Good to know, thanks Cameron.
Am I the only one still using DSLRs?
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Not A Speck Of Cereal
Well-known member
While my main bodies are ML, I keep a FF DSLR backup camera (D850) and still use it from time to time.
Chris
Chris
Rixpx
Well-known member
ALFAGold
Active member
I still have a D850 as primary, but also a D810 and a D700. If it ain't broke don't fix it! They all still work and my lens collection is still functional. I do not equate this change in technology to the film to digital transition. That was easier to make because acquring film became the issue, and getting it developed never stood up well to the concept of seeing the image instantly. At my age, there isn't enough motivation to make a dramatic change. And, the lenses which have historically been beyond budget are starting to look more interesting. I do not disparage Mirrorless cameras nor those who use them. Technology will change is a given, and each person will have to decide whether it is worth the transition. I am not there yet.
2Lab
Member
Actually my walk-about camera is still the D850. Using the D850 over my Z 9 is just muscle memory, I really don't have think about so many settings - set my ISO and go to work. On the other hand, my D850 has become my other lens camera while using the Z 9 to shoot wildlife. I have a 200-400 f/4 and a 500 f/4 that I can't see any reason to give up. Yes, I have several F2Z converters but that takes time to replace the Z 9 lens (600 f/5.6).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:
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?
- I'm an amateur, not a professional, and my wildlife photography is for my personal satisfaction only, not for any commercial purpose.
- My images are reproduced mainly on social media, my website, for family and friends, and for occasional printing and charitable donations.
- 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.
- 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?
My wife still uses the D810 so giving up all of the F-mount lenses doesn't make sense.
Just my 2-cents on your question
Well, maybe firing off at 20fps versus 5-7fps accounts for some of the difference. I'm pretty adept at post, and I can't imagine seriously reviewing 100,000 images in a single year, unless most are obvious deletions. But, I tend to be fairly deliberate in my shooting and editing.
While we DSLRinosaurs are becoming fewer, I remain so because I can discern no use case that I can't solve using any of the 5 DSLRs and dozen lenses that I already own and use.
BradleyD
Member
Nauticam housing purchased and serviced through Backscatter. Love it. You should be able to find a good used one. Bobtail squid is a decent crop using the 105mm and dual strobes. Whales are close to full frame with the Sigma 15mm and natural light. PM me if you want more info. Happy to share!
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Yellowboard
Well-known member
You are not the last one...and...you don't need to worry about it.
Roy
Well-known member
Most photo journalist Pros are still using DSLRs...While the photography world has shifted to mirrorless technology, I've not yet made the transition myself (call me an old fogey
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?
- I'm an amateur, not a professional, and my wildlife photography is for my personal satisfaction only, not for any commercial purpose.
- My images are reproduced mainly on social media, my website, for family and friends, and for occasional printing and charitable donations.
- 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.
- 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?
O
Well-known member
While the photography world has shifted to mirrorless technology, I've not yet made the transition myself (call me an old fogey
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?
- I'm an amateur, not a professional, and my wildlife photography is for my personal satisfaction only, not for any commercial purpose.
- My images are reproduced mainly on social media, my website, for family and friends, and for occasional printing and charitable donations.
- 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.
- 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?
Your not alone, many people love their DSLR gear and what they do with what they have.
Short answer -
Hire a Z8 or buy one used cheap, play with it with your dslr glass, it will become very apparent as to what is realistically or tangibly beneficial you or not for you.
Longer answer -
3D Tracking, If you have moderate to poor skill sets than yes mirror less is the way to go, if you have good skill sets less so.
If you’re doing lots of Video, or doing a lot of fast sports and wild life action and have low skill set levels then yes its very beneficial to go mirror less.
The ZF, Z6III has been, are and the New Z9 Z8 Z7III all will be amped up to perform better in lower light and low contrast situations to enhance tracking and subject detection performance.
My Z9 (sold after 2 years) (Z8 About to sell) I usually wind both back to 5 fps or 10fps, on rare occasions I may go to 20 and that works great, that's me. So speed options is defiantly a noticeable plus feature in mirror less, if you need it.
Focusing - Equally Group on your D850 D5 D6 does mostly the same thing for stills if you combine it with your skill sets.
Most other things really are achievable on a D850 D5 D6 again if you have some skill sets.
Nikon's Glass selection is nice, its light, there is a great selection, but Pricey.
Viewfinder use for exposure settings is a great asset and defiantly very very beneficial especially for unskilled shooters or for those lacking in post processing skills, if you know what you’re doing with your DSLR by second nature , not so. Most Pros know what their doing re exposure.
There are some tangible advantages in going mirror less but realistically its mostly FPS and 3D tracking for video, most other features there just features, well, again it depends on your skill sets and what you do and like.
Everyone is different and tools are just tools, it’s the craftsmanship in using any tools that matters, mirror less is great but it’s largely for video and helps a lot of less skilled or unseasoned shooters get into the game, yes it’s the future and seems inevitable to be so.
If I needed speed and state of the art lock on tracking it’s by far Canon.
If you love what you do, just share on social media and your website with family and friends, what you have may very well be perfectly fine, its up to you.
Again you mentioned money isn't an issue, therefore renting a Z8 and adapter for a week seems to be a good opportunity to experience mirror less shooting, you may love it or see firsthand what’s a tangible benefit to you or and what’s perception.
Moving on from my Z9 Z8, on My radar list is Z7III 28-400 for all round travel shooting especially multi day hikes,.
From the DSLR collection, I have the 70-200 FL, 16mm Fish eye, 3002.8VR II, and more than good enough 24-70, 14-24 F2.8 G, 200-500 push pull, along with the D850 and grip, oh and and a DF.
I rent the exotics or pro tools as needed as I don’t have enough frequent use to warrant any one exotic lens or tool being purchased.
Out of the Nikon Tc exotic range the 400 TC is my pick with a 2x TC, amazing tool, however the DSLR 300 2.8 VR II using a 1.4TC III does 90-95% of what the 400 Z does.
My favourite camera in Nikon mirror less is the Z9 even over the Z8, the Z8 is a temporary camera for me at the moment.
If I was investing hard in exotic tools I would go the Canon eco system on the back of the R1, defiantly 2 off.
Only an opinion
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exactly the same situation. if truth be told, have spent 4
times or more than planned.but man this is so satisfying.
times or more than planned.but man this is so satisfying.
actually mirror less has made used dlsr equipment so cheap, i find myself buying more than i might otherwise. keh was offering $760 for my Nikon 70-200.not going to happen.
When I shoot wildlife I do a lot of bursts to either capture action or to just give different options with slightly different body positions or to try to get the sharpest shot.All I can say is OH MY GOD! 300,000 shots in a year and a half?! Maybe I'm just an old Luddite fuddy-duddy, but that seems like it would be an enormous waste of time to review so many images! I've shot with my oldest D850 for about 5 years, and it only has 80,000 actuations, and I think I'm out shooting fairly often. Even so, it seems like I've spent decades just reviewing those shots.If your experience is typical, I think I'll just stay in the DSLR world, and spend the time I save not reviewing images just enjoying my family!
Usually if after I take a burst I think there was something worthwhile in it I quickly review it in the field.
When I shoot sports I do a lot of bursts for similar reasons and don't review it as often since there is not usually as much downtime, BUT with sports I make a mental note of whether anything worthwhile happened during a burst.
When I get home, I generally remember the shots or at least the sequences that had photos I want to save in and so I find and import those. In this way it often doesn't wind up taking that long.
Either way, I find this kind of shooting useful for more unpredictable things like sports and wildlife and it's certainly true that if I had a DSLR I'd likely be a lot less likely to take advantage of it.
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I read an article earlier this year that the Atlanta Falcons switched from Nikon DSLRs to Sony a9III for game action & a1 for portraits and events.
John Navitsky
Well-known member
macwalter
Well-known member
I went mirrorless over the past couple of years. It started with my grip on my d850 to stop working so I only had 7fps vs 9. This was considerable as I am into action photography and having a fast shutter speed with no blackout was a game changer. However the z9 was heavy and I decided to wait for the z8 as I knew it was coming out. I had tried the z9 from a friend and was starting to realize the advantages. So when the z8 came out I jumped at it with the 100-400mm zoom as I still had the 500pf. I want to Brazil with just these two lenses and my d850 as a spare. I never used it.
upon returning home my strap mount broke on the z8 ( it was defective) and sent it in and one time went out with the d850 to shoot BIF etc. I was shocked at the difference and how I had come to take what the z8 had to offer for granted. I had used the d850 since it first came out and absolutely loved that camera. And now I couldn’t wait to get rid of it along with the 500pf since I wanted a z600pf and a 2nd z8.
don’t get me wrong, the d850 was and still is an superb camera but once you get into a quality mirrorless by which I mean no less than a z6iii and even here I wouldn’t want only 24mp for wildlife. The image quality of the d850 is still unsurpassed, the z8-9 are very close but what you gain in terms of stability, AF accuracy, hi speed frame rate with no blackout etc. will far and away make up for any deficiency you may find. I think you will first off notice how more often the eye is tack sharp and how now you can get so many more interesting moments that you didn’t even see but the camera shooting at 20fps picked up. By the way I am only an amateur as well but I take it very seriously and am always looking to improve. One other thing, you may need to upgrade your computer as well. And you want something fast to handle all those large files.
upon returning home my strap mount broke on the z8 ( it was defective) and sent it in and one time went out with the d850 to shoot BIF etc. I was shocked at the difference and how I had come to take what the z8 had to offer for granted. I had used the d850 since it first came out and absolutely loved that camera. And now I couldn’t wait to get rid of it along with the 500pf since I wanted a z600pf and a 2nd z8.
don’t get me wrong, the d850 was and still is an superb camera but once you get into a quality mirrorless by which I mean no less than a z6iii and even here I wouldn’t want only 24mp for wildlife. The image quality of the d850 is still unsurpassed, the z8-9 are very close but what you gain in terms of stability, AF accuracy, hi speed frame rate with no blackout etc. will far and away make up for any deficiency you may find. I think you will first off notice how more often the eye is tack sharp and how now you can get so many more interesting moments that you didn’t even see but the camera shooting at 20fps picked up. By the way I am only an amateur as well but I take it very seriously and am always looking to improve. One other thing, you may need to upgrade your computer as well. And you want something fast to handle all those large files.
O
Well-known member
had a cedar cabinet custom made for all my dslr equipment,for 1/4 the cost of 1 mirror less body.
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Shoot.print.frame
New member
Still on a D850 myself and holding strong!While the photography world has shifted to mirrorless technology, I've not yet made the transition myself (call me an old fogey
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?
- I'm an amateur, not a professional, and my wildlife photography is for my personal satisfaction only, not for any commercial purpose.
- My images are reproduced mainly on social media, my website, for family and friends, and for occasional printing and charitable donations.
- 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.
- 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?
It’s funny you ask this as I was asking myself the same questions while recently shooting with a friend and his beautiful Z9. While I do concede the technological updates are tremendous, I often remind myself comparison is the thief of joy. That said you’re not alone- I too am also tempted, but I’ve worked a lifetime to build quite the collection of F mount glass (everything from the holy trinity to the 200 f/2 to the 800 f/5.6), and I really don’t know if I wanna be fooling with the FTZ adapter on all of it-although I hear it’s a seamless transition. But anyway, similar boats sir 
Ian Hutchinson
Member
I still have not gone mirrorless, in fact 2 years ago I invested in a Nikon D6 and have no intention of changing it anytime soon. I was fortunate enough to have the use of a Z9 for a couple of weeks and although it is a very impressive piece of kit it didn't persuade me to change yet.While the photography world has shifted to mirrorless technology, I've not yet made the transition myself (call me an old fogey
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?
- I'm an amateur, not a professional, and my wildlife photography is for my personal satisfaction only, not for any commercial purpose.
- My images are reproduced mainly on social media, my website, for family and friends, and for occasional printing and charitable donations.
- 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.
- 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?
fcotterill
Well-known member
Another perspective is to ask if you own a point and shoot Mirrorless or similar camera with integral lens, or have ever used a similar imaging device?
I used a Nikon Coolpix 950 from 1999 alongside my Nikon SLRs. This compact Mirrorless camera was extremely useful in many situations, much like today's phone's camera. Unfortunately, the Coolpix couldn't be paired with my lenses.
A D60 partially replaced the film cameras, but it couldn't do full justice to the aperture indexing nor screwdriver AF of my extremely capable collection of F-mount Nikkors. I couldn't afford a more advanced DSLR at the time.
As I described above #26, the MILC features were taken for granted in my eventual upgrade was huge to a D500 and D850, also owning a D780. As we know these cameras are incredibly capable for all genres of photography. Their integrated Mirrorless capabilities improved radically after the D4 era... From 2016, Nikon built better and better MILC functionality into these DSLRs. Video was one catalyst certainly, but so was Nikon's intense R&D into the Z System (which finally reached the photographic public in August 2018).
Today, I can pair any of my G and E type F-mount lenses with a Z9; with these lenses IME the adapter negativity peppering forums is irrelevant. And I plan to add a Z50 II mostly to have a Commando "Carry-Anywhere" Kit. Obviously heavier than a simple tiny Coolpix but the Z50 II is a far far more capable powerhouse of MILC technology.
I used a Nikon Coolpix 950 from 1999 alongside my Nikon SLRs. This compact Mirrorless camera was extremely useful in many situations, much like today's phone's camera. Unfortunately, the Coolpix couldn't be paired with my lenses.
A D60 partially replaced the film cameras, but it couldn't do full justice to the aperture indexing nor screwdriver AF of my extremely capable collection of F-mount Nikkors. I couldn't afford a more advanced DSLR at the time.
As I described above #26, the MILC features were taken for granted in my eventual upgrade was huge to a D500 and D850, also owning a D780. As we know these cameras are incredibly capable for all genres of photography. Their integrated Mirrorless capabilities improved radically after the D4 era... From 2016, Nikon built better and better MILC functionality into these DSLRs. Video was one catalyst certainly, but so was Nikon's intense R&D into the Z System (which finally reached the photographic public in August 2018).
Today, I can pair any of my G and E type F-mount lenses with a Z9; with these lenses IME the adapter negativity peppering forums is irrelevant. And I plan to add a Z50 II mostly to have a Commando "Carry-Anywhere" Kit. Obviously heavier than a simple tiny Coolpix but the Z50 II is a far far more capable powerhouse of MILC technology.
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