capture the flowing waterfall in all its beauty, I set the shutter speed to 1/100 seconds.

The manoeuvrability of the Alpha 7 IV and FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G proved to be valuable in this show – as they made it easy to hold the camera and shoot with one hand.

Singapore, when the sun goes down

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 30mm | F4 | 1/2s | ISO 2000

There are many inspiring night views across Singapore, and this is one of my favourites. While the maximum open aperture value of the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G is F4, the synergy between the Alpha 7 IV and this zoom lens provides outstanding results at night – without any clipped areas often seen in high-sensitivity shooting.

Another plus is how the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G delivers clear, high-resolution images, without any deterioration in on the periphery of the image.

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 30mm | F4 | 1/2s | ISO 1000

Here's another night shot that I really like from this series, and a tip for improving your nighttime selfies: To capture a subject along with the nightscape, there should be suitable lighting near your subject. In this photo, I was able to balance the exposure by placing wire lights in the shot.

For best results, illuminate your subjects with lighting that's similar in intensity to the environmental lighting. (Your results won't look as good if your lights are too bright.)

A lesson in contrasts and clothing

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 22mm | F4 | 1/1600s | ISO 160

This is a photo of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore, which has a white building with a distinctive orange roof. For this shot, I prepared a red outfit to stand out against the building's white façade. In situations like this, solid colours are more effective than patterned clothes, as they emphasise the subject more.

As a bonus, the chiffon fabric was easily blown by the wind, giving the photo a more dramatic look. On days with no wind, you can always fly the skirt with your hands!

A gorgeous waterfall, lighting and architecture

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 26mm | F4 | 1/400s | ISO 100

Although this photo was taken in an airport, I didn't want it to appear as so. And because the large waterfall, surrounding trees, and light coming from the patterned ceiling gave off mysterious vibes, I wanted to project this “bright yet mysterious” atmosphere onto the subject.

So, I tied up my hair in a ponytail to show off the backless dress, while putting my arms down. I wanted this shot to look like a scene from the movie “Avatar”. As the camera was quite close to the waterfall, it was hit with some splashes of water – but thanks to the Alpha 7 IV's dust- and water-resistance, I could continue shooting without concerns.

Good things come to those who wait

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 17mm | F5.6 | 1/50s | ISO 200

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 17mm | F5.6 | 1/100s | ISO 200

This picture was very challenging to take, due to the large crowds in this space. So, I set up my tripod and shooting composition in advance, then waited… and waited. After an hour, I began to wonder, “Should I just give up now?” But I persevered until I got the shot – and because of the effort put into this photo, it now holds a special place in my heart and is one of my favourite photos.

Tips for photographers interested in travel selfies

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 24mm | F4 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Alpha 7 IV | FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G | 20mm | F4 | 1/500s | ISO 100

When it comes to travel selfies, know that if you want a good travel photo, you must choose a good scene. These two go hand-in-hand, and memorable shots often involve lots of advance preparation and effort.

Rather than simply pressing the shutter button, ask yourself questions like,

“What do I want to express through this photo?”

“What feeling do I want to convey to someone who's viewing this photo?”

Also, when looking at photos that others have taken, think about why the photographer chose this composition and why they snapped the photo at that particular time of day. These questions can lead you to interesting observations.

Of course, your equipment is very important too. I recommend choosing a lightweight and compact camera and lens combination. Personally, I feel that the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G provides outstanding high-resolution images and zoom performance for brilliant travel, landscape and selfie shots.

Where's my next adventure going to be? There are still many countries I haven't visited, and many landscapes I'd love to explore – so I'm going to keep seeking out new, beautiful landscapes and travel destinations!

Products

Featured

Alpha 7 IV

กล้องไฮบริดฟูลเฟรม

FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G

เลนส์ซูมมุมกว้าง G สำหรับกล้องฟูลเฟรม

HVL-F28RM

แฟลชภายนอกที่ควบคุมด้วยวิทยุไร้สาย GN28

SF-M64T

การ์ดหน่วยความจำ SF-M ซีรีส์ Tough

NP-FZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

แบตเตอรี่แพคแบบชาร์จได้ Z ซีรีส์

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Cityscape/Nightscapes

Travel

FE 14mm F1.8 GM | Shoot daily life shots conveniently | Review by Ray Kay

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 07:56:18 +0000

FE 14mm F1.8 GM | Shoot daily life shots conveniently | Review by Ray Kay

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 13:26

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Lens Category

FE 14mm F1.8 GM

Video Name

Daily | Main

The compelling nature of video

I started my career as a photographer and have always loved portrait shots. On my travels and in everyday life, I would snap photos of the beautiful places and people around me, writing notes in my journal while doing so. I enjoyed capturing stories in the photos I took, but always felt that I wanted to capture… more.

In 2019, I travelled to Iceland and was captivated by the amazing environments and landscapes around me. In that moment, I decided to encapsulate those memories in videos – and that's how I made my first film, "Love Youth", and embarked on my filmmaking journey.

Why I film with a prime lens

I'm inspired by lights and shadows, and am particularly captivated by the low sunlight and long shadows of the "golden hour" – where buildings, people and nature all become extraordinarily beautiful when bathed in this combination of shadow and light.

When out and about, my choice of camera and lens is the Sony Alpha 7C and FE 14mm F1.8 GM prime lens. Why a prime lens? I like how prime lenses have brighter aperture values and better resolutions than their zoom counterparts. This makes the depth of field more diverse – especially in close-up situations, where the shots become a lot more dramatic.

I'm a fan of Sony's G Master prime lenses and own almost all them, along with a few zoom lenses as well.

Today, I'll share some videography tips and use scenes from my film to illustrate the points I'm talking about. I hope you'll find these useful when shooting your videos!

Alpha 7C | FE 14mm F1.8 GM | 1/60 sec | ISO 500

Scene 1: Transitioning from indoors to outdoors

This is an interesting shot for two reasons. Firstly, it takes viewers from a dark indoor area to the bright outdoors. Second, the doorway was especially narrow – which provided a unique opportunity to showcase the two contrasting areas.

As I filmed this scene using a closed aperture, I didn't need to pay particular attention to the focal distance. This meant I was free to adjust the distance and angle to get my "perfect shot". My 14mm FE 14mm F1.8 GM prime lens enabled me to perfectly capture the subject passing through this narrow doorway, with the contrast setting the scene.

I made the scene more dramatic by using a high contrast to really highlight the shadows. Realising that the background was bright, vibrant full of textures and details, I set the aperture to 16 – and really captured as much of the scene's vibrancy as possible.

Alpha 7C | FE 14mm F1.8 GM | 1/60 sec | ISO 500

Scene 2: Motion amidst the vast outdoors

Here's another where light takes centre stage. This time, we were out shooting at 1pm, when the sun was at its highest. This scene takes place in a picturesque grass field with tall grass surrounding my subject.

To get the ideal feel for this shot, I used an infinite focus and set the aperture to 16. Here, I balanced the harmony of all the various elements in the frame, rather than only thinking about the distance of the subject and camera. This way, I could capture all the intricate details in this uniquely gorgeous environment – the grass and subject in the foreground, as well as the trees, mountains and sky in the distance.

Shooting was done at 29.9fps with a shutter speed of 1/60 – creating a beautiful motion blur, while capturing details like the grass swaying and the model's hair moving as the ran through the field. To get the full effect of how the model's motion affected the grass, I shot from low angles.

Alpha 7C | FE 14mm F1.8 GM | 1/60 sec | ISO 6400

Scene 3: Candles in the dark

This scene was filmed in an area that was engulfed in complete darkness, with only candles illuminating the environment.

This particular shot was very close to being a macro shot, with a shooting distance of only around 25cm. During these close-up shots, I set the aperture on my FE 14mm F1.8 GM lens to wide open – which created a soft and beautiful bokeh effect in the background.

In your videos, you can consider using candles or smaller lights (like Christmas tree lights) to maximise the bokeh effect and create some truly stunning shots!

Everyday videos. Not-so-everyday ideas.

Video Name

Daily | Interview

I love recording beautiful scenes, and really like using a shallow depth of field because it heightens the emotional intensity of a scene. And because a lot of what I record involves everyday life, the lightweight combination of the Sony Alpha 7C and the FE 14mm F1.8 GM are fantastic companions on my filmmaking adventures!

Products

Featured

Alpha 7C

กล้องฟูลเฟรมขนาดกะทัดรัด

FE 14mm F1.8 GM

ไพรม์เลนส์มุมกว้างพิเศษ G Master สำหรับกล้องฟูลเฟรม

ECM-B1M

ไมโครโฟน Shotgun

ECM-W2BT

ไมโครโฟนไร้สาย

GP-VPT2BT

กริ๊ปถ่ายภาพพร้อม Remote Commander ไร้สาย

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FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | Take beautiful couple photos | Review by Miki Chang

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 03:26:37 +0000

FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | Take beautiful couple photos | Review by Miki Chang

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 08:56

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

Lens Category

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 38mm | F4 | 1/320s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 26mm | F4 | 1/2000s | ISO 250

Couple photography: Perfect for two or three

As a photographer, I've helped many couples photograph lasting memories that they can enjoy for many years to come. However, I would sometimes wonder, “Can a couple take these photos themselves, then use the money they've saved (from hiring a photographer and makeup artist) to travel to more countries instead?”

One day, I decided to answer this question definitively. My boyfriend and I were celebrating our 5th anniversary and going on a holiday – so I brought along my Sony Alpha 7C camera, FE 40mm F2.5 G prime lens, Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS zoom lens, and a tripod.

I decided to be my own “couple photographer” and see the results! The photos you'll see below, have all been taken either by hand or with a tripod.

General tips for couple photography

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 50mm | F10 | 1/4000s | ISO 5000

Coordinate your colours!
The basics of couple photography begins with matching your outfits. Choose a similar colour and style, or go with complementary colours to create visual harmony.

Mornings are best
Generally, the most suitable time for outdoor shoots is in the morning (but not too early) and before dusk in the afternoon, as the light is softer during this period. You'll want to avoid harsh sunlight as the colours in your photos will be affected by light that's too bright.

Get the Sony mobile app
If you own a Sony Alpha camera, you can download Sony's mobile app to your phone. It'll make controlling your shots and timers so much easier, especially when you've set up your camera perfectly on your tripod.

Expand your possibilities with zoom

The Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS zoom lens adds a level of convenience and flexibility to your shoots, as you can adjust the focal length of our lens while remaining in one spot. Also, when choosing the wide-angle 24MM, you will be able to capture more of the scene.

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F4 | 1/4000s | ISO 320

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F6.3 | 1/4000s | ISO 800

Sublime coastlines
For shots like these, choose a time closer to dusk for more beautifully coloured coasts.

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 63mm | F4 | 1/250s | ISO 12800

Vivid indoor shots
Although we were indoors (and I could have used my prime lens), I decided to shoot these with my Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS zoom lens. The slightly longer focal length created more vivid photos, which told more compelling stories.

You can also experiment with creating distance and intimacy in your photos with your poses – or even look away from the camera if you (or your partner) feel shy about looking into the lens.

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F4 | 1/320s | ISO 12800

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F4 | 1/2000s | ISO 100

The Sony Alpha 7C and Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS zoom lens perform well in both bright and dark environments, like these!

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 63mm | F4 | 1/4000s | ISO 3200

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 47mm | F4 | 1/2500s | ISO 3200

Experimenting with focal lengths
One of the joys of using a zoom lens is easily changing the focal length to get different shots.

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 70mm | F4 | 1/4000s | ISO 12800

Mobile convenience at a tap
After downloading the “Imaging Edge Mobile” app to your smartphone, you can connect it to your Sony Alpha 7C camera, which opens up a world of possibilities. Now, you can use your phone to operate the shutter, shooting mode, white balance, and other operations of your camera.

And after taking a shot, you can view the photo from your phone – and even upload it to your phone to share on social media within seconds!

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F4 | 1/4000s | 2000

The romance of couple photography

I set out on this trip to find an answer to my question, “Can couple photography be done with just two people, a camera and lenses, and a tripod?”

Objectively speaking, if there's a special moment that you really want to capture – a photographer can certainly be helpful, as you can get vivid photographs from more angles. Also, your photographer may capture a magical moment that happens spontaneously.

Ultimately, this is a decision that you'll have to make on your own. But one thing's for sure – by having a great camera and lenses with you, you and your partner will be able to capture a lot more of life's precious moments – so you'll have more amazing memories to reminisce on in the years ahead.

Products

Featured

Alpha 7C

กล้องฟูลเฟรมขนาดกะทัดรัด

Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

เลนส์ซูมมาตรฐาน ZEISS สำหรับกล้องฟูลเฟรม

HVL-F28RM

แฟลชภายนอกที่ควบคุมด้วยวิทยุไร้สาย GN28

SF-M64T

การ์ดหน่วยความจำ SF-M ซีรีส์ Tough

NP-FZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

แบตเตอรี่แพคแบบชาร์จได้ Z ซีรีส์

Article Theme

Wedding

FE 40mm F2.5 G | Capture beautiful memories| Review by Miki Chang

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 03:08:12 +0000

FE 40mm F2.5 G | Capture beautiful memories| Review by Miki Chang

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 08:38

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Lens Category

FE 40mm F2.5 G

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 100

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/2500s | ISO 50

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 200

Couple photography: Perfect for two or three

I decided to be my own “couple photographer” and see the results! The photos you'll see below, have all been taken either by hand or with a tripod.

General tips for couple photography

Coordinate your colours!
The basics of couple photography begins with matching your outfits. Choose a similar colour and style, or go with complementary colours to create visual harmony.

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 GM | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/250s | ISO 1600

Snapshots from my prime lens

The fixed focus FE 40mm F2.5 G prime lens is simply fantastic for close-up shots. Its large aperture captures images with warmth and softness, and the bokeh in the background is exquisite.

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40 mm F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 250

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 125

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 200

Also, its lightweight lens is easily manoeuvrable, even with one hand. Check out this single-handed shot I took while riding a scooter in Hengchun.

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/2000s | ISO 100

So, what can you do with all the energy saved (by carrying a lightweight prime lens)? Walk further and explore more destinations!

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/1250s | ISO 2500

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/2500s | ISO 12800

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F4 | 1/500s | ISO 1600

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/1600s | ISO 12800

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.5 | 1/2500s | ISO 50

Continuous action shots are fantastic with a prime lens
I really enjoy shooting continuous action shots with my FE 40mm F2.5 G prime lens. Just set up your tripod, mode and timer, and smile! These are some of my most treasured memories from the trip.

Alpha 7C | FE 40mm F2.5 G | 40mm | F2.8 | 1/4000s | ISO 100

The romance of couple photography

I set out on this trip to find an answer to my question, “Can couple photography be done with just two people, a camera and lenses, and a tripod?”

Products

Featured

Alpha 7C

กล้องฟูลเฟรมขนาดกะทัดรัด

FE 40mm F2.5 G

ไพรม์เลนส์มาตรฐาน G สำหรับกล้องฟูลเฟรม

HVL-F28RM

แฟลชภายนอกที่ควบคุมด้วยวิทยุไร้สาย GN28

SF-M64T

การ์ดหน่วยความจำ SF-M ซีรีส์ Tough

NP-FZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

แบตเตอรี่แพคแบบชาร์จได้ Z ซีรีส์

Article Theme

Wedding

FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | Ideal for family photography | Review by Kerry Cheah

Harriman — Thu, 18 May 2023 02:38:23 +0000

FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | Ideal for family photography | Review by Kerry Cheah

Harriman Thu, 05/18/2023 - 08:08

Article Categories

Reviews

Body Category

Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

Lens Category

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F5.6 | 1/200s | ISO 1600

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/50s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Fleeting moments, lifelong memories

My interest in photography – and specifically, family photography – took off when my second son was born. I had dabbled in it before, but it really clicked when I became a “mom with a camera”. I was stuck at home with two children and was looking to entertain myself!

I love that a photograph can satisfy on different fronts – emotionally through the subjects that are photographed and the moments that are documented; artistically through the look and feel that is created by light and perspective; and intellectually through the arrangement of different elements in the photo to convey a message.

For me, inspiration comes from “the moment” – a fleeting expression, a meaningful interaction, a sudden pang of familiarity from a seemingly ordinary action. That moment, seen through my FE 24-70MM F4 ZA OSS zoom lens and captured with my Alpha 7C camera, is layered with light and filtered through composition, all in an instant.

Why a zoom lens is fantastic for family photos

If you have ever struggled to get your children to cooperate for a simple selfie, you'll understand that efficiency is paramount to minimising stress for everyone. A zoom lens gives you the flexibility to take a variety of portraits just by switching up the focal distance, without fussing over lens changes or perfect tripod placement. You can also easily “add” or “subtract” family members in the portrait, while adjusting the focal distance to keep the portrait tight.

Playing with perspectives

(Example 1: Fixed tripod position)

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 50mm | F4.0 | 1/400s | ISO 400

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 70mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Portraits in the park
This series of images was taken in a park, with the tripod in a fixed position at around 4m away from where we stood to be photographed. As I had the benefit of space, I chose to stand further away and use a minimum focal distance of 35mm to minimise distortion.

Shooting at 35mm, 50mm and 70mm from the same tripod position enabled me to “create” a variety of portrait backgrounds, even though we were standing in the same spot.

Playing with perspectives

(Example 2: Moving your tripod)

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 70mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 800

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 24mm | F5.6 | 1/200s | ISO 1600

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F5.6 | 1/250s | ISO 1600

Home is where the heart is
These images were taken at home, and the tripod was placed at different distances from where we were. From the furthest position of around 3m, and using a 70mm focal distance, I was able to take a tight portrait that isolated our faces against the creamy background – even with an aperture of F4.

What if you don't have the luxury of space? I simulated taking the same shot in a smaller space by moving the tripod closer to us and shooting wide using a 24mm focal distance. This created a less compressed background and provided a more accurate sense of space, but also resulted in a little distortion.

Moving the tripod slightly back to around 2m and using a 35mm focal distance instead, minimised the distortion while still retaining the sense of space.

This lack of distortion, combined with a sense of environment, is why I usually use a 35mm focal distance inside my home. I also recommend shooting at a minimum shutter speed of 1/250s to avoid any motion blur – which could happen if one of the kids suddenly decides to move their head or hands!

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 200

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 1000

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 50mm | F4.0 | 1/50s | ISO 640

Family fun!
I am a huge proponent of injecting fun and personality into all my shoots, even staged portraits. To achieve this, I let my kids show the way!

Since I know exactly what my boys are like, and how they think, I use small prompts like, “Show your brother how much you love him!” to instantly bring out their playful side. Or you could let your kids get creative, and ask them to direct a shot or two!

Fun with flash

(Using flash for better lighting)

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 35mm | F4.0 | 1/250s | ISO 1000

Alpha 7C | FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS | 50mm | F4.0 | 1/50s | ISO 640

Families stick together – in dark times, and in brightness
While natural lighting is fantastic, the timing of family gatherings or prevailing weather conditions may mean that natural light isn't good enough. In this example, it was getting close to dusk and was really dark outdoors.

Using flash - bounced at an angle - enabled me to overcome the orange lights and take a photo without having to use an extremely high ISO, which would have introduced a lot of noise into the file.

Photographing the photographer (using the timer)
The self-timer on the Alpha 7C can be set to take either 3 or 5 continuous shots after a 2, 5 or 10 second delay. I usually:

Position everyone else for the portrait and leave a space for myself
Compose the photo and set the AF point on a family member's face, while using Eye AF to further sharpen focus
Set the self-timer on 5 seconds
Join the portrait (before the timer is up)

In this example, I used a 2 second timer because my kids were super fidgety and would make faces with every passing second!

Staying calm during a pandemic, and finding inspiration in family

While the pandemic has caused varying degrees of uncertainty and disruption to all our lives, I recognise that I've been luckier than many others – as my husband and I have been able to work safely from home most of the time – and my kids have their grandparents living in the same country.

Shooting family portraits has been one way for us to remember the importance of family ties.

I believe that everyone can benefit from taking your own family portraits (rather than only doing it in a studio). You'll be able to commemorate more family events, have the flexibility of choosing your own backgrounds, and during this pandemic, can have peace of mind knowing that your family (especially the elderly) is in a safe environment.

All you need is a camera and zoom lens that can capture your family at their very best, like my favourites, the Alpha 7C and FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS.

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Alpha 7C

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Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm F4 ZA OSS

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HVL-F28RM

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SF-M64T

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NP-FZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

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FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | Capturing vivid visuals in an instant | Review by Kim Young Chul

Harriman — Wed, 17 May 2023 10:31:01 +0000

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | Capturing vivid visuals in an instant | Review by Kim Young Chul

Harriman Wed, 05/17/2023 - 16:01

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Reviews

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Alpha 1

Lens Category

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 70mm | F3.5 | 1/320s | ISO 800

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 54mm | F5.6 | 1/125s | ISO 100

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 70mm | F5.6 | 1/160s | ISO 400

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 60mm | F3.5 | 1/400s | ISO 800

Wind & Light: A collaboration with Sony Korea

The “Wind & Light X Sony” project was a fascinating collaboration with Sony Korea. The vision for this project was to showcase everyday materials in fashion shoots and make people see these common materials in a different light.

This shoot required a high-resolution lens that could capture incredible detail at both the centre and periphery of the image, so the combination of lens and camera was critical. For this reason (and several others, which are detailed below), I selected my Alpha 1 camera and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens for this shoot.

Why I chose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens

The FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is a lightweight lens that delivers the consistent, high-resolution shots I need for good-looking portraits. The lens is ideal for capturing vivid visuals in an instant.

It's also great that the lens is very lightweight for its specifications – which is important for all-day shoots, and for taking photos from various angles. Also, the fact that the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II can capture high quality images across its entire zoom range, makes it comparable to a set of prime lenses.

Finally, as I also planning on shooting video in this project, it was crucial that the zoom was fast and quiet – and the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II's silent motor certainly delivered!

Getting ready for the fashion shoot

Planning the shoot

This project involved a good amount of imagination and planning. Before the shoot, I visualised how I wanted the space to look and prepared everything accordingly. My preparations also included selecting the right models for the shoot. Typically, I choose models based on the project's vision – context is very important when making this important choice.

I always set aside some time for a short conversation with the models, so I can help them to understand the vision and how I see all elements of the shoot – models and the environment – coming together in perfect harmony.

Know your equipment to minimise delays

As a fashion photographer, you must be familiar with your equipment – so during the shoot, you are entirely focused on directing the shoot and eliciting emotions from your models (instead of experimenting with your settings).

Directing the models, camera settings

For lighting, I used a mix of persistent and instantaneous light. After explained the concept of the shoot to the models, I said they were free to move and pose on their own. I believe that when your models are feeling comfortable, the vibe you'll get in your photos, will be more natural and believable.

As for my camera settings, I used a high sensitivity setting for the shoot and was confident that the camera and lens would deliver on expectations. While tethering, I created a few options on-site, so the same atmosphere could be applied to later scenes.

A behind-the-scenes look at my favourite shots

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 37mm | F7.1 | 1/125s | ISO 100

For this shot, I thought about how to fully express all the various elements – the blue hues, art, and the model's outfit – within a confined studio space. I used a lot of bold, hard lighting to create strong contrast, and divided the background for an added sense of space.

Thankfully, the superior resolution of the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens allowed me to capture every breathtaking detail, across the entire image.

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 60mm | F3.5 | 1/400s | ISO 800

To create a feeling of movement, I asked the model to be emotive – to walk and turn around freely. I wanted to create several points where the model's face and body would be lit with ambient persistent light, so I shot from various angles and captured every fleeting moment through my lens.

I was impressed at how the lens captured the shadows with detailed resolution, and even more amazed at the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II's fast focus speed and how its Eye-AF feature never skipped a beat! Even with the model moving freely and with speed, I was able to capture the result I wanted within 30 continuous shots.

Alpha 1 | FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II | 70mm | F6.3 | 1/400s | ISO 500

I shot this scene using only persistent light, and the fact that the shot was not affected by a significant amount of noise (even when I increased the sensitivity settings), made me appreciate the outstanding performance of the Alpha 1 and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II zoom lens, even more.

Tips for aspiring fashion photographers

As you start taking photos for your own fashion-related projects, it can be fun copying or mimicking other photographers' work – but eventually, you'll want to slowly and surely begin to plan your own shoots and take photos based on your perspectives and creative visions. This, in my opinion, is the best way to take good photos.

Meanwhile, listen to the people around you, take in their advice and use their knowledge to fuel and inspire your own work. Learn how to tell not only other people's stories, but yours too.

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Alpha 1

กล้องฟูลเฟรมพร้อมความละเอียดและความเร็วที่ยอดเยี่ยม

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

เลนส์ซูมมาตรฐาน G Master สำหรับกล้องฟูลเฟรม

SF-M64T

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BC-QZ1

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NP-FZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery Pack

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FE 50mm F1.2 GM | Ideal for newborn photography | Review by Ding Dong

Harriman — Wed, 17 May 2023 08:13:03 +0000

FE 50mm F1.2 GM | Ideal for newborn photography | Review by Ding Dong

Harriman Wed, 05/17/2023 - 13:43

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Reviews

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FE 50mm F1.2 GM

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.4 | 1/3200s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/5000s | ISO 1000

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.8 | 1/125s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/2000s | ISO 1600

Memories that last (beyond) a lifetime

My fondness for photography started from a young age. I still remember the dozens of family photo albums we had in my childhood home. My father took lots of photos of our family as we visited the parks, beaches and playgrounds that were near our home.

And though those photos are now old and faded, they are still an important part of my youth – and a big part of our family's shared memories. Every time anyone opens up one of these family albums, my mum lights up and reminisces on the memories we had growing up.

What's more, these albums have also shown me another side of my dad. Growing up, I always remembered him as a typically strict father who was always concerned about our safety and making sure we followed the rules – but flipping through the pages of our family albums, I see another side of him. I see his expressiveness, openness and the deep love that he's always had for our family.

Now that I'm a father too, I understand why my dad was so enthusiastic about taking photos of his kids - and I share that same compulsion to photograph my daughter, Xiaoshi.

It's all because of love.

And thanks to modern camera and lens technology, instead of taking a few snapshots, I can capture my lovely daughter from all angles – in high-resolution photos and videos.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/6400s | ISO 640

My camera of choice is the Sony Alpha 7C, and my favourite lens is the FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens, from Sony's outstanding G Master range.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM 50mm | F1.2 | 1/6400s | ISO 640

The reasons I choose a prime lens

I've used every model of the Sony Alpha 7 series that's ever been released, but have kept one thing constant – a 50mm prime lens.

Being engaged in a scene

The reason is simple – the fixed focal length of a prime lens means I need to move around the scene more to get the “perfect shot”, which makes me feel more involved with the scene (instead of being just someone who's “shooting from the outside”).

It's a small shift in perspective, but it means a lot when taking photos of your child.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F.12 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/1250s | ISO 125

Larger aperture
The biggest difference between a prime lens and a zoom lens (besides the zoom) is the size of the aperture. Generally, the aperture of a prime lens will be larger than F2 – giving your photos a greater sense of clarity, which also translates into more impressive bokeh.

It takes a bit of practice, but the results are worth it!

Lightweight, easy to use
With the Sony Alpha 7C and FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens, I've changed the way I take photos (for the better). I can now operate this lightweight combination of camera and lens with one hand, which means I can now use the touchscreen (instead of the viewfinder) for better angles and simply tap the shutter to capture the moment perfectly. It's a simpler way of shooting, and one that's given me better results.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM 50mm | F1.4 | 1/8000s | ISO 1600

Capturing every meticulous detail with natural lighting
One recommendation I have when shooting with the FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens, is to shoot against the light. This is where you'll really appreciate the strength of this G Master lens. The photos you'll get are clear and meticulously detailed, while also giving you a “relaxed” feel that adds warmth and charm to your photos of babies and toddlers.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM 50mm | F1.2 | 1/8000s | ISO 640

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/6400s | ISO 640

Convenient aperture ring
A feature I really like on the FE 50mm F1.2 GM prime lens is its aperture ring, which is especially convenient when shooting on the Sony Alpha 7C. You can just let the dial on the camera control the shutter.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F.12 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/1250s | ISO 125

Quiet, fast and intelligent focus
When taking photos of sleeping babies, silence is incredibly important. That's why I value the FE 50mm F1.2 GM's simple and quiet focus. Plus, when your child is awake, the lens can detect your child's eyes and focus quickly and automatically – making it easy to capture all the special moments of your child's development. I remember having lots of fun with this feature, while documenting Xiaoshi as she learnt to crawl!

The Sony Alpha 7C's flip screen is great for shooting from the waist. This allows you to shoot at low angles without bending over (as you would with a viewfinder). As first-time parents, my wife and I would always be bending over when changing our daughter's diapers, giving her a bath and cleaning things she's scattered onto the floor. So, being able to capture these moments without having to bend over, has been a definite plus!

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.4 | 1/8000s | ISO 640

A moment to snap. A lifetime to remember.

While I love having digital albums of Xiaoshi's growing years, I also plan on developing these photos for her – so she'll be able to flip through the pages of our memories when she grows up, just like how I've enjoyed looking through my dad's photo albums.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/8000s | ISO 1600

Since Xiaoshi was born, I've realised the value of having a compact camera and lens with me – as this combination allows me to snap photos of Xiaoshi at any time.

Alpha 7C | FE 50mm F1.2 GM | 50mm | F1.2 | 1/1000s | ISO 1000

Plus, even if my daughter doesn't remember any of these moments when she grows up, she'll always have a collection of clear, detailed photos of our time together as a newborn – and proof of her parents' love for her.

Products

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Alpha 7C

กล้องฟูลเฟรมขนาดกะทัดรัด

FE 50mm F1.2 GM

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ECM-B1M

ไมโครโฟน Shotgun

HVL-F60RM2

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SF-M64T

การ์ดหน่วยความจำ SF-M ซีรีส์ Tough

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