Wetpixel Live: Sony Alpha 1 Underwater Photography Preview

[adamhanlon 0]

This week, Sony announced the specifications for the Alpha 1 mirrorless camera.

https://wetpixel.com/articles/any-announces-the-alpha-1-mirrorless-camera

There is no doubt that the listed specifications make the camera seem an amazing performer. @Alex_Mustard and @adamhanlon discuss which of these exciting features have relevance for underwater photographers. It should be stressed that as the camera has not actually shipped yet, there has not been a chance to experiment with it underwater yet.

 

 

[Phil Rudin 485]

The Alpha 1 is already being used underwater in a Nauticam housing, I suspect the NA-2020 housing for A7R IV and A9 II as the the size and control placement are very close to A9 II. If anyone is interested go to youtube and search Hunters of light for the three minute promo video. 

[Tom_Kline 143]

Being long in the tooth I remember when top shutter speeds went from 1/1000 to 1/2000s with concomitant increases in flash synch speed. In the case of Nikon it went from 1/60 in the F to 1/80 in the F2. This was due to how fast the shutter curtains traveled across the frame during the exposure. The flash synched only for speeds when the shutter was completely open. Faster shutter speeds were (and are) achieved by having a slit move across the film or sensor. The slit is narrower for higher speeds. So to get a 1/400s synch the shutter is moving much faster than previous shutters - the question from me is how will this affect their longevity? Many of us now may shoot many more frames than with film on a given shoot, e.g., 1 dive, and have camera bodies with actuation counts in the 100s of thousands. I have one with >1 million but the shutter was replaced. If the new shutter is still as robust I am all in :->>>>.

My understanding of the E shutter (and video) and its phenomenon of rolling shutter is because the readout is not simultaneous. I gather with the A1 that 1/200s is how long it takes to read the data off the sensor in video/E-shutter mode.

 

PS. the above pertains to electronic flash and not flash bulbs!!!!

Edited January 29, 2021 by Tom_Kline

[Phil Rudin 485]

Far more photographers are using the A9 II with electronic shutter than with mechanical shutter for the faster frame rates and I suspect that will be true for Alpha 1 especially with the ability to use flash up to 1/200th sec. For those of use using all new mechanical shutter it is rated the 500,000 clicks. Not much chance if your using both types of shutter that it will be an issue any time soon. 

[Tom_Kline 143]

Good, I had not see the shutter longevity specs. Now for N and C to get similar shutters. There was a time when shutters were made by separate companies, e.g., Copal. Not sure now. This could affect availability to N and C if they bought their shutters.

Edited January 29, 2021 by Tom_Kline

[Phil Rudin 485]

Another often overlooked detail regarding the 61MP Sony A7r IV is the ability to shoot 26MP APS-C images that are quite spectacular and with a bit more MP's than most APS-C cameras. I have the APS-C function assigned to the AEL button on my A7R IV. When using the 50mm or 90mm macros if I want a 1.5 times crop i can push the button and see 100% of the image in the EVF. The Alpha 1 has then same ability but because the mechanical shutter is moving over a smaller area the flash sync speed can be raised to 1/500th sec. You got a 21MP file in APS-C mode. They have also improved eye auto focus which works well U/W with people but not fish. They have also added high speed eye AF for birds.