Last year I upgraded from my D750 to a Zf. My D750 was starting to give me errors. With the Zf is purchased the 24 to 120 Z lens and I use that combo 90% of the time. I also have the FtZ adapter if I want to use my older F lenes. The adapter works well and most of my F lines are older manual focus. I can't speak for the Z8 or A7R VI because I prefer to shoot in manual mode and the Zf is the best tool for me. The D750 is a great camera but it was released quite a while ago so I think anything you choose will be good, and there will always be a new model coming out so If you need a new camera don't wait.
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Help please, can't decide which path to take. Upgrading from D750
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Other than just wanting an upgrade (which is a totally valid reason), what do you hope to accomplish with an upgrade? If you've been happy with the D750 for a few years, do you really need an upgraded Z8? What's does the current Z8 lack that you'd want in a newer version? Family photography isn't particularly taxing on autofocus.
I will always encourage gear purchases because I like gear 😅 but I also think it's good to know what specifically you are hoping to gain before shelling out a couple or more thousand dollars.
These days, cameras, including the D750, are of top quality. As noted by others, if you are missing something and a Z8 fills the gap, go for it! Upgrading can be fun. You can create great images of your family with a D750. Lenses can be another great place to put your money, and Nikon has a slew of great non-Z lenses that could be a great place to put money if it's burning a hole in your pocket
. Many of these can also work on a future Z body with an adapter so they're not a waste of money. What's your favorite family-friendly focal length?
I upgraded from a D750 last year. Also traded a ton of other f-mount gear.
Now I moved to the Z6iii as it seamed to fit my needs best. The Z8 is a great camera, but I didn’t chose it for two reasons. Price and file size. I just don’t need those large files for what I do with my images. It would have meant moving computer sooner and probably investing in a NAS.
My D750 was stating to have issues which was partly why I made the leap. I also knew the trade in value I had in my older Nikon gear would only be reducing as time moved on. I did get the 24-120 f4 lens and the FTZii adapter. Works perfectly with my f mount lenses I kept.
I did trade in my 200-500mm f mount lens more recently to get the 600mm f6.3 prime. It’s so much lighter and for me the perfect birding lens.
Yesterday I borrowed a 100-400mm for a day out at the Hawk Conservatory which was a great choice. Now I have a tin of images to process!
Good luck with your choices. There aren’t any bad ones to make. All the cameras made these days are good. Just choose the one that works for you and what you shoot.
My advice is always try out a few different cameras. Hold them in the store and see what feels right to you. The Z series menus and buttons are a little different to the old F mount series, but not that much.
I will say the auto focus tracking is much improved over my old D750. But that camera is 8 or 9 years old. I might have improved my technique in that time as well (but am still a hobbyist photographer).
I want fast focus and up to date platform as the future is mirrorless so it kinda make sense to jump there and buy lens on Z platform rather than getting another lens on F. Thats my thinking.
No, I understand that part.
But maybe I misread your original post. You said "maybe wait for an update on Z8." Totally get why you want to upgrade from dSLR to mirrorless, but if your current camera is generally already doing what you need it to, what extra do you think you'd gain by waiting for an even newer generation of a mirrorless body? Any mirrorless body in Nikon's lineup is going to vastly outperform the D750.
Is it FOMO that you think you'd wait on a Z8ii or because the Z8 is actually lacking a specific feature?
The reason to wait for a newer model is basically the idea that if the new model is close (like a year) then it makes financial sense to wait it out so you get better gear and will last you longer. Or alternatively you get the current one cheaper. Either way you win in both cases.
Thats my thinking.
On the other hand, if the new model is very very far then I would buy now as midcycle is often very good time to purchase.
Thats my thinking.
On the other hand, if the new model is very very far then I would buy now as midcycle is often very good time to purchase.
The reason to wait for a newer model is basically the idea that if the new model is close (like a year) then it makes financial sense to wait it out so you get better gear and will last you longer. Or alternatively you get the current one cheaper. Either way you win in both cases.
Thats my thinking.
On the other hand, if the new model is very very far then I would buy now as midcycle is often very good time to purchase.
respectfully there is always going to be a new model around the corner. if you are just looking for an all purpose upgrade, research the current models and pick one in your budget.
I went with Fuji X when I moved from DSLR to mirrorless and after I mostly did street photography for many years and now I wanted to get back into animal/wildlife. Fuji is not the solution there due to poor AF performance, so for the past few weeks I've visited my local store multiple times to play around with different cameras (they also offer rentals). I tried the Z6iii and Z8 and largely preferred the Z8 over the Z6iii for several reasons. Handling is subjective, but Z8 feels better for me (Z6iii is small and my pinky always slips off the front of the body onto the edge). I prefer the blackout free EVF of the Z8. Despite the EVF resolution difference, in reality I preferred the Z8 as well, because the Z6iii lowers resolution in live view. Here's a video I found linked over at DPreview where this is also discussed:
Nikons bird AF is performing really well. Nothing to complain about. The rest of the AF modes, not so much. While improved compared to previous generations, I made the mistake of quickly comparing it to current Canon and Sony bodies and the Nikon is still lacking behind. So if you want fast AF performance for family, kids playing sports, etc. and you'll replace your existing glass, I'd also recommend looking at other systems.
I was pretty set on the Z8, especially because they almost have all the glass I want for relatively low prices. Two things made me question my decision. Lack of AF performance for non-birds compared to Canon and Sony (it is much, much better than Fuji!). Lack of pre-capture in RAW (only jpeg). Thought about just buying into the Z-system with the Z8 now and upgrade to a Z8ii in 2 or 3 years when it comes out. But personally I think I don't want to live with those "compromises" only to replace the body as soon as a better one is available. Looking at Canon R5 Mkii and Sony A1ii now (I find the A1ii too expensive and would only go that route if savings in glass would compensate for the difference).
That's me personally, you might want to go over to DPreview and FredMiranda where this has been discussed over probably hundreds of pages, which I tried to read all and I still can't make up my mind and have tons of questions left.
If I'd already have Z-lenses I'd just grab the Z8 now. But since I have to buy new glass, I think it's totally ok to consider other systems as well. Ultimately you're investing into the glass while bodies will come and go. It's only that switching full systems is making this such a difficult decision. Oh and, goo to your local store play with the cameras and different lenses and if possible, rent some options and take them out over a weekend.
Thank you, yeah I'm considering other brands which is why i came here to ask what is available as I'm not totally up to date.
The video is in german and doesn't have english subtitles it seems (or my youtube doesn't allow me to select english) so I'll have to pass on that as my german is only very basic
The video is in german and doesn't have english subtitles it seems (or my youtube doesn't allow me to select english) so I'll have to pass on that as my german is only very basic
If you follow the link to YouTube and watch there, you can auto-generate english subtitles. I'm not sure why watching it here embedded in the thread only allows german subtitles, while on YouTube it works for english subtitles.The video is in german and doesn't have english subtitles it seems (or my youtube doesn't allow me to select english) so I'll have to pass on that as my german is only very basic
Sony user here -- Currently I have the A1 and the A7R V. I switched from Nikon back in late 2019 because I was ready to make the shift to mirrorless and Nikon did not have what I wanted, as they were just getting started with their Z series at that time. I spent quite a lot of time checking out various systems and deciding in just which direction I wanted to go. Absolutely it is important to handle any camera body one is thinking about purchasing, as well as paying attention to lens availability, as after all, one is buying into a full system.
My first Sony full-frame camera was the A7R IV, and I traded in my (mostly older) Nikon gear for that body and three lenses, and over time eventually added the A1 and updated to the A7R V when it became available. The new A1 ii is now available, but I have been more than happy with my A1 and feel that for me personally (not a professional photographer, just a serious enthusiast) it isn't necessary to move on to the A1 ii.
Sony's AF focusing is indeed very fast and very accurate. I shoot mostly birds and animals rather than people, and also do quite a bit of macro. Sony cameras are very convenient to use with manual focus as well, which I find invaluable.
One reason I especially like Sony is the vast range of lenses available in their system, with options available at just about any budget level. Many people choose to also use third-party lenses, either with an adapter or in native mount if the manufacturer provides the lens in e-mount.
This is an important decision and it is good to be thinking about and researching (including hands-on) all the possibilities prior to actually making the final choice.
My first Sony full-frame camera was the A7R IV, and I traded in my (mostly older) Nikon gear for that body and three lenses, and over time eventually added the A1 and updated to the A7R V when it became available. The new A1 ii is now available, but I have been more than happy with my A1 and feel that for me personally (not a professional photographer, just a serious enthusiast) it isn't necessary to move on to the A1 ii.
Sony's AF focusing is indeed very fast and very accurate. I shoot mostly birds and animals rather than people, and also do quite a bit of macro. Sony cameras are very convenient to use with manual focus as well, which I find invaluable.
One reason I especially like Sony is the vast range of lenses available in their system, with options available at just about any budget level. Many people choose to also use third-party lenses, either with an adapter or in native mount if the manufacturer provides the lens in e-mount.
This is an important decision and it is good to be thinking about and researching (including hands-on) all the possibilities prior to actually making the final choice.
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I switched from Canon to Fuji a few years ago and it's been amazing. Fuji lenses are no joke. The BSI sensors Fuji has made for them by Sony are amazing. Main thing I love about Fuji are the lack of PASM mode dials(on most models).
Instead you get your 3 exposure triangle controls on dials. And you simply turn that knob to A to put it in auto mode.
Yeah it's an APSC camera but this is 2025, technology has gotten smaller.
Also, their 85mm equivalent, the 56mm f1.2, is a god tier lens. The 50mm F1.0 is pretty good too, but not worth the extra dough for bragging rights.
Also, this is highly subjective but I think the Fuji line is more timeless looking compared to Canon and Nikon's frumpy designs. And Sony's utilitarian slabs.
Instead you get your 3 exposure triangle controls on dials. And you simply turn that knob to A to put it in auto mode.
Yeah it's an APSC camera but this is 2025, technology has gotten smaller.
Also, their 85mm equivalent, the 56mm f1.2, is a god tier lens. The 50mm F1.0 is pretty good too, but not worth the extra dough for bragging rights.
Also, this is highly subjective but I think the Fuji line is more timeless looking compared to Canon and Nikon's frumpy designs. And Sony's utilitarian slabs.
And chance you have compared the Tamron 28-75 2.8 G2 and the Sony 24-70 GMII? A lens in that range would be my goto lens for street photography in daylight. The Tamron is significantly cheaper and saves some weight for long walks (6+ hours). Could be a lens that would help me compensate the higher price for a A1ii.
Another would be the Sigma 85mm 1.4 compared to the Sony equivalent. Trying to avoid 1.2 due to size and weight.
Also, I'm not a professional photographer. This is just a hobby.
So far, I've had to play with the A9iii as the A1ii (same bodies) isn't really available (3-4 months from order to delivery, after speaker to a Sony rep).
I would not worry too much about FF vs APSC. Some differences, but way smaller than many claim. Fuji X is a fantastic system, with great lens options. If not for the horrendous AF, I'd probably stay. But I lost hope that a potential X-H3(s) would improve AF to the level of Sony, Canon or Nikon. Doesn't mean Fuji won't work for animal/wildlife, it certainly will, the miss rate is just higher.
And how would you rate the switch from an old Nikon user? Do you think Sony is more ergonomics and better thought out or its the same? (I'm not talking about how it holds but more like how its used)
Any other interesting bit from the switch. Anything that frustrates you and you miss from Nikon?
Any other interesting bit from the switch. Anything that frustrates you and you miss from Nikon?
I have the Sony 24-70 GM II and it is a terrific lens! I waited a while for that one, as the first GM version had lukewarm reviews and since at that point I had a lot of lenses on my "want" list I bided my time. As soon as the 24-70 GM II arrived on the scene and I had checked out reviews and found that there was a lot more enthusiasm for this lens than its predecessor, I promptly purchased one.
I can't compare to the Tamron as I don't have any Tamron lenses, nor any Sigma lenses. The only non-Sony lenses I have are Voigtlander manual-focus ones.
The A1 ii and the 24-70 would make a terrific team. Have to admit that I haven't used that lens much on my A1, though, since I tend to reach for the A7R V for some kinds of shots. For walking around my neighborhood and small lake I have usually carried the A1 and the 100-400mm, but ever since I purchased the 70-200mm (Macro) G f/4 I've been taking it out on walks instead, as it is lighter and easier to carry than the 100-400mm.
I have the Sony 85mm f/1.8 which I bought early-on but I find that I tend not to use that lens all that often -- its length just doesn't really fit into the kind of shooting I do since I don't shoot many people (candids or portraits). 85mm is well suited to that purpose, though.
The A9 series are all good lenses, and from what I understand the A9 iii is especially good. Right before the A1 was announced, I had been intending to buy an A9, but once I heard about the upcoming A1 I put that one on my list instead as it offered more features and functionality for my purpose. I've never regretted that decision although the A1 was more expensive, as its successor is now.
There are a few other Sony users on MR and I hope one or more of them sees this thread and hops in to join the discussion to offer their own viewpoints, too, on the Sony system.
It was scary making the switch from Nikon, which I'd used since SLR days right through the shifting to digital cameras and my first digital was the first Nikon Coolpix, followed eventually by a few other Coolpixes, then the D70 to the D3 and others..... So it was a day of mixed feelings saying goodbye to my Nikon gear but at the same time I was excited, albeit a little nervous, about jumping into the new to me Sony system.
I actually had used a couple of other Sony cameras in the past, but this was my introduction to their full-frame bodies and lenses. In a lot of ways I was surprised at a few similarities in doing things, but for a while the Sony menu (thankfully that has been replaced now with a much better, more usefully-laid-out one!) was frustrating. Another thing which also took a little time to which to adjust was the muscle memory involved in putting lenses on and removing lenses from the camera body, since it is different from Nikon's. Now it's second nature and I don't even think about it any more, but it took awhile...
Sony's sleek, relatively small bodies without a lot of excess dials and buttons suit me just fine, and in terms of those, the ones on the cameras are the ones which for me are placed in the right locations and do what I need and expect. Sony also offers versatility and flexibility by allowing the user to customize the camera body and its dial and button functions by providing plenty of options for setting up what works best for him or her. Don't need or like the movie button? No problem, one can choose a more meaningful function for that button or even simply leave it without any function at all.
Actually, at this point, after having used Sony cameras for over five years now, I really can't think of anything that I miss from Nikon. Going into making the switch I had a pretty clear idea of what criteria a new camera system and body would have to meet, which lenses and ranges would work best for me, and of course that was based on my extensive experience with Nikon through the years. I cut my photography teeth on Nikon and learned a lot from all my Nikons, something which I value.
Actually, for a while I was a bit angry at Nikon for not having already made significant progress in moving into the mirrorless world. If they'd been a little speedier in entering the mirrorless scene or if I had not been so impatient to jump into it myself, hard to know which system I would be using these days.....
Nikon also allow you to reprograms a lot of the buttons these days as well.
The ones that throw me though are function buttons on the lens. I’m just not used to using buttons way out there!
Eh? Not sure where you got this information, but maybe you were reading an old article or viewing an old video.?? Actually, Sony cameras do offer electronic shutter as well as the older style shutter.... Electronic shutters do have some advantages, especially something I use all the time on my A1: silent shutter mode. Great for shooting in situations where one doesn't want to create an audible disturbance such as during a ceremony or event or when shooting wildlife -- it's best to avoid spooking the wildlife....
Depending on the Nikon camera, most have both a mechanical or electronic shutter.
The mechanical is not like the old DSLR days, so is much quieter anyway.
As for good tech, neither Sony, Nikon, Canon or Fuji make a bad camera. They are all good. Nothing coming out will be significantly better than what is available now. Just very small increments of improvement.
They are tools. Just pick the one that works for your price point, size and what other features are important to you.
I think it's better to have the option to switch between electronic and mechanical shutter. I've actually turned electronic off on all my cameras but understand why a lot of people like or need it (wedding, wildlife, etc. those aren't my genres, though, so I've disabled it). But a lot of problems from indoor lighting can happen if you are stuck with only electronic shutter with the banding, etc. It's good to have a way to prevent that if needed. Also you get get weird stuff like bendy golf clubs in the middle of a swing. I think having the ability to switch between the two is idea.
I said the same thing as AFB above, decide your budget and feature set, and choose a camera that works for you. Anything you buy right now is going to be better than your D750, and anything new coming down the road isn't going to be revolutionary. And if it is, it will be $$$$$.
I said the same thing as AFB above, decide your budget and feature set, and choose a camera that works for you. Anything you buy right now is going to be better than your D750, and anything new coming down the road isn't going to be revolutionary. And if it is, it will be $$$$$.
Nikon just announced the Z5ii. Basically a re-bodied ZF with the same Expeed 7 processor found in the Z8. Announced price is less than the Z6iii. If video is not a desire then this looks like it will be a very good camera. Video on the Z5ii looks fine for most uses just not quite as advanced as the Z6iii
It is possible to have a "global" electronic shutter. Today they are kind of rare
The Sony Alpha 9 iii has an electronic global shutter and Nikon's next Z-body is rumored to have one also. I think over time the technology will trickle down to the lower end mirrorless cameras.
There is also a large grey area between a rolling and an all-at-once global shutter -- if it rolls VERY fast, it is almost as good as global.
Well, sure, but those aren't likely to be the cameras that Gloor is looking at based on his parameters. Could be wrong, though. And a lot of people are totally astounded by wonky photos from using the electronic shutter so they think something is wrong with their camera. It's good to know the differences between the two.