SONY A7 SERIES: FROM SNAPSHOTS TO GREAT SHOTS is my updated guide to the getting the most out of the features and menu settings of five Sony a7 series cameras: Sony a7, a7R, a7S, a7 II and a7R II.

With an additional 24 pages + three additional bonus download chapters, this updated guide to Sony a7 Series cameras adds two all-new chapters that explain the menu settings (including the new settings added for Sony a7R II) and how to customize the cameras for how you like to shoot.

These ground-breaking compact full-frame cameras combine the features and image quality of a top-end DSLR in a smaller camera at half the weight. They’ve quickly racked up an impressive list of accolades as the line-up has grown to five different cameras in just 18 months.

While the camera manual explains what the camera can do, it doesn’t show how to use the camera to create great images! That’s where ‘Sony a7 Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’ comes in. Starting with the top ten things users need to know about the camera, author Brian Smith, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and Sony Artisan of Imagery, carefully guides readers through the operating features and how to use them. Readers get practical advice from a pro on which settings to use when, great shooting tips, and assignments at end of chapter to practice what they’ve just learned.

‘Sony a7 Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’ is available from Amazon.

From Snapshots to Great Shots is a beautiful how-to photography series that provides the perfect blend of instruction, inspiration, and reference for specific camera models and photography concepts. Featuring a clear, elegant design; outstanding images that educate and inspire; and a friendly, accessible voice, this series helps photographers get great shots every time they pick up their camera.
Beautifully illustrated with large, vibrant photos, this book will both educate and inspire you as it blends camera reference guide with a healthy dose of photography instruction to help you take your images to the next level.

Follow along with Pulitzer Prize-winning Sony Artisan of Imagery Brian Smith as he guides you to:

• Set up fast and learn the top ten things about shooting with the Sony a7 Series Cameras
• Understand the photographic basics of composition, focus, and depth of field
• Learn all the best tricks and techniques for getting great action shots, landscapes and portraits
• Learn how to create great images in low light
• Use the HD video capability for recording memorable live action
• Fully grasp all the concepts and techniques as you go, with assignments at the end of every chapter

This Update Includes Two New Chapters. Chapter 3 Explains Sony Menu Settings

Chapter 4 Explains How to Customize Your Camera

Learn How to Create Cool Shots with Your Sony a7-Series Camera:

‘Sony a7 Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’ is In-Stock at Peachpit, Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada

WHAT’S IN THE BOOK?

CHAPTER 1: THE SONY A7 SERIES TOP TEN LIST: Ten Tips to Make Your Shooting More Productive Right Out of the Box

Set Your JPEG Image Quality • Configure Your LCD and Viewfinder • Set Your Autofocus Area and Mode • Set the Correct White Balance • Set Your Color Space • Know How to Override Autofocus • Review Your Shots • Assignments

CHAPTER 2: FIRST THINGS FIRST: A Few Things to Know and Do Before You Begin Taking Pictures

Choosing the Right Memory Card • Formatting Your Memory Card • Updating a7-Series Firmware • Cleaning the Sensor • Using the Right Format: RAW vs. JPEG • Lenses and Focal Lengths • Understanding Exposure • Motion and Depth of Field • Assignments

CHAPTER 3: MENU SETTINGS: Navigating the Menus

Camera Settings • Custom Settings • Wireless • Application • Playback • Setup • Assignments

CHAPTER 4: CUSTOMIZING YOUR CAMERA: Personalizing Your a7-Series Camera for the Way You Shoot

Using the Control Wheel to Select an AF Point • Avoid ISO Surprises • Setting Up Back-Button AF • Configuring the Function Menu • Saving Custom Key Settings • Saving Custom Shooting Modes • Assignments

CHAPTER 5: SHOOTING MODES: Get Shooting with the Shooting Modes

Intelligent Auto Mode • Scene Selection Modes • Sweep Panorama • Why You May Never Want to Use the Full Auto Modes Again • Picture Effects • P: Program Auto Mode • S: Shutter Priority Mode • A: Aperture Priority Mode • M: Manual Mode • How I Shoot: Here are the Camera Settings I Use • Assignments

CHAPTER 6: PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY: Settings and Features to Make Great Portraits

Auto Portrait Mode • Using Aperture Priority Mode • Metering Modes for Portraits • Using the AE Lock Feature • Focusing: The Eyes Have It • Classic Black-and-White Portraits • The Portrait Creative Style for Better Skin Tones • Using Face Detection and Registration • Portraits on the Move • The Rule of Thirds • Tips for Shooting Better Portraits • Assignments

CHAPTER 7: MOVING TARGET: Tricks to Shooting Sports and Action

Stop Right There! • Using Shutter Priority (S) Mode to Stop Motion • Using Aperture Priority (A) Mode to Isolate Your Subject • Keep Them in Focus with Continuous AF • Autofocus Area Selection • Keeping Up with Continuous Shooting Mode • Manual Focus for Anticipated Action • A Sense of Motion • Tips for Shooting Action • Assignments

CHAPTER 8: LANDSCAPES & STREETSCAPES: Tips Tools & Techniques to Get the Best Landscapes & Streetscapes

Sharp and In Focus: Using Tripods • Selecting the Proper ISO • Using Noise Reduction • Selecting a White Balance • Using the Landscape Creative Style • Shooting Beautiful Black-and-White Landscapes • Golden Light • Shooting Compelling Sunrises and Sunsets • Making Water Fluid • Composing Landscapes and Streetscapes • Where to Focus • Using Manual Focus Assist • Using DMF Focus Mode • Expand Your Range • Shooting Panoramas • Look for the Unexpected • Assignments

CHAPTER 9: MOOD LIGHTING: Shooting When the Lights Get Low

Raising the ISO: The Simple Solution • High ISO Noise Reduction • Using Fast Glass • Using OSS Lenses • Mark II: 5-Axis Sensor-Shift Stabilization • Focusing in Low Light • Shooting Long Exposures • Using Flash • Compensating for the Flash Exposure • Flash Modes • Using an External Flash • Taming Flash Reflections • Assignments

CHAPTER 10: ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: Take Your Images to the Next Level

Spot Meter for More Exposure Control • Manual Mode • Avoiding Lens Flare • Using the Sun Creatively • Macro Photography • High Dynamic Range Photography • Using Dynamic Range Optimizer • Wireless Remote Capture App • Installing and Updating Sony PlayMemories Camera Apps • Share Photos with Send to Smartphone • One-Touch Connection with an NFC-Enabled Android Smartphone • Tethering Your a7-Series Camera • Assignments

CHAPTER 11: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Getting Professional-looking Video from a7-Series Cameras

It’s All About the Lenses • Movie Shooting Modes • Getting a Shallow Depth of Field • Giving a Different Look to Your Videos • Picture Profiles • Shooting 4K • Accessories for Video • Tips for Better Video • Watching and Editing Your Video • Assignments

PLUS THREE BONUS DOWNLOAD CHAPTERS!!!

CHAPTER 12: LENS MOUNT ADAPTERS: Lens Mount Adapters to Expand Your Camera’s Lens Choices

Sony A-Mount • Canon EF • Contax G • Leica M • Nikon • Pentax K • Leica R • Contax/Yashica • Contax N • Minolta MD • Canon FD • Hasselblad V • Mamiya 645 • Activating Focus Peaking • Using the Focus Magnifier • Assignments

CHAPTER 13: CREATIVE COMPOSITIONS: Improve Your Pictures with Strong Compositional Elements

Depth of Field • Photographing reflections • Work the Angles • Point of View • Patterns • Color • Contrast • Light and Shadow • Leading Lines • Frames within Frames • The Simplicity of Black and White • Assignments

CHAPTER 14: PIMP MY A7: Accessories to Expand Your Camera’s Creative Potential

External Chargers and Batteries • Vertical Grips • Filters • Tripods • Quick-release plates and L-brackets • Remote Commanders • Extension tubes • Close-up filters • Hot-Shoe Flashes • Flash Triggers • Reflectors and Diffusers • Neck Straps and Wrist Straps • Camera Bags • Microphones • Video monitors • Video rigs • SD card cases • External hard drives • Sensor Cleaners

‘Sony a7 Series: From Snapshots to Great Shots’ is available from Amazon

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