Pixel Shift Multi Shooting

In Pixel Shift Multi Shooting, the camera shoots four or 16 RAW images while shifting the image sensor one pixel or half pixel at a time. You can generate images with higher resolution than is possible with regular shooting by combining these images on a computer using Imaging Edge Desktop (Viewer). This feature is helpful when shooting still subjects such as artworks and architectural structures.

You can combine the images automatically after shooting using Imaging Edge Desktop (Remote), or you can import the images to a computer and combine them using Viewer after shooting using only the camera.

The method using Remote for shooting is described here. For the method using shooting on the camera, refer to the Help Guide.

Supported Devices

Refer to the following page for information on supported devices.

Note

  • Only RAW images shot using the [Uncompressed] or [Lossless Comp] RAW recording modes are supported as source files. RAW images shot using the [Lossless Comp (L)], [Lossless Comp (M)], [Lossless Comp (S)], [Compressed(HQ)], or [Compressed] mode are not supported.
  • The menu items that can be selected when configuring settings will differ depending on your camera model.

Recommended system requirements

When 16 RAW images are combined in one image, the size of generated RAW image with the file extension ARQ is going to be approximately 2 GB.

The operation and process for combining images on a computer may take time in some cases. Therefore, we recommend using the following system requirements.

CPU: 11th Generation Intel Core i7 Processors 3.0 GHz or higher
Memory: 16 GB or higher
A minimum of 32 GB of memory is required if the number of recorded pixels per image exceeds 50 M and the number of images to be combined is 16.
Storage: Built-in SSD

The time required to combine the images is as follows. (Based on the test conditions defined by Sony)

  • About 3 minutes is required when the number of images to be combined is 16.

It may take a longer time to complete the processes for combining and developing images depending on the operating environment and performance of your computer.

Remote Shooting

Notes on preparation for shooting

  • Secure the camera using a tripod or the like in a stable location free of vibrations.
  • Ensure that movement of nearby persons, objects, etc., does not cause the subject to move.

Shooting notes

  • Ensure that the shooting environment is such that the illumination of the subject does not vary. Especially when shooting highly reflective subjects such as metal or glass, ensure that subject brightness will not be affected by any nearby movement.
  • Set a suitable exposure time, because some light sources may flicker.
  • We recommend shooting images ISO3200 or lower in order to achieve a high image quality.
  • If the camera or subject is unstable during shooting, it may not be possible to combine the RAW images correctly, resulting in minute grid patterns.

Notes when using flash

  • If the amount of light emitted by the flash is inconsistent between shots, images may not be combined correctly. To stabilize the amount of light emitted, try increasing the flash level or widening the illumination angle.
  • Set the capture interval accounting for the time required to charge the flash.
  • The flash sync speed differs depending on your camera model.
    • ILCE-1M2, ILCE-1: 1/200 second
    • For details on other camera models, please refer to the Help Guide.
  • When shooting in the Pixel Shift Multi Shooting mode, you cannot use the optical wireless flash.

  1. Configure the following settings on the camera to transfer RAW images to the computer.

    MENU → (Network) → [Cnct./Remote Sht.] → [Remote Shoot Setting] → [Save Image Size] → [Original]

    * The names of menu items will differ depending on your camera model. If your camera has no [Save Image Size] item, this step is not necessary.

  2. Connect the computer and the camera.

  3. In Remote, select the Pixel Shift Multi Shooting setting.

    • On the mode panel, select [Px. Shift Multi Shoot.]. Alternatively, select [Px. Shift Multi Shoot.] from the [CameraSettings] menu.

      * You cannot perform Pixel Shift Multi Shooting in a shooting mode other than P, A, S, or M.

      Mode panel

    • In the Shooting panel, select the number of photos and the shooting interval from among the available options.

      We recommend selecting the shortest capture interval.

      When using a Mount Adaptor (LA-EA1/LA-EA2/LA-EA3/LA-EA4/LA-EA5), capture interval may be longer.

      Shooting panel. The number of photos and shooting interval options are highlighted.

  4. Shoot using Remote.

    • Click the shutter button on the shooting panel.

      Shooting panel. The shutter button is highlighted.

      The specified number of RAW images is shot continuously.

Hint

  • It may take a long time to transfer images when shooting remotely using a Wi-Fi connection. In such cases, it is recommended that you use a USB connection for remote shooting. Alternatively, shoot with [Still Img. Save Dest.] under [Remote Shoot Setting] set to [Camera Only], import the RAW images to a computer, and combine them using Viewer.
  • It may be helpful to set the number of shots to [1 Photo] and take a test shot. Use the test image to confirm that the shooting settings (such as flash intensity and angle) are correct.

Combining images

When shooting with Remote

After shooting is complete, Viewer starts, combines the images you shot, and generates a RAW file (extension: ARQ) of the result.

  • Motion correction is not applied to RAW data generated automatically. To use motion correction, import the RAW images you shot to a computer, and combine them using Viewer.

When shooting with the camera itself

  1. Transfer the captured RAW images (file extension: ARW) to the computer.

  2. Launch Viewer, select the folder containing the RAW images from “Folders” on the left side of the window, and select one RAW image captured using Pixel Shift Multi Shooting.

  3. Select [Process Composite RAW Shooting] → [Create Px. Shift Multi Shoot. Composite Image (Create 1 Image)] or [Create Px. Shift Multi Shoot. Composite Image (Create 4 Images from 16 Images)]* from the [File] menu.

    Alternatively, you can right-click (Windows) or click while holding down the Control key (Mac) to make a selection.

    * Create 4 Images from 16 Images: A single image is generated from 4 images in the order of shooting, resulting in a total of 4 combined images being generated. Try this option in cases where the 16 source images include some with instability that could prevent the RAW images from being combined correctly, or in cases where extremely high resolution is not necessary.

  4. Configure setting items such as Motion correction and File settings.

    Settings dialog box for creating composite image
    Output method

    Select image processing setting values.

    To apply other image processing settings, refer to the page linked below.
    Saving image-processing settings and applying them to another image or to multiple images at once

    Motion correction
    You can use the [Motion correction] function to stabilize a composite image if it contains a moving subject.
    File settings
    For the Save format, select ARQ Format.

  5. Click [Continue] to start the processing to combine the images.

    Wait until a message saying “All processing completed” is displayed.

    When processing is complete, the image is saved to the specified destination folder.

    • Images with insufficient Pixel Shift Multi Shooting data and images in incompatible file formats are skipped when combining images.

Adjusting and Developing Images

Switch to Edit to develop RAW data or output it to files in JPEG or TIFF format.

Refer to the page linked below for instructions on using Edit.
Edit window

Hint

  • Depending on the system configuration of the computer you are using, you may be able to reduce the time required for image adjustment by closing the Viewer window while adjusting images in Edit.
  • You can reduce noise that appears at the edges of images in Pixel Shift Multi Shooting. This noise is caused by vibration or other factors. Use the slider to adjust the amount of correction. This palette is displayed only when a Pixel Shift Multi Shooting image (ARQ format) is selected.
    Pixel Shift Multi Shooting Correction palette

You can also use Viewer in combination with another application, transferring composite files to the other application for image adjustment.

To use another application in combination you will need to configure settings for the external application beforehand.

Refer to the page linked below for how to configure settings.
Registering external programs

When you register an external program, an item for transferring data to the registered application is added to the [Tools] menu in Viewer.