electronic viewfinder Archives - EXCELLENT STREET IMAGES

TODAY I USED A SONY 90MM MACRO LENS WITH MY SONY FX30 BODY

The Embraced Loop, a poignant HIV and AIDS national monument by Anaisa Franco, resides in the People’s Gardens of Dublin’s Phoenix Park. This powerful sculpture serves as a tribute to those lost to the disease, a celebration of those who fought and supported others, and a symbol of solidarity with those currently living with and affected by HIV. The design, an abstract loop incorporating the iconic Red Ribbon, embodies an interactive approach and the interconnectedness of all those touched by the epidemic. Unveiled in Phoenix Park by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, the monument stands as a permanent reminder of the ongoing struggle and the need for continued action and support.

Anaisa Franco, the award-winning artist behind The Embraced Loop, pioneers participatory public art, activating bodies and public spaces through interactive experiences. Her studio specialises in parametric digital fabrication and technology integration, creating experiential, self-sustainable works. With a Masters in Digital Art from the University of Plymouth (2007), and experience at Medialab Prado (2008) and Applied Future Studio in Berlin, Franco’s work seamlessly blends creativity, technology, and community engagement.

Recently, I’ve been experimenting with various camera and lens combinations, including my Sony FX30 paired with the Sony 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS lens. This exploration is part of my decision-making process for a future camera purchase. While generally pleased with the FX30’s output since December 2024, I find the lack of an electronic viewfinder a significant drawback. However, its compact and lightweight form factor, especially compared to my Sony A7RIV, is a definite plus.

Although the Sony FX30 is primarily a cinema camera, it’s capable of capturing 26.1MP still images. The 90mm macro lens, a full-frame optic renowned for its sharpness and image quality, is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C cameras like the FX30, making it ideal for close-up work such as insects, flowers, and product photography.

Using a full-frame lens on a crop-sensor body like the FX30 does present some considerations. The 1.5x crop factor means the 90mm lens effectively becomes a 135mm lens in terms of field of view. This can be advantageous for macro photography, providing increased reach, but less so for other genres. Furthermore, full-frame lenses are generally larger and heavier, potentially creating an imbalance on the smaller FX30 body.

However, there are also benefits. Full-frame lenses often deliver superior image quality, particularly in the centre, which is the area utilised by the APS-C sensor. Moreover, investing in a full-frame lens offers versatility should I upgrade to a full-frame camera in the future.

It’s important to acknowledge the FX30’s limitations for still photography. The absence of a mechanical shutter can lead to rolling shutter distortion with fast-moving subjects or flash photography. The lack of a viewfinder makes composition challenging in bright conditions. The FX30 also lacks some dedicated still photography features, such as advanced burst shooting modes and in-body image stabilisation, and its ergonomics are geared towards video use.

In summary, while the Sony FX30 and 90mm macro lens combination can produce excellent results, its suitability depends on individual needs. For those prioritising video with occasional still photography, it’s a viable option. However, dedicated still photographers may find a camera designed specifically for stills a more appropriate choice.