Sony Alpha 1 (A1) Clear Image Zoom (CIZ)

This post is for my fellow photographers that have recently purchased the new Sony A1 camera. For those who are interested in Clear Image Zoom (CIZ), I have listed my set-up instructions below.

CIZ is also available on the Sony A9 and Sony A7R4. Unfortunately, Menu instructions are slightly different but concept is the same.

Sony A1 Clear Image Zoom 

Clear Image Zoom (CIZ) is a Sony technology that provides the ability to increase your zoom range beyond the full extension of your optical range. Also known as digital zoom, it uses software and impressive algorithms to increase the zoom range by 1.5x in both still images and movies. While the image quality is not equivalent to an optical zoom, it is so good that under most circumstances it is hard to see a difference. This is especially true in video usage.

Still Images

Still images must be .jpeg images only. RAW images do not work. Since most of us shoot RAW, changing to .jpeg to use CIZ, then back to RAW for normal shooting can be frustrating. And since there is more than one Menu Item that must be set in the Menu, I find that using the Mode Dial Registration Recall Modes (1,2,3 on Mode Dial) to be the most convenient for setup. I use #3.

Since many of us use the Registration Recall Modes for shooting scenarios (Birds in Flight, Scenic, etc.) this is a good place to start. Dial in one of the modes. For me #1 is Birds in Flight. When I dial-in #1 all my setting for BIF are active. For example: 1/2500 sec, f/9, Auto ISO, Focus Area = Zone, Metering = Spot Standard, Tracking on, Bird Eye AF On, etc. Now you can add the settings for CIZ and Save As Recall Mode #3.

Settings for CIZ on Recall Mode Dial

1. Shooting>Image Quality>JPEG/HEIF Switch>JPEG
2. Shooting>Image Quality>Image Quality Settings>File Format>JPEG
3. Shooting>Image Quality>Image Quality Settings>JPEG Quality>X.Fine
4. Shooting>Image Quality>Image Quality Settings>JPEG Image Size>L:50M (50 Megapixels for max JPEG resolution)
5. Shooting>Zoom>Zoom>Zoom Range>Clear Image Zoom
6. Shooting>Shooting Mode>Camera Set Memory> select #3 (#3 on the Recall Mode Dial is now defined)

Settings for CIZ Zoom Range

1. Setup>Operation customize>[Scenic] Custom Key Setting>Rear2>#2>[Scenic][Movie]Zoom (this sets the main front wheel center button to display the Zoom Range for CIZ. Other buttons can be customized instead of the center button.

Operating the A1 for CIZ For Stills

1. Dial in Recall Mode #3 on Mode dial.
2. Press the center button on the front wheel. The following image will appear on the LCD/Viewfinder screen:
3. Rotate the wheel clockwise to Zoom-in to a maximum of 1.5X. Rotate counterclockwise to Zoom-out.
4. Note new ikon on the shooting screen.
5. Take your picture.
6. CIZ can be used in addition to the APS-C Crop Mode.

Operating the A1 for CIZ For Movies (Video)

1. Dial in Movies on Mode Dial (film ikon on the Recall Mode Dial, don’t forget to do settings for Movies)
2. Press the Center button on the Main Wheel to display the above CIZ Zoom screens.
3. Rotate the wheel to the desired zoom setting up to 1.5X.
4. Start the video (The Main wheel can be rotated while shooting video)
5. Can be used in addition to the APS-C Crop Mode to get another 1.5x zoom.
6. Example of max zoom attainable: 200-600 lens+2xTC+1.5x Crop Mode+1.5x CIZ = 2700mm with no loss of resolution.
7. Tripod strongly recommended.

Exceptions

8. Does not work for S&Q selection.
9. Does not work for 8K
10. Works for 4K (but not 120p)
11. Works for HD (but not 120p)
12. Beware Autofocus is turned OFF when using CIZ in video.

Richard Seeley, 978-985-5475, richard@seeley.com, 04-01-21, rev1

~ by richardseeley on June 10, 2021.