Checking out new camera

[lomitamike]

I picked up a new/used A900 and got a 30 warranty with it. So, it's time to take lots of shots to make sure everything works.

This is with the 70-400, continuous focus, center AF, Hi speed drive.

[lomitamike]

A couple of more, This camera handles very very close to my old A700 especially the button/menu layout.
The FF difference with lens choice and how you compose your shots working with a narrower depth of field take some getting used to.

[JimC]

You may want to check out the firmware version you're using and upgrade it to Version 2.0 for better AF speed (if you don't already have the latest Firmware), as that may come in handy for capturing any action. Of course, the kids probably aren't moving very fast. But, the upgrades along the way have improved other areas, too.

I can't tell what version the camera has, since Aperture stripped out most of the metadata (software version in the EXIF, all of the Sony Proprietary maker notes section)

You can get the latest Firmware for use with your Mac here:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/swu-do...&os_group_id=3

BTW, the second and third photos exceeded the max sizes we have set. So, the forums software resized/recompressed them and stripped out their EXIF data.

To prevent the forums software from doing that, just keep the longest side no longer than 1024 pixels and make sure the file size is no larger than 253.9KB. Usually a JPEG quality setting of around 80 (or 8 on a 1 to 10 scale) will also keep the file size within limits if the dimensions are not too large. But, that can vary by image content and the software you're using to resize them (with some software and image content, you need to go a bit lower than 80 for images that are right at the max limit of 1024 pixels on their longest side).

[NewsyL]

LOL! Loved those pics - made me chuckle.

My daughter also plays soccer. Those were the fun years at U5 thru U10. Then it got serious and right now at U16 and the highest level of play it is no fun at all. Constant injuries, adult politics, teenage angst over missing Friday and Saturday night social outings..... and then Sunday rolls in and we get to the field, the sun shines, and for 90 minutes it is just dad behind his camera, biting his tongue, enjoying the moment.

[WCKSer]

A900, how cool is that to have a full frame DSLR! Love those little kids in the pictures!

[lomitamike]

Originally Posted by JimC

You may want to check out the firmware version you're using and upgrade it to Version 2.0 for better AF speed (if you don't already have the latest Firmware), as that may come in handy for capturing any action. Of course, the kids probably aren't moving very fast. But, the upgrades along the way have improved other areas, too.

I can't tell what version the camera has, since Aperture stripped out most of the metadata (software version in the EXIF, all of the Sony Proprietary maker notes section)

You can get the latest Firmware for use with your Mac here:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/swu-do...&os_group_id=3

BTW, the second and third photos exceeded the max sizes we have set. So, the forums software resized/recompressed them and stripped out their EXIF data.

To prevent the forums software from doing that, just keep the longest side no longer than 1024 pixels and make sure the file size is no larger than 253.9KB. Usually a JPEG quality setting of around 80 (or 8 on a 1 to 10 scale) will also keep the file size within limits if the dimensions are not too large. But, that can vary by image content and the software you're using to resize them (with some software and image content, you need to go a bit lower than 80 for images that are right at the max limit of 1024 pixels on their longest side).

Thanks Jim; Version 2.0 installed.
Jpeg scale lowered to 8 on a scale of 12.

[lomitamike]

Thanks NewsyL

We love going to the games. Not serious though. We experienced first hand how adults can ruin the fun for the kids during our LL experience with our boys.

[lomitamike]

Originally Posted by WCKSer

A900, how cool is that to have a full frame DSLR! Love those little kids in the pictures!

Very cool. But there is a learning curve coming from APS. You need to get closer for one.