dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

I shot Nikon SLR and dSLR equipment for decades. As mirrorless technology arrived on the scene, I was impressed testing Sony mirrorless camera series several years ago [equipment design and function I preferred more than version 1 of the Nikon Z series]. However, making a mirrorless transition took a couple more years [navigating the Sony camera menus was like pulling teeth initially]. I have let go of all my Nikon dSLRs [except for one - a nostalgic Df] and now use two mirrorless bodies as my primary tools in my studio and on locations - a full frame Sony a9 and a medium format Hasselblad X1D II [I also have a mirrorless full frame Sony a7II and an exceptional jewel of a walk around mirrorless APS-C Nikon Z fc] . Never been disappointed with Nikon’s technical attributes - resolution, pixel count, image sharpness, noise, dynamic range, color, and so on - That being said, I am very pleased with my mirrorless Sony/Hasselblad ’s exceptional technical performance when it comes to those specifications as well.

Anyone have a similar experience?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Things work out best for those with the mirrorless cameras.

I added a metabones adaptor this winter from an UHH for-sale post to add EF lenses to my Sony a7II. Now a bunch of the non IS primes have IBIS support too. For work that requires critical focus, the native EOS DSLR is still the preferred tool, but the Sony just got an opportunity for even more use.

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

I have so much Nikkor glass - a solution is the Nikon F lens adapters purchased for both the Sony E and Hasselblad X mount bodies. While I now have additional lens options - one caveat is that some of the Nikon glass is not fully auto capable with the adapters [both Sony and Hasselblad]. Another caveat is that the full frame glass is cropped with the medium format sensor.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I have been shooting mirrorless since circa 2005 and loved it. I only wondered why it took Canikon so long to join the party.

However I shot with my DSLR the other day an THAT was a transition I did not care for. I didn't like it at all. LOL.

BebuLamar

Which mirrorless did you use in 2005?

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I started transitioning from film years ago with a variety of point and shoot and bridge cameras, but I have never gotten completely away from my love of film. My first Nikon dslr is a D7200 with an 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. I love that camera and lens and still find excuses to use that kit today even though I have a D800, D850 and D500. Along the way, I picked up a lot of expensive glass, which is worth a lot more than the value of the bodies including a Nikon 600mm f/4 used for wildlife / birding. In order to go mirrorless, I wanted a camera better than my D850 and could use my glass. I was patient waiting out the mirrorless wars and was finally rewarded with the Z9. What separates it from my dslrs is IBIS, subject tracking and frame rate all of which increase my keeper rate, but there is no real difference in IQ. I am relieved I did not have to sell my Nikon gear and replace it with another system at great expense. I am very happy that I do not have to learn a new, or multiple, menu systems and I just plain like the feel of my Nikons in my hands and I like their reputation for building rugged products that perform well even in difficult environments.

I read so many posts here and on other photography forums from those who believed they had to have this new technology to become better photographers or even to avoid embarrassment to just stay in photography. BS! Mirrorless does not make you a better photographer and there are plenty of enthusiasts out there that will continue to capture stellar images with their dslrs. Many on these forums have got it backwards as they start with gear then try to take great images with it. A better way is to start with how to create great images, then figure out what gear you need to accomplish that.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The only photographer you need to compare yourself against is the one with a better camera.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Maybe it was 2008. Memory is fuzzy back that far.

It was a Panasonic DMC-G1. I am using an OM-D EM-5 Mii now with my M43 kit.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

I thought the one I was supposed to compare myself against was the one in the mirror. ;)

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Improvement begins with I - as in: I will buy a mirrorless camera today.

dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ

Photography is not something new to me - so I am not a novice at image composition seeking to be "better,", or lacking familiarity with different types of equipment to compose images. When Nikon put that “f” like design into a digital camera - Nikon photographers (like me) who have been around for a while took notice. The first camera I shot with was a Nikon F. The F series has an undisputed legacy of classic design and toughness - it is a blend of simple and rugged. The Nikon Df took me back to that photography equipment simplicity and ruggedness - with a classic blend of old style film camera design bundled with new digital functionality. The look and feel of the Df reminds me of what I shot with when first introduced to 35mm film SLR photography. What I instantly liked about the Nikon Df was that it did not have the heft and and bulk of my Nikon D700. In comparison, the Df is quiet, light and fast. Also liked that when actuating the shutter it did not have the ‘machine gun’ loudness of my D700. In terms of film, I don't have my own darkroom anymore - although I believe I can remember how to get a roll of Ilford film out of a 35mm canister, develop it and burn prints. The Nikon Df full frame dSLR and Nikon Z fc are keepers mainly due to my Nikon nostalgia. But both cameras can produce good images - neither is in my hands as much as my current go-to devices though - you have actually motivated me to charge up the Df battery and shoot some frames - and wax nostalgic. I have attached a few images taken with my Nikon Df.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

That’s nice work! I have a feeling whatever camera you were using, would turn out great images while you were using it.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I especially love your B&W images, including the self portrait. You have inspired me to pick up B&W film again. My first real camera was a Canon AE-1, which quit on me, probably due to wet conditions, during a 7 day hike through the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico. It supposedly would cost more to fix it than it was worth, so I never replaced it. At a professional photographer friend recommendation, I got interested in Nikon and have stayed with them ever since. My film workflow is to process my mainly Tri-X 400 B&W film myself using HC110, one of Ansel Adams formulas, take it to digital on a flat bed photo scanner then move it into LrC, PS, Topaz as needed. I don't miss the darkroom. I got a Z9 a couple of months ago and have been putting in a lot of time comparing it to my D850, so I put down my film camera for a bit, but will pick it back up in the next week or two.

pebbles Loc: New England

I've had my Df for some 6 years now and like yourself I was attracted to the similarities to my old mechanical Nikon FE2. I like that it has mechanical controls rather than menus to make adjustments to exposure and I also like that it could accommodate my old mechanical IE lenses.
And by the way Nice shots.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Wrong again. It's the one with better skills.