Category: tips and tricks

Category for advanced manuals with tips, tricks and a full menu run-through for mirrorless cameras from Sony, Fuji, Canon, Nikon, Samsung, Panasonic, Olympus, Ricoh/Pentax, Sigma.

Lost plugins after Adobe Photoshop update?
Lost plugins after Adobe Photoshop update?

Introduction

Yes, it’s update time again! Many Adobe Photoshop CC users that your plugins are not working or are not there at all in your new Photoshop CC 2015.5 update. Here’s how to fix it.

How to reinstall third party plug-ins in Adobe CC 2015.5

Windows
1. Close all open Photoshop applications
2. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CC 2014\Plug-ins
3. Copy all the Plugin files you see there (including folders)
4. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Photoshop CC 2015\Plug-ins
5. Paste all the files you copied from the 2014 folder
6. Restart Photoshop CC 2015, and you should see your plugins!
Mac
1. Close all open Photoshop applications
2. Navigate to Applications/Adobe Photoshop CC 2014/Plug-ins
3. Copy all the Plugin files you see there (including folders)
4. Navigate to Applications/Adobe Photoshop CC 2015/Plug-ins
5. Paste all the files you copied from the 2014 folder
6. Restart Photoshop CC 2015, and you should see your plugins!
June 21, 2016
Best quality photo export for instagram
Best quality photo export for Instagram

Introduction

Instagram is a mobile photo-sharing and social networking platform. You can share pictures and videos with other users and repost automatically to Facebook. This mobile-only app allows you to add a bunch of retro filters and effects.

Some Instagrammers have problems with maintaining quality when posting to the platform. The pictures look fine beforehand, but once posted they look less sharp and blurry. Like Instagram took the magic away. This loss in quality can be because of many factors. I’ll go over all problems here and hopefully fix your problem.
Why do we get a loss in quality when posting to Instagram? According to the Instagram Help Center , they will crop photo’s down to 1080p (in 2020 it’s 1920 pixels) and compress high quality images (image compression due to too large file size). It can cause your problems. If your image is too small, Instagram will expand it. This can also cause pixilation and fuzziness.

This all means it’s very important to optimise your images before uploading to Instagram.

How to upload landscape or portrait photos?

Understanding Instagram Image Size and Aspect Ratio Size involves the number of pixels that amount to the width and height of your photo or video.

Images have to be within a 4:5 to 1.91:1 aspect ratio range, these numbers equate to width and height.

What does this mean? If you take an image using the Square’ option on your phone, that is a 1:1 aspect ratio. There is a format button above the camera roll when you access your photos from within Instagram. You can toggle this switch between square and full-size images.

Again remember that resolution should be above 150 pixels and below maximum 1920 to show up sharp and clear on Instagram. This to keep up with Retina and other high-resolution displays available on smartphones, tablets, and laptops. If it’s smaller or larger, they will scale your image up or down to size, be warned!

How to export your high-quality images for Instagram

You need to be careful that Instagram compression doesn’t ruin your pictures because their compression algorithm will kick in when your image size exceeds 1.6MB and 1920px. Be careful not to upload too large files.The compression algorithm can reduce the file size of the original by a factor of almost 13. This isn’t necessarily bad in some contexts, only if you see a visible loss in quality.

Adobe Lightroom

In Adobe Lightroom, it’s easy to export your images as Jpeg via the Export to function.

First, we should set file Settings to JPEG and sRGB. (PNG works too, but it’s format less used for photos) If you’re not using a compression plug-in, I would also advise you to set Quality to 50.

Now you must resize your image to fit in the 1920 by 1080 resolution limits set by Instagram. I do this resizing in the Image Sizing box. Set both Width and Height to 1080 pixels per inch. If you want to use any other format than 1:1 aspect ratio, set the Image sizing to Long Side (drop-down menu) 1920.

It’s a good idea to limit the file size to 1600 kb in the file settings window. It will ensure that the rather aggressive Instagram compression algorithm will never touch your image. You should check your export first and see if it looks OK when zoomed in 100%.

Remember that most people will view your image on a smartphone or tablet. There is no need for your image to look tack sharp on an HD, 4K or 5K monitor. If you don’t understand this principle, you can check this yourself. Open one of your exported images and then select fit to screen’. You’ll notice a clear decrease in sharpness. This will never be an issue here on a smartphone or tablet. Your exported image has the correct resolution for those screens.

Lightroom export will fit your image inside these constraints, whatever the width and height of your image are.

Expert tip: I use a plug-in called JPEGmini that automatically compresses my images to a maximum without quality loss. Most noteworthy, it reduces the image size by up to 80% without compromising quality. There is also a standalone app available. It will automatically optimize your images. You can also do this online for free!
On your smartphone, there are a few apps that do this too. Have a look at Jpeg Optimizer Pro for Android or Photo Compress for iOS.

Adobe Photoshop

In Adobe Photoshop, First of all, you need to go to File – Export – Export as.

The same principles apply here. The format should be JPG, image size (long end) should be 1920 px. Resolution does not really matter, I always go for 72dpi. Finally, re-sample with Bicubic automatic and select convert to sRGB’. You can experiment with the Quality’ setting. I would say don’t go above 80% for Instagram.

With the preview app (free) on OSX

OS X Preview can resize your images (even in batch) most noticeably without investing in special RAW developing software.

First, go to the Tools tab and select adjust size.

In that tab, make sure that you set the longest side of your image to 1920 pixels (whatever aspect ratio). Resolution is not really important.

Now we need to go to file: export as. Export at around 80%.

To perform a batch resize, you can either open Preview from the Dock and File > Open your images. All of your images should open in Preview’s left sidebar.

Finally, select all the images by clicking on the Edit menu. Select All, you’ll see that it highlights all your images.

Now follow step 2 and 3 to get all your images Instagram ready!

With Microsoft Windows

There is a good and free app for Windows users. It’s called Image Resizer For Windows.
First, install it. Right-click on one or more selected picture files in File Explorer. Now select Resize pictures.

Finally, select the Custom Size to fit 1920 px long side and click the Resize button.

On an Android device

Yes, even with an Android smartphone camera, your images can suffer from the dreaded Instagram compression.
There is an excellent app on the Google Play store called Photo Resizer It allows you to choose a 1024 by 768 aspect ratio resize mode on Android. You can also resize from other photo apps via the share option.

Your exported images are by default saved in the “/photoresizer” folder of your internal storage

On an iPhone

There is an app on iTunes called Image Size. You can use it on iPad and iPhone and it’s free!

You can resize your image in four easy steps:

– First, open an image or take a photo

– Enter 1920 pixel as your max dimension long side of your image.

– Finally, the save button will overwrite the original image.

Squoosh does it for free and in any browser and any device

Google has recently also launched their free compression software called squoosh which enables you to resize (max 1920×1080 for Instagram) and compress using different compression models! Except for resizing, I would leave everything to the standard settings. Squoosh also works on your phone browser, so it’s ideal if you want to prepare your phone pictures for Instagram.
In my testing, squash managed reduce the size of (even already compressed) images by between 50% and 70% without any visible loss in quality. Since it’s free, I would definitely recommend this Squoosh if you need to compress and resize your images in order to evade the dreaded Instagram loss in sharpness phenomenon after upload.

Pro tip: you need a micro landing page

Instagram limits the links on your profile to exactly1. For influencers or anyone who wants to promote their skills, this is not enough. If you have this problem, have a look at Shorby.

Shorby makes a clickable link for you. This leads to a customisable micro-landing page like this one on my profile with any info you want.

How to edit Instagram posts

These limitations apply to Android and iOS.
- Changing a photo after posting on Instagram is unfortunately not possible at the moment. The only way to do this is to delete the entire post and start over again.
- Changing filters after posting on Instagram is not possible either, unfortunately since the picture is ‘processed’ with the chosen filter and they do not store the original on Instagram.
Adding text later on to an Instagram post is possible:
1. click on the “…” icon of the photo (or video)
2. choose “Edit” to open the text editing window.
3. edit the Instagram photo text, add new info or delete words.
4. tap on the “Done” button to confirm the changes.
Legal Instagram automation and auto posting

If you’re looking for a way to plan and automatically post on Instagram, have a look at Socialbee, Later or StoryChief . They all have free plans. For most of these apps, if you want to use the auto post feature, you will need to switch your Instagram to a pro account. This will also give you the benefit of extra stats of visitors, likes and comments.

Tip: Auto enhance your images for even better quality

It’s a good idea to try to enhance your images before posting to Instagram. Snapseed is an amazing free image editor available for Android and iOS. What are you using? Leave your reply in the comment section below.

Conclusion

We all know you need to optimize your images for upload to Instagram. On Mac or Windows, we can use Lightroom and Photoshop. If you don’t want to spend any money you can use Preview on Mac and you can use the free app Image Resizer on Windows. If you’re on a tablet or smartphone, the app store has a few free applications available.
It’s important to keep image dimensions at a max op 1920 px because this is the largest size that Instagram will allow without compression. In addition, keep your file as small as possible by setting quality to 80%.
Finally, you can use image compression software like JPEGmini because this can reduce the image size up to 80%. There are some alternatives that are just as effective like Squoosh (drag and drop or upload with any browser, any device) Tinyjpg and Imageoptim.
Finally, I’m on Instagram too: wim_arys_photography. Talk to me and follow me if you like, I’ll definitely follow back.
October 3, 2015
How to detect dirt on my Sony A7r II sensor, and how to clean it
How to detect dirt on my Sony A7r II sensor, and how to clean it

Introduction

If you own an interchangeable lens camera, you’ll inevitably get dust and dirt particles on your sensor after a while. Whether it’s dust from the environment, oil from moving parts, fibers from a cleaning brush or even an inadvertent fingerprint, it happens to us al. You won’t notice all dust spots in every photo, though, but heavy processing will bring it out, especially in the sky. Dust is everywhere… If you use a zoom lens, you’ll suck air – and any particles in it- into the camera. So the question is not whether your sensor is dirty, it’s more when. And but when your sensor is dirty, you’re eventually going to see it in your images.

When does sensor dust become a problem

How do you detect residue or dust on a camera sensor, maybe you think that if you don’t see anything, nothing is there?

The truth is that there is always dust in the air. Dust has always been an issue, since the days of darkrooms and analog film, and you might think that digital photography is less affected by this. This statement is only partly true, as your camera sensor can look quite nasty before you realize that something is wrong.

A typical dust spot

Dust and dirt will continue to build up until you finally start noticing it in that one essential shoot that is going to make or break your career. You’ll notice this first at small apertures (f/16 to f/22) like when you’re shooting outside on a bright day.

Removing Dust spots

Each modern photo editing program now can remove dust and tiny spots by cloning another piece of the picture on that location. If you find yourself with a series of images with the same dust spots, modern image editing programs offer the ability to touch up simultaneously a series of photos.

Spot Removal in Lightroom

You select a series of pictures, use the clone stamp or healing brush on one image and then synchronize all the selected photos. All selected photos will now have the carbon retouch performed.

How to detect dirt on your camera sensor

The easiest way to find dust spots on your sensor is with a wide-angle lens. More light hits the camera sensor. Hence, it’s easier to find dust spots. Though if your lens suffers from heavy vignetting, it might be harder to find dust spots at the frame edge. You can use either Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom though Lightroom is way more efficient.

Dusty sensor detection, first a photo of a white sheet of paper

Photoshop recipe for dust sensor-check
1. Turn the camera on aperture priority (A) and choose the smallest possible aperture (f/22).
2. Choose RAW or JPG in the highest resolution and adjust the white balance to artificial light.
3. Set ISO to 100.
4. Set to manual focus, and focus at the shortest possible distance.
5. Take a picture of a piece of white paper, more or less evenly lit.
6. It’s not necessary to have a sharp image, in fact, blurry is better.
7. Open your image in Photoshop, and set to 100%.
8. Increase the contrast, for example through the levels panel, this will make it easier to recognize dirt on the sensor.
Lightroom dust Sensor test

Visualize Spots in Lightroom is the easiest way to detect dirt and dust on your sensor
1. Take a picture in the same way as in the Photoshop recipe.
2. Import the image in a Lightroom,
3. go to the Develop menu and choose the healing brush (below the histogram)
4. Left-click below the picture on ‘Visualize Spots’. With the slider next to the box, you can adjust the sensitivity by using the slider next to the check box.
A clear view of all the dust particles on my Sony A7r II

Types of dust and how to clean them

The Sony A7r II and many other cameras have an auto clean mode. You’ll find it on page 3 of the last Menu called SETUP. It’s a good idea to do this regularly to avoid dust buildup.
1. Confirm that the battery has been charged sufficiently.
2. MENU → (Setup) → [Cleaning Mode] → [Enter]
3. Turn off the camera
4. Detach the lens.
5. Use the blower to clean the image sensor surface and the surrounding area, with the sensor compartment pointing down.
This cleaning gets rid of small dust particles that haven’t attached to the sensor. After a while, you’ll find that heat and humidity make dust particles stick to the sensor surface.

Sony advises you to send the camera for a sensor cleaning to a service center, and this is honestly the best course of action. If anything goes wrong during the wet cleaning process, you are not covered under warranty! Replacing a sensor or a sensor glass cover is very expensive.

If you would like to attempt a cleaning yourself anyway, never use a sensor stick or Lenspen on a Sony A7rM2. The material that makes the dust stick to the pen, often wind up on your sensor. This will make your problems worse, not better.

Eclipse Sensor Solution

Sony service uses [easyazon_link keywords=”Eclipse Sensor Solution” locale=”US” tag=”wimarysdigitc-20″]Eclipse Sensor Solution[/easyazon_link] to wet clean Sensors. Eclipse is the highest purity lens cleaner available. It contains less than five parts per million (ppm) of contamination that is the whitish residue left after evaporation. It dries as quickly as it can be applied leaving absolutely no residue, making it the only recommended cleaner for CCD and CMOS sensor. You’ll also need [easyazon_link keywords=”swabs for a full frame sensor” locale=”US” tag=”wimarysdigitc-20″]swabs for a full frame sensor[/easyazon_link]. These swabs come Vacuum packed, either with cloth pre-applied or with separate cloth pieces that you need to apply to the swab.

Full Frame sensor swabs

Since the Sony A7rM2 sensor uses a 5-Axis Stabilization system, you’ll need to be very careful in order not to damage the stabilization system.
1. Apply one drop of the Eclipse sensor solution to both sides of the sensor swab.
2. Sweep across the sensor with one side of the swab once without applying pressure, and again with the other side of the swab.
3. Use a sensor loupe to check your work
4. Repeat this procedure with a new swab if there is still dust visible on the sensor.
5. After three tries, if you still see dust, I would strongly advise you to get a professional to do this for you. Different types of dust or residue often need different chemical solutions, and a Pro will know exactly what is required.
Not dust, but a dead Pixel, hot pixel or stuck pixel?

Dead Pixels

A dead pixel is a permanently damaged pixel that does not receive any power. This results in a black spot. All sensors have dead pixels, and more will pop-up over time. Your Sony A7r II automatically scans for these dead pixels monthly and remaps them for you. If you find any dead pixels, a trick is to set the date of your camera forward by one month. You’ll see that the dead pixel is gone.

Stuck Pixels

Stuck pixels always receive power, which results in a colored pixel that shows up when you zoom into pixel level. The colors can be red, green, blue or any combination of these colors. Unlike dead pixels, stuck pixels do not change their color from picture to picture. Stuck pixels are very common, but not permanent like dead pixels and most disappear over time.

Hot Pixels

Hot pixels appear when the camera sensor gets hot during long exposures. Hot pixels are very normal, and they will show up even on brand new cameras, although Sony do their best to map hot pixels out. Most RAW developers can detect hot pixels and filter them out by guessing the RGB value of that pixel by comparing it to adjacent pixels.
September 27, 2015

Sony RX10 II setup, tips and tricks, mirrorless camera guide tips tricks

Sony RX10 II setup, tips, and tricks

Introduction

The Sony DSC-RX10 II is the best bridge camera currently available. It features a unique 1″ type stacked 20MP CMOS sensor, 4K video recording, and improved readout speed thanks to a new DRAM chip. The body design and lens specs remain in line with the RX10, including a Zeiss-branded 24-200mm equivalent F2.8 lens.

Other new features include a 40x super slow motion video mode at 960fps, an Anti-Distortion Shutter mode up to 1/32,000sec and a new 2.35 million dot XGA OLED viewfinder. Continuous shooting is boosted to 14 fps. As in the RX10, Wi-Fi and NFC are also built-in.
Although this is a relatively easy camera to use, it is still very customizable, and this might seem daunting at first. No worries, I’ve assembled a guide to the most important functions of the Sony DSC-RX10 M2, including some tips and tricks. First things fist: setting up your camera for your use and getting to know the MENU system.

Diving into the MENU system

When you switch on your camera, you’ll be asked to enter a date, time, and timezone. This setting is necessary, as all images captured will have a timestamp, making it easy to find your beloved pictures in the future.
After this is setup, press the MENU button. You’ll see a range of icons and pages.
We’ll start at page 1 of the camera Icon (this menu is called camera settings).

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 1)

Image size:

Large, medium or small is selectable (when you set Quality to jpeg). Set it to large for optimal quality, if SD card space is an issue, you can set it to Small.

Aspect ratio:

You can choose 3:2 (which uses the full sensor surface) or 16:9 (crop but a more broad view). Leave as is at 3:2, you can always crop your pictures later.

Quality:

Do you edit your pictures on your desktop? If so, set to RAW or RAW jpeg. A RAW file saves all information the camera pixels register during shooting and will make for better quality images if you want to edit in something like Adobe Lightroom.
A jpeg is a compressed image (available in FINE (larger) and STANDARD (smaller, less quality) which takes up less space on your SD card but is less suited for editing afterward. Jpeg images will also have in-camera noise reduction applied, something you might or might not want to take care of yourself later, depending on your use.

Image Size (Dual Rec)

You can set the size of still images shot while recording a movie. Very cool feature.

When Record Setting is set to anything other than VGA, L (or Large) will save 17 Mb images, S (or small) will keep 4,2 Mb pictures.

When Record Setting is set to VGA, Large will keep 13mb pictures, small will render 3,2 Mb pictures.

In either case, If you want to print images up to A3 format, select large.

Quality (Dual Rec)

Selects the quality of still images to be shot while recording movies. Extra Fine, Fine or Standard are selectable. With the low prices of SD cards on the market, and the relatively small size of Jpeg images, it is best to go for the highest quality Extra Fine setting.

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 2)

File Format (video)

XAVC S records high-definition movies such as 4K by converting them to MP4 movies using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec. MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 is capable of compressing images at higher efficiency. You can record high-quality images while reducing the amount of data.

The following Movie formats are available with the RX10 M2:

XAVC S 4K: Records high-definition movies in XAVC S 4K. This format supports a higher bit rate. Audio is recorded in the LPCM format. Bit-rate is approx. 100 Mbps or approx. 60 Mbps Records movies in 4K resolution (3840×2160).
XAVC S HD: Records high-definition movies in XAVC S HD. This format supports a higher bit rate. Audio is recorded in the LPCM format. Bit-rate is approx. 100 Mbps, Approx. 60 Mbps, or Approx. 50 Mbps Records a more vivid movie compared to AVCHD with increased amounts of information.
AVCHD: Records HD movies in AVCHD format. This file format is suitable for high-definition TV. Audio is recorded in the Dolby Digital format. Bit-rate is approx. 28 Mbps (Maximum), Approx. 24 Mbps (Maximum) or Approx. 17 Mbps (Average) The AVCHD format has a high degree of compatibility with storage devices other than computers.

Notes:

In order to record movies with File Format set to XAVC S 4K, an SDXC memory card with a capacity of 64 GB or more (SD Speed Class 10) is needed.
Display] is temporarily set Off when File Format is set to XAVC S 4K . Images will not appear on the monitor when you record movies while the camera is connected to an HDMI device when set to XAVC S 4K.
Smile/Face Detect and Center Lock-on AF are temporarily set to Off when the camera is connected to an HDMI device when set to XAVC S 4K.
Even if the camera is connected to an HDMI device, images will not be displayed on that device while movie recording is in progress.
When File Forma is set to AVCHD, the file size of movies is limited to approx. 2 GB. If the movie file size reaches approx. 2 GB during recording, a new movie file will be created automatically.
When File Format is set to MP4, the file size of movies is limited to approx. 4 GB. If the movie file size reaches approx. 4 GB during recording, recording will stop automatically.

Record Setting

This setting selects the image size, frame rate, and image quality for movie recording. The higher the bitrate, the higher the image quality.

File Format is set to XAVC S 4K or HD

The camera records high-definition movies by converting them to MP4 file format using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec.

File Format is set to AVCHD

60i/50i: Movies are recorded at approximately 60 frames/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or 50 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in interlaced mode, with Dolby Digital audio, in AVCHD format.
24p/25p: Movies are recorded at approximately 24 frames/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or 25 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in progressive mode, with Dolby Digital audio, in AVCHD format.
60p/50p: Movies are recorded at approximately 60 frames/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or 50 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in progressive mode, with Dolby Digital audio, in AVCHD format.

When File Format is set to MP4

Movies shot are recorded in MPEG-4 format, at approximately 60 frames/sec (for 1080 60i compatible devices), approximately 50 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), approximately 30 frames/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or approximately 25 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in progressive mode, with AAC audio, MP4 format.

Record Setting Menu options

File Format is set to XAVC S 4K

30p 100M/25p 100M: Records movies in 3840 × 2160 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. 100 Mbps.
30p 60M/25p 60M: Records movies in 3840 × 2160 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. 60 Mbps.
24p 100M: Records movies in 3840 × 2160 (24p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 100 Mbps.
24p 60M*: Records movies in 3840 × 2160 (24p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 60 Mbps.

File Format is set to XAVC S HD

60p 50M/50p 50M: Records movies in 1920 × 1080 (60p/50p). Bit-rate: Approx. 50 Mbps
30p 50M/25p 50M: Records movies in 1920 × 1080 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. 50 Mbps
24p 50M: Records the movies in 1920 × 1080 (24p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 50 Mbps
120p 100M/100p 100M: Records 1920 × 1080 (120p/100p) size movies at a high speed. Movies can be recorded at 120 fps/100 fps.
120p 60M/100p 60M: Records 1920 × 1080 (120p/100p) size movies at a high speed. Movies can be recorded at 120 fps/100 fps.

File Format is set to AVCHD

60i 24M(FX) and 50i 24M(FX): Records movies in 1920 × 1080 (60i/50i). Max Bit-rate: 24 Mbps.
60i 17M(FH) and 50i 17M(FH): Records movies in 1920 × 1080 (60i/50i). Bit-rate: Averages Approx. 17 Mbps.
60p 28M(PS) and 50p 28M(PS): Records movies in 1920 × 1080 (60p/50p). Max Bit-rate: 28 Mbps.
24p 24M(FX) and 25p 24M(FX): Records movies in 1920 × 1080 (24p/25p). Max Bit-rate24 Mbps.
24p 17M(FH) and 25p 17M(FH): Records movies in 1920 × 1080 (24p/25p).

Tip: use 24 or 25p for a cinema-like atmosphere.

File Format is set to MP4

1920×1080 60p 28M/1920×1080 50p 28M: Records the movies in 1920×1080 (60p/50p). Bit-rate: Approx. average 28 Mbps.
1920×1080 30p 16M/1920×1080 25p 16M: Records the movies in 1920×1080 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. average 16 Mbps.
1280×720 30p 6M/1280×720 25p 6M: Records small file size movies in 1280×720 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. average 6 Mbps.

Note: 120p and 100p cannot be selected when in Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto orScene Selection.

Dual Video Rec

Dual Video Rec actually allows you to Allows you to simultaneously record an XAVC S movie and an MP4 movie, or an AVCHD movie and an MP4 movie. Settings are either ON or OFF.

You can also capture still images while recording movies without stopping. Simply start recording with the Movie button, and press the shutter to take still images. The message Capture will appear on the screen. You can select the image size and quality of the stills in the Quality Dual Rec Menu.

HFR settings

You can select 4 different exposure mode for High Frame Rate (HFR) shooting based on the subject and effect you want. Program Auto, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority or Manual Exposure are available.

Panorama Size

(when in panorama shooting mode) Size is selectable between standard and wide. Wide means your picture will cover a larger area. Set it to standard, having to scan an even broader area when making panoramas will take some experience with the camera to do efficiently.

Panorama Direction

A panorama picture (only available in jpeg) is a composite of several images stitched together. When in this mode, you’ll see an arrow that guides you in what direction and speed you should pan the camera to take the sequential images that will be stitched together. You can choose the path in this menu (either, up, down, left or right).

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 3)

Drive Mode

Drive Mode depicts the what action the camera will take when pressing the shutter. Keep in mind that when you’re Scene Selection or Sports Action mode, Single Shooting can not be engaged.

These are the available modes:

Single Shooting

Shoots a single still image when pressing the shutter button.

Cont. Shooting

Shoots images continuously while you press and hold down the shutter button. Continuous Shooting Mode is available when you’re in Speed Panorama, Scene Selection, Auto HDR and Smile shutter.

Spd Priority Cont.

Shoots images continuously at high speed while you press and hold down the shutter button. In Speed Priority Continuous, the focus is fixed when you half-press the shutter button. However, the exposure value is adjusted for each image. By getting AEL w/ shutter in the Menu OFF, this exposure adjustment per frame is disabled.

Self-timer

Self Timer shoots an image using the self-timer after a designated number of seconds have elapsed since the shutter button was pressed. Can be set to either 2, 5 or 10 seconds.

Self-timer(Cont)

Shoots a designated number of images using the self-timer after a designated number of seconds have elapsed since the shutter button was pressed.

Self time Cont. Takes a series of images with a timer function.

You have a choice between:

10-second timer and three consecutive images.
10-second timer with five consecutive images.
5-second timer with three consecutive images.
5-second timer with five consecutive images.
2-second timer with three consecutive images.
2-second timer with five consecutive images.

Cont. Bracket

Cont. Bracket: the camera takes a series of images with different exposures continuously.

Shoots images while holding the shutter button down, each with different degrees of brightness. The last shot in the series is the one shown on the screen. When the flash is used, the product performs flash bracket shooting, which shifts the amount of flash light even if Cont. Bracket is selected. Bracket shooting is unavailable in Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto, Scene Selection, or Sweep Panorama. When ISO AUTO is chosen in Manual Exposure mode, the exposure is changed by adjusting the ISO value. If a setting other than ISO AUTO is selected, the exposure is changed by changing the shutter speed.

You can choose between:

3 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.3 EV
5 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.3 EV
9 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.3 EV
3 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.7 EV
5 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.7 EV
9 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 0.7 EV
3 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 1.0 EV
5 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 1.0 EV
9 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 1.0 EV
3 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 2.0 EV
5 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 2.0 EV
3 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 3.0 EV
5 consecutive images with an exposure value shifted by plus or minus 3.0 EV

Single Bracket

Cont. Bracket: the camera takes a series of images with different exposures once.

Shoots a specified number of images, one by one, each with a different degree of brightness.

Same choices as Cont. Bracket. The difference is that the sequence will fire only once here.

WB bracket

Shoots a total of three images, each with different color tones according to the selected settings for white balance, color temperature and color filter.

White Balance Bracket: Lo records a series of three images with small changes in the white balance.
White Balance Bracket: Hi records a series of three images with significant changes in the white balance.

DRO Bracket

Shoots a total of three images, each at a different degree of D-Range Optimizer.

DRO Bracket: Lo records a series of three images with small changes in the D-Range Optimizer value.
DRO Bracket: Hi records a series of three images with significant changes in the D-Range Optimizer value.

Bracket Settings

You can set the self-timer in bracket shooting mode, and the shooting order for exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing in these settings.

Self Timer during Brkt: Sets whether to use the self-timer during bracket shooting. Also establishes the number of seconds until the shutter is released if using the self-timer.
Bracket order: Sets the order of exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing.

Flash Mode

Different flash techniques can create some unique and interesting images. The default setting depends on the shooting mode, and some shooting modes don’t have all flash modes available. Another limitation is that the Wireless option cannot be used with the internal flash.

These are the Flash modes available on the RX10 II:

Flash Off: The flash does not operate.
Autoflash: The Flash works in dark environments or when shooting towards bright light.
Fill-flash: The flash works every time you trigger the shutter.
Slow Sync.: The flash works every time you trigger the shutter. Slow sync shooting allows you to shoot a clear image of both the subject and the background by slowing the shutter speed.
Rear Sync.: The flash works right before the exposure is completed every time you trigger the shutter. Rear sync shooting allows you to shoot a natural image of the trail of a moving subject such as a moving car or a walking person.
Wireless: When using a wireless flash, the shading effect provides a more 3D appearance to a subject than when using an attached flash. This mode is effective when you attach a remote control-compatible external flash to the camera, and shoot with a wireless flash (sold separately), placed away from the camera.
Slow Sync. uses a slower sync speed for a good exposure of both subject and background.

Flash Compensation

Flash compensation changes the amount of flash light only. If you use Exposure compensation, this will changes both the amount of flash light along with the change of the shutter speed and aperture. Flash Compensation does not work when the shooting mode is set to Intelligent Auto, Superior Auto, [Sweep Panorama or Scene Selection.

Red Eye Reduction

Set either ON or OFF. When enabled, the flash will pre-fire once or twice to reduce the commonly know red-eye problem in photos.

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 4)

Focus Area

The settings here apply to both Still Image Shooting and Movies. The different Focus Modes are one of the most significant tweaks one can do. The factory settings of a camera always intend to cover a broad range of shooting styles, but you’ll often find that a few tweaks here and there can iprove performance greatly for your particular style of shooting.

The following modes are available:

Wide: Focuses automatically on a subject in all ranges of the image. Wide uses all available on-sensor Phase and contrast detect points. It’s useful for a broad variety of shooting styles, but might not always focus on exactly what you want. When you press the shutter button halfway down in still image shooting mode, a green square is displayed around the area that is in focus.
Center: Focuses automatically on a subject in the center of the picture. It’s the most fundamental Focus area mode, and on a recent Sony Camera, it’s better to use the more advanced Expand Flexible spot.
Flexible Spot: Allows you to move the AF range frame to the desired point on the screen and focus on an extremely small subject in a narrow area.
Expand Flexible Spot: If the product fails to focus on the single selected point, it uses the focus points around the flexible spot as the second priority area to achieve focus.
Lock-on AF: When the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down, the product tracks the subject within the selected autofocus area. Point the cursor to Lock-on AF on the Focus Area setting screen, then select the desired tracking start area using the left/right sides of the control wheel. You can move the tracking start area to the desired point by designating the area to be the flexible spot or expand flexible spot. Only selectable when in Continuous AF mode.

AF Illuminator

Only used in Still Shooting. The AF illuminator supplies a red beam of light to focus more easily on a subject in low light situations. The red AF illuminator allows the product to focus quickly when the shutter button is pressed halfway, until the focus is locked. Set to Auto (On) or Off.

You cannot use AF illuminator in movie mode, in Sweep Panorama, when Focus Mode is set to Cont. AF, or when Scene Selection is in Landscape, Sport, or Night Scene.

Exposure Comp

You can adjust the exposure in a range of –3.0EV to 3.0EV when the exposure compensation dial is set to zero. Based on the exposure value set by auto exposure, you can make the entire image brighter or darker (i.e. for Low Key Photography) if you adjust Exposure Compensation.

For Movies, you can adjust the exposure in a range of –2.0 EV to 2.0 EV.

When the exposure compensation dial is set to other than “0,” settings for the exposure compensation dial will be prioritized. For example, if you set Exposure Comp. to 3.0EV, but the exposure compensation dial is configured to 2.0EV, the “ 2.0EV” setting will be prioritized.

When you use Manual Exposure, you can compensate for the exposure only when ISO is set to ISO AUTO.

ISO Auto

Sensitivity to light is expressed by the ISO number. The larger the number, the higher the sensitivity. You can change the automatically set ISO sensitivity range for the ISO AUTO mode. Select ISO AUTO and press the right side of the control wheel, and set the desired values for ISO AUTO Maximum and ISO AUTO Minimum.

ISO settings are also available through the Fn button and Menu. A Quick way of changing many of the most used camera settings.

ISO Auto Min. SS

This is another important setting if you want to get the most out of your camera. If you select ISO AUTO when the shooting mode is P (Program Auto) or A (Aperture Priority), you can set the shutter speed at which the ISO sensitivity starts changing. This function is very practical for shooting moving subjects. You can minimize subject blurring while also preventing camera shake.

Available settings:

FASTER (Faster)/FAST (Fast): The ISO sensitivity will start to change at shutter speeds faster than the Standard setting so that you can prevent camera shake and subject blurring.
STD (Standard): The camera automatically sets the shutter speed based on the focal length of the lens.
SLOW (Slow)/SLOWER (Slower): The ISO sensitivity will start to change at shutter speeds slower than the Standard setting, so you can shoot images with less noise.
1/32000―30″: The ISO sensitivity begins to change at the shutter speed you have set.

The difference in shutter speed at which ISO sensitivity starts to change between Faster, Fast, Standard, Slow, and Slower is 1 EV. Remember that when using a flash, this setting might not function as set.

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 5)

ND Filter

The Sony RX10 II has a built-in ND filter that reduces lit hitting the sensor by about three stops. You can slow down the shutter speed and decrease the aperture value for a better exposure. Also ideal for shooting at large apertures in bright daylight (for a better subject-background separation) or for special effects like cloud streaks, milky waterfalls, and misty seascapes.

Settings available are:

Auto: Automatically turns on the ND filter based on the shooting mode and brightness.
On: Always uses the electronic ND Filter.
Off: Disables the ND Filter.

Metering Mode

Metering mode refers to the way the camera reads the light and sets the exposure.
In multi, it considers the whole frame and sets exposure according to internal algorithms programmed in camera.

Multi metering mode

In spot or center, the camera only considers what is in that spot or the center (per example, if your subject is completely black, the camera will try to compensate by overexposing the image).

Center Metering Mode

Spot Metering Mode

White Balance

You can either set the white balance to Auto, where the camera tries to guess what the neutral grey value is, use one of the preset white balance settings for different lighting conditions or customise the white balance according to your preference or using a grey card.

Daylight White Ballance

DRO/Auto HDR

DRO:

This stands for Dynamic range optimize and analyzes the contrast of your scene in real-time. It produces an image with optimal brightness and recovered shadow detail. You can use this function even while the subject is moving or during the continuous shooting.

Auto HDR:

(not available for RAW captures) This feature shoots 3 images with different exposures and then overlays the bright area of the under exposed image and the dark area of the over exposed image to create an image with an extended range from highlight to shadow.
The highlight detail in auto HDR is better than that in DRO and with reduced noise. The shutter is released three times, so using this function for moving subjects is not recommended.

Creative Style

The Sony creative styles can best be explained as being film emulations (as it some other camera manufacturers implement this). There are a range of styles available from vivid colour to black and white. If you’re shooting RAW, these styles are embedded, but can always be zeroed after importing them to you RAW editor of choice. Jpegs are saved with this styling applied. It is always useful to try some of these, and can be a real bost for your creativity, as you will notice that you make different images in say black-and-white as opposed to colour.

Picture Effect

Think of this menu as an Instagram app right in your camera, with all kinds of retro filters and effects. These are only available when quality is set to Jpeg (Not in RAW).

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 6)

Picture Profile

Picture Profile is a menu for adjusting and changing parameters that determine an image’s characteristics. There are many parameters that can be adjusted, but they can be grouped into four types:

Parameters for selecting basic contrast and color tone.

The basic contrast and coloring are defined by the combination of [Gamma] (gamma curve) and [Color Mode] (color characteristics) settings.

Gamma

Movie	Standard gamma curve for video
Still	Standard gamma curve for still images
Cine1	Softens the contrast in darker image areas and emphasizes gradation changes in lighter image areas, producing a subdued tone overall (equivalent to HG4609G33)
Cine2	Similar results to [Cine1] but optimized for editing with up to 100% video signal (equivalent to HG4600G30)

ITU709	ITU709 gamma curve (low-light gain of 4.5)
ITU709 (800%)	Gamma curve for checking scenes recorded using [S-Log2]
S-Log2	Gamma curve for [S-Log2]. This setting is selected when some grading work will be performed after recording.

Color Mode

Movie	Color tones for [Movie] gamma curve
Still	Color tones for [Still] gamma curve
Cinema	Color tones for [Cine1] gamma curve
Pro	Color tones similar to standard Sony broadcast camera image quality (used in combination with [ITU709] gamma curve)
ITU709 Matrix	ITU709 color tones (used in conjunction with [ITU709] gamma curve)
Black & White	Sets the saturation to 0 for recording in black and white
S-Gamut	Setting based on the assumption that some grading work will be performed after recording. Used when [Gamma] is set to [S-Log2]. S-Gamut is a color space unique to Sony that provides a wide color space equivalent to film cameras. However, the S-Gamut setting on this camera does not support the whole color space of S-Gamut; it is intended to achieve color reproduction equivalent to S-Gamut.

Parameters for adjusting gradation (darkness-brightness tone)

Black Level

This function adjusts the black level of the image.

Parameters	Settings
Black Level	–15 to 15

As an image effect, you can emphasize the color black to create an image that gives a powerful impression, or you can weaken black to give the image a soft impression. Shifting Black Level in the minus direction emphasizes the black color in the image while changing the level in the plus direction weakens the black color.

If you want to simulate an old film or capture winter morning fog, the black level value should be increased. If you decrease the value, gradations in dark areas will be smoothed out, making the areas appear in crisp black.
When using multiple fixed cameras to shoot the same subject from different angles, the balance between subject and background often varies. This balance variation may cause the black color in the subject to appear different when cameras are switched. However, this is an optical illusion. If it occurs, you can correct it by adjusting Black Level to make the black color look the same.

Black Gamma

This function lets you alter the shape of the selected gamma curve and adjust gradations in dark image areas.

Parameters	Settings
Black Gamma > Range	Wide / Middle / Narrow
Black Gamma > Level	–7 to 7

[Range] controls the luminance range that Black Gamma influences. The [Narrow] setting keeps the field close to black while the [Wide] setting extends the range to gray. [Range] should be set narrower when you want to control the quality of dark areas. If you wish to adjust the overall image tone, [Range] should be set wider. At first, it may be a good idea to start from the [Narrow] setting.

Increasing the [Level] value brightens the image, whereas decreasing the value makes the image darker. For example, if you set [Range] to [Narrow] and reduce the [Level] value, you can create an image with dark areas that are similar to the ones seen in films. Unlike Black Level, Black Gamma Level adjusts luminance subtly.

Knee

This function sets the knee point and slope for video signal compression to prevent over-exposure by limiting signals in high-intensity areas of the subject to the dynamic range of your camera.

First, select whether to set the knee point and slope automatically or manually in [Mode], and then adjust each setting.

Parameters	Settings
Knee > Mode	Auto / Manual
Knee > Auto Set > Max Point	90% to 100%
Knee > Auto Set > Sensitivity	High / Mid / Low
Knee > Manual Set > Point	75% to 105%
Knee > Manual Set > Slope	–5 to 5

Mode

Auto:

Automatically adjusts the knee based on what is selected in the following configuration (when [Movie] or [ITU709] is selected in [Gamma]).

[Max Point] determines the maximum knee point level (white level). The knee slope is automatically adjusted according to the Max Point setting. The standard is to keep it at 100%. A lower setting will turn white grayish while a higher setting will discard gradations in high luminance areas.
[Sensitivity] changes the luminance level at which the knee’s automatic adjustment starts. When set to [Low], the knee’s automatic adjustment starts at lower input signal levels than normal. When set to [High], the knee’s automatic adjustment starts at higher input signal levels than normal.
When a parameter other than [Movie] or [ITU709] is selected in [Gamma], the gamma curve will not exceed the White clip point and over-exposure rarely occurs. When [Mode] is set to [Auto] with these settings, the Knee function is disabled. If you want to enable the Knee function, set [Mode] to [Manual].

Manual:

Sticks to settings based on the following selections.

[Point] establishes the position of the knee point output level.
[Slope] determines the inclination of the knee slope.
A negative slope setting results in a gentler knee slope angle. This expands the dynamic range but reduces the ability to produce rich gradations. A positive slope setting makes the knee slope inclination steeper. This shrinks the dynamic range but bolsters the capacity to express gradations. When [Slope] is set to 5, the Knee function is disabled.
Set [Point] and [Slope] in [Manual Set] in combination. If you select a higher setting for [Point] and a gentler setting for [Slope], you can obtain video-like sharp highlight effects. If softer film-like highlight effects are desired, select a lower setting for [Point] and a steeper setting for [Slope]. In practical terms, move [Point] and [Slope] up and down in opposite directions while checking the gradations in high luminance areas until you find the ideal settings.

Parameters for adjusting coloring

Saturation

This function adjusts the color saturation.

Parameters	Settings
Saturation	–32 (fainter in color) to 32 (richer in color)

A positive value results in more vivid colors while a negative value presents faded colors. Saturation must be adjusted in tandem with contrast. Bright and vivid settings produce video-like images while dark and vivid settings result in film-like images. The combination of bright and light creates pastel tones, whereas dark and light settings, create artistic finishes.

Color Phase

This function adjusts the color hue.

Parameters	Settings
Color Phase	–7 (Greenish) to 7 (Reddish)

As you rotate the color wheel to the left (decreasing the set value) or to the right (increasing the set value), the colors shift along the spectrum from red to yellow, green, cyan, blue, magenta and red. Because this affects all colors, it is difficult to make specific adjustments exactly as intended. Use this function when matching coloring closely between different cameras.

Color Depth

This function adjusts the luminance for each color phase. The luminance changes more drastically when the selected color is richer (higher saturation). It does not change much at all when the color is achromatic.

Parameters	Settings
Color Depth > R	–7 to 7
Color Depth > G	–7 to 7
Color Depth > B	–7 to 7
Color Depth > C	–7 to 7
Color Depth > M	–7 to 7
Color Depth > Y	–7 to 7

A higher set value lowers luminance while deepening the color. A lower set value increases luminance, making the color look paler.
This setting doesn’t only enhance the apparent vividness of colors, but also can express deep, dark colors.
Because each of the 6 colors — R (Red), G (Green), B (Blue), C (Cyan), M (Magenta), Y (Yellow) — can be adjusted individually, you can apply this function to just the colors you want to emphasize.

Parameters for highlighting image edges

This feature changes how much detail is applied to the subject’s image sides.

Because settings other than [Level] are quite complex, we recommend you start by adjusting only the [Level] setting first.

Parameters	Settings
Detail > Level	–7 (Weak) to 7 (Strong)
Detail > Adjust > Mode	Auto / Manual
Detail > Adjust > V/H Balance	–2 (Stronger Vertical (V) detail) to 2 (Stronger Horizontal (H) detail)
Detail > Adjust > B/W Balance	Type1 (Higher proportion of black detail) to Type5 (Higher proportion of white detail)
Detail > Adjust > Limit	0 (Strongly restricted) to 7 (No restriction)
Detail > Adjust > Crispening	0 (No restriction) to 7 (Strongly restricted)
Detail > Adjust > Hi-Light Detail	0 (Smaller detail amount) to 4 (Larger detail amount)

Level

This function determines the strength of detail image processing to be applied.

If you apply too much detail, the subject’s original atmosphere may be undermined, as its translucence may be lost or it may be given an unnatural luster. Excessive detail when shooting shiny leaves, for instance, may result in the leaves looking as if they are made of plastic. It is also advisable to apply detail only modestly when shooting paintings.
Because Detail makes image edges wider, the original texture of a subject consisting of very fine lines may be lost if too much detail processing is applied. (Example: thin lace curtains)
Also, be aware that Detail may fatten up the edges of noise particles that appear under a high gain setting, and may make such particles highly noticeable. In such cases, you can adjust the amount of detail processing on the noise particles by using the [Crispening] function.
The image edges become more visible when viewed on large screens. It may be advisable to ease off on Detail if you plan to display the image on large TVs or screens.

Mode

If you want to make finer adjustments to detail, set [Mode] in [Adjust] to [Manual] and adjust the following settings.

V/H Balance

This function regulates the balance between Vertical (V) detail and Horizontal (H) detail. Vertical (V) feature boosts image edges by expanding them upward and downward. Horizontal (H) feature emphasizes image outlines by thickening them to the left and right.

The results of detail processing may appear differently depending on the TV, computer display or another type of display monitor. Adjust [V/H Balance] as needed.
To emphasize the impression of a subject that has many horizontal elements, such as a human face (with eyes and mouth), you can increase the proportion of Vertical (V) detail by lowering the setting (selecting a lower set value).

B/W Balance

This function changes the balance between the amount of black detail for low-luminance areas and the amount of white detail for high-luminance areas.

Limit

This feature restricts the amount of black detail for low-luminance areas and white detail for high-luminance areas by setting a maximum value. The maximum value cannot be set independently for black detail and white detail.

[B/W Balance] and [Limit] adjust the amount of black detail and white detail added to image edges.
Black detail adds the impressions of “power,” “hardness,” and “presence” to the subject. But it may bring undesirable effects because it emphasizes wrinkles and pores.
The white detail gives the subject a “clean” and “glossy” impression. You can increase the proportion of white detail and reduce that of black detail when shooting jewelry and glass objects to heighten their clarity and translucence.

Crispening

This function reduces detail that accompanies visual noise to prevent noise from being emphasized.
You can use this function when you want to apply detail processing to the subject while keeping noise as unnoticeable as possible.

Hi-Light Detail

This function adjusts the detail level for bright subjects.
You can use this to emphasize the edges of a bright subject in front of a high-luminance background.

Picture Profile presets

Supporting a broad range of adjustable settings, this camera’s Picture Profile menu allows you to change a variety of settings, such as Gamma Curve, Color, and Detail. Up to 7 sets of setting combinations can be stored in the internal memory as PP1 through PP7.

Using Picture Profile presets

The RX10 II is equipped with several Picture Profile presets as a default setting. By using these presets, you can match the image texture with other types of cameras equipped with the [Picture Profile] function, or create a picture texture that is similar to that of cinematic film.

Difference from image processing using nonlinear video editing software

Picture Profile adjusts colors and the vividness of the picture during recording. You can make similar adjustments by using nonlinear editing software after shooting. But there are the following differences.

To fit massive amounts of image data in a limited memory capacity, this camera compresses image data when recording. No matter how advanced a compression format is, any data compression inevitably deteriorates image quality somewhat. Applying sharpness, gamma curve correction and other video effects to recorded images by using nonlinear editing software worsens the image condition further by processing already deteriorated images. For example, if video compression leaves the image with reduced contrast or block noise in some areas, applying video effects often make the problems more noticeable.
Because Picture Profile processes video signals before compressing, it changes the gamma curve and corrects colors before image quality is damaged by compression. This makes it possible to carry out highly precise image adjustments while keeping the quality of the subject intact. It should also be noted that recording images with proper contrast is crucial. If image contrast in dark and bright areas is not recorded correctly, this will result in underexposed dark and overexposed white areas with no gradations. This means you cannot change image contrast properly later on with nonlinear editing software no matter how hard you try because there will be no gradations to work with.

If you intend to process your video with nonlinear editing software later, it is important that you record your image in the right way.

Nonlinear editing software is a very powerful tool, but can’t fix everything. If you adjust various settings to make sure your video is recorded in a way that matches your ideal as much as possible, you will be able to create a video that will be closer to what you have in mind with minimal processing via nonlinear editing software. It will also keep rendering time short and make video editing work more efficient.

What to do with Picture Profile

If you are working on a project with ample time for editing or a short piece, record an image that is as flat as possible to allow for many different kinds of post-production image processing and color adjustments.

If you are working on a project with a tight deadline or a long piece, on the other hand, you can dramatically reduce the amount of post-production image processing and enable highly efficient production by recording the video as close to the vision of the finished image as possible. Showing the image being recorded to the director and crew as close to the tone of the ideal finished image as possible on a display monitor will significantly boost morale on the scene, which has a significant impact on the quality of the finished work. In order to avoid the problems with nonlinear editing described in the previous section, and also to create pieces with mobility that make the most of this camera’s unique characteristics, try to fully utilize Picture Profile while recording images at the proper settings.

Focus Magnifier

When focussing manually or in DMF mode, you can set the camera to magnify a part of the screen so you can check focus. This sub menu allows you to select the part of the image that will be magnified during shooting.

Long Exposure NR

Set if you want the processing engine to apply noise reduction for images captured with a long exposure time. Leave it ON.

High ISO NR

Here you can select the amount of noise reduction applied to images with high ISO settings (when quality is set to jpeg). As Sony has rather aggressive noise reduction, I would chance it to Low. (if not, you run the risk of getting paint-like, smeared images at higher ISO values)

Center Lock-on AF

This is a very powerful autofocus feature. When turned ON, it allows you to track a subject. In iAuto mode, you can access this feature (when turned ON and camera is set to AF) by pressing the Center button of the multi-controller. You’ll see a square on your screen, then center your desired tracking subject and the camera will continue to track it, even when it exits your frame and reappears.

Object tracking

Smile/Face Detect

This is another powerful feature. It can be set to automatically detect on focus on (registered) faces and enable a function called Smile Shutter. When the latter is enabled, the camera will automatically capture an image when a smile is detected.

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 7)

Auto Dual Rec

Sets whether or not to automatically shoot still images when shooting movies. Shoots when impressive compositions, including people, are detected. This function may also record versions of the automatically shot images that have been trimmed into optimal arrangements. When a trimmed image is recorded, both the image before trimming and the cut image will be recorded.

Off: Auto Dual Rec is not performed.
On: Shoot. Frequency Low/On: Shoot. Frequency Standard/On: Shoot. Frequency High: Auto Dual Rec is carried out with the specified shooting frequency.

The positions, orientation, expressions of faces are detected in order to shoot still images with the impressive compositions. If you want to change the size or quality of still images, use Quality (Dual Rec). Even when Auto Dual Rec is set to On, you can record still images by pressing the shutter button. Not that there might be a delay in pressing the shutter button and the image actually being taken if the processor is too busy.

Soft Skin Effect

If you’re using this camera mainly for pics of friends and family, this is an excellent feature, as it will soften and smooth skin tones make you and your beloved ones look their best. (only available when quality is set to Jpeg)

Auto Obj. Framing

When enabled, the Sony RX10 M2 will automatically crop your captured image to what it deems best. Meaning it will cut the picture for a nicer composition. Only available for Jpegs, though, a nice feature if you don’t want to bother too much with the technical side of photography.

Auto Mode

Intelligent Auto: The camera shoots with automatic scene recognition. (RAW and JPEG)
Superior Auto: The camera shoots with automatic scene recognition. This mode takes clear images of dark or backlit scenes. For low-lit or backlit scenes, if necessary the camera may shoot multiple images and create a composite image, etc., to record higher quality images than in Intelligent Auto mode. (only JPEG)

Scene Selection

This is more easily controlled via the right thumb wheel when you’re in SCN mode, but you can also select the presets for different scenes (like sports or portrait) from here.

The following scenes are available: Portrait, Infant, Night Portrait, Night Scene, Backlight Portrait, Backlight, Landscape, Macro, Spotlight and Low Light.

High Frame Rate

You can select the exposure mode for HFR shooting based on the subject and effect you want. These are available:

Program Auto
Aperture Priority
Shutter Priority
Manual Exposure

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 8)

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 9)

Audio Rec. Level

You can adjust the audio recording level while checking the level meter. Regardless of the [Audio Rec Level] settings, the limiter always operates. Audio Rec Level is available only when the shooting mode is set to Movie. The Audio Rec Level settings are applied for both the internal microphone and the Microphone terminal input.

: Turns up the audio recording level.

−: Turns down the sound recording level.

Audio Out Timing

When using headphones, you can set echo cancelation while shooting.

Live (default setting): Outputs audio without delay when recording movies. Select this setting when an audio deviation is a problem during sound monitoring.
Lip Sync: Outputs video and audio in sync when recording movies. Select this setting to prevent undesirable variations between video and audio.

Wind Noise Reduct.

This helps reduce noise from the wind during video recording. Set to ON.

Memory Recall

Allows you to shoot an image after recalling often-used modes or camera settings registered in advance. Register shooting settings in advance by using the Memory function. If you set Memory recall after completing the shooting settings, the registered settings are given priority and the original settings may become invalid.

Memory

Allows you to register up to 3 often-used modes or product settings in the product. You can recall the settings using just the mode dial.

Set the product to the setting you want to register.
MENU → (Camera Settings) → [Memory] → desired number.

Items that can be registered:

Shooting mode
Shutter speed
Camera Settings
Optical zoom scale

To recall registered settings:

Set the mode dial to MR, then press the right/left side of the control wheel or turn the control wheel to select the desired memory number.

To change registered settings:

Amend the setting to the desired one and re-register the setting to the same mode number.

Movie

You can adjust the shutter speed or aperture value to your desired settings for recording movies. You can also check the image angle before shooting. When you adjust the aperture using the aperture ring while recording a movie, set the Aperture Click Switch to OFF. If you change the aperture value while shooting a movie with the Aperture Click Switch set to ON, the sound of the aperture ring will be recorded.

Settings:

Program Auto: Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value).
Aperture Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually.
Shutter Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually.
Manual Exposure: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (both the shutter speed and the aperture value) manually.

SteadyShot (stills)

Sets whether or not to use the SteadyShot function in still photography. The SteadyShot functionality will give you about two stops advantage, reducing camera shake.

SteadyShot (movie)

Sets whether or not to use the SteadyShot function while recording video. The SteadyShot functionality will give you about two stops advantage, reducing camera shake.

Color Space

You can choose between Standard and Adobe RGB. If you don’t know what this means, leave it to standard. If you do, you’ll probably set it to Adobe RGB since it has an extended color range (useful for post-processing).

Auto Slow Shutter

This function allows you to slow the shutter speed down to 1/30 of a second. When the Auto Slow Shutter feature is turned on, it helps in reducing the amount of video noise that is recorded when shooting in dark areas.

Audio Recording

Sets whether to record sounds when shooting movies. On records audio in stereo, Off does not record any sound.

(MENU → Custom settings (wheel) → page 1)

Zebra

The zebra function shows a zebra pattern on screen while shooting in any area that is in danger of highlight clipping. You can switch this OFF or anywhere in a range between 70 and 100.The Zebra Pattern is a highlight warning indicator that is common in video cameras. It does not control exposure but just warns you that your highlights are blown out. It is not recorded into the resulting image.I have it set halfway at around 75 and it is a very useful indication of correct exposure of the full image. As I capture in RAW, I am very careful not to have any highlight clipping, in order to be able to possibly fully recover highlights in Lightroom.

MF Assist

This works in conjunction with the Focus Magnifier on Page 5 of the camera settings. You might remember that you can select the area to magnify there when using manual focus (MF). MF assist will need to be turned ON if you want to use this feature.

Focus Magnif. Time

You can set how long to hold the magnified area during MF assist. 2 sec, 5 seconds or no limit. 2 seconds is how I have it set up.

Grid Line

Having a grid line on you screen is a helpful aide for the composition of your image.
The human brain is hard-wired to recognize the structure and most people find a well-composed image more eye-pleasing.
During the course of photography history, rules have been developed on how to best compose the different elements within a scene. Many landscapes you’ll see have the horizon run through the middle of the image for instance, but this is just composition at its simplest form. Many photographers with a broad understanding of these techniques go far beyond that.
A good starting point is using the in-camera grid to make your brain aware of the possibilities in composition.
The Rules of 3rds, Square and Diag square are available

Marker Display (video)

Sets whether or not to display markers set using Marker Settings on the monitor while shooting movies. Set to ON or OFF.

Marker Settings (video)

Sets the markers to be displayed while shooting movies.

Available markers:

Center: Sets whether or not to show the center marker in the center of the shooting screen. Off / On.
Aspect: Sets the aspect marker display. Off / 4:3 / 13:9 / 14:9 / 15:9 / 1.66:1 / 1.85:1 / 2.35:1.
Safety Zone: Sets the safety zone display. This becomes the standard range that can be received by a general household TV. Off / 80% / 90%.
Guideframe: Sets whether or not to display the guide frame. You can verify whether the subject is level or perpendicular to the ground.

(MENU → Custom settings (wheel) → page 2)

Audio Level Display

Sets whether to display the audio level on the screen. ON or OFF.

Auto Review

You can check the recorded image on the screen right after the shooting. You can also set the display time for Auto Review:

10 Sec/5 Sec/2 Sec: Displays the registered image on the screen right after shooting for the selected duration of time.

If you perform a magnifying operation during Auto Review, you can check that image using the magnified scale

DISP Button

Finder:

Allows you to set the screen display modes that can be selected for the viewfinder using Display Setting in shooting mode.

Menu Item Details:

Graphic Display: Shows basic shooting information. Graphically shows the shutter speed and aperture value.
Display All Info.: Shows recording information.
No Disp. Info.: Does not show recording information.
Histogram: Displays the luminance distribution graphically.
Level: Indicates whether the product is level in both the horizontal and front-back directions. When the product is level in both directions, the indicator turns to green.

Peaking Level

Peaking Level is a manual focusing aid which works when you have your camera set to MF or DMF.

You’ll see a type of noise outlining the parts of your image where the focus lies, you can set the sensitivity to high, mid or low.

Which setting is best depends on what lens you use, as with a sharper lens it can be configured to low, while more soft lenses benefit from a medium or high setting to clearly visualise what you’re focusing on.

Monitor:

Allows you to set the screen display modes that can be selected for the monitor using (Display Setting) in shooting mode.

Menu Item Details:

Graphic Display: Shows basic shooting information. Graphically shows the shutter speed and aperture value.
Display All Info.: Shows recording information.
No Disp. Info.: Does not show recording information.
Histogram: Displays the luminance distribution graphically.
Level: Indicates whether the product is level in both the horizontal and front-back directions. When the product is level in both directions, the indicator turns to green.
For viewfinder: Displays information suited for shooting with the viewfinder.

Peaking Color

You can choose the color of this Peaking between Red, white and yellow. I have it set to red, as this contrasts nicely with most scenes you capture.

Exposure Set Guide

Sets the guide displayed when exposure settings are changed on the shooting screen. Nice tool when you’re getting to know the functionality of your new camera. If you’re familiar with Sony’s feature, turn it OFF.

(MENU → Custom settings (wheel) → page 3)

Live View Display

Live view display allows you to see the image you’re going to capture with the settings you have dialled in like aperture and shutter speed. Some users report easier auto-focussing in low-light when it’s turned OFF, and you’d need to turn it off when using external flashes too that can’t be used with Sony’s TTL (through the lens) functionality.

Pre-AF

When pre-AF is set to ON, the camera will continuously focus, even without half-pressing the shutter button. This can be draining to the battery, especially when using some lenses like the Zeiss Touit range. Set it to OFF.

Zoom Speed

Sets the zoom speed of the camera’s zoom lever (and the Sony remote). Experiment with what setting you like, either Slow or Fast.

Zoom Setting

The zoom feature of the product provides a higher magnification zoom by combining various zoom features. The icon displayed on the screen changes, according to the selected zoom feature. You cannot use the Smart Zoom function with movies.

Optical zoom range: Images are magnified within the optical zoom range of this product.
Smart Zoom range: Zoom images without causing the original quality to deteriorate by partially cropping an image.
Clear Image Zoom range: Zoom images using an image process with less deterioration. Set Zoom Setting to On: ClearImage Zoom or On: Digital Zoom first.
Digital Zoom range ( ) You can magnify images using an image process. When you select [On: Digital Zoom] for [Zoom Setting], you can use this zoom function.

(MENU → Custom settings (wheel) → page 4)

Finder/Monitor

This setting controls the method for switching the display between Electronic Viewfinder and the screen. You can also assign this function to your preferred key.

Settings:

Auto: When you look into the Electronic Viewfinder, the display is switched to the Electronic Viewfinder automatically.
Viewfinder(Manual): The screen is turned off and the image is displayed only in the Electronic Viewfinder.
Monitor(Manual): The Electronic Viewfinder is turned off and the image is always displayed on the screen.

Release w/o Card

Sets whether the shutter can be released when no memory card has been inserted. Useful if you don’t want to get in the situation where you’re shooting without a card. Enable or Disable.

AEL w/shutter

Auto (default setting):

Fixes the exposure after adjusting the focus automatically when you press the shutter button halfway down when Focus Mode is set to Single-shot AF.

On:

Fixes the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down.

Off:

Does not correct the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down. Use this mode when you want to adjust focus and exposure separately.
Note: The camera keeps adjusting the exposure while shooting in Cont. Shooting or Spd Priority Cont. mode.
Note: Operation using the AEL button is prioritised over the AEL w/ shutter settings.

Shutter Type

You can set whether to shoot with a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter.

Possible settings:

Auto: The shutter type is automatically switched based on the shooting conditions and shutter speed.
Mechanical Shut.: Shoot with the mechanical shutter only.
Electronic Shut.: Shoot with the electronic shutter only.

The availability of flash shooting, shutter speed, and with or without shutter sound for each setting:

Mechanical Shutter:

Flash
Shutter speed: BULB to 1/3200 second
Shutter sound: mechanical shutter sound and electronic shutter sound

Electronic Shutter:

Flash
Shutter speed: 30 seconds to 1/32000 second
2 Shutter sound: electronic shutter sound

Exp. Comp. Set

Selects if the Exposure compensation functionality ( -5 in 0.5EV or 0.3EV steps) also reduces flash power or not. Leave it to Ambient And Flash.

Reset EV Comp.

Sets whether to maintain the exposure value set using Exposure Comp. When you turn off the power when the exposure compensation dial position is set to “0”

Settings:

Maintain: Maintains the settings of the Custom Settings.
Reset: Resets the settings of Exposure Comp to zero.

(MENU → Custom settings (wheel) → page 5)

Face Registration

This is where you can register faces, it works only when face recogintion is set to ON (registered faces). This is an interesting functionality, as you can register faces of your subject (like at a wedding the bride and groom) and the camera will automatically detect these registered faces and give autofocus priority to them. You can register up to 8 faces (by taking a picture of them within this menu) and set a priority order.
Works well, and helps to get the right people in-focus in busy shots.

Write Date

Sets whether to record a shooting date on the still image. On or Off. The functions that can be assigned are displayed on the setup item selection screen

Function Menu Set

You can assign the functions to be called up when you press the Fn (Function) button.

Zoom Func. on Ring

Sets the zoom functions when using the manual ring to change zoom scales. The settings for [Zoom Func. on Ring] are valid only when auto-focusing/

Options:

Standard: Zooms in/out smoothly when you operate the zoom by turning the manual ring.
Quick: Zooms in/out to an angle of view corresponding to how far the manual ring has been rotated.
Step: Zooms in/out at certain angle steps when you operate the zoom by turning the manual ring.

MOVIE Button

Sets whether or not to activate the MOVIE button.

Available settings:

Always: Starts movie recording when you press the MOVIE button in any mode. (except when the mode dial is set to High Frame Rate).
Movie Mode Only: Starts movie recording when you press the MOVIE button only if the shooting mode is set to Movie mode.

(MENU → Custom settings (wheel) → page 6)

Dial/Wheel Lock

You can set whether the dial and wheel will be locked by pressing and holding the Fn (Function) button. You can release the locked knob/control wheel by holding the Fn (Function) button down.

(MENU – Wireless functionality – page 1)

Send to Smartphone

You can send one or several images directly to your wireless device (phone or tablet) by pressing this button.
You can either descide to choose which images you want to transfer from the camera or on the wireless device (via the Sony PlayMemories app, avialable for free in the apple or android store).
You’ll have to connect the camera via WiFi first (it makes a Wifi access point), using the instruction on the A5100 screen.
It works just like connecting to any other access point with your phone or tablet.
You should do this as quickly as possible, just to get it out of the way.
When your phone has wirelessly connected to the camera once and you’ve entered the password, it will remember this, and make it a lot faster to connect later.

Send to computer

You’ll need to physically connect the computer with the camera using the supplied USB cable, and you can push selected pictures to your Sony PlayMemories desktop software (installed from the CD or downloaded from their website). This can even be set up to continue pushing images after the camera has turned off.

View on TV

If you have a Wifi-enabled TV, you can see images and slideshows directly from your camera through your home wireless network.

One-touch NFC

Enables Quick, one-touch connection (as opposed to first accessing the camera’s wireless network and then navigating to the Playmemories app) with NFC (near-field communication) capable devices.

I have not tried this (as my iPhone does not have NFC) but it looks a lot easier to use.

Airplane Mode

Disables all wireless functionality, just like airplane mode does on your phone.

(MENU – Wireless functionality – page 2)

WPS Push

If your access point has the WPS button, you can register the access point to the camera quickly by pushing the WPS button.

Access Point Set

Here you can setup an access point for your camera to the internet.

It enables the Sony ILCE-5100 to directly install PlayMemories apps from the internet. Works just like setting an access point (WiFi connection) on your phone.

Edit Device Name

If you wish, you can change the name of the Device Access point) perhaps to make it easier to identify which RX10 M2 is yours in certain situations.

Disp MAC Address

You can see the MAC address of the camera here, might be useful for some advanced configuration or troubleshooting

SSID/PW Reset

Reset the name and password of the wireless network the camera creates.

Reset Network Set.

Resets all network settings.
If something does not function properly, and you want to start from scratch, can be useful.

MENU – PlayMemories settings – page 1

Application List

You’ll find The Smart remote control camera app (wich allows you to use your phone as a remote control via PlayMemories phone app for iphone and Android) and the Playmemories camera app here.

You can access your online PlayMemories account here, or create an account (once you’ve set up your camera connection with your Wifi network).

You’ll also be able to download new apps available for purchase in the Sony Playmemories online app store like the Time-lapse and smooth reflection app.

If you do not want to connect your camera to the internet, you can always install new apps (and updates) if you connect the camera with your mac or PC with the supplied USB cable, using the Sony PlayMemories desktop application.

MENU – playback options – page 1

Delete

Delete on or multiple images stored on your SD card.

View Mode

select how the camera will arrange captured images in the viewing browser.

Image Index

Select whether you want the image browser to display 12 (larger) or 30 (smaller) images per page.

Display rotation

Select whether you want the camera to automatically rotate images when you rotate the camera or not.

Slide Show

Select whether you want the camera to repeat slideshows when all pictures are viewed or not, and choose the interval between slides.

Rotate

Change the orientation of images in-camera.

MENU – playback options – page 2

Enlarge

Select an image and enlarge a portion of that image. Useful for checking details and focus.

Protect

Protect images (selectable or per date) from accidentally being erased.

Motion Interval ADJ

You can also change the interval of the image tracking.

Specify Printing

Specify Printing is a feature that allows images to be marked for printing later. Registered images are displayed with the DPOF mark (DPOF stands for Digital Print Order Format).

MENU – Setup – page 1

Monitor Brightness

Manually set the Monitor brightness (recommended leave to zero) or change to a brighter setting for Sunny Weather.

Viewfinder Brightness

Set to Auto which adapts to the lighting circumstances or manually change to your preferred setting. There is a color and greyscale chart displayed on screen to allow you to set it up to your liking.

Finder Color Temp

Chang the color temperature of the viewfinder (colder-warmer) to you liking. I don’t change anything here.

Volume settings

Change the playbak volume for recorded videe or demo’s.

Audio Signals

You can turn off audio signals like the beep when te camera achieves focus. Useful if you want a more stealthy operation (although you’ll still hear the second curtain shutter).

MENU – Setup – page 2

Title Menu

choose between tiles or a tiled front page when accessing the MENU or a direct tab style menu layout.

Mode Dial Guide

Turn the description for each shooting mode ON or OFF. Can be handy at first for a novice user to get famiar with what the different shooting modes actually do

Delete Confirm

When deleting images on yoour SD card, you’ll have to confirm every deletion (to make sure you don’t accidentaly delete anything). You can turn Off this confirmation here if you wish.

Display Quality

You can change the display quality to High or Standard. (High uses more power).

Pwr Save Time

You can set time intervals to automatically switch to power save mode. To return to shooting mode, perform an operation such as pressing the shutter button halfway down. Either 30 Min, 5 Min, 2 Min, 1 Min or 10 Sec.

PAL/NTSC mode

change to either of this broadcasting standards according to which region of the world you live in.

MENU – Setup – page 3

Demo Mode

The Demo Mode function displays the movies recorded on the memory card automatically ( for in-store demonstration purposes), when the camera has not been operated for a certain time.

TC/UB settings

The time code (TC) and the user bit (UB) information can be recorded as data attached to movies.

Possible settings:

TC/UB Disp. Setting: Sets the display for the counter, time code, and user bit.
TC Preset: Sets the time code. UB Preset: Sets the user bit.
TC Format: Sets the recording method for the time code.
TC Run: Sets the count up format for the time code.
TC Make: Sets the recording format for the time code on the recording medium.
UB Time Rec: Sets whether or not to record the time as a user bit.

HDMI settings

The HDMI settings page has a few options available for HDMI output.

HDMI Resolution: Auto (default setting), 2160p/1080p, 1080p, 1080i.
CTRL FOR HDMI: ON or OFF (ON allows you to operate the camera’s playback functions with a Sony BRAVIA Sync TV remote control).
HDMI Info. Display: ON displays the shooting information on you connected TV, OFF disables this.
TC Output: Sets whether or not to layer the time code information on the output signal via the HDMI terminal when outputting the signal to other professional-use devices. This function layers the time code information on the HDMI output signal. The camera sends the time code information as digital data, not as an image displayed on the screen. The connected device can then refer to the digital data to recognize the time data.
REC Control: If you connect the camera to an external recorder/player, you can remotely command the recorder/player to start/stop recording using the camera. ON or OFF.

4K output Sel

You can set how to record movies and perform HDMI output when your camera is connected to external recording/playback devices.

Memory Card HDMI: Simultaneously outputs to the external recording/playback device and records on the camera’s memory card.
HDMI Only(30p): Outputs a 4K movie in 30p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.
HDMI Only(24p): Outputs a 4K movie in 24p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.
HDMI Only(25p): Outputs a 4K movie in 25p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.

USB connection

Select what will happen when you connect your camera to your PC or MAC.

Auto: Establishes a Mass Storage or MTP connection automatically, depending on the computer or other USB devices to be connected. Windows 7 or Windows 8 computers are connected in MTP, and their unique functions are enabled for use.
Mass Storage: Establishes a Mass Storage connection between this product, a computer, and other USB devices.
MTP: Establishes an MTP connection between this product, a computer, and other USB devices. Windows 7 or Windows 8 computers are connected in MTP, and their unique functions are enabled for use.
PC Remote: Uses “Remote Camera Control” to control this product from the computer, including such functions as shooting and storing images on the computer.

USB LUN setting

Improves compatibility with external devices by limiting the functions of the USB connection.
Older devices that are not able to connect to the camera might work when set to single. Otherwise use Multi.

MENU – Setup – page 4

USB Power Supply

One of the most interesting features of this camera is the ability to charge the battery via USB. This works when connected to your computer by USB, but also with a USB car charger, or even a 20,000 Mah USB battery.

This menu item sets whether to supply power via the micro USB cable when the product is connected to a computer or a USB device.

Language

Selects the language to be used in the menu items, warnings, and messages.

Date/Time Setup

Sets the date and time.

Daylight Savings: Selects Daylight Savings.
Date/Time: Sets the date and time.
Date Format: Selects the date and time display format

Area Setting

Sets the geographical area where you are using the camera.

Copyright Info

You can now write copyright information onto the still images. This information is then embedded into the EXIF data. You can write both photographer and copyright owner information.

MENU – Setup – page 5

Format

Format your SD card before use, this will erase any images still on the memory card.

File Number

Number your files according to the number of shots or resets it to start from 1.

Select REC folder

Selects where the camera will store newly captured images.

New Folder

Make a new folder for easily organising events and locations. When you insert a memory card that was used with other equipment into this product and shoot images, a new folder will be automatically created.

Folder name

Choose whether to have folder names in standard form (DSC) or create a new one by date. Setting folders by date will make organizing your images easier.

Recover Image DB

If you have a storage card error, you can try to rebuild the database in order to possibly retrieve lost images

MENU – Setup – page 6

Display media info

You can check how much space is left on your SD card (have pictures in your desired quality and how many minutes of video)

Version

Check what version of the operating system your camera and lens is running. Sony sporadically releases updates with new features, so it might be worth checking if any new firmware versions are available.

Setting Reset

Fully resets the camera to factory settings.

September 22, 2015

Tips and tricks for the Sony RX100 IV
Tips and tricks for the Sony RX100 IV

Introduction

The Sony RX100 IV looks almost identical to the Sony RX100 III on the outside. The only thing that has changed on the hardware side is an increase in the resolution of the pop-up viewfinder. You can find many improvements internally, though, like a bump up from HD to 4K video recording, slo-mo video a more responsive autofocus system and faster continuous shooting for both RAW and JPEG.

These tips and tricks for the RX100 IV are mainly useful for photographers, although I have included some tips for the casual video shooter too. You should make sure you are running firmware version 2.0, released in 2017.

First things first:

Are you looking for tips and settings for:
Since the Sony RX100 IV has the same menu layout as recently released Sony Alpha cameras, you’ll quickly find your way around if you already own one of those.

I’ll be going over the entire Menu structure in this post, and giving you tips, pointers, and tricks along the way. If you’re a bit impatient, there is a more abbreviated “best settings” chapter before my conclusion.

Diving into the MENU system

When you switch on your camera, you’ll be asked to enter a date, time and timezone. This setting is necessary, as all images captured will have a timestamp, making it easy to find your favorite pictures in the future.
After this is setup, press the MENU button. You’ll see a range of icons and pages.
We’ll start at page 1 of the camera Icon (camera settings)

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 1)

Image size:

The larger the image size, the more detail will be reproduced when the image is printed on large-format paper. The smaller the image size, the more images can be recorded.

Image size when the aspect ratio is 3:2:
- L: 20M 5472×3648 pixels
- M: 10M 3888×2592 pixels
- S: 5.0M 2736×1824 pixels
Image size when the aspect ratio is 4:3:
- L: 18M 4864×3648 pixels
- M: 10M 3648×2736 pixels
- S: 5.0M 2592×1944 pixels VGA 640×480 pixels
Image size when Aspect Ratio is 16:9
- L: 17M 5472×3080 pixels
- M: 7.5M 3648×2056 pixels
- S: 4.2M 2720×1528 pixels
Image size when Aspect Ratio is 1:1
- L: 13M 3648×3648 pixels
- M: 6.5M 2544×2544 pixels
- S: 3.7M 1920×1920 pixels
Note that when Quality is set to RAW or RAW & JPEG, the image size for RAW images is automatically set to L for optimal quality.

If SD card space is an issue, you can set it to Small.

Aspect ratio:

You can choose 3:2 (which uses the full sensor surface), 4:3, 1:1 or 16:9 (crop but a more broad view). Leave as is at 3:2, you can always crop your pictures later.

Quality:

Do you edit your pictures on your desktop? If so, set to RAW or RAW+jpeg. A RAW file saves all information the camera pixels register during shooting and will make for better quality images if you want to edit in something like Adobe Lightroom.

A RAW file saves all information the camera pixels register during shooting and will make for better quality images if you want to edit in something like Adobe Lightroom.
A jpeg is a compressed image (available in FINE (larger) and STANDARD (smaller, less quality) which takes up less space on your SD card but is less suited for editing afterward. Jpeg images will also have in-camera noise reduction applied, something you might or might not want to take care of yourself later, depending on your use.

Jpeg images will also have in-camera noise reduction applied, something you might or might not want to take care of yourself later, depending on your use.

Img. Size (dual REC)

Selects the size of still images to be shot while recording movies. Only Jpeg.
- L: 17M
- M: 7.5M
- S: 4.2M
Quality (dual Rec)

Selects the quality of still images to be shot while recording movies. Only Jpeg.
- Extra fine
- Fine
- Standard
(MENU → Camera Settings → page 2)

File format (for movies)

Selects the movie file format.
- XAVC S 4K: Records high-definition movies in XAVC S 4K. This format supports a higher bit rate. Audio: LPCM
- AVCHD HD (default setting): Records high-definition movies in XAVC S HD. This format supports a higher bit rate. Audio: LPCM
- AVCHD: Records HD movies in AVCHD format. This file format is suitable for high-definition TV. Audio: Dolby Digital
- MP4: Records mp4 (AVC) movies. This format is suitable for playback on smartphones or tablets, web uploads, email attachments, etc. Audio: AAC.
Note that when recording XAVC S format movies, you should use the following memory cards:
- SDXC memory card (64 GB or more and Class 10 or faster)
- SDXC memory card (64 GB or more and UHS-I-compatible)
- Memory Stick XC-HG Duo media
Record setting (also for movies)

You can choose the quality of recorded video here. You can change the image size, frame rate, and image quality for movie recording. The higher the bitrate, the higher the image quality. If you’re not familiar with this, leave as is.

When File Format is set to XAVC S 4K and HD:
- This records high-definition movies by converting them to MP4 file format using the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 codec.
When File Format is set to AVCHD:
- 60i/50i: Movies are recorded at approximately 60 fields/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or 50 fields/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in interlaced mode, with Dolby Digital audio, in AVCHD format.
- 24p/25p: Movies are recorded at approximately 24 frames/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or 25 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in progressive mode, with Dolby Digital audio, in AVCHD format.
- 60p/50p: Movies are recorded at approximately 60 frames/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or 50 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in progressive mode, with Dolby Digital audio, in AVCHD format.
When File Format is set to MP4:
- Movies shot are recorded in MPEG-4 format, at approximately 60 frames/sec (for 1080 60icompatible devices), approximately 50 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), approximately 30 frames/sec (for 1080 60i-compatible devices) or approximately 25 frames/sec (for 1080 50i-compatible devices), in progressive mode, with AAC audio, MP4 format.
Menu items details:

When File Format is set to XAVC S 4K:
- 30p 100M/25p 100M: Records the movies in 3840 × 2160 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. 100 Mbps
- 30p 60M/25p 60M: Records the movies in 3840 × 2160 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. 60 Mbps
- 24p 100M: Records the movies in 3840 × 2160 (24p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 100 Mbps
- 24p 60M: Records the movies in 3840 × 2160 (24p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 60 Mbps
When File Format is set to XAVC S HD:
- 60p 50M/50p 50M: Records the movies in 1920 × 1080 (60p/50p). Bit-rate: Approx. 50 Mbps
- 30p 50M/25p 50M: Records the movies in 1920 × 1080 (30p/25p). Bit-rate: Approx. 50 Mbps
- 24p 50M: Records the movies in 1920 × 1080 (24p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 50 Mbps
- 120p 100M/100p 100M: Records 1920 × 1080 (120p/100p) size movies at a high speed. Movies can be recorded at 120 fps/100 fps. You can create smoother slow-motion images using compatible editing equipment. Bit-rate: Approx. 100 Mbps
- 120p 60M/100p 60M: Records 1920 × 1080 (120p/100p) size movies at a high speed. Movies can be recorded at 120 fps/100 fps. You can create smoother slow-motion images using compatible editing equipment. Bit-rate: Approx. 60 Mbps
When File Format is set to AVCHD:
- 60i 24M(FX)*: 50i 24M(FX)**: Records high image quality movies of 1920 × 1080 (60i/50i). Bit-rate: Approx. 24 Mbps (Max.)
- 60i 17M(FH) (default setting)*: 50i 17M(FH) (default setting)**: Records standard image quality movies of 1920 × 1080 (60i/50i). Bit-rate: Approx. 17 Mbps (Avg.)
- 60p 28M(PS)*:
- 50p 28M(PS)**: Records the highest image quality movies of 1920 × 1080 (60p/50p). Bit-rate: Approx. 28 Mbps (Max.)
- 24p 24M(FX)*: 25p 24M(FX)**: Records high image quality movies of 1920 × 1080 (24p/25p). This produces a cinema-like atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 24 Mbps (Max.)
- 24p 17M(FH)*: 25p 17M(FH)**: Records standard image quality movies of 1920 × 1080 (24p/25p). This produces a cinemalike atmosphere. Bit-rate: Approx. 17 Mbps (Avg.)
When [ File Format] is set to MP4:
- 1440×1080 12M (default setting): Records movies of 1440 × 1080. Bit-rate: Approx. 12 Mbps (Avg.)
- VGA 3M: Records movies of VGA size. Bit-rate: Approx. 3 Mbps (Avg.) *
- Notes:* 1080 60i (NTSC) compatible device, ** 1080 50i (PAL) compatible device
General notes:
- 60p/50p movies can be played back only on compatible devices.
- Movies recorded with the [60p 28M(PS)]/[50p 28M(PS)]/[60i 24M(FX)]/[50i 24M(FX)]/ [24p 24M(FX)] /[25p 24M(FX)] setting in [ Record Setting] are converted by PlayMemories Home in order to create an AVCHD recording disc. This conversion can take a long time. Also, you cannot create a disc in the original image quality. If you want to keep the original image quality, store your movies on a Blu-ray Disc.
- To play back 24p/25p movies on a TV, the TV must be compatible with the 24p/25p formats. If the TV is not compatible with the 24p/25p format, 24p/25p movies will be output as 60i/50i movies.
- You cannot create discs with movies recorded with [XAVC S] or [MP4] recording settings using PlayMemories Home.
Dual Video Rec

Allows you to simultaneously record an XAVC S movie and an MP4 movie, or an AVCHD movie and an MP4 movie. On or Off.

HFR settings

By shooting with a higher frame rate than the recording format, you can record a smooth super-slow-motion movie.
1. Set the mode dial to High Frame Rate. The HFR setting screen will be displayed.
2. Select MENU→ Camera Settings→HFR Settings and select the desired settings for Record Setting, Frame Rate, Priority Setting, and REC Timing. You can adjust the desired exposure mode by selecting MENU→ camera Settings→High Frame Rate. You can set other shooting settings such as focus area, focus mode, and frame rate, and perform zooming on the HFR setting screen.
3. Press the in the center of the control wheel. The HFR shooting screen will be displayed. To change the settings, press in the center once again to switch to the HFR setting screen.
4. Press the MOVIE button. The camera will automatically start recording as soon as you finish shooting
Menu item details
- HFR Record Setting: Selects the frame rate of the movie from 60p 50M/50p 50M, 30p 50M/25p 50M, and 24p 50M.
- HFR Frame Rate: Selects the shooting frame rate from 240fps/250fps, 480fps/500fps, and 960fps/1000fps.
- FFR Priority Setting: Select Quality Priority or Shoot Time Priority. If you select Shoot Time Priority, the recordable duration is longer than in Quality Priority mode.
- HFR REC Timing: Selects whether to record a set amount of time after pressing the MOVIE button (Start Trigger), or to record for a set amount of time until you press the MOVIE button (End Trigger).
Panorama size

(Only available when in panorama shooting mode) Size is selectable between standard and wide. Wide means your picture will cover a larger area. Set it to standard, having to scan an even broader area when making panoramas will take some experience with the camera to do efficiently.

Size is selectable between standard and wide. Wide means your picture will cover a larger area. Set it to standard, having to scan an even broader area when making panoramas will take some experience with the camera to do efficiently.

Set it to standard, having to scan an even broader area when making panoramas will take some experience with the camera to do efficiently.

Panorama direction

A panorama picture (only available in jpeg) is a composite of several images stitched together. When in this mode, you’ll see an arrow that guides you in what direction and speed you should pan the camera to take the sequential images that will be stitched together. You can choose the path in this menu (either, up, down, left or right).

You can make panoramas while scanning your camera up-down or left-right.So what is this all about? This might sound confusing at first, but this comes down to how you hold the Sony RX100 IV when shooting panoramas: either in portrait or landscape orientation.

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 3)

Drive Mode

You can set the drive mode, such as continuous or self-timer shooting.
- Single Shooting (default setting): Shoots one still image. Normal shooting mode.
- Cont. Shooting: Shoots images continuously while you press and hold down the shutter button. Hi: takes about six images per second, Lo about 3
- Self-timer: Shoots an image after 10 or 2 seconds. (selectable in sub menu) You can change the angle of the LCD screen and shoot images while monitoring the image on the screen.
- Self-timer(Cont): Shoots a specified number of images continuously after 10 seconds or 2 seconds (selectable in the sub menu).
- Cont. Bracket: Shoots images while holding the shutter button down, each with different degrees of brightness. (from 3 to 5 images with between .3 and 3 EV difference, selectable in the sub menu.) For processing as HDR on your PC.
- Single Bracket: Shoots a specified number of images, one by one, each with a different degree of brightness. (from 3 to 5 images with between .3 and 3 EV difference, selectable in the sub menu) For processing as HDR on your PC.
- WB bracket: Shoots a total of three images, each with a different color tone according to the selected settings for white balance, color temperature, and the color filter. (3 images with either LO small changes or Hi large changes)
- DRO Bracket: Shoots a total of three images, each at a different degree of D-Range Optimizer.
Bracket Settings

You can set the shooting order for exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing here.

Flash Mode

Flash off;

Turn the flash off, even when it is popped up.

Autoflash:

The flash works in dark environments or when shooting towards a bright light.

Fill-flash:

The flash works every time you trigger the shutter.

Slow sync:

Tells the camera to use a longer shutter speed along with a flash, and thus is better for night shots. In manual and shutter priority modes, there is no difference in flash power. But when using aperture priority, program, or auto, choosing slow sync tells the camera to use a longer shutter speed than it would ordinarily pick.What the slow sync flash mode actual does is first fire the flash for the subject exposure, then allow for a longer shutter speed that will allow for more ambient light to be captured by the sensor.

Rear Sync:

Capturing an image involves two shutter actions: one when the capture starts and on when it stops. Rear Sync tells the flash to fire right before the shutter closes. Moving objects will show a streak where they came from and a sharp image where they were at the end of the exposure. This conveys a sense of speed with moving objects. Rear Sync is a creative technique, if you’d like to know more about this type of photography, I’d suggest doing a Google search on ‘Rear Sync Flash Photography.’

Flash compensation:

Especially when using Slow Sync or Rear Sync Flash modes, you might have to lower the power of the Flash to get a decently exposed image.

Red Eye Reduction:

This anti-Red Eye setting quickly fires the flash before your image capture starts, reducing the red-eye effect often seen when using a flash.

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 4)

Focus Mode

Here, you can select how the autofocus engine will behave when you half-press the shutter button. This functionality is partly dependent on what focus area you select (see next)

AF-S:

With a half-press of the shutter button, the camera will focus only once. Suitable for capturing stills.

AF-C:

The camera will continuously focus on any movement when you half-press the shutter button.

DMF:

The RX100 Mark 3 focuses on your subject and allows you to fine tune your focus area further using the manual focus ring on the lens.

When focussing manually or in DMF mode, you can set the camera to magnify a part of the screen so you can check focus. This sub-menu allows you to select the part of the image that will be magnified during shooting.

MF:

No autofocus is used, and you focus manually using the focus ring on the lens.

Focus area

You might think it is best to leave it on the factory ‘wide’ setting (as this uses all AF points), but for certain scenes, it is often better to use a zone or flexible spot to get it to focus on what you want.

Wide:

Wide focus area uses all focus points on the sensor. Ideal for action scenes where there is a lot of movement going on in your frame.

Center:

Focusses on whatever is centered in your images. A fail-proof way of getting the camera to focus on what you want. If you have any problems using the autofocus and are in a situation where you don’t want to miss any shots, revert to Center and just make sure you have your subject centered.

Flexible spot:

Flexible spot area selects a spot anywhere on the screen where the camera should focus. (similar to Center spot, except not.. in the center) You can set it to small, medium or large. If you want to use this focus area, set it to medium or large, as the camera will struggle to find focus when set to small (except perhaps for close-up portraits where you’d want to focus on the iris of the eye)

Expandable flexible spot

If the Sony RX100 IV fails to focus on the single selected point, it uses the focus points around the flexible spot as the second priority area to achieve focus.

Lock-on AF:

When the shutter button is pressed and held halfway down, the RX100M3 tracks the subject within the selected autofocus area. Point the cursor to Lock-on AF on the Focus Area setting screen, then select the desired tracking start area using the left/right sides of the control wheel. You can move the tracking start area to a desired point by designating the area to be the flexible spot or expand flexible spot. On the Flexible Spot shooting screen, you can change the size of the AF range finder frame by rotating the control wheel.

AF Illuminator:

The AF illuminator is a little red light allowing the camera to focus more easily when the shutter button is pressed halfway. It automatically is switched off when you fully press the shutter. Leave it on.

Exposure Comp

(Also available in the Quick Menu, accessed by pressing the FN button):
If you find that your image is overexposed (for instance when you are shooting at large apertures for a shallow depth-of-field in bright daylight), you can tweak the exposure compensation here in a plus or minus 5 (exact EV dependent on next step) range.

ISO

You can select at which ISO value you’d like to capture your image or change the AutoISO range
I have this range set between 100-1600 as this range is virtually noise free, and I don’t like the ISO performance above 3200. If you’re a jpeg shooter (and use built-in Noise Reduction), you might think of using a higher top value (factory setting goes up to 12800).

ISO AUTO Min. SS

Probably one of the most powerful new features, you can now select when the camera will go to a higher ISO in order to get an appropriate shutter speed. Great for shooting moving subjects.

If you select ISO AUTO under Multi Frame NR when the shooting mode is P (Program Auto) or A (Aperture Priority), you can set the shutter speed at which the ISO sensitivity starts changing.
- FASTER (Faster)/FAST (Fast): The ISO sensitivity will start to change at shutter speeds faster than [Standard], so you can prevent camera shake and subject blurring.
- STD (Standard): The camera automatically sets the shutter speed based on the focal length of the lens.
- SLOW (Slow)/SLOWER (Slower): The ISO sensitivity will start to change at shutter speeds slower than [Standard], so you can shoot images with less noise.
- 1/32000―30″: The ISO sensitivity starts to change at the shutter speed you have set.
(MENU → Camera Settings → page 5)

ND filter

From the Mark 3 onwards, the Sony comes with a built-in 3 stop ND filter. If you use an ND filter, the amount of light entering the camera is reduced. You can slow down the shutter speed and decrease the aperture value for a better exposure.
- Auto (default setting): Automatically turns on the ND filter based on the shooting mode and brightness.
- On: Always uses built-in ND Filter.
- Off: Disables the ND Filter function.
Metering Mode

Metering mode refers to the way the camera reads the light and sets the exposure.
In multi, it considers the whole frame and sets exposure according to internal algorithms programmed in camera.
In spot or center, the camera only considers what is in that spot or the center (per example, if your subject is completely black, the camera will try to compensate by overexposing the image).

White Balance

You can either use:
- Auto (default setting): The product automatically detects the light source and adjusts the color tones.
- Daylight: The color tones are adjusted for the daylight. Shade: The color tones are adjusted for shadiness.
- Cloudy: The color temperature is adjusted for a cloudy sky. Incandescent: The color temperature is adjusted for places under an incandescent lamp, or under bright lightings, such as in a photo studio.
- Fluor.: Warm White: The color temperature is adjusted for warm white fluorescent lighting.
- Fluor.: Cool White: The color temperature is adjusted for white fluorescent lighting.
- Fluor.: Day White: The color temperature is adjusted for neutral white fluorescent lighting.
- Fluor.: Daylight: The color temperature is adjusted for daylight fluorescent lighting.
- Flash: The color temperature is adjusted for a flash.
- Underwater Auto: The color temperature is adjusted for underwater shooting.
- C.Temp./Filter: Adjusts the color tones depending on the light source. Achieves the effect of CC (Color Compensation) filters for photography.
- Custom: Uses the white balance setting saved in [Custom Setup].
- Custom Setup: Memorizes the basic white color under the light conditions for the shooting environment.
- Underwater Auto (New in the Sony RX100 IV firmware update 2.0 (2017)) mainly for use with the Sony MPK-URX100A Underwater Housing.
DRO/Auto HDR

DRO:

This stands for Dynamic range optimize and analyses the contrast of your scene in real-time. It produces an image with optimal brightness and recovered shadow detail. You can use this function even while the subject is moving or during the continuous shooting.
- D-Range Optimizer: Auto (default setting): Corrects the brightness automatically.
- D-Range Optimizer: Lv1 ― D-Range Optimizer: Lv5: Optimizes the gradation of a recorded image for each divided area. Select the optimization level from Lv1 (weak) to Lv5 (strong)
Auto HDR:

(not available for RAW captures) this feature Shoots three images with different exposures and then overlays the bright area of the underexposed image and the dark area of the over exposed image to create a picture with an extended range from highlight to shadow.
The highlight detail in auto HDR is better than that in DRO and with reduced noise. The shutter is released three times, so using this function for moving subjects is not recommended.
- Auto HDR: Exposure Diff. Auto (default setting): Corrects the exposure difference automatically. Auto HDR: Exposure Diff. 1.0EV ―
- Auto HDR: Exposure Diff. 6.0EV: Sets the exposure difference, based on the contrast of the subject. Select the optimal level between 1.0 EV (weak) and 6.0 EV (strong). For example, if you set the exposure value to 2.0 EV, three images will be composed of the following exposure levels; −1.0 EV, optimal exposure, and +1.0 EV
Creative Style

This menu setting allows you to select the desired image processing. You can adjust exposure (shutter speed and aperture) as you like with [Creative Style], unlike with [Scene Selection] where the product adjusts the exposure.
- Standard (default setting): For shooting various scenes with rich gradation and beautiful colors.
- Vivid: The saturation and contrast are heightened for shooting striking images of colorful scenes and subjects such as flowers, spring greenery, blue sky, or ocean views.
- Portrait: For shooting the skin color in a soft tone, ideally suited for shooting portraits.
- Landscape: The saturation, contrast, and sharpness are heightened for shooting vivid and crisp scenery. Distant landscapes also stand out more.
- Sunset: For shooting the beautiful red of the setting sun.
- Black & White: For shooting images in black and white monotone.
- Sepia: For shooting images in sepia monotone.
Contrast, Saturation, and Sharpness can be adjusted for each Creative Style item. Select an item to be set by pressing the right/left side of the control wheel, then set the value using the top/bottom side of the control wheel.
- Contrast: The higher the value selected, the more the difference of light and shadow is accentuated, and the bigger the effect on the image.
- Saturation: The higher the value selected, the more vivid the color. When a lower value is selected, the color of the image is restrained and subdued.
- Sharpness: Adjusts the sharpness. The higher the value selected, the more the contours are accentuated, and the lower the value selected, the more the contours are softened.
Picture Effect

Think of this menu as an Instagram app right in your camera, with all kinds of retro filters and effects. These are only available when quality is set to Jpeg (Not in RAW).
- Off (default setting): Disables the Picture Effect function.
- Toy Camera: Creates a soft image with shaded corners and reduced sharpness.
- Pop Color: Creates a vivid look by emphasizing color tones.
- Posterization: Creates a high contrast, abstract look by heavily emphasizing primary colors, or in black and white.
- Retro Photo: Creates the look of an aged photo with sepia color tones and faded contrast.
- Soft High-key: Creates an image with the indicated atmosphere: bright, transparent, ethereal, tender, soft.
- Partial Color: Creates an image which retains a specific color, but converts others to black and white.
- High Contrast Mono.: Creates a high-contrast image in black and white.
- Soft Focus: Creates an image filled with a soft lighting effect.
- HDR Painting: Creates the look of a painting, enhancing the colors and details.
- Rich-tone Mono.: Creates an image in black and white with rich gradation and reproduction of details.
- Miniature: Creates an image which enhances the subject vividly, with the background defocused considerably. This effect may often be found in pictures of miniature models.
- Watercolor: Creates an image with ink bleed and blurring effects as if painted using watercolors.
- Illustration: Creates an illustration-like image by emphasizing the outlines.
(MENU → Camera Settings → page 6)

Picture profile

Allows you to change the settings for the color, gradation, etc for movies.

Using the preset of picture profile

The default settings [PP1] through [PP7] for movies have been set in advance in the camera based on various shooting conditions.
- PP1: Example setting using [Movie] gamma
- PP2: Example setting using [Still] gamma
- PP3: Example setting of natural color tone using the [ITU709] gamma
- PP4: Example setting of a color tone faithful to the ITU709 standard
- PP5: Example setting using [Cine1] gamma
- PP6: Example setting using [Cine2] gamma
- PP7: Example setting using [S-Log2] gamma
Items of the picture profile
- Black Level Sets the black level. (–15 to +15)
- Gamma Selects a gamma curve. Movie: Standard gamma curve for movies Still: Standard gamma curve for still images Cine1: Softens the contrast in dark parts and emphasizes gradation in bright parts to produce a relaxed color movie. (equivalent to HG4609G33) Cine2: Similar to [Cine1] but optimized for editing with up to 100% video signal. (equivalent to HG4600G30) ITU709: Gamma curve that corresponds to ITU709. ITU709(800%): Gamma curve for confirming scenes on the assumption of shooting using [SLog2]. S-Log2: Gamma curve for [S-Log2]. This setting is based on the assumption that the picture will be processed after shooting.
- Black Gamma Corrects gamma in low-intensity areas. Range: Selects the correcting range. (Wide / Middle / Narrow) Level: Sets the correcting level. (-7 (maximum black compression) to +7 (maximum black stretch))
- Knee Sets knee point and slope for video signal compression to prevent over-exposure by limiting signals in high-intensity areas of the subject to the dynamic range of your camera. When selecting [Still], [Cine1], [Cine2], [ITU709(800%)], [S-Log2] in [Gamma], [Knee] is set to [Off] if [Mode] is set to [Auto]. To use functions in [Knee], set [Mode] to [Manual]. Mode: Selects auto/manual settings. Auto: The knee point and slope are set automatically. Manual: The knee point and slope are set manually. Auto Set: Settings when [Auto] is selected for [Mode]. Max Point: Sets the maximum point of the knee point. (90% to 100%) Sensitivity: Sets the sensitivity. (High/Mid/Low) Manual Set: Settings when [Manual] is selected for [Mode]. Point: Sets the knee point. (75% to 105%) Slope: Sets the knee slope. (-5 (gentle) to +5 (steep))
- Color Mode Sets type and level of colors. Movie: Suitable colors when [Gamma] is set to [Movie]. Still: Suitable colors when [Gamma] is set to [Still]. Cinema: Suitable colors when [Gamma] is set to [Cine1]. Pro: Similar color tones to the standard image quality of Sony professional cameras (when combined with ITU709 gamma) ITU709 Matrix: Colors corresponding to ITU709 standard (when combined with ITU709 gamma) Black & White: Sets the saturation to zero for shooting in black and white. S-Gamut: Setting based on the assumption that the pictures will be processed after shooting. Used when [Gamma] is set to [S-Log2].
- Saturation Sets the color saturation. (-32 to +32)
- Color Phase Sets the color phase. (-7 to +7)
- Color Depth Sets the color depth for each color phase. This function is more effective for chromatic colors and less effective for achromatic colors. The color looks deeper as you increase the setting value towards the positive side, and lighter as you decrease the value towards the negative side. This function is effective even if you set [Color Mode] to [Black & White]. [R] -7 (light red) to +7 (deep red) [G] -7 (light green) to +7 (deep green) [B] -7 (light blue) to +7 (deep blue) [C] -7 (light cyan) to +7 (deep cyan) [M] -7 (light magenta) to +7 (deep magenta) [Y] -7 (light yellow) to +7 (deep yellow)
- Detail Sets items for [Detail]. Level: Sets the [Detail] level. (-7 to +7) Adjust: The following parameters can be selected manually. Mode: Selects auto/manual setting. (Auto (automatic optimization) / Manual (The details are set manually.)) V/H Balance: Sets the vertical (V) and horizontal (H) balance of DETAIL. (-2 (off to the vertical (V) side) to +2 (off to the horizontal (H) side)) B/W Balance: Selects the balance of the lower DETAIL (B) and the upper DETAIL (W). (Type1 (off to the lower DETAIL (B) side) to Type5 (off to the upper DETAIL (W) side)) Limit: Sets the limit level of [Detail]. (0 (Low limit level: likely to be limited) to 7 (High limit level: unlikely to be limited))
- Crispning: Sets the crispening level. (0 (shallow crispening level) to 7 (deep crispening level)) Hi-Light Detail: Sets the [Detail] level in the high-intensity areas. (0 to 4)
- Copy Copies the settings of the picture profile to another picture profile number. MENU → (Camera Settings) → [Picture Profile] → [Copy]
- Reset Resets the picture profile to the default setting. You cannot reset all picture profile settings at once. MENU → (Camera Settings) → [Picture Profile] → [Reset]
Focus Magnifier

Another new and quite handy feature if you want to check if your image is in focus. It means that you can check the focus by enlarging the image before shooting. Great for shooting in manual focus or DMF. You can also set how long the magnified image will be shown in the Focus Magnif. Time setting. (custom settings)/

Press on the center of the control wheel to enlarge the image and select the position you want to enlarge using up/down/left/right side of the control wheel. You can change the magnifier scaling in two steps by pressing in the center, and close the focus magnifier mode and return to the normal shooting display by pressing three times

You can change the magnifier scaling in two steps by pressing in the center, and close the focus magnifier mode and return to the normal shooting display by pressing three times.

Long exposure NR

Yes, finally it’s here for Sony RX100 users, Long exposure Noise Reduction. This kicks in when you set the shutter speed to 1/3 second or longer. Noise reduction is turned on for the duration that the shutter is open. With the function turned on, the grainy noise typical of long exposures is reduced.

High ISO NR

Here you can select the amount of noise reduction applied to images with high ISO settings (when quality is set to jpeg). As Sony has rather aggressive noise reduction, I would chance it to Low. (if not, you run the risk of getting paint-like, smeared images at higher ISO values)

Center Lock-on AF

This is a very powerful autofocus feature. When turned ON, it allows you to track a subject. In the iAuto mode, you can access this feature (when turned ON and the camera is set to AF) by pressing the Center button of the multi-controller. You’ll see a square on your screen, then center your desired tracking subject and the camera will continue to track it, even when it exits your frame and reappears.

Smile/Face Detect

This is another powerful feature. It can be set to automatically detect on focus on (registered) faces and enable a function called Smile Shutter. When the latter is enabled, the camera will automatically capture an image when a smile is detected. Did I hear you say Selfie? Yes, it’s the ultimate selfie tool, along with the pivoting screen.

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 7)

Auto Dual Rec.

Sets whether or not to automatically shoot still images when shooting movies. Shoots when impressive compositions, including people, are detected. This function may also record versions of the automatically shot images that have been trimmed into optimal compositions. When a trimmed image is recorded, both the image before trimming and the trimmed image will be recorded.

Soft skin effect

Sets the effect used for shooting the skin smoothly in the Face Detection function. I don’t like the results, so on my camera, it is turned off

Auto Object Framing

When enabled, the Sony RX100 IV will automatically crop your captured image to what it deems best. Meaning it will cut the picture for a nicer composition. Only available for Jpegs, though, a nice feature if you don’t want to bother too much with the technical side of photography.

Auto Mode

Scene Selection

This allows you to shoot with preset settings according to the scene. To change the scene, simply rotate the control wheel on the shooting screen and select a new scene.
- Portrait: Blurs background and sharpens the subject. Accentuates the skin tones softly.
- Sports Action: Shoots a moving subject at a fast shutter speed so that the subject looks as if it is standing still. The product shoots images continuously while the shutter button is pressed.
- Macro: Shoots close-ups of the subjects, such as flowers, insects, food, or small items.
- Landscape: Shoots the entire range of a scenery in sharp focus with vivid colors.
- Sunset: Shoots the red of the sunset beautifully.
- Night Scene: Shoots night scenes without losing the dark atmosphere.
- Hand-held Twilight: Shoots night scenes with less noise and blur without using a tripod. A burst of shots are taken, and image processing is applied to reduce subject blur, camera shake, and noise.
- Night Portrait: Shoots night scene portraits using the flash. The flash does not pop-up automatically. Pop-up the flash before shooting.
- Anti Motion Blur: Allows you to shoot indoor shots without using the flash and reduces subject blur. The product shoots burst images and combines them to create the image, reducing subject blur and noise.
- Pet: Allows you to shoot images of your pet with the best settings.
- Gourmet: Allows you to shoot food arrangements in delicious and bright colors.
- Fireworks: Allows you to shoot images of fireworks in all their splendor.
- High Sensitivity: Allows you to shoot still images even in dark locations without using the flash, and reduces subject blur. Also allows you to shoot dark movie scenes more brightly
- Movie
High Frame rate

You can select the exposure mode for HFR shooting based on the subject and effect you want.

Either:
- Program Auto
- Aperture Priority
- Shutter Priority
- Manual Exposure
(MENU → Camera Settings → page 8)

Movie

You can adjust the shutter speed or aperture value to your desired settings for recording movies. You can also check the image angle before shooting.
- Program Auto: Allows you to shoot with the exposure adjusted automatically (both the shutter speed and the aperture value).
- Aperture Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the aperture value manually.
- Shutter Priority: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the shutter speed manually.
- Manual Exposure: Allows you to shoot after adjusting the exposure (both the shutter speed and the aperture value) manually
Steadyshot (stills)

Sets whether or not to use the SteadyShot (also known as image stabilization) function for photography. Steadyshot allows you to take sharp pictures at longer shutter speeds (say on a cloudy day). It stabilizes your image and is a very powerful feature. Set it to ON, except when shooting on a tripod.

SteadyShot (movies)

Sets SteadyShot when shooting movies.

Here you have three options:
- Intelligent Active: Provides the most powerful SteadyShot effect. I set it to this.
- Active (default setting): Provides a more powerful SteadyShot effect.
- Standard: Reduces camera shake under stable movie shooting conditions.
Color Space

You can choose between Standard and Adobe (extended color range)RGB. If you don’t know what this means, leave it to standard.

Auto Slow Shutter (movie mode)

Sets whether to adjust the shutter speed automatically during video recording in case if the subject is dark/ Set to ON.

Audio Recording

You can switch off audio recording in movie mode.

(MENU → Camera Settings → page 9)

Micref Level

You can select the microphone level for movie recording to Normal (for dialogue) or Low (for concerts etc).

Wind noise reduct.

Sets whether or not to reduce wind noise during movie recording.

Memory Recall

Allows you to shoot an image after recalling often-used modes or camera settings registered in advance.
- Set the mode dial to MR (Memory recall).
- Press the left/right side of the control wheel or turn the control wheel to select the desired number, then press on the center
- You can also recall registered modes or settings by selecting MENU → (Camera Settings) → Memory recall.
Memory

Allows you to register up to 3 often-used modes or product settings in the product. You can recall the settings using just the mode dial.

Items that can be registered:
- Shooting mode
- Aperture (F number)
- Shutter speed
- Camera Settings
- Optical zoom scale
To recall registered settings: Set the mode dial to MR, then press the right/left side of the control wheel or turn the control wheel to select the desired memory number.

To change registered settings: Change the setting to the desired one and re-register the setting to the same mode number.

(MENU → Custom settings (wheel) → page 1)

Zebra

The zebra function shows a zebra pattern on the screen while shooting in any area that is in danger of highlight clipping. You can switch this OFF or anywhere in a range between 70 and 100.The Zebra Pattern is a highlight warning indicator that is common in video cameras. It does not control exposure but just warns you that your highlights are blown out. It is not recorded into the resulting image.I have it set halfway at around 75, and it is a very useful indication of correct exposure of the full picture. As I capture in RAW, I am very careful not to have any highlight clipping, to be able to recover highlights in Lightroom possibly entirely.

MF assist

This works in conjunction with the Focus Magnifier on Page 5 of the camera settings. You might remember that you can select the area to magnify there when using manual focus (MF). MF assist will need to be turned on if you want to use this feature.

Focus Magnif Time

You can set how long to hold the magnified area during MF assist. 2 sec, 5 seconds or no limit. 2 seconds is how I have it set up.

Grid Line

Having a grid line on your screen is a helpful aide for the composition of your image.
The human brain is hard-wired to recognize the structure, and most people find a well-composed image more eye-pleasing.
During photography history, rules have been developed on how to compose the different elements best within a scene. Many landscapes you’ll see have the horizon run through the middle of the image for instance, but this is just composition in its simplest form. Many photographers with a thorough understanding of these techniques go far beyond that.
A good starting point is using the in-camera grid to make your brain aware of the possibilities in composition.
The Rules of 3rds, Square and Diag +square are available in the Sony Alpha ILCE-5100.

Marker display (for movies)

Sets whether or not to display markers set using [ Marker Settings] on the monitor while shooting movies.

Marker settings (for movies)

Sets the markers to be displayed while shooting movies. You can display all the markers at the same time.
- Center: Sets whether or not to display the center marker in the center of the shooting screen. Off / On
- Aspect: Sets the aspect marker display. Off / 4:3 / 13:9 / 14:9 / 15:9 / 1.66:1 / 1.85:1 / 2.35:1
- Safety Zone: Sets the safety zone display. This becomes the standard range that can be received by a general household TV. Off / 80% / 90%
- Guideframe: Sets whether or not to display the guide frame. You can verify whether the subject is level or perpendicular to the ground. Off / On
MENU – Custom Settings – page 2

Auto Review

Select the amount of time the camera displays your image directly after capturing the image. 10, 5 and 2 sec is available, or you can turn this feature OFF if it annoys you.

Disp button

Selects the functionality (what is shown) on the screen when you press the DISP button (on the control wheel). You can choose Graphic Display, all info; no dips info and histogram.

Peaking Level
- Peaking Level is a manual focusing aid that works when you have your camera set to MF or DMF.
- You’ll see a type of noise outlining the parts of your image where the focus lies; you can adjust the sensitivity to high, mid or low.
- Which setting is best depends on what lens you use, as with a sharper lens it can be configured to low, while more soft lenses benefit from a medium or high setting to clearly visualize what you’re focusing on.
Peaking Color

You can choose the color of this Peaking between Red, white and yellow. I have it set to red, as this contrasts nicely with most scenes you capture.

Exposure set guide

Sets the guide displayed when exposure settings are changed in the shooting screen. Excellent tool when you’re getting to know the functionality of your new camera. If you’re familiar with Sony’s feature, turn it OFF.

Live view Display

Live view display allows you to see the image you’re going to capture with the settings you have dialed in like aperture and shutter speed. Some users report easier auto-focussing in low-light when it’s turned OFF, and you’d need to turn it off when using external flashes too that can’t be used with Sony’s TTL (through the lens) functionality.

MENU – Custom Settings – page 3

Pre AF

When pre-AF is set to ON, the camera will continuously focus, even without half-pressing the shutter button. This can be draining to the battery, especially when using some lenses like the Zeiss Touit range. Set it to OFF.

Many People prefer to set Pre-AF off. This to prevent the camera from constantly trying to acquire focus without pressing the shutter button. It also saves battery life.

Zoom speed

Sets the zoom speed of the camera’s zoom lever. The Zoom Speed settings are also used when you are zooming with a remote controller.
- Normal: Sets the zoom speed of the zoom lever to normal.
- Fast: Sets the zoom speed of the zoom lever to fast.
Zoom settings

Set to Optical zoom only, using the optical zoom capabilities of your lens. If you set this to digital zoom, the camera will be basically cropping pixels out.

Finder/Monitor

Sets the method for switching the display between Electronic Viewfinder and the screen.
- Auto (default setting): When you look into the Electronic Viewfinder, the display is switched to the Electronic Viewfinder automatically.
- Viewfinder: Switch between the Electronic Viewfinder display and the screen display by pushing up/down the pop-up finder. When the Electronic Viewfinder is pushed down, the image is displayed only on the screen. When the Electronic Viewfinder is pushed up, the screen is turned off and the image is displayed only in the Electronic Viewfinder.
Release w/o card

Basically telling the camera not to engage the shutter when you don’t have a memory card inserted. Set to on.

AEL with shutter

Selects whether to fix exposure automatically when you press the shutter button halfway down. Leave ON.
- Auto (default setting): Fixes the exposure after adjusting the focus automatically when you press the shutter button halfway down when [Focus Mode] is set to [Single-shot AF]. When [Focus Mode] is set to [Automatic AF], and the product determines that the subject is moving, or you shoot burst images, the fixed exposure is canceled.
- On: Fixes the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down.
- Off: Does not fix the exposure when you press the shutter button halfway down. Use this mode when you want to adjust focus and exposure separately.
MENU – Custom Settings – page 4

Shutter type (for stills)

You can set whether to shoot with a mechanical shutter or an electronic shutter.
- Auto: The shutter type will automatically switch based on the shooting conditions and shutter speed.
- Mechanical Shut.: Shoot with the mechanical shutter only. (Flash will work on Shutter speed: BULB to 1/2000 second)
- Electronic Shut.: Shoot with the electronic shutter only. (Flash will work on Shutter speed: 30 seconds to 1/32000 second)
Self-portrait timer

You can change the angle of the LCD screen and shoot images while monitoring the image on the screen.
1. Tilt the LCD screen 180° upward, and then point the lens at yourself.
2. Press the shutter button. The product starts the self-timer shooting after three seconds. Hint If you want to use another Drive Mode than the 3-second self-timer mode, first set [Selfportrait/ -timer] to [Off], then tilt the monitor upward approx. 180 degrees.
3. Hint If you want to use another Drive Mode than the 3-second self-timer mode, first set Self-portrait/ -timer to Off, then tilt the monitor upward approx. 180 degrees.
Face Registration

This is where you can register faces; it works only when face recognition is set to ON (registered faces). This is an interesting functionality, as you can register faces of your subject (like at a wedding the bride and groom) and the camera will automatically detect these registered faces and give autofocus priority to them. You can register up to 8 faces (by taking a picture of them within this menu) and set a priority order.
Works well, and helps to get the right people in-focus in busy shots.

MENU – Custom Settings – page 5

Function menu set

You can assign the functions to be called up when you press the Fn (Function) button.

Custom keys setting

Assigning functions to the various keys allows you to speed up operations by pressing the appropriate key when the shooting information screen is displayed.

Zoom Func. on ring

Sets the zoom functions when using the control ring to change zoom scales. The settings for Zoom Func. on Ring are valid only when auto-focusing.
- Standard (default setting): Zooms in/out smoothly when you operate the zoom by turning the control ring.
- Step: Zooms in/out at certain angle steps when you operate the zoom by turning the control ring.
Movie button

Sets whether or not to activate the MOVIE button.
- Always (default setting): Starts movie recording when you press the MOVIE button in any mode.
- Movie Mode Only: Starts movie recording when you press the MOVIE button only if the shooting mode is set to Movie mode.
Wheel lock

You can set whether the wheel will be locked by pressing and holding the Fn (Function) button.

MENU – Wireless functionality – page 1

Send To Smartphone
- You can send one or several images directly to your wireless device (phone or tablet) by pressing this button.
- You can either decide to choose which images you want to transfer on the camera or on the wireless device (via the Sony PlayMemories app, available for free in the apple or android store).
- You’ll have to connect the camera via Wifi first (it makes a Wifi access point), using the instruction on the Sony RX100 IV screen.
- It works just like connecting to any other access point with your phone or tablet.
- You should do this as quickly as possible, just to get it out of the way.
- When your phone has wirelessly connected to the camera once, and you’ve entered the password, it will remember this, and make it a lot faster to connect later.
Send to Computer

You’ll need to physically connect the computer to the camera using the supplied USB cable, and you can push selected pictures to your Sony PlayMemories desktop software (installed from the CD or downloaded from their website). This can even be set up to continue pushing images after the camera has turned off.

View On TV

If you have a Wifi-enabled TV, you can view images and slideshows directly from your camera through your home wireless network.

One Touch NFC

Enables Quick, one-touch connection (as opposed to first accessing the camera’s wireless network and then navigating to the Playmemories app) with NFC (near-field communication) capable devices.

I have not tried this (as my iPhone does not have NFC) but it looks a lot easier to use.

Airplane Mode

Disables all wireless functionality, just like airplane mode does on your phone.

MENU – Wireless functionality – page 2

WPS Push

If your access point has the WPS button, you can register the access point to the camera easily by pushing the WPS button.

Access Point Set

Here you can setup an access point for your camera to the internet.

It enables the Sony RX100 II to install PlayMemories apps from the internet directly. Works just like setting an access point (WiFi connection) on your phone.

Edit Device name

If you wish, you can change the name of the Device Access point perhaps to make it easier to identify which A6000 is yours in certain situations.

Disp MAC. address

Displays the MAC address of your Sony RX100M3.

SSID/PW reset

The RX100 III shares the connection information for Send to Smartphone and Smart Remote Embedded with a device that has permission to connect. If you want to change the device that is permitted to connect, reset the connection information.

MENU – Playmemories settings- page 1

Application List

You’ll find The Smart remote control camera app (wich allows you to use your phone as a remote control via PlayMemories phone app for iPhone and Android) and the Playmemories Camera app here.

You can access your online PlayMemories account here, or create an account (once you’ve set up your camera connection with your Wifi network).

You’ll also be able to download new apps available for purchase in the Sony Playmemories online app store like the Time-lapse and smooth reflection app.

If you do not want to connect your camera to the internet, you can always install new apps (and updates) if you connect the camera to your Mac or PC with the supplied USB cable, using the Sony PlayMemories desktop application.

MENU – playback options – page 1

Delete

Delete on or multiple images stored on your SD card.

View Mode

select how the camera will arrange captured images in the viewing browser.

Image Index

Select whether you want the image browser to display 12 (larger) or 30 (smaller) images per page.

Display rotation

Select whether you want the camera to automatically rotate images when you rotate the camera or not.

Slide Show

Select whether you want the camera to repeat slideshows when all pictures are viewed or not, and choose the interval between slides.

Rotate

Change the orientation of images in-camera.

MENU – playback options – page 2

Enlarge

Select an image and enlarge a portion of that image. Useful for checking details and focus.

4K Still Image PB

Outputs still images in 4K resolution to an HDMI-connected TV that supports 4K.

Protect

Protect images (selectable or per date) from accidentally being erased.

Motion Interval ADJ

Change the interval of the image tracking of the subject’s motion in high-speed, like a stroboscopic image.

Specify Printing

Specify Printing is a feature that allows images to be marked for printing later. Registered images are displayed with the DPOF mark. (DPOF stands for Digital Print Order Format)

Beauty Effect

Allows you to apply the Beauty Effect to retouch the still image of a person and make it look better, for example, by retouching it for smoother skin, larger eyes, and whiter teeth. You can set the effects from level 1 to level 5. An image on which the Beauty Effect is used is saved as a new file. The original image is retained as it is.
- Skin Toning: Adjusts the skin color as you like.
- Skin Smoothing: Removes age spots and wrinkles from the skin.
- Shine Removal: Reduces the look of oily skin. Adjusts the skin color as you like.
- Eye Widening: Enlarges the eyes of the subject.
- Teeth Whitening: Whiten the teeth of the subject.
To use two or more effects with Beauty Effect one after another, first apply an effect to the image, then select another effect using.

MENU – Setup – page 1

Monitor Brightness

Manually set the Monitor brightness (recommended leave to zero) or change to a brighter setting for Sunny Weather.

Viewfinder Bright.

When using an electronic viewfinder, you can adjust the brightness of the electronic viewfinder according to the surrounding environment. Leave it on Auto.

Finder Color Temp.

Adjusts the color temperature (-2 +2) of the electronic viewfinder.

Volume settings

Change the playback volume for recorded video or demos.

Audio Signals

You can turn off audio signals like the beep when te camera achieves focus. Useful if you want a more stealthy operation (although you’ll still hear the second curtain shutter).

MENU – Setup – page 2

Title Menu

choose between tiles or a tiled front page when accessing the MENU or a direct tab style menu layout

Mode Dial Guide

You can display the description of a shooting mode when you turn the mode dial and change the settings available for that shooting mode. Handy when you are learning how to use the RX100 II.

Delete confirm

You can set whether Delete or Cancel is selected as the default setting on the delete confirmation screen.

Display Quality

You can change the display quality. Set to standard to preserve battery life.
- High: Displays in high quality.
- Standard: Displays in standard quality.
Pwr Save Start time

Selects the time it takes for the camera to go into sleep mode if you don’t use it.

Function for VF close

Sets whether to turn the power off when the viewfinder is stowed. This was not available in the Mark III, so everytime you pushed the EVF inside, the camera would turn OFF. Very annoying, good that this setting is here now.

MENU – Setup – page 3

NTSC/PAL selector

Plays back movies recorded with the product on a NTSC/PAL system TV. If you insert a memory card that has previously been formatted with a different video system, a message telling you that you must reformat the card will appear. If you want to record using another system, re-format the memory card or use another memory card.

Demo Mode

Demo mode is only used in retail stores for demonstration purposes.

TC/UB settings

The time code (TC) and the user bit (UB) information can be recorded as data attached to movies.
- TC/UB Disp. Setting: Sets the display for the counter, time code, and user bit.
- TC Preset: Sets the time code.
- UB Preset: Sets the user bit. TC Format: Sets the recording method for the time code.
- TC Run: Sets the count up format for the time code.
- TC Make: Sets the recording format for the time code on the recording medium.
- UB Time Rec: Sets whether or not to record the time as a user bit.
How to set the time code (TC Preset):
1. MENU → (Setup) → [TC/UB Settings] → [TC Preset], then press in the center of the control wheel.
2. Turn the control wheel and select the first two digits. The time code can be set between the following range. (When [60i] is selected: 00:00:00:00 to 23:59:59:29 When [24p] is selected, you can select the last two digits of the time code in multiples of four from 0 to 23 frames. When [50i] is selected: 00:00:00:00 to 23:59:59:24)
3. Set the other digits following the same procedure as in step 2, then press in the center of the control wheel.
How to reset the time code:
1. MENU → (Setup) → [TC/UB Settings] →[TC Preset], then press in the center of the control wheel.
2. Press the (Delete) button to reset the time code (00:00:00:00)
How to set the user bit (UB Preset)
1. MENU → (Setup) → [TC/UB Settings] → [UB Preset], then press in the center of the control wheel.
2. Turn the control wheel and select the first two digits.
3. Set the other digits following the same procedure as in step 2, then press in the center of the control wheel.
How to reset the user bit
1. MENU → (Setup) → [TC/UB Settings] → [UB Preset], then press in the center of the control wheel.
2. Press the (Delete) button to reset the user bit (00 00 00 00).
How to select the recording method for the time code (TC Format);

MENU → (Setup) → [TC/UB Settings] → [TC Format], then press in the center of the control wheel.
- DF: Records the time code in Drop Frame format.
- NDF: Records the time code in Non-Drop Frame format.
How to select the count up format for the time code (TC Run);

MENU → (Setup) → [TC/UB Settings] → [TC Run], then press in the center of the control wheel.
- Rec Run: Sets the stepping mode for the time code to advance only while recording. The time code is recorded sequentially from the last time code of the previous recording.
- Free Run: Sets the stepping mode for the time code to advance anytime, regardless of the camera operation.
How to select how the time code is recorded (TC Make):

MENU → (Setup) → [TC/UB Settings] → [TC Make], then press in the center of the control wheel.
- Preset: Records the newly set time code on the recording medium.
- Regenerate: Reads the last time code for the previous recording from the recording medium and records the new time code consecutively from the last time code. The time code advances in [Rec Run] mode regardless of the [TC Run] setting.
HDMI settings

You can find all HDMI connection settings here:
- HDMI Resolution: When you connect the product to a High Definition TV with HDMI terminals using an HDMI cable, you can select HDMI Resolution to output images to the TV. Auto, 1080p and 1080i are available.
- CTRL FOR HDMI: When connecting the Sony RX100 IV to a “BRAVIA” Sync-compatible TV using an HDMI cable, you can operate this product by aiming the TV remote control at the TV. Turn it ON if you want to use it.
- HDMI Info. Display: Selects whether to display the shooting information when this product and the TV are connected using an HDMI cable.
4K output sel.

You can set how to record movies and perform HDMI output when your camera is connected to external recording/playback devices, etc.
- Memory Card+HDMI: Simultaneously outputs to the external recording/playback device and records on the camera’s memory card.
- HDMI Only(30p): Outputs a 4K movie in 30p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.
- HDMI Only(24p): Outputs a 4K movie in 24p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.
- HDMI Only(25p): Outputs a 4K movie in 25p to the external recording/playback device without recording on the camera’s memory card.
USB connection

Selects what will happen when you connect your camera to your PC or MAC.
- Auto (default setting): Establishes a Mass Storage or MTP connection automatically, depending on the computer or other USB devices to be connected. Windows 7 or Windows 8 computers are connected in MTP, and their unique functions are enabled for use.
- Mass Storage: Establishes a Mass Storage connection between this product, a computer, and other USB devices.
- MTP: Establishes an MTP connection between this product, a computer, and other USB devices. Windows 7 or Windows 8 computers are connected in MTP, and their unique functions are enabled for use.
MENU – Setup – page 4

USB LUN Setting

Improves compatibility with external devices by limiting the functions of the USB connection.
Older devices that are not able to connect to the camera might work when set to single. Otherwise, use Multi.

USB power supply

You can charge the Sony RX100 II via USB. This setting sets whether to supply power via the micro USB cable when the product is connected to a computer or an USB device.

Language

Set your preferred language. The advantage of setting it to Eglish is that you’ll find much more information online when you need any troubleshooting.

Date Time Setup

Change date, time, date format and Daylight savings time.

Area setting

Select your region, or change region when abroad, the camera will automatically change time and date for you.

Copyright info

You should always insert your credentials here. Your copyright will be written to the image file.

MENU – Setup – page 5

Format

Format your SD card before use; this will erase any images still on the memory card.

File Number

Number your files according to number of shots or reset it to start from 1

Select REC folder

Selects where the camera will store newly captured images

New Folder

Make a new folder for easily organizing events and locations

Folder name

Choose whether to have folder names in standard form (DSC) or create a new one by date. Setting folders by date will make organizing your images easier.

Recover Image DB

If you have a storage card error, you can try to rebuild the database to possibly retrieve lost images.

MENU – Setup – page 6

Display media info

Displays the recordable time of movies and the number of recordable still images for the inserted memory card.

Version

Check what version of the operating system your camera and lens are running. Sony sporadically releases updates with new features, so it might be worth checking if any new firmware versions are available.

Setting Reset

Fully resets the camera to factory settings.

In the next chapter, I’ll go over all the functionality that I find most useful

Mode dial functions: what’s the difference between intelligent and superior auto?

Intelligent Auto
- This mode lets the camera detect what kind of scene you are photographing. It switches to the scene setting it finds most appropriate, including aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and AF mode.
- These different scene settings are the same you’ll find manually selectable in SCN mode.
- All Sony cameras do a good job at detecting scenes, although the advanced photographer will prefer to shoot in Aperture, Shutter priority or fully manual mode in order to have more control over things like depth-of-field, movement, and focusing area.
Superior Auto
- Does the same scene recognition and (when the camera decides it is appropriate) adds hand-held twilight, anti-motion blur, and backlight correction HDR in order to optimize dynamic range, movement and exposure.
- This is only for jpeg shooters, as it uses multiple images shot in close succession at high quality and combines them into one jpeg. Works well on stills but should not be used for movement.
Zebra highlight clipping aide
- Zebra will show zebra pattern lines on blown highlights.
- The clipping detection threshold is selectable from 70 to 100+. Lower values indicate possible highlight clipping sooner than higher.
- Setting it somewhere around 90 will give you a good indication of whether you’re in danger of unrecoverable clipping without having the screen cluttered with stripes all the time.
Manual Focus Assist and Focus Peaking

There are two manual focusing assist functions:

MF assist
- When set to ON, Magnification will automatically magnify a selectable (through the menu) part of you image when in Manual Focus Mode (MF).
- MENU → (Custom Settings) → [ MF Assist] → [On].
- The duration of the magnification can also be set to either 2 sec, 5 sec or no limit in the menu Focus Magnification Time. (MENU → (Custom Settings) → [Focus Magnif. Time] → desired setting.)
- You can check the focus by enlarging the image before shooting.
1. MENU → (Camera Settings) → [Focus Magnifier].
2. Press on the center of the control wheel to enlarge the image and select the position you want to enlarge using up/down/left/right side of the control wheel.
3. You can change the magnifier scaling in two steps by pressing in the center, and close the focus magnifier mode and return to the normal shooting display by pressing three times.
4. Confirm the focus.
5. Press the shutter button fully down to shoot the image.
Peaking
- This works in MF and DMF focusing modes
- MENU → (Custom Settings) → [Peaking Level] → desired setting.
- It displays a color selectable noise in the regions where the focus is on.
- A low setting is recommended in enough light on the Sony RX100 IV.
- In dim light, you might need to go to medium to get a good idea of where the focus is at.
Center Lock-on AF

Center Lock-on AF

Depending on the options selected in [Focus Area] or [Center Lock-on AF], the available functions varies when pressing the key. When you press the key when the [Focus Area] is set to [Wide] or [Center] and [Center Lock-on AF] is [On], [Center Lock-on AF] will activate. The camera will automatically focus while pressing the key when the [Focus Area] is [Wide] or [Center], [Focus Mode] is set to other than [Manual Focus], and [Center Lock on AF] is set to [Off].
- When you press the center button, the camera detects the subject positioned in the center of the screen and continues to track the subject.
- MENU → (Camera Settings) → [Center Lock-on AF] → [On]
- Align the target frame (A) over the subject and press in the center of the control wheel. Press again to stop tracking.
- If the camera loses track of the subject, it can detect when the subject reappears on the monitor and resume tracking.
- Press the shutter button fully down to shoot the image.
Smile/face detect

When set to On, The Sony RX100 IV will automatically detect and focus on faces. This is a very powerful feature and can even be made faster by registering faces beforehand. You can even prioritize any of the 8 registered faces according to importance. Ideal for a wedding or family reunion when you know the persons who you are going to photograph.
1. Go to MENU → (Camera Settings) → [Smile/Face Detect.] and select either
2. On (Regist. Faces): Detects the registered face with higher priority using Face Registration.
3. On: Detects a face without giving higher priority to the registered face.
How to register faces:
- MENU → (Custom Settings) → [Face Registration] → [New Registration].
- Align the guide frame with the face to be registered, and press the shutter button.
- When a confirmation message appears, select [Enter].
Eye AF

Eye AF is great for portraiture and large apertures. With a shallow depth of field, it is at times difficult to get the appearance of a well-focussed face. The AF system could wonder to an ear or a chin when you finally get that exact shot that you’re looking for.

Eye EF eliminates this problem by detecting your subject’s eyes and placing the focus point there. It tracks them too. You’ll need to assign a button of your choice in order to make this work.
1. MENU → (Custom Settings) → [Custom Key Settings] → assign the [Eye AF] function to the desired button.
2. Point the camera at a person’s face, and press the button to which you have assigned the [Eye AF] function.
3. Press the shutter button while pressing the button.
Exposure aides

AE lock
- When contrast between the subject and background is high, meter the light at a spot where the subject appears to have the appropriate brightness and shut the exposure before shooting.
- You’ll need to assign a button to this function to do this in Menu – Custom Settings – Custom Key Setting and then assign the AEL toggle to the desired key.
Then:
1. Center the spot at which the exposure is to your liking
2. Press the button to which the AEL toggle function is assigned
3. exposure will be locked, and AE lock lights up.
4. Focus on your subject and press the shutter button.
5. To cancel the exposure lock, press the button to which the AEL toggle function is assigned.
It’s easiest to select the AEL hold function in Custom Key Settings; then you can lock the exposure as long as
you are holding down the AEL button.

ND Filter and Bulb mode

ND Filter
- The RX100 IV has a 3 EV-stop ND filter. This is sufficient to enable you to get that smooth waterfall or flowing river picture.
- You can easily access it through the Fn button Menu.
Bulb Mode

Bulb mode is great for shooting trails of light, such as fireworks, car lights, etc.

It’s best to use a remote or the Sony Playmemories remote app (that is downloadable for free) as you want to eliminate movement.
- Firstly set the mode dial to M.
- Connect your phone to the camera using WiFi or NFC.
- Then:
1. Dial exposure time to Bulb on the app.
2. Dial in a suitable Aperture value from F/5.6.
3. Press the shutter button on the app to start the exposure.
4. Press the shutter button again on the app to stop the exposure.
Conclusion

The Sony RX100 IV brought many new software innovations to the RX line. Besides the ability to record in 4K and make High Frame rate movies, you shouldn’t overlook the many new focusing aides inside the camera like Eye AF and focus peaking. If you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.
September 2, 2015
Long Exposure Photography with the Fujifilm X-T1 and X-E2

Long Exposure Photography with the Fujifilm X-T1 and X-E2

Introduction

Long exposure photography has been around since the first cameras were invented. Indeed, to capture an image on silver plated copper (the so-called Daguerreotype camera), an exposure of several minutes was necessary. It’s interesting to look at the ghostly images of cities from that era, as no people are actually in them due to the long exposure time. Now almost two centuries later, photographers are still intrigued by this technique. It allows us to capture motion, show the effects of passing time and smooths out water or light trails. Images with longer exposure times tend to make moving people or dark objects disappear adding a serene and otherworldly appearance to long exposure photos.

How to make long exposures: tips and tricks

A digital camera with Shutter Priority and/or Bulb Mode

Firstly, you’ll need a good camera that you’re familiar with, with either a functionality called bulb mode or S (shutter) priority mode. Shutter priority allows you to dial in the shutter time you want to use. I’m using the Fuji X-T1 and X-E2 here with the wide angle XF 10-24mm f/4 lens. To achieve longer shutter times for long exposure photography, you can play around with larger apertures, just remember that most lenses tend to be sharpest at f/8, with diffraction setting in around f/11. (Diffraction is a loss of sharpness due to light scattering when you close the iris of your lens by the way). If you’re a modestly experienced photographer, you’ll know that an aperture of f/8 won’t get you anywhere near what we’d call a long exposure.

Ten Stop ND filter

To achieve longer shutter times, you can play around with larger apertures, just remember that most lenses tend to be sharpest at f/8, with diffraction setting in around f/11. (Diffraction is a loss of sharpness due to light scattering when you close the iris of your lens by the way). If you’re a modestly experienced photographer, you’ll know that an aperture of f/8 won’t get you anywhere near what we’d call a long exposure, so this is where an ND filter comes in. Neutral density filters ‘stop’ light entering your lens, enabling you to use longer shutter speeds. These come in many flavours, from front-of-lens screw-in types to rectangular pieces of glass/resin with attachable filter holders to slide them in front of your lens.

You can try a few screw-in filters, but if you’re using wide-angle lenses, you’ll quickly run into vignetting issues (darker corners) with these. If you’re serious about this type of photography, I’d suggest investing in either LEE filters or the new Firecrest 100 x 100 mm filters with holder from a company called Formatt Hitech. I’m my experience; you’ll need at least a ten stop ND filter to get to around 30 seconds. That’s either an LEE big stopper or a Firecrest ND10 in case you’re wondering. These are all quite fragile pieces of glass (or resin), so take care when handling them if you don’t want to get any scratches on them.

Camera settings

Going back to your camera set-up, you’ll want to shoot RAW to have the maximum quality files to work with later on. ISO shoot be set to the lowest possible value, on the Fuji X-T1 this is ISO200. This means you’ll get the least possible amount of noise in your long exposure photography, and also will allow you to have longer shutter times than say ISO800. You’ll be able to go lower on other cameras, especially Full Frame cameras, but these values are purely indicative anyway (dating back to the time when film rolls were used, but not linearly transposable to digital sensors).

I’ve used a full-frame Sony A7r to do long exposures at ISO64 and ended up with just as much noise. Also, turn on ‘long exposure noise reduction’ in your camera menu. The noise builds up during long exposures, and as the sensor heats up due to being activated, this also adds noise to the process. The Long Exposure Noise Reduction setting will prepare your image after your capture and deal with at least some of your noise. I know it might sound strange to do this in-body when shooting RAW files, and not just process them later, but you get better results this way.

Sturdy tripod and rotating head

You’ll also need to invest in a sturdy tripod. You’ll be visiting sandy and salty beaches, hard to reach waterfalls and climbing mountains in all kinds of weather. Suffice to say that your equipment will take a beating from time to time, so make sure it is water resistant and as light as possible. I use a Manfrotto MT190CXPRO4 Carbon Tripod and an X PRO 3 Way Head. I regularly put the Carbon Tripod in the shower, as sand and salt gets in the tubes and joints.

The three-way head almost weighs as much as the tripod but has proved precious in the field. The precision controls on all three axes make quick and precise adjustments possible to frame my shot and get everything level. You’ll often be working at dusk or dawn, when the light is best, and the sun can set or rise quickly, so any gear you have that can give you an edge timing wise is valuable.

Different shooting techniques

There are some techniques you can use during the shoot to get better images like bracketing and focus stacking. Taking 3 or five sequential shots with plus or minus one EV and merging them later as an HDR can yield impressive results. I would suggest stacking them in Adobe Photoshop though, as you get more control using layer masks than an automated HDR. This will add noise to the final merged image, so be careful here.

Focus stacking is taking sequential shots with different focus points. This can help to get a final image that fully looks in focus, although I believe this is not always needed. Photoshop has an excellent tool to do this: open up your images as layers in PS, and then go to the Edit menu where you first select Auto-Align layers. This will align your images, not a big issue when you’re using a tripod, but still helpful at times. Finally, you select ‘Auto Blend Layers’. PS will automatically find the sharpest pixels in all your layers and blend them together.

RAW processing

You’ll almost always have some colour cast when using a 10 or 16 stop ND filter, and my first processing step usually involves going to Iridient Developer. Iridient is an RAW conversion programme with advanced functionality. Besides the usual white balance controls, you can also do fine adjustments to shadows, mid-tones and highlights. It’s also an excellent piece of software to pull out some extra detail or sharpening. Don’t exaggerate here, as we’ll do some added sharpening in later steps. Iridient will also take care of any possible lens corrections needed, and as you’ll often find extra vignetting problems with ND filters, I always correct these in their ‘lens’ out page, adjusting midpoint and radius sliders too.

‘Final Look’ processing

You should by now have ended up with a useable TIFF file, with a decent white balance, sharp image with no vignetting visible. I use Lightroom as a Picture Library and file handling hub, and of course for basic adjustments. I regularly switch on the ‘Auto Tone’ settings, I never really like the results, but use it basically as a Reset button for my brain. An image might look good on your screen, but you’d want it to translate well to other screens and paper too. Auto Tone and WB helps me check if I haven’t made any mistakes along the way. Running the TIFF through Athentech’s Perfectly Clear 2 (starting point is their landscape preset) usually resolves these issues (including any residual colour cast) although I always disable sharpening and noise reduction as we’ll do that later. It’s superior to Lightroom when it comes to adjusting exposure, or at least less aggressive.

My final step uses many of Topaz Labs plug-ins. Long Exposure photography usually looks best with a bit of HDR magic that I apply with their Detail Plugin. I transfer my image to PhotoFxLab for this. This environment is similar to Photoshop in the sense that you can also work with blending, masks and layers. Another interesting plugin is Topaz Restyle, that remaps the colours and saturation of your original image which I blend back with the original image to get a more interesting look. All Topaz plug-ins also have a variety of blending modes that change how the original image interacts with the chosen effect, a feature I always use.

All this processing will have added noise to your image, so you’ll need to find the right balance between sharpness and noise. I ofter find the Lightroom’s built-in noise reduction is quite efficient on Long Exposure images. So I either use that or Google Nik’s Dfine 2, depending on what looks best.

June 5, 2015
Fujifilm X-T1 firmware version 4.0 advanced autofocus manual

Fujifilm X-T1 firmware version 4.0 advanced autofocus manual

Features

The new AF system in the Fujifilm X-T1 and X-T10 adds Zone and Wide/Tracking options to the existing 49-point Single Point mode. This improves focus performance when shooting moving subjects and helps you to capture perfect photos when the subject is moving across the 77-point AF area. Zone mode allows users to choose a 3×3, 5×3 or 5×5 zone from the 77-point AF area. When combined with the AF-C continuous focusing mode, the camera tracks a subject in the center of the selected zone. In the Wide/Tracking mode, the camera displays the area in focus, identified automatically out of the 77-point AF area, and tracks the subject across the entire 77-point AF area. This makes it possible to maintain focus on a subject that moves up/down, left/right or closer/further from the camera. The new AF system makes it easier than ever to capture moving subjects, dramatically increasing your shooting options.

UI enables easy framing

The user interface of the Fujifilm X-T1 and X-T10 has been carefully designed to make it comfortable to shoot while looking through the viewfinder. Most frequently used shooting data, such as the remaining number of shots, shooting mode, shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity, is displayed outside live view. You can select the icons and information settings to display to ensure a clear live view image that allows you to concentrate on following the subject, selecting the AF frame and framing your shot.

Easy-to-use Focus Area Selection screen

The Focus Area Selection screen displays 49 points in the Single Point mode or 77 points in the Zone and Wide/Tracking modes. In the 77-point view, Intelligent Hybrid AF using the high-speed phase detection AF system is activated for the 3×3 and 5×3 zones at the center, where the phase detection pixels are embedded. The position of the focus area, the size of the AF frame and the starting point of focus tracking in AF-C can be adjusted in applicable AF modes.

AF Technology

AF technology in the X-T1 / X-T10

The AF system incorporates some new technologies.
These include Zone and Wide/Tracking modes with enhanced tracking performance on moving subjects, as well as innovative technologies such as Eye Detection AF for accurate portrait
and Auto Macro that eliminates the need to switch manually to the Macro mode.
The algorithm has also been optimized to improve AF in many areas including improved precision in Single Point AF and enhanced performance during movie shooting.

Choose from the fast and precise 49-point Single Point mode or the Zone and Wide/Tracking modes, which helps capture moving subjects traveling across the 77-point AF area. Each of them can be combined with AF-S and AF-C to offer a total of six AF modes.

Face Detection + Eye Detection AF

Face Detection detects human faces while Eye Detection AF automatically detects the location of human eyes allowing you to focus quickly even when shooting with a wide aperture for shallow depth-of-field. You can specify either the right or left eye to focus on.

Highly precise Intelligent Hybrid AF

Intelligent Hybrid AF combines on-sensor phase-detection AF with contrast AF. On-sensor phase detection AF uses phase detection pixels on the image sensor for fast and precise focus even in low light conditions or on low contrast subjects. Contrast AF is useful in even darker conditions, delivering particular focus on all types of scenes.

Fast and smooth AF during movie shooting

Intelligent Hybrid AF is even used during movie shooting, switching between the phase detection AF and contrast AF at the center of the screen. The algorithm has been optimized for fast, precise and smooth focusing. When the Face Detection function is activated, the system automatically maintains focus on people during movie shooting.

Fast and accurate Predictive Tracking AF (in AF-C mode)

The advanced Predictive Tracking AF technology, which uses data from the subject to predict its next move, enables highly precise AF-C shooting. Once captured in the AF frame, the camera continues to track the subject even if it makes unpredictable movements up/down, right/left or closer/further, which the conventional AF system had difficulty following.

High-speed AF from macro to infinity

Accurate Single Point AF

The Single Point AF area is divided into smaller sections to accurately determine the distance to the subject for even greater focusing precision. When the selected section contains both subject and background, the AF system focuses on the subject nearer the camera, to prevent accidentally focusing on the environment.

Fast linear-motor-driven AF

Lenses (typically zooms) with an inner focusing mechanism are driven by a linear motor. It operates lens elements in the non-contact state to deliver silent and highly responsive AF. Lenses with a linear motor swiftly respond to the new AF system’s high-speed focusing, further helping to track a moving subject.

The new AF system features an Auto Macro function that eliminates the need to press the Macro button before shooting close-ups. The Auto Macro function delivers optimized AF speed across the range to increase the focusing speed from macro to infinity by approx. 10%.

Focus Mode

AF-S

Single Point Zone Wide/Tracking, Accurately capturing the subject.

AF-S mode locks focus when the shutter button is pressed halfway. When the focus is locked, the camera beeps and makes the Focus indicator icon and AF frame flash green. When shooting continuously, the camera locks focus on the first shot and maintains the focus position on subsequent shots. This fundamental AF mode is used for photographing subjects that don’t move.

AF-S + Single Point

For capturing subjects using a particular AF point, A primary AF mode. Set focus using one of the 49 focusing points – ideal for focusing precisely on a topic in a fixed location. The focus area can be one of the five different sizes, and the location of the focus area can also be changed.

AF-S + Zone

For capturing moving subjects across a large AF area

This mode is suitable for slower moving subjects and snapshots that are difficult to focus with the Single Point mode. You can choose a 3×3, 5×3 or 5×5 zone from the 77-point focus area. The central 3×3 and 5×3 zones offer extra-fast focusing with the use of the on-sensor phase detection AF system.

AF-S + Wide/Tracking

Automatically capturing a subject with unpredictable movements.

An upgrade on the previous Auto Area AF mode, the camera automatically assesses the entire 77-point focus area, selects multiple zones and focuses on the subject. Ideal when shooting a scene with numerous elements, the camera focuses on the subject even within the most complicated scene.

Recommended lens:

XF18mmF2 R

Semi- wide angle focal length equivalent to 27mm. Ideal for snapshots, this lens, is also perfect for capturing streetscapes and natural landscapes.

XF35mmF1.4 R

This lens has a standard angle of view. All of the lens groups are shifted for focusing, creating beautiful bokeh regardless of distance to the subject. Getting high quality images of slower- moving subjects is now possible.

XF14mmF2.8 R

Ultra-wide angle lens equivalent to 21mm*, offering a dramatically wide angle of view. This lens is perfect for capturing subjects that are moving unpredictably across the frame.

TIPS for Auto Focus Setting

AF-S + Single Point (focus area selected)

Choose any one of 49-point focus areas, and change to the best one for the subject’s position. The focus area can be changed to one of five different sizes, according to the size of the subject.

AF-S + Zone (focus area selected)

Choose a 3×3, 5×3 or 5×5 zone in the 77-point focus area, and determine the position of the zone within the 11×7 grid. Phase detection AF operates in the centrally-positioned 3×3 and 5×3 zones to enable high-speed AF.

All-round AF option for shooting subjects with minimal movement such as landscapes, snapshots and portraits. A high level of focusing precision also makes it suitable for close-ups of flowers etc.

This mode is ideal for subjects with predictable movements or a subject that is about to move. It is also ideal for snapshots that include people walking or running.

This mode is perfect for beginners shooting scenes that contain a number of moving subjects, including those that unpredictably come into the frame or subjects that randomly move across the entire frame.

Recommended lens:

XF60mmF2.4 R Macro

A mid-telephoto macro lens equivalent to 90mm*, with a maximum magnification of 0.5x. This lens delivers beautiful bokeh and is suited to close-ups of flowers and other small objects.

XF50-140mmF2.8 RLMOISWR

XF series’ flagship tele zoom with resistance to dust, weather, and low temperatures. It features a 5.0-stop image stabilization system to deliver impressive resolution.

XF27mmF2.8

The thinnest and lightest XF lens equivalent to 41mm*. The compact design enables fast autofocus, accurately capturing subjects that are moving unpredictably.

Focus Mode

AF-C + Zone

For tracking a subject hand-held.

The AF-C mode continuously focuses while the shutter button is half-pressed. Using the combination of AF-C and Zone modes, you can select a 3×3, 5×3 or 5×5 focus zone anywhere within the 77-point focus area. Once the subject is identified at the center of the zone, the camera continuously tracks the subject while it stays within the focus area. It is ideal for following a moving subject while hand-holding the camera.

In the AF-C + Zone mode the camera continuously focuses on subjects moving mainly at the center of this area. Phase Detection AF works in the central 3×3 and 5×3 zones.

Perfect scenes:

For subjects with reasonably predictable movements that can be followed hand-held.

This mode is ideal for photographing subjects moving in a predictable way so you can keep them within the focus area while shooting hand held. People/animals or transport moving in a specific direction, for example. It works well with telephoto lenses. You can also use Continuous shooting while following the subject, and choose the best shot afterwards.

TIPS for Auto Focus Setting

Defining the position and size of the focus area

You can choose a 3×3, 5×3 or 5×5 focus zone in the 77-point focus area, and determine the position of the zone within the 11×7 grid. Phase Detection AF works in the central 3×3 and 5×3 zones for high speed AF.

Select the focus area nearest to where your subject will move.

The camera continuously focuses on the subject as long as it stays within the focus area. Try and position the subject at the center of the zone and choose the focus zone that’s nearest to where the subject will move.

Combining Continuous Shooting

Continuous shooting with predictive AF-C*1 is available in High Speed Continuous shooting (CH) at approx. 8.0 fps and Low Speed Continuous shooting (CL) at approx. 3.0 fps. Using the Continuous shooting will help you get the perfect shot.

Recommended lens:

XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR

Fast telephoto zoom equivalent to a 76-213mm*2, with an F2.8 maximum aperture across the zoom range. It offers superb definition and incorporates the latest technology to capture fast-moving subjects.

XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

High-magnification zoom equivalent to a 27mm-206mm*2. Features include high-speed AF, 5.0 stop*3 image stabilization, and dust/weather-resistant design for outstanding results.

XF55-200mmF3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

Featuring a highly-response linear motor and covering the equivalent to a 82.5-300mm, this is ideal for a wide range of subjects including landscape and sports.

1 In CH mode, focus area is limited inside of Central 3×3 in Single point and 5×3 in Zone and Wide/Tracking. *2 35mm format equivalent. *3 CIPA standard.

AF-C + Wide/Tracking

Tracking a subject with the Fujifilm X-T1 that moves across the frame up/down, right/left and closer/further.

This mode is suitable for a subject that moves unpredictably across the frame. After locating the subject the camera automatically follows its movement across the entire 77-point focus area. Wide angle and standard lenses are ideally suited to give a broad view of the subject.

During tracking, the camera automatically changes the focus zone. Predictive tracking AF technology is used to track a subject moving across the frame.

Perfect scenes:

The perfect mode for shooting subjects, popular with enthusiast photographers.

This mode is ideal for subjects that move across the frame, but it is also useful for subjects moving straight towards the camera. Pre-define the position where the subject is expected to appear as the starting point and the camera continuously tracks the subject across the entire 77-point focus area, allowing you to compose the shot first and then let the camera track the subject automatically.

TIPS for Auto Focus Setting

Defining the starting point of tracking

You can choose the starting point anywhere within the 77-point focus area. Press the shutter button halfway to lock on to the subject, and the camera will automatically track it thereafter.

Using a tripod to fix the angle of view

You may choose to fix the camera on a tripod to pre-determine framing. This is only available with AF-C + Wide/Tracking and allows you to track the subject across all 77 focus points.

During hand-held shooting

During hand-held shooting, position the subject at the center of the frame and press the shutter button halfway down to initiate automatic subject tracking while it stays within the frame.

Recommended lens:

XF10-24mmF4 R OIS

Zoom lens covering the equivalent to a 15-36mm*. It features image stabilization making it possible to shoot hand-held in low light.

XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR

XF series’ flagship standard zoom with constant F2.8 maximum aperture and resistance to dust, moisture and low temperatures. Ideal for all types of outdoor photography.

XF16mmF1.4 R WR

Fast wide angle lens with a maximum aperture of F1.4 offering the equivalent to 24mm*. This latest addition to the XF series delivers sweeping landscapes with high image quality and sharpness.

Face Detection + Eye Detection AF

Combining Face Detection and Eye Detection AF to shoot high quality portraits.

Activate Face Detection to automatically detect human faces and focus with Eye Detection AF to ensure accurate focus on human eyes, even when using a shallow depth-of-field. Combine these two functions to take your portrait photography to a new level.

Activating the functions

Activating Face Detection and Eye Detection AF

Both features can be turned on in the Autofocus Setting menu and can be combined with other AF-S modes to shoot great portraits.

Select Right Eye, Left Eye or Auto

for Eye Detection AF:

Eye Detection AF has three options: Auto, Right Eye Priority and Left Eye Priority. Auto will automatically focus on the eye closer to the camera and is recommended when the subject is not looking straight at the camera or when shooting with a wide aperture for shallow depth-of-field.

Recommended lens:

XF56mmF1.2 R APD

Fast portrait lens, producing bokeh effects that only an F1.2 lens can deliver. It also offers an APD filter for even more creamy bokeh.

XF90mmF2 R LM WR

Fast telephoto lens equivalent to 135mm*. The focal length means you can work at a greater distance and capture more natural facial expressions. Combined with the lens’s sharpness and ability to produce rich bokeh, it provides extra depth to your portrait photography.

AF-C + Single Point

Spot-focusing on subjects moving backwards and forwards in a straight line

This spot-focus AF-C mode is capable of focusing on a specific area, enabling you to choose both location and size of the point within the 49-point focus area. The types of scenes where this mode may be used is limited, but it is ideal when pin-point focusing is required.

Perfect scenes:
Achieving pin-point focus on the selected subject.

This mode is useful for a subject moving backwards and forwards in a straight line. It is ideal for a sports event, etc. This mode is not suitable for a subject that makes sideways movements.

Even in landscape photography, there are times when you want to photograph a subject that moves closer to or further from the camera. At times like this, switch from AF-S to AF-C + Single Point to track and focus on the main subject.

TIPS for Auto Focus Setting

Determining the position and size of focus area.

Choose the position and size of the focus area in the same way as the AF-S + Single Point combination. Phase detection AF is used on the centrally-positioned 3×3 zone to enable high speed AF.

Recommended lens:

XF18-135mmF3.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR

High magnification zoom equipped with powerful image stabilization and covering up to 206mm*. Very useful for subjects approaching the camera from distance.

XF50-140mmF2.8 R LM OIS WR

The constant maximum aperture of F2.8 allows a fast shutter speed to freeze movement while creating beautiful bokeh. The use of a linear motor also provides a fast response.

Manual Focus

The new AF system gives the X series a dramatic performance boost, while still offering a variety of functions that help you achieve a pin-point manual focus. Flick the Focus Mode switch to MF to use various focus-assisting functions for highly accurate manual focusing on both macro and portrait photography, where you need to get the background perfectly out of focus.

AF + MF to fine-tune focusing

In the Autofocus Setting menu, turn AF + MF on. You can then press the shutter button halfway to activate AF and use the manual focus ring to fine-tune your focus. This is useful when trying to focus on a complicated subject that is difficult to autofocus, or when you want to focus on a specific part of the frame.

Release / Focus Priority

Occasionally, when a photograph is taken, the camera may not have achieved accurate focus. This option allows you to determine whether the camera should prioritize the shutter response or wait until a focus is achieved to take a picture. You can specify a setting for AF-S and AF-C separately in the Autofocus Setting menu.

Pre-AF for faster focusing

By tuning Pre-AF the camera will continuously focus even before you press the shutter button halfway down. This constant AF action speeds up focusing when you half-press the shutter button. This is an effective option when you don’t want to miss a shot. Go to the Autofocus Setting menu to activate this option.

Making best use of the AF Lock

Fix focus while pressing down or pushing the AF-L button on the back of the camera. Pre-focus and wait until the right moment to take a picture. Exposure settings may be adjusted even after locking the focus.

Using the AF illuminator

Turn the AF Illuminator on when shooting a dark subject. The AF Illuminator will light up each time you press the shutter button halfway down to help the camera achieve focus. Go to the Autofocus Setting menu to activate this option. When the Sound & Flash Off menu is on, the AF Illuminator does not operate.

Instant AF in the MF mode

Press the AF-L button while shooting in the MF mode to autofocus on a subject within the focus frame. This eliminates the need to rotate the focus ring from near the shortest shooting distance position to infinity and achieve a quick transition back to MF. In the Autofocus Setting menu, you can specify to activate either AF-S or AF-C in Instant AF.

Using the functions for enhanced focus accuracy Using the MF Assist functions

When MF is selected, you can choose between three MF Assist modes. Standard displays a normal view with no assist. In Digital Split Image, you can align the split image to achieve accurate focus, while Focus Peak Highlight highlights focused outlines.

XF23mmF1.4 R: This lens has a focusing distance and depth-of-field scales, which makes it ideal for shooting snapshots at a pre-determined distance. The fast F1.4 aperture is also perfect for portraits.

XF56mmF1.2 R: Portrait lens that offers a shallow depth-of-field and a mid-telephoto angle of view. Ideally suited to portrait photography with precise manual focusing.

XF60mmF2.4 R Macro: Mid-telephoto Macro lens with the maximum magnification of 0.5x. Use the MF mode when you need to make fine focus adjustments on close-up shots of flowers, etc.

In MF mode, press the Foucs Assist Button (X-T1) or Rear Command Dial (X-T10) to enlarge the view on the screen. You can specify the magnification rate and the duration of time to show the enlarged view. The enlargement reflects the MF Assist settings.

Lenses with focusing distance and depth-of-field scales on the focus ring

With the XF14mmF2.8 R, XF23mmF1.4 R and XF16mmF1.4 lenses, pull the focus ring toward the camera body to instantaneously switch to the MF mode without having to adjust settings on the camera. Perfect for taking snapshots with at a pre-set focusing distance.

June 1, 2015
settings, tips and tricks for the Samsung NX500
Samsung NX500: tips and tricks

Introduction

The Samsung NX500 is the company’s low-cost version of the NX1. It features the same APS-C BSI sensor, yet with a smaller buffer and slower processing times and no incorporated viewfinder. Nonetheless, this is a very capable camera, especially if you’re a JPEG shooter and don’t need the features and advanced functionality of the flagship NX1.

Menu System and touch screen

Although very intuitive, you’ll need to get to grips with the Menu System if you’ve never used a Samsung camera before. Everything is very straightforward, and I’d invite you to read the simple manual provided by Samsung first. I’ll be going over the Menu system in detail later.

The NX500 is packed with the latest technology, including a Super AMOLED display like you’ll find in the most recent Galaxy Phones. It features an integrated digitizer, meaning that the layer that detects multiple finger touch is integrated into the screen, rather than overlaid on top of it. This feature means all functionality is also accessible via the touch screen, besides the usual buttons and dials.

Autofocus

first things first: firmware update for best autofocus performance

Many reviewers have made the mistake of not updating older NX mount lenses to the latest firmware, which offers full compatibility with said camera. So head on over to their support website and make sure you have the latest firmware installed for both camera and lenses you have.

Use S-AF (single AF) with older lenses

Although there are quite a few NX lenses available, some are not ideally suited to the NX500. The Samsung NX 85mm f/1.4, for instance, a fantastic portrait lens, will tend to hunt quite a bit when your camera is set to C-AF. I would suggest setting it to S-AF with lenses where you experience a lot of focus hunting.

Drive Settings
Depending on the type of lens, autofocus results in C-AF may vary considerably depending on the lens used. The three ‘S’ range lenses are fully supported:

Samsung 16-50 mm F2-2.8 S ED OIS

Samsung 16-50 mm F3.5-5.6 Power Zoom ED OIS NX

Samsung 50-150 mm F2.8 S ED OIS

As usual in digital cameras, there are three drive settings:
1. Continuous High: Continuously capture photos while you are pressing the Shutter. You can capture up to 8, 10, 12, or 15 pictures per second.
2. Continuous Low: continuous shooting while the shutter is engaged at a lower rate.
3. Single: When you press the Shutter button halfway, the focus fixes in the focus area. The area turns green when the focus is achieved.
Active AF

When half-pressing the shutter, the camera automatically detects the subject‘s movements and switches between Single AF and Continuous AF. It adjusts focus when the subject goes away from the camera (Single AF). It continues to focus automatically when the subject gets closer to the camera (Continuous AF). This mode is recommended for shooting subjects that are moving unpredictably.

Tracking AF

AF tracking is only available via the touch screen. You’ll need to turn on Touch AF in the menu (or touch screen) and select Tracking AF. You’ll see a white square appear when you touch your subject on the display, this means Tracking AF has been engaged. When you half-press the shutter, you’ll see the white square turn free, meaning focus was achieved. If the camera for any reason can’t focus (subject is too small, moves irregularly, is backlit), the square will turn red.

Manual focus

You can manually focus on a subject by rotating the focus ring on the lens. The MF Assist function lets you quickly bring a subject into focus. While you are turning the focus ring, the focus area is magnified. When you use the Focus Peaking function, the color you selected appears on the focused subject. This mode is recommended for shooting a subject similar in color to the background, a night scene, or fireworks.

Menu settings

Accessing the MENU settings is possible via the MENU icon on the touch screen.

level guide, menu camera icon on your bottom left

MENU – Camera Icon

Photo Size

Photo Size selects the dimensions and size in pixels of your stored images. As the Samsung uses a 28 Megapixel APS-C sensor, the crop is best left to 3/2 and full resolution 6480×4320. This setting will leave you with the most flexible jpeg file, and you can always decide another image crop in your preferred image editor later.

Photo size

Photo Quality: RAW vs. JPEG

I’m sure you know the difference between an RAW and JPEG file. An RAW file (named .SRW in Samsung language) records all data from the sensor uncompressed while JPEG compresses this data with settings applied. An RAW file will always be more flexible when it comes to editing your image in post production. This flexibility means more sharpening, colour information, highlight and shadow recovery, etc. will be possible later on with RAW files. JPEG files will compress the data to have smaller files, and will also have in-body noise reduction applied according to your settings.

JPEG is available in Super Fine, Fine and Normal; this depicts an increase in image compression. Although I would always recommend shooting in RAW for optimal flexibility, I have fun that the Super Fine JPEG setting does still retain a lot of useable information in post processing.

Quality, JPEG, Super Fine

ISO Auto settings

ISO settings, ISO auto

Here you can change the ISO range that the NX500 will use when set to ISO Auto. As you can read in my NX500 review, the back-illuminated sensor performs very well, even at mid-to-high levels. Conservatively, you can set max ISO to 3200 or even 6400 where you will find that your images are still very usable, especially with close-ups. For busy scenes with lots of details, you might see some loss of detail there, but that is always the case drawback of an APS-C sensor. For optimal performance, the lower the ISO, the better as always. If you find that shutter speeds are getting too long, or if the camera has problems focussing, you might want to raise the ISO above 6400 manually (or make a user preset). It’s always better to have an in-focus shot than a ton of blurred images.

Super Amoled display

The Samsung NX500 has a fantastic touch sensitive Super Amoled Display, rendering beautiful realistic colours and detail. In the OLED color Menu setting, you can optimise performance for this kind of display. The factory settings have it turned off, probably because it’s always better for a manufacturer that your image look best on your (perhaps inferior) desktop screen than on the LCD, but I turn it on, as I have an excellent desktop screen as well.

Minimum shutter speed and how to get ‘Tack Sharp’ images

Auto linking shutter speed to focal lengths: Longer focal lengths will accentuate camera shake so you’ll need to choose a faster shutter speed. Traditional photography theory tells you to choose a shutter speed with a denominator that is larger than the focal length of the lens. For example, if you’re shooting with the Samsung 50-150 at 150mm, you’ll probably want to shoot at a minimum of 1/150. Samsung’s image stabilisation will give you between 2 and 3 stops advantage though, which is not bad. Linking minimum shutter speed to focal length takes all these things into account, and it’s best left set-up this way.

White Balance

white balance

Samsung needs to improve Auto White balance in the next firmware upgrade, although manually selecting the desired White Balance for your different lighting scenes works better. I’ve found AWB to be quite cold, and needed to turn it up at least 2000K for a more neutral and realistic balance.

Picture Wizard

Picture wizard

The Picture Wizard Menu is one of the features that will make most professionals shiver. It’s basically a set of filters you can apply to JPEG images in-body. It is also a way for Samsung to show of the capabilities of their DRIMe V processor.. Once you’ve worked with the NX500, I don’t think anyone will deny the fact that it is one of the most powerful camera processors out there. And I actually found the Portrait effect useful in some situations. Think of it as a mini version of desktop software like Portrait professional, as you are able to make your subject feel a bit better with how they look, and does an OK job at decreasing wrinkles and pores. Nice to have if you don’t have time to do any real post processing.

Autofocus settings

Next in the menu, you’ll find the Autofocus settings. Compared to a sports camera in the same price bracket like the Sony A77M2, it is true that the NX500 offers less flexibility when it comes too autofocus tweaking. This means you’ll have to get to grips with how the available settings work, instead of customising the camera to what you are used to. One of the most-visited posts on my blog is the Sony A77 II tips and tricks page, mainly because it’s so difficult to wrap your head around, and in real life it’s true that not everyone needs this advanced customisation. Honestly, this might be a blessing in disguise for many because this means there is less of a learning curve.

AF Modes
- Single AF (SAF): autofocus is engaged when you half press the shutter button. If you find the AF ‘hunts’ to much with some lenses like the 85mm f/1.4 in CAF, try SAF. Works better.
- Continuous AF (CAF): Autofocus is continuously trying to lock. Advantageous in some situations but drains the battery more rapidly.
- Active AF (AAF): switches between Single AF and Continuous AF as the camera deems fit.
- Manual Focus (MF): only available if your lens is also set to MF, if it is set to AF, you’ll see this option greyed out. Use Focus Peaking to help you get the focus right in MF.
AF Area
- Selection AF: selection AF allows you to use a specific, selectable autofocus point on the sensor.
- Multi AF: Multi AF uses all available focus points. I personally never like to use all focus points, as this AF area setting is so unpredictable. You can change the size of the AF area in multi AF to a smaller square though, a tweak which I did find very useful.
- Face Detection AF: NX500 will give focus priority to detected faces. When Face Detection is on, the camera is automatically set to Multi AF.
- Self Portrait AF: The ultimate selfie tool, where the camera will focus on your face close to the camera and automatically engage the shutter when it is detected.
Tracking AF, Touch AF and Focus tracking

Touch AF, tracking AF

Another fantastic feature of the Samsung NX500 is the touch screen. To many it might look like a gimmick, but my guess is that you’ll quickly find it very useful for easy operation and, at times, it actually is the fastest way of having the camera focus on exactly what you want. The Touch AF menu setting allows for customisation of what happens when you touch the screen.

In my view, turning this feature off largely negates how this camera is made to be used. You’ll have to get into Samsung’s frame of mind if you want to get optimal performance out of this camera, especially if you come from a non touch-screen DSLR.
- Off: Touch AF is disengaged.
- Touch AF: Turns touch screen usage on for AF operation.
- AF point: Allows you to select a specific auto-focus point by touching the screen.
- Tracking AF: Lets you select a moving target for auto-focus tracking. This setting automatically enables C-AF, so you can set your camera to Selection AF, and quickly change to C-AF when needed if Touch AF is set to Tracking AF. This is the only way to engage AF tracking by the way.
- One Touch Shot: the camera will focus on anywhere you touch the screen and take an image.
MF assist

This is a focussing assist aide, which will enlarge your point of focus 5 or 8 times. Since there is currently no Eye-AF available, I have it set to 5 times and when doing portraiture in a custom mode.

Focus Peaking

Focus peaking, level

Focus peaking is now found in all cameras as a manual focussing aide. It adds a white, red or yellow ‘noise’ on your image in order to guide you in getting your focus exactly right. Setting it to ‘Normal’ will suffice in the NX500, it works as well as this feature in any other camera I’ve tried.

Link AE to AF point

This setting is basically telling your camera to link Exposure point to focus point when using spot metering or multi metering. So your camera will decide on correct exposure depending on your subject. It’s a valuable tool at times, but you might want to consider turning it off as often having exposure set to AF point can lead to blown highlights.

Brightness Adjustment Guide

Brightness adjustment guide

Adjust the brightness using the selected area as a reference. The brightness of the selected area is displayed as a value to help you to conveniently adjust the brightness. This is available only in Program, Aperture Priority, or Shutter Priority mode. I personally don’t use this feature.

Overexposure guide

View overexposed areas on a photo in Shooting mode before capturing a photo. Setting this feature will cause the overexposed areas of a photo to blink. Very handy at times, especially when shooting video. Others might find that it clutters your screen or viewfinder though.

Framing Mode

When you adjust the aperture value or shutter speed, the exposure changes according to the settings, so the display may darken. With this function on, the brightness of the display is constant regardless of the settings, so you can better frame your shot in certain conditions, like a studio setting.

OIS (Anti Shake)

OIS, metering, dynamic range, flash

Select if you want in-lens image stabilisation to be active all the time, or only when half-pressing the shutter button (or touch AF). I have it set to Mode 1, as this conserves battery life and puts less stress on lenses.

Drive Settings

Drive, Continuous high

The Menu drive settings allow you to customise the timing of the Drive rotator.
- Continuous High: sets the Drive setting for continuous shooting mode. It might be a good idea to set it to 12 or 10 fps if you want to have more keepers when using CAF.
- Timer: sets the timer for using the timer shooting mode.
- Bracket: sets the functionality of the bracket shooting mode.
Interval Capture

Set the shooting interval, the number of shots, and shooting start time for interval captures. Use this function to capture photos at regular intervals like a lunar eclipse or a sunrise. You can also save an interval capture as a movie if you set the Time Lapse function to ON.

Metering Mode

Metering Mode sets the way the camera measures exposure of your captures. This is standard set to Center Weighted but I often change to Multi if I want to better capture the mood of a scene.
- Multi:calculates the amount of light in multiple areas. When light is sufficient or insufficient, the camera adjusts the exposure by averaging the overall brightness of the scene. This mode is suitable for general photos.
- Center Weighted: calculates a broader area than the Spot mode does. It sums up the amount of light in the center portion of the shot (60–80 %) and that of the rest of the shot (20–40 %). It is recommended for situations where there is a slight difference in brightness between a subject and its background or where the area around a subject is large compared to the overall composition of the photo.
- Spot: calculates the amount of light in the center. When you capture a photo in conditions where there is a strong backlight behind a subject, the camera adjusts the exposure to shoot the subject correctly. For example, when you select the Multi mode in a strong backlight condition, the camera calculates that the overall amount of light is abundant, which results in a darker photo. The Spot mode can prevent this situation as it calculates the amount of light in a designated area.
Dynamic range (only for JPEG)

OIS, metering, dynamic range, flash

Automatically corrects the loss of bright detail that can occur due to shading differences in the image when shooting Jpeg.

Flash settings

Flash: Fill in
- Fill-in flash: Fill flash is a photographic technique used to brighten deep shadow areas, typically outdoors on sunny days,
- Fill-in Red Eye: Flash will fire a few pre-flashes in order to reduce red eye
- First curtain: also know as front curtain sync. This is the normal flash mode, with the flash being triggered near the start of the shutter duration.The flash finishes quick, and freezes the motion.
- Second curtain: also known as rear curtain or slow sync. With moving subjects, the shutter opens and the lights record their streaks. Then the flash illuminates the subject right before the end of the exposure. The streaks from the lights lead up to the subject, giving the illusion of speed.
External Wireless settings

Set the flash mode, exposure value, flash brightness, or multi flash when you attach an external flash to the camera. You can also set wireless sync to control the internal or external flash. The flash settings are supported only when you attach a compatible, optional external flash (SEF-580A).

If data can be exchanged between the camera and the flash, the settings for the external flash can be adjusted on the camera or the flash. Your previous options will be applied.

Flash Mode

A-TTL: In the A-TTL (Advanced Through The Lens) mode, the camera measures the light reflected by the subject through the lens. Then, it calculates the optimum exposure based on the exposure value and shutter speed.

Manual Flash: The flash emits the full amount of light or the flash intensity can be adjusted manually.

Multi Flash: When you press [Shutter], the flash fires multiple times based on the number you have set.

Flash EV

Set the exposure of the flash when the flash mode is A-TTL.

Flash Output

Set the brightness of the flash when the flash mode is Manual Flash.

Multi Flash Settings

Set the count, brightness, or frequency of the flash when the flash mode is Multi Flash.

Wireless Flash controller

Set wireless sync to control internal and external flash units remotely

via wireless signals. The remote system consists of a master flash that is mounted on the camera and one or more slave flash units. A slave flash is assigned to one of three groups: A, B, or C.

Use a Wireless Flash

Set to use wireless sync with TTL functionality

Channel Selection

Select channels for wireless sync. There are four remote channels available to allow multiple remote systems to operate at the same time. Master and slave flash units, in the same remote system, must be set to the same channel. (Ch. 1, Ch. 2, Ch. 3, Ch. 4)

Group Mode flash

Set the flash mode for group A, B, or C. Changes to the flash mode must be made on the master flash. The changes are then applied to slave group A, B, or C, and the slave groups operate as a remote system of the flash mode (TTL or manual) according to the settings for the master flash.
- A-TTL: Set the exposure of the flash when the flash mode is A-TTL.
- Manual Flash Set the brightness of the flash when the flash mode is Manual Flash.
- Off : Do not fire the flash.
Movie size

Movie size

Select different Movie sizes according to your needs, from 4K to medium sized video, aspect from 16-9 to 4:3.

Movie Quality

Normal: Record videos in normal quality.

HQ: Record videos in high quality.

Fast/Slow Movie

Fast/slow movie

Set the playing speed of a video. If you select an option other than x1, the sound recording function and the Distortion Correct function will not be supported.

x0.25: Record a video to view it at 1/4 normal speed during playback. Available only with 1280X720 (30p/25p), 640X480 (30p/25p).

x0.5: Record a video to view it at 1/2 normal speed during playback. Available only with low-HD 1280X720, 640X480 (60p/50p/30p/25p).

x1: Record a video to view it at normal speed during playback. x5: Record a video to view it at 5X normal speed during playback.

x10: Record a video to view it at 10X normal speed during playback.

x20: Record a video to view it at 20X normal speed during playback.

Fader

You can fade a scene in or out using the fader function on the camera. Set the fade in option to gradually fade in at the start of a scene. Set the fade out option to gradually fade out at the end of a scene.
Off: The fader function is off.

In: Scene gradually fades in.

Out: Scene gradually fades out.

In-Out: The fader function is applied at the start and end of the scene.
Voice

Sometimes, a muted video is more appealing than one with sound. Turn Voice off to record a muted video.

Wind Cut

Wind cut

When you record videos in noisy environments, unintended sounds can be recorded in videos. In particular, severe wind noise can prevent you from enjoying your videos. Use the Wind Cut function to remove some surrounding noise in addition to wind noise.

A filter is applied to the internal microphone or mic input in order to reduce noise.

Mic Level

Mic Level

Set the Microphone input level in a range between 1 and 10.

Smart Range

Corrects for the loss of bright detail when shooting JPEG.

Manage Custom Mode in Key Mapping

Key Mapping, custom

Manage the custom button, where you can set-up your Samsung NX500 according to your own preferences for use in specific situations.

Auto ISO Range

ISO settings, ISO auto

One of the most important settings on any camera, where you can select the range between minimum and maximum ISO values to be used when set to ISO Auto. Setting this conservatively to a maximum of ISO 1600 will ensure you’ll still have quite flexible files in post processing. However, the Samsung NX500’s fantastic sensor can still yield very usable images up to 6400 (and even 12800) if not too much detail is required. As lighting conditions deteriorate, you’ll need to go to higher ISO in order to achieve a fast enough shutter speed, so it is advisable to change ISO auto settings (or go full manual) according to the scene you’ll be shooting.

Color Space

Color Space, Adobe RGB

You’ll find the usual colour space options: sRGB, Adobe RGB and ProPhoto RGB. The latter two have an expanded colour range, so you might find it useful to select ProPhoto RGB if you intend to do a lot of post processing in an image editor like Lightroom if you shoot RAW.

iFn Customising

Many Samsung lenses have a customisable iFn button on the lens itself. This is an easy way of changing your frequently used settings on-the-fly by pressing the iFn button and using the focus ring to change the value. Which settings are exactly available is customisable in this menu. You might find it useful to set ISO only as an option, and use a conservative ISO Auto range. This will allow you to quickly change the ISO value you’re shooting at if you find that the camera cannot achieve fast enough shutter speeds in low light conditions. As I have mentioned before, autofocus seems to work better in low light at higher (suitable) ISO’s, so this can be a way of increasing AF performance in low-light. Another option is to assign Aperture only to the iFn button, effectively allowing the focus ring to be used as an aperture ring.

User Display

level guide

You can add or remove shooting information from the screen in this setting. As you’ll find that the touch screen is very useable when it comes to quickly changing setting on the Samsung NX500, I would advise you to at least set the Buttons enabled. Icons will give you a quick overview of your current camera settings.

User display, icons

Key Mapping

Key mapping

After a few weeks with the NX500, I’l sure you’ll find that there are some buttons you rarely use, and some settings you wish you had more direct control of. The Key Mapping menu allows for advanced customisation of all the camera’s buttons and dials. I always set command dials to aperture and shutter speed, as I very much like a hands-on control type camera.

AF Release Priority

AF release priority, Save selection AF position

Set to capture a photo when focus is achieved.

Focus: Capture a photo only when the focus is achieved. When you select the Continuous High shooting method, the focus is prioritised only on the first shot. It should always be set to Focus.

Release: Capture a photo when you press the Shutter even when focus is not achieved.

Mobile Link/NFC

Mobilelink NFC image size

Set the size of photos to transfer to a smart phone using the MobileLink or NFC function.
Resize to 2M or lower: If a photo’s size is larger than 3M, the camera will transfer it after resizing it to 2M or lower.

Original: The photo will be transferred in its original size.
AF light
Select the AF lamp brightness. When shooting in dark places, turn the

AF lamp on to improve the operation of the auto focus. The Auto Focus functions more accurately in dark places when the AF lamp is on. The AF lamp emits the light in irregular vertical patterns. I’d suggest you leave it at High Brightness unless you’re in a situation where your subject finds it bothersome.

Off

High Brightness

Medium Brightness

Low Brightness
Electronic Shutter
This feature is available only when you attach a Samsung lens with a Samsung NX mount.

When you use a large diameter lens and a fast shutter speed, a “bokeh“ effect (an aesthetic blur in out-of-focus areas) may be affected by the subject and the shooting conditions. To make the bokeh effect appear correctly, set the E-Shutter to Off.

When you change the E-Shutter settings, the first curtain of the shutter is adjusted and you will hear a noise as the shutter adjusts. This is normal when preparing the camera to operate the E-Shutter.

This feature is not available when you attach an external flash like the SEF-580A.

Off: Set to use the mechanical shutter.

On: Set to use the electronic shutter curtain first and the mechanical curtain second.
Quick View

Quick view

Set the Quick View time length–the amount of time the camera displays a photo immediately after you capture it. Select Hold+Focus Zoom to display the image after shooting with the focus area enlarged. I find this feature very useful for checking if my focus is exactly where I want it, and have it set to Hold + Focus Zoom.

Other possibilities:
Off

Hold+Focus Zoom

Hold

1 sec

3 sec

5 sec
Brightness adjustment guide

Brightness adjustment guide

Adjust the display brightness, auto brightness setting, display color, or level gauge.
Display Brightness: You can adjust the display brightness manually.

Auto Brightness: Turn auto brightness on or off.

Display Color: You can adjust the display color manually. Horizontal Calibration: Calibrate the level gauge. If the level gauge is not level, position the camera on the level surface, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Auto Display

Set the display off time. The display turns off if you do not use the camera for the time you set.

(Off, 30 sec, 1 min, 3 min, 5 min, 10 min)

Power Save

Set power shut off time. The camera shuts off if you do not use it for the time you set. (30 sec, 1 min, 3 min, 5 min, 10 min, 30 min). Factory setting is 1 minute, this is to conserve battery power, but I have it set to a medium 3 minutes.

Help Guide Display

Help Guide

The Help Guide display can be very useful when first starting out with the NX500.
Mode Help Guide: Set to display help text about the selected mode when changing shooting modes.

Function Help Guide: Set to display help text about menus and functions.

Tip: Press trash to hide the help text.
Language

Set a language the camera shows on the display. I would advise you to set it to English, as it will be easier to google trouble-shoot any problems you have with the camera .

Date And Time

Date and time

Set date, time, date format, and time zone. (Time Zone, Date Settings, Time Settings, Date Type, Time Type)

Video Out

Set the video signal output to the appropriate system for your country when connecting the camera to an external video device, such as an HDMI-supported TV.
NTSC: USA, Canada, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, etc.

PAL (Supports only PAL B, D, G, H, or I): Australia, Austria, Belgium, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, England, Italy, Kuwait, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Norway, etc.
Anynet plus

When you connect the camera to an HDMI-supported TV that supports Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC), you can control the playback functions of the camera with the TV remote control.
Off: You cannot control the play function of camera with the TV remote control.

On: You can control the play function of camera with the TV remote control.
HDMI Output

HDMI output

When you connect the camera to an HDMI-supported TV with an HDMI cable, you can change the resolution of the image.

NTSC: Auto, 4096x2160p, 4096x2160p Clean out, 3840x2160p, 3840x2160p Clean out, 1920x1080p, 1280x720p, 720x480p, 720x576p (activates only when PAL is selected)

File Name

Set the method of creating file names. Standard*: SAM_XXXX.JPG (sRGB)/_SAMXXXX.JPG (Adobe RGB) Date:

– sRGB files – MMDDXXXX.JPG. For example, for a photo captured on Jan. 01, the file name would be 0101XXXX.jpg.

– Adobe RGB files – _MDDXXXX.JPG for the months Jan through Sept. For the months Oct through Dec, the month number is replaced by the letters A (Oct.), B (Nov.), and

C (Dec.).

For example, for a photo captured on Feb. 03, the file name would be _203XXXX.jpg. For a photo captured on Oct. 05, the file name would be _A05XXXX.jpg.

File Number
Set the method of numbering files and folders.

Reset: After using the reset function, the next file name is started at 0001.

Series: New file numbers continue the existing number sequence, even if you have installed a new memory card, formatted the card, or deleted all photos.
Folder Type

Folder Type, standard
Set the type of folder.

Standard: XXXPHOTO

Date: XXX_MMDD
Bluetooth

Set to connect your camera to a smart phone automatically via the Bluetooth feature. If the devices have previously been connected and you launch Samsung Camera Manager on the smart phone, they will connect via Bluetooth automatically.

Format

Errors can occur if you use a memory card formatted by another brand of camera, a memory card reader, or a computer. You should always format memory cards in the camera before using them to capture photos.

Format the memory card: Formatting deletes all existing files including protected files.

Wi-Fi Network

Set to connect to a Wi-Fi network.

My Smartphone

View the model name and connection status of the smart phone registered on the camera and edit the registered smart phone.

Delete My Smartphone: Delete the registered smartphone and register a different smart phone.

WiFi privacy lock

Bluetooth Auto Time Set

Set to sync the camera’s date and time with the smart phone when connecting the camera to a smartphone via Bluetooth

Wifi Privacy Lock

Bluetooth

Set to require a PIN when connecting the camera and a smart phone.

PIN: Enter a PIN before connecting.

None: Allow a connection without requiring a PIN.

Connections will automatically be made without requiring a PIN when using the NFC function.

PINs are automatically generated and renewed only when you reset the camera settings or update the firmware.

If you have previously connected your camera to a smart phone via a PIN, they will connect automatically.

Sensor Cleaning

Sensor cleaning

Factory setting is OFF, but I would strongly advise you to select “Shut Down Action” in order to keep the sensor free of dust.
Sensor Cleaning: Remove dust from the sensor immediately.

Start-Up Action: When on, the camera performs sensor cleaning each time you turn it on.

Shut down Action: When on, the camera performs sensor cleaning each time you turn it off.
Mobile Link

Mobilelink NFC image size

Set a frequency for using the camera as an AP for the Quick Transfer, MobileLink, or Remote Viewfinder features. (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz)

Reset

Full reset

Camera Menu: Return the setup menu and shooting options to the factory defaults.

Key Mapping: Return the custom button functions to the factory defaults.

C1/C2 Mode: Return the Custom 1 and Custom 2 mode settings to the factory defaults.

Bluetooth/Wi-Fi: Return the connection history, ID, and password of the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions to the factory defaults.

All: Return all settings to the factory defaults. (Date, time, language, and video output settings will not change.)

Device Information and software update

Device information, software update

View the firmware version of the body and the lens,the Wi-Fi MAC address, Bluetooth MAC address, and network certification number, or update the firmware.

Software Update: Update the firmware of the camera body or lens. (Body Firmware, Lens Firmware)

You can update the firmware by connecting the camera to a computer and starting i-Launcher.

You cannot run a firmware update without a fully charged battery. Recharge the battery fully before running a firmware update.

If you update the firmware, user settings and values will be reset. (Date, time, language, and video out will not change.)

Do not turn the camera off while the update is in progress.

Licence

Simple: view the open source licenses.
May 28, 2015
tips for photographing the solar eclipse

Tips for photographing the solar eclipse

Introduction

On 20 March 2015, much of the Northern Hemisphere will experience a solar eclipse. From North-Africa through almost all of Europe, only a part of the solar disk will be obscured by the Moon. In Scotland, the eclipse will be a massive 95% while, in France and Germany, it will be around 70%. The eclipse will be at its maximum at 10:20 CET. If you want to see the sun disappear completely behind the moon, you’ll have to go to the far north of Europe, in an area between the Faroe Islands and Svalbard.

Every eclipse, people suffer serious eye injuries due to lack of protection. This damage is at first painless and injuries caused by careless observation of the sun is irreversible. So be careful.

If you are planning on photographing the solar eclipse, there are two main approaches.

Direct observation

Direct observation of the Solar Eclipse requires a filter. For a simple observation, all you need is a pair of UV glasses, but if you plan on taking pictures, you’ll need to place a filter on the front of the front of lens. In your photography shop, there are three expert materials for eclipse photography. These conform to the standard 89/666 / EEC on the CE symbol. The material used is Mylar, the Astrosolar type, and a tinted polymer. This material is the same as those used to make protective eyewear: they filter the sunlight to pass only 1/100 000 of solar radiation.

They are available in sheets (A4) or roller. You just have to set the film on the front lens of your lens, with an elastic band.

Some people recommend using a filter ND1000, but this is not enough blockage to photograph the sun safely as not enough solar radiation is stopped.

Indirect observation

Indirect observation uses the pinhole technique. A small hole is made in a box which is oriented towards the sun. The light beam is projected on a projection surface (a sheet of paper, for example) located in the shade to obtain a sufficient contrast. It is possible to photograph this projection with any camera without a filter.

Lenses to use

The Sun is at a little over 149 million km from the Earth and its average diameter is 1,392,684 kilometers. It’s huge in other words, but when viewed from Earth size it actually looks relatively small. To photograph the eclipse, it is necessary to use a long lens. Astronomers use focal lengths of 1000 mm or 1600 mm or more, but for the amateur photographer, it is not always easy to buy or even find lenses of this focal length. Fortunately, with a 200 mm, it becomes possible to take a picture when the size of the Sun is sufficient. Above 200 mm focal lengths are obviously also very useful. Although the sun will still be relatively small

It may be a better idea to photograph the eclipse in an interesting environment. The shadows will evolve throughout the eclipse, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to frame the landscape around you. enjoy this rare spectacle that nature offers us. The next partial eclipse is expected in 2022 and the next total eclipse visible in Europe will take place in 2081, so enjoy this rare spectacle that nature offers us.

March 18, 2015
Fujifilm enable HSS: Meike and Nissin
Fujifilm enable HSS: Meike and Nissin: Meike and Nissin

Introduction

One of the most requested features for Fujifilm X-mount cameras is to enable HSS (high-speed flash sync). The ability to use your flash at shutter speeds faster than the camera’s native sync opens up a wealth of creative flash techniques with fast lenses at large apertures.

Fujifilm currently does not support this feature in their X-T1 or X-PRO1, rumor has it due to hardware limitations. But as I’ve shown in my post about enabling HSS with the Nissin i40, it is possible. Though you’ll need to shoot with your flash set to Manual without the ability to use your cameras’ TTL light metering. Nissin stated that their i40 for Fujifilm is indeed HSS capable, but that they are waiting for an update from Fuji.

Now Chinese camera accessory brand Meike also announced a Fujifilm compatible HSS flash called the Meike MK 320 F. It looks like an enable HSS firmware update is imminent, exciting times!

Update: Because of the change of the protocol with the Fujifilm FW 2.0, the Meike MK320 does not currently work in HSS mode.

Meike MK320 F Speedlite for Fujifilm specs
High GN: 32

TTL

Manual Flash (S1/S2 mode)

Adjustable Tilt & Swivel Head

LCD Lattice screen

LED-Assistive preview focus

Metal hot shoe

Supports synchronization of front and rear curtains

Memory function
February 21, 2015