Alders and sunbeams, Redwood NP. My most popular post in 2014 was a review of the Sony A7r, the camera used for this photo. The Sony sensor allowed me to capture great detail, and also lighten shadows without generating noise.
With the new year approaching, it seems like a good time to look back at my most popular posts from 2014:
Should Your Next Camera be a Sony?
I don’t talk about equipment very often, because more gear won’t make you a better photographer. But I felt compelled to test – and write about – the Sony A7r because Canon has been so slow to make improvements to their full-frame sensors, and the A7r offers a higher-resolution, low-noise body that can be used with Canon lenses. Plus it’s a mirrorless camera, and I wanted to see if an electronic viewfinder could work for serious landscape photography.
Since I wrote this post, I’ve received a lot of questions about the A7r. Do I still use it? Yes, it’s been my primary camera since I wrote this review. Do I still like it? Yes, very much. The image quality is fantastic, and I really like the electronic viewfinder. I especially like the “Zebras,” the live-view overexposure warning, which allows me to quickly dial in the right exposure without using the light meter. There are things I miss about an optical viewfinder, but I wouldn’t go back.
The A7r isn’t perfect. All of the things I wrote about in this review still apply, both good and bad, including the shutter-shake issue. And as I write this there are some fairly credible rumors about Sony and Nikon, and maybe even Canon, introducing 40+ megapixel cameras soon. But rumors are rumors, and we’ll see.
Lunar Eclipse Over the Trona Pinnacles
In April I made my first trip to the Trona Pinnacles, and it turned out to be a fantastic location for photographing the lunar eclipse.
Claudia and I returned to the Trona Pinnacles in late August, and braved the desert heat at Trona and the Death Valley dunes to capture stars and star trails.
A Surreal Night; Fire and Half Dome
A third year of drought in California brought more fires, which led to some great photo opportunities, but also lots of angst for people in the fires’ paths. These two posts chronicle my adventures photographing fires near Yosemite.
People seem to enjoy reading about my photo adventures, and this was a good one, involving some patience and a lot of luck.
Moonbeams Over Yosemite Valley
Another photo adventure led me on a midnight drive to Yosemite Valley, and resulted in one of my favorite photograph of the year.
Thanks for reading, listening, and commenting, and I hope you have many wonderful photo adventures of your own in 2015!
— Michael Frye
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Michael Frye is a professional photographer specializing in landscapes and nature. He is the author or principal photographer of The Photographer’s Guide to Yosemite, Yosemite Meditations, Yosemite Meditations for Women, Yosemite Meditations for Adventurers, and Digital Landscape Photography: In the Footsteps of Ansel Adams and the Great Masters. He has also written three eBooks: Light & Land: Landscapes in the Digital Darkroom, Exposure for Outdoor Photography, and Landscapes in Lightroom 5: The Essential Step-by-Step Guide. Michael has written numerous magazine articles on the art and technique of photography, and his images have been published in over thirty countries around the world. Michael has lived either in or near Yosemite National Park since 1983, currently residing just outside the park in Mariposa, California.
Michael, I do enjoy reading about your photo adventures. They are incredibly amazing! I have learned many wonderful things throughtout the years, and some of them are by following you. You are a talented artist, photographer, and human being. I too, love the idea to have in my possesion one of these mirrorless A7r Sony camera. However, I am not ready for it just yet, soon I will. I liked what you said about this camera, and I am learning more and more every day about it. Thanks again and may the force be with us all. mARTin
Thanks so much Martin!
There aren’t any blogs or photos that I haven’t liked from you and Claudia! I hope you plan on letting us vote on your best images for 2014 as we have done in the past. Best wishes for a wonderful 2015!
Thank you Ann, and best wishes to you too!
What lense do you like to use with Sony a7R? I am considering buying it to reduce weight when backpacking with a camera.
Lawrence – I use a Canon 17-40 f/4 (not often), a Canon 70-200 f/4 (which I’m going to replace with the Sony version for better autofocus), a Rokinon 24mm f/1.4, and an old Nikon 50mm f/1.8.
I like most of your images Michael, but want only one, hanging on my wall – “Rainbow Weather” and the other was’nt considered – The winter light snow falling off the trees – silent beauty beyond expression. Have fun this new year Michael
Thanks Joseph! Happy New Year to you!
Michael and Claudia,
Best wishes to you for 2015 and thanks for your many informative blogs and inspirational images. As a Coloradan I was partial to your blogs on aspen trees in my state and, as a Sony user for many years, to your coverage of the A7r. I am still debating as to whether to purchase that or go with the more established A99 translucent mirror model for my next camera. Your experience and review has certainly been helpful.
Thanks for all that you share with your blog family!
Jim
Thanks Jim, and Happy New Year to you!