Nikon to Sony...would you (did you)?

[Moakesy]

I currently shoot Nikon on a D850 with a 70-200 f/2.8 most of the time.

I love that camera to bits, it’s fabulous, but I’m finding I’m leaving it at home if we go away for the weekend (as we do quite a lot in a camper van). At just under 3kg, it’s too big and heavy.

What I shoot is changing a bit. I still do a lot of sports, off road cycling, where I’ll shoot 500-700 shots in a day. That will diminish a bit now, with more nature / macro work coming in. I’ll still do some sports, but less than now.

Looking at the a7R III as a possibility now. Could do the a7 III but like the larger pixel count that I currently have.

What do you think? Had a look at one today, and I’m sorely tempted.

By the time I sell all my Nikon gear, I’ll still be better off financially, even when I get some Sony glass. Might avoid the 2.8’s as that just puts weight back in, so maybe the f/4 70-200 plus a macro lens.

Anyone done it?

 

[The Bad Guy]

If your main concern is size, go micro 4/3's.

 

[kenoh]

SO... IMHO... rambling.... feel free to ignore...

Yes and No...

The D850 is a very good setup. So think very carefully. You only save weight in the body really. You will likely still carry the same bag or hang it on the same strap.

What I am about to say is based on my experience moving from Canon DSLR to Sony A7 MK I then to A7RII for similar reasons you are stating. I had a then young baby and so carrying a DSLR on top of the rest of the gear for a little one was just an epic fail so the camera just orbited the house - pointless.

A move to mirrorless initially meant more use but then in honesty, I recalibrated my "PITA to carry" threshold and then the Sony was a burden too. Its not the body, its the lenses and the rest of the crap. Your mileage will vary. This is just the ramblings of an amateur. I am not experienced with the MK III cameras but they are better than mine were. Mine werent ideal for fast motion. They were workable but they required a bit more effort as the auto focus wasnt quite fast enough combined with my technique, to capture mountain biking for example. This is a reflection on me not the camera. I know people who have shot motorsports easily.

I have since moved from Sony to Fuji and cannot be happier as the lenses are cheaper and smaller. The Sony lenses are just as big and heavy as the Nikon lenses are (laws of physics) so you are really only saving on the body so consider this. The body is a lot smaller and the Sony flash system is superb now as I hear from a trusted source.

Pixel count, will you really notice? You will have less crop margin of error but other than that IQwise, you should not suffer. With the A7III your hard drive will breathe a sigh of relief as you are not filling it with those huge files so quickly.

500-700 shots in a day on a MK I or II A7 series camera would be two or three batteries worth. On the new ones, maybe two batteries.

The A7 III seems to be more gadget laden than the A7RIII from what I have read. It seems to have got some of the nicer features from the A9. It has really good low light capability too apparently.

The A7RII was phenomenal for IQ. The A7 was no slouch

The viewfinder in the A7RII, while an upgrade over the one in the A7, was rubbish for manual focus with legacy glass. If you intend to do this then try a lens out on one before buying.

Lenses. As a rule I know of only one dud Sony lens. The Zeiss 24-70/F4 - avoid. The kit lens is also a bit underwhelming but if you are coming from the 850 then I doubt you are in the world of kit lenses.

The lenses are still big. The 55mm f1.8 which is an AMAZING lens is bigger than the equivalent DSLR version.

The Sony 24-70 f4 is bigger than the Canon 70-200 f4 USM. Neither of which are massively smaller than the f2.8 though they are lighter.

There is only one native 200mm+ option for the Sony. The 100-400 and it is £2,500.

There are a world of lenses there for the Sony now from Zeiss and other third parties so there is no shortage of lenses. Gone are the days of being forced to use an adapted lens to get a focal length that you need.

The price of the Sony lenses is creeping up. They are the same price range as Nikon glass but I am yet to see if they are holding value like Nikon glass.

Sony WILL release a new one by early next year. They like to get people to buy new ones frequently.

The Sony is not sealed like the D850. I never trusted my A7RII in the rain. Lots of stories of water damaged A7RIIs. the MK III is better but still not FUJI sealed.

The image colours OOC are very flat so they need a lot of post processing as a rule.

Having said all this, the Sony takes amazing images! there is a reason why people are moving to them in droves.

Just my ramblings.... hope it helps.

Read this thread too... similar conversation... https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/thinking-of-going-for-a-m43-system.2113781/

 

[MCAsan]

(message removed)

 

[kenoh]

(message removed)

??? if you want to call me names at least let me see it so I can enjoy the laugh too...

 

[Moakesy]

Thanks Kenoh.

Really interesting what you said there and helps a lot.

Went to two shops today, one said A7R III and the other A7 III. Although I mentioned Fuji to both they steered me away....maybe for sales reasons, I don’t know.

Also interesting what you say about recalibrating your PITA level. Could imagine me doing that. Serious thought required!!

 

[Apple fanboy]

Thanks Kenoh.

Really interesting what you said there and helps a lot.

Went to two shops today, one said A7R III and the other A7 III. Although I mentioned Fuji to both they steered me away....maybe for sales reasons, I don’t know.

Also interesting what you say about recalibrating your PITA level. Could imagine me doing that. Serious thought required!!

Have you considered waiting on a Nikon mirroless that is much rumourd for this year?

I shoot a D750, but even if my camera was a quarter of the weight it's the pro lens line up that is the killer. But then you add in the filters etc. on top of that.
Keeps you fit though!

 

[kenoh]

Thanks Kenoh.

Really interesting what you said there and helps a lot.

Went to two shops today, one said A7R III and the other A7 III. Although I mentioned Fuji to both they steered me away....maybe for sales reasons, I don’t know.

Also interesting what you say about recalibrating your PITA level. Could imagine me doing that. Serious thought required!!

Fuji is APS-C sensor and there isn't much margin in the lenses for the dealer. Sony are pushing hard so dealer incentives are likely there too. Likely the reason.

I am not saying I know what I am doing but I am lucky to shoot Fuji, Leica, Sony and in the past Canon, bit of Nikon, Olympus briefly. I am a.pixel peeper abd I dont miss DSLRs or my Sony for anything other than the "m-yeas it is full frame" bragging rights.

For curiosity sake, go shoot a fuji X-H1 with the 16-55 f2.8 on it before you tell the shop what you currently shoot. And notice the 100-400 is the same size as the Sony 70-200. Or try the 50-140 f2.8. Enjoy the IBIS on it Sony has it too as does M4/3.

Yes your PITA level will diminish and you will be going Uber minimalist soon enough - one camera one lens... Lol....

Keep us posted on progress.

 

[Moakesy]

Have you considered waiting on a Nikon mirroless that is much rumourd for this year?

I have, but think that being Nikon’s first attempt at this market (full frame mirrorless with EVF) there is a good chance they don’t quite hit it first time, plus that thing of having heavy heavy lenses on a small body.

Having held the Sony 70-200 f/2.8 today, it’s moves away from what I’m looking for, so will compromise for the f/4 that feels better balanced. Just hope I don’t regret it.

The number of times I shoot below f4 is less that I thought anyway. And it’s no good having a faster lens if I leave it at home!!!

Gonna try the Fuji next...a compromise too far, or a revelation for me??

 

[kenoh]

I have, but think that being Nikon’s first attempt at this market (full frame mirrorless with EVF) there is a good chance they don’t quite hit it first time, plus that thing of having heavy heavy lenses on a small body.

Having held the Sony 70-200 f/2.8 today, it’s moves away from what I’m looking for, so will compromise for the f/4 that feels better balanced. Just hope I don’t regret it.

The number of times I shoot below f4 is less that I thought anyway. And it’s no good having a faster lens if I leave it at home!!!

Gonna try the Fuji next...a compromise too far, or a revelation for me??

The Sony 70-200 f4 is a cracking lens. Dont fret. It is great. Served me well.

 

[v3rlon]

What the dust response said. The weight of the camera is negligible when you factor in the lenses and lights. Your wallet will lose some weight with that $3000 G-master lens, but it won’t offset enough to save you a noticeable amount.
The only way to save weight is a smaller sensor and smaller glass.
It would be far easier and probably healthier to lose 5 pounds and keep the Nikon. This is not to say that Sony or the lens is in any way bad. You said to save weight.

 

[The Bad Guy]

??? if you want to call me names at least let me see it so I can enjoy the laugh too...

I got a notification that he'd quoted me, got all excited to read it and well...disappointment ensued.

 

[MCAsan]

??? if you want to call me names at least let me see it so I can enjoy the laugh too...

Was not going to call anyone names.

I have yet to see any landscape photographer leave A7RIII for a Canon or Nikon. I know of at least one photographer who said he has stopped shooting HDR sequences on. the A7RIII that he used to shoot with his Canon kit.

 

[kenoh]

Was not going to call anyone names.

I have yet to see any landscape photographer leave A7RIII for a Canon or Nikon. I know of at least one photographer who said he has stopped shooting HDR sequences on. the A7RIII that he used to shoot with his Canon kit.

Good point. Dynamic range and clean shadows are a bonus of the Sony too. The files off the Sony are very flexible. Long exposures suck the life out of the batteries extra hard on the Sony for some reason. However, carrying a USB battery pack means you can plug it into the A7RII (assume still there in the MKIII) and power it externally...

No denying it, the IQ is there. The features are there. It is the other stuff like ergonomics and all the rest of the stuff you still need to carry that will render a move pointless or not.

Also, the D850 has a Sony sensor in it anyway doesnt it?

Having said all of this, I thought the A7RII with an adapted Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 on it and also the Heliar 15mm MK III (can get a native mount one now) were just beautiful things to shoot with. Made the package tiny. If that is your thing too.

 

[MCAsan]

Good point about the sensor. Do we think Sony will ever deliver a better sensor to a competitor? That would be very surprising.

 

[kenoh]

Good point about the sensor. Do we think Sony will ever deliver a better sensor to a competitor? That would be very surprising.

Don't know. The 850 is a 45mp sensor. A7RIII still 42 isnt it? though it is BSI dual channels, go faster stripes etc...

I think they may supply a better sensor physically, but the software that extracts the detail is on the shoulders of the manufacturer using it right? So I think Nikon writing their own software for the camera means they may never be quite getting the best out of it. Maybe? don't know this one is a stretch...

To all intents and purposes mere mortals like me will never notice the difference that is for sure. So long as the sensor capability outstrips my image taking capabilities, then I will not notice the difference... so I am calling who knows on this one. lol...

 

[guzhogi]

I've used Sony for a while now. Pretty good brand. I like how they have built-in GPS, especially when doing outdoor work. Helps me organize my photos.

 

[kenoh]

I've used Sony for a while now. Pretty good brand. I like how they have built-in GPS, especially when doing outdoor work. Helps me organize my photos.

Which models have built-in GPS? I thought you had to pair with your phone to get the GPS capability or fit a GPS module in the hotshoe for the A7 series cameras?

 

[guzhogi]

Which models have built-in GPS? I thought you had to pair with your phone to get the GPS capability or fit a GPS module in the hotshoe for the A7 series cameras?

I've used the A65 & now A99, with a few compacts before that. Didn't have to pair with a camera or anything. Might have had to go into the menus and activate it, but it worked. Only thing I found was that it took a while to get signal. Haven't used any of the A7 or A9 models so I don't know about those. Would be surprised if they don't have it.

 

[kenoh]

I've used the A65 & now A99, with a few compacts before that. Didn't have to pair with a camera or anything. Might have had to go into the menus and activate it, but it worked. Only thing I found was that it took a while to get signal. Haven't used any of the A7 or A9 models so I don't know about those. Would be surprised if they don't have it.

I am afraid the A7 and A9 series do not have it. You have to pair with your phone to get it to work.

 

[Moakesy]

Keep us posted on progress.

Went to a third camera shop today, to check out some other models instead of just Sony.

Well worth doing, not a huge difference in the camera size, but you essentially get a 2.8 lens for around the same weight as the Sony f4's. Long story short, looks like Sony A7 III has won out though.....just prefer the way it feels in my hands.

The A7R III doesn't feel right choice. Yes, it has a higher pixel count and better EVF but is £1,200 more.

So I'm now on the waiting list for one, which should be around a month.

Thanks for help and advice...surprised how scary it feels, but I've been shooting Nikon on and off for almost 25 years.

 

[kenoh]

Went to a third camera shop today, to check out some other models instead of just Sony.

Well worth doing, not a huge difference in the camera size, but you essentially get a 2.8 lens for around the same weight as the Sony f4's. Long story short, looks like Sony A7 III has won out though.....just prefer the way it feels in my hands.

The A7R III doesn't feel right choice. Yes, it has a higher pixel count and better EVF but is £1,200 more.

So I'm now on the waiting list for one, which should be around a month.

Thanks for help and advice...surprised how scary it feels, but I've been shooting Nikon on and off for almost 25 years.

Don't worry. You won't regret it and even if you do, sell it on, lesson learned...

now for the expensive bit - lens selection...

and be careful with screen protectors. The Sony screens have an anti glare coating on them that comes off if you fit a protector and then remove it... makes an awful mess.

 

[Apple fanboy]

Don't worry. You won't regret it and even if you do, sell it on, lesson learned...

now for the expensive bit - lens selection...

and be careful with screen protectors. The Sony screens have an anti glare coating on them that comes off if you fit a protector and then remove it... makes an awful mess.

The voice of experience? On both counts!
[doublepost=1523465172][/doublepost]

Went to a third camera shop today, to check out some other models instead of just Sony.

Well worth doing, not a huge difference in the camera size, but you essentially get a 2.8 lens for around the same weight as the Sony f4's. Long story short, looks like Sony A7 III has won out though.....just prefer the way it feels in my hands.

The A7R III doesn't feel right choice. Yes, it has a higher pixel count and better EVF but is £1,200 more.

So I'm now on the waiting list for one, which should be around a month.

Thanks for help and advice...surprised how scary it feels, but I've been shooting Nikon on and off for almost 25 years.

Enjoy. The way a camera feels in your hand is an important part of the choice.

 

[Clix Pix]

A local camera shop here had a special preview day showing the new A7 III, and I had to firmly resist the temptation to go over there, as I had the feeling that once I held that camera in my hands I'd want one. Unfortunately I've got a few other things I need to pay for/purchase first, and by that time the camera will be readily available. I still have and love my NEX-7 and the lenses I've got for it, but I know that if I get a A7 III that I'll want at least one or two more lenses along with it.

 

[guzhogi]

I am afraid the A7 and A9 series do not have it. You have to pair with your phone to get it to work.

Thanks for the info. I've been using Sony for a while, started with compact cameras & then upgraded to the A65 & 99. All had GPS builtin, so I'm surprised the A7 & A9 don't.