Search the Community

Hi folks - my first post in this Alpha forum. Just got the A7riii with 50mm f/1.4. Love it so far. Coming from a Nikon D810. I'm still confused about how I'm going to set up EFCS - whether on or off? Not really confused about Silent Shutter, because I didn't get this camera to have to revert back to 12-bit images or worry about banding issues in mixed lighting. Maybe the anti-flicker option helps? That being said, what is your experience with EFCS? I've read up on the technical and it is recommended for tripod use for sure (especially at lower shutter speeds). But not so sure about handheld at lower shutter speeds, like 1/30s through 1/100s? Certainly in-camera stabilization (along with optimal Auto ISO/wide open apertures) could help mitigate any sharpness issues caused by not having it set to ON at those lower handheld speeds (for example, when shooting in low light). While not always the case, there will be times (e.g. street portrait work) where I’ll also be shooting wide open (f/1.4-f/2.8) at much higher shutter speeds in strong light. From what I've read, Sony and others don't recommend having ON when shooting wide open with high shutter speeds. Yes - you'll get those harsh Bokeh effects and maybe some uneven exposure artifacts. Some say don't turn on after 1/500s, some say 1/1000s – and others just leave ON all the time (set and forget) or use the Mechanical Shutter exclusively. I’m leaning towards the latter. I know I’m probably splitting hairs with the whole sharpness discussion, but I’ll set it to ON if it makes a difference at slower handheld speeds like 1/30s. Probably need it OFF when shooting fast wide open. On my Nikon I used their version with MLU, but for tripod use only. What is your experience – especially for handheld street work with a fast prime? ~Daniel www.danielstainer.com