Continue With Nikon?

Hopefully this isn't a rambling post but I'd like to get other perspectives. I've been a dedicated Nikon shooter in both DSLR and Mirrorless. I use both a D300 and V1. Both are getting a little dated as I look at capabilities of new bodies. I originally purchased the V1 on a whim and have wound up enjoying it much more than expected. And what can you say about the D300, it along with it's D700 FX big brother, are classic pro-level bodies.

Here's my issue: I'm starting to feel like Nikon isn't going to meet my future needs. Why? Let's look at the DSLR situation first. My primary usage of the D300 is for travel and landscape. Which begs the question, why not a D800 or D800E? I could stretch and afford it but as a hobbyist I can't justify it. So why not a D600 or D7100? I've tried them but they don't have the same level of controls or feel as the pro-level D300/D700/D800 to me. I'm resigning myself that Nikon has decided not to introduce a pro-level DX body like the mythical D400.

What about mirrorless? I was an early naysayer of the Nikon 1 system. Then I used it and found out I was very wrong. It is a very capable system even considering some of the limitations. My primary usage of the V1 is as a small system while traveling for work or candid family situations. Nikon has released two amazing lenses (the 6.7-13mm and 18.5mm) that simply bring a smile to my face when using them. The Nikon 1 system's true advantage over the competition was focus speed. Others are swiftly catching up though. The Nikon 1 system is missing a few lenses (a 13mm and 37-39mm micro come to mind) and the pricing on the recently introduced portrait lens (32mm/f1.2) seems exorbitant. A new body (the V3?) is due with some rumblings around the net that the sensor size may increase to DX. If that happens, do the Nikon 1 lenses become orphans?

Now if Nikon isn't going to introduce a pro-level DX and if their mirrorless system greatly changes. . . what to do? When I look around and simplify my requirements to topic (travel, landscape, candids), pro-level controls, great glass selection, small/light weight, bracketing and external flash support Nikon is coming up a bit short for my needs.

I'm comfortable waiting for the next 6 months or so but expect to make a decision within that timeframe. If Nikon introduces a pro-level DX, I'm the first in line and end of story. If Nikon introduces a logical mirrorless body at reasonable price-point, I may be the second or third in line. If I were to make a decision today it wouldn't be Nikon. That makes me sad.

Anyone else thinking along these lines?

I am happy with my D800E and D600, I too am a hobbyist and you need to weigh up what you want your camera to do and how it does it. There are some great cameras and systems out there and just to look blindly at one is lets say stupid. I always weigh up my options and I am happy where I stand today.

Scott Murray said:

I am happy with my D800E and D600, I too am a hobbyist and you need to weigh up what you want your camera to do and how it does it. There are some great cameras and systems out there and just to look blindly at one is lets say stupid. I always weigh up my options and I am happy where I stand today.

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Exactly. If I'm going to consider moving to FX to stay with Nikon then all things are on the table. In reality the only DX lens that I would replace is my 17-55 (love that thing) which isn't too terrible. But when I start to look at the mirrorless options the capabilities of the newer bodies muddy the waters. They really are getting good enough to consider as a primary system.

My brother in law recently got a Fuji XE-1 and I was impressed with the IQ and possibilities of this system. After hauling my D600 with 16-35, 24-70 and 70-200 for a 2 days 25 km hike, I'm beginning to wonder the benefits of FX. For travel, there are other systems that are getting very attractive.

Eduard,

These are tough choices and likely only you can make yours for you. I sure understand where you are at and why you are raising questions.

I, on the other hand, am only a year into this and for me as a "learning" hobbyist, I researched and chose Nikon and I still am comfortable with my choice going forward. I recently acquired a D7100 (only shoot DX) and expect that I still have so much to learn about photography that I will not likely be making a change in the near future. I am not even entertaining FX at this time (for me).

Were I to desire a change (to FX for example) I would likely look at all options and though I would not be waving a "Nikon" flag, they were surely get an edge as I have been pleased with my DX gear so far. (D5100 & D7100)

You absolutely should look at all options and hopefully when you are ready, we will hear of your final choices..

Good luck with your thoughts and decisions... they are never easy!

Pat in NH

Switching platforms is kind of a big deal. It's not just about the gear, it's a whole new mindset, a new vocabulary.

You're in the soft spot between Nikon's offerings: Upgrading may be more than what you want or need, and is expensive...and you don't want to downgrade and lose the features you've become accustomed to. That's a tough spot to be in. I remember making the leap from D90 to D300s. It wasn't like starting all over again, but leaving those auto controls behind was rough at first. The safety net was gone. Looking back now, the switch pushed me to do better, and I think that's how you have to approach this.

Here's my advice: stick with Nikon.

I think if you switch platforms, you're going to be pushed so far out of your comfort zone that you're going to lose interest. I think if you picked up a Canon XXX, it's going to see some action at first, but then you'll start heavily favoring that V1 because it's familiar. My advice would be to get the D600 or D800. That's just the next logical step in progression. When my D300s finally kicks the bucket, I'll be in the same boat as you. And if it happened tomorrow, I'd probably be writing a similar thread because I think you and I are in that same soft spot in the market.

At this point I'd wait to see what the rumored D610 actually is (end of Oct). Maybe it's more than just an update/fix to the D600? Lately they have been releasing new cameras at a higher rate then they have in the past. I would just give it time.

On the other hand, it does seem that Nikon is going to be focusing more on the entry level market in the next year.

Regardless, it seems that switching would require more work and frustration in the long run, as Anthony put it. Besides what will you do with your Nikonites hat?

I understand completely. I started with the D300 when I moved from film to digital, and now have a D300s. I have looked at the newer bodies but I find them lacking too many features/controls that I have come to appreciate, except the D4 of course, which is out of the question for me. Though I must say the IQ of the newer sensors is very impressive.

Browncoat said:

Switching platforms is kind of a big deal. It's not just about the gear, it's a whole new mindset, a new vocabulary.

You're in the soft spot between Nikon's offerings: Upgrading may be more than what you want or need, and is expensive...and you don't want to downgrade and lose the features you've become accustomed to. That's a tough spot to be in. I remember making the leap from D90 to D300s. It wasn't like starting all over again, but leaving those auto controls behind was rough at first. The safety net was gone. Looking back now, the switch pushed me to do better, and I think that's how you have to approach this.

Here's my advice: stick with Nikon.

I think if you switch platforms, you're going to be pushed so far out of your comfort zone that you're going to lose interest. I think if you picked up a Canon XXX, it's going to see some action at first, but then you'll start heavily favoring that V1 because it's familiar. My advice would be to get the D600 or D800. That's just the next logical step in progression. When my D300s finally kicks the bucket, I'll be in the same boat as you. And if it happened tomorrow, I'd probably be writing a similar thread because I think you and I are in that same soft spot in the market.

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I feel you because the jump from the D70s to the D300 was big. In the end, same as you it made me a better photographer.

I had an Olympus E-PL1 which got me started in mirrorless. Probably because of that experience I'm not as worried about a major change.

I've been seriously eying the OM-D line. The newly announced E-M1 and pro-level glass at f/2.8 is very attractive. My concern with mirrorless has always been low-light which is one of favorites. Take a look at this E-M1 review and you might be shaking your head too.

jdeg said:

Besides what will you do with your Nikonites hat?

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Eduard said:

I'm comfortable waiting for the next 6 months or so but expect to make a decision within that timeframe. If Nikon introduces a pro-level DX, I'm the first in line and end of story.

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My partner and i will be right there behind you to grab one each

We were really hoping it would be announced by now for an end of year release and are both pretty disappointed at the delay. Hopefully it'll mean a better camera in the end though.

John! said:

I have looked at the newer bodies but I find them lacking too many features/controls that I have come to appreciate, except the D4 of course, which is out of the question for me.

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I agree on that point as well - a D4 would be great but a bit out of my budget (and i would be buying two - ouch!). If business picks up enough to justify it that camera would be awesome though (or a X/S variant eventually.)

Oh, oh, oh, oh!! It is certainly a tough decision to make and you really need to do your research. I dumped all my Nikon gear to go over to Fuji. Do I miss my Nikon gear? No. But that is me. If you are going to dump your Nikon gear, you have to get into a different frame of mind when it comes to going totally mirrorless, which I am sure you are aware of. The mistake that many people make when going to mirrorless, is expecting that the mirrorless camera will act just like their DSLR did. This only sets them up for disappointment and frustration. When it comes to choosing the right mirrorless system, you have to choose very carefully. For example, you would not choose the Fuji system if all you shot was fast action sports. You would end up throwing it up against a wall. There are a few things in my mind that needs to be improved with mirrorless systems: AF in low light and a change to phase detection AF. Of course, not all systems suffer from those two aspects, but there are a few that do. As far as I can see, mirrorless systems will only get better as the years go by, just as DSLRs did as each model came out over the past 10 years or so. I would never tell anyone to dump their DSLR. It's a personal decision and needs to be made solely by that person. Keep in mind, if you don't know already, that a lot of these mirrorless systems can use your Nikkor lenses with a simple adapter. Therefore, I suggest you do your research, find the right system for you, try it out if you can, buy it, use it, grow into it, all the while keeping your D300. A bit of advice: don't bite on the new Oly just yet. Let other people give a good shake-down first. Good luck!

AC016 said:

A bit of advice: don't bite on the new Oly just yet. Let other people give a good shake-down first. Good luck!

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That is why I'm giving myself 6 months.

Eduard said:

That is why I'm giving myself 6 months.

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Good choice. All the people that jumped on the X-E1 when it first came out were a bit disappointed. But, 3 firmware updates later, it has become a lot better. When I saw the new Oly, I was very impressed.

Eduard said:

That is why I'm giving myself 6 months.

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AC016 said:

Good choice. All the people that jumped on the X-E1 when it first came out were a bit disappointed. But, 3 firmware updates later, it has become a lot better. When I saw the new Oly, I was very impressed.

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Well at least that is what I'm telling myself now. . .

Eduard said:

Well at least that is what I'm telling myself now. . .

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Do we have to physically hold you back? lol.

Eduard said:

Well at least that is what I'm telling myself now. . .

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AC016 said:

Do we have to physically hold you back? lol.

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I have a feeling that if you spend a week or two with a D800(E) and using your own system (computer, post-processing, etc.) you would be amazed at the IQ and your camera malaise would be completely resolved. Yes, it's pricey, no doubt about it, but IMO it's money well spent.

I'll just put a thought out there for you, Eduard. I know your work . . . been watching it for 2+ years. You're a meticulous photographer with a high standard. Perhaps you need to spell out your exact needs to yourself. While being an excellent photographer, you are also a bit of a "gadget-o-phile" . . . you like "new toys," and I say this lovingly because I like toys, too.

My first digital camera was a Nikon coolpix with an electronic viewfinder, which I hated and couldn't wait to upgrade to a dslr. I doubt that I will ever go mirrorless . . . I LOVE actually seeing what I'm shooting. I'm still shooting with a D2X because I love the feel of it, and I know the controls inside out. When I want a certain shot, I don't want to spend too much time thinking about buttons or menus. For those reasons I will stay with Nikon and someday upgrade to a D3x. It's like riding a familiar horse over hill and dale and fence and rail . . . I know what he can do and it's instinctive.

So, what is your D300s NOT doing for you, really . . . or are you just tired of it?

ohkphoto said:

I'll just put a thought out there for you, Eduard. I know your work . . . been watching it for 2+ years. You're a meticulous photographer with a high standard. Perhaps you need to spell out your exact needs to yourself. While being an excellent photographer, you are also a bit of a "gadget-o-phile" . . . you like "new toys," and I say this lovingly because I like toys, too.

My first digital camera was a Nikon coolpix with an electronic viewfinder, which I hated and couldn't wait to upgrade to a dslr. I doubt that I will ever go mirrorless . . . I LOVE actually seeing what I'm shooting. I'm still shooting with a D2X because I love the feel of it, and I know the controls inside out. When I want a certain shot, I don't want to spend too much time thinking about buttons or menus. For those reasons I will stay with Nikon and someday upgrade to a D3x. It's like riding a familiar horse over hill and dale and fence and rail . . . I know what he can do and it's instinctive.

So, what is your D300s NOT doing for you, really . . . or are you just tired of it?

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Just wondering how old that Coolpix was? EVFs have come a long way. When it comes to viewfinders, Fuji is doing some awesome things, such as making hybrids; that is to say, an OVF and EVF combined. Therefore, you can still "see" what you are shooting. Just look at the X100 and the X-Pro1