Organize Your Sony A7 III Files

So, you’ve got yourself a new camera, and you’re ready to capture stunning moments. But have you thought about how you’ll organize all those files you’re going to create? Fear not! In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the art of file organization specifically tailored for your Sony camera. By the end, you’ll have a neat and tidy digital system that will make finding and managing your precious shots a breeze. Let’s dive in!

Photo by cody gallo on Unsplash

Understanding the File Types:

Before we jump into organization tips, let’s quickly touch upon the various file types your Sony A7 might generate. Here are the common ones you should know:

1. JPEG: This is the most commonly used file format for images. It’s a compressed format that’s ready to be shared or printed directly from your camera.
2. RAW: Unlike JPEG, RAW files contain unprocessed data captured directly by the camera’s sensor. They offer greater flexibility for post-processing, allowing you to tweak exposure, white balance, and other settings without compromising image quality.
3. S-RAW: Sony’s compressed RAW format, S-RAW, combines the advantages of RAW files with smaller file sizes. It’s a good option if you want to save space on your memory card without sacrificing too much editing flexibility.
4. SLOG: If you’re into video shooting, you might come across SLOG (Sony’s Log). SLOG is a flat, low-contrast profile that preserves more dynamic range, enabling better color grading during post-production.
5. PPL: PPL (Picture Profile) is another video-specific file format. It allows you to apply specific color, contrast, and other settings to your footage, enhancing the overall look and feel.

Now that we know the different file types, let’s move on to organizing them effectively. For this, you have two options: you can choose to do it manually or use a file organizer like Shade.

Organizing Files Manually

First, Create a Folder Structure:

Start by setting up a folder structure on your computer or external hard drive to store all your Sony camera files. Keep it simple and logical. Here’s an example:

• Year (e.g., 2023)
  • Month (e.g., July)
    • Day (e.g., 15)
      • Event Name or Location (e.g., Beach Trip)

This hierarchical arrangement will help you navigate through your files.

1) Use Descriptive Filenames:

When you transfer files from your camera to your computer, ensure you give them meaningful names. A combination of the date, event name, and unique identifier can be helpful. For example: “2023-07-15_BeachTrip_001.CR2” or “2023-07-15_BeachTrip_001.JPG.”

2) Separate RAW and JPEG Files:

If you shoot in both RAW and JPEG, consider creating separate folders within each event folder. This way, you’ll have distinct locations for each file type, making it easier to manage and select specific shots during post-processing or sharing.

3) Tagging and Rating:

Leverage the power of metadata to tag and rate your files. A Digital Asset Manager allows you to add keywords and other relevant information to your images. Utilize these features to mark your best shots, group images by theme, or quickly search for specific subjects.

4) Backup

Don’t forget to back up your files regularly. Consider using cloud storage, external hard drives, or both for added security. Set up an automated backup system to ensure you never lose those precious memories.

Using Shade to Organize Footage Automatically

This is pretty easy. Since Shade uses AI to automatically recognizes objects within images and videos, you don’t have to worry about file names and tagging – Shade will do it for you. This saves you time behind the screen, so you can venture off. Just download Shade and select all your footage. You can now search through your footage visually or by just typing in descriptions of the shot you’re looking for. Create collections of photos you love and export them directly into your favorite editor.