I Finally Switched To Mirrorless.

Рет қаралды 3,583

Күн бұрын

This isn’t typically a gear-focused channel. In the past, I have bought a new camera body once every 4-5 years years. But this year… I’ve bought two cameras. ( ‪@nikonusa‬ Z6 and Z7)
Today I’m going to talk about what prompted this switch, and how it has impacted the way I work. You could watch anyone do a camera review, but I’m going to give you some observations based on real world experience, shooting over 18,000 photos with these cameras.
I’ll cover some of the main benefits I’ve noticed, which are:
1. Video
2. Stabilization
3. Native Live view
4. Screen quality
5. Speed
A mirrorless camera isn’t going to make you a better photographer, and your pictures aren’t going to be dramatically better. But there are some convenience things that make it nicer, making your quality of life a little better, and you might gain a few capabilities, such as more usable video, that will make you more marketable as a photographer.
Camera bodies and lenses shown (commissions earned):
Nikon Z 6 II FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body w/NIKKOR Z 24-70mm amzn.to/34lWB9B
Nikon Z 6 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body amzn.to/3zPRfj9
Nikon Z 7 FX-Format Mirrorless Camera Body amzn.to/3SGYPVR
Nikon D850 FX-format Digital SLR Camera Body amzn.to/3ghrsVa
Nikon D800 FX-Format Digital SLR Camera Body amzn.to/3SILrAv
Music from Epidemic Sound: www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
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Contact me | kevin@capturingthemachine.com

Пікірлер: 36

@patrickmcmahon818 3 ай бұрын

OMG, I know what you’re talking about. I had my D850 as my workhorse and bought a Z6 just to see what the big deal was about going mirrorless. It was sold as a kit on a Black Friday sale and I thought, what the heck I’ll check it out. It really was just for fun and to have a lighter camera when going out for trips or with the kids. Funny part was I began talking my Z6 to portrait sessions for headshots or single portraits. I found the pictures were fantastic. After about a year and a half I sat down and really went through pictures I had taken with both cameras and decided to go all in on mirrorless. I sold my D850 (so sad that day) along with all my F mount lenses and bought a Z9 with new Z mount lenses. I’m so happy I did this. I use both cameras (waiting for Nikon to release a Z6III) for all my work, portraits, newborns, events and sports. The transition from a D850 to the Z9 was almost seamless and the newer lenses are fantastic! If anyone is thinking about this, find or rent a mirrorless and try it out for at least a week or two and see if you are a convert like I was. Great video, look to see more from you.

@capturingthemachine 3 ай бұрын

Thanks for sharing you experience, Patrick! It seems like you found a great setup. It was a hassle making the transition - having a mirrorless & D850 with me, carrying a mix of F-mount and Z-mount lenses in my bag - but once I put one foot in, it wasn't long before I went all in. It sounds like you arrived at a similar conclusion. Even now, I sometimes marvel at how snappy and versatile these cameras are, especially when I'm shooting and composing from the flip out screen. I know I'll end up getting a Z8, and I'm sure I'll love it, but right now, there's nothing in the Z7 that leaves me wanting more.

@carlmcneill1139 2 жыл бұрын

My d750 got water damage at the beach a year and a half ago. I had bought an extended warranty that covered damage like that so I got all of my money back. I upgraded to the z6 II instead of looking for another girl or going to the d780. The z6 II fixed some issues I had with the z6. The focus system still isn't perfect but it's great at what it does. My hit rates for portraits have gone up with the use of the eye auto focus. It's a good all around camera. I've used mine for astrophotography, landscape,, portraits, I used it at an air show, macro, and some street photography. I can't wait to see what the third generation has in it. I hope they put a stacked sensor in it and the same processor as the z9. The benefits of mirrorless outweigh those of the DSLR. I no longer have to focus and recompose because I have the whole screen to put a focus point or let the camera track the eye when I'm close enough. I'm happy with my choice.

@capturingthemachine 2 жыл бұрын

Great insights, thanks for sharing this, Carl! I totally agree, and I can't wait to see what's next. I got the Z7 relatively inexpensively as sort of a placeholder until something else comes out, and I'd love to see some of the Z9 tech make its way through the lineup.

@SirFency Жыл бұрын

I'm going to start with the Nikon Z30 it's only a grand with 2 zoom lenses (16-50mm and 50-250mm). I think it's a good entry point for me. If I start making money I will eventually be able to splurge on these more pricey models. I'm excited. I shoot my first exoctic car this comming weekend. A Ferrari. I have been practicing with my personal truck, a GoPro and my smartphone. I don't have depth of field with these tools but I gotta start somewhere and I can always do some photoshop to create drama. I can't afford the Z30 just yet. I appreciate your videos. They get me excited about shooting and I think they will help me avoid many pitfalls most beginners with no guidance seem to make.

@capturingthemachine Жыл бұрын

Best of luck, and thank you for the nice words! That sounds like a great plan. I have no connection to Nikon, they often have sales on stuff, including right now on Z30. Signing up for the mailing list is worth it if you're in the market: www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/mirrorless-cameras/1749/z-30.html?EC&Shopz30&ET_CID=4720871&ET_RID=908527064

@purplepurplesaurasne Жыл бұрын

As always, your videos are extremely insightful and helpful. Thanks again -

@capturingthemachine Жыл бұрын

My pleasure, thanks so much for watching!

@tagchristof 2 жыл бұрын

big ups on the switch (and the rare pragmatic take on actually making that switch). I loved my Z7.

@capturingthemachine 2 жыл бұрын

thanks Tag!

@michaelengels2514 8 ай бұрын

I’ve been pondering about trading in my D850 for a Z6ii - especially now with Black Friday deals. However the camera shops and other photographers are saying stay away. My actual reason is more for the lighter set up and when buying lenses it’s a toss up because I have a Z5 also. Shooting motorsport the extra frame rates on the Z6ii and not having the massive battery grip for only two fps more is also a plus for me. With that said I’ve got some great motion blur with the Z5 with only 4,5fps.

@capturingthemachine 8 ай бұрын

If you're currently using a D850 and a Z5, that's pretty close to what my setup was when I had the D850 and Z6II. I love the Z6II, but if it was replacing the D850, I might miss the extra megapixels sometimes. The true mirrorless D850 replacement is the Z8, which is obviously a lot more $$$$ - but maybe in a few months or next year there will be refurbs available/discounts.

@fueledbymetal 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative, thanks!

@capturingthemachine 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching Michael!

@fvckinweenie679 Жыл бұрын

Try out some fuji apsc cam’s!

@omarkhaldi8611 2 жыл бұрын

mr. kevin i really dont know how to tell how much i feel relaxed and inspired after watching all your videos great tips, perfect background music, amazing 911 trunk i want to ask you the #1 tip you can give me when shooting cars, and do you think the nikon d5300 is good for a beginner automotive photographer and is there any secret tips when i shoot with it all the love from syria kevin

@capturingthemachine 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words, Omar! I don't know a lot about the D5300, but if you can swing to the D7200 or even D7000, I think those are better. The 7000-series cameras have two dials on the right-side grip (one on front and one on back), just like all the pro cameras, and to me, that makes a big difference and gives you more control. The D3XXX and D5XXX only have a single dial, and I was frustrated when I tried it. Advice for the cameras: just know your camera well, know when to use shutter priority, aperture priority, or manual exposure; know the autofocus modes, be so familiar that you don't have to think about it. Tips for shooting cars: I would rather shoot a boring car at an amazing location, at the perfect time of day, than shoot a Pagani at noon at a shopping center. Shooting at golden hour or sunset or just after sunset is so much more interesting and fun, and will get you way better results, and make your work stand out. Also, everyone takes pictures on smartphones now, so if you're going to carry around a heavy camera and lenses around, make sure you're getting the full benefit of having a nice camera! So that means shoot things that would be impossible to achieve with a smartphone: telephoto, shallow depth of field, or using a circular polarizer to control reflections. Hope this helps!

@shotbyglimpse6558 Жыл бұрын

Love the videos! What lens would you recommend for shooting car events with a crop sensor camera? I'm currently running a 30mm, was originally thinking 24-70mm but starting to lean more toward primes after seeing your video about the 24-70mm and reading all the comments. I'd definitely love to have a 70-200mm for panning (the location I go to most often for meets also has a track) but not sure if that's a great choice to walk around with all day in the tighter environments. I should also mention that I can get quite close to the track, basically trackside, so maybe a 50mm or 85mm prime might be a decent option on the crop sensor? Would love to hear your suggestion!

@capturingthemachine Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much! It's been a while since I used a crop sensor camera, but I really liked the 50mm (which was a full frame lens and equaled ~85mm) and the 35 I had (it was made for the crop sensor). An 85mm (assuming it equals ~105) will be pretty limited use, but might be good for trackside. I love a 70-200, but it might be pretty limited use for with your camera. With any big high-dollar zoom, it's best to rent one and see if it works for you before making the investment!

@VIJAYSANKAR 2 жыл бұрын

Another great summary! Thanks for the advice. :) Quick question: What are the main settings you adjust manually during a shoot? For instance, while doing trackside panning shots?

@capturingthemachine 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Vijay, it was great to meet you last weekend! I generally use Aperture priority for still shots Shutter priority for panning shots Manual if I'm trying to to get a weird underexposed thing Manual if I'm shooting with a flash

@VIJAYSANKAR 2 жыл бұрын

@@capturingthemachine Cheers, Kevin! Looking forward to meeting again at some point.

@escoszickest 2 жыл бұрын

Maaaan, I’ve been struggling with this. Because I really would love a D850. But I want a lighter set up to travel with. My D700 is chunky and my D500 is the speed demon to shoot motorcycles and things in motion. I also have a few lenses from nikon so the Z6ii has been appealing to me because I can use the adaptor. Sooooo much internal turmoil 🤣

@capturingthemachine 2 жыл бұрын

I can totally relate, I was in your shoes! This video didn't go into lenses, since I was trying to keep it broad and that's really Nikon-specific, but I'm happy to share my experience. I don't really notice that my travel setup is any lighter - the difference just isn't that huge, and the Z lenses all weigh the same or more. I have used the adaptor - it's good, but not for video, so I didn't want to go that direction, but I think it would be for good for photos. Once I accepted that I would be making 'he switch', I started selling my non-essential FX lenses, and it made me think about what I really *needed.* I've been getting by with just three Z lenses (24-70, 70-200, 50 1.8), and I think I'm set for a while. Definitely try or rent one of these cameras, but also know that once you do... the clock might start ticking towards making a big switch. 😅

@toshgiles Жыл бұрын

3 cameras and a drone, I’m assuming. It’s a lot!

@capturingthemachine Жыл бұрын

absolutely!

@Montasir125 Жыл бұрын

A couple questions: how's the battery life compared to DSLR? I'd like to get into motorsport photography/video - how does the electronic viewfinder deal with fast moving subjects?

@capturingthemachine Жыл бұрын

I have found the battery life to be very good and exceeded my expectations. I can shoot for several hours (multiple shoots over multiple days) on one battery no problem. Because I have a bunch of spare batteries, I swap them between each shoot and it's rare that the battery ever gets below 2/3. If you leave the camera set to 'On' in your bag, it will deplete the battery quickly, unlike my Nikon DSLRs which did not. The electronic viewfinder is fine, it works just like a DSLR viewfinder for panning. On the Z6 and Z7, it blacks out when you press the shutter, and it would be better if it didn't do that.

@AnthonyTrombley Жыл бұрын

I don't think I've seen much of your filming stuff...but do you find that IBIS has freed you from using any sort of external stabilization like a gimbal? Or is it minor enough that you'll still use your own stabilization when filming?

@capturingthemachine Жыл бұрын

I have found that you definitely still need a gimbal for handheld filming while moving, and, on Nikon at least, the digital stabilization is bad and should not be used. If you're just holding the camera without moving, or making slow camera movements while standing in place, the IBIS is helpful and you might not need a gimbal. But the main benefit of this has been for slow-shutter and low light photography, for me.

@JonnyGrunwald 2 жыл бұрын

I immediately jumped to see which brand you went with hoping you joined the Sony dark side. Haha! Can’t wait to see what you create!

@capturingthemachine 2 жыл бұрын

hey Jonny! Hahaha, I hear great things, but I'm too stubborn to switch. Just gotta dig in deeper 🤣

@makalu69 Жыл бұрын

I added a Z9 to my D850 this year - I wanted the high frame rate for shooting motorsports. I have ended up using it nearly all the time now.

@capturingthemachine Жыл бұрын

Wow, fantastic, I am envious of the Z9! I found it hard to manage one mirrorless and one DSLR in my kit (because of lenses), so having the one forced me to switch fully to the mirrorless system.