Nikon Mirrorless: Is it likely that Nikon mirrorless cameras will catch up with the capabilities and quality of top end Sony mirrorless cameras? As someone with a bunch of Nikon lenses...

RahulKhosla

Is it likely that Nikon mirrorless cameras will catch up with the capabilities and quality of top end Sony mirrorless cameras? As someone with a bunch of Nikon lenses - it’s daunting and expensive to consider a shift to Sony. I shoot mostly wildlife and birds in flight so high FPS and good performance tracking capabilities are important.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

RahulKhosla wrote:

Is it likely that Nikon mirrorless cameras will catch up with the capabilities and quality of top end Sony mirrorless cameras? As someone with a bunch of Nikon lenses - it’s daunting and expensive to consider a shift to Sony. I shoot mostly wildlife and birds in flight so high FPS and good performance tracking capabilities are important.

The people with Sonys will tell you to get Sony.
The people with Canons will tell you to get Canon.
The people with Nikon Z cameras will tell you that the only way you can get good pictures is with a Z mount lens.
I bought a Z5 and use my F mount lenses with the FTZ adapter and I have no complaints.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

RahulKhosla wrote:

Is it likely that Nikon mirrorless cameras will catch up with the capabilities and quality of top end Sony mirrorless cameras? As someone with a bunch of Nikon lenses - it’s daunting and expensive to consider a shift to Sony. I shoot mostly wildlife and birds in flight so high FPS and good performance tracking capabilities are important.

Then step up further and go with Canon.
Actually Nikon has the Z9 coming which should easily exceed your skills.
Will it be the "Best" on the market?
Depends on whom you ask.
There is a lot of superficial hype about Sony but when you dig down it has huge weaknesses compared to other makes including Nikon. If speed is your only criteria then the Z9 should make you happy.
What's the rush?
Wait for the Z9 and then get it.

RahulKhosla

I’m not complaining either. But I’m also not ignoring specific differences in capabilities that are important to me. I would love to stay with Nikon but am simply wondering whether their mirrorless cameras will catch up

Mac wrote:

The people with Sonys will tell you to get Sony.
The people with Canons will tell you to get Canon.
The people with Nikon Z cameras will tell you that the only way you can get good pictures is with a Z mount lens.
I bought a Z5 and use my F mount lenses with the FTZ adapter and I have no complaints.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The Sony A1 achieves 30 frames per second of 50MP images, capable of shooting and storing 1.5 gigapixels per second to the card. You're really going to let an investment in yesteryear's Nikon lenses hold you back from success with Sony? Sony replaced Nikon as number #2 worldwide in just 15ish years. Sony and Canon each sell 5 mirrorless cameras to the 1 mirrorless body Nikon is able to sell. There is no catching up for Nikon.

RahulKhosla

That’s exactly what my worry is…..however what does one do with all that Nikon gear ??? Damn shame to sell it at a discount !

CHG_CANON wrote:

The Sony A1 achieves 30 frames per second of 50MP images, capable of shooting and storing 1.5 gigapixels per second to the card. You're really going to let an investment in yesteryear's Nikon lenses hold you back from success with Sony? Sony replaced Nikon as number #2 worldwide in just 15ish years. Sony and Canon each sell 5 mirrorless cameras to the 1 mirrorless body Nikon is able to sell. There is no catching up for Nikon.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

RahulKhosla wrote:

That’s exactly what my worry is…..however what does one do with all that Nikon gear ??? Damn shame to sell it at a discount !

Either you ride with the brand until the equipment has no tangible economic value, or you accept your loss and ride with the winners. There's a glut of used camera equipment as it is, so a 'loss' is coming no matter what you do. Smart money avoids ever buying new camera equipment except for the newest must haves.

MDI Mainer

As time passes, the retail price of that old gear will almost certainly decline.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

RahulKhosla wrote:

I’m not complaining either. But I’m also not ignoring specific differences in capabilities that are important to me. I would love to stay with Nikon but am simply wondering whether their mirrorless cameras will catch up

Nikon has announced the development of the Z9 and says it will be available in 2021, but nothing more other than it will have a newly developed stacked sensor and be capable of 8K video. They claim it will deliver the best still and video performance ever from a Nikon.

They are calling it their flagship mirrorless camera which means pro-level and big bucks. It will probably cost about $6500 as that has been the introductory price of their pro DSLR cameras.

It is expected that the camera will be in the hands of pros for the Tokyo Olympics.

There is also a rumor of a Z8 in the future possibly with a 60mp sensor.

The next mirrorless camera will reportedly be announced on June 28th and will be a retro designed APS-C (cropped sensor) camera that will cost about $1000.

After that it is expected they will announce an entry-level Z30 also APS-C.

RahulKhosla

Makes sense to wait and see, thanks

Architect1776 wrote:

Then step up further and go with Canon.
Actually Nikon has the Z9 coming which should easily exceed your skills.
Will it be the "Best" on the market?
Depends on whom you ask.
There is a lot of superficial hype about Sony but when you dig down it has huge weaknesses compared to other makes including Nikon. If speed is your only criteria then the Z9 should make you happy.
What's the rush?
Wait for the Z9 and then get it.

SonyBug

Architect1776 wrote:

Then step up further and go with Canon.
Actually Nikon has the Z9 coming which should easily exceed your skills.
Will it be the "Best" on the market?
Depends on whom you ask.
There is a lot of superficial hype about Sony but when you dig down it has huge weaknesses compared to other makes including Nikon. If speed is your only criteria then the Z9 should make you happy.
What's the rush?
Wait for the Z9 and then get it.

Sony but when you dig down it has huge weaknesses compared to other makes including Nikon

Would you care to explain that? I disagree with that statement 150% but with verified data, I could be persuaded to listen...

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

RahulKhosla wrote:

Is it likely that Nikon mirrorless cameras will catch up with the capabilities and quality of top end Sony mirrorless cameras? As someone with a bunch of Nikon lenses - it’s daunting and expensive to consider a shift to Sony. I shoot mostly wildlife and birds in flight so high FPS and good performance tracking capabilities are important.

Currently I own the Sony a9, and I find that my Nikon D500 and D850 actually acquire focus just a little quicker than the a9. The a9 is a great camera and I use it almost exclusively.
My point is it is Nikon is not catching up, they have a focusing system that is great already (and for birds in flight this is a must). I have also found single spot focusing on Nikon bodies superior to that currently on Sony mirrorless) And Nikon has GROUP AUTO FOCUS, which Sony and Canon do not have, this is also superior to anything the other big guys currently have, GROUP AUTO FOCUS is great for birds in flight) I am sure the Z9 and those mirrorless bodies beyond the Z9 will match Sony and Canon.
Thanks to the competition between the big three we are all getting great models.

Bill_de Loc: US

RahulKhosla wrote:

Is it likely that Nikon mirrorless cameras will catch up with the capabilities and quality of top end Sony mirrorless cameras? As someone with a bunch of Nikon lenses - it’s daunting and expensive to consider a shift to Sony. I shoot mostly wildlife and birds in flight so high FPS and good performance tracking capabilities are important.

Before you make a big move based on the advancement in technology, you need to decide if those differences will make a difference in how you shoot or give better results.

If yes, go for it now. If you are not sure, stand pat. Whatever Nikon, Canon, or Sony can offer today, they will be offering better tomorrow.

I own a Z6 and Z50 with several Z lenses. My go to cameras when I go out shooting for the day are my DSLRs. I'm still more comfortable with them and the results I get suit me just fine.

My only advice after you read all the responses is to sit back and see how much of the advice pertains to your photography and how much has to do with wanting some new toys. Then do whatever makes YOU feel better.

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cmc4214 Loc: S.W. Pennsylvania

There is no catching up for Nikon.[/quote]

If you are that good at predicting business success and failure, you should be a billionaire by now.

deanfl Loc: Georgia

billnikon wrote:

Currently I own the Sony a9, and I find that my Ni... (show quote)

Your expert advice is good to hear. It makes me even more comfortable to stick with what I have, a Nikon D7500, that also has GROUP AUTO FOCUS.