Is It Time To Ditch Your DSLR?

Hey wildlife photographers! Is it time to ditch your DSLR and move to mirrorless?

This is a question I've been getting on a daily basis and in this video we'll examine all the pros and cons - plus I'll give you my advice as well. If you're struggling with this decision, this video is a must see!

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[sh]

The thought crossed my mind… But then I cradled my D850 and 200-500 lens like a baby and felt true love again 😄

[richardkev]

“There is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept.”
Ansel Adams

I’ll hang on to my DSLR. Spending a bunch of money to replace it will not make me a better photographer.

[gilshua]

I think that right now, this is a great time to find used DSLR in great condition, sold by tech savvys that hurry to upgrade but hardly used the

[milk-it]

I really think Steve delivers a well-thought out overview of the mirrorless camera situation with respect to DSLR. His photography skill combined with his unpretentious, personable delivery really hits the truths home with credence and integrity.

[joncothranphotography]

It's exciting to me to see everyone changing systems, because I get to take advantage of the great used gear that's hitting the market. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject! Great video!

[georgefrench]

Excellent summary. As a Nikon 7100 shooter, I appreciated that the final, excellent image was taken with a Nikon 7200. Until the mirrorless landscape stabilizes, I’ll be sticking with my crop-sensor DSLR. 👍

[jdamk]

Great video, I'm guilty of constant window shopping for camera gear I don't actually need.

[sanybalkanaciairsoft]

Why should i ditch my dslr. It's working, it's doing it's job.
I will switch when my D500 dies and can't be saved anymore or if i win the lottery.

[twodalec]

I upgraded to the nikon d7500... and i'm very happy with it and have a full compliment of glass for it. for a quick grab, or ultra light travel camera i picked up a panasonic lumix lx100 on sale.. my upgrade path will likely be to a nikon d500. my wife has a Panasonic Lumix G85 micro 4/3'rds with 3 lenses.. we're both happy with the systems that we have.. and i'm good for more than a few years.

[robertdavis]

Thanks for sharing...I have a D500 & happy with results... not considering changing ... cheers 😀

[lescobrandon]

My Z7 is sitting in my closet. My D3 and D700 are getting the image qualities as they always have.

[iainrollo]

Had D500 and Z6ii now sold D500 Z6ii does everything D500 plus a lot more, everything in EVF and custom function on Z lens replacing focus ring to adjust exposure compensation on the fly, and I’m mostly shooting wildlife and birds in flight, including diving ospreys.

[gregoryz]

Good to see you’re feeling well! Thanks for the video!

[estradaj]

Straight and to the point, great content without trying to sell stuff

[guenni]

Hi Steve, I just sold one of my DSLRs today and ordered a new Z6_2. I love the Z system for wildlife. Perfect for my type of photography. I love my combination Z6 and Nikkor 500PF. I have no problem with the FTZ solution. I'll have even more fun with the Z6_2. Best regards from Germany. Günter

[JeffGeerling]

It's such a personal decision, and for everyone it will be different. I shot enough event photography (stills in dim and varied lighting) that Nikon's DSLR line and lenses was amazing for me. COVID wiped that out and I took a turn into video work (went from producing maybe 2-4 hours of footage per year to making 1-2 videos per week!). Because of that I re-evaluated my entire photography workflow, top to bottom. And Sony was the right option for me.

But everyone will be different. I was sad to see some of my old trusted and favorite F mount lenses go, but I know other photographers will get more mileage out of them. Anyone who can stick with DSLRs for a few more years can take advantage of the slow but steady lens depreciation if they always wanted a certain exotic.

[JeffandLeslie]

Thanks Steve! As a wildlife and nature photographer shooting a D500, I am taking your advise. As long as my D500 is working my need for mirrorless centers more around "I want the shiny new object" more than "I need a new camera." I'm going to hold off for a year or so and see how this all shakes out. In the meantime, I'll be seeing you all out on the trail enjoying nature and shooting photos (and a little video along the way).

[Bikash_Jana]

Watching your video is like peace of mind..In 2021 i am planning to upgrade my gear to D500.

[csc-photo]

Easily the most thoughtful & balanced advice I've seen on this topic 👏🏻 I moved to mirrorless last spring, I'm using the Z50 and Z6II now (great combo!). I still use 2 longer F lenses (70-300 & 200-500). Nikon's Z glass (even the non-S lenses) continue to exceed my expectations.

[JonnyPink]

When the D850 came out, you nailed when you said that the larger sensor would show the flaws in the technique of the "photographer" or something to that effect. This is my opinion based on my use and the want for some of the features of the mirrorless. To me, Sony does not have the color depth in the raw photos that Nikon does but I have not tried the A1. I have been told by many that the color has improved. I love the AF and the EVF but personally think the high burst rate is overkill and keep my A9 set on low - I only need one great shot. My favorite wildlife camera right now over my D850 is my D780 - it just seems to perform better in low light and higher ISO - and the video autofocus is awesome. I will look at the Z9 specs when/if it does come out. The one thing Sony HAS done, is allow many that do not know how to control light and dont understand how all the setting work together to get a great image, be able to get great photos - like a point and shoot on steroids. I will never forget out shooting the Woolsey Fire out behind my house, the watter dropping planes and helicopters, and seeing people come out and blasting a flash thinking they would get a shot - that to me is who Sony sells most too. For me, I will shoot my D850 and D780... and my D800 (best camera EVER for landscapes - such a creamy look), but will still pick up my A9 with the 200-600 now and again. It is all but I am a Nikon guy and I LOVE Nikon color. And paid gigs - Nikon without question. Just my $0.02!