Some Advice Please? (Page 2): What has been handled already? Not sure to whom you are responding. Using Quote Reply will let us know just who you are answering. Good Luck with your...

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

MattMPhoto wrote:

That has been done and handled already

What has been handled already? Not sure to whom you are responding. Using Quote Reply will let us know just who you are answering. Good Luck with your career but first thing is to get an attorney. Secondly, while your charitable intentions are worthy and noble, keep a clear mind about the possibility of success in your intended new profession and your future needs including your retirement. Perhaps it would be better to get yourself established and then contribute to those charitable causes you believe in. A financial advisor could help in this regard but just don't go off willynilly and get just anyone. You will want someone who can advise you in the beginning with how to handle your windfall and then along the way as your grow your business. It would good to find someone who is required to hold a code of fiduciary duty. Not all do. Good luck

John O.

You may want to rent the Nikon(s) and Canon(s) you might be interested in after seeing them in a photo store. The menus in Canon are straight forward and about the same from DSLR to Mirrorless. The Canon menus are much easier and more logical than many of the other brands of mirrorless such as Olympus and others.

I have friends who moved from Nikon and Canon to Olympus and Sony and have spent many hours with aftermarket books and still are puzzled on how to operate their new cameras.

I recently moved from a Canon 7D MKii DLSR to a Canon R7 mirrorless and had little trouble with the transition.

btbg

MattMPhoto wrote:

Hi All,
Well I thought this day would never come, but it's finally happening for me on two different fronts. First, I'm going to be leaving my job with the school bus company I've been working for and moving into freelance photography full-time. Second, one of my drivers that I oversaw recently passed away and he named me the beneficiary of his estate and investments etc after his wife divorced him 3 years ago and they had no children. Before he was a school bus driver he was a Colonel in the US Army and always did what he could for the "little man" as he called them and he always inspired me to take my photography to the next level. If he knew that I did a sports charter or did some other photoshoot of some sort he was the first person to critique my photos second only to my mother. So I'm taking a lot of the money and donating it to various organizations that work with youth and help them to become everything they can be. Next since he was always one to help me with my photography I'm going to do everything I can to upgrade my gear. Now this is where I need some advice. I'm doing a lot of sports photography(high school football, college basketball, baseball, and softball mostly) so I'm doing a lot of low-light high ISO photography, and I'm also doing a lot of wildlife photography. I've narrowed it down to Canon or Nikon's mirrorless systems(Canon R3 or Nikon Z9) but I keep going back and forth between them both. I want to shoot with as much mirrorless glass as I can(Z mount or RF mount) and not have to adapt as much. Price isn't so much a factor as I'm going to have the money to buy whatever it takes. What are the pros and cons to these systems? I've been watching everything I can on them on Youtube and other media outlets but I still would like the opinions of those people out there using them in real world cases on an everyday basis. Ideally I'd love to stick with Nikon, but my lenses are 15-20 years old and they weigh a ton and then some, and everywhere I look their RF super telephoto top of the line glass is out of stock with no sign of being in stock again any time soon. That's not the case with the Canon glass it's all in stock. I just don't know which way to go. Please help?

Hi All, br Well I thought this day would never com... (show quote)

Either system or Sony will work just fine.

I prefer Nikon and shoot the Z9. I really like the Nikon Z lenses, although the 400 2.8 has been unavailable for months and is on back order. I really would like to have had that lens before football season starts back up, but that isn't going to happen.

Anyway, if you have shot Canon before there will be a learning curve using Nikon as zoom lenses turn the opposite direction and the terminology is different in the camera controls. If you have previously shot anything other than Canon then I would choose the Nikon as you will find it easier to learn because of terminology.

Also for sports the Nikon feature that allows you to shoot for up to a second prior to when you pushed the shutter button works really well for things like batters in baseball and lightning. So, it should be a consideration depending on what you shoot most frequently.

On a side note for those touting the Sony, I tested a Sony prior to purchasing the Z9 and my big complaint is that the body is too small and it is uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time. If you have big hands you likely would not like the Sony anyway.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

moonhawk wrote:

since you're starting from scratch, try them out at a store or rent them to see how they feel in your hand,formerNikonguy myself, but if they're notin stock, they won't doyou much good.

Have you considered micro 4/3, since weight and availability are an issue?

I don't recommend M4/3 for indoor sports as FF works better in that light.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

MattMPhoto wrote:

That has been done and handled already

While it isn't hard to tell who this is addressed to, in general it helps to use "Quote Reply" as I did here.

Robertl594 Loc: Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and Nantucket

Couple of things.
1. You cannot make a mistake. All three systems are excellent. Will come down to personal preference. I’m a Nikon guy, I like the ergonomics and menus. I tried Sony when the mirrorless came out. Great camera, but the ergonomics and menus were not to my liking. Went right back to Nikon.

2. If you have a lot of Nikon glass, you can use them on the Z9. I know money is no object, but if you already have the glass, if it pro glass, meaning 2.8 and faster, it’s still good. Kit lenses, not to much.

3. I agree with getting estate advise. Don’t know how much you are inheriting, there are thresholds that trigger taxable events, you need to know the facts.

Full disclosure, I own 2 Z9 and a D850. and all of the newest Z S series lenses, plus all of F series 2.8 lenses. Sold my 2 D6 When I got the Z9

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

John O. wrote:

You may want to rent the Nikon(s) and Canon(s) you... (show quote)

Same here from 7D to R7, menus were super easy, logical and the main difference was that the R7 had more features but still very easy to find and adjust.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Rent both and try them out and then decide Matt.

Don

Hip Coyote

I failed to mention a website called Bogleheads. Dedicated to the investment principles of John Bogle, who started Vanguard. Excellent financial information by very very smart people. There is an entire section, called a wiki, on handling a windfall. I suggest you take a look there.

revhen Loc: By the beautiful Hudson

Ah, "outside Pittsburgh." As a former resident of Baldwin and Pleasant Hills and graduate of Carnegie Tech I fit the same category!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

MattMPhoto I wish you much joy on your journey...
"I still would like the opinions of those people out there using them in real world cases on an everyday basis..."
Then I would suggest you invest quality time on UHH's Sport Photography Forum
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-103-1.html
Here you will find like minded individuals, many of who shoot sports commercially.

Best Advice? Look to those who are producing (and successfully marketing) quality sports imagery. Believe you will know "quality" when you see it... If you honestly can't recognize quality sports imagery then possibly you may benefit from careful analysis of same before entering into this highly competitive arena at this juncture. I'm trying to be positive here... hope this makes sense Matt

My sincere question to you is "Why Sports"? Are you an athlete? What Sports have you participated in?
From my experience those who have devoted much time and effort in participating in specific sports modalities tend to excel...

For those who are totally focuses on their gear?
They likely may do extremely well in Photographic Equipment Sales.

The longer you're in this commercially Matt the more likely you'll realize it's not the kit but rather a Passion for the Sport that lifts "Achievers" to success, at least that is what I've discovered on my journey.
Your journey and those of others may indeed find another path forward.

Personally I have a long and devoted relevance for Ballet and League Soccer... they are my passion...
Hope this helps Matt, again wishing you success on this exciting journey.
.

League Soccer: Match play Girls U18 (High School)

Lifestyle Editorial with Agency Model and Professional Ballerina who at age twelve danced on pointe in the lead role of Clara in the Nutcracker with the Donetsk Ballet of Ukraine partnering with Viktor Yeliohin.

(Download)

Josephakraig

MattMPhoto wrote:

Hi All,
Well I thought this day would never come, but it's finally happening for me on two different fronts. First, I'm going to be leaving my job with the school bus company I've been working for and moving into freelance photography full-time. Second, one of my drivers that I oversaw recently passed away and he named me the beneficiary of his estate and investments etc after his wife divorced him 3 years ago and they had no children. Before he was a school bus driver he was a Colonel in the US Army and always did what he could for the "little man" as he called them and he always inspired me to take my photography to the next level. If he knew that I did a sports charter or did some other photoshoot of some sort he was the first person to critique my photos second only to my mother. So I'm taking a lot of the money and donating it to various organizations that work with youth and help them to become everything they can be. Next since he was always one to help me with my photography I'm going to do everything I can to upgrade my gear. Now this is where I need some advice. I'm doing a lot of sports photography(high school football, college basketball, baseball, and softball mostly) so I'm doing a lot of low-light high ISO photography, and I'm also doing a lot of wildlife photography. I've narrowed it down to Canon or Nikon's mirrorless systems(Canon R3 or Nikon Z9) but I keep going back and forth between them both. I want to shoot with as much mirrorless glass as I can(Z mount or RF mount) and not have to adapt as much. Price isn't so much a factor as I'm going to have the money to buy whatever it takes. What are the pros and cons to these systems? I've been watching everything I can on them on Youtube and other media outlets but I still would like the opinions of those people out there using them in real world cases on an everyday basis. Ideally I'd love to stick with Nikon, but my lenses are 15-20 years old and they weigh a ton and then some, and everywhere I look their RF super telephoto top of the line glass is out of stock with no sign of being in stock again any time soon. That's not the case with the Canon glass it's all in stock. I just don't know which way to go. Please help?

Hi All, br Well I thought this day would never com... (show quote)

___________________________________________________

New equipment of any brand will serve you well but, I have found that what has been most important to me is dynamic range. I have also found that Nikon is more advanced in dynamic range, you can expect 15 stops on the Z9. They both focus well, very well and you have to go to a lab to see which one has the slight edge. Both take continuous pictures for a long time although the Nikon seems to go on for ever. They are both big cameras but I really like the extra battery size in the Z9, it will last a couple hours or more in continuous video.

No matter which one you choose you will get great shots but when you screw up your exposure that dynamic range of the Nikon will come in very handy, you can turn a dud into a keeper.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Josephakraig wrote:

__________________________________________________... (show quote)

Actually the Canon pro products have a higher DR than either the Z9 or the Z8.
Add to that a much more accurate AF than either of those products as shown by numerous independent reviews.
Even the cheap R8.

TerryVS

The attorney suggestion is probably a good one!

You're going to get a lot of responses and will probably find its the basic Ford vs Chevy battle. If you're moving into this as a full time gig you're going to want a full frame camera. One thing to consider is are you likely to ever do video?

Im a Nikon guy however my advice is stay with the top three, Nikon, Cannon or Sony. The glass is going to be the deciding factor. If you're shooting sports then f 2.8 is your friend.

I'd look at what's available today, what's an order and wait and what's on the road map for all three brands.

You're lucky to get to jump to mirrorless with enough capital to buy nice glass. I'd make that money count!

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

MattMPhoto wrote:

Hi All,
Well I thought this day would never come, but it's finally happening for me on two different fronts. First, I'm going to be leaving my job with the school bus company I've been working for and moving into freelance photography full-time. Second, one of my drivers that I oversaw recently passed away and he named me the beneficiary of his estate and investments etc after his wife divorced him 3 years ago and they had no children. Before he was a school bus driver he was a Colonel in the US Army and always did what he could for the "little man" as he called them and he always inspired me to take my photography to the next level. If he knew that I did a sports charter or did some other photoshoot of some sort he was the first person to critique my photos second only to my mother. So I'm taking a lot of the money and donating it to various organizations that work with youth and help them to become everything they can be. Next since he was always one to help me with my photography I'm going to do everything I can to upgrade my gear. Now this is where I need some advice. I'm doing a lot of sports photography(high school football, college basketball, baseball, and softball mostly) so I'm doing a lot of low-light high ISO photography, and I'm also doing a lot of wildlife photography. I've narrowed it down to Canon or Nikon's mirrorless systems(Canon R3 or Nikon Z9) but I keep going back and forth between them both. I want to shoot with as much mirrorless glass as I can(Z mount or RF mount) and not have to adapt as much. Price isn't so much a factor as I'm going to have the money to buy whatever it takes. What are the pros and cons to these systems? I've been watching everything I can on them on Youtube and other media outlets but I still would like the opinions of those people out there using them in real world cases on an everyday basis. Ideally I'd love to stick with Nikon, but my lenses are 15-20 years old and they weigh a ton and then some, and everywhere I look their RF super telephoto top of the line glass is out of stock with no sign of being in stock again any time soon. That's not the case with the Canon glass it's all in stock. I just don't know which way to go. Please help?

Hi All, br Well I thought this day would never com... (show quote)

It really is not a question of which system. It is your vocation you need to think more about. When I did professional photography I could buy the best because I could charge a lot of money for my services.
Here are some questions you need to ask yourself.
How much money did I make in freelance photography last year? Here you must be honest with yourself and your abilities.
Most freelance photographers I know do it part time because it is very difficult to support yourself on the income of freelance photography. If you consider your time, gas, car expense, travel, cost of equipment, etc. etc.
Now, about equipment, Sony, Canon, Nikon all produce camera's and glass that will give you the quality you desire.
For sports and wildlife photography, I have found that Sony gives my 30 fps RAW. I know the Z9 gives 20, if that is enough, fine. Canon produces great equipment.
REMEMBER THIS, IT IS NOT THE EQUIPMENT THAT WILL EARN YOU MONEY, IT IS YOUR SKILL, EXPERIENCE, AND PERSONALITY THAT WILL EARN THE BREAD. Camera's are secondary to your decision making.
Good luck and keep on shooting until the end.
PS. The Z8 does everything the Z9 will do with the exception of a couple of assignable buttons.