Playback, zoom in/out, view info, & deletion shortcuts

[carbon]

After simultaneously renting a Z9, A1, and R3 for 4.5 days last week for some head-to-head workouts, I’m looking for ideas on how to make playing back and then deleting images on these particular cameras faster & more efficient.

This might help me decide which setup I eventually buy.

For example, after snapping a pic I tend to want to…

1. View it
2. Zoom in and pan around on it
3. Zoom out
4. View image info (and then sometimes hide the info)
5. Perhaps delete the pic

…ideally all with one hand like I do with my 1dx III. Minimal button jumping is the name of the game here.

I have this process down pat on my 1dx III, but I figured this could be a thread where people share their mirrorless on-camera-playback workflow. See this post later in this thread for some explanation why I am interested in this subject.

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(I know some people do not delete on-camera. Sorry friends, I am a deleter! And heck, if you want to share your DSLR workflows, that’s ok too. I’ll share my 1dx III version if people want to see it.)

 

[dabhand16]

I always thought that deleting images in camera can affect the memory card adversely. Plenty of stuff on the web about it, but this one is by an ex-director at Lexar:

Why you should not delete images on your memory card using your camera - and other memory card tips!

Jeff Cable Photography, Memory Cards, Best practice, Proper care, How to take care, Format, FAT table, Lexar, Image Rescue, Image Recovery

blog.jeffcable.com

 

[carbon]

I always thought that deleting images in camera can affect the memory card adversely. Plenty of stuff on the web about it, but this one is by an ex-director at Lexar:

Why you should not delete images on your memory card using your camera - and other memory card tips!

Jeff Cable Photography, Memory Cards, Best practice, Proper care, How to take care, Format, FAT table, Lexar, Image Rescue, Image Recovery

blog.jeffcable.com

Yeah, I know. But still, it was an interesting read.

Gettin’ back on topic…

 

[bleirer]

I know the Canon system allows you to customize the erase operation. I imagine other brands do also. I personally don't cull in the field. . To small of screen and these days it's more about picking keepers from similar repeats than deleting non keepers.

Quote from R3 manual:

You can set which option is selected by default in the erase menu (), which is accessed by pressing the Erase button during image playback or during review after shooting.

By setting an option other than [Cancel], you can simply press SET to erase images quickly.

Cancel: [Cancel] selected
Erase: [Erase] selected
RAW: [EraseRAW] selected
J/H: [Erase non-RAW] selected
Erase voice memo: [Erase voice memo] selected

 

[Rassie]

On my Z8 (Z9 probably works the same), when I review my images in-camera, I hit the Lock button if I want to keep a particular image.
Afterwards, in the menu, I select to delete all images. The camera will then delete all those that were not locked.

 

[carbon]

Here’s what I wound up with on the A1 I rented:

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I feel there’s too many disparate buttons needed here, but it’s better than the default setup (for me).

I cannot seem to assign play or delete to any other button. With delete, especially, it’s be nice to assign a button that my right index finger can reach.

IIRC with my time with the rental, after zooming to my pre-set magnification, I was forced to zoom out by turning the back dial. I don’t believe I could just instantly see the whole image by pressing a button? Correct me if I’m wrong.

So, if I remembered the above correctly, it would be nice to insta-zoom in/out with just the center dial button.

I did change the delete button behavior to delete like the Nikon allows, which is a double-press deletes the image.

Edit: Btw there is this Sony page explaining a different way to quickly view images by using the back “AF on” button. However, that would seem to only leave the shutter button for AF?

 

[carbon]

I should explain that I don’t cull when shooting wildlife; there’s way too many images!

I tend to do this when shooting a moderate amount, like family events or still life sort of shots.

But setting aside deletion, a quicker way to view and zoom in/out images would be handy for all the camera I tested.

 

[carbon]

Here is my workflow for the 1Dx III. It’s all done super fast with one hand, which is great if you have a heavy or otherwise unwieldy lens taking up your left hand.

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Steps 1, 2, & 2.5 are on the above pic, with steps 3 & 4 below, finally followed by step 5 above.

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Even if you never delete in-camera, I’d still love to hear from you guys on how you view your images in the field using custom button functions.

 

[carbon]

Here’s the setup I had for the Z9. The biggest flaws, for me, are needing the left hand to delete and having separate fine zoom controls (vs. a dial).

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You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.

 

[carbon]

Ok, I revised my little dumb schematics above for all three cameras a bunch to more accurately explain my process. I’d love feedback on how others do this (prob minus the delete step if I know my audience!).

I do detect a distinct lack of enthusiasm around this topic lol! But that’s ok.

How about you, @Steve ?

 

[bleirer]

I think folks here just don't do that much reviewing in the field.

 

[carbon]

I think folks here just don't do that much reviewing in the field.

Yeah, I don’t either. But when I shoot family stuff, events, or even testing stuff I review quite a bit.

 

[Roy]

After simultaneously renting a Z9, A1, and R3 for 4.5 days last week for some head-to-head workouts, I’m looking for ideas on how to make playing back and then deleting images on these particular cameras faster & more efficient.

This might help me decide which setup I eventually buy.

For example, after snapping a pic I tend to want to…

1. View it
2. Zoom in and pan around on it
3. Zoom out
4. View image info (and then sometimes hide the info)
5. Perhaps delete the pic

…ideally all with one hand like I do with my 1dx III. Minimal button jumping is the name of the game here.

I have this process down pat on my 1dx III, but I figured this could be a thread where people share their mirrorless on-camera-playback workflow. See this post later in this thread for some explanation why I am interested in this subject.

---

(I know some people do not delete on-camera. Sorry friends, I am a deleter! And heck, if you want to share your DSLR workflows, that’s ok too. I’ll share my 1dx III version if people want to see it.)

In the past deleting individual files risked corruption..

 

[carbon]

In the past deleting individual files risked corruption..

I know man, I know. Never has happened to me; I write to both cards anyway and only delete off of one. And I only delete on non-important outings.

Forget deletion. I wish someone had some interesting button mods (other than mine) for quicker straight up viewing the image. Especially on Nikon and Sony bodies, as those are the two that captured my interest the most.

For example, on the Sony it would be awesome to review the image in the viewfinder/back screen by simply pressing the center of the back dial. Then press again to insta-zoom in/out to pre-chosen magnification level. What Sony did right is to have the rear dial control fine zoom in/out.

Instead you have to jump between three different controls (with no insta-zoom out to full image). Gets old.

If Nikon used a rear dial + d-pad like Sony’s for fine zoom in/out, they’d have a great setup.

I was hoping I had missed some fantastic option buried in the menus.

 

[David Berry]

1. View it.
2. Zoom in and pan around on it.
3. Zoom out.
4. View image info (and then sometimes hide the info).
5. Perhaps delete.

Carbon, I can confirm that what you want is easily accomplished on Canon’s top cameras. There’ll be minimal interruption to your workflow.

My experience is based on use of the R5 (mk1 & mk2); and I have just done what you listed in your numbered points — straightforward!

… David

 

[carbon]

Carbon, I can confirm that what you want is easily accomplished on Canon’s top cameras. There’ll be minimal interruption to your workflow.

My experience is based on use of the R5 (mk1 & mk2); and I have just done what you listed in your numbered points — straightforward!

… David

Thanks for the confirmation. Did you like the workflow?

It’s a pity I’m more interested in Nikon and Sony!

Sony for its 50mp, fantastic viewfinder, small size, AF, and mind-blowing GM 50mm 1.2. And Nikon for its 45mp, awesome wildlife super-teles (esp 800pf), seemingly superior indoor AWB, and comfortable body. Also, of the three, I loved Sony’s SOOC b/w jpg image quality the most.

SOOC??? I know, I know, but I can’t even open any of these cam’s raw files on my ancient Mac. I have to upgrade that too. But to be honest, for family pics, I want no futzing with raw anyways. So it was nice to get b/w jpgs perfect in-camera out of the A1 (I prefer b/w shooting…old Leica film rangefinder user here).

Raw (and color) for most wildlife, of course.

I did manage to get the R3 I had rented with the others pretty close to my 1dx III as far as my playback criteria went. However, I couldn’t get the index finger dial to fine zoom in/out for some reason.

What I didn't like about the R3 was the RF 50mm 1.2, mere 24mp, and frankly, it felt a little creaky? The body was light and svelte, but maybe it was just rented out a lot?

Also, when shooting vertical, I found that the rear dial was further from my thumb than on the 1dx III, which was frustrating. I wear medium to large gloves, depending on the model of glove.

To be fair, I didn’t have the vertical grips for the Sony, so no comment on its vertical shooting comfort. The Z9’s vertical grip experience was awesome.

As far as the R5/II, it doesn’t really interest me as Canon’s lens lineup just sorta leaves me cold and how dare they leave off that fabulous thumb optical scroller!

It’s too bad because vs the D6, to me the Canon’s 1dx III was largely ergonomically superior.

I’ll probably wind up with an A1+50mm 1.2 and a Z8+800pf, as Nikon’s 50 1.2 is comically gigantic…so big and heavy that I dismissed it out of hand. Its size/heft reminded me of the beautiful old Nikon 180mm 2.8 AIS.

Nikon’s 50 1.8 S is nice (I rented that one) but it can’t compete with the beforementioned Sony. To me, anyways. I should probably rent the Nikon 50 1.4 before making a move.

So, I might go dual brand unless that Sony 50 1.2 can be perfectly adapted to the Nikon…or Sony comes out with a lens like the 800pf. The A1’s grip was sorta uncomfortable so I trust the A1 2 fixes that.

First world problems lol

 

[rgbiv]

I don't review in the field...the screen is too small, and invariably I miss something by not paying attention to what is going with potential subjects.

 

[Webbie!]

On my Z8 and Z63 I have the sub-dial set to Skip to first shot in series, and the main dial set to Skip to next photo. Fn1 button is zoom 100% and Fn2 button is Start series playback. Video record button is protect photo.

With this I can quickly review in the field (don’t often do in wildlife situations, but do in action/sports scenarios), protect the images I want to keep. This also makes it easy to perform a filtered playback with the protected images. When I feel comfortable doing so, I use the delete all, or delete Pictures shot on selected dates In the playback menu

I format my CF & SD cards on a regular basis when I’m at home or about to start a new shoot. I’ve never had an issue with the CF cards in the Z8 or Z63. I’d be interested to know if anyone has had file issues with CF cards with the latest generation of mirrorless cameras.

 

[carbon]

On my Z8 and Z63 I have the sub-dial set to Skip to first shot in series, and the main dial set to Skip to next photo. Fn1 button is zoom 100% and Fn2 button is Start series playback. Video record button is protect photo.

With this I can quickly review in the field (don’t often do in wildlife situations, but do in action/sports scenarios), protect the images I want to keep. This also makes it easy to perform a filtered playback with the protected images. When I feel comfortable doing so, I use the delete all, or delete Pictures shot on selected dates In the playback menu

I format my CF & SD cards on a regular basis when I’m at home or about to start a new shoot. I’ve never had an issue with the CF cards in the Z8 or Z63. I’d be interested to know if anyone has had file issues with CF cards with the latest generation of mirrorless cameras.

Interesting ideas there! Thanks! If I buy a Z8/Z9 I’ll have to try that.

I too format my cards regularly (CF, SD, or CFE B). In my case each time I dump images off of them. I format in camera.

 

[bleirer]

Thanks for the confirmation. Did you like the workflow?

It’s a pity I’m more interested in Nikon and Sony!

Sony for its 50mp, fantastic viewfinder, small size, AF, and mind-blowing GM 50mm 1.2. And Nikon for its 45mp, awesome wildlife super-teles (esp 800pf), seemingly superior indoor AWB, and comfortable body. Also, of the three, I loved Sony’s SOOC b/w jpg image quality the most.

SOOC??? I know, I know, but I can’t even open any of these cam’s raw files on my ancient Mac. I have to upgrade that too. But to be honest, for family pics, I want no futzing with raw anyways. So it was nice to get b/w jpgs perfect in-camera out of the A1 (I prefer b/w shooting…old Leica film rangefinder user here).

Raw (and color) for most wildlife, of course.

I did manage to get the R3 I had rented with the others pretty close to my 1dx III as far as my playback criteria went. However, I couldn’t get the index finger dial to fine zoom in/out for some reason.

What I didn't like about the R3 was the RF 50mm 1.2, mere 24mp, and frankly, it felt a little creaky? The body was light and svelte, but maybe it was just rented out a lot?

Also, when shooting vertical, I found that the rear dial was further from my thumb than on the 1dx III, which was frustrating. I wear medium to large gloves, depending on the model of glove.

To be fair, I didn’t have the vertical grips for the Sony, so no comment on its vertical shooting comfort. The Z9’s vertical grip experience was awesome.

As far as the R5/II, it doesn’t really interest me as Canon’s lens lineup just sorta leaves me cold and how dare they leave off that fabulous thumb optical scroller!

It’s too bad because vs the D6, to me the Canon’s 1dx III was largely ergonomically superior.

I’ll probably wind up with an A1+50mm 1.2 and a Z8+800pf, as Nikon’s 50 1.2 is comically gigantic…so big and heavy that I dismissed it out of hand. Its size/heft reminded me of the beautiful old Nikon 180mm 2.8 AIS.

Nikon’s 50 1.8 S is nice (I rented that one) but it can’t compete with the beforementioned Sony. To me, anyways. I should probably rent the Nikon 50 1.4 before making a move.

So, I might go dual brand unless that Sony 50 1.2 can be perfectly adapted to the Nikon…or Sony comes out with a lens like the 800pf. The A1’s grip was sorta uncomfortable so I trust the A1 2 fixes that.

First world problems lol

What is the thumb optical scroller?

 

[carbon]

What is the thumb optical scroller?

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Here’s an R3. See either AF-ON buttons? Notice the little round dark “window” in their centers?

They work like this: take a computer mouse and flip it over. If you move your thumb past its optical scanner lens, you’ll see the mouse cursor move on your LCD computer screen.

So too in the top-end Canons (not R5/II); when shooting you can move the AF point quickly with this setup. You can turn it off too. It takes some practice…I’ve had to turn the sensitivity way down.

In playback, you can very quickly scroll around your magnified image. It’s pretty sweet.

I must admit I did not try Canon’s eye-control setup. Perhaps it works during magnified playback as well?