Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

First, I would also concur that if the estate you inherited is sufficient enough, GET an Estate Attorney to assist you. There are many pit-falls like estate taxes or state taxes, etc. that you may not be aware of.

Then once that hurdle is overcome, INVESTIGATE the charities you are thinking of giving money to, and only then, go for it.

Next, when it comes to new equipment, I would definitely say RENT both systems to see which one feels and handles better to you.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

If you have no photo stores or places that have any in stock, rent each one for a week at a time...it will allow you to do all of your testing etc on your terms

bdk Loc: Sanibel Fl.

the canon guys will tell yopu to buy canon
The nikon guys will tell you to buy Nikon.
if you shoot nikon id stay with them, if you shoot canon Id stay with them.
I shoot with a Z9 so thats my choice.

Canisdirus

Opinions like most acknowledge are all over the place...no one wants to think they have the wrong system...a natural reaction.

But...sports photography makes things more clear...if the choice is between Nikon and Canon.

Canon has a new lens out... 100-500mm(f/7.1). EXTERNAL throw (MEH)...for 2500 bucks. That's pretty steep for a lens like that. Canon is luring you in with the bodies...and taking you to the cleaners on the lenses. Heck...Sony's lens will smoke that thing for 700 dollars less...with an INTERNAL throw to boot.

Hey...go over and look at Nikon for a long lens...throw on a FTZ adapter...and for only 1000 dollars more than the Canon lens...you can have a 500mm f/5.6 PRIME (around $3500)...better in every way.

That's just one example...Nikon is playing catchup...and market accordingly.

Canon is being Canon...

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

Lots of advice here! Everyone has their favorite brand, and is considering price and availability- all good! The only thing that was left out is YOU and the application of the equipment you are potentially buying. So, for a moment, forget about brands and prices and work backward for exactly what you are going to need to do to work effectively and efficiently

First of all, I assume you are not going to order a complement of expensive equipment sight unseen, I strongly suggest that you find a local dealer and go in for a demonstration, and here is why. In sports photoghay, as I am sure you already know, you need to work quickly, anticipate the action, and develop a good sense of timing to capture peak action. You cannot fumble with your gear- it has to be an extension of hands and eyes and you need to develop muscle memory as per the controls on the camera. So, your first order of business is to find cameras and lenses that are appropriate weight, size, and shape and conforms to your level of strength and dexterity, Simply stated- will it feel comfortable in your hands, are the cotrolls quickly accessible and t does conform to your grip?

Cameras and lenses are precision instruments but in sports photography, they can take a beating. You want equipment that will stand up to continuous professional use. For certain sports coverage, you may need a camera that is capable of rapid sequence firing.

Your next consideration is lens selection as to speed and focal lenght. You have to consider the type of lighting you have to work under, daylight, indoor areina, lighting, and the distance will be working in various sports events. Do you want to use zooms or primes, Will you need multiple bodies? Once you know waht your preferred working methods and equipment requirements are, SPECIFICALLY, it will be easier to decide on a system.

Also consider accessories- you may require a tripod with a good PAN head, and a few protective filters for messy, wet, or dirty situations like working near water, motor sports, etc. A monopod or various grips, and durable and protective cases.

You should consider some electronic flash gear or Speelights for certain low light and flash fill applications.

BUSINESS AND LEGALITIES: I realize you have a gret deal of enthusiasm for photography but business can be rough stuff if you are not prepared. This is not a negative thing or foreboding warning, it's just that you have to get your "ducks in a line" as you get started so you can concentrate on promoting your business, shooting, and making sales. You will need a good BUSINESS PLAN where you examine ALL your business expenses, besides the equipment. Things like insurance, offivr expense, advertising costs, the expense related to the percentage of your residence that you use for business, utilities, telepone, and communications, computer miantnaince, post-processig software, equipment maintenance etc. automotive expenses, You need to PAY YOURSELF because YOU are your most valuable employee. All the aforementioned OVERHEAD expenses have to be intrinsic in your fees and prices. You need to make projections as to annual sales and add a percentage of your overhead costs to your fees. This will also enable you to set goals for weekly, or monthly sales targets. You have to know your exact costs of sale, those are, anythings or services you purchase or outsource on behalf of your customers. If you are not completely aware of all of the aforementioned, it is impossible to construct a price list that will yield a profit.

You need to put a good and easily maintainable/accountng system in place so tax time does not become a disaster. You need to set up business banking and obtain all necessary tax or business licensing thatis required in your jurisdiction. This all sounds like an onerous chore but once everythg is in place, you can work on the creative stuff without worry. Consulting with an accountant in setting these things up is advisable.

Good luck and every success!

Josephakraig

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The Nikon Z9 is the best camera today. Uncanny ability to focus at high speed. If you are into sports nobody beats the Z9 today. There is plenty of glass for the Z9, that is lenses that don't require an adapter.

I have a close friend that has the Z9 he can't believe how good it is. He used to shoot Canon, then Nikon. He moved up from D70 to D700 to D800 to D810 to D850 (best DSLR ever) to Z7 and now Z9. He says no comparison. They all three (850, Z7 and Z9) give similar images but the speed that the 9 does it is incredible. The focus is instantaneous. Up to 120 images a second and actually catching several images before and after you press the shutter release means you never have to miss the shot.

Hip Coyote

I came back to revisit this post. And see you are hellbent on spending money to become a freelance sports photographer. As a pro mentioned on this posting, it is a long haul. And you have to be damned good. And even if you are damned good you have to be lucky as well. Ahhh….ok then.

Before making an irreversible mistake and wasting money for a job that pays little (or a lot), is a crowded field, and you be may not may not have shown deep aptitude in the craft, maybe try to work under mentorship of a working pro? Taking great pictures and being in the business of taking great pictures are two separate things. It’s like a guy who likes fishing and opens a tackle shop. Two separate issues. I am an excellent ocean fisherman but know nothing about the business.

I don’t know what the $$ amount is, but if it’s a lot, seek financial counseling before moving further. Quitting a job, at a bus company (no pension) indicates to me better planning for the future may be needed.