OutdoorNH Loc: Atlanta, GA

Greetings everyone. I'm a real estate photographer that occasionally shoots an event or headshots for our clients. For capturing homes I use the D500 with a wide lens. I've been holding on on going completely mirrorless, as I have been hoping Nikon would announce the Z6iii but doesn't look like it'll happen this year. With the D500 I create a lot of video too, the quality is fantastic.

Occasionally I attend networking events and offer to document those for our clients. At some events we offer free headshots to new realtors, or realtors wanting an updated headshot. For these events I also use a D500 with an 18-140mm lens, but am wanting to upgrade.

I'm on the fence at this point of which direction to go:

•Option 1 is to purchase either a Nikon or Tamron 24-70mm 2.8.

•Option 2 is to purchase a Z30 with the 16-50mm lens.

I'm leaning towards the Z30 to start down the mirrorless road. If I go with the Z30, I'm thinking it could become the tool I use to shoot video with, as Nikon markets the camera to video creators. That would also require purchasing a new gimbal made for smaller/lighter cameras, but hey- I'm always looking for a reason to convince my wife why I need more gear :)

Any professional suggestions would be appreciate.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

It seems you have GAS. I don't see why you just can't continue with the D500. Maybe pick up an 85mm prime for the headshots!

OutdoorNH Loc: Atlanta, GA

I won't deny having GAS. However, if I don't use something, I sell it. I'm not attached to having a cabinet full of gear to look at. It must be used or it's gone. I love the 85mm prime, had one a long time ago but found I needed the ability to zoom for the events, which is why I bought the 18-140 and sold the 85mm. I have found myself doing more events recently, and I'd like to upgrade.

mymike Loc: Tucson, AZ

Ask yourself, what is your current set up not doing for you that you need to upgrade. I have acquired more cameras over the years and recently sold off some gear. I too am wanting to upgrade. I have a Z6, Zfc, D500 and a mixture of F mount and Z mount lenses. I can shoot just about any scenario including video with what I have. That said, I love my Z6 for video work. You might consider renting the Z30 and the 16-50 lens for a week to see if this would improve your work flow.

OutdoorNH Loc: Atlanta, GA

What got me thinking in the mirrorless direction was the weight of my video rig. The D500 with the 11-20mm Tokina, a mic, 7" monitor, battery for the monitor, external light and a side grip mounted to the original DJI ronin S, is over 10 pounds. At the end of a day of shooting video my lower back is toast.

When I began researching possible directions to upgrade, I was looking at it from two different perspectives: a higher quality lens for the events and headshots, and a lighter video rig. Being that the event work is more frequent than it has been in years past, I was wanting to upgrade that lens first. Willing to wait and continue to use my current video setup because...it works great, it's just heavy. As I started looking at options, it occurred to me I might be able to accomplish both with the right choice. Like you mentioned, I have heard from friends the video and focus systems on the mirrorless are incredible.

Great idea to rent one for a week!

Thanks Mike.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Hey, itsyour money, so if you want to go mirrorless then go for it!

mymike Loc: Tucson, AZ

I feel your pain, literally. I did an event last weekend that was 4 hours long. I had two cameras both mirrorless and a flash hand held on a remote trigger. I used my Z6 as the main camera and the Zfc for some casual shots. Next time I will have one or two other photographers help with the event. My work is done for a non-profit and pro bono. When I shoot video, it’s mostly as a documentary and I have my camera mounted on a tripod with an L.E.D. Light mounted on a light stand. I use wireless mics. So far I have not seen the need for an external monitor. So far the non-profit is happy and so am I. I am retired, so my cash flow is fixed with no extra money for gear.

OutdoorNH Loc: Atlanta, GA

Do you see a small or large difference in the video quality from your D500 vs the Z6? I understand comparing the Z6 to the Z30 is not a fair comparison, just curious from someone who has Nikon DLSR and mirrorless.

OutdoorNH Loc: Atlanta, GA

Also curious about how well video does in low light.

mymike Loc: Tucson, AZ

I have not used the D500 for video. I use it for bird photography because of the buffer rate and high frames per second and autofocus. I use the Z6 for everything else, but especially for video. I used to use my iPhone for video but decided to up my game with mirrorless. If I only wanted one camera for video, birds, and everything else, I might be tempted with the Z9. Nikon has a sale going on now and offer some good prices on camera bodies. If I had extra money to spend I would consider getting the Z6II for video.

mymike Loc: Tucson, AZ

I haven’t used the Z6 without light. Lighting and sound are key in producing quality video.

OutdoorNH Loc: Atlanta, GA

I was wondering why the Z6ii was less than the Z6i right now.

OutdoorNH Loc: Atlanta, GA

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

For headshots, KEEP IT SIMPLE! A headshot is a photo/model agency etc., slang for a portrait. People want to look good and possibly flattered in their headshots. They do not want the distortion that can be introduced with the use of a wide-angle lens. Any experienced portrait photograher (like me) will attest to the fact that a medium longer focal length lens is best for portraits, especially in head and shoulder and close shots. For a full-frame digital camera, I recommend a 105mm lens or thereabout or the equivalent thereof for whatever format you select.

The recommend focal twill enables you to work at a distance that will not introduce distortion. Perspective is controlled by distance so the focal lengh accommodates a comfortable and optical correct working distance, and good composition is best.

If you are mainly a real-estate shooter, the 85 to 105mm range, in a prime lens will not serve you well in any kind of architectural or interior work, except perhaps in shooting small decorative or structural details. If you acquire a zoom lens that encompasses that longer range, you may find it more economical. A PRIME 105, however, is an excellent choice as per image quality.

Whether you go DSLR or mirrorless is up to you. Good lenses are available for both systems. It seems that the manufacturers are all trending toward mirrorless production. If I were retooling at this point I would go mirrorless, keeping in mind that lens production and availability, software support, and warranty service will be available for the longer term. The newer mirrorless models will probably serve you better in your real estate work, especially in difficult or contrasty lighting situations- more pixels, better sensors, l and likely better dynamic range than some of the older DSLRs.

I have been doing photography professionally for a very long time so I am not affected by GAS unless I overeat my favorite baked bean recipe. I haven't come up with a nifty, cool, pithy, and slick acronym for word for my equipment acquisition philosophy to replace GAS. My concept is "the right tools for the right job and anything else is extra baggage and dust collectors. If any of y'all out there come up with a good word, let me know- we'll coin a phrase together!

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

Your good to go as is. No problem. Wait a year or two. Nikon will be coming out with new and better mirrorless. But, understand, if you think your headshots will improve with mirrorless, your barking up the wrong tree.