Reality Check (Page 2): Reality sets in slowly.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Country Boy wrote:

Sometimes purchasing a new and expensive toy should be like getting a firearm and after you pick out what you want, you have a 10 day waiting period! I think a lot of people would modify their purchase either up or down but who can wait!

Reality sets in slowly.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Ourspolair wrote:

It seems to have delivered a GAS-reducing medicine! I am very impressed by the specs on both cameras, but even if I win a lottery, I am delighted with my A7c and would just spend some money on glass. Enjoy the A9 II.

I'm waiting for the wife to win...may as well; can't stop her playing a fools game. Hope is expensive in the long run.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

joer wrote:

Thanks for the post. I don't want to start a debate but I am one of those photographers that believe equipment is important. Its not everything but its a significant part of the equation.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Retired CPO wrote:

Couldn't have said it better...thanks Keith.

jerrye1000 Loc: New Jersey

Totally agree with MDI Mainer. The photographer makes the camera, not the other way around.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

jerrye1000 wrote:

Totally agree with MDI Mainer. The photographer makes the camera, not the other way around.

I think the photograph starts in the camera and is finished in post. When it starts at 61mp there is a lot that can be done on the back end...or do you do it up front with lights, modifiers, filters, etc.?

Either way it takes gear and not all gear is equal. Sure the 12" behind the lens matters just a much but one can't do it without the other.

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

joer wrote:

Thanks for the post. I don't want to start a debate but I am one of those photographers that believe equipment is important. Its not everything but its a significant part of the equation.

Well, it IS important.
But not the way a lot of folk think.
If it works, AND you know how to work it, AND the steps and skills follow- no problemo.
I've seen guys with dirty filters and not quite focused lens just shoot away. One or two.
The paid pro? He took a few. Hundred. Culled it to his 5 best. Then chose.
Youtube has videos- gave the pro a POS, the newbie the $6500 cam. Guess who has the better pics?
I meself forgot once, and shot away with the 35 and not the 135. Viewfinder didn't tell me ...
Some of those pictures ... I have no idea.
ANYway, my D80 still takes pretty pictures. When I do my part right.
I watched that hippy guy paint. His best equipment- skill and experience.
That intern may have been paid to say that. Big controversy. Big conversations. More sales anyway.
GAS won't fix it. Practice and self training will help. Know what you're good at.

MDI Mainer

joer wrote:

I think the photograph starts in the camera and is finished in post. When it starts at 61mp there is a lot that can be done on the back end...or do you do it up front with lights, modifiers, filters, etc.?

Either way it takes gear and not all gear is equal. Sure the 12" behind the lens matters just a much but one can't do it without the other.

There is no question that photography requires a marriage of art and technology; that is and always has been one of its most intriguing aspects.

But I would not say that the photograph starts in the camera. I think a good photograph starts with the creative vision of the photographer and his or her desire to record and produce an image which is capable of conveying that vision to an audience. The gear is merely a tool, sometimes in the hand of a skilled master, sometimes in that of a mere technician, sometimes in that of an . . . . I'd rather not say. Put differently, Nick Ut's photographs of the Vietnam war would have won a Pulitzer even if shot with a Brownie Starflash.

Were it otherwise, then the best of today's photographers -- with their vastly advanced gear and incredibly sophisticated post production software -- would by definition be better photographers than Adams, Stieglitz, Lang, Porter, Rowell and others. That to me is evidently untrue.

And now I will confess to lusting after a Benro Polaris - Smart Electric Tripod Head

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

It is quite refreshing to see logical critical thinking in action, so seldom seen these days!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

MDI Mainer wrote:

There is no question that photography requires a m... (show quote)

Spontenaity is not visualized before hand, it just happens. Sports, wildlife and bird photographers can atest to that. That is why it is refered to as capture and not construct.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

That will show them. LOL Isn't it funny how a delay can bring you back to your senses? LOL

joer wrote:

Its been over two years since switching from Nikon to Sony. There were things I didn't like about my Nikons...there are things I don't like about my Sony...no camera is perfect. So far I have no regrets... not saying Sony is better...its a better fit for me.

I like having two cameras (phone doesn't count). For the past year I have been shooting with just one...A7R4. Its a great camera in "good" light. In poor light its so-so. After shooting with four different Sony cameras the menu and buttons are almost second nature...like all menus and cameras, use it enough and you get acclimated.

When the A1 was announce I was enamored and quickly placed my preorder. Watched all the previews and initial reviews I could find. The features are phenomenal...even the $6.5K didn't put me off.

Checked with my supplier and to my dismay my order would not be in Sony's first shipment even though they initially said it would be, maybe not even in the second.

As the days went by my thoughts of a super Sony began to fade. Yes it had ground breaking features but would I use them?

A new menu...I'm used to the old one so how is that an advantage? 30fps,..the A7R4 is 10fps but I seldom even go that high. Flash in electronic shutter...how is that useful to me?...the flash of light is more disturbing than the shutter noise. Great video but I don't use video...ever. 50mp sensor...nearly duplicates the A7R4...is it now redundant...so on and so on. All great stuff if you use it.

And then there is the cost...real cost. New cards and card reader all very expensive which could easily add another $1k...have you seen the prices? So I'm looking at potentially $8K with tax for many features that I'm not likely to use...too much money for bragging rights. Might as well joint the "Red Dot" crowd.

But I want a second camera. Then it hit me...I bet some are dumping their A9 II for the A1...and I found one in like new condition at less that 1/2 the A1 cost. Its newer, faster and doesn't obsolete my current camera and has the same form and menu so I don't have to relearn anything...and its in route to me.

Thank goodness for shipping delays, it saved me a bundle.

Its been over two years since switching from Nikon... (show quote)

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

joer wrote:

Its been over two years since switching from Nikon to Sony. There were things I didn't like about my Nikons...there are things I don't like about my Sony...no camera is perfect. So far I have no regrets... not saying Sony is better...its a better fit for me.

I like having two cameras (phone doesn't count). For the past year I have been shooting with just one...A7R4. Its a great camera in "good" light. In poor light its so-so. After shooting with four different Sony cameras the menu and buttons are almost second nature...like all menus and cameras, use it enough and you get acclimated.

When the A1 was announce I was enamored and quickly placed my preorder. Watched all the previews and initial reviews I could find. The features are phenomenal...even the $6.5K didn't put me off.

Checked with my supplier and to my dismay my order would not be in Sony's first shipment even though they initially said it would be, maybe not even in the second.

As the days went by my thoughts of a super Sony began to fade. Yes it had ground breaking features but would I use them?

A new menu...I'm used to the old one so how is that an advantage? 30fps,..the A7R4 is 10fps but I seldom even go that high. Flash in electronic shutter...how is that useful to me?...the flash of light is more disturbing than the shutter noise. Great video but I don't use video...ever. 50mp sensor...nearly duplicates the A7R4...is it now redundant...so on and so on. All great stuff if you use it.

And then there is the cost...real cost. New cards and card reader all very expensive which could easily add another $1k...have you seen the prices? So I'm looking at potentially $8K with tax for many features that I'm not likely to use...too much money for bragging rights. Might as well joint the "Red Dot" crowd.

But I want a second camera. Then it hit me...I bet some are dumping their A9 II for the A1...and I found one in like new condition at less that 1/2 the A1 cost. Its newer, faster and doesn't obsolete my current camera and has the same form and menu so I don't have to relearn anything...and its in route to me.

Thank goodness for shipping delays, it saved me a bundle.

Its been over two years since switching from Nikon... (show quote)

Good for you. By the way, the Sony a9 is the same as the a9II except for some physical differences. So, folks may be able to pick up an a9 for a really good price.
Another thing to keep in mind, the same vertical grip will fit the a9II, a7r4, and the a1 (VG-C4EM).
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

Canisdirus

joer wrote:

The A9 II will be paired with 100-400 f5.6 and the A7R4 with 135 f1.8 (mostly) in good light. In low light or greater distances it will be reversed. I shoot 90% in my yard and the balance in local forest preserves...there are several.

I think you made a very good compromise (if it is even that).

I also have the S 135mm f/1.8.
That lens is a scorcher...amazing lens.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

foathog wrote:

That will show them. LOL Isn't it funny how a delay can bring you back to your senses? LOL

Thank for getting back on track.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

billnikon wrote:

Good for you. Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.

I plan on it even if someone has to hold the camera. Kind of like Ansel in his later days...assistant sets up the shot, he approves it and releases the shutter.