Am I the only one still using DSLRs?

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

Member's gallery
Anyone who appreciates the LCD screen of their DSLR and its dependent functions for macro and landscape is already using a Mirrorless camera ;)

It's interesting how Nikon improved the MILC interface - thus a hybrid MILC- DSLR progressively. Comparing the LCD functionality from the D500 thru' D850 to the D780.

In fact you can use the D780 as an extremely capable F-mount Z6 (albeit without a EVF). This makes it practicable to focus tricky lenses wide open, such as the 58 f1.4G, using the EVF.

Looking back, I think if Nikon had released a D860 [D850 upgrade] with the D6 Autofocus engine on EXPEED6 with Z7 sensor and Z7 style LCD, iMenu etc - circa late 2020 - well...... Z system sales could well have suffered?!?
 
Member's gallery
You are not the only one. Plan to keep using my 810/850 indefinitely. Mid 60's so maybe 10 years of good health left and financially impractical to move to mirrorless as I rarely use autofocus. The main advantage of the Z system is the improved glass but unless Nikon makes Z 200 macro lens I'm sticking with the DSLR.
 
Member's gallery
Abinoone said:
While the photography world has shifted to mirrorless technology, I've not yet made the transition myself (call me an old fogey 🥸), and I'm wondering if I'm the only holdout among serious and committed amateur photographers? Yes, I do understand the many advanced features of leading edge mirrorless cameras, and that using them would likely improve my keeper rate. However, as an amateur wildlife photographer, would acquiring a Z9 or Z8 really increase my imagery and personal satisfaction enough to warrant the investment required? Here's my rationale for sticking with my tried and true D850s and FX lenses, at least so far:
  1. I'm an amateur, not a professional, and my wildlife photography is for my personal satisfaction only, not for any commercial purpose.
  2. My images are reproduced mainly on social media, my website, for family and friends, and for occasional printing and charitable donations.
  3. The last time I checked, my D850s and FX lenses are still considered top quality equipment, and arguably are capable of producing images as good as any mirrorless camera and lens.
  4. Changing to a mirrorless platform would require a significant investment of money, and of time to relearn the new system. While I have both sufficient money and available time to make the change, would it really be worth it given my primary photographic purposes?
Judging from the many posts on Backcountry Gallery over the past couple of years, I'm beginning to feel very much in the minority, and so my overriding question is am I missing something obvious that everyone else has already gotten? Am I alone in the photographic universe?
Click to expand...

Clark,

You are not alone in the universe, there are plenty of amateurs and pros still holding on to their DSLRs. At least in Nikon, the IQ gap between F-mount and Z-mount glass is negligible or small at focal lengths above 70mm. The difference, for example, the 70-200mm FL and its Z sibling is one of splitting hairs; I would venture to say that not even the hardest-core Nikon peeper would be able to say which is which in identical photos.

Money spent on any hobby, be it motorcycling, photography, or something else, is always an expenditure, never an investment. A pro making money in said activities is investing in the tools of his/her trade.

If an unexpected situation forced me to let go my gear and the only way to get back into photographing were to go DSLR, I would be a very lucky person if doing so meant getting a D850/D500 combo plus glass.

Human beings like justifying their actions, it's in our nature. It's very unlikely someone who spent their money moving to mirrorless will say anything suggesting that it was less than a gigantic leap. Don't get me wrong, my Z9 is a lot of fun and better than the D850 and D500, but like everything, context matters. There are things that mirrorless does much, much better (eye AF, video). Almost everything else falls into the realm of nice to have (more FPS, no lens calibration). But each bit of the everything else is a tad better. Combined, the things that are better make a whole that is bigger than the sum of its parts. Whether that would be critical to you, well, only you would know.

As each person is different, so is what they shoot and how they shoot it, which in turns determines how important and significant the differences between DSLRs and ML are. I do not do video at all, so the video powers of ML are of little consequence to me. But I do have eyesight/visual perception challenges, so focus peaking is heaven-sent when using manual lenses. WYSIWYG on the EVF is much vaunted by many; but I would say that while it's very nice, at the end of the day it would not make a big difference to an experienced photographer like yourself.

Going back to your 4th bullet, I doubt jumping to ML would be a game changer for you. But you are the only person that, after renting/borrowing, could determine whether the change is truly worth the expenditure.
 
Member's gallery
Morado said:
Clark,

You are not alone in the universe, there are plenty of amateurs and pros still holding on to their DSLRs. At least in Nikon, the IQ gap between F-mount and Z-mount glass is negligible or small at focal lengths above 70mm. The difference, for example, the 70-200mm FL and its Z sibling is one of splitting hairs; I would venture to say that not even the hardest-core Nikon peeper would be able to say which is which in identical photos.

Money spent on any hobby, be it motorcycling, photography, or something else, is always an expenditure, never an investment. A pro making money in said activities is investing in the tools of his/her trade.

If an unexpected situation forced me to let go my gear and the only way to get back into photographing were to go DSLR, I would be a very lucky person if doing so meant getting a D850/D500 combo plus glass.

Human beings like justifying their actions, it's in our nature. It's very unlikely someone who spent their money moving to mirrorless will say anything suggesting that it was less than a gigantic leap. Don't get me wrong, my Z9 is a lot of fun and better than the D850 and D500, but like everything, context matters. There are things that mirrorless does much, much better (eye AF, video). Almost everything else falls into the realm of nice to have (more FPS, no lens calibration). But each bit of the everything else is a tad better. Combined, the things that are better make a whole that is bigger than the sum of its parts. Whether that would be critical to you, well, only you would know.

As each person is different, so is what they shoot and how they shoot it, which in turns determines how important and significant the differences between DSLRs and ML are. I do not do video at all, so the video powers of ML are of little consequence to me. But I do have eyesight/visual perception challenges, so focus peaking is heaven-sent when using manual lenses. WYSIWYG on the EVF is much vaunted by many; but I would say that while it's very nice, at the end of the day it would not make a big difference to an experienced photographer like yourself.

Going back to your 4th bullet, I doubt jumping to ML would be a game changer for you. But you are the only person that, after renting/borrowing, could determine whether the change is truly worth the expenditure.
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing your thoughts - they mirror (😊) my own. Ask almost anyone if they're glad they bought that BMW (not me, of course), and you already know what the answer will be. It's nice to be reassured that I'm not entirely crazy to hold onto my beloved D850s, at least for the time being. I realize that to some degree I'm missing the cool people's party, but a quiet evening with old friends does me just fine, thank you.

Thanks again.
 
Member's gallery
fcotterill said:
Anyone who appreciates the LCD screen of their DSLR and its dependent functions for macro and landscape is already using a Mirrorless camera ;)

It's interesting how Nikon improved the MILC interface - thus a hybrid MILC- DSLR progressively. Comparing the LCD functionality from the D500 thru' D850 to the D780.

In fact you can use the D780 as an extremely capable F-mount Z6 (albeit without a EVF). This makes it practicable to focus tricky lenses wide open, such as the 58 f1.4G, using the EVF.

Looking back, I think if Nikon had released a D860 [D850 upgrade] with the D6 Autofocus engine on EXPEED6 with Z7 sensor and Z7 style LCD, iMenu etc - circa late 2020 - well...... Z system sales could well have suffered?!?
Click to expand...
I often use a bunch of Nikon D850 with 70-200 F2.8E with Nikon Z8+85mm F1.2 S-Line. DSLRs have the undeniable advantage of an optical viewfinder. Where the electronic viewfinder “goes blind” and does not see, the human eye is able to see, if conditions allow, of course. For example, a bright morning in the snowy mountains, with recently fallen snow. Less battery drain. It is foolish and naive to write off SLR cameras. It's even more foolish to bury them by giving in to fashion hysteria and hearing internet misconceptions from naive bloggers that with the release of mirrorless cameras, DSLRs have suddenly stopped shooting.
Not if you fantasize a bit about the release of the D860, D950. The Z series would have added parameters that DSLRs don't have. Thus keeping both directions relevant and in demand. It is not profitable for a manufacturer to develop “cannibalism” within its products. Sony is a living example. They have different hierarchy of orientation - you want to take photos with high resolution and low resolution, you want to shoot video, and you want to do everything together on one device, happy that you have a camera alpha “one” with golden letters!
 
Last edited:
Member's gallery
I still have ALL my gear I've ever bought, I don't sell, just buy.
As for use, yes, I still enjoy and use my Kodak SLR/c, and my PhaseOne DF+
Sadly, my ol' workhorse, Canon 5DMkII sleeps idle.
 
Member's gallery
I'm still shooting with my "fleet" of 3 D500s. I bought a used, nearly in new condition, D500 a few months ago as a backup for the day one of my old bodies gives up the ghost. I carry two bodies with me almost all the time, just a personal preference to avoid having to change lenses when there is action going on.

I really like my cameras. I hope I don't sound like I'm bragging, but I miss very few shots with my trusty old DSLRs. I'm fully aware of the benefits and advantages of a $3,500 Z8, and it simply isn't worth $3,500 plus the cost of new memory cards, an FTZ adapter, etc. etc. to me. TO ME, I said, so nobody out there take offense, please. That's a LOT of money, you know? :)

I saw a video somewhere recently and the guy said that you could never get a picture of a hummingbird taking off with an old DSLR and that a mirrorless was required. This past summer I got 4 or 5 "impossible" hummingbird take-off shots with my 8 year-old DSLR. LOL.

Of course, I'm also "surviving" with old cars with no back-up cameras, heated seats, or satellite radios. :)
 
Member's gallery
I have always felt that the thing I need most is more good opportunities. My wife and I both photograph underwater and topside nature (primarily birds). We use Nikon DSLRs underwater and may never switch to mirrorless for this realm. "Topside" we still use DSLRs in combination with 300PF and 500PF lenses (and TC14iii).

That said, we just bought a Z8 (which we will share) but have not completed setting it up. We're methodically going through the recommendations per Steves Z8/Z9 set-up guide, which incindetally is extremely well-written and very much worthwhile. We plan to use the new Z8 along with our DSLRs (a D850, D500 and D7500) on a trip to Bosque del Apache and Tucson during January.
 
Member's gallery
Abinoone said:
While the photography world has shifted to mirrorless technology, I've not yet made the transition myself (call me an old fogey 🥸), and I'm wondering if I'm the only holdout among serious and committed amateur photographers? Yes, I do understand the many advanced features of leading edge mirrorless cameras, and that using them would likely improve my keeper rate. However, as an amateur wildlife photographer, would acquiring a Z9 or Z8 really increase my imagery and personal satisfaction enough to warrant the investment required? Here's my rationale for sticking with my tried and true D850s and FX lenses, at least so far:
  1. I'm an amateur, not a professional, and my wildlife photography is for my personal satisfaction only, not for any commercial purpose.
  2. My images are reproduced mainly on social media, my website, for family and friends, and for occasional printing and charitable donations.
  3. The last time I checked, my D850s and FX lenses are still considered top quality equipment, and arguably are capable of producing images as good as any mirrorless camera and lens.
  4. Changing to a mirrorless platform would require a significant investment of money, and of time to relearn the new system. While I have both sufficient money and available time to make the change, would it really be worth it given my primary photographic purposes?
Judging from the many posts on Backcountry Gallery over the past couple of years, I'm beginning to feel very much in the minority, and so my overriding question is am I missing something obvious that everyone else has already gotten? Am I alone in the photographic universe?
Click to expand...
No, you’re certainly not the only one. I’ve only just bought my first mirrorless camera yesterday (a Z8), primarily as they were on sale here in the UK. I’m still planning on carrying on with my D850/D500 combo for the foreseeable future - not to mention a whole host of f mount lenses. I have no intention of switching to z mount lenses anytime soon given the expense, and the fact that they are more than good enough for my purposes (I, too, am a hobbyist).
 
Member's gallery
Woodyg3 said:
I saw a video somewhere recently and the guy said that you could never get a picture of a hummingbird taking off with an old DSLR and that a mirrorless was required. This past summer I got 4 or 5 "impossible" hummingbird take-off shots with my 8 year-old DSLR. LOL.
Click to expand...

You don't say. I think some youtube experts have made it clear that taking photos before mirrorless was improbable. In fact, it may be an illusion photography existed before ML. 🫣
 
Member's gallery
I have been shooting a D850 and D500 for several years and do not plan to change. I can certainly appreciate advances in autofocus, subject tracking, silent shutter, etc that mirrorless offers but for my photography and sharing habits (much the same as yours), I cannot justify to myself the expenditure to switch. I know I would not be happy with anything less than a Z8 or Z9 because others would feel like a step down from my current gear. If one of mine fails I will have to consider the best option for replacement but for now I am content. Also, my viewership on this site has reduced because most of the conversation is mirrorless related, but that is a natural progression and I do not begrudge that. I still stop by on a regular basis for great conversation and opinions! BTW, I stopped by Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge today to shoot Sandhill Cranes, among other species, and my DSLRs mounted on my old 600mm f/4 G worked flawlessly!! Enjoy what you have !!
 
Member's gallery
I’m still shooting dslr also, canon 5d iv and a 90d. I’m waiting to find a used r5 hopefully in the new year to jump to. Until then I’m quite happy with my results, like you I’m a hobbyist and I’m still learning. The latest and greatest would be awesome but for one that’s not in my cards and two I don’t want to wake up one day and realize I spent every extra dime on gear and not experiences. If you’re capable of documenting your experiences with the gear you have, and happy with the results there’s no reason to change. I’m wanting an r5 mostly for the silent shutter, but the increased mp, evf, and autofocus will be also welcomed. With my 500 f/4 version one the frame rate will be 12 fps but that’s fine with me as I don’t want to go through thousands of photos culling images.
 
Member's gallery
Don’t think about it in terms of justifying the move to mirrorless or the decision to stick with DSLR but to decide what will be most enjoyable to you in your hobby. There were many things I liked about mirrorless, even in the very early stages when the autofocus was terrible. I moved very early, well before it was the cool thing to do. It made me enjoy my photography more so it was the right decision for me.

If you’re wondering if it is the right decision for you, my recommendation is to give one a try. Maybe rent a Z6iii or Z8 with FTZ for a week or at least make sure you have 4 solid days. Use your lenses with it. Or if you have the money by a Z50ii, Z6iii, or Z8 and an ftz and shoot it along with your DSLR. If you like the shooting experience you can move a little more towards mirrorless and if you find you prefer DSLR you will know keeping your current cameras is the right decision. Base the decision on which you enjoy using more.
 
Member's gallery
Abinoone said:
While the photography world has shifted to mirrorless technology, I've not yet made the transition myself (call me an old fogey 🥸), and I'm wondering if I'm the only holdout among serious and committed amateur photographers? Yes, I do understand the many advanced features of leading edge mirrorless cameras, and that using them would likely improve my keeper rate. However, as an amateur wildlife photographer, would acquiring a Z9 or Z8 really increase my imagery and personal satisfaction enough to warrant the investment required? Here's my rationale for sticking with my tried and true D850s and FX lenses, at least so far:
  1. I'm an amateur, not a professional, and my wildlife photography is for my personal satisfaction only, not for any commercial purpose.
  2. My images are reproduced mainly on social media, my website, for family and friends, and for occasional printing and charitable donations.
  3. The last time I checked, my D850s and FX lenses are still considered top quality equipment, and arguably are capable of producing images as good as any mirrorless camera and lens.
  4. Changing to a mirrorless platform would require a significant investment of money, and of time to relearn the new system. While I have both sufficient money and available time to make the change, would it really be worth it given my primary photographic purposes?
Judging from the many posts on Backcountry Gallery over the past couple of years, I'm beginning to feel very much in the minority, and so my overriding question is am I missing something obvious that everyone else has already gotten? Am I alone in the photographic universe?
Click to expand...

Abinoone said:
While the photography world has shifted to mirrorless technology, I've not yet made the transition myself (call me an old fogey 🥸), and I'm wondering if I'm the only holdout among serious and committed amateur photographers? Yes, I do understand the many advanced features of leading edge mirrorless cameras, and that using them would likely improve my keeper rate. However, as an amateur wildlife photographer, would acquiring a Z9 or Z8 really increase my imagery and personal satisfaction enough to warrant the investment required? Here's my rationale for sticking with my tried and true D850s and FX lenses, at least so far:
  1. I'm an amateur, not a professional, and my wildlife photography is for my personal satisfaction only, not for any commercial purpose.
  2. My images are reproduced mainly on social media, my website, for family and friends, and for occasional printing and charitable donations.
  3. The last time I checked, my D850s and FX lenses are still considered top quality equipment, and arguably are capable of producing images as good as any mirrorless camera and lens.
  4. Changing to a mirrorless platform would require a significant investment of money, and of time to relearn the new system. While I have both sufficient money and available time to make the change, would it really be worth it given my primary photographic purposes?
Judging from the many posts on Backcountry Gallery over the past couple of years, I'm beginning to feel very much in the minority, and so my overriding question is am I missing something obvious that everyone else has already gotten? Am I alone in the photographic universe?
Click to expand...
Absolutely not alone but I can see how you would feel that way if you spend any amount of time on YouTube or forums like this. Gear is fun, so all the chatter is always about the newer and newest stuff. Since the D850 (actually prior), the advancements have all been about getting more keepers more easily and the user experience, that’s it. Visible image quality has not gotten better nor has a mirrorless camera increased someone’s creativity. The flagship mirrorless cameras can significantly increase keeper rates with relative ease (especially for fast action like BIF) and they are really fun to use but again, that’s it. If you enjoy what you have (and the D850 is amazing) than stick with it. And don’t worry about the funny looks you get when that sledgehammer shutter is firing amongst a sea of silent ones… 😉
 
Member's gallery
Ralph said:
I have been using the D500 for 5 years and love it. But, since a never owned a full frame digital camera I knew that that would be my next purchase. The dilemma for me was to purchase the D850 at a discount or to wait. I came extremely close to purchasing the D850 but did not. This was two years ago. I figured that I should wait and see wait Nikon was up to. Then the Z8 was announced. Even then I was willing to wait. I came to the decision to purchase last week. The $500 rebate was certainly part of incentive to buy now. I have been spending the last several days setting it up using Steve’s book. What a life saver. There are sooooo many settings. I took it out twice and change several settings from what I had originally programmed to match my shooting style.

To answer your question, if your D850 does everything you want a camera to do, then stick with it. There are some things in the Z8 that you need to get use to but the learning process is part of the enjoyment of something new. If I had already owned a full frame DSLR I probably would have waited to see what Nikon is up to next. If you shoot a lot of action I think this camera is the way to go. My 500 pf works great on this camera. And I‘m sure that all of you Lenses will to if you decide to buy.

I will use my D500 as my second body.
Click to expand...

I'm really looking forward to hearing about your experience with your new camera, as a fellow d500 user....and thinking about a z8.

I also want a FF camera to enhance photographic interests in things like wide field astro, botany, and landscape. Frankly, a cheap d850 could work for these very nicely at much less cost. However, I'm really curious about the z8 for my wildlife interests. Mostly birds.

I still think the biggest gains in my photography will come from fieldcraft and effort, not equipment.

I'm currently shooting with a d500 and d7200 and I'm still learning. I'd love to have a z8 and will get there someday, assuming SWMBO agrees. But I recently upgraded my computer, added a NAS, got a lightweight travel tripod, and I'm thinking of adding a cheap f- mount 105mm f2.8 macro. They all fill current needs. I also need a good gps device to geo mark botanical photos in particular.

At any rate, I'm having fun. The dslrs are great, but I know I'd like a silent shutter deep in the woods. I hope to rent a z8 for a weekend at some point soon.
 
Member's gallery
I’m still happily using my D850 and occasionally, my older D750 bodies. These are with a selection of gold band Nikon lenses. They have served me extremely well. However, recently I was fortunate enough to trial a Z8 body with a selection of prime and zoom S series Z lenses for a week.

My take-aways include; the Z series are fast. Shooting feels instantaneous compared to the D850. Focusing is incredibly superior, quick and accurate. I enjoyed using the EVF and associated information displayed - WYSIWYG, though still not fully use to it. As one who shoots lots of long exposures, dialling in a time was a nice luxury. The downside was battery life. The D850 in freezing conditions the battery just keeps going. Whereas, the Z8 did chew battery life much faster. Easily fixed, but multiple spare batteries need to be carried on every shoot.

I will look at migrating to the Z system probably next year. Having said that, just a body and basic series covering 14mm to say 400mm will set me back about $15k AUD. Not a cheap exercise…
 
Member's gallery
I think that if I could go back in time to before I had invested in so many mirrorless lenses I very well could still be using DSLRs. I shoot a Z8 now but I really very much miss my D500. There are certainly some functional or technical reasons why - an underrated one is the performance of low light AF, particularly in event-type scenarios where the AF-assist light on speedlights is so essential (the Z cameras do have the built in green AF assist light, but these do not function with AF-C) - but apart from this there was simply something very enjoyable and visceral about the experience of shooting with a DSLR that I miss with the mirrorless cameras. There is a difficult to describe "connection" to the scene/subject that I don't feel with the mirrorless cameras. Especially with wildlife, it feels more like I am watching a video of the subject and occasionally taking freeze-frames than it feels like I am there with the animal capturing photographs.

I at times really do consider going back, but the cost to do so would be a challenge.

That said, the single biggest reason I can't see going back is the durability of mirrorless vs. DSLR cameras. I have 300,000 shots on my Z8 after a year and a half. If this were a DSLR, there is a reasonable chance it would have failed by now - and there is almost a certainty that I would have been far stingier about pressing the shutter so as not to put that level of wear on it. This is really I think that rarely-talked-about but single most impactful advantage of mirrorless vs. DSLR cameras.
 
Member's gallery
I still use a DSLR (D500) as my main camera. But I have also been using mirrorless (Nikon 1) cameras almost as long as DSLRs. DSLRs are not the best cameras to use when quiet operation is needed. And the mirror slap can affect image sharpness in some situations. But they are still very good cameras, and can still be used to create amazing photos. I have no intention of getting rid of my DSLR gear. I still mull over whether to get more DSLR gear.

But if I did not have a DSLR (and lenses to go with it) then I would probably buy mirrorless gear at this point. The ergonomics, operation, and AF and exposure systems have improved over the years so that they equal or surpass DSLRs in these areas. And mirrorless cameras are much better for video than DSLRs ever were.

That said, if your gear is getting you the results you need then keep using it. Who cares what gear others are using? You have very good gear, so keep using it. Avoid having the FOMO (fear of missing out) mindset. A lot of members here seem to be fairly well off, or make money from their photography. It has been financially feasible for them to buy into a mirrorless system. All the power to them. But do what is best for you.
 
Last edited:
Member's gallery
AlanB313 said:
I'm really looking forward to hearing about your experience with your new camera, as a fellow d500 user....and thinking about a z8.

I also want a FF camera to enhance photographic interests in things like wide field astro, botany, and landscape. Frankly, a cheap d850 could work for these very nicely at much less cost. However, I'm really curious about the z8 for my wildlife interests. Mostly birds.

I still think the biggest gains in my photography will come from fieldcraft and effort, not equipment.

I'm currently shooting with a d500 and d7200 and I'm still learning. I'd love to have a z8 and will get there someday, assuming SWMBO agrees. But I recently upgraded my computer, added a NAS, got a lightweight travel tripod, and I'm thinking of adding a cheap f- mount 105mm f2.8 macro. They all fill current needs. I also need a good gps device to geo mark botanical photos in particular.

At any rate, I'm having fun. The dslrs are great, but I know I'd like a silent shutter deep in the woods. I hope to rent a z8 for a weekend at some point soon.
Click to expand...
When i get a chance to really put it through its paces i’ll let you know what i think. But I agree that in many ways, using a DSLR does more to improve your skills than the mirrorless will. But i am confident from what little use i’ve made of it so far is that it will allow me to consistently get more keepers compared to the D500. It is a little strange to see little green boxes jumping around in the viewfinder while using subject detection. I forget that they are not the stationary points of reference like the focusing modes of a DSLR.
I will say this, if you are going to get a full frame camera, than wait until you can afford a mirrorless camera. Nikon is sure to have more surprises in store in the coming year or 2 and that may be worth the wait. The lens selection(both FX and Z series) will give you so many more options. My 500pf works great and like other reports mentioned here on this site , from my limited use, I think it works better than on the D500.
 
Member's gallery
PhilcTx said:
The reasons for me to move to mirrorless is for it's reduced form-factor/size & weight... <snip>
Click to expand...
I love my D500 and been enjoying the huge drop in price of good F-mount glass since people started flocking to mirrorless. Besides continuing to enjoy my DSLR, the main worry I have about mirrorless cameras is their small size. If I were disinclined to mortgage my soul for a Z9, it sure seems that most mirrorless cameras are just too tiny to comfortably accommodate a proper birding lens. But maybe I'm fooling myself...
 
tclune said:
... the main worry I have about mirrorless cameras is their small size... it sure seems that most mirrorless cameras are just too tiny to comfortably accommodate a proper birding lens. But maybe I'm fooling myself...
Click to expand...
I use a 600mm f/4 with the Sony a1, with no grip. I'm very happy with the size & weight. YMMV.
 
Member's gallery
For Stills, keep using the DSLR until the system breaks down unless you just like new gear to play with. Image quality is about the same from a D850 or a Z8. Yes the Z glass is sharper if you pixel peep but outside of that nobody can tell the difference.

The MILC offers much faster frame rates and pre-capture with better AF. That makes capturing some things easier and for many subjects makes no difference. It just depends on how much you value that. I was talking to a very skilled portrait photographer last night and he uses a D850. For his work I don't see how a Z8 would make anything better at typical resolutions people view his work which is magazine size print and 4k and under screens.

For Video, theres no contest and the MILC latest cameras just blow away all the DSLR's of the past. So if you shoot video DSLR's are terrible in comparison. The lenses make noise on the mics and they're just overall unrefined and offer much less codec options.

Most of the lure for gear is just wanting the latest and greatest tool. It's like wanting a Ferrari to drive down the street at the speed limit. Our speed limits are 4k monitors and typical print sizes which the Z lens difference gets washed away.

But for Video it's a different story.
 
Last edited:
Member's gallery
tclune said:
I love my D500 and been enjoying the huge drop in price of good F-mount glass since people started flocking to mirrorless. Besides continuing to enjoy my DSLR, the main worry I have about mirrorless cameras is their small size. If I were disinclined to mortgage my soul for a Z9, it sure seems that most mirrorless cameras are just too tiny to comfortably accommodate a proper birding lens. But maybe I'm fooling myself...
Click to expand...

The bodies feel fine in my hands. I put a battery grip on my A1 and it feels perfect.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top