DSLR: Sell it? Keep it?

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In all likelihood, you'll end up just using the Z9. I think I echo the experiences of many others when I say I intended to use both DSLRs and mirrorless, but once you start using a really high quality mirrorless camera, you just don't pick up the DSLRs anymore. I thought I'd use both for much longer, but I haven't used a DSLR in six months and even then it was only for 30 minutes or so because I didn't have the correct lens for my mirrorless gear. I also think that you'll discover that over the next year or so the market will continue to flood with used DSLRs and that will drive down their used value, so the sooner you let go, the better. (I easily lost $1000 on what I could have got for my D6 by waiting too long to sell).
Hi Steve, have you seen Matt Grangers latest tests using F-mount lenses on the Nikon Z9 using the latest adapter?
The results are interesting & if accurate could give people the option of keeping their beloved F-mount primes & use them on a mirrorless body with no loss of quality.
Would be interested to hear your thoughts. 🤔
 
I own and regularly use four DSLRs and don’t bother selling or trading when I purchase another one. They have very little value compared to when purchased new. Like a car, they are worth more to the seller than the buyer. Lately my preference is to buy used in excellent or even like new condition. I let others buy the Latest and Greatest.
 
A few weeks ago I took my D500 into a well known/respected camera chain here in Canada to see what kind of trade-in I would get for it when purchasing a Z9. This camera is next to brand new with a SC less than 4k. They offered me 50% of what I paid for it only weeks earlier and admitted I would be much better off selling it privately.
Since that time I watched used camera prices really take a drop. This same store is selling a used D500 (rated as excellent condition) with super low SC for 60% of the cost of a new unit. A D850 (rated as excellent condition) with a SC of 37K is going for 50% of a new unit.

If I pull the trigger on a Z9 in the near future I have already decided I will keep my D850. I had previously decided it would be the D500 I would sell/trade. Now I am not so sure. I absolutely love this camera and it would be difficult to let it go at 50/60% of what I paid only months earlier. So my question is, at what point do you say it's not worth to sell and keep it? With a Z9 in my hands I suspect the D500 will collect dust but still... :(
I keep my old cameras too long too. I keep them until they are not worth selling.
This has left me with a couple of dozen cameras - ahh the memories 🦘
 
With 4 DSLRs and lots of glass, I feel no need to rush into MRLS. I have one (Zfc) to learn about MRLS, but I am going very slowly on glass so as to avoid the suboptimal choices I made with DSLR glass. And at the depreciation rate on DSLR bodies. they may stay in my kit for a very long time.
 
I just went through this exercise. I was going to sell my D850 and several lenses to pay for a new Z6ii and accessories. In the end I decided I would rather keep the 850 and lenses than not have them. All the glass is usable on the Z6ii and the Z9 that's on order. The 850 is worth more to me than the cash I would get. I guess I'll see whether the 850 gathers dust. I hope not, I really love that camera.
 
In all likelihood, you'll end up just using the Z9. I think I echo the experiences of many others when I say I intended to use both DSLRs and mirrorless, but once you start using a really high quality mirrorless camera, you just don't pick up the DSLRs anymore. I thought I'd use both for much longer, but I haven't used a DSLR in six months and even then it was only for 30 minutes or so because I didn't have the correct lens for my mirrorless gear. I also think that you'll discover that over the next year or so the market will continue to flood with used DSLRs and that will drive down their used value, so the sooner you let go, the better. (I easily lost $1000 on what I could have got for my D6 by waiting too long to sell).
Out of curiosity, Steve, why do you like mirrorless so much better?
 
Out of curiosity, Steve, why do you like mirrorless so much better?
I actually have a video about that :)

 
Hi Steve, have you seen Matt Grangers latest tests using F-mount lenses on the Nikon Z9 using the latest adapter?
The results are interesting & if accurate could give people the option of keeping their beloved F-mount primes & use them on a mirrorless body with no loss of quality.
Would be interested to hear your thoughts. 🤔
I have not, but I'll test when I get the gear for sure. There's so many videos out right now and many just aren't using good testing methodology so I'm going to go off of my own tests :)
 
@la551ve3 I believe jumping ship to a Z9 would ultimately render the use of a DSLR (D500/D850) redundant. So you will end up using them much less and less with time. I also think selling now will get you more money than in a month or year down the line.

However, depending on your case, there might be more worth to the camera than selling it. Speaking from my personal perspective:
- I rather keep it for my daughter (she is now 7 but very much interested in photography and already started using my D7500)
- I rather keep it for trips where the risk of damage ist quite high: safaris, sea-side trips, etc.
- keep it as a backup, in case something happens to my main gear

If those cases don't apply, then selling it is the way to go.
 
One problem I have and would still have with a Z9 is "What do I do when I need a zoom?". If I get a chance (in my dreams) to photograph those two cute lion cubs play fighting that Steve did in Tanzania my 500pf is too long. In a truck another camera/lens is right there on the seat but what if (in my dreams) I am out hiking and come across that shot. Today I have a D-500 with a 70-300DX lens on my belt with the 500pf on a strap. Today I simply let go the 500pf, unclip the 70-300DX and take my first world class shot (and last as momma applies her autograph). Now that Z-9 is damn heavy and I certainly don't plan to hike with two so even I ultimately get a Z-9 something else is likely on my belt.
 
I'm in the keep it camp... While I'd love to pick up a Z or Sony, reality is as a hobbyist and at an age where I don't know how much longer I can rationalize 3-5k camera bodies anymore, I'm just going to stick with what I have which is working fine for me. Actually, it's not the bodies - I'm sure I could sell my current D810/D500/D850 bodies and move into nice Z or Sony mirrorless body without much issue. But I have a decent selection of glass amassed over the years, and I don't relish having to replace it all. Honestly I just don't want to go through the hassle of switching over :). Now, if I was a bit younger, or a pro ie making a living from it, I would be adding a few mirrorless bodies... Actually, I would have done it back when Fro advised everyone to sell there F mount bodies and glass what.. 2 years or so ago :).

For now, I'm sticking with my DSLR's... but, never say never, I guess.
 
Should sell my D6 when the Z9 arrives. Should. Want to. Plan to. But will I? :) I mean, it has that archaic bit of technology a physical shutter and it's stamped "Made in Japan" on the bottom.... Might look good on the shelf next to my D3; and having a second body is a good idea (sold my Z6 today). I guess if I sell it I could buy a second Z9 even with the hit I'll take selling given the Z9s price :)
 
Should sell my D6 when the Z9 arrives. Should. Want to. Plan to. But will I? :) I mean, it has that archaic bit of technology a physical shutter and it's stamped "Made in Japan" on the bottom.... Might look good on the shelf next to my D3; and having a second body is a good idea (sold my Z6 today). I guess if I sell it I could buy a second Z9 even with the hit I'll take selling given the Z9s price :)
I sold one of my 2 D850 already. Will sell the other D850 when I hear the Z9 ships. I'll be left with "only" (poor me) Z7 II, Z9, and D6. Plus I can borrow a Z 6 II from my wife who only occasionally uses her for trips.
 
I sold one of my 2 D850 already. Will sell the other D850 when I hear the Z9 ships. I'll be left with "only" (poor me) Z7 II, Z9, and D6. Plus I can borrow a Z 6 II from my wife who only occasionally uses her for trips.
I don't know how you'll manage! :D I'll be surprised if I can actually sell the D6; I'm overly attached to it (and the D3) LOL Just sold my Z6 this morning along with the FTZ1.
 
I actually have a video about that :)

Excellent video, very informative. I'm impressed by the advantages of mirrorless (especially AF tracking), but for an amateur enthusiast like me, I'm not sure those advantages make enough difference to warrant the cost of transitioning from DSLR to MILC. But then, I gave my high-end MacBook Pro to my daughter, and still use my old WinTel PC - a certain level of comfort. Maybe it's an age thing?
 
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