MOut Of Auto Mode
Mirrorless
Full-Frame

Sony a1 — Settings for Portrait Photography

Here are the recommended camera settings for portrait photography with the Sony a1. These general values work as a great starting point — for settings tailored to your specific gear, try the wizard.

Recommended Settings

SettingValue
ISO
100–400
Aperture
f/1.8 – f/2.8
Shutter Speed
1/125s – 1/250s
White Balance
Auto / Daylight
Focus Mode
Single AF, Eye Detection

These values are general recommendations. The wizard gives you values optimized for your Sony a1 and lens — plus step-by-step menu paths.

Camera-Specific Tips

  • Take advantage of the Sony a1's 9.44 million-dot OLED electronic viewfinder, which offers a live histogram overlay. This allows you to see real-time exposure information, helping you adjust settings accurately before taking the shot.
  • Customize the a1's C1 to C4 buttons for quick access to your most-used settings. Assign functions like Focus Peaking or Zebra Display to these buttons for faster adjustments during shoots.
  • Activate Eye AF in the a1 for precise focus on your subject's eyes, perfect for portrait photography. This ensures sharp focus on the eyes, even with shallow depth of field.

Get Camera-Specific Guidance

These are general recommendations for this scene. The wizard can show you exactly where to find each setting in your camera’s menu system, plus values optimized for your specific gear.

Start the Wizard

Get settings tailored to your Sony a1 for portrait photography — including menu paths and lens tips.

Get Personalized Settings