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Thanks for your perspective, it amazing how photography gear is evolving, who knows what is next.
What I love about all your videos is the love for the birds, it's all about the bird. You don't really care about brands, but about which tools let you best capture the exact bird moments that you're looking for. Today the Sony systems are the more apt, but in the future it could be another brand.
One of my most favorite videos you've done. Thanks for sharing.
What a breath of fresh air - a camera hardware video driven by great photography and a love for the art and craft of photography.
Thank you Mark. You likely saved me a bunch of $$$ and time to take it to the next level. Your timing is perfect. I am about to purchase new equipment. I ordered you book the other day too. Looking forward to it in my hands. ~ your neighbor
Thank you Mark for the testimony of your transition. Will wait for your A1 result to make my move.
So far, it has exceeded my expectations.
I always enjoy your videos, which strike me as 100% honest, with no agenda other than sharing your experiences.
Mark, so happy to hear you are making the switch because it confirms why I made the switch just today. From a Nikon D4s to the Sony a7rIV with a 200-600mm telephoto. Your videos were a big part of me making the switch. Thank You!
Great feedback Mark. This is the answer I have been waiting for since my previous query on the same subject. This is really a simplistic and honest feedback.
What a great story Mark, I was lucky that when I took up photography 3 years ago, a mate, who is a canon shooter advised my to go with Sony as the A7R2 had just come out & he told me it had amazing specs. 3 years later & I’ve accumulated 3 bodies & 12 lenses. It would make it extremely hard & expensive to switch systems now! So lucky I got the right advice in the beginning! 👍😀🙏👌Thankyou for your great story!
Excellent review Mark, thanks for all of the effort you put into this video.
Thank you for your exciting honest review. I look forward to seeing more of your results.
Absolutely stunning images mark. I’m ready to pull the trigger on a alpha 1. I know it will be overkill for me but I’m 57 worked all my life and this camera covers all genres of what I do. 👍🏻👍🏻
David, you only live once. Time to treat yourself some nicer stuff.😁
Do it, you won't regret - yes a little overkill but it does pretty much everything - I love it
If I pulled the trigger on that my missus would pull a trigger of a different kind on me....😳🤣🤣
Yep, me too! Sold an A9 M1, an A7R4, and some less frequently used lenses to make it happen. LOVE , LOVE, LOVE the A1. I'm also the same age as you, and have (frankly) worked my tail off for years for the privilege! :-) I feel blessed! The A1 Definitely acts like a cross between an a9 and an A7R4, BUT it's focus is even better (quite a bit actually) and it's less noisy than the A7R4 at high ISO (I'd say by about one stop).
I am in the same boat at 61. A1 here I come.
Another great video. Excellent the way you promote the tool you use now without knocking the tools you used to use, keeping the door open for change with no hard feelings. Very good presentation of the rationale behind the choice.
Great to hear your experiences Mark! Thank you for sharing. I found this really helpful!
Thanks for all your presentations. I've been following your site for more than a year. your approach is always positive, no matter what the subject or camera make or lenses. I also made the sift from Nikon to Sony about a year ago, but for other reasons no to be place on this public forum. With Sony I had to adapt to the back screen shooting. One of the privileges I find it much more applicable to someone like me and you wearing some classes. Keep the good work going, following you from South Africa -RSA.
Great video Mark. I remember talking to you at Kando 3.0, such a great time!
Hello Mark, Even though I'm not switching to another brand I think you're a great storyteller, love all your great stories you tell during your videos. All this said really love your bird photos too.
Excellent video, thank you so much. I shot DSLR's for decades but eventually switched to Sony mirrorless and never regretted a moment of it. The A9 is a terrific camera and I've got lots of exceptional images from it. Looking forward to more of your great videos and still images.
Great story thanks. I just recently bought my a1 and it is mind blowing as going into another level for both photography and videography world.
Shot with Nikon for 13 years. Moved on to Sony. I love the A9. No black out in the view finder and the stacked sensor which really helps with rolling shutter sold me. The fantastic auto focus is a bonus.
We'll have to see what happens, but a stacked sensor offers the most obvious path toward high-speed or global shutters. The layers in the stack allow parallel processing of many pixels at a time. Now that we are reaching fundamental limits in Moore's Law, parallelism is the most obvious way to go. However, the fact that Sony used stacked sensor technology only on the A9 and didn't really change the sensor much on the A9II made me concerned that even Sony was struggling with the high cost of the technology. The release of the A1 with a seriously upgraded stacked sensor was a real relief. It looks like Sony still thinks it can control costs on stacked sensors, at least for its high end cameras.
The a9 was my first camera after Nikon as well. It was transformational. I traded it in for an a7r iv and sort of regretted it. The a9 was so forgiving (cuz of lower mp), better high ISO performance, better af, no blackout etc. I ended up ordering a used a9 ii recently and I’m really stoked! Once you use a good e shutter, it’s really hard to use anything else after.
@Siddharth Sriram , your remarks are interesting but I am not certain how to translate them into decisions between cameras. All I can say is that many of us use A9s in nature photography where the scenes can involve high contrast lighting. I am not aware of any difficulties reported by frequent or professional users. If the dynamic range were "highly disappointing" then I guess I would expect some more complaints from actual users. In fact, many users rave about the A9's low-light high-ISO performance. Since the primary limitation in digital sensors is noise, I would expect less satisfaction if the dynamic range were "highly disappointing". I am also intrigued by your comment that the A9II has improved dynamic range. I keep looking for real indications that the A9 and the A9II sensors are different, but I can't find much. As for the AA filter, you are talking mostly about a small detail compared to the fact that the A9 has only a 24 megabyte sensor. If you.find an AA filter a "big no,no" then I would suggest that you want an A1 or other over/40 megapixel camera anyway. I took a gamble on the low pixel count and was so pleased that my backup camera is now a 12 megapixel A7sII. But, that's me. User needs vary.
@Siddharth Sriram , by all means stick with what you like. I will say that Mark Smith is an extremely careful and skilled birder. I'm just happy to learn from him and others. Again, thanks for your thoughtful input.
Likely that the Z9 could be very close addressing short comings Mark mentioned in this video to Sony's Pro cameras of A9 MK 1-3 and A1 but disagree with some what he says and do we really need to see another I switched from Brand X to Brand Y - it's a changing target in terms of Body FF & APS improvements on each generation; the lenses and eco systems are more important - Nikon has superb F and Z lenses, plus you can adapt rival lenses on the Z like the EF glass and Sony FE Glass (adaptor needs improvement though)
I second your points about EVFs! I remember they used to be seen as a drawback since they were worse than OVFs, but now that the tech has caught up, they are such a huge advantage for mirrorless systems. Cheers, great video
Excellent mate. I was an early adopter and bought into Sony with an A7r as soon as it was released in 2013. Coming from a 5DMKII (I'd shot Canon for 30 years), nothing had prepared me for the quality and dynamic range of the first images I downloaded from that camera. Shot a surf carnival on the east coast of Australia 2 weeks ago with my A7rIV and 100-400 + 1.4x. Stunning results, all in sharp focus and with 61mpx to play with, huge potential to crop.
wonderful images of my favorite Raptor also! Thank You!
Very illuminating. Appreciate your candor.
Greetings Mark. Glad to have introduced the A9 to you! Am now using the new A1 almost daily and exclusively for bird photography. Looking forward to comparing notes with you soon and another bird trip together soon. Let’s hope Sony will introduce a “pro capture”/“pre capture” feature to the A1 via a firmware update. It is an incredibly helpful feature for bird photographers which can found in some APSC and MFT cameras. Keep up the excellent work! Michael
Thanks and nice to hear from you!
I get it, shoot with what either makes you happy or helps you get the images you need. I'd personally never buy a Sony, nothing against Sony, they make wonderful products and lenses, sensors, etc. I'm just not a fan of the bodies as I am a flagship Canon/Nikon shooter since the F4s/F5 and D1-D6 now. So yes I'm old young (35) and I am set in my ways lol. I'll never leave Nikon because I am NOT an influencer or whatever you call this stuff. No, I am a full time photojournalist.
Excellent video Mark, as always. Many thanks!
I know that once I have this A1 camera on my hands and able to fly to Florida. I will contact you for some lovely workshops. Keep up your wonderful work 😊
I experienced that with nikon dslrs. I have a Z7 now and honestly while it may be inferior to a sony of the same specs, it is amazing, mirrorless is great.
Hey Mark, thanks for this. I'm a 4-decade pro shooter on one system but lately I've been losing confidence in some of my gear. Bought an older Sony APS-C and the new 18-50 zoom as a "backup" to bring on lifestyle shoots (and feeling a bit like a traitor) and now I can't get switching out of my head. I'm pretty sure this video just tipped me over the mirrorless edge. At the end of the day (or a long career) but with plenty of energy left who cares what the label is. Get the gear that works best, makes clients happy, and allows a full night's sleep. I'm about to flood the used market with a whole lot of gear and look forward to the new learning curve. Thanks a lot for helping me decide.
Thank you. Great video. Great audio.
thanks for sharing your journey!
great video Mark. Just went Sony from Canon and made the jump wholesale. No regrets, loving the new gear.
Right on the nitty gritty shift button. Superb images Mark, phew !! > means mastery of instruments and instincts you have 🪶 Look forward to those rare special moments and bonus Apidae too Whenever the buzzing moment transpires . (Nikon had me on the frustrated. fence for so long ~ my feeties are tingling sony talons for lift off !)
Great story. I ave lived it in my own experience. Love the enthusiasm, and the photos. Initially I HATED the EVF until I switched back to DSLR. When I saw the power of the viewfinder i understood and switched to mirror less.
Hi Mark, very nice video. Thank you for your story and your amazing ohter video's. I just sold all my Nikon gear incl D850 and bought the A1 with the sony 135mm 1.8 and th sony 50mm 1.2.
Happy for you Mark .... well , I shoot hand in hand with Sony and Canon shooting every week end ... focus tracking is definitely improved in those versions ... I am ok to wait for another 1 year for Nikon to fix their focus tracking ... I enjoyed my image quality of Nikon over my friends... not to mention .. with my D850 , I pull better BOF , put in extra effort ... study your subject ... there is always ways to outcome the limits of your gear ... Enjoy shooting ... waiting for upcoming z400 f2.8 to upgrade
I've been shooting for well over 50 years. Back in the 1970's, I moved to a Minolta SLR system, then in the early 2000's to a DSLR (Canon). I switched to Sony A7 only because it was the only full frame camera I could then afford. Like Mark, the advantages of a mirrorless over a DSLR took time to be fully appreciated. There is no way I could ever go back to a SLR system. And for you Nikon (and Canon) users, they make excellent mirrorless systems too. Since glass it the most important and expensive part of our photography gear, remember that both Nikon and Canon are able to utilize their DSLR legacy lenses on their mirrorless camera bodies with adaptors.
started with a minolta srt-101 in the army in the 70's. stayed the road. probably would have left minolta/konica like you except work and family was more a priority than photography. retired now. seems like i'd been waiting for the A1 all my life. for wildlife, it's like you died and went to heaven. shoot it everyday.
Got my A1 today. Thanks Mark.
Great video Mark! I just purchased the A1 and was wondering if you will be doing a segment on how you setup your A1 for bird photography like you did with your A7R4. That was so informative and helped me set up my A7R4 when I had it. Thanks for sharing your transition with your viewers. It was very interesting.
I can so relate to your dilemma! What to do...what to do? Looks like the Sony A9 is in my future! Thanks for all the great info!
Consider getting an A9 or A9II used if you can't afford the A1. We're kind of between models on the A9 series right now. I really had to laugh about the "tiny" 100-400mm f/4-5.6 lens. That's a much more capable lens than you might think.
@@stuartschaffner9744 The tiny !00-400 is one of thew best lens from sony , sometimes I use it for Macrophotography . I used to use Nikon . I switchewd to sony .I am very happy with that. Still I have Nikon D750, D850. Nikon Z6 which was a bad decision I made.
Of all people, you deserve an a1 and the 600/4 lens. By your skill as a photographer, explorer and nature aficionado! Good job, on all fronts!
Thanks
For out in the wild I, personally, wouldn't rely on a A1. For a trip to the swamps or a desert there would be no other choice for me than a tank like D6, Z9, 1DX or stuff like that. The A1 is way overpriced for what it actually is. It is in a price range of the real tanks but it actually is a (fantasticly) improved D850. No vertical grip, small battery, tilt screen and flimsy SD like storage (the D850 at least had a propper XQD card), high Pixel count. So if you need a improved, mirroreless D850 and money isn't a problem, go for it. You'll love it. If you need a improved D5/6... hell no! Wait for the Z9. If you have already invested in Sony heavily... sad times are ahead for you. You paid a bunch of money to the early adopter tax. Better cameras are in the pipe of Nikon an Canon. And they are 20 years ahead in experience how to make shooting smooth, easy and ergonomically good and what makes a camera longterm reliability.
@@TheRealLerad Z9 for sure will be a great product, but there is still a huge BUT. Nikon product-planning managment's decision to shift from F-mount to Z mount, which is the widest among all brands in full frame format and nearly as wide as medium format is, maybe at first glance seems clever, but IMHO is suicidal. It seems strategically clever, since it can accept lenses from all other systems through adaptors, so that customers from all other brands may easily move to Nikon's z-mount, but without letting at the same time their own customers "leak" towards other brands (how clever indeed!). Because customers who today invest to z-mount lenses cannot move anymore from Nikon to other brands, since this is physically imposible. F mount lenses can still be utilised in other brand's systems through adaptors, but Z mount lenses no, and never will be. They are useless in other systems. You cannot make an adaptor from such a wide mount as the z-mount and its wide footprint lenses to the far narrower mounts of other brands, and please corect me if I am wrong. Nikon users who today invest to z-mount lenses may be prooved trapped in a dead end, in the worst case scenario where Nikon supposedly closes for good, which I do not wish at all, since their lenses are of supreme quality and many thousands of people are making a living by working to Nikon to produce them. Unfortunatelly for Nikon's short-sighted management, common sense dictates that customers of such expensive products want to be free to move to other brands if something goes wrong, so I strongly believe that a so much wide z-mount, finally was not a strategically clever move, but a (another one) strategally suicidal decision of Nikon's product planning managment that may be proved fatal. Again, I wish to be proved wrong. Competition is good and we all need Nikon to be an alive part of it. But it is exactly competition that does not forgive to anyone such strategical mistakes.
@@TheRealLerad Have you even tried the A1? I've had my A9's/A1 in pooring rain with no problems. Mark has explained the advantages over DSLR that have to be experienced to understand. I've had a D4 among other high-end Nikons, they now seem like obsolete bloated noisy toys. I use the vertical grip for sports, events and portraits with more battery life. I have the option to remove the bulky grip to have a more portable light weight kit for hiking and/or travel. The z9 is a good option but still not at the performance of the A1 and way heavier and bulkier than A1.
@Scott Barnhill I've tried a A1 and a Z9. The A1 is a really good camera! But I'm going with the Z9 all day long. The weight doesn't bother me. The camera is glued to 800mm or 600mm glas anyway. So a light camera body is a bad thing for balance. And in every other point the Z9 is superior to the A1 (at least for my habits and usecase)
Just Watched this wire-to-wire and it was great. Thanks for sharing
This is an excellent video, full of info, I am a Sony guy starting with a900 full frame now A7Riv . You take the best pictures.
I finally made the decision to switch after the last video where Mark said that once he switched, he had little desire to use the Nikon gear. I remembered how I felt the same way when I switched from DX to FX. Patiently waiting on the used A9 and 24-70mm GM to arrive.
I do not shoot action, but several things made me move from DSLRs to mirrorless for good. One was IBIS, second was the silent shutter and third was the lack of annoying "this lens does not match well with that body and needs AF micro adjustments". And now, in 2021, I would say the lens selection is better too. The companies make for mirrorless cameras lenses we didn't know were possible.
Thanks Mark, open and honest, so refreshing..
Well said!! I've always used Sony (a7r-m2/a7s-m2) because of Philip Bloom... and so it just worked for me. And then I hear stories like this and it's nice to know it was a good/great decision or plain luck. So I was already convinced but it's nice to hear other perspectives.
Hi Mark, I am myself a convert from Nikon to Sony. However in term of action camera, I think that D850 vs A9 is not an apples to apples. For all its strength, D850 is not a pro action camera, that would be D5.
Good point! A9-D5, A7R3-D850. A7R3 better than D850 for action/bird.
@@traianmol I've used both, and the D850 does much, much better than the a7r III (and IV for that matter) for action shooting.
@@youknowwho9247 I own both camera, so...
@@traianmol Easy to use for the ones that don't want to struggle with the DSLR focus system. Not better.
really good point. DSLR vs mirrorless??? not Nikon vs Sony video.
Very similar story myself but I went from Canon to Sony. I was fully prepared to send the Sony back and pay the fee to restock it if I didn't like it but literally in 2 hours of seeing home much I could customize the camera and the image quality (A7R3) there was no going back. I kept my Canon gear but it was never getting used so in a few more months I solid but did adapt some of my telephotos to the Sony which worked but in time I opted for all native glass. Still very happy with my A7R3 but it's not an action camera, awaiting my A1 and I'm really looking forward to it.
This was a wonderful story! Thanks for sharing.
Just like your bird vids, your stories are always clear, you didn't disappoint here. Thank you for this VERY informative video. You addressed every concern I have being a D500 owner and make a compelling case for me to switch. "Break the bank" (arrrrgh) one day but ultimately it sounds like this is the way to go.
Thanks so much for this decision-making process. I have been traveling the same road, just so frustrated with the D750 viewfinder! Purchased Nikon Z5 and Sony A6400. Love them both. Any thoughts on which I should get first the Sony 100-400mm or the 200-600mm? I have the Tamron 150-600mm I have used for 5 years and will use on the Z5 but not for fast-moving wildlife. Thanks again for sharing your process. Glass is also the reason I went with the Z5 and not a used 7ARV. I will upgrade in the future when I get a handle on the Sony system. So far so good.
Very interesting insight.
Thanks, Mark, for taking the time to make this video. Didn’t realize you used the 400 in Costa Rica. Another sweet lens.
Mirrorless really is amazing. I just use auto-iso and the exposure compensation wheel, I haven't had anything but a perfect exposure (or close enough) in a long time!
Sounds like a familiar story, although I've been riding the fence between Sony and Canon for the last 5 years or so. I haven't yet bought a large prime on the Sony side but have hedged my bets for a while longer picking up the EOS R5 to use with my 500mm F/4. For now I use both Sony and Canon side by side regularly, but if I go with one system on a shoot I will grab the Sony bag 90% of the time because I know I can get the shot.
Mark, your storytelling convincing people more than the gear you may use.
People asked for this so I gave it to them
@@MarkSmithphotography ,, have to agree with Victor ! I told you that you’re the Anthony Bordaine of photography ! Love the monologue as much as I love the pics and helpful info ! Have a great day fellow Floridian !
@@plumshoejeff that is a huge compliment to me. Thank you so much.
Your enthusiasm is infectious, you are a great story teller (as well as a great photographer ;) ). I've been shooting sony for a while and the A9 was the turning point, I couldn't feel comfortable with my DSLR after the A9
Great story, good to hear your enjoying the a1. A couple of years ago I was shooting the equivalent Canon kit to your Nikon. I was curious about the a9 and hearing great things about it. I ummed and ahhed for a couple of months then bought an a9 + 100-400 + sigma EF adapter. I didn't use my 1DXII for the next six months and sold my Canon gear to fund the Sony 600GM. Got an a1 a couple of weeks ago and coming from the a9, it's a worthwhile upgrade, price aside. Take care.
I was a long time Nikon user and switched to Olympus because my back was giving me problems. The smaller camera and lenses has made photography fun again. My journey was similar to yours, I rented a camera and lens for two weeks and then purchased a camera and a couple of lenses. It took some time to get used to the menus and button locations and when I needed to get the shot I would use my Nikon gear. Finally I put the Nikon gear away for 6 months and when I picked it up again I was not satisfied. Olympus has its limitations as do all the camera brands but for me it works.
Dammit Mark! How can I go back to my poverty Nikon D500 now? This is the best ad for Sony gear ever. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and process is such great detail - these decisions are so hard but more information makes it easier. Cheers buddy!
If you have nothing but endless cash!! Like insane money!! go be a Sony guy...If you wanna save some money still get amazing photos without the new technology your D500 will still hold its ground
@@facedown9754 Funny - that's what my wife said!
@@dinsdalephotography lol my wife said a hell of a lot more than that when I told her I wanted to change systems!
I purchased the Sony A 6400 just to get started in the Sony line with a 55-210 kit lens. Wanted the A 6600 which has IBIS, but the cost difference made me just want to get a used A7RV for slightly more.
@@keoni37 I wouldn't dare to suggest upgrading from my D500..... (which I do like).
well laid out video. As a fellow Nikon shooter, you're making me very curious about the Sony ecosystem. Also, from one guitar player to another, I love that Strat hanging on your wall!!!
Whenever you can get to it - please do a video on how you have setup youe a1. Like the one you did for the a7r4
Thanks again Mark! Using Canon for 10+ years, heavily invested... moving to Sony, won't look back...
Your experience mirrors mine with the aha moment of shooting silent mirrorless. During COVID lockdown I decided to pick up a photo blind for the back yard and notice being that close to birds the D500 was just too loud. Started using my z6 instead for silent shutter but going from the D500 to Z6 for wildlife wasn’t enjoyable. I said what the hell, I grabbed an a9 II and 200-600 in June and I think I’ve used my Nikon gear 2 or 3 times. Now when I’m out shooting and I’m around other photogs the sound of the mirror slapping is like nails on a chalkboard. Something about being out in nature and not disturbing the quiet makes it a more enjoyable experience. I still have my Nikon stuff... I have the 500pf (a great copy) that I love so I’m still in that “holding on stage” even though I’m not using it.
Thank you for a great story and video Mark and welcome to the Sony family. I was at Kando 3.0 too, but have a chance to meet you. It was a great time and I had signed up for Kando 4.0 but of course it was cancelled. I made the switch from my beloved Canon's 10 years ago and have not looked back. And I've sold more than 50 of my photography friends on Sony as well. I'm waiting patiently for my A1 to arrive, but will enjoy it vicariously by looking at the stunning images you will be taking with your A1.
Thanks! I’m looking forward to Kando too!
Thanks for sharing! So insightful and interesting
This is probably the only time I will not agree with you on some things, but thanks for the explanation on why you switched.
Excellent presentation! I loved it. You're such a great story teller. Just curious why didn't you compare top Sony body with Nikon's like D5 or D6? D850 is second rate comparing to D5, D6.
Mirrorless still has an edge in my opinion and I can only compare from my own experience
Absolutely Great !!
Thank you, Mark!
An eye opener for some fence sitters like me with 2 DSLR's and 13 F mount lenses. I haven't touched a Sony yet as I'm an amateur I need to either rent one and get some glass and acclimatize myself before I make the leap. Ideally, I think I'll get Nikon mirrorless Z6II use an FTZ adapter and be done with it as the glasses are already there, all I need is an adapter for the lenses to fit the Z mount. I can't afford to leap to a new ecosystem as I'm an amateur.
I was fortunate enough to try literally every brand of mirrorless (excluding Canon, it was pre R5) prior to switching from DSLR. I had the budget for full frame so I eliminated fuji. The auto focus of Panasonic S1R and its pricing made it a no go. The Nikon z7 didn't work with my old Nikon glass(none of it was on the compatibility list) and the z7ii didn't present anything spec wise to encourage a second chance. I had used an A7R4 July 2020 on a shoot and loved it. I had two sigma ART primes I could convert over for a fee to E mount and at Christmas this past year I bought my A7R4 for 700 less than a Z7ii. As much as I will miss my Nikon gear, best decision ever.
This is a great video. I've been contemplating switching from Nikon ( using since 1989) to Sony for the last couple years. If wildlife in my neck of the woods were better I'd switch tomorrow. I"ve even dumped my big lens & extra gear a few years back, so having tons of Nikon gear is not even an issue. Lack of wildlife and the overwhelming amount of non-ethical photographers near me have kept me from switching. Hopefully I'll start traveling soon to better areas and the switch will be made. Thanks.
Great video my friend I know exactly how you feel. Had exactly same feeling when I swap Sony for Fuji
Great video, Mark! Nikon and Canon had all the time in the world but they never delivered. They took their customers for granted. Sony snatched the game from right under their armpits! The only respite for them at this point in time is that Sony is way too unaffordable for a lot of us.
Always been a Sony fan, but even more so with my A9II
I already haver a7IV and 200-600 and didnt really "need" to watch this. But watching other videos from you, I couldnt resist. Having a cup of coffee and sitting listening to your stories and your enthusiasm is so chilling and fun :) Awesome video man 👊
Thank you!
Interesting video as always. Hope you do a high ISO comparison with the A9II and the A1. I really want to get into wildlife and wondering whether to get an A9II or trade in my RIV against an A1 as that would take care of my landscape, macro and portrait needs too.
Dear Mark, thanks for the clear message in this video. Since i'm shooting Nikon and wildlife I really would like to know how the A1 performs with the 200-600mm. Will you do a review on that? Thanks in advance. Anton
Yes and so far it has Performed miraculously!
Excellent "real-world" comparison!
Nice video Mark! I use my A9 for focus stacking handheld by just putting sharpness a little in front of a flower in MF mode, and then start to shot at 20 fps and move the camera as linear as possible forwards slowly. Afterwards I just stack in Photoshop or Helicon Focus, they both align the images well. This gives a much wider and also a very controlled depth of field as one can decide which frames should stay and not in the stack. Also I shot portraits with vintage MF lenses, like a 50/1.4 wide open with a model and set the focus somewhat in front of the eyes and then I shot at 20 fps moving the camera forwards. Or just sway a little forwards and backwards also works if the model moves. At least one of the images will be dead perfect focused in the eyes. And just throw away the unsharp ones. Since it is an e-shutter there is no wear and tear so only fills some storage temporarily.
Very helpful, I was originally looking to upgrade my Nikon body (D5300), then the Sony Alpha 1 dropped... I can't stretch to one of those but I'm trying to figure out which Sony body to go for..
Its funny my story is very similar. A little over 3 years ago I was shooting a Nikon D850 , and a D500 . I ran into this guy that had an A9 and 100-400 and was raving about it. He let me try it and I was blown away. I Sold my Nikon stuff and bought my first Sony the A7riii and 100-400. I remember all the photographers I knew when I showed with the Sony and told them I switched from the D850 and D500 laughed so hard and called me insane. I loved the system so much, a month later I added the A9, the A7r4 came after and now I am waiting on my A1 to arrive. BTW all those guys that laughed at me most of them are shooting Sony now lol 😂 I am thrilled with my decision. Thanks for sharing your story Mark !!!
@@njrtech I sold my A7r4 already might keep the A9 as a backup camera, that's if my A1 ever arrives still waiting on my preorder lol Being a Sony pro support member didn't help me much this time, this is the first time I didn't get a camera or lens on release day lol
I'm hanging on to my D850 until I see the upcoming Z9. I'm optimistic.
I hope they nail it!
@@MarkSmithphotography I do too and I am afraid I will have to wait as well, because I have so much invested in Nikon. But this is THE VERY LAST CHANCE Nikon is getting.
Except that you’ll be basically starting all over anyway since your lenses won’t work on the Z9 natively. But the menus will still make sense - so there’s that
@@ziggy149 Ummmm, you do know about adapters, right?
@@russellwright9961 Yes dear, I know about adapters. You’re adding bulk and even though the FTZ adaptor gets high marks - some are complaining about a loss in auto focus performance.
Great story, great storyteller. I had lots of fun watching. Thanks.
Such a great story. I'm using the Sony A7rii with 70-300mm and a 600mm sigma cat among other lenses for birds - its amazing! Love your Egret shot!
Ooof I feel bad about starting in with nikon haha! Thanks for sharing that, Mark!
95% of the video: Yes! Exactly my story with Sony! Last 5%: Owww nonononono… I try to convince myself I don’t need A1 xd
You don’t 😀
Great story..... Thanks..
Thank you Mark. Been shooting a Nikon P 1000 for a little over a year and love it. However, it has a number of limitations that the super zoom can’t overcome. I’ve been following you for a while and you are helping me make a decision as I step up my Camera game and buy a new one. Keep on rockin!
how's the video quality of the P1000 at it's max 3000mm focal length? or what is the focal length that is really useful?. I am thinking of buying it to augment my sigma 150-600mm for static subjects
I wish Nikon had an acceptable offering in mirrorless for wildlife. And I am getting a little tired of waiting. I feel like the Nikon PF glass is light enough, but the Nikon cameras aren't on par. It is frustrating to know that in my limited opportunities to get out and shoot, I'm missing a lot of shots.
Exactly why I'm switching Freeman..................Nikon seems on track to always be about 2-3 years behind Sony. I know they'll eventually come up with gear that competes with Sony but it's always such a wait for them. I just got tired of it too as I'm not getting any younger.
good for you Mark, a real pro like yourself, I’m sure sky is the limit for you and your business with top notch gear. For what it’s worth, I still re-watch all your vids, with all the different Nikon, Canon and Sony stuff - and your stuff is acceptable and just as good no matter what you’re using, those old Nikon shots you got will never go outta style to me, even if you can do “better” 👍🏼
Excellent video Mark!
Making the move myself, just got an A1 and a 50mm F1.2 to go with it and I’m blown away by fast lens and all the camera has to offer. Hanging to to my Nikon z7 II as a back up. I’m sure eventually I’ll get rid of it, hoping Sony comes out with a more affordable A1 type camera soon because I’m just loving shooting with the Sony. Great vid and your channel.
I switched from the D750 to the a9. It's really a different experience altogether.
How’s the experience now? I also have a D750 and I’d like to go into a nikon mirrorless but I know the Sonys perform better.
Yes same here I switched from Nikon to Sony about the same time as you . The A9 did it for me so fast for birds in flight ! Now we have the range of lenses as well ! Now at 30fps with the Sony A1 🤔😍
Great stuff as usual,, Mark! Hope to see your A1 review soon!
I understand it all Mark, except the part on the 500pf lens. I own one and it is just amazing, especially for flight shots. It gave me a whole new experience because of the weight (just point shoot) and the results are fantastic.