Have you ever considered the option to utilize the mode dial on your Sony A7S II camera to switch between different frame rates, resolutions, and other settings almost instantaneously?
Even though this workflow could be too weird for some of you, it’s extremely convenient way to access almost any camera setting on your Sony mirrorless camera, especially when shooting on multiple run-and-gun situations thus eliminating the hassle of digging deep down into the menu system and wasting tons of time and energy only to adjust a single setting.
Below, wedding cinematographer Matt Johnson showcases how to create up to six different custom camera presets and then switch between them quickly and effortlessly by using only the mode dial on the Sony A7S II.
To start off, just make sure that you have set all the desired video settings on your camera such as recording format, resolution, shutter speed, aperture, ISO, white balance etc., enter the main menu and head over to the bottom of the Subheading 9. Once you select Memory, choose a position and press enter, then all your video settings will be saved.
Now every time you access each of the Memory Recall positions by simply turning the mode dial on your Sony A7S II and pressing Enter, the camera will recall all the settings that you’ve previously saved. For instance, by using this workflow you can instantly switch between 4K 24p mode or let say 1080p 120fps slow-motion recording while having all other camera settings updated accordingly.
Furthermore, the main Memory Recall positions along with the additional M1, M2, M3 and M4 presets give you six different possibilities to switch between totally different settings right off the bat. Additionally, you can access the M1, M2, M3, and M4 presets by turning the mode dial to either position and then using the control wheel located on the back of the camera.
Ultimately, there are virtually countless combinations of settings that you can save as a preset, so take your time and figure out what are the six most frequently used combinations of video settings that you employ on a day-to-day basis. Just register them by following this simple workflow and you’re set to go. This functionality is certainly a no-brainer as you’ll be surprised by the tremendous amount of time and effort you’ll save by using these custom modes, especially when all you need to do to change your camera settings is just flip a single switch.
[source: Matt WhoisMatt Johnson]
B&H Link:
Sony Alpha a7S II Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)
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Been using this for a while. 2 is set as 4k 24p, 1 is set as 120fps HD.
Unfortunately it doesn’t seem to help with the 1 thing I want it for which is switching between normal (which in UK and most of the world is 25p – 24p is a bit of an odd format to shoot, but each to their own!) and the camera’s best slow mo which is 120fps.