Posts: Mochaman | Ugly Hedgehog

Jerrin1 wrote:

I owned a Canon 7D mark II and thought it was a br... (show quote)

Hi Jerrin1,
Thanks for sharing your experiences - very helpful. Every post /poster provides another clue to 'my conundrum'. Before the end of this year I hope to have a camera in hand.

No doubt about - this forum is a valuable asset. Posters provide a tremendous source of information, while sharing personal experience / opinion on their equipment!

Thank you All for your support through this decision tree!

Nov 12, 2017 10:38:23 #

Hbuk66 wrote:

Nikon

OH! Short and to the point - someone who doesn't mince words!! I hear you, and understand.

Mac or PC? :-)

Nov 12, 2017 10:28:37 #

EdU239 wrote:

I would recommend renting both at the same time so you can do a direct comparison. Of course that adds to the overall cost, but you’re buying fairly expensive equipment so it comes out to a fairly small marginal increase. Someone else mentioned LensRentals and I would add BorrowLenses. I have used both and in my experience both provide excellent service. If you search online you might find someone closer to you.

Thanks - I will investigate both sites and check locally as well.

Nov 12, 2017 10:27:07 #

DMGill wrote:

I’ve been shooting Nikons since 1968 by suspect yo... (show quote)

DMGill, Thanks, your experiences are extremely helpful!

Nov 12, 2017 10:24:17 #

Japakomom wrote:

Go to Southeastern Camera - there is one in Wilmington. You can see and feel the cameras and all your questions can be answered.

I have spoken to them! They don't have either.... however, I will stop in and 'talk camera'.... maybe I'll get lucky!

Thanks

Nov 12, 2017 10:20:23 #

jerryc41 wrote:

Welcome to our forum! br br Take your time, and d... (show quote)

jerryc41,
Links are great and I've been to a few already- will investigate the others as well. Spent several hours watching videos, reading blogs and following posters by pros and amateurs alike which have helped me get to this juncture. Still muddling through the specs, but getting better with assistance.
My primary focus is wildlife with a focus on birds, then sports/action and finally land-cityscapes. Given my budget, and my reluctance (at this time) to look at used equipment, my focus is on a new camera with fast frame rate, fast buffer, wide dynamic range and sharp images - which relies heavily on 'the glass' in front of that sensor.

Timeframe is this year rather than waiting for the next iteration simply because, IMHO, as soon as I purchase 'X', 'Y' has just been announced. Change and improvements are a given - need to get into the 'game'.

THANKS!!

Nov 12, 2017 08:26:38 #

rmorrison1116 wrote:

Sounds to me like you have made your decision, the D500. I own both cameras. I bought the 7D II when it first came out and I purchased the D500 about 15 months ago. I like and use both cameras for shooting wildlife. I use the Canon on a tripod with a Sigma 150-600 Sport lens and the Nikon I shoot handheld with a Nikkor 200-500 lens.

No absolute decision yet - still gathering information and insight from these great replies. Altough these posts can be considered 'opinions', I consider many of them "informed opinions" an appreciate every reply - whether anectodal or chock full of details.... many of which I'm still researching!! :-)
thanks......

Nov 12, 2017 08:13:20 #

rjaywallace wrote:

I agree with Boberic. Renting is a great way to make a practical comparison with relatively low expense and hassle. Previously I used LensRentals.com and was very satisfied, but there are others. /Ralph

Agreed as well. I'm still looking around trying to locate a brick and mortar store that has either model - I'm willing to travel 'locally', up to an hour away. If this works - great, but I agree renting is real hands-on test drive.

Thanks Ralph.

Nov 12, 2017 08:02:04 #

LoneRangeFinder wrote:

The importance of WiFi is an individual thing. For what I do, it’s close to essential. Having experienced the early plugin devices, I strongly recommend cameras with built-in WiFi.

I haven't given up on wifi.... just moved it down the priority list... an taking a second look at some cameras, like the Pentax K-1.

thanks...

Nov 11, 2017 20:37:35 #

Thanks - yes again to buffer size..... there's a much clearer pattern, and choice emerging.

p.s. love your avatar - beautiful Snowy Owl!!

Nov 11, 2017 20:14:46 #

Apaflo wrote:

The D500 has 1.6 fstops more dynamic range at low ISO values. It is slightly better at ISO values around 2000, and at ISO values higher than 3200 the two cameras have about the same dynamic range.

Except for very high ISO work, where they are similar, the Nikon D500 has a very clear and distinct advantage.

You might also want to consider frame rates and buffer sizes for shooting bursts if you will ever shoot birds, other wildlife, or any kind of sports.

Thanks. Your pointers are echoed by others - driving home facts I should have paid better attention to.

Nov 11, 2017 20:00:57 #

SS319 wrote:

Have you considered the Canon 6D? It is a full frame, and it has on-board WiFi. Currently Canon has this camera listed $150 below the 7DII with the WiFi add on.

I did look at 6D early on.... it did not impress reviewers and the newer 6D Mark II, while improved, is not doing much better:

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/canon-6d-mark-ii/canon-6d-mark-iiA.HTM#conclusion

Although it's a 26mp FF cam, the dynamic range is dissapointing..... as noted:
"Not only can the 6D II not match the 6D in terms of dynamic range, it trails its competition quite considerably, being bested by the Nikon D750 and Nikon D610 cameras by over two EVs according to DxOMark. For many users, the 6D II's dynamic range should prove sufficient, but for photographers looking for the best performance out of a 20-something megapixel full-frame sensor, the 6D II won't quite cut it."

Thanks....

Nov 11, 2017 19:46:31 #

Dynamic range - Rongnongno has pointed this and a few other important factors out as well. I was focused on the wi-fi feature set, however dynamic range, et al, overshadow this. Wi-fi is nice, but bottom line is the quality of the photograph.... always will be.
FF cams offer the most - just not in my cards.

Thanks

Nov 11, 2017 19:32:18 #

boberic wrote:

No The 18 is not too wide. It's just that the 24-105L ll version is a sharper lens. If I had that lens and the 24 setting isn't wide enough I would get a short prime. or a short zoom, someting like the 10-22. BTW I use the 7D original, never had the need to upgrade. If I did I would go with the Pentax K-1 and use the 7D as a back up.

Ok.... understood.... There's always a compromise.... shorter focal range = less glass = sharper images. and I'm sure $$$ has plenty to do with it as well.

Nov 11, 2017 19:24:32 #

Rongnongno wrote:

(Possible) Tipping points for the Nikon D500 br u... (show quote)

Rongnongno -
WOW! This is over my head - esp. ETTR... but it's obvious I need to do more research... lots!
Thanks for detailed explanation w/ visuals. I do remember watching a T Northrup youtube discussing buffer size.

D850 is waaay over my budget. However I understand FF cameras, by their nature, have a greater dynamic range.... small steps for me.... can't bite off more than I can chew!