Hi there!
I bought my Sony ILCE-6700 and lense FE 4.5-5.6/100-400 GM OSS specially for birds photography, both static or in flight, and I am not sure I am using the best settings. I find my pictures too grainy despite they are well focused, speed is high enough (I think!) and ISO is not very high. I have attached one of the pictures of a vulture I took yesterday (saved to jpg from raw at original size). You can see the eye of the bird is well focused and the image is not blurred, but a closer look of the face of the bird looks too grainy. What is your opinion? I would very much appreciate some tips!
Sony Alpha India
Hi Luis, You may refer below mentioned settings to shoot the picture of bird in the camera. Shooting Mode: Manual Mode (M): This provides full control over aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. It is particularly useful for fast-moving subjects like birds, allowing you to adjust settings quickly as lighting conditions change. Aperture: Wide Open: Use the lowest f-stop your lens allows (e.g., f/4.5-5.6). This maximizes light intake and sharpness, which is crucial for capturing details in bird feathers. Shutter Speed: Fast Shutter Speeds: For static birds, a shutter speed of at least 1/500 sec is recommended. For birds in flight, aim for 1/1000 to 1/2000 sec to freeze motion effectively. Adjust according to the size and speed of the bird; larger birds may require slightly lower speeds. ISO Settings: Auto ISO: Set your camera to use Auto ISO with a maximum limit that you find acceptable (e.g., up to 6400 or 12800). This allows the camera to adapt to changing light conditions while maintaining image quality. Autofocus Settings Focus Mode: Continuous Autofocus (AF-C): This mode is essential for tracking moving subjects. It keeps focus on the bird as it moves, ensuring sharp images. Subject Recognition: Bird Eye Autofocus: Enable this feature to prioritize focusing on the bird's eye, which is critical for portrait-like images of birds. Focus Area: Tracking Zone or Wide: These settings allow for better tracking of birds in motion. You can also set a custom button for quick access to different focus areas depending on your shooting scenario. - Oct. 20, 2024, 4:30 p.m.