Raw

1957 with my dads Argus C3. Still have those first images of the Tacoma Soap Box derby. Continued photography as a hobby throughout my carrier as a firefighter-medic with Tumwater Fire Dept and Thurston county Washington Medic I.
After retiring from fire service due an injury I started a film and video production company and traveled the world doing both still photography and video for 21 years. Now at nearly 80 I indulge my photographic passion by doing personal play with my Nikon Z9. I will stop when I can no longer trip a shutter.

The second feels more natural to me upon observation not analyzing. Then when I took the time to analyze the two images I became aware that it appears water and possibly the wind are moving from left to right and that this bird appears to be flying into the wind not gliding either the wind. After nearly twenty-one years of video production work I tend to trust my instinct of what feels most natural. My opinion only, not set in concrete.

I think it depends on what body you shoot with now. As a D850 shooter I tried the Z7 II and found it a little small for me. I now shoot with the Z9 and love it’s feel and balance. The Z9 in my opinion is a great camera and was the best choice for me as I moved into mirrorless. I still shoot with my D850, but my go to is the Z9. Good luck and good shooting.

You should be near the top. I ordered as soon as I could and it was about 7:00-7:15 PDT

Ordered both as soon as able. We shall see.

I second Mr T. Nikons 105 macro is what I have been using for art photography.

Normal is Raw-Manual however depending on conditions Raw-Auto ISO.

Well thought out! You are spot on about mirrorless cameras being video cameras in disguise. I owned a film and video production company for 20 plus years and the new (old) technology hyped in the mirrorless camera is what we saw in 1980 ENG gear. I just test drove the Nikon Z7ii and even though it has some nice features it is not, in my opinion ready for prime time. If you are just starting your photographic adventure I mirrorless might be the way to go, but replace your DSLR why?

Thanks again for your well articulated thoughts.

Nearly all stills, however I have produced high end video with my D850 as well as good quality video products with my D500.

I did both film and video production work for over 20 years and still on occasion produce a video piece for former clients.

This being the case I have only produced two short personal videos with these cameras.

Just as good photography is a skill so is good video production.

Those of you who own the Adobe suit might want to challenge yourselves by shooting and post producing a short video, maybe of a group photo shoot. 😳

Yes email rkraemer@centurylink.net

I am awaiting the new Z7 II. I currently have a D500 and D850 that I use. I am looking forward to comparing all three. I will always love my 850, and it will take a lot to move me from my D850.

Absolutely! Great camera. Own D500 as well and love them both but the 850 is my go to camera.

I used more adhesive such as double sided fiberglass carpet tape. It held on my D500 for 5+ years.

Due to hand injuries as a firefighter I had the problem but found a solution similar to this; as you can see it available on Amazon. Good luck and good shooting.