Cryppy Loc: Gouldsboro, ME

Up front I will admit to having a bit of GAS as part of my motivation. I've been a moderately serious amateur since retiring 15 years ago. I started with a Nikon D60 then moved up to a D300S and settled on twin D7200s several years ago. I also have a D500 but haven't used it in the 3 years since I purchased it because the controls and settings are simpler (at least in my mind) on my trusty D7200s. My walk around kit has the D7200 with a 18-300mm lens. When I need or anticipate needing more lens horse power, mostly for wild life (I live on the Maine coast), I grab my other D7200 which has the 200-500mm always attached and at the ready. When I'm on a shoot, I virtually always have both cameras with me. I'm am not a technician by any stretch but I have a knack for decent composition so sometimes I hit the jackpot and score a great capture. I've been published a few hundred times in our weekly county newspaper and have been in magazines and tourist pamphlets published by the state. I've also received recognition a few times from the New England Newspaper Association, but mostly I'm just a retiree who loves shooting in RAW and doing post-processing in Lightroom & sometimes Picasa, and I get my kicks from the Likes on receive on my FB page when I post a good image. I'd like to purchase a new rig, mostly because I can, and have pretty much convinced myself that a Sony Mirrorless A7III with 24-105 lens could keep me busy for a while, and will likely be as good as, but not as heavy as, a Nikon D850 in combo with one of my other Nikon DX lenses (I have several). The D850 has been in my headlights for a while but I'm inclined to try a lighter weight rig. What say you folks who've considered or done a similar transition already?

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

When Nikon discontinued the Df I moved to the Z 6II mirrorless, both of which are FX cameras. I have been very happy with my mirrorless

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I had mirrorless GAS once, figured out how much it would cost and how little weight I'd save. Ended that!
Your lenses would probably need an adapter to go on the new body (my situation) why replace all my lenses that I have and like, BTW the weight and size of the adapter would have eliminated any size and weight advantage of switching to mirrorless, at least in my case.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Seems like your address already a good photographer with a lot of GOOD equipment.

Gas can be costly if you succumb. Some questions you might ask yourself before doing so

1. Will this make me a better photographer
2. Can I really afford to do this. How's will it affect my current life style financially.... Can I really afford to buy.

If you can answer both with a yes. Go for it. If you only answer yes to number 1, start over and rethink. If still a yes to number 2, then do it. But remember you did not answer yes to number 1.

When I do this I expel the gas very quickly, and realize what I have works for me and the new will not make me better.

Mojaveflyer Loc: Denver, CO

I went to a Canon R and a R7 this year and have been very pleased with the results. Both the mirrorless cameras have sensors about 50% bigger than the DSLRs I was using. You can see a difference in the images.

Vienna74 Loc: Bountiful, Utah now Panama

I have similarly shot with a progression of Nikon bodies, starting with film in 1977, and in the last 20 years a series of DSLRs. For the past several years I have been shooting with a D850. I recently bought a refurb Z7ii from Nikon but kept my D850 inn case I still preferred it. I have not touched it for three months, except to remove the battery.

I did not anticipate several things in the move to a Nikon mirrorless. (Yes, I love the weight difference.) First, I am consistently amazed at how much lower I can go on shutter speed hand held. The advantage of having sensor-based stabilization is noticeable. Second, I purchased the 24-70 f4 S lens, and it is incredibly sharp.

I also bought the FTZ adapter so I could use my DSLR lenses, and I have done some of that with great results. To say I am pleased with this move would understate how I feel about it. I am getting much closer to selling the D850.

User ID

Its in your very best interest to *not* be "CONSIDERING TRANSITIONING" (your own all-caps wording). There really is no "transition" so dont be reeling your mind "considering" one.

I never "transitioned". I did acquire new gear moving beyond film to digital and moving beyond SLRs to EVFs.

Unless your estimated life expectancy is brief (sorry to be morbid ... ) you surely will move beyond SLRs. Youve already dabbled in that if you use phone, and for your own benefit I huuuuuugely suggest that you erase any ideas if a "transition". There really isny any, except for some notion that bad influencers are beaming into users skulls. Cast out the demons !

Its just some newer better more flexible gear. Youll acquire it. Youll use it. Youll learn and enjoy it. Dispel the "transition" nonsense and any useless associated trepidation. Just move along as youve likely already done before. EZPZ :-)

ricardo00

I have made the transition from the D7200 to the D500 and now to the Z8. On one hand, I am tempted to say go for it, get the Sony and have fun. On the other hand you say that you rarely use the D500 because the controls on the D7200 are "simpler". I would think you will find going to a Sony Mirrorless even more daunting. The transition to a Z8 from a D500 was challenging enough for me, I can't imagine going to a Sony. In addition, if you get a Sony you wouldn't be able to use your Nikon lenses (like the 200-500mm) when you need the extra reach. So maybe wait for the Z6iii or Z7iii and get one of those? But again not sure you have provided a convincing case to go mirrorless. Why not just get a smaller lens for the D7200 than the 18-300mm? There are lots of possibilities and the D7200 itself is quite light. Analyze the photos you have taken and see which focal length you primarily use? Maybe try a prime lens at that focal length? (used ones will be quite inexpensive these days) That would give you a bump up in quality as well.

Cryppy Loc: Gouldsboro, ME

If that admonition to another full grown (and then some) adult male (me) makes you feel good, God Bless you. As for its value to me, not so much. Smile.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

The D850 has been in my headlights for a while but I'm inclined to try a lighter weight rig. What say you folks who've considered or done a similar transition already?[/quote]
I took the "toe in the water" approach. I kept my DSLRs (850, Df,D500) and bought a Zfc, an adapter, the kit Z16-55 lens and a Z40mmf2. The D850 is often identified as the best DSLR made so I'll keep that one. Having a plethora of DSLR lenses will make any Z lens a very, very careful choice. The MILC market is growing so I feel like I have plenty of time to make a switch if I answer #1 above, will it make me a better photographer? Right now I doubt it and the weight difference is not that great.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

If ypu do not foresee using your D500 and would consider letting it go, please send me a PM. I have been setting up teachers and students with nice low-mileage D500s when I can find them for reasonable prices.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

I didn't read all the comments in full, so without <Quote Reply>, I'm unsure of the direction of the reply above.

Regarding your interest in mirrorless, you already clearly have a bad case of GAS, reading your current list of cameras and an acknowledgement of some of the equipment not even being used.

You'd be best served doing nothing. If you have to do something, sell all the underused / old equipment. If you still need to take some action, this time rent a candidate model and see if it really fits your shooting and usage style.

Most mirrorless converts never use their DSLRs again. Begin to get your head around that idea, and if it feels right, start the actions that clear out the old and get started on the new.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

You have great gear. I don't see how a Sony Mirrorless A7III with 24-105 would actually improve your images. Think outside the traditional box. Look at the fun you might have with offerings from DJI, Insta 360, GoPro or even the Sony RX10 or RX100.

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

Most mirrorless converts never use their DSLRs again. Begin to get your head around that idea, and if it feels right, start the actions that clear out the old and get started on the new.[/quote]

Not to be argumentative, but I currently have one foot firmly planted on the dock and the other planted in the canoe. I can't yet wrap my head around never shooting my D850 again.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Here is my "professional" opinion:

Whenever a new camera line or series is announced or a new trend arises, to me it's just a bunch of confusing model numbers, claims, and arguments. Some of the arguments are from experienced people and some are just useless technobabble, extracted from someone else's reviews. And, of course, there is all the advertising hype.

That is, until I SEE the camera, lens, or accessory, in person, hold in my hands, put it to my eye, and FEEL it. It is ergonomically suited to my shooting methods or level of dexterity. Can I apply it to the work I am doing? What will it enable me to do that can not do with my present gear? Of course, since photography is my BUSINESS, is the investment justified, and will it pay off in efficiency, production, and/ or customer satisfaction?

If photography is your hobby or avocation, you can still analyze your potential purchase, except for the business aspect, with the same criteria. If you have an unlimited budget- hey, you only live once! If not, think carefully about your existing lens inventory and other such required adaptations and potentially MORE additional purchases.

Use to be, in ancient times, a top-of-the-line camera set you back !$1,000, maybe $2,000.nowadas it can be 10 times those figures. Ordering such an instrument online, and having it dropped off by UPS? Forgetaboutit! Having to send it back if you don't like it! Where do you live- in Antarctica? Find a local dealer, take a drive, get a demo, and make up your own mind!

Many years ago, I took a course in salesmanship. Very interesting! One of the more impractical "selling points" the instructor pointed out was the "pride of ownership"! With cameras not good! Well,nowadas, there are not as many "off brands" or camers for strange places. Most of us will buy mainstream brands and models. I always took the attitude that I did not care if my camera was "made in Africa by the Ants, as long as the held up and worked reliably. Keep that in mind, and don't be influenced by what's "trending"!

Bad gas? Take Gas-X or Pepto Bismol. Well, there is a generic that is cheaper known as Bismuthsubsalicylate but it doesn't taste as good-UGH! They both look like that pink Calamine/Benadryl lotion, so don't drink the wrong stuff!