Video Explanation
New Perspective
There is something with distance..
Some things look nicer when filmed from a distance…
Some level of compression and the narrow field of view draws attention to the subjects in the frame…
To my eyes, all these look beautiful. Please checkout the above YouTube video for the sample footage.
I am becoming more and more fond of the 100-400mm focal length in recent days, especially with this decade old 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM lens. I can see why Sony hasn’t updated this particular lens for over 9 years and why it still costs so much if you were to buy it 1st hand.
Stable Footage
The stabilization of this lens is indeed getting better working in tandem with the advanced stabilization technology on the newer cameras such as the Sony A7v. I talk about my experience getting such videos and photos using the Sony A7v.
I can’t talk much about the Optical Stabilization of the lens alone as it is a very old lens.
But what I can say is , when it works with the in-body image stabilization of the recent cameras, it works wonders.
For most sample footage in the above video, I used the dynamic active steady shot handheld with my Sony A7v. It doesn’t look like the gimbal or tripod shots but for close-to static camera placement shots without panning, I think it works fine even at 400mm focal length. I am happy with the footage I got.
In the above video, I talk about both the camera and the lens. As both complete the tool that helps me capture these unique perspectives during my travel.
Best Parts of Sony A7V
NO SLog3
The Sony A7v helps with producing these crisp 4K 60fps videos with these beautiful colors straight out of the camera with the FL3 creative look from the photo mode. I had been filming in S-Log3 for all my videos in the past 3 years and now looking at these footage that require just minimal tweaking, kinda changes how I will film from now on. Perhaps, it could potentially save me a lot of time. Who knows, only time can tell. I will keep you updated with more sample videos using this a7v as a tool that is actively changing how I film videos during my travel.
Dynamic Active Steady Shot
Of course, I also need to mention the Dynamic active steady shot of the camera. It works very well at all focal lengths. It works better when the focal length is manually set depending on the lens.
Pre-shutter Shots
It is again a tool that helps me to take photos, of course and for photos, I should say, I am happy with the FL3 “creative looks” colors and the pre-shutter mode shots. Some of these shots won’t be possible without the pre-shutter capability in the camera. The outputs are close to what I want.
JPGs Over RAW Files
I can’t believe I, a RAW photo guy, is talking about being happy with JPG photos. But that’s how these photos from this A7V are changing me to be. I talk as if I am a Fuji guy.
Of course, if I want to edit aggressively, I would much prefer to do it on my RAW files which are conveniently stored separately in the CF Express Type A card along with the videos.The JPGs are stored simultaneously in a different SD card.
Advantage of High-speed USB-C ports in camera
I stopped using the card readers as the dual USB type C port helps me quickly transfer the media files to my phone or my computer, while still being charged.
When a tool helps me become faster, and can get me pleasing results time and again straight out of the camera, I feel the need to appreciate it.
I’ve never been this happy with any cameras I’ve used in the past. The Sony A7V isn’t perfect but it changed me for the better.
Sony 100-400mm GM Lens
As a tool the A7V isn’t complete, it requires lenses. I am actively looking for focal lengths that give me perspectives like no other lenses. At one point, I limited myself to just use the 24mm F1.4 GM lens and the 100-400mm lens. These 2 lenses create really beautiful images.
I am actively experimenting with the 100-400mm lens more as we often don’t see this perspective. It is not just a bird or sports photography lens, it has become my everyday carry lens.
I will talk about this lens in detail specifically with the combination of A7V and with the Viltrox 2x teleconverter. I really have a lot to talk about.
Stay tuned.
