Update: The Ultimate Sony A1 Setup Guide For Wildlife Photography

[Steve]

Great news! I've just updated my e-book, The Ultimate Sony A1 Setup Guide For Wildlife Photography!

This free update is primarily to fix a few typos, but I also added an extra section for shutter release AF shooters with a couple of new customizations I think you'll really like (pages 235-237).

You can access the updated book at the link below. Just replace your current copy with this one (the update is free).

https://bcgwebstore.com/my-account/

Also, if you're a Sony a1 shooter and haven't tried this book yet, what are you waiting for? You're missing out on TONS of great info that will help you get the most from your a1 for wildlife photography!

Click here for more info.

 

[LTK]

Thanks for the update Steve definitely going to try that new customisation , I normally use no tracking half shutter press and tracking+ AF-ON set to AF-ON button

 

[Running Blue Fox]

I have purchased V1.1.0 and found it to be an excellent and well explained guide. I shoot 'metal' birds ie: aircraft and unhappy with my settings on the A1 (had the camera just under a year) and also unhappy the low number of keepers thee settings were giving. I have now modified those settings using some your button customisations, which have improved my understanding of the A1'a capabilities. Whilst photographing around airports, I observe much bird wildlife in the adjacent fields - raptors etc. My mode 3 dial is now set for birds!

One little hiccup, I have the Control Wheel buttons set-up as per your guide V1.1.0 on pages 240-242. When I select Bird as a the subject on the centre button, the Switch Right/Left Eye on the Right Control Button will not operate. It works OK when HUMAN or Animal is selected. Have doubled checked the settings from scratch several times, I even reset the camera to factory settings to make sure there were no clashes with my previous setups. My A1 firmware is at 1.3.0. Any guidance or pointers please?

 

[Steve]

I have purchased V1.1.0 and found it to be an excellent and well explained guide. I shoot 'metal' birds ie: aircraft and unhappy with my settings on the A1 (had the camera just under a year) and also unhappy the low number of keepers thee settings were giving. I have now modified those settings using some your button customisations, which have improved my understanding of the A1'a capabilities. Whilst photographing around airports, I observe much bird wildlife in the adjacent fields - raptors etc. My mode 3 dial is now set for birds!

One little hiccup, I have the Control Wheel buttons set-up as per your guide V1.1.0 on pages 240-242. When I select Bird as a the subject on the centre button, the Switch Right/Left Eye on the Right Control Button will not operate. It works OK when HUMAN or Animal is selected. Have doubled checked the settings from scratch several times, I even reset the camera to factory settings to make sure there were no clashes with my previous setups. My A1 firmware is at 1.3.0. Any guidance or pointers please?

I don't believe the camera supports switching eyes in bird eye detection, only animal and human. Not sure why they have it like that, maybe due to the typical shape of the head or the fact that most of the time you only see one eye at a time.

 

[Running Blue Fox]

Thanks for prompt reply. I was beginning to think that was the case.

Went on a bird shoot this afternoon along the coast where I live (Bournemouth - Southern England). My keeper rate has increased by over 50% or more with your settings. Have yet to process them, but scanning the results in-camera shows a remarkable increase in quality and clarity.

During tracking, I could see the focus jumping from eye to eye depending which one was nearest to the camera.

Glad I purchased the $20+ guide, worth every penny (I mean cent!).

 

[Venkatesh VT]

Thx Steve. I am in Masai Mara & just shot a Cheetah chasing a prey at full speed ( though unsuccessful)
I could track & shoot the Cheetah only due to my reading of your book & following the settings recommended by you