I received a request to look at what, if any, lowpass filtering the a7RII performs on dark-field images at ISO 100. Dark field images are mostly Gaussian noise at higher ISOs, although they can contain low-frequency energy do to pattern variations.  A standard technique to remove the pattern variations is to subtract two dark frames… [Read More]

The data in yesterday’s post was pretty noisy, but it seemed to indicate that somehow the silent shutter mode on the Sony alpha 7 R Mark II (a7RII) might produce images that were slightly less sharp than the electronic first curtain shutter (EFCS) mode. I foolishly speculated that the reduced bit depth of silent shutter… [Read More]

I put the Leica 280mm f/4 Apo-Telyt-R on both the a7R and a7RII, mounted the lens collar to an Arca Swiss C1 head on a set of RRS TVC-43 legs, set the whole thing on a vinyl tile over 6 inch concrete floor, and made some slanted edge photographs at various shutter speeds. With the… [Read More]

From the mailbag: My question is: the new Sony seems to be the ideal camera for my work as a movie unit stills photographer. It is silent and full frame which are two of my main concerns. However, I’m concerned about low light shooting. Will this camera give acceptable images for reproduction at high ISO?… [Read More]