John Navitsky
Well-known member
And don't forget, Steve's Nikon guides have been out for a fair while and lots of people know about them, recommend them, etc.
My Sony A1 Wildlife Setup Guide Is HERE!
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DaveR
Active member
Then perhaps he should focus on other wildlife photography guides at which he is excellent? Working for 10 months on a guide that doesn't sell well isn't sustainable. I appreciate he spends time learning the system which he has to do to produce a comprehensive guide but that delay seriously impacts sales. I bet it will be a while before he does that again.
Thanks for the feedback everyone. I do appreciate it.
A few things to keep in mind:
First, the a1 guide took a long time for a couple reasons - first, I was new to Sony and there was no way I would put it out there without feeling confident in not only my knowledge of the camera but also how my customizations worked in the field. Second, recall I was hospitalized with COVID in the ICU for a couple weeks - my a1 actually arrived when I was in the ICU. It took a few months before I was anywhere close to well enough to really get out and work with the camera. So, there are some delays that aren't applicable to a Z9 guide. I do tend to agree with Dave - the time it took to get it out may have hurt sales, that is a fair point. Once I was ready to put the guide together, it took about seven weeks, so it's not something that was ten months worth of effort. During that ten months, I was learning the camera while also doing other projects (The BIF book was a big one), workshops, and videos. The truth is, a Z9 guide would likely take about the same or less time.
At the moment, I'm updating the current mirrorless AF book and that should be out within the next four weeks or so if all goes as planned. After that, I have to decide if I should do a Z9 setup guide or not. Although it doesn't take ten months, even seven weeks worth of work for lackluster sales isn't a good use of my time (that, and I really do like writing the wildlife technique guides over the setup / instruction-manual type guides). However, maybe between getting it out faster and a stronger Nikon following the results will be different. My wife certainly thinks I should try it
I think I'll do some sort of survey though just to gauge interest.
Again, I appreciate everyone's thoughts.
A few things to keep in mind:
First, the a1 guide took a long time for a couple reasons - first, I was new to Sony and there was no way I would put it out there without feeling confident in not only my knowledge of the camera but also how my customizations worked in the field. Second, recall I was hospitalized with COVID in the ICU for a couple weeks - my a1 actually arrived when I was in the ICU. It took a few months before I was anywhere close to well enough to really get out and work with the camera. So, there are some delays that aren't applicable to a Z9 guide. I do tend to agree with Dave - the time it took to get it out may have hurt sales, that is a fair point. Once I was ready to put the guide together, it took about seven weeks, so it's not something that was ten months worth of effort. During that ten months, I was learning the camera while also doing other projects (The BIF book was a big one), workshops, and videos. The truth is, a Z9 guide would likely take about the same or less time.
At the moment, I'm updating the current mirrorless AF book and that should be out within the next four weeks or so if all goes as planned. After that, I have to decide if I should do a Z9 setup guide or not. Although it doesn't take ten months, even seven weeks worth of work for lackluster sales isn't a good use of my time (that, and I really do like writing the wildlife technique guides over the setup / instruction-manual type guides). However, maybe between getting it out faster and a stronger Nikon following the results will be different. My wife certainly thinks I should try it
I think I'll do some sort of survey though just to gauge interest. Again, I appreciate everyone's thoughts.
BrianSmall
Well-known member
Steve,Thanks for the feedback everyone. I do appreciate it.
A few things to keep in mind:
First, the a1 guide took a long time for a couple reasons - first, I was new to Sony and there was no way I would put it out there without feeling confident in not only my knowledge of the camera but also how my customizations worked in the field. Second, recall I was hospitalized with COVID in the ICU for a couple weeks - my a1 actually arrived when I was in the ICU. It took a few months before I was anywhere close to well enough to really get out and work with the camera. So, there are some delays that aren't applicable to a Z9 guide. I do tend to agree with Dave - the time it took to get it out may have hurt sales, that is a fair point. Once I was ready to put the guide together, it took about seven weeks, so it's not something that was ten months worth of effort. During that ten months, I was learning the camera while also doing other projects (The BIF book was a big one), workshops, and videos. The truth is, a Z9 guide would likely take about the same or less time.
At the moment, I'm updating the current mirrorless AF book and that should be out within the next four weeks or so if all goes as planned. After that, I have to decide if I should do a Z9 setup guide or not. Although it doesn't take ten months, even seven weeks worth of work for lackluster sales isn't a good use of my time (that, and I really do like writing the wildlife technique guides over the setup / instruction-manual type guides). However, maybe between getting it out faster and a stronger Nikon following the results will be different. My wife certainly thinks I should try it
Again, I appreciate everyone's thoughts.
As an a1 shooter and owner of your guide, I wanted to say I very much appreciate all the hard work you put into it. And I for one would MUCH prefer you take your time getting to know the camera in the field and then creating a proper guide....................rather than trying to slap something together quickly just to maximize sales. It may not have been the best strategy for you, but for users of the a1 and your guide it absolutely was. So thank you!
Howard
Well-known member
Hey Steve, sorry for poor sales but I for one really appreciated and bought the guide, this from an A1 very early user
Purchased the a1 in June last year and got it set up using various youtube videos. It worked quite well. It works a great deal better having read Steve's book, mainly because it gave me an understanding of reasoning behind the settings. I am more than thankful for this book. Also, people are still buying the a1 and still need information on how to set it up. If Steve could somehow get the word out that this book exists, I think sales would improve. Am sure the minute Steve produces a book on Z9, I'm sure people will buy it. There is one thing that limits sales and that is the fact that these are high end cameras, not huge numbers of potential buyers for these cameras. Perhaps a couple of short videos on youtube on the focus system set up or some other feature with the book mentioned would help???
Thanks!
I actually just put out a video on setting up the a1's AF system with that idea in mind
It turned out to be the worst performing video out of the last ten I posted. Sigh. I have a feeling that I may just not have a very big Sony following yet.
And that's OK - it takes time. It took years to get the Nikon following I have, so it's a building process.
I woukd add one last thing. These camera soecific guides are great for those of us who own the specific cameras but as a percentage of people who frequent this site I donThanks for the feedback everyone. I do appreciate it.
A few things to keep in mind:
First, the a1 guide took a long time for a couple reasons - first, I was new to Sony and there was no way I would put it out there without feeling confident in not only my knowledge of the camera but also how my customizations worked in the field. Second, recall I was hospitalized with COVID in the ICU for a couple weeks - my a1 actually arrived when I was in the ICU. It took a few months before I was anywhere close to well enough to really get out and work with the camera. So, there are some delays that aren't applicable to a Z9 guide. I do tend to agree with Dave - the time it took to get it out may have hurt sales, that is a fair point. Once I was ready to put the guide together, it took about seven weeks, so it's not something that was ten months worth of effort. During that ten months, I was learning the camera while also doing other projects (The BIF book was a big one), workshops, and videos. The truth is, a Z9 guide would likely take about the same or less time.
At the moment, I'm updating the current mirrorless AF book and that should be out within the next four weeks or so if all goes as planned. After that, I have to decide if I should do a Z9 setup guide or not. Although it doesn't take ten months, even seven weeks worth of work for lackluster sales isn't a good use of my time (that, and I really do like writing the wildlife technique guides over the setup / instruction-manual type guides). However, maybe between getting it out faster and a stronger Nikon following the results will be different. My wife certainly thinks I should try it
Again, I appreciate everyone's thoughts.
yeah that AF video thread has around 70 responses and your first impressions of the Z9 thread has what, 2k responses? And I’m sure you know this but the value isn’t always quantifiable via views/direct purchases as someone watching the video or purchasing the e-book may well purchase other guides and/or workshops.Thanks!
I actually just put out a video on setting up the a1's AF system with that idea in mind
It turned out to be the worst performing video out of the last ten I posted. Sigh. I have a feeling that I may just not have a very big Sony following yet.
And that's OK - it takes time. It took years to get the Nikon following I have, so it's a building process.
I suppose part of the problem is you're not at this point in time known as a Sony guru. Too bad, because of everything I've looked into, your book was far and away the most informative and even has some humor.Thanks!
I actually just put out a video on setting up the a1's AF system with that idea in mind
It turned out to be the worst performing video out of the last ten I posted. Sigh. I have a feeling that I may just not have a very big Sony following yet.
And that's OK - it takes time. It took years to get the Nikon following I have, so it's a building process.
All very true
Thank youI suppose part of the problem is you're not at this point in time known as a Sony guru. Too bad, because of everything I've looked into, your book was far and away the most informative and even has some humor.
I think it just takes time. I'll keep pluggin' away with Sony and of course keep working with Nikon as well. Just had a pretty sweet evening with the Z9
DaveR
Active member
Well good luck with whatever direction you choose Steve. I must confess I had forgotten about your brush with Covid and I hope my comments were not too harsh viewed in the light of that but I stand by the basic point I made.
On a Z9 guide you are already ahead of the curve with your in depth knowledge and experience of the Nikon system and you do have a large Nikon user following which as you rightly say has taken time to build up. Hopefully you can continue to build on that.
Right now there isn't a word on your Youtube channel about the Z9. I was hoping for a first impressions video at least. I guess you were somewhat sidelined with the Sony guides. Time to get with that Z9 Steve and build up a head of steam!
I write this with my Z9 on a table a few feet away. I'm thirsty for your insights and thoughts on what is a truly innovative camera and there must be more out there like me and the numbers are growing rapidly. I think you know what direction you should be taking
On a Z9 guide you are already ahead of the curve with your in depth knowledge and experience of the Nikon system and you do have a large Nikon user following which as you rightly say has taken time to build up. Hopefully you can continue to build on that.
Right now there isn't a word on your Youtube channel about the Z9. I was hoping for a first impressions video at least. I guess you were somewhat sidelined with the Sony guides. Time to get with that Z9 Steve and build up a head of steam!
I write this with my Z9 on a table a few feet away. I'm thirsty for your insights and thoughts on what is a truly innovative camera and there must be more out there like me and the numbers are growing rapidly. I think you know what direction you should be taking
Steve. From what i have seen this forum has more Nikon shooters & less of Sony & Canon shooters. Hence you may like to see how to get more Canon & Sony shooters into the forum.
I also feel that you should have a FB page in your own name instead of BCG . I would also recommend you join few of Sony & Canon FB pages to increase your visibility.
May be you could also plan for a book on Mirrorless cameras to include Sony, Nikon & Canon cameras & lenses. You ate best qualified to do the job.
Finally while I had bought A1 set up guides from other authors too i find yours to be the best
I also feel that you should have a FB page in your own name instead of BCG . I would also recommend you join few of Sony & Canon FB pages to increase your visibility.
May be you could also plan for a book on Mirrorless cameras to include Sony, Nikon & Canon cameras & lenses. You ate best qualified to do the job.
Finally while I had bought A1 set up guides from other authors too i find yours to be the best
FB101
Well-known member
Thank you
I think it just takes time. I'll keep pluggin' away with Sony and of course keep working with Nikon as well. Just had a pretty sweet evening with the Z9
‘Look at this first guide as an investment. It seems Sony’s interface has matured so you are likely already 90%+ done for the A9iii and A1ii releases
Well good luck with whatever direction you choose Steve. I must confess I had forgotten about your brush with Covid and I hope my comments were not too harsh viewed in the light of that but I stand by the basic point I made.
On a Z9 guide you are already ahead of the curve with your in depth knowledge and experience of the Nikon system and you do have a large Nikon user following which as you rightly say has taken time to build up. Hopefully you can continue to build on that.
Right now there isn't a word on your Youtube channel about the Z9. I was hoping for a first impressions video at least. I guess you were somewhat sidelined with the Sony guides. Time to get with that Z9 Steve and build up a head of steam!
I write this with my Z9 on a table a few feet away. I'm thirsty for your insights and thoughts on what is a truly innovative camera and there must be more out there like me and the numbers are growing rapidly. I think you know what direction you should be taking
You're 100% correct - the a1 guide put me a little behind for the Z9. Right now, my priority is updating the mirrorless AF book of the Z9 and that's already in-progress. After that, I may do the Z9 guide. I probably won't have a review out for a little bit yet. I need more time and pics.
I usually don't do first impressions reviews, as my views and insights often change as I use the camera. There are tons of people who do quick fast reviews with limited or outright bad info for any given camera. I like to stick to reliable, field tested stuff
So, it does take longer. Hopefully I'll have the mirrorless AF book updated in the next few weeks - it's coming along pretty well.
FB just never has worked well for me. They used to be better, but now when I post they'll only show my info to a small percentage of my followers and then ask for money if I want to show it to more. As for participating in FB groups, it's too time consuming and I already have a very full plate. Additionally, finding ways to mention my own book is too self-serving in that environment and never works well (just look at people who try to post ads here). It's far better for me to put out Sony info on YT or as articles on my site and let other people do the recommending. The results are WAY better. I think the bottom line is that it takes time and I'm not a patient guy
Very true and that is something I have thought about. This may have been a seven week project, but the next edition may only take a few weeks to adjust.‘Look at this first guide as an investment. It seems Sony’s interface has matured so you are likely already 90%+ done for the A9iii and A1ii releases
FB101
Well-known member
FB just never has worked well for me. They used to be better, but now when I post they'll only show my info to a small percentage of my followers and then ask for money if I want to show it to more. As for participating in FB groups, it's too time consuming and I already have a very full plate. Additionally, finding ways to mention my own book is too self-serving in that environment and never works well (just look at people who try to post ads here). It's far better for me to put out Sony info on YT or as articles on my site and let other people do the recommending. The results are WAY better. I think the bottom line is that it takes time and I'm not a patient guy
I don't know if you can comment but one of the striking things to me watching the photography "influencer and educator" world (emphasis on the latter) is how little collaboration there is between leading figures. As an example, you sell educational books for Nikon and Sony users and workshops abroad while Steve Mattheis and Mark Smith sell photo books and workshops in the US mostly for Nikon and Sony users.... cross selling would seem like a no-brainer and yet nobody does it.
Is the industry so cut-throat or is it just that successful wildlife photographers are mostly solitary figures and don't think about working together?
Anyway, it's just an observation that has puzzled me for the past couple years.
Probably just too much overlap. Mark Smith and I have setup guides for the a1 for instance, and although Mark seems like a great guy, I'd kinda prefer people purchased my stuff
. And, with the exception of the a1 guide, my other books have been outstanding sellers. As for workshops, I don't know about those guys, but I have far more interest than I have space in my workshops - I could probably run a couple workshops a month for the next year and still have a backlog
So, cross referrals wouldn't mean much to me (and I think they are probably in the same boat). In the end, I don't think we really much think about it - too many other irons in the fire
arcticfocus
Member
Steve, I think another limitation to a larger audience is it’s labeled as an a1 setup guide. Your Nikon guides are label as “Secrets to the Nikon autofocus system” or “Secrets to the Nikon exposure and metering system” with a list of applicable cameras. With the a7 IV (to a much lesser degree, the a7S III) and with more cameras coming like the a7R V and likely a9 III, that has/will have the same menu, processor, etc. I think you could label it “Secrets to the Sony autofocus system for wildlife/action”. I think you might be surprised at how many use their base a7’s or a7R’s for action. Not all can afford an a1 class of camera.
That said, just like your “Secrets to stunning wildlife photography” and Secrets to stunning bird in flight photography”, I purchased your a1 setup guide and think it’s great.
That said, just like your “Secrets to stunning wildlife photography” and Secrets to stunning bird in flight photography”, I purchased your a1 setup guide and think it’s great.
bwheeler
Member
I got my A1 in August and purchased other guides to help with setup. I found it very advantageous to have Steve's A1 guide come out later, after he had sufficient field experience to know what to suggest and after I had several months of practice with the camera to help me understand exactly why his choices make sense. Having initial experience in place made it easier to work through Steve's book and take notes in a spreadsheet to keep track of my decisions for the hundreds of menu choices and customization settings. This extra burst of study led me to an entirely new level of functionality in the field. Despite being a "setup" guide, initial users are not the only target readership. Of course, with the A1 being at the higher end of the cost scale, the ownership population for the A1 is smaller than the ownership population for all models of Nikon auto-focus (which may affect sales expectations).
@Steve quick question. I’ve finally getting around to going through the guide page by page with both a1’s and I’ve noticed my menu pages don’t synch with yours. Any idea why?
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FB101
Well-known member
Do you have multiple pages set up under “my pages”? It shifts everything by 1 for each extra page you created.
That must be it! I do have a few as I set some just for Astro for example.
Yup, the book is designed with the idea of using just one My Menu page.
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