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Start of marketing for Nikon mirrorless FF
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My sentiments exactly.
Basically they are a family who got rich posting instagram pictures of themselves. That and O.J.
Rumor has it at or before Photokina, 26-29 September 2018. Assuming they keep the sensor below 24mp, it won't really cannibalize A7III sales as they focus on different markets video vs photo.
https://www.sonyalpharumors.com/sony-rumors-recap-what-to-expect-at-photokina-and-photoplus/
With Canon also in late September, it should be interesting.
Getting back on-topic and away from the silly Kardashians.....Jonathan F/2, who is a professional photographer based in LA, and who uses both Nikon and Sony, plus having gone through a few other systems through the years, has posted his impressions of the new Nikon Z camera bodies and lenses on NikonCafe, where he hangs out, and provided a link to that on DPR, where he also hangs out:
https://www.nikoncafe.com/threads/attended-the-nikon-z-event-in-los-angeles.312216/
Thanks, Tizeye -- I'll have to check out that link but if the primary focus on the A7s III is on video, then that will not be of interest to me, as I'm far more into shooting stills. I'm still waiting patiently for the A7 III to become more readily available locally!
https://www.nikoncafe.com/threads/attended-the-nikon-z-event-in-los-angeles.312216/
Thanks, Tizeye -- I'll have to check out that link but if the primary focus on the A7s III is on video, then that will not be of interest to me, as I'm far more into shooting stills. I'm still waiting patiently for the A7 III to become more readily available locally!
I don't deny it's a good camera, but beware of the marketing hype that Sony generates. They spend so much, and do it so much better than Nikon and Canon.
I think before I jump to any other system I'll be hiring a camera for the weekend to try it out. Then you can make up your mind unhurried and without the sales people in your ear.
To me price is a big factor. Of course Sony lenses are expensive. Camera wise it seems like the sweet spot. I don't need 48 mp or all the wiz bang of the A9. I like the mirrorless format. I've been shooting 4 3rds and I want to go full frame. I'm not currently in a lens camp so I would be starting fresh.
Starting fresh does give you an advantage. Still think I'd like to use one in anger for a couple of days before committing. Choosing Nikon was easy for me because I knew I had an amazing deal on lenses coming up.
But nothing beats using a camera and feeling it in your hands to know if it works for you.
If your spending a similar amount on a body and glass, nobody can tell the difference in IQ between any of them. Not in real world usage anyhow.
Im going to wait to see what Canon releases in a few weeks, plus Sony is supposed to release the A7S III, but that is going to be aimed more for video.
That's a great idea to rent a camera and lens prior to purchasing, that way you know for sure if it is something you really want! I should see if my local shop offers that service; if not there are online places which do.....
Interesting that you mention Sony's marketing; since I don't watch TV very often and don't subscribe to any magazines, any sort of adverts they do have passed me by and I've been oblivious to them. My first exposure to a Sony camera -- the NEX-7 -- was when a friend, a fellow Nikon user, actually -- came over to my house for some reason and brought his new NEX-7 and a couple of lenses with him. I handled the camera, looked through the EVF, which did look strange to me, and did a couple of test shots. He kept talking about something called "focus peaking," and even though he tried to explain it to me it wasn't until later on when I had my own Sony NEX-7 that I really understood the value of that. After he left, I did a little research online, read reviews and user comments about the NEX-7 and was pretty impressed and interested. I had been thinking about a new camera anyway...... Bought one for myself a week or so later.
After that, my next Sony was the RX100 M3, which I immediately liked for a small, easy-to-stick-in-my-purse camera for travel. I hung on to the NEX-7 as Sony started its venture into full-frame mirrorless and read comments about it from time to time, and in the meantime upgraded to the RX100 M5 and now the M6. On NikonCafe, we actually discuss more than just Nikon cameras and lenses, and some participants there don't even have Nikon gear. Some are Sony users and over time they've talked about their gear in the subforum for Non-Nikon Mirrorless Cameras, and the first I knew anything about the A7III was when someone started a new thread about it. The price was surprisingly reasonable and something about the description of it captured my attention, and so I've been following user comments on it ever since, and have read reviews. I have yet to actually see one or handle it in person, though!
I felt perfectly comfortable preordering the RX100 M6 when it was announced, as I already had the RX100 M5 and was familiar with the RX100 series. I would never buy the A7III without having actually handled one with a couple of lenses, even if only briefly in a store. I totally agree with you, AFB, about how important it is to handle a camera, see how it feels in your hands, see if you like the placement of dials and buttons, memory card slots, battery compartments, etc., and just in general if the camera feels "right" to you. Many, many years ago when I held my first Nikon film camera, it felt at home in my hands, and years after that, when I was ready to buy my first DSLR, I headed straight to Nikon and its D70. The salesman handed me the display camera, I held it, and it immediately felt reassuringly familiar and I was at home with it from the get-go.
The A7III has been extremely popular ever since its release, which is why I haven't had the chance to hold one yet; stores can't keep them on their shelves! I am hoping that this fall things will settle down a bit and that there finally will be more availability so that I can actually walk into my local store and look at, try the display model and then take home one and a couple of lenses for myself if I so choose. Since I am familiar with Sony's menus, that is not a deterrent, and I have very much liked my NEX-7 so have the feeling I'll also like the A7III...
Marketing these days is done through YouTube influences etc. You can never be sure that a camera review is genuine or not unless you know the person. They are supposed to declare if it is paid sponsorship, but many don't.
I rarely watch YouTube videos, whether for cameras or for computers. No, thanks! I did watch one recently, some couple talking about the Nikon Z cameras, and they were so hammy and rather ridiculous that I certainly wouldn't and couldn't take them seriously. I had the impression they were more interested in promoting themselves than they were in doing a serious review of the product.
I prefer to read reviews from reliable sources, such as DPR and others, while well aware that DPR also does depend on advertising and corporate sponsorship to keep it going. Imaging-Resources is usually pretty good, too, and Steve's Digicams (I think that's what it is called; been a while now).
I prefer to read reviews from reliable sources, such as DPR and others, while well aware that DPR also does depend on advertising and corporate sponsorship to keep it going. Imaging-Resources is usually pretty good, too, and Steve's Digicams (I think that's what it is called; been a while now).
Yes, those names sound familiar and so does the description. I remember thinking that he looked pretty young to have white hair. They were both very good looking -- all I could think of was, "who ARE these people? Actors or photographers?" I somehow am dubious about their credibility as photographers.......
They are two of the most well known photographers on YouTube. He is very knowledgeable about photography. I watch their show most weeks.
Something about them just rubbed me the wrong way...... Don't think I'll bother looking at any more of their YouTube videos!
I recently purchased the Sony A7R III and so far I'm very impressed with the camera. I do say if I were more into action shots and didn't enjoy having the extra pixels to play around with - I would go with the Sony A7 III. I wish I could locate the youtube review where a bunch of people compared the Sony A7 III, Sony A7R III and Nikon D850 cameras. They were really impressed the Sony A7 III when it came to taking pictures and at being the lowest price they were overly surprised.
I hope Nikon with the Nikon Z6 & Z7 coming out in September and Canon announcing they are getting into the game that every company does great, for competition benefits everyone. Hopefully, all the cameras are pretty good which causes the prices to go down, because they are trying to out do one another. This is true with any product, but what I don't understand is the bashing of other cameras by some people or they seem to get offended if their camera gets a knock against it. After all, it's the photographer not the camera that determines the awe factor of the picture. Just my .02 cents
I hope Nikon with the Nikon Z6 & Z7 coming out in September and Canon announcing they are getting into the game that every company does great, for competition benefits everyone. Hopefully, all the cameras are pretty good which causes the prices to go down, because they are trying to out do one another. This is true with any product, but what I don't understand is the bashing of other cameras by some people or they seem to get offended if their camera gets a knock against it. After all, it's the photographer not the camera that determines the awe factor of the picture. Just my .02 cents
I don’t know what you consider your local shop but my husband mentioned there is some place in Reston that does rentals. He didn’t tell me the name, just that it was near his office if ever I wanted something. Shouldn't be too hard to find.
100% correct. We do sometimes get hung up with the technology not the craft.
Also (on here at least) a lot of the brand loyalty is just a bit of banter!
Nikon's days in the spotlight will bee short lived...
Canon to announce their mirrorless full frame EOS-R and a series of lens next week on Sept 5th. Only one camera priced in the $1900 range.
Surprise announcement - Panasonic stepping away from 4:3 and announcing a FF mirrorless on Sept 25th. Probably just prototype with 2019 production. What would be even more interesting is if it has a Leica twin like several of it's other models.
Canon to announce their mirrorless full frame EOS-R and a series of lens next week on Sept 5th. Only one camera priced in the $1900 range.
Surprise announcement - Panasonic stepping away from 4:3 and announcing a FF mirrorless on Sept 25th. Probably just prototype with 2019 production. What would be even more interesting is if it has a Leica twin like several of it's other models.
In reality, at least to me, mirrorless cameras as a "future thing" is so...not advanced?. Just think about this: Nikon, Canon, and the rest are still using a box with a lens in front, something that has been the norm what it seems "forever." The only new thing is the circuit boards and the incorporated software. Skipping the mirror is fine, but so what?
Why not designing a camera that uses one lens and a sensor that moves by a press of the shutter release? In this case the sensor should be upgradeable, and replaceable.
Dang! I should have patented my idea instead of posting it here
Why not designing a camera that uses one lens and a sensor that moves by a press of the shutter release? In this case the sensor should be upgradeable, and replaceable.
Dang! I should have patented my idea instead of posting it here
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Thanks, Molly! I use either District Camera in Burke or Ace Photo out in Ashburn. Ace Photo also now owns Dominion Camera in Falls Church. Last time I was in there, which is a while ago now, I was surprised to see Mo (owner of Ace Photo) chatting with the owner — not long after that I heard the news that the shop is now part of Ace Photo. I’ll have to see what’s out in Reston...... Once in a while I go out there if the Apple store at Tysons or Fair Oaks doesn’t have something I want. Back in the old days Penn Camera was my go-to place for photo gear. I still miss them!!
I need to take a look at their websites and see if either District Camera (used to be Photocraft) or Ace does equipment rentals, as that is a good way to really check out a new camera body or particular lens one is considering purchasing before making the big expenditure. Some people also rent a lens they don’t own when they need something for a special occasion, even to take on a trip, but I would definitely be hesitant about doing the latter.
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I’ve thought about the A7R III, but not sure that I really need/want all those extra pixels. Extra pixels require extra storage space, but that is not an insurmountable issue with today’s readily available external HDs and SSDs. I don’t print most of my images, and also don’t do a lot of action shots, but occasionally do like to try and capture a BIF. I am looking ahead to what I would be most likely to shoot with the new camera, and definitely macros will be a major interest, along with more general stuff. No sports, no major wildlife photography (except what I can get right here — I live on a small “lake” which attracts geese, ducks and the occasional heron, plus is home to fish (especially catfish) and frogs (although our bullfrog population has decreased significantly over the past couple of years, which is too bad. I miss hearing “frogsong” in the evenings of early summer).
The price tag on the A7III is definitely appealing, no doubt about that, and it leaves more opportunity for spending additional money on lenses.....
Decisions, decisions! When the day comes that the A7III is available at one of the stores I also will take the time to handle an A7RIII as well before making my final decision — or, in advance of all that, as we’ve been discussing, I could rent one or both of them and do testing to my heart’s content at home prior to purchasing anything.
[doublepost=1535752579][/doublepost]OK, just found and checked out the rental place in Reston — sounds like it could be useful in the future but right now they don’t have either of the camera bodies or lenses in which I’m most interested. Darn!!! Haven’t looked yet at either Ace Photo or District Camera’s websites to see if rentals are available there, but it occurs to me that probably they won’t have the Sony A7 III available since they’re having a hard enough time keeping the thing in stock for sales as it is......
ETA: Just checked District Camera and while they are apparently establishing a rental element to their overall services it is not really up and running yet. Good to know about for the future, though......
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Sage advice. Switching system is so much more than what the current generation of bodies offer on a spec sheet or what the current lens line-up is now.
They are very big on Youtube, I think only Digital Rev prior to Kai leaving was bigger, I think. They are definitely not actors but photographers. They just chose to spend most of their time in front of rather than behind the camera to make money. But they do know their stuff.
I'm watching their videos every now and then, especially when a new camera that piques my curiosity is released, and IMHO overall they are doing a fine job of presenting subjective impressions of how cameras handle and what their respective strengths and weaknesses are. If you are looking for camera reviews that quantitatively measure noise levels, look elsewhere. But to me they provide useful, complementary information when compared to more scientific reviews.
If you don't like them as personalities, alright, I get that. But some people just hate them, because they said something critical of their favorite camera system and accuse them of being sponsored by one of the other manufacturers.
It'll be curious to see whether Canon is also conservative here or whether their body and UI design deviates more strongly from the pseudo-dslr form factor. For the two big boys competition won't be via price anyway. Another curiosity is their new mount. I think Nikon got that right here, the Z mount seems to be spot on: large diameter and short flange distance.
But I have to say as much fun as discussing full frame mirrorless cameras is, the more relevant question in my mind is what happens to the market of dslrs with APS-C-sized sensors? Will Nikon and Canon simply not address that? Will they release cameras with the full frame mirrorless mount (which, in case of Nikon at least, means that the size of hypothetical APS-C sensor mirrorless cameras wouldn't be very different from their full frame brethren).
Fortunately, there is still Fuji
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