A77ii technical question: "Zoom" versus "Focus Magnifier"

[Keith Hanlan]

I've just upgraded from my A580 to a A77ii and I'm still finding my way through the new functionality. With my A580, I loved Focus Check Live View which lifted the mirror (ah, that old SLR design!) and allowed me to zoom in to fine tune focus.

With the A77ii, it has a "Zoom" capability but that doesn't work when I shoot RAW (which I do). Initially, I was very disappointed but then I discovered that there is a "Focus Magnifier" functionality that I can assign to the button. Phew.

But what is different about how the Zoom and Focus Magnifier functionality is implemented and why does shooting RAW matter?

And why does the camera make a faint continuous buzzing noise when I am using Focus Magnifier even when SSS and AF are off? What moving parts are left once you turn off SSS & AF?

 

[sybersitizen]

But what is different about how the Zoom and Focus Magnifier functionality is implemented and why does shooting RAW matter?

Focus Magnifier changes only the view presented to you - it doesn't change the recorded image at all. Zoom changes (crops) the recorded image.

And why does the camera make a faint continuous buzzing noise when I am using Focus Magnifier even when SSS and AF are off? What moving parts are left once you turn off SSS & AF?

Apparently, live view stabilization (SteadyS w shut.) is enabled... which means you did not turn off SS for still shots. Maybe you only turned off SS for movies.

 

[Keith Hanlan]

But what is different about how the Zoom and Focus Magnifier functionality is implemented and why does shooting RAW matter?

Focus Magnifier changes only the view presented to you - it doesn't change the recorded image at all. Zoom changes (crops) the recorded image.

Ah! I see. Thanks for clarifying.

That sounds pretty useless; how could it be better than cropping during post-processsing? Especially since it can't be used in RAW mode. I'm suprised that it is the default instead of Focus Magnifier. I'm relieved that I'm able to change the button function.

And why does the camera make a faint continuous buzzing noise when I am using Focus Magnifier even when SSS and AF are off? What moving parts are left once you turn off SSS & AF?

Apparently, live view stabilization (SteadyS w shut.) is enabled... which means you did not turn off SS for still shots. Maybe you only turned off SS for movies.

Nope. I just double-checked. Both SS settings are off. It's a faint sound and may just be an electronic buzz. There is also a click when I half-press the focus button. I am curious about that too.

Note that this is just curiousity - not concern. So far, I'm impressed with the camera and glad to be back to the 7-series. As much as I like the A580, I missed some of the controls that were available on the Minolta 7D.

 

[Wally626]

But what is different about how the Zoom and Focus Magnifier functionality is implemented and why does shooting RAW matter?

Focus Magnifier changes only the view presented to you - it doesn't change the recorded image at all. Zoom changes (crops) the recorded image.

Ah! I see. Thanks for clarifying.

That sounds pretty useless; how could it be better than cropping during post-processsing? Especially since it can't be used in RAW mode. I'm suprised that it is the default instead of Focus Magnifier. I'm relieved that I'm able to change the button function.

And why does the camera make a faint continuous buzzing noise when I am using Focus Magnifier even when SSS and AF are off? What moving parts are left once you turn off SSS & AF?

Apparently, live view stabilization (SteadyS w shut.) is enabled... which means you did not turn off SS for still shots. Maybe you only turned off SS for movies.

Nope. I just double-checked. Both SS settings are off. It's a faint sound and may just be an electronic buzz. There is also a click when I half-press the focus button. I am curious about that too.

Note that this is just curiousity - not concern. So far, I'm impressed with the camera and glad to be back to the 7-series. As much as I like the A580, I missed some of the controls that were available on the Minolta 7D.

Just a guess, but perhaps the A77ii enables the SS while in magnify mode to help manual focus as things can get a bit shaky at high mag, unlike previous models the A77 turns on SS at half press to help viewing while shooting. Older models just have it on during the shot.

 

[IanML]

Just a guess, but perhaps the A77ii enables the SS while in magnify mode to help manual focus as things can get a bit shaky at high mag, ....

It does, but only if SS in ON in Menu/camera/8.