Am I the only one who prefers DSLR?

[DavidT]

I spent all day Saturday and Sunday out shooting wildlife with my new 500PF. I currently have a Z6 and D850 (sold the D500 a few weeks ago) and the Z6 never came out of the bag.

I have planned on selling the Z6 and upgrading to the Z7II with grip when it starts shipping however I am starting to second guess that decision.

Now I am thinking sell the Z6 and buy a D6. I am also interested in the D850 replacement that seems to be coming next year. I would either replace the D850 with the update or add it as an additional body.

I only have one native lens for the Z system (14-30f4) and would rather upgrade it at some point to the new 2.8 version. I am not invested in Z glass yet and would be more interested in the Z when the 100-400 and 200-600 come out over the next two years. I also wonder what new Z bodies will bring to the table.

I just really like looking through a DSLR, I like the feel, the buttons just everything about it. Frankly the only thing I don't like is not having 100% of the viewfinder focal point selection. Add in animal eye tracking like an R5 and I would be more willing to put up with a mirrorless camera viewfinder.

Am I stupid to invest in a D6 and the D850 replacement in 2021? Should I just not do anything and wait and see?

I mostly do wildlife, macro, landscape and just getting into astro photography (50 f1.2 coming out for Z is exciting which makes me consider just keeping the Z6).

I have a good bit of F mount glass that I wouldn't be in a hurry to have to replace. I am exactly one year into digital photography (I have bought all the cameras and lenses in the last 12 months) and in 2021 I plan on adding a 600 f4 of Nikon, Canon or Sony with a matching body.

Current gear:
Nikon D850 and Z6
Nikon 14-24 f2.8
Tamron 24-70 g2 f2.8
Nikon 105 micro
Nikon 70-200 f2.8 E FL
Nikon 300 f2.8
Nikon 500 PF
Nikon 200-500 f5.6
Nikon TC1.4 II
Nikon TC2 III

So am I nuts to keep investing in F mount with a D6 or should I just get the Z7II with grip (PS I would like an action camera that is good in low light, thinking mostly BIF and in non covid times shoot some local HS football)?

I appreciate your feedback!

 

[Terry.R]

Nope, you're not the only one. I recently sold my D500, grip, batteries, and a few lenses to get into the Z system. I sold prior to the launch of the Z6II in hopes that it would be a significant upgrade over the Z6 for things like BIF. I wanted to sell early in case the resale value of the D500 dropped due to the Z6II being a suitable replacement, unfortunately it wasn't. I've since repurchased a D500 and grip and most likely won't be going mirrorless for awhile. I'm stuck with Nikon as it would be more than I could afford to lose if I sold my Nikon lenses however I think the Nikon mirrorless cameras that will end up being suitable cameras for my needs will be priced outside my budget :(

 

[MikEm13]

You will take better pictures shooting with equipment you like. The D500 probably would have been your best bet for BIF and high school football. From what I hear the D6 is a great camera. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Warren D]

In a word, no. I am staying dslr for the foreseeable future. The D6 is a great camera, so is the D5 which you may still be able to find at a reduced price. After using a D850 you won't like the reduction in resolution but will love the AF and frame rate not to mention the clean ISO's at 3200 and 6400. I have a similar list of F mount lenses (accumulated over more than a year), a pair of D850's, D500, D5 and D6. Still have my D810, D4 and D2x. All but the D2x have seen service this year.

 

[Thern]

Allthough I shoot the D6 myself I wouldn’t recommend one for you.
Looking at the lenses you own you will miss focal length.
ONLY if you’re absolutely sure about buying a 600 f/4 I’d recommend a D6.
If you’re not a 100% sure, I’d wait...

 

[DavidT]

Allthough I shoot the D6 myself I wouldn’t recommend one for you.
Looking at the lenses you own you will miss focal length.
ONLY if you’re absolutely sure about buying a 600 f/4 I’d recommend a D6.
If you’re not a 100% sure, I’d wait...

A 600f4 is an absolute and will happen by June 2021. What I am not 100% sure is if it will be Nikon or not. The 600 is so damn expensive it anchors me into a system for the next 10 years. I have considered buying a 600 from say Sony and a body to match with it and keep shooting my other gear and as time goes gradually replacing my current kit with the 600 brand. If I can stay in Nikon great but not my only choice.

 

[DavidT]

You will take better pictures shooting with equipment you like. The D500 probably would have been your best bet for BIF and high school football. From what I hear the D6 is a great camera. Good luck with your decision.

I liked the speed of the D500 but wasn't very impressed with the files.

 

[Thern]

A 600f4 is an absolute and will happen by June 2021. What I am not 100% sure is if it will be Nikon or not. The 600 is so damn expensive it anchors me into a system for the next 10 years. I have considered buying a 600 from say Sony and a body to match with it and keep shooting my other gear and as time goes gradually replacing my current kit with the 600 brand. If I can stay in Nikon great but not my only choice.

At this very moment there’s imo only one brand with a native (no adaptor needing) 600mm in the mirrorless camp (Sony)
Every other contender needs either a adaptor (CaNikon mirrorless) or you’re further investing in DSLR.
IF you believe mirrorless to be the sole future, I would NO WAY invest in an adapted lens.
You’re going to regret that, simple as hell.

 

[FB101]

I agonized over the same questions last month while all the discounts were going on. In the end I decided to double down on F mount:
1. for wildlife everything I read and watched still says it is more reliable than any Z camera to date
2. the lenses I want are mostly available as F mount, not Z yet, so they'd need the adapter, which negates part of the weight benefit
3. I sure hope lots of folks jump from F to Z and there is plenty of used gear available at great prices in the coming months

So I just bought a 500PF and the D850 will be next to have me all set for the next 5+ years and by then the Zs will have reliable animal eye-tracking AF. Nikon's #1 challenge in getting the Z series adopted broadly is that the F line is so good. If I still shot Canon I'd be all over that R5 as the best thing since sliced bread (short of the 1DX mk3)- if you shoot D6/850/780/750/500 what's the rush?

 

[DavidT]

At this very moment there’s imo only one brand with a native (no adaptor needing) 600mm in the mirrorless camp (Sony)
Every other contender needs either a adaptor (CaNikon mirrorless) or you’re further investing in DSLR.
IF you believe mirrorless to be the sole future, I would NO WAY invest in an adapted lens.
You’re going to regret that, simple as hell.

Well I have to assume mirrorless is the future at some point because no camera company makes DSLR anymore. I guess what I have to decide is if I say 10 years on a 600f4 are the current DSLR obsolete and holding me back between now and in the future. I would have to imagine mirrorless by everyone would be significantly better in 10 years then they are now.

I have some time still just tryin to decide if I want to even bother buying a Z7II or just put that money into a D6.

 

[DRwyoming]

if you shoot D6/850/780/750/500 what's the rush?

That's more or less my take. I'm very happy with what my Nikon DSLRs can do and have a substantial investment in glass. My only mirrorless camera to date is a crop sensor Sony A6300 with only one lens (16-80mm) that I use for outdoor sports like mountaineering, backcountry skiing and rock climbing when I need to travel light.

But I'm keeping tabs on the mirrorless developments and expect I'll pick up a Z6 II or something similar over the next year or so primarily for astro photography, macro, travel photography and perhaps backcountry scenics. Sure, if I go that route I'll buy the FTZ adapter and put the camera through its paces for wildlife work with my existing lenses but the main reason to go that route is for a lighter, smaller full frame camera with full viewfinder AF point coverage but for less dynamic subjects.

But realistically I'm very happy with what the current crop of DSLRs can do and have no reason to believe my photography will jump by leaps and bounds with a move to mirrorless even if it is a top of the line Sony.

 

[Steve]

The D6 is a killer camera and honestly, gear only makes 20% (or less) of a great photo. It sounds corny, but the truth is great images come from four inches behind the viewfinder, period. The camera should facilitate getting the shot and should be a seamless integration with the photographer. The worst decision you could make is to "force" yourself to use a camera that's hindering and not helping just for the sake of new technology. Your images will suffer as a result.

Personally, I prefer mirrorless when I can shoot Sony, but DSLRs when I'm shooting Nikon. I like the Z6ii but I don't love it like the a9ii or the D6. I think in time you may discover that the Z series is a good choice, but just not at the moment. Nothing wrong with that.

 

[DavidT]

The D6 is a killer camera and honestly, gear only makes 20% (or less) of a great photo. It sounds corny, but the truth is great images come from four inches behind the viewfinder, period. The camera should facilitate getting the shot and should be a seamless integration with the photographer. The worst decision you could make is to "force" yourself to use a camera that's hindering and not helping just for the sake of new technology. Your images will suffer as a result.

Personally, I prefer mirrorless when I can shoot Sony, but DSLRs when I'm shooting Nikon. I like the Z6ii but I don't love it like the a9ii or the D6. I think in time you may discover that the Z series is a good choice, but just not at the moment. Nothing wrong with that.

I will be selling my Z6 which is hardly used. So do I take that money and put towards a Z7II or a D6? I can afford to buy one camera but not both today. Keeping in mind we might see a D850 replacement this year as well which I could then either replace the D850 I have or add it as another body or pass on it entirely.

After one more body to replace the Z6 I have in my budget for 2021 is to buy a 600 f4 (not married to Nikon for that, I am considering a a9ii and 600 for example). That is all I really plan on spending money on in 2021, I spent a crap ton in 2020 getting my current gear in place.

 

[Steve]

I will be selling my Z6 which is hardly used. So do I take that money and put towards a Z7II or a D6? I can afford to buy one camera but not both today. Keeping in mind we might see a D850 replacement this year as well which I could then either replace the D850 I have or add it as another body or pass on it entirely.

After one more body to replace the Z6 I have in my budget for 2021 is to buy a 600 f4 (not married to Nikon for that, I am considering a a9ii and 600 for example). That is all I really plan on spending money on in 2021, I spent a crap ton in 2020 getting my current gear in place.

Unless you need it right now, hang tight and see what the D850 replacement is. I don't know for sure, but it seems like it might be something we see around CES. Sony is also rumored to have a new version of the a9 coming out at 50MP.

As for the 600mm lenses, I'm hopefully going to find time to really test the 600E against the 600GM and see if there are any differences beyond weight / handing. I had a chance to test AF speed the other day and they were EXACTLY the same. Next, I'll have to look at sharpness where my seat-of-the-pants estimate puts the Sony ahead by a smidgen, but I want to see it side by side.

 

[fcotterill]

Short answer, 'No!' I concur with many others DSLRs will outlive most of us, with the lenses.

The benefits of paying for new technology ie upgraded DSLRs have levelled off significantly over the past 4-5 years. DSLRs are comparatively mature ie relatively 'safe' technology unlike the bleeding edge as companies continue to refine mirrorless AF etc. Nevertheless, as we hear about the D6 now it's been used sufficiently is the consummate whole is greater than the sum of the specs on paper. We can expect similar pay off in a D850 upgrade especially it packs the D6 AF engine + Z7 sensor etc. I will very likely pay for this willingly.

Besides the EVF, the major benefit of MILC - the Z especially - is the silent shutter (very very useful for some conditions and subjects) and smaller, lighter cameras. As Steve and others say, the Z cameras will improve. This will probably happen sooner than later, because Nikon is under big pressure to deliver an action-capable Zed. It will probably inaugurate a sequence of upgrades, with teething challenges for early adopters. Perhaps they will out do DSLRs which will be something to see, let alone shoot

Also bear in mind it is very unlikely we will soon get lighter wildlife lenses than the 300 PF and 500 PF - unless Nikon release a 400 f4 PF, but it will probably weigh close to 2kg with a 100mm window. So F-mount telephotos are a solid investment for some years hence IMHO

 

[BillW]

Different camera bodies have different strengths. I happily use my DSLRs (D500 and D850) along with my Z bodies (Z7 and Z6).

For BIF and other fast action, I prefer the DSLRs. For landscapes, people, general travel, and macro, I prefer the Z bodies. The Z7 is also pretty good for stationary or slow moving wildlife (e.g., a perched bird or a swimming loon). The Z lenses are quite nice. And the FTZ works well with my F mount telephotos.

I hope the ZIIs will be better than the initial Z7 and Z6 for wildlife action. And from what I have read so far, they will be, but not so good that I will be giving up my D500 and D850.

I’d love a camera with the resolution of a D850, autofocus points covering the frame, the precision of on-sensor focusing, real time information on exposure in the viewfinder, and the D6’s autofocus, frame rate, and low light abilities. With all that in a body no heavier than a D850. Haven’t seen that one yet.

 

[frdjohns]

As noted above, you are not alone. I am currently shooting the D5, D850 and occasionally the D500 and have no inclination to move to mirrorless. Maybe in a few years when mirrorless can do what my D5 can, but for now I can't see that they are close (regardless of brand). I absolutely detest using an EVF, so will remain with DSLRs for as long as is practicable. About the only thing mirrorless offers that I really would like is silent shutters. Perhaps mirrorless will be in the cards in one or two more generations from now, but for me they offer no real world advantage, several disadvantages (EVF, small form factor, slower AF) and are an expense I can live without.

 

[Roaring 40s]

As noted above, you are not alone. I am currently shooting the D5, D850 and occasionally the D500 and have no inclination to move to mirrorless. Maybe in a few years when mirrorless can do what my D5 can, but for now I can't see that they are close (regardless of brand). I absolutely detest using an EVF, so will remain with DSLRs for as long as is practicable. About the only thing mirrorless offers that I really would like is silent shutters. Perhaps mirrorless will be in the cards in one or two more generations from now, but for me they offer no real world advantage, several disadvantages (EVF, small form factor, slower AF) and are an expense I can live without.

Have you used a Sony A9 and so include it in this criticism?

 

[gordon_g]

A 600f4 is an absolute and will happen by June 2021. What I am not 100% sure is if it will be Nikon or not. The 600 is so damn expensive it anchors me into a system for the next 10 years. I have considered buying a 600 from say Sony and a body to match with it and keep shooting my other gear and as time goes gradually replacing my current kit with the 600 brand. If I can stay in Nikon great but not my only choice.

Im struggling with this as well... When I look at that new Sony 600mm lens and see it weighs 6.68 lbs I really wonder if Im going to be a Nikon shooter in the future... add in the fact that the Sony camera does 20fps....

 

[frdjohns]

Have you used a Sony A9 and so include it in this criticism?

Ziggy - not really my intent to get caught up in a "pepsi vs. Coke" or "Ford vs. Chevy" type argument. I shoot Nikon, and what works for me. What works for me may be different for you. I have heard great things about Sony's latest offering, but nothing that would cause me to go out and spend thousands of dollars in the pursuit of the next best thing. My experience is that the camera companies tend to leap-frog each other with each generation of cameras. Today's hot body is tomorrow's has-been.

So if it is all the same to you, let's be friends , shoot the equipment we prefer, and avoid the "mine is better because" arguments.

 

[Roaring 40s]

Im struggling with this as well... When I look at that new Sony 600mm lens and see it weighs 6.68 lbs I really wonder if Im going to be a Nikon shooter in the future... add in the fact that the Sony camera does 20fps....

The A9 does.
Its EVF is pretty good but I don't like its cluster of focus boxes in non-tracking mode - they obscure small subjects. The big bright VF of my D500 is much nicer in good light. The D500 ergos are far better esp in cold weather and its AF is more reliable - Sonys regularly fail to lock on small static birds.
After spending 30 grand on Sony I'm back with Nikon for birds for the time being.
The A9 OTOH does silent shooting up to 20 fps without blackout and the images have more pop. Noise and detail are better too as you'd expect.
My Sony 400 2.8 is back in Japan for repair. It's one of 3 I know of that back focuses. It developed this over 9 months while the others did it from the outset.

 

[Roaring 40s]

Ziggy - not really my intent to get caught up in a "pepsi vs. Coke" or "Ford vs. Chevy" type argument. I shoot Nikon, and what works for me. What works for me may be different for you. I have heard great things about Sony's latest offering, but nothing that would cause me to go out and spend thousands of dollars in the pursuit of the next best thing. My experience is that the camera companies tend to leap-frog each other with each generation of cameras. Today's hot body is tomorrow's has-been.

So if it is all the same to you, let's be friends , shoot the equipment we prefer, and avoid the "mine is better because" arguments.

By mirrorless you meant Nikon mirrorless?

 

[Jim G]

I spent all day Saturday and Sunday out shooting wildlife with my new 500PF. I currently have a Z6 and D850 (sold the D500 a few weeks ago) and the Z6 never came out of the bag.

I have planned on selling the Z6 and upgrading to the Z7II with grip when it starts shipping however I am starting to second guess that decision.

Now I am thinking sell the Z6 and buy a D6. I am also interested in the D850 replacement that seems to be coming next year. I would either replace the D850 with the update or add it as an additional body.

I only have one native lens for the Z system (14-30f4) and would rather upgrade it at some point to the new 2.8 version. I am not invested in Z glass yet and would be more interested in the Z when the 100-400 and 200-600 come out over the next two years. I also wonder what new Z bodies will bring to the table.

I just really like looking through a DSLR, I like the feel, the buttons just everything about it. Frankly the only thing I don't like is not having 100% of the viewfinder focal point selection. Add in animal eye tracking like an R5 and I would be more willing to put up with a mirrorless camera viewfinder.

Am I stupid to invest in a D6 and the D850 replacement in 2021? Should I just not do anything and wait and see?

I mostly do wildlife, macro, landscape and just getting into astro photography (50 f1.2 coming out for Z is exciting which makes me consider just keeping the Z6).

I have a good bit of F mount glass that I wouldn't be in a hurry to have to replace. I am exactly one year into digital photography (I have bought all the cameras and lenses in the last 12 months) and in 2021 I plan on adding a 600 f4 of Nikon, Canon or Sony with a matching body.

Current gear:
Nikon D850 and Z6
Nikon 14-24 f2.8
Tamron 24-70 g2 f2.8
Nikon 105 micro
Nikon 70-200 f2.8 E FL
Nikon 300 f2.8
Nikon 500 PF
Nikon 200-500 f5.6
Nikon TC1.4 II
Nikon TC2 III

So am I nuts to keep investing in F mount with a D6 or should I just get the Z7II with grip (PS I would like an action camera that is good in low light, thinking mostly BIF and in non covid times shoot some local HS football)?

I appreciate your feedback!

Hi.

I have no intention of moving to mirrorless. I have at least a dozen Nikon DSLRs including the D850 and D500 and over 50 f-mount lenses including the 600, 500, 400 and 200-400. My equipment is not holding me back in any photographic scenario.

JIM

 

[Icarus]

For my shooting style, I see no particular advantage to mirrorless. I have D850, D500, 300PF, 500PF, Sigma 150mm Macro. They all perform wonderfully well for me and
weight is not an issue with any of this equipment. They allow me to do what I want to do.

 

[Hermann]

I'm still firmly in the DSLR camp. I may, however, get a Z50 at some stage, simply to be able to use my old manual lenses more easily. I've still got quite quite a few manual lenses, e.g. the 2.8/55, 4/105, 4.6/400 and the 5.6/400, lenses I like a lot. Sure, the modern lenses are often better (although the 2.8/55 is hard to beat ... ), but using these old, very well-made lenses is a joy. And focusing these old lenses is so much easier with mirrorless bodies than with modern DSLRs.

Anyone else who got a mirrorless body for just that purpose?