Questions regarding A300

[robintay]

Hi all! I have been a user of A300 for abt 3 months. I need some information regarding the performance of the A300. duno if i am a noob or the camera is malfunctioning.

1. During indoor pics without flash (P mode), is there a big difference in picture quality when taken in Live View or viewfinder? I have very big contrast in lighting with Live View having a much brighter effect. This is more apparent when taking a room with contrasting bright windows, with the pics taken with viewfinder having results darkening the whole pic. The Live View will be much brighter.

2. ANyone facing any problem of taking the 1st picture with dark lighting, then subsequently the 2nd shot, the pics turns out fine. I did not shift my position. It seems the camera has problem with measuring the room lighting. Usually i have to take a few shots to get the right lighting. Is A300 known for inconsistent lighting results?

For the above 2 scenarios, my settings are P mode, No flash, Mutli segment, D-range +, wide focus. AWB.

3. Last question, any complaints regarding the flash? I have varying and inconsistent flash strength. I know the flash will be adjusted to zoom. But i do get varying flash strength at same zoom setting.


Other than this indoor inconsistent performance, outdoor pics are taken with fantastic results.

Reason I m asking this is to determine if my camera is faulty.

Thanks in advance!

[Lexar]

My answers as below.

Originally Posted by robintay Hi all! I have been a user of A300 for abt 3 months. I need some information regarding the performance of the A300. duno if i am a noob or the camera is malfunctioning. 1. During indoor pics without flash (P mode), is there a big difference in picture quality when taken in Live View or viewfinder? I have very big contrast in lighting with Live View having a much brighter effect. This is more apparent when taking a room with contrasting bright windows, with the pics taken with viewfinder having results darkening the whole pic. The Live View will be much brighter. Yes, I do experience difference in the exposure but this may not be due to OVF or LV, but more or less the inconsistency of the camera to determine the exposure level which will link to your next question. 2. ANyone facing any problem of taking the 1st picture with dark lighting, then subsequently the 2nd shot, the pics turns out fine. I did not shift my position. It seems the camera has problem with measuring the room lighting. Usually i have to take a few shots to get the right lighting. Is A300 known for inconsistent lighting results? Yes, I do experiece different exposure level even when taking continuous bursting shots...even when outdoors...so it's kinda sensitive...but u can use exp-lock... For the above 2 scenarios, my settings are P mode, No flash, Mutli segment, D-range +, wide focus. AWB. 3. Last question, any complaints regarding the flash? I have varying and inconsistent flash strength. I know the flash will be adjusted to zoom. But i do get varying flash strength at same zoom setting. This is the killer, i know and agree the flash is very inconsistent and almost useless in most cases. I can have a overly exposed pictures and under-exposed pictures taken with flash at the same time...so it's best to get a flashgun if you are into flash... Other than this indoor inconsistent performance, outdoor pics are taken with fantastic results. Agree outdoor is beautiful and nice colour and noise free... Reason I m asking this is to determine if my camera is faulty. Thanks in advance!

[lenrek]

Check the image exif info, I believe the F, shutter speed and ISO are different in each one of them. I suggest, try using A mode, and fix your F and ISO. Check for flash sync setting also.

Me still not that familiar with M mode. Someone else should be able to help (better than me) on that one.

[robintay]

Thanks for the feedback and various checks! At least now i know the camera is not faulty but that's the characteristics of A300. That wil help me concentrate on shooting it right and making minor adjustments. Strangely, prior to the purchase, i read a few reviews, there was nothing said about these problems. Darn! But again, i bought it for the quick live view.

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by robintay Thanks for the feedback and various checks! At least now i know the camera is not faulty but that's the characteristics of A300. That wil help me concentrate on shooting it right and making minor adjustments. Strangely, prior to the purchase, i read a few reviews, there was nothing said about these problems. Darn! But again, i bought it for the quick live view.

It's not a problem... It's the camera trying to give the "best" output. That's what happens when you set everything to Auto.

[Rashkae]

1. During indoor pics without flash (P mode), is there a big difference in picture quality when taken in Live View or viewfinder? I have very big contrast in lighting with Live View having a much brighter effect. This is more apparent when taking a room with contrasting bright windows, with the pics taken with viewfinder having results darkening the whole pic. The Live View will be much brighter.

Live view uses a sensor, applies the processing effects such as exposure compensation, add in the LCD backlight, etc, so OF COURSE it will look different than using the "Look through the lens" viewfinder.


2. ANyone facing any problem of taking the 1st picture with dark lighting, then subsequently the 2nd shot, the pics turns out fine. I did not shift my position. It seems the camera has problem with measuring the room lighting. Usually i have to take a few shots to get the right lighting. Is A300 known for inconsistent lighting results?

For the above 2 scenarios, my settings are P mode, No flash, Mutli segment, D-range +, wide focus. AWB.


Almost all camera metering functions can be put off-balance on full wide angle. Also, you're using matrix metering, which means a single change, like an extra light source, etc, can affect the output. Learn how to use spot metering and exposure lock. Also, remember tha DRO applies an artificial boost, so you'll definitely get different results.



3. Last question, any complaints regarding the flash? I have varying and inconsistent flash strength. I know the flash will be adjusted to zoom. But i do get varying flash strength at same zoom setting.

The flash adjusts to exposure level. If the camera meter says "there's little light" the flash gets stronger, etc.

Remember: Wide angle can play havoc with camera metering systems. This applies to all cameras.

[jammerwong]

Hi Robintay,

I am also a proud owner of A300. I also have the problem that you have mentioned. It is more apparent in P mode. I have learn to use A mode after I have attended the Sony workshop. The problem has become much less. I also look at the shuttle speed assigned by the camera before fully pressed the shuttle speed.

I guess there is nothing wrong with your camera......

[pawpet]

I am also a newbie ... bght my 1st dslr... the A300. What i have learnt is that the in built flash fires short distance , ie only at the object in front of you. meaning if there is a person in front of you, the flash will fire at that person if you set your exposure based on the expsoure of that person, the person will be really bright whilst the rest is black. Trick is to set exposure on the background, ie ensuring that the pic in the bkgrd will turn out well, then put the person in the pic and on the flash.

I have a different set of problems ... i went to esplanade @ 8am. Bright shining morning sun and it is shining right into the camera... what must I do?? I usually use "A" mode. What isthe aperture that I must set? Should i fire my flash?

Do we have an outing for the Sony newbies?? I wish there is one where a sifu can teach us.

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by pawpet I have a different set of problems ... i went to esplanade @ 8am. Bright shining morning sun and it is shining right into the camera... what must I do?? I usually use "A" mode. What isthe aperture that I must set? Should i fire my flash? Do we have an outing for the Sony newbies?? I wish there is one where a sifu can teach us.

Well, in bright shining sun, you will want to use the sunny 16 rule - or just set your aperture to f/11-16. If you want to use a large aperture effect and your shutter speed can't get fast enough, you'll need to use ND filters.

There are many outings for sony users - just check the alphadslr.com forum.