dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

With so many people posting the question of whether it's worth it to buy into a new camera system, I thought I'd add my two cents worth on how I arrived at my own decision. I have gone kicking and screaming into all new technology, and DSLR to mirrorless is no exception. I have loved my D750's and been very happy with the handling and image output. BUT, my photography is limited to trips once or twice a year by plane into areas where blowing sand seems to be the norm...so, no changing lenses in the field for me! As a result, I have traveled with two camera/lens combos for years. Age has caught up with me and I just can't handle the weight (or bulk) of carrying a lot of gear through the airports anymore. Remembering how much fun travel with the D5300 (APS-C) and the popular 18-200mm lens was years ago, Nikon's Z24-200mm lens got stuck on my radar as a possible solution to a lighter travel option. Having gotten spoiled to full-frame, I decided the Z5 (well suited for landscape photography) with that lens was worth the headache of learning the new menu and operation, and I bit the bullet. For me, staying with a familiar Brand and researching performance reviews of the equipment until I found what satisfies my shooting style, has produced a package that weighs less than half what I had been carrying and takes up a third of the space in my carry-on at the airport, and, with IBIS plus VR, requires less need of the tripod. Plus, I won't set off on foot, only to realize I have the wrong focal length lens with me and have to return to the car to change out my combo. (I did also purchase the FTZii lens adapter, though, in order to still have access to my primes for special events like shooting the Milky Way, etc.) But the icing on the cake, is that I discovered I could get surprisingly good (printable) images from my Galaxy S24+, so now I am all set to travel light for my next photography trip and be ready to grab whatever pops into view. Now, if the weather just cooperates, lol!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I like what my S21 does, but I'm still getting used to the different aspect ratio.
And panos are so easy with it.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Best is easy to define: it's better than you can afford. It creates images you wish were yours.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I have no such wishes.

And "better" is relative.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

I am loving the 9:16 ratio on the S24+, since it lends itself to landscape, but haven't tried in-camera panos yet. I am still trying to find out if there is a way to upload RAW from the S24+ to Lightroom. Checked a lot of Youtube videos, but came up empty so far.

The Z5 is so different from the D750 when it comes to AEB, which I use a lot. Hope I don't miss out on any shots while dumpster diving in the menu. I did set up the U1, U2, and U3 buttons for bracketing, Milky Way, and waterfalls, but I realize I still have to remember to turn the IBIS on or off with AEB, depending on whether I handhold or not. But all in all, I think the 24-200mm lens, along with my phone, will make trips easier to manage.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Best has never been my objective. Serving my needs better is always a goal.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

Well, if you had bought 4/3rds and Pro and certain Premium lenses, weight, size, weather, and tripod would not be a problem. Still, I am happy that you found a system that meets your needs. It looks like you did your research and the system will make you happy (and less tired and sore).

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

BEST is always better than you can afford. Always been that way. Always will.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Phones are for speaking.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

Perhaps, but I was started on Nikon 20 years ago. So many brands and systems to choose from, but I tend to stick with what I know. Just moving into mirrorless was a huge step for me and now I am eager to learn the new equipment so I can better enjoy my travels. I appreciate your good thoughts.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

I was there with you for a very long time, but now I can't imagine being without a smart phone.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Creativity takes the courage to buy a better camera.

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

The important thing is that you have met your wants and needs. And I understand that having equipment with one particular brand tends to make one look there first for a solution to one's problems. I would do the same. Just because there are other solutions with many other brands doesn't mean made any mistakes. I hope you have lots of fun shooting with your new "toys".

A. T.

Amen.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Oh, I love it for landscape shots, displayed on a screen.
"Standard" paper prints, a bit troublesome.