Sony A1 Review For Wildlife Photographers

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Күн бұрын

My a1 setup guide is now available!
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If you're a wildlife photographer thinking about adding a Sony a1 to your bag, this video is jam-packed with everything you need to know! I've spent the last FIVE MONTHS shooting the a1 in the United States, Costa Rica, and Botswana, Africa. I've photographed an incredible variety of wildlife under all kinds of conditions and put the camera through its paces - and you'll see nearly 80 of those images in this review!
In this video, we'll discuss everything you need to know about the ergonomics, customization options, ruggedness, field functionality, frame rate options, ISO, color, shadow response, buffer, handling, menus, sensor performance, and of course, all aspects of the autofocus system (tracking, eye AF etc.). Strap in! This is the one you've been waiting for!
//////// helpful links
Link to blog post for this video at my site:
coming soon
Link to cropping / ISO video:
• Does Cropping = More N...
Link to M + Auto ISO Video:
• Manual Mode With Auto ISO
Bird-in-flight book:
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Пікірлер: 448

@longrider9551 2 жыл бұрын

Anyone else with a KZfaq channel that compares equipment, watch this man and see how it is done, what is important and what is not, most of these modern cameras are so good for IQ the arguments are silly, your a gem Steve

@JeffGeerling 2 жыл бұрын

9:18 - heh, this is why I love your channel. "5 months isn't a long term trial" So many other 'Tubers just use it for a week and they'd consider two weeks to be eons.

@backcountrygallery 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks :) Yeah, it drives me nuts when someone rents a camera for a couple days and then does a "review" - sorry, no way to really "know" the camera in that amount of time.

@SanoyNimbus 2 жыл бұрын

It's to bad that new cameras come too often. I hope the race between Canon, Nikon and Sony will continue with a much slower pace (after the R3 (or R1) and Z9) ... so that when doing a long term review the camera is not obsolete (or surpassed by a successor) ...

@backcountrygallery 2 жыл бұрын

@@SanoyNimbus You and me both...

@neerajr3134 2 жыл бұрын

The best review out there by far. And the photos were an absolute pleasure to look at, they made watching the review much more enjoyable

@neeraj_clips 2 жыл бұрын

What a fantastic review backed up with outstanding images. More so, coming after 60000 images taken on the wild. Steve - you are the best and thanks much for putting this together. Every word in this is like pearl of wisdom. I recently purchased my A1 and will look forward to getting the set up guide from, especially someone who is an authority in Wildlife photography. Thanks again

@jeyaramya 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve for comprehensive review of A1. This just came in at perfect time for me. I just ordered my A1. I would love to see a tutorial on camera settings for wildlife.

@deborahmacewen8894 2 жыл бұрын

I've had my A1 for 5 months now & was still struggling with all the settings, this video helped me immensely & a set-up guide would take me to the next level of understanding. Thank You!!!!!

@andylewis8270 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve!! YES to an A1 set up video or ebook!! Wonderful video and awesome photography!!

@seantomlinson3320 2 жыл бұрын

Unlike other photographers I simply run from when they start talking Sony, your terrific history of standout wildlife photography and gear reviews from that perspective mean I watched every second of this long, excellent, video. Thank you for your work! Someday I hope to join you in Costa Rica!

@luciegagnon1238 Жыл бұрын

A fantastic review, Steve. Very detailed and comprehensive. And the pictures are superb! Thank you for taking the time to do this review.

@subman6515 2 жыл бұрын

Some of the best work i have ever seen, great work Steve - inspirational stuff

@albert3316 2 жыл бұрын

Mind blowing review as usual, seasoned with absolutely incredible pictures. Thanks for your work Steve, as usual it’s not in ly budget but it’s a pleasure to see your pictures and dream about this incredible piece of gear!

@sarahmadaio6262 2 жыл бұрын

I have dabbled with listening to your videos but last night I sat down with my alpha 1 and really really listened to your advice and made some changes- I bought Alpha 1 instruction book which I haven’t opened yet- but WOW- today these changes were a game changer while I was shooting Roseate Spoonbills in Fellsmere FL- Thank you Steve!!!!

@TonyTarantula 2 жыл бұрын

This is one of the GREATEST photography videos I have EVER seen. My jaw DROPPED as Steve showed us CLASSIC after classic. I don't usually type in capitals, but I felt very strongly after watching this incredible review and compilation. I really appreciate the clear demonstration and sharing.

@SachinSawe 2 жыл бұрын

Outstanding review! Thanks for taking all the time to make one. Your videos are really nicely made, Your knowledge and your ability to explain things is amazing!!

@MrGlongstaff Жыл бұрын

outstanding coverage without bias.....been toying between R5, R3 and A1 and this is leading me towards the A1

@rovleculina8237 2 жыл бұрын

Such a great review Steve, informative, backed by incredibly high quality imagery and diving into all the important practical aspects. Thank you for putting in the effort and time to produce this, it's much appreciated. I especially like how you tested dynamic range with higher ISO values, everybody tests dynamic range at base ISO which is of almost no use to wildlife photographers, I regularly shoot above 3200, especially when I'm shooting small fast moving subjects under a dense canopy with terrible light so this information is highly appreciated. Awesome work!

@bmkq2007 2 жыл бұрын

You are best for years to me, when it comes to camera reviews or wild life/Sport photography teaching Steve. Can't wait to see you testing the Z9 as a Nikon user. I am so optimistic about the Z9 AF system for video and figured if they managed to implement an even improved AF system than the previous version, it would theoretically work for video too, instead of switching systems and sell most of my Nikon glass. Taking notes from a real wildlife photographer is the best there is in this modern youtube review era. Thanks Steve for the comprehensive review

@Parthamitra2264 2 жыл бұрын

same here eagerly waiting for the z9 review.

2 жыл бұрын

Just amazing work given any brand I find your reviews really credible for real and non click bait kinda way. Thanks a lot!

@dondubin1718 2 жыл бұрын

Steve, as always THANK YOU. Yes I would definitely be interested in a Steve P. how I set up and use all of the functions and customization of the A1.

@alexcaparros 2 жыл бұрын

Superb video Steve, I'm so thankful for this. Unbiased, straight to the useful infos and from a real photographer's perspective.

@michaelsurratt9593 2 жыл бұрын

Good job! I’m glad to see others willing to shooting multiple systems.

@happy1wandering 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing review Steve! I totally agree with you. A1 is one hell of a beast! Absolutely love all your videos, subscribed and bought your book!! Please please make a video guide about setting up the A1!

@doderiolarkisso4038 2 жыл бұрын

Wohoo been waiting for this one..not that i could ever afford it, but your reviews are so in depth that they're always interesting to watch.

@elpres1979 2 жыл бұрын

Steve - many thanks for yet another great, professional video. To respond to your inquiry in the video, I would love to see a video on your settings for the a1. Thanks, again!

@mkaplan519 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely interested in an A1 Setup guide, please... :)

@SwanandRides 2 жыл бұрын

you sir are in my opinion the best wildlife photographer out there.. absolutely stunning.. being a d500 user, I started following you 3 years back..absolutely amazing to watch these videos

@DarrellYoung 2 жыл бұрын

Great job, Steve. I enjoyed every minute of your video. I also love how fast you talk, getting the point made quickly. You have a new subscriber. I look forward to your future videos.

@tacananda 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, your review, tips & ideas always help me a lot

@RonK Жыл бұрын

excellent video, thanks a lot - and stunning images !!!! All are great photos, but additionally, some of the black & white conversions are just amazing work, too

@robertgouldphotography 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Steve This is the best video on wildlife I have ever seen. Absolutely outstanding!! Bravo. Thank you for a real analysis!! Bob

@travelsphotographywithmike6812 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate all the expert reviews and tips, Steve!! Thank you.

@rogersmith4308 2 жыл бұрын

This is a great review for the A1, clear and well set out. Appreciate it

@camaxide 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing review Steve. Keep up the good work :)

@bensaunders616 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review. Hit all the questions I had. Thanks for doing this.

@janetogren287 2 жыл бұрын

Incredible review emcommassing real word information that we really need of this incredible camera. Thanks soooo much!

@Marco_Wildlife 2 жыл бұрын

Man, those pictures are gorgeous. Congratulations.

@kevinlohman707 2 жыл бұрын

Steve, thanks for sharing this review. I’ve also been using the A1 for a while now. I would love to see your setup guide.

@cidron3843 2 жыл бұрын

Greetings from Thailand. Wow, this is the most informed A1 review on Utube- thanks!

@patrickwhalen5502 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Recently purchased an A1. Love using it. Be fantastic for an A1 setup video. Thanks again for all your great videos.

@JohanSchmidt 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent as always - concise and useful practical info

@aamassy 2 жыл бұрын

An A1 setup guide would be golden! Great review

@maurosegurah 27 күн бұрын

Fantastic review. One of the best I hv seen.

@stevewurz5856 2 жыл бұрын

Wow, outstanding photos and honest review of the A1. Since you did a review might as well do a set up guide! I am sure we would all benefit greatly from it. Looking forward to it!

@RobertVP 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Steve. Yes, a Set Up guide would be very much appreciated!

@backcountrygallery 2 жыл бұрын

My Sony a1 wildlife photography setup guide is now available! All of my menu, button, and dial customizations for wildlife work as well as how and why I use them in the field. Check it out: bcgwebstore.com/product/the-ultimate-sony-a1-setup-guide-for-wildlife-photography/

@meneerhalfwerk7096 2 жыл бұрын

Did you record with 2 mics?

@gaildemonet8856 2 жыл бұрын

I just bought the Sony A1 and your video helped me quite a bit. I can't wait for your settings, AFC video, and whatever Sony video you make. I have forwarded your video to a couple of friends who are waiting for their A1!!! Thank you...Gail

@spangari 2 жыл бұрын

shared with my buddies

@backcountrygallery 2 жыл бұрын

@@spangari Really appreciate it :) Thank you!!

@g-fotode 2 жыл бұрын

I shared your outstanding review in a Sony Forum and I guess people will enjoy it too! Really nice work which I am willing to support. In opposite to a lot of these usual clickbaiters here on YT.

@johndoe-nh9sh 2 жыл бұрын

Great images and video Steve, agree with your points on the a1, really enjoying using mine (mainly with 600GM).

@barrybarfield2397 2 жыл бұрын

Would love to see a setup guide. I have followed several guides for my A1 and have ended up with something that suits me - so far. Little tricks can make a huge difference so would be happy to see Steve's.

@clementstevens 2 жыл бұрын

Great video Steve. I would love to see you do a video on your settings. I would also love to hear you speak about high ISO images. I see some of your images range pretty high on the ISO scale. My experience is that when I shoot high iso I have excessive noise issues.

@Bringisen 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this Great video. I will love to see a set up guide from you🙏

@BenjaminSmail 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the nice video Steve. My A1 is coming this week!!

@Thom_S 2 жыл бұрын

Great review Steve with clear, concise conclusions and examples. Would love to see a setup video for the a1, or a summary of the settings on your website.

@longrider9551 2 жыл бұрын

Steve you make me proud to be part of the wildlife photography community. I have been watching for years, even though I didn't shoot Nikon. I also think more than other genres of photography, wildlife shooters than to be more about the image and could care less about the camera brand. When I meet other wildlife shooters in the woods they are always affable and although we love talking about gear we never judge each other for our personal choice ✌

@backcountrygallery 2 жыл бұрын

That's largely been my experience as well. Wildlife shooters are a good group :)

@mks0 Жыл бұрын

so true!

@willfulford9611 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this great review. As you did ask, just letting you know that I would love to see a settings video for the A1. Keep up the amazing work and I love the infectious enthusiasm!

@briansmall3090 2 жыл бұрын

Great work as always Steve. YES YES YES I'm absolutely interested in you doing an a1 set up guide please. 😃

@tdsmith 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review! Thank you.

@emilvacek610 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent video Steve!!!

@mikehunt5626 2 жыл бұрын

Brilliant Steve thanks heaps mate. YES to a setup video Please, I am struggling with the new menu system. Sold my R4 due to issues with my 200-600G and that was an expensive lesson learned.

@gordonnorman8259 2 жыл бұрын

Steve: Terrific real-world review of what we both agree is the best on the market (today) for wildlife photography - well done!

@jerseymountainbiker 2 жыл бұрын

Great review Steve. I certainly would love to see an A1 set up video.

@KenLimPhotography 2 жыл бұрын

Always enjoy your videos, they have always been informative. I'd be interested in your A1 settings and if there is a 'denotable' PDF, I'm all in! Thanks for sharing your time and insight

@BethSargent 2 жыл бұрын

YES...PLEASE for SET-UP GUIDE. Excellent, Top notch review. Thank You Very Much.

@shang-hsienyang1284 2 жыл бұрын

Fantastic review! Respect!

@joet9451 2 жыл бұрын

I’d love to see a a1 set up guide. Your workflow is invaluable and as I shoot a new a1 your camera setup would be awesome

@propoxyphene 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! please make a setup guide video for this camera.

@SunilPradhan23 2 жыл бұрын

Great review Steve. Thank you for it. Can you make a video to share your go-to-settings or the way you use customisation on the a1. Thanks in advance.

@scdawes 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent balanced review Steve and as an A1 shooter of wildlife I agree with everything you said . I would appreciate a video on your set up and customisation options as I have not yet fully settled on mine and always like to hear others opinions .

@azizghanim 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so very much for such detailed review.

@ionutvlad 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, Steve! As always, a pleasure to listen to you. I can't wait your test of Nikon Z9! I'm sure that you too :D

@wirawijoga7006 2 жыл бұрын

Best review. Always. thanks a lot Steve.

@aser75 2 жыл бұрын

great review, as always, you're one of the best around! I already got your bird in flight guide and will b very happy for an A1 setup guide🙂

@backcountrygallery 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@jer3006 2 жыл бұрын

Expert review for sure! Thank you very much for sharing this "field-notes" type of review. Suggestion: When you are preparing your a1 settings video, a downloadable pdf list of your settings would be very helpful while watching your video. Screen display captures of the settings or even a simple text list, either would be welcome.

@tolickal 2 жыл бұрын

The stunning photos speaks for itself! Amazing review, even though I’m a R5 shooter, I’ve an eye on A1. Would you mind doing a setup guide for a1, would really appreciate?

@kimmeisinger2377 2 жыл бұрын

Holy Smokes Steve...another timely, info packed review! My A1 arriving in 2 days. Help!! Another request for settings and love the downloadable PDF idea!!

@charlescruze1214 2 жыл бұрын

Interesting video and commentary. The A1 is an amazing camera and in my experience, like yours, it does enable the user to capture more keeper images. As several others have commented, I would be like for you to share your A1 setup in a tutorial or a blog post.

@griffenboy41 2 жыл бұрын

Steve, Great review and it makes me happy that I made the right choice in getting my own a1. It would really be valuable if you sometime in your busy life created a wildlife setup guide for the a1. Thanks for all you do.

@chrisjmiller6 2 жыл бұрын

Wonderful images, especially the Meadowlark!

@cryptographerchris4856 2 жыл бұрын

Next stop. Z9. Can't wait to see if you put that in your arsenal and do a review and comparison to the A1. This A1 review was great. Would love to see a set-up guide video for sure.

@longrider9551 2 жыл бұрын

Z9 is going to be awesome, I am not a Nikon user but all the struggles they are having has made me a big supporter. I hope the Z9 is as good or better than the A-1 just so they get a well deserved win🙏

@g-fotode 2 жыл бұрын

@@longrider9551 Well deserved win for Nikon? I see it the other way round. Sony has pushed these two lazy giants CaNikon to move their ass, concerning mirrorless and new technology. And Nikon is very late to the party. So right now I do believe the merrits belong clearly to Sony. But anyway as Steve said several times, at the end of the day it doesn't matter which system you are using. As long as you improve your skills, every system will do the job.

@stanleybysshe1561 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve. I have been using the a9ii for two years and added the a1 about 3 months ago (that's after 40+ years with Nikon). I love the customization of both cameras and honestly rarely go back to the main menu. As to the ergonomics, hand size for some may be an issue but really it is more about muscle memory. Once you learn how to play the instrument the a1 is fine. I too would love to see your camera set up. I am sure it will be just as helpful as your Nikon videos were in the past.

@jasonmoore8275 2 жыл бұрын

A very comprehensive review Steve. I’m another one in favour of hearing more about your settings.

@ecollazo67 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review! I also own an A1 and I love it.

@JustSamOfficial 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome content. I would love to see the set up in the A1...Thank you for this amazing video.

@rvg1997 2 жыл бұрын

Have the A1 and would like to see a setup video. Nice video by the way.

@leomckillop1077 2 жыл бұрын

Great review Steve! Would love an AF setup video

@MrModerate_kane 2 жыл бұрын

As always Steve, so much knowledge and experience,i think the change to EyEAF is making a lot of people that are new to photography rely on it getting the shot, then complaining why it didnt work. I think the biggest thing for people is AF point for subject use, in DSLR you get what you can, now people rely on the auto function of the camera, Glad to see you stating dont rely on it.

@dennishuff2309 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, Steve. Would love to see a set-up guide!

@do5002 2 жыл бұрын

Agreed, Steve, wonderful. Please, consider a set-up guide.

@mikem05channel53 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve for all you do for teaching us how to better use our equipment. I would like to see a set up video. maybe you could also include in it how to set up an A9 too.

@lekkerpruven887 2 жыл бұрын

You really nailed it with the rolling shutter part! "If you are sitting high frame rates, you're probably shooting action and rolling shutter can become an issue". That's the first statement I heard in many many videos putting the A1 and Z9 above the R5, because it's often compared.

@sailidaho2724 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. I am planning on upgrading from my A7R3 to the A1. Would love to see a Setup Guide from you.

@SwanSycorax 2 жыл бұрын

Really waiting to hear how you get on with a Z9 although I know it will be a while yet! From the Ricci Talks and Matt Granger reviews I think you will love it.

@mynoknok1 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent review.

@bap1944 2 жыл бұрын

Great Job Steve, Yes I would like a set up guide video....

@operatingprincipals9606 2 жыл бұрын

I’m not a Sony shooter but I can still appreciate this. Your opinions carry more weight w me than any other birding KZfaqr. I hope Nikon knocks all of our socks off!

@randeezy3914 2 жыл бұрын

Great review! & Yes, PLEASE make an A1 setting video. :)

@uridoron9206 2 жыл бұрын

Great review, you're the king. Would love to see a set-up guide!

@ayfj4572 2 жыл бұрын

Quite simply the best video I've seen on the A1. I have an A9II and really don't want 50mp as the file sizes are just too big. One thing not mentioned in this video is how the 1 vs 9's AF performance compares as I think there are a lot of 9/9II shooters sitting on the fence with this crucial performance aspect.

@plinkyplanky9651 2 жыл бұрын

A great video Steve, thanks. An a1 setup guide would be incredibly helpful/interesting.....With regards the Nikon Z9 which is mentioned quite a bit here in comments......the biggest issue i see for wildlife photographers is glass......I used to shoot Nikon with the D850, but are there any big primes or even zooms that fit the Z series without adapters.....in that regard they seem a little behind the curve compared to both Sony and Canon.

@elaboy320 2 жыл бұрын

This channel is the best, thx Steve, I have all your books, would you be getting the Z9 ? And you your on the Z9 for wildlife, thx again

@bonniewilliams7372 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, please do a set-up guide. This review covered everything I need decide if it would be worth it to trade up from my A7riii. The few problems you mentioned, other than the cost, are non-issues for me. And I think what I've saved by not traveling, or spending money on much of anything since March 2020, will cover the cost. At least that's what I'm going to tell myself when I put in my order. 😉

@peepingtube7 2 жыл бұрын

Hello Steve, I wish you put all amazing photos of this video again at the end the video. Waiting for your review of Big Z9.

@terje5723 2 жыл бұрын

Top review. The example photos are stunning and really adds to the credibility of such a review

@backcountrygallery 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

@patricksmith2553 2 жыл бұрын

Will a Z9 with integrated grip and flip screen with the rumored specs make you go back to shooting Nikon a majority of the time? I think if Nikon can both deliver on the majority of rumored specs and produce lighter, sharper 400mm f/2.8 S and 600mm f/4 S lenses with a built in a 1.4x TC on them, those combos will be hard to beat. Especially if Nikon can sell the Z9 with integrated grip for $5999. With CFexpress type B cards being faster, you should get a much larger/longer buffer time and larger sized cards for much less money, making the overall cost of the Z9 much less than the A1 with grip and cards. I think there are some real advantages to the Z9 over the A1, if the rumors are correct and I think they are based on the Nikon preview videos so far. The Z9 definitely does 20fps if not more, and I'm sure that is at full resolution and Lossless/Uncompressed. Should be exiting to see what you do when the Z9 is released. I'd imagine the Sony A1 with lighter 600mm f/4 will still have a couple advantages over the Nikon, until Nikon releases their Z-mount super-tele lenses.

@backcountrygallery 2 жыл бұрын

@@patricksmith2553 Honestly, no idea. I no longer have a "primary" system instead I use whatever I'm evaluating or reviewing at the time. I'm heading to Africa again soon and if I have a Z9 or R3 I'd take that. Just depends on what needs testing. I do agree about those lenses, however. Even if the Z9 is "only" at a9ii level, lightweight super-teles with built-in TCs would have a far greater impact on my keeper rate than any minor differences in performance between the bodies. I can't tell you the number of shots I've missed over the years messing with TCs - or the number of shots that would have been better if I would have had time to attach the TC. Those lenses may be the biggest game-changers out of all the new gear.

@patricksmith2553 2 жыл бұрын

@@backcountrygallery I get that Steve, you're definitely in a small minority of people who rely on reviewing and knowing other brands. After seeing the rumors and the teasers though, it got me thinking. A Sony A1 with grip, extra battery and two CFexpress Type A cards is over $8,000 with sales tax in many states. That alone makes the rumored Z9 price of $5999 seem pretty great! Plus the Z9 with built in grip should have slightly better ergonomics, better build and weather sealing. As well as long battery life with the included larger EN-EL18D. With the Z9 accepting CFexpress type B cards and those being faster and larger in memory size for way less money, that too makes the price difference even larger. Plus I'm sure the Z9 will in turn have a much bigger buffer and allow full resolution, Lossless or even Uncompressed files at full speed. We already know for sure the Z9 does 20fps based on the teaser videos, so if it can do that with 14-16bit Uncompressed for say 10 seconds of buffer...that is another big deal. I have a feeling Sony is going to have to lower the price of the A1 soon or at least include the grip for free.

@backcountrygallery 2 жыл бұрын

@@patricksmith2553 I agree - based on the rumors, the Z9 looks very potent. I could see Sony lowering the a1 price though. Nikon and Canon usually aren't too quick to lower their flagships, but I think Sony is likely more flexible. Between the R3 and the Z9, they may not have a choice. Nikon and and Canon are really making headway! I think the announcement is this week, so it should be interesting. I just hope they don't announce now and ship in 2022!

@seivertpt 3 ай бұрын

Steve, that was absolutely fantastic. I bought the A1 two weeks ago and was able to shoot Raptors the last few days. Lots of keepers however, I also see lots of mistakes that I made and should’ve spent more time preparing before my workshop.