The ABSOLUTE BEST way to shoot with your hybrid camera - 3 easy steps! (feat. Sony A7Cii)

The promise of a hybrid camera is that you can use it for both video and stills. However, there are many challenges when doing so. In this video, we explore the world of hybrid camera use and provide 3 camera hacks that will help you become more efficient and less frustrated.

[@hasenmyer]

I got to thinking about you slog 3 overexposure problems, and remember having similar issues awhile back..maybe this will help. Keep in mind I don't use zebras (although I should), but try to use the exposure meter. I've noticed that if I am using the slog 3 assist or an imported LUT, I try to keep the meter around zero +/- .7 and things seem to come out alright. Most say you need to over expose 1.7 and that may be true if you are NOT using assist tools, if you are using assist tools your footage will be overexposed. Either way PPoff is still good enough for most of us mortals

[@RandumbTech]

If you use Gamma Display Assist, it does not change the IRE values so it's still best to overexpose by +1.3 - +1.7. But if you are getting good results below that, keep doing it! My experience with exposure is that if I do need to bump up the exposure in post, it gets real noisy, real fast. Since switching to PP off, it has become soooo much more enjoyable to shoot video and I don't miss color grading, that's for sure!!

[@PhillipRPeck]

Interesting tips, I don't think I've ever seen flexible exposure mode before. Isn't there a way to keep zebra levels separate for photo and video?

[@RandumbTech]

Unfortunately, you can't keep zebras independent between stills and video. It would be a simple firmware fix to add zebras to that list of other things that you can keep independent, but as of right now, you can't. You could keep it at 94+, but then you run the risk of underexposing your still images. I am sooooo much happier not having to grade my footage. I know some people love that part of the process, but I ain't one of 'em.

[@hasenmyer]

It took me like two years to discover the different settings for movie/stills. I shot tons of pics in SLOG3..why is that a thing? Downloading the a lut into the camera has really helped, when shooting in slog 3, even though most of the time I just use PPOFF, or Scinetone

[@RandumbTech]

I use Gamma Display Assist which is good, but not great. Since I switched over to PP off, my results have gotten way better. Come to find out, I suck at color grading. 🤣

[@hasenmyer]

@@RandumbTech me too..I broke down and got the phantom luts and it’s drag and drop, I don’t go much deeper than that..when I grade from scratch it looks pretty bad

[@CharlieVN]

Flexible is the fuji style right? For slog3, i like to set an offset so that it exposes like standard. No zebras or anything 😂😂😂

[@RandumbTech]

Hmmmm, may have to give that a try. It still doesn't fix the 94+ zebra exposure issue though, right?

[@CharlieVN]

@@RandumbTech no it doesnt, it simply keeps exposure at 0 in photos, and 0 in video (has to be SLOG3 profile or baked lut into SLOG3). I'm certain I have a video on the topic and setup on my channel regarding zve1 simple setup.

[@soholingo]

Why did you get the A7C2 and not the A74? You dismissed the A7CR, and the A7CR is the better camera compared to the A7C2.

[@RandumbTech]

Good question! I actually traded in my A7iv to fund the A7Cii. I also have A7RV so did not need a bigger body dual card slot. I would argue that the A7Cii is a much better value than the A7CR. The video out of the A7Cii is cleaner/crisper (oversampled) and since it has a 33MP sensor, you can still shoot 14MP APS-C which is more than enough for me. And there is of course the price. Dollar for dollar - the A7Cii is the better buy. I love love love the smaller form factor with the A7C-series. I should make a more in-depth video about why I chose the A7Cii instead of the A7CR.

[@soholingo]

@@RandumbTech I think the A7CR is the better value. You get both over sampled (apsc mode, but why would that matter since you still have the 1.5x crop) and pixel binned (full frame) video options with the A7CR. You get Hand Held Pixel Shift 240MP option, that really works. You get a 36MP and 18MP modes that actually give you less noise and an extra stop of DR. It does everything I want in a camera, and I sent the A7RV back because I don't like center mounted EVF, but I do miss the screen and the CFa port, I am not a pro so the dual slots don't matter much to me, plus I offload photos instantly if needed. I am holding my breath for an A1 option one day, but the A7CR set of features are incredible.

[@RandumbTech]

@@soholingo I guess that's why Sony offers both versions - always better to have options. Glad the A7CR is working well for you!

[@soholingo]

@@RandumbTech agreed. If one can't find what they need with Sony they aren't looking. Keep up the good work I enjoy your insights.