I don’t follow photography hardware news and reviews like I use to but I still try at least to be aware of the major announcements. With the recent introductions of Nikon and Canon professional level mirrorless cameras the future we all recognized years ago finally has a stamp of acceptance upon it. No doubt DSLR cameras will continue to have a place for the immediate future but like film cameras and in the future gasoline engined automobiles they will eventually find themselves diminished and pushed to the side. It’s called progress, isn’t it?
I’ve been using an Olympus 4/3’s camera for a number of years now and have been satisfied with both its handling logistics and the image quality it produces. But that’s not to say that playing around with a new camera doesn’t appeal to me…of course it does. Where I once may have been quick to pull the trigger on something new and flashy I now simply smile and subdue those urges.
But as efficient as the Olympus 4/3 is there are those moments when I fondly think back to how well my old 12MP Nikon D700 DSLR handled, how it fit my hand and how it often felt like an extension of my arm. Thus far I’ve never achieved that level of melding with my lighter and more capable Olympus camera. Checking…currently a good to excellent used D700 body is running in the $500-$600 range…but then there’s the lens, batteries and accessories. Cha-Ching$ ~sigh~
Smile and Subdue! :-)
My first choice when I decided to buy a DSLR was a Sony mirrorless camera. I ordered it knowing there was a 3-month wait list. After the three months, I was told there was another 3-month wait. My patience wore thin and I canceled the order. I like the Nikon system but they have lost a lot of my confidence in their build quality. If I won the lottery, I think I’d switch to Sony in a heartbeat. That’s not likely to happen since you don’t win if you don’t buy a ticket.
This is a wonderful image, Earl. I don’t comment as much as I used to but I’ve always enjoyed the images you post as well as reading of your adventures.
Sony’s recent line of ‘professional’ cameras has rallied a huge following and lots of positive press. I certainly wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to shoot with one if that proverbial lottery win should occur for me…and I do occasionally purchase a ticket. :-) I also understand your feelings about Nikon build quality. I owned a Nikon D600 for a while after the D700 and experienced a number of issues with it…but the D700 was a “tank” at least mine was.
I always appreciate hearing from you, Ken and thank you for the kind words. Best wishes for the upcoming Christmas and New Years holidays!
With the exception of my drone, I haven’t been very tempted by any of the new gear announcements.
I actually still have my D700 as it is the only camera I have an underwater housing for. I don’t do enough underwater these days to justify investing in anything else – and as far as I’m concerned, the D700 is still one amazing camera.
I might eventually get a Nikon lens adapter for my Fuji XT2. It may save on the camera burden. The only thing that really tempts me in some of the newer cameras is automated focus stacking.
I find your drone and it’s wonderful photography abilities extremely interesting and far too tempting, Mark. :-) I didn’t realize you have a Fuji XT2…do you still have your D800? Yeah, if you’ve already got a good lens kit than a lens adapter might be an answer. Of course you might lose some lens and camera functionality and it could throw off the balance. Always trade offs! Thanks tor stopping by!
I had a D800 & D810 and sold the D800. I have had the XT2 for a couple years and only have a couple lenses for it. But it sure is an enjoyable camera to use. I just don’t have any ultra wide or long lenses for it, so for those situations I use my D810.
I have been out a couple times where I had my drone, XT2, and D810 with me and some lenses for each. Not really the ideal situation for streamlining, but the overall weight still isn’t bad if I only have a few lenses.