Sony Alpha DSLR-A300 / A350 Digital Field Guide E-Book

Tom Bonner

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
• Serie: Digital Field Guide
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 339

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Beschreibung

Spectacular photos begin with your Sony Alpha and this book. Withits Alpha A300 and A350 cameras, Sony has blurred the distinctionbetween introductory and advanced dSLRs. With the expert advice inthis book, you'll learn to use every menu and controlperfectly and gain insight into setting up and capturing shots thatwill amaze you. Reach beyond the automatic settings and takecontrol of exposure, shutter speed, white balance, and everycreative element that makes photography an art. Part I explores using your Sony Alpha A300 or A350 straight outof the box. Starting with an in depth look at the Sony Quick AFLive View System, this part of the book also explores all theexternal controls, explaining the purpose and function of eachbutton, dial, and switch. Understanding your camera's menusystem is crucial to getting great results with the A300 or theA350, and of course the book will also teach you how to maneuverthrough all of your camera's menus. You'll not onlylearn how to adjust each setting, but when and why you should makeeach adjustment. Chapter 3 gives a thorough explanation of basic photographyfundamentals, without overwhelming jargon and technical terms. Ifyou are a new photographer you will gain an appreciation ofaperture, shutter speed, exposure, ISO and white balance. If youare an experienced photographer you'll find helpful tips andtricks for adjusting each of these key settings. Interchangeable lenses are one of a dSLR's major strengths, andthat is true of both the A300 and A350. With so many lens options,choosing auxiliary lenses for the A300 series can becomeoverwhelming. Chapter 4 helps you eliminate the mystery about whichlenses to buy and gives you a full explanation of what to look forwhen evaluating a new lens. With information on wide-angle, normal,telephoto, and macro lenses, this chapter discusses the full Sonylens lineup and goes on to demystify the option of using Minoltalenses on the Sony Alpha. Understanding light and light modifiers, such as diffusers andreflectors, is absolutely essential to getting great results from adSLR. In chapter 5, you'll find a complete discussion of lightingbasics, including the differences between continuous lighting andelectronic flash. The full array of light modifiers is outlined,and the chapter goes on to explain the strengths and weaknesses ofthe proprietary Sony/Minolta hot shoe design. Naturally, there isalso a discussion of which flash units work with the A300series. Chapter 6 consists of a series of exercises designed to enhanceyour skills when shooting in a wide variety of photographicsituations, including everything from macro photography and blackand white to high dynamic range, portrait, and travel photography.Each topic is accompanied by numerous full color examples. DSLR photography entails far more than just the camera and lens.Once you fill your memory card with great images, you will need todownload, catalog, store and edit those images. Chapter 7 takes youthrough a quick, but informative tour of the software and hardwareoptions available to simplify your digital workflow. You will beexposed to the differences between RAW and JPEG images and you'llreceive a thorough overview of your RAW processing options. Youalso learn about sharpening and noise reduction software, as wellas the best editing applications.

Leseprobe

Sony® Alpha DSLR A300/A350 Digital Field Guide

Table of Contents

Part I: Using the Sony Alpha A300 Series

Chapter 1: Exploring the Sony Alpha A300 and A350

Working with the Sony Quick AF Live View System

Mastering the A300 Series Controls

Front camera controls and features

Top camera controls and features

Right side of the camera

Left side of the camera

Back of the camera

Chapter 2: Setting Up Your Alpha A300 Series DSLR

Using the Menu List

Flash mode

Autofocus mode

White balance

Metering mode

AF area

D-Range Optimizer

Surveying the Main Menu Options

Recording menu 1

Recording menu 2

Custom menu

Playback menu 1

Playback menu 2

Setup menu 1

Setup menu 2

Setup menu 3

Part II: Creating Great Photos with the Alpha A300 Series

Chapter 3: Photography Essentials

How Aperture Affects Your Images

Understanding aperture

Deciphering f-stops

How Shutter Speeds Influence Your Photos

Understanding Exposure

The role of ISO in exposure

Understanding exposure latitude

Working with highlights and shadows

Utilizing Sony’s Dynamic Range Optimizer

The importance of optimum white balance

Composition

The rule of thirds

Using direction to aid the viewer

Chapter 4: Lenses and Accessories

Selecting Lenses to Complement Your A300 Series Camera

The advantages of Super Steady Shot

Understanding lens crop factor

Sorting Through Your Lens Options

Telephoto lenses

Normal lenses

Wide-angle lenses

Macro lenses

Zoom lenses

Prime lenses

Available Lenses for the A300 Series

Analyzing the A300 series kit lenses

Sony lenses

Minolta lenses

Should You Buy a Used Lens?

Extending Lens Reach with a Teleconverter

Must-have Accessories for the A300 Series

Vertical grip

GPS-CS1KASP GPS unit

Electronic cable releases

Chapter 5: Lighting Fundamentals

Reflected Light

Continuous Lighting

Electronic Flash

Studio Strobe Units

Light Modifiers

Softboxes

Photo umbrellas

Light tents

Flash diffuser attachments

Grids and barn doors

Using Artificial Light with the A300 Series

Sony/Minolta hotshoe

Off camera flash

Wired flash

Wireless flash

Radio triggers

What to Look for in an External Flash Unit

ADI and TTL dedicated flash compatibly

High Speed Sync

Bounce and swivel

Remote battery packs

Sony Dedicated Flash Units

Using Older Minolta Flash Units with the A300 Series

Part III: Shooting with the Alpha A300

Chapter 6: Photo Subjects

Animal and Pet Photography

Inspiration

Animal and pet photography practice

Animal and pet photography tips

Architectural Photography

Inspiration

Architectural photography practice

Architectural photography tips

Black and White Photography

Inspiration

Black and white photography practice

Black and white photography tips

Event Photography

Inspiration

Event photography practice

Event photography tips

Flash Photography

Inspiration

Flash photography practice

Flash photography tips

Flower and Garden Photography

Inspiration

Flower and garden photography practice

Flower and garden photography tips

Food Photography

Inspiration

Food photography practice

Food photography tips

High Dynamic Range Photography

Inspiration

HDR photography practice

HDR photography tips

Landscape and Nature Photography

Inspiration

Landscape and nature photography practice

Landscape and Nature photography tips

Macro Photography

Inspiration

Macro photography practice

Macro photography tips

Night Photography

Inspiration

Night photography practice

Night photography tips

Panoramic Photography

Inspiration

Panoramic photography practice

Panoramic photography tips

Portrait Photography

Inspiration

Portrait photography practice

Portrait photography tips

Product Photography

Inspiration

Product photography practice

Product photography tips

Seasonal Photography

Inspiration

Seasonal photography practice

Seasonal photography tips

Special Effects Photography

Inspiration

Special effects photography practice

Special effects photography tips

Sports and Action Photography

Inspiration

Sports and action photography practice

Sports and action photography tips

Travel Photography

Inspiration

Travel photography practice

Travel photography tips

Weather Photography

Inspiration

Weather photography practice

Weather photography tips

Chapter 7: Creating a Digital Workflow

Transferring Images to Your Computer

Copying photos with a USB cable

Copying photos wirelessly

Copying files with a card reader

The Advantages of a RAW Workflow

Working with JPEG

Advantages of RAW

RAW conversion software for the Sony A300 series

Third-Party Converters for RAW Images

Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Aperture

iPhoto

Silky Pix Developer Studio

Archiving and Cataloging Images

Microsoft Expression Media

Google’s Picasa

Apple iPhoto and Aperture

Adobe Bridge and Photoshop Lightroom

Sony’s Picture Motion Browser

Storage Medium Options

Dedicated Sharpening and Noise Reduction Applications

Pixel Image Editing Applications

Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop Elements

The GIMP

Appendix A: Sony Alpha Resources

Alpha Lens Rental

Gadget Infinity

KEH Camera

Adorama

B&H Photo

Seagr112’s Maxxum/Sony photo gear

Sony eSupport

Sony Australia Alpha dSLR Centre

Minolta Maxxum Dynax AF Lens Service Repair Manual Mini CD

Flash trigger voltage report

The Dyxum A-mount lens database

Fotographie – Mike Hohner

Maxxum Eyes

Photography Review

Photozone

Dynax Digital

dPreview (Digital Photography Review)

Steve’s Digicams

Photoclub Alpha

Flickr

Yahoo! Groups

Google Groups

AlphaMount World

Alphatracks

Sony-Alpha.org

Sonolta.com

Appendix B: Troubleshooting

Checking the firmware on your camera

Use extreme care when installing new firmware

Glossary

Sony® Alpha DSLR A300/A350 Digital Field Guide

Tom Bonner

Sony® Alpha DSLR A300/A350 Digital Field Guide

Published byWiley Publishing, Inc.111 River StreetHoboken NJ 07030-5774www.wiley.com

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Published simultaneously in Canada

ISBN: 978-0-470-38627-9

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About the Author

Tom Bonner has been a photographer and journalist for more than three decades. His early work revolved around automotive and motorsports subjects, and his photos appeared extensively in automotive and travel magazines in the U.S. and Canada. He also edited a monthly publication for the International Show Car Association and traveled throughout the U.S. on photographic assignments for the ISCA.

At the start of the electronic publishing revolution, Bonner accepted a position with Applied Graphics Technology, where he worked closely with several major advertising agencies helping develop digital workflows and retouching ad images for Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC trucks.

The turn of the millennium found Bonner in coastal North Carolina. He continued to employ his photographic skills, recording golf courses, exclusive beach homes, and architectural subjects with both film and digital cameras.

Always a Minolta user, Bonner transferred his allegiance to the fledgling Sony Alpha dSLR line when Sony took over the photographic assets of Konica Minolta Corporation. In addition to exploring the new dSLRs from Sony, Bonner began to blog about the Alpha dSLR models at Alphatracks.com. Covering anything of interest to Sony Alpha and Minolta SLR owners, Alphatracks serves as an outlet for Bonner’s abiding interest in cameras, lenses, and photographic techniques.

Credits

Acquisitions Editor

Courtney Allen

Project Editor

Chris Wolfgang

Technical Editor

Bert Pasquale

Copy Editor

Lauren Kennedy

Editorial Manager

Robyn B. Siesky

Vice President & Group Executive Publisher

Richard Swadley

Vice President & Publisher

Barry Pruett

Business Manager

Amy Knies

Senior Marketing Manager

Sandy Smith

Project Coordinator

Erin Smith

Graphics and Production Specialists

Carrie A. Cesavice

Andrea Hornberger

Jennifer Mayberry

Quality Control Technician

Jessica Kramer

Proofreading

Lynda D’Arcangelo

Indexing

Sherry Massey

Dedication

For Vicki, who waited while I wrote...

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Courtney Allen, who believed in me enough to suggest I write this book; and who was a constant encouragement during the book’s development. I would also like to thank Chris Wolfgang, who as project editor, went out of her way to answer questions and make suggestions that unquestionably made for a better book. Technical editor Bert Pasquale was another source of encouragement, and it was comforting to know that with his long experience with Sony and Minolta SLR cameras he was watching my back. Finally, I owe thanks to Lorena D’Amato of Paine PR, who always responded immediately to requests for specifications and artwork regarding the Sony Alpha A300 series.

Introduction

With the introduction of the Alpha A300 and its near twin the A350, Sony has blurred the distinction between introductory and advanced dSLR cameras. Both models include the features that users have come to expect in a high quality dSLR, but Sony has added icing to the cake with the exciting Quick Live View system. While other dSLR makers are also offering live view systems, the live view on the Sony A300 series is in a class by itself. At the time this was written, no other dSLR has a live view system that can match the features Sony has incorporated into the LCD on the A300 series.

Of course, the live view technology is only a single part of the A300 series. Both models include Sony’s Super Steady Shot image stabilization feature, which incorporates stabilization in the body, rather than in the lens. Image stabilization reduces camera shake in low light conditions, and with the Sony system, users do not need to buy special image stabilized lenses; nearly every A-mount lens will be stabilized on the A300 series.

With a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 second and a choice of either a 10 or 14 megapixel sensor, the A300 series provides features that, until recently, even the most professional camera couldn’t match.

The great news is that Sony gives users the choice between a simple to use automatic exposure system or a fully customizable manual set up. No matter what level your photography experience, you can tune the A300 series to match.

Which illustrates the need for this book. Whether the A300 series camera is your very first dSLR or you have been shooting with a SLR for many years, the intent of this book is to help you get the most out your camera. While the automatic and semi-automatic features will allow you to create incredible images, automatic settings will only take you so far. If you really want to exploit all the features on the A300 series, you will need to delve beyond the automated settings and take full control of the camera. Both models in the A300 series are simple to use, but a full understanding of the controls will pay huge dividends when you are ready to move beyond creating mere snapshots.

Getting the most from this book

No matter where you stand on the photographic experience scale, it will be worth your while to study Chapters 1 and 2. These chapters explore the controls and menus on the A300 series in depth, and after reading them you will be well equipped to set up your camera for any conceivable photographic situation.

Chapter 3 will review the basics of photography, especially as they relate to digital SLR cameras. By reading through Chapter 3, you will be able to fully take advantage of the information you learned in Chapters 1 and 2.

Chapters 4 and 5 explore the accessories available for the A300 series, most notably auxiliary lenses and electronic flash units. If you are brand new to the world of dSLR photography, you may elect to skip these chapters the first time you read through this book. At some point, however, most dSLR owners find a need for additional lenses and lighting equipment. When that time comes, a careful perusal of Chapters 4 and 5 will prove very helpful.

Chapter 6 is the meat of the book, as it consists of exercises designed to hone and polish your photographic skills. If you take the time to work through some or all of the exercises in Chapter 6, you will be well on your way to mastering the A300 series.

Chapter 7 concludes the book by exploring your workflow options. There is a myriad of software options available to process and edit the images you shoot with the A300 series, and you should make sure you are aware of your software choices.

Finally, you will find troubleshooting information and a list of resources for Sony Alpha users in the Appendix section. The information here can help you to keep your A300 series healthy and introduce you to the extended Sony Alpha community.

Remember, this is a field guide, and as such it is designed to be carried with you on your photography excursions. Keep it handy in your camera bag, because you never know when you will encounter a situation where it could prove helpful. Don’t worry about the book becoming worn or dog eared. If you wear this book out while exploring photographic pursuits, you will undoubtedly increase your skills and knowledge. That means the book will have done it’s job well.

Finally, don’t just read about photography. Go out and have fun with your camera!

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Part I: Using the Sony Alpha A300 Series

In This Part

Chapter 1 Exploring the Sony Alpha A300 and A350Chapter 2 Setting Up Your Alpha A300 Series DSLR

Chapter 1: Exploring the Sony Alpha A300 and A350

In This Chapter

Working with the Sony Quick AF Live View system