PSGimages

New to this forum (but I've got thousands of posts in other such venues and thought I'd try it out here). I went mirrorless cold-turkey about 15 months ago (Nikon-to-Sony). I did at that time to be ahead of the curve, selling F mount glass while the used market prices were still strong, figuring "F" mount was to be replaced at some point (later I learned it would be called "Z" mount) and that Nikon was pretty far behind the mirrorless development curve. I had a D5, D810 and 10 lenses and sold the whole kit and replace it with half as many lenses and an A9 and A7riii.

I was surprised how steep the Sony learning curve was for me. Electronic shutters have their issues (rolling shutter, some bokeh issues under certain instances) and it took me a while to get used to that other variable consideration: shutter type selection. But overall I found the A9 matched my D5 tracking-wise with more fps; now with the new 5.0 firmware it takes tracking to a new level. I'm happy with the silent shutter option and the output. I think there truly is an advantage to the short-flange lens designs mirrorless cameras allow, the reduced vibration at low shutter speeds and the fewer mechanical moving parts should prove better in the long run. For video, I was not the least bit unhappy to say goodbye to Nikon's live view.

That said, I can't think of many instances where my mirrorless bodies produced an image I couldn't have produced with my DSLR. Maybe the 20fps of the A9 grabbed a moment the D5 would have missed at a sporting event, and maybe the A9's silent shutter allowed me to grab a shot at a wedding I wouldn't have with a "kerplunk" sounding DLSR, but overall, they both similar tools to grab images.

So from my perspective, for what it's worth, the DSLR certainly is not dead, the question for me was:

"Do I want to continue to invest in DSLR technology?"

As the lens reviews arrive for the new Canon mirrorless lenses as well as those from Nikon, Zeiss, Sony and now Leica, it seems clear where the companies are putting their R&D now. Almost ironic: Nikon's last high end film camera was the F6, perhaps their last high end sports orientated DSLR , the D6 , will be the end to a line as well. But regardless, DSLRs will be producing award winning photos for many years to come.

gwilliams6

It is happening, the World's best selling fullframe camera (DSLR or Mirrorless) is the Sony A7III. And if you look at the top selling cameras at Amazon, 7 of the top ten are mirrorless.

Folks entering this contest are mostly media pros who have years and a fortune invested in Nikon and Canon DSLR gear. As one of those pros, you need to understand that the majority of pros don't even bother to enter contests anymore. Most pros don't need that approval or ego boost.

After a total of over 150 International (including three World Press Photo) , National and Regional Awards and Seven Pulitzer Prize Nominations, and One Overseas Press Award nomination, I don't need any more award hardware and chose not to bother to enter anymore since I switched to mirrorless.

A contest result(from a small sampling of ALL the huge numbers of the world's best photographers) should not be what you rest your beliefs on about the shift in camera buying. Read the actual sales numbers at CIPA. DSLR sales are down 50% since last year, the worst numbers ever for DSLRs. That is the facts, whether or not you choose to embrace the reality. Cheers

I know how to win a contest and what kind of shots win. I have also been a judge for several major photo contests. I just took this last month with my Sony A9 mirrorless camera. It is a sure contest winner, but I don't choose to bother entering contests anymore, I don't need that affirmation of my abilities. CLICK ON DOWNLOAD TO SEE FULL RESOLUTION OF THIS IMAGE.

(Download)

Bill_de Loc: US

Since you continually bring up your awards, how many biggies have you gotten since switching to Sony?

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gwilliams6

I stopped entering contests back when I still shot Canon and Nikon DSLRs , before I switched to mirrorless in January 2017. I have boxes full of awards and no wall space left to hang them all, I don't need any more. I share my work with various facebook photo groups that I belong to, and one which I am a moderator of, and on my own facebook page. And I teach photography to university students. I get far more joy in helping young photographers develop their skills and following their passions, than in winning another award.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/411282359059332/?ref=bookmarks

https://www.facebook.com/GSWilliamsPhotography/

The reality is most pro shooters couldn't be bothered with entering contests. Yes many still do, but more don't bother. I know many top shooters, making their livings everyday in photography that have NEVER entered a photo contest and have no desire to . That is a fact. Earlier in my career, contests where a way to establish your reputation and look good to your editors and for getting better jobs in the business. But established folks don't really need contests. My clients hire me based on my skill and my work. They could care less what contests I enter or don't enter. And my clients love the work I am turning out for them with my mirrorless gear.

gwilliams6

One of my last DSLR shots before moving to Sony mirrorless: CLICK ON DOWNLOAD TO SEE THE FULL RESOLUTION.

(Download)

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Then why don’t the posts you initiate offer helpful advice and in-depth discussions of the photographic art in the fashion of other pros such as E.L. Shapiro, Bill Burke, Gene51, Amfoto, Bob Marlez, etc. (apologies to those I have omitted) rather than a continuous partisan advertisement and schill for Sony? If you did, you wouldn’t have to tout your accomplishments and credentials to demonstrate your expertise. Leave the marketing/sales and “photography as a competitive endeavor” to the company reps.

gwilliams6

I do in my facebook groups and anyone is free to ask anything about anything in the dozens of shots I have posted in UHH over the years. I am happy to share any tips and advice with you all, no matter what you shoot and what level of skill you possess. Ask away. BTW I am an approved mentor in the pro mentors section here in UHH. Is there some area of photography I can help you with TriX, or would you just rather make personal attacks constantly. lol One of the things I like about my Facebook Photography & Video School is we don't allow any personal attacks, ever. Those folks get warned and then booted.
Cheers

Tomcat5133 Loc: Gladwyne PA

Burkphoto is right again. Don't worry about this crap. I see press people and shooters at NBA games
using dated cameras that their is a big investment in. Their lens are usually great.
Have you noticed at press conferences you hear the thousands of clicks fo the cameras.
If you have a Canon or Nikon kit your are right and practical use this good equipment.
And the lens are a big investment. And the comments were right the one from a heavy
shooter is appeared wanted the size and performance over time of a Canon etc.
Investment of pros and companies is an issue.
That said Sony and Panasonic and leading in technology and outstanding images.
And these camera's are great video camera's.
As for cell phones they are fine but not a replacement for good photography and video.
Just another good device.

gwilliams6

Burkphoto has wonderful posts. It was interesting after Tiger Woods won the Masters Golf major the discussion among many there was the thought they might ban DSLRs and require mirrorless cameras in the future for their silent shooting. The TV networks want this for the clicks wind up on their audio, and the players want this for less disturbance on the course when they are concentrating on the shots. The rule of conduct for shooters is no camera clicks during any swing until the player has made contact with the ball. No such problem with silent shooting with is far easier with the EVFs in a mirrorless camera. Interesting.

Some wedding shooters now charge more if you want your wedding shot silently with mirrorless cameras. I charge the same as I did before when I shot weddings with DSLRs, but my clients love the silent shooting of my A9. Cheers

Bill_de Loc: US

I have always said that your work is great. But I agree with TriX. All your posts here are pandering to mirrorless, and Sony in particular. If you save your images and insightful thoughts on photography for Facebook fans, why not keep your pandering there as well.

Or even better, we know from past experience that you are more than capable of posting the same thing in multiple, many multiple places. Why not post some of the good stuff from your Facebook page over here?

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gwilliams6

I have, but you two are so interested in being DSLR fanboys, that you miss any important info in my posts and my links to real-world independent tests,reviews, discussions and facts, not fanboyism. Read more and more thoroughly and criticize less, that is my advise to you both. Cheers

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

Interesting post, I recently went golfing with a friend, he loaned me his Ping professional golf clubs, certified the best by independent tests, reviews, and factual results, not fanboyism. He borrowed my current clubs, he still golfed even par, and you know what, my game did not improve with his real world tested clubs.
In other words, tests, reviews are MEANINGLESS when it comes to getting QUALITY images out of a camera. In other words, the camera is only as good as the photographer, not the other way around. And it will ALWAYS be that way, no matter what new highly rated independent tested camera is introduced.

BebuLamar

I am an SLR (Both film and digital) fan boy. What is wrong with being an SLR fan boy?

User ID

DOOM ... is exactly why you can't get them.
No point in ramping up production in light of
a fading market.

gwilliams6

Of course the photographer's skill and vision mean more than any gear. I teach this and have lived by it. I have been a fanboy of every kind of gear i have ever used, from view cameras, to twin-lens reflex cameras, to rangefinder cameras, to film SLRs, film DSLRs, digital DSLRs and mirrorless cameras from makers such as , Miranda, Pentax, Contax, Mamiya, Leica, Bronica, Leica, Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony. I have used them all in over 45 years as pro. I have made great shots with them all as a skilled and veteran shooter and loved being a fanboy for all of them at one time or another.

My fanboyism is to the brand that gives me the performance I need now. Right now that is mirrorless and Sony, but that could change if something better comes along that works better for my needs. Cheers and folks chill out and use what gear you want. I personally want the best that I can afford so I made my choice to move to mirrorless.

Make your choice and stick to it, until you find something you like better. And don't be so set in your ways to miss out on something better and make the change, if your budget allows it. And don't be so afraid to try something new that may be out of your comfort zone. you might find a new comfort zone. I did.

An award-winning and widely published shot I made of a famed Sioux Indian Medicine Man (who happened to be blind). What camera of all those I have used over the years did i make this with, and film or digital ? You can decide. I could have made this with most of the gear I have used, with the proper skill and lighting etc. Cheers.
CLICK ON DOWNLOAD TO SEE FULL RESOLUTION AND DYNAMIC RANGE OF THIS IMAGE

(Download)