DW

I’ve been doing some research, just interested in what you fine folks think. If money were no object and you were buying your first full-frame camera, would it be a DSLR or mirrorless? I’m looking at the D850 but just comparing it to the Z7.

BebuLamar

You meant the Z7?
I personally would go for the DSLR. The mirrorless has everything going for it except the viewfinder. If you like the EVF better then the mirrorless is better.

Black Elk Peak

This probably going to open a can of worms between the DSLR camp and the mirrorless camp. My position is that both formats are equal in the quality of the photos they can take and the features they provide. I used a DSLR for about 5 years and recently switched to mirrorless (Sony A6000). I am very satisfied. The ease of use is the same. There was nothing wrong with the DSLR. I wanted to try the mirrorless format. My advice is to do hands-on research and see what features you like the best. You are the final decider. Hope this helps.

Vaughan K.

ken_stern Loc: Yorba Linda, Ca

I can see that the Mirrorless configuration is probably the future -- However "if" I was starting out today I would keep what I now have -- But say two/five years from now when the current Mirrorless technology hopefully has matured a bit more -- Yes I would -- That is "only" if I was starting out -- Plan on having the current gear buried with me

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Mirrorless is mature now, even from Nikon and Canon. Next generation models will be "better", but the sensors and processors, whether behind a mirror or not, are virtually the same and the images have no indication of which camera type they came from. We'll quickly see mirrored-bodies are no longer being released. If you can afford a D850, one could easily use that body for the next 10+ years, if not being your final camera. The Z7 is likely the same, although I think some usability improvements will arrive in this line's next generation.

The question is the lenses for the new mount. The RF-mount lenses Canon has been releasing are clearly superior, with most being wide-aperture L-series lenses. The EF lenses have not all become junk, nor have Nikons, they remain just a great on a mirrorless body. But, the wider aperture and sharpness at those wide apertures are noticeable, at least for the RF-lenses. To use those newer lenses, you need a mirrorless body. If you're starting out (or don't mind also having to repurchase the mirrorless versions of lenses to fully realize the benefits of the new bodies), starting with a mirrorless body is the way to go today, March 21, 2019.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

DW without knowing what genres you work in there is virtually no way to address your query...

that said...

for video mirrorless has a strong following... albeit not the Nikon variant... reason? metabones speed boosters...

for sports/action/BIF... DSLR has a strong following... and Nikon is seriously in the game here...

Please share your needs DW... Do you shoot commercial assignments i.e. wedding events etc?
Or is this a hobby that you enjoy in your time off work...

All the best on your journey DW...

DW

Mostly landscape, low light, some event photography, and sports.

CO

I rented the Nikon Z6 for two weeks recently and did a lot of side by side shooting with my D500 (the D500 and D850 have the same AF system). I was very impressed with the Z6. Its autofocus is no match for the AF in the D500 though. The Z6 would often hunt in even slightly dim light. My D500 would lock on the same subject right away. The D500 is better at tracking also. The Z6 has a low light focusing mode but that slows things down a little.

If you plan to photograph birds in flight, sports, or action, I would go for the D850.
The Z6 and Z7 are more suited for static shots in good light.

DW

Thank you for the reply.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I like mirrorless, but shoot Nikon DSLR (D800, D810). That being said, if I were to obtain a mirrorless camera it would have to be a Sony full frame. There is nothing to not like about it. The selection of lenses is getting better as well.

I've been a Nikon shooter since 1967, but I am not married to the brand. If someone makes a better product I will buy it and use it - be it lens or camera body.

User ID

I will say this becuz

1. I practice it.
2. It's a fact.
3. Always great for generating
angry responses and arguments
even tho the question itself is no
longer worth asking .... unless
you been living under a rock.

So the thing I will say is:

Face it. No discussion needed. All
those waste of time discussions
are now ancient history. Fact is,
the SLR is done. Stick a fork in it.

Simply, there is no further need
of any SLRs on this planet.

Period.

.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

I like and use both DSLR and mirrorless (Nikon and Fuji). I have to say that I am more comfortable with DSLR because I’ve been using SLR/DSLR for many years. But if I start from zero I would go with mirrorless. Unless you are pro sport shooter go with mirrorless.

repleo Loc: Boston

Mirrorless. Mirrorless is the future now that Nikon and Canon are on board. DSLR design is fully matured - they can be tweeked, but not substantially improved. There is no incentive for Canikon to invest in future development of DSLR's now that they have launched their mirrorless offerings. Google Canon's latest business plan. They are putting all of their eggs for the future into developing lenses for mirrorless. While you are at it - go Sony. They have a 5 year head start over the competition.

Brucej67 Loc: Cary, NC

Not to disagree however take a look at this comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhitNrQkAZY

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

I have been using the D850 for about 6 months and it is, simply put, the best Nikon DSLR I have ever used. And for me at least, I plan to add a Nikon Mirrorless camera to my stable this year. I WILL NOT SELL OUT MY DSLR STUFF. I will ADD the Z6 or Z7 to my collection.
For me, there are advantages for BOTH in my shooting style. I plan to travel with the Z's with the 24-70 f4 zoom it would make an ideal travel camera. I will keep my DSLR's for years for my wildlife photography.