Please visit Hunt's Photo and Video. Undoubtedly the best Customer Service I've ever received from a Camera store. Follow this link! specials.huntsphoto.com/bayou-josh-specials.pdf
Dear Mr Josh I do not mean to pass any limits or lines but want to make photography, my passion, my job. Thus I was interested to know whether your only Income was from prints and your channel or whether you had another stream of income and if you had any advice for making a passion into a job. Thank you for your time. David
@@naturebydavidm Hi David. I don't make any money from photography other than what I make from RU-vid. It is my hobby. I do this on my spare time. I work 40-50 hours a week at my regular job. I've had the same career for a little over 20 years and my kids are grown so I spend a lot of my free time with Katie out in the wilderness photographing birds.
Nikon caught up, and have passed Sony. The files are better, ergonomics better, equipment is better. Everyone is having trouble producing equipment. Keep your Sony’s out of the rain and dirt , but enjoy 👍
@@jimpack9622 ergonomics, image quality all that is subjective.. you can make your way around anything if you're used to it..I have used all kinds of post processing software ( adobeLR/PS, affinity, gimp,darktable, rawtherapee etc..) at first switching looks intimidating but after spending time with each, you get the hang. Same with ergo/file etc... Just like switching from one digital keyboard
As long as you are not disparaging companies or spreading false information, you are free to shoot with whatever camera brand you want, and you should not be required to explain yourself or apologize to anyone because, at the end of the day, whether you are shooting for profit or not, it is your favorite hobby, so enjoy your new camera system and I hope you have a great time with your new equipment.
For me, this is a "non-issue". I've found incredible inspiration from your messages and musings. Never ONCE has, "What brand of CAR did Josh use to get to that venue?" affect my impressions of your content. In much the same way, what brand of camera you use to get to peace with nature and adventures is largely immaterial. I continue to shoot Nikon specifically because all my lenses, lighting, and accessories are NIKON compatible. Bodies come and go. (Though I still have and LOVE my D700 & D800, I am shooting my Z glass more and more.) What matters is getting out and enjoying your time. I'm able to, so I do. The fact that you've changed brands in no way diminishes the lessons you typically share on your channel, so I will continue to follow you. Thank you for what you've already done, and I look forward to your new content no matter "what" you shoot.
Thanks for the shoutout! Your analogy of jpg to raw in regards to 8 bit to 10 bit is spot on. I have told people the same thing. The difference is exponential! Have fun out there man!!!
I am a Nikon shooter but love and watch your channel not because of what equipment you use. True, I did learn a lot from watching you and others with regard to equipment but why try to reinvent the wheel? The value I get from watching you is how much time, dedication and ❤ you put into capturing amazing, lovely images. I also think you're probably one of the most down to earth 🌎 real person out there. Keep doing what you love. We'll keep watching.
"Nikon just caught up." Nikon's been building professional cameras for 63 years, since before Sony began exporting transistor radios outside Japanese. Nikon has had a legacy market with SLRs and DSLRs that needed to be maintained before they could think about a complete transition to mirrorless. To be fair, it took Sony 8 years fraught with trial and error in mirrorless to get to their flagship professional A1. It took Nikon half the time to develop the Z9, a camera as good as, and in many key respects superior to the A1. There's a word for closing the gap that fast: experience. As to your customer service situation with Nikon, I wholeheartedly agree, they need to reprioritize that.
I think Nikon celebrated 100th anniversary not long ago... and their Nikkor lineup was developed by Zeiss engineers back then (as Zeiss no longer could provide glass to Nikon so they nicked their engineers). Sony is an electronic giant and, of course, they would have an upper hand at the game since these mirrorless are mainly that. Also it didn't help that Nikon wasn't making their own sensor, and instead, they were buying it from Sony. Needless to say Sony wouldn't give Nikon their latest sensor and most of the AF performance these days depends on the speed of the sensor rather than the processor. The Z8 will be 60MP (mounting a Sony sensor 3 years later!). I shoot Nikon and won't change as I don't particularly like Canon's files (let alone Sony) but Nikon must pull their finger out (and fast too).
@@enricomarconi8358 It was actually former Leitz engineers that helped Nikon refine their existing optical processes back then, but you've got the right idea, yes. As to the sensors, Nikon has used a number of sensor suppliers over the past decade, including Sony, Tower Semiconductor and Toshiba (before Sony absorbed Toshiba's chip division). The development of the AF system has nothing to do with the sensor supplier. "The Z8 will be 60MP..." Probably more if Nikon goes the high res route with the Z8. And Nikon *is* moving fast right now, all things considered. It took Sony 9 years of trial and error to bring their top pro mirrorless body to market, the A1. It only took Nikon 4 years to bring their top pro mirrorless body to market, the Z9. People seem to think that one can just conjure up a whole new camera system from the ground overnight. It doesn't work that way, especially not if you're working towards creating a best-in-class system. Z lenses are now best-in-class, and the Z9 is the best pro mirrorless body you can buy right now, full stop.
@@njrtech I doubt Nikon reverse-engineered anything. They were building mirrorless cameras three years before Sony introduced the A-Series bodies. Sony's technological lead is an overplayed hand, frankly. Yes, their semiconductor division is class-leading, that is true, but sensor tech is about the only trick they have left...and they're not the only ones building excellent sensors anymore (btw: most of the lithography equipment used to make Sony sensors is manufactured by Nikon). Sony did pull ahead in mirrorless AF for a short while, but those days are over. I expect Canon and Nikon to leave them behind once again in the coming decade.
I did the same, but now after a few months with the A1 I regret it. When you spend too much time on RU-vid your perspective can get distorted. The A1 is a very good camera, but all the things that people complain about with the Nikons are all present as well. It has a few nice features, but there are far more things I miss about Nikons. Additionally, from my experience the Z9s autofocus was better than the A1. The z mount 70-200 (which is my workhorse) was better focusing and sharper than the GMii. Most importantly, the files out of the Nikons were just so much easier to work with and better overall; I have to spend much more editing time to get the same results. The A1 is a very nice camera and I've committed to it now, but if I could undo the switch, I would.
I heard the same from other two people. Nikon did let me down recently and sony do usually go over them. A few years ago Had a nex 6 and was amazed as well, today not sure who goes where. Waiting for the winner to rize. But nikon did lost this battle.
I have both. Love both 70-200 lenses. I think from my perspective, moving subjects, both look good. Sharp on the eye but not the iris. Still subjects, i think the Nikon wins but this is with people. I have little experience with birds but will play more when I get the 600. I like both. Its very hard to pick one. If i want the overall lighter weight to fit in my bag, its the A1 by far. If im going somwwhere rugged and im using the tilt screen vertically more, than the Z9 wins.
After borrowing the A1 and 600F4 from a friend and using it for 3 weeks, I sent my Z9 back and purchased the A1 + A7 RIVA and the 100-400 and 600 F4. Nikon does not allow customization of their cameras and function buttons at the same level as Sony and that was the deal breaker for me. Also the 30 FPS with the A1 does come in handy for my style of photography. But the tech features wasn't the reason I switched. With the Sony, whether I am shooting photos or videos, my eye never is forced to leave the EVF like it was with the Z9. Everything I need to do in the field under pressure is attainable with the Sony gear and that was not the case with the Z9. I was a 30+ year shooter of Nikon, so it took me missing a lot of opportunities to finally make the switch and I could not be happier.
Congrats on the new gear, it's fantastic to find the stuff that really works for you! :) As for brands... Found then-Nikon-using-you as a Canon-guy who also shot Sony and couldn't care less because I had found a channel of a guy who loves doing the same stuff I love doing, too... Photographing birds and overthinking it ;) Seriously, your channel is one of my favourite channels on this platform. Thank you so much for all the great content! Cheers, L
Good for you! Whatever makes the job easier and experience more enjoyable! I feel lucky I have not had any of the issues with Nikon I see others complain about with ordering. I got my Z9 relatively quick and just got my 800PF within a couple weeks of ordering. I went straight to Nikon USA for my orders. Either way I love you channel and enjoy all the content. You and your wife story telling is excellent and very relaxing! That has nothing to do with your gear. I can get gear talk from a thousand different places!
I'm really glad I found your channel! I'm a birder that has been carrying a camera the last 3-4 years. I'm using a bridge camera (Nikon Coolpix P900) at the recommendation of a birder friend. I'm not a photographer by any measure, but I'm ready to dive in. Looking to get something under 4k for bird pics, video and also been butterflying since 2019. Thoughts?
Straight-up Conversation, Josh… completely agree with your findings. Still have my D6 and 500/4, but the camera I use almost exclusively is the Sony a1. It’s amazing with the 100-400, 200-600, 70-200 lenses. I’ve been waiting for the Z9, but at 78, probably won’t get one in my lifetime.
Hey Josh, Awesome Video and defenetly subscribed c: I have the A7IV and some Sony Glas like the 200-600mm. Sadly I cant afford the A1....I love my A7IV, but sometimes I wish I had a little more speed (20 fps) and 4k 120fps. I am thinking about switching to the R5 with the RF 100-500mm. What do you think about the difference between the R5 and the A7IV for birds/wildlife? And what about the difference in the bird-eye-AF and AF-speed in general with these two? Thanks! :-)
The R5 is fantastic. seriously good tech. the AF is as almost indistinguishable between the two. The extra fps puts the Canon R5 on top for sure. but, that is what an extra $1400 gets ya. I don't want to complicate it for you but I have a good suspicion that Sony will be releasing a $3500 40-50mp camera in the near future. they are good about recognizing gaps in the lineup and filling that need quickly. Just a thought though.
@@BayouJosh thank you very much for the fast reply and your oppinion :-) You that would be awesome to have a Sony Ax with 20 fps and at least 40mp, thats not a $7000 A1 😅 And I defenetly do not have the wish to leave Sony, just the R5 used for $3500 seems like a steal for these specs...on the other hand the RF glas is defenetly a little overprieced (but nicely light&compact aswell). Tough decision. But thanks especially for your thoughts on the comparable AF speed and bird AF, very helpful 👍
I can’t understand the problems you had with the eye detection of the Z9. In my case it finds the eye of small birds, even black birds from unreal distance. Your channel once was about photographing birds and enjoying nature. It transformed into something where gear is the most important topic. I don’t care on what equipment you are shooting on and I simply hope you will again focus on the things that matters most: photographing animals, having fun outside and enjoying nature no matter which camera you’re shooting on. Peace!
I didn't have any problems with the Eye detection on the Z9. It was fantastic. this was not about the shortcomings of the Nikon Z9. It was about the fact that I switched out of the Z6II for Sony A7iv. I now had more Sony gear than Nikon and I went ahead and made the full switch to Sony. The A1 is really no different than the Z9 in any way. some small differences but nothing of note. It was the waiting that was killing me. They did great with the Z9 but I was still stuck with Two Z6ii cameras that didn't perform as well as my wife's Sony. How long would we have to wait to get a mid line camera? If I was just a photographer, it wouldn't matter. But I edit hours and hours of video a month and the Sony tech just works better for that.
I commented early on your video last Friday… sorry, didn’t mean to be part of you having to make an explanation video, lol. Anyway, subscribed because I love the story telling. Really not anyone doing what you and Mark Smith do, at least not as well. I did the switch about a year ago to Sony, same kit as you, and once I did, I pretty much unsubscribed from all the gear-centric channels and forums. So I hear ya on that… was finally enjoying myself again once the focus was back on the birds and animals and not the equipment. Although as you stressed, it’s even more enjoyable with gear that makes the adventures easier and keeper rates higher. Keep up the good work, Josh!
Great video, went down almost the identical path as you with regard to Nikon choices. Totally frustrated with the Z6ii’s ability to lock focus on moving wildlife so considered other offerings. Couldn’t justify dropping 6k on a Z9 so I looked at Canon and Sony and due to the ergonomics I decided to go with the R6. Could not believe the AF ability! Went from about a 30% keeper rate to close to 80%. Nikon may have caught up with the Z9 but at a cost out of reach for most of us. I refused to wait another year for a reasonably priced Nikon that could do what Sony and canon could do in that price range. Only regret is all the money I lost reselling my Nikon gear. Glad you found what fills your needs. Brand loyalty is highly over rated and only benefits the manufacturer.
I spent over a week thinking through how I felt about your switch (I even had a long email draft). In the end - it's not my choice, it's yours, and because I respect you - I respect your preferences. I come to your channel (actually I have notifications on), because I enjoy your content, and I love sitting and listening to your adventures. If you are happy - then I'm happy for you! (both you as an individual, and you as a couple). On top of it all is the fact that you bring some very valid points to the table. With all my heart I wish you nothing but the very best. edit: Oh - and yes - Mark puts out some fantastic content.
This video is important in that it deal with an issue we often overlook. It is about workflow, which system best fits our work. Thanks for sharing what works best for you. I also think it immensely makes sense to have the same system as your partner when you are expedition shooting together.
What you say always resonate with me, it is incredible! I have been a Nikon user for 30 years and recently thought of either switching to Canon or to Sony. It is natural, we should not be loyal to a certain brand, but rather committed to loving nature and expressing our love through excellent photography. But my question is, do NiKon lenses work well with the Sony camera body? do you need an adaptor that is manufactured by Sony?
Two years ago I built a new desk, specifically to house two computers and dual monitors for both work and photo needs. Not once has anyone asked me what brands of saw, router, glue and lacquer I used to put it together. I came for your storytelling, images and enthusiasm. Having literally just retired a week ago, my motivation is now to get out, shoot, start making some videos too and enjoy the journey.
Good deal Josh!! I got the Sony A7iv about a month ago and really like it. Do you think the Sony FE 100-400mm is good for wildlife or would you go with the Sony 200-600mm?
That 100-400 is a little short for bird photography unless you can get close. I'm probably gonna grab a 200-600 because it's just more versatile and you only lose 1/3 stop at the long end. Seems like a not brainer.
I just watched this film on the laptop in the kitchen as my missus was making a brew. The amount of times she laughed as you reeled off all your traits( impatience, bird brain etc, etc). The similarities are uncanny. I'm in exactly the same boat Josh, getting really frustrated waiting and seriously thinking about changing systems. Thanks for your honesty but like you say its shouldn't be all about the gear just getting out there and doing what we love. Keep up the great work👊🏼📷🎥
I wish I could change that about myself. too caught up in my ways I guess. Katie says I act entitled. I appreciate it Simon. Thanks for tagging along my friend.
Right? I know most if not all the people that watch our videos have a limited need. They take pictures. We are using parts of the gear that I generally did not know existed prior to making a video every week. there are nuances between each brand for sure. However, I feel like Sony is made for content creators. It just works better for video. Meh....Gear. People want us to just shut up about it but it's the most popular videos on RU-vid. they all want to see more and debate it. I just want to make the nature videos but I post a gear video once a month to keep the gear traffic coming in. maybe I need to reconsider my thinking.
@@BayouJosh ohhh man you are so right about that. We need to talk sometime. I feel kind of forced to push gear lol !! I want to make more nature videos but the debate of gear the excitement pushes content creators in that direction. Feel the same way gear meh... Sony feels more RU-vid friendly for sure. I think they get it . If you ever want to talk sometime or do a collaboration let me know. One idea is the differences in wildlife photography between your area and mine. I live in hunting. I feel that many photographers think wildlife and great photos are easy. Well depends on where you live LOL ! Do not expect bears in Nebraska.
I'm shooting with theNikon D500 but i really have to say that you are right. I'm waiting since 3 years now for the Z8 or Z6iii etc and I really want to buy it. But I'm tired of waiting. I concerned myself to switching to Sony because the all around system (third party lenses...) are much better and cheaper. On Friday I'm gonna sell all my Nikon stuff and switching to the Sony A7iv. cheers
Sony guy here. Just from my perspective, so take it with a grain of salt... I would seriously consider renting the setup you're interested in before making such a rash decision. Josh had the luxury of trying out the a7IV and the 100-400 before switching from Nikon, so he could see if it was for him. I mean if you're intent on selling and you're just done with Nikon, that's fine, but I'd also try Sony, and Canon before pulling the trigger to make sure you want to actually switch. Switching brands is a big, expensive decision lol. Whatever you decide, good luck!
I'm in the same situation. I am still shooting with a D500 and I have several really nice lenses. I am ready to make the move to mirrorless and have been waiting for Nikon to improve their AF tracking. The Z9 is to much camera for me (can't get it anyway) and the Z6ii and Z7ii don't have the AF tracking capabilities that I want to have. So, I'm waiting for the Z8, but I am getting tired of waiting. I have already been looking at Sony, but its a HUGE jump to a new platform.
@@alchemist_x79 thanks for the response and help. I know it's a radical step to swap a complete system, but when I think I'll have to wait longer, I'm happy to take it. I also think that the next generation (hopefully in the fall) of cameras from Nikon will certainly be stunning, in terms of autofocus. However, there will certainly be long waits again and other lenses from other manufacturers are not yet offered, then I think I will dare to take the step to Sony. Also I´m not a bird photographer (I'm shooting sports, especially mountaineering), but I love your channel Josh. Sorry for my poor English. Kind regards from Austria.
I am not a wildlife photographer, the longest lens I own is the 70-200mm. I shoot weddings, landscapes, macro, animals etc. I waited patiently for the Z9 and even after owning nothing but Nikon cameras, the learning curve on the new tech and menus is steep. That said, I have tried both canon and Sony and although canon is a close second…I love the ergonomics of the Z9 (my d850 had the battery grip on it the entire time) after testing the three brands I came to the conclusion that you can’t go wrong with any of them, they are all amazing…you just pick which ever one feels right to you. I know you will enjoy your Sony setup. I’ve always thought it was silly when people would say “Chevy rules! Ford Sucks!” How about they are all good! (People take sides on brands on everything, and it’s good that you picked what’s best for you!)
I watch your channel for the content, was it cool that you and I were at one time both patiently waiting for the Z9 at the same time, Sure..., Am I going to ditch your channel because you switched?, Absolutely Not. Just like you, I have struggled to get lenses for my Z9 and had to wait longer than desired so I absolutely understand your situation. Myself and others talked about what we felt was your apparent switch on Chucks Channel (AP Studios) Saturday night and No one took issue with you switching and as Chuck and I have said you shoot what your comfortable with and if your happy with it ....fine. You didn't have to address the elephant in the room as you say but I understand why you did, some people (hopefully very few) will feel betrayed for some silly reason that you switched, they need to look at the big picture and deal with it. I mentioned on Chucks channel I don't expect you to start bad mouthing the Z9 (and you haven't), you just stated an obvious fact, getting the accessories for this camera is a slow process and your now in a business producing content and you want and need certain things now, not 6-8 months from now. I wish you the best and for the record being a newbie to video I have been shooting 10 bit as well, take care my friend and as I say Enjoy Life......Capture some of it. 🙂
I sure appreciate it Jeffrey, You are a good friend and I always appreciate and respect your feedback. apparently there are quite a few that don't take lightly someone using a different tool. over 60 unsubscribed in the first couple of hours. It seems gear matters more to some than the beauty of this hobby. Thanks as always Jeffrey. really enjoying your content. Keep it coming.
Wow, thanks for sharing. More importantly, welcome to the club.. haha Also, it makes a lot of sense for the "house" to be on the same platform, whatever that is.
Happy you found something that works for you, Josh! I follow you because of your storytelling. I will say though this video got me kinda itchy without a scratch as I couldn't follow exactly what cause your switch cause it seems like you were comparing the A1 to a Z6 or D850 and not the Z9. I switched from Sony to the Z9 and love it! The only downside for me is waiting on new glass but I figure I can spend time getting better with the stuff I have. :) Peace and I look forward to listening to more of your stories.
Yeah, I was kind of all over the place. The Z9 is perfect. seriously. It really came down to the next tier of cameras which is the Z6ii vs the A7iv. The bottom line is we had to consolidate equipment and the Sony gear just works for us.
I bought a complete Sony kit from Hunts because of your promo - A1, A7rV, 400f2.8, 600f4, 200-600 and a bunch of accessories. I got tired of waiting for Nikon to ship their big glass. Matt was the sales guy. I didn’t use any links - just used chat to haggle a good deal for all of it. Thanks for the tip- they were great.
Thank you for the clarification. Looking forward to your future videos. I get it that gear isn't the priority, but many of us are casually trying to do what you are doing. Showing us how you do it is part of why we watch.
As a Nikon user, you will get nothing but support from me. As mentioned in some of the comments, your channel is about photography and the experience of being outdoors doing bird photography. Cameras are tools, we should all use the best tools we can afford and suit our styles / needs. Love your channel.
Sounds like there were many reasons, but Nikon not having a Z mount 600mm F4 may have been a factor. If you could have gotten the new Nikon 600mm F4 with TC at that time without waiting, would you still have switched to Sony?
Personally I think it's not about having to wait for Nikon gear, then you would never have waited so long for the Z9. I think it's about saving money by not having 2 different camera systems in the household. Your wife didn't want to change so you had to.
Josh anyone who gets a burr in their saddle over you changing systems needs to get a life. These things are tools nothing more nothing less. I shoot Nikon and have for almost 50 years. I have a Z9 ordered and I am admittedly disappointed that I have not received it yet but I can still shoot good photographs with my D500 and D850. I don't think I can afford to change systems, so I will just wait it out. If I was not retired, (secret, working pays better than retirement), I might consider it. I have managed to stay calm about the whole thing though it has been disappointing. You just keep shooting those gorgeous photographs with your lovely wife and telling us those stories. I can hardly wait to see yours pop up every Friday. God Speed Young Man!
Thank you Floyd! There’s been a bunch of them. Including a few emails. Baffles me that people get so upset about it. Some are really concerned about the way I spend my money.
I have been shooting nikon for years and I own a d780. I was still waiting for a Nikon good mirrorless camera with competitive AF, but just as you, I was tired of waiting the next and next camera. Just as your wife, I ordered a sony a7iv last week and I am pretty happy with. It's lighter, takes less room in a bag, is more practical for street photography, articulated screen. All good. No matter what brand you shoot, I'll keep being inspired and interested in your youtube videos. You share your experiences about bird photography just a delicate and mesmerizing way. Just keep on doing your stuff. It's all good :)
I recently bought a Z6ii (Z9 is out of my league - weight and price). I'm now starting to regret that I didn't look at the Sony that Katie is using. Mainly because it seems to be so much lighter as well as competitive in price. Trouble is I am so I vested in Nikon with the lenses I've purchased (including the 500pf) that I can't justify losing so much money. How do people afford to trade in their gear and take such a hit financially? I think I am stuck now with Nikon (hoping probably in vain that they will improve eye auto focus for animals and birds). Anyway, I will spend my money on trips abroad rather than gear as the life experiences are more important (that is until I miss a great shot). Regards to all from UK
Yeah, that’s tough. That’s definitely why I didn’t go looking sooner. Luckily the Z9 is a hot item and I got 100% of my money back on that. Additionally, the Lenses were easy to offload due to the low inventory. I figured I better do it now before another 10,000 Z9 cameras hit the stores.
@mike farwell Thanks for responding, Mike. I'm not going to buy any more gear (famous last words!). I want to concentrate on learning to get the best out of my two cameras (D500 &Z6ii) and getting out and about. Got a trip to South Africa shortly, so I'm in training 😁
A photographer shouldn't shoot with a device he is not comfortable with. If you are having problems with Nikon, exit ASAP and love your photography rather than always thinking about the gear. For me, I am perfectly fine with Nikon and my Z6 ii.
That was one of your best videos. You were simply "ON" with flow of thought and translating it into words and the whole thing flowed wonderfully. I'm at a similar sort of place. I say "sort of" b/c while you were going through a LOT of different Nikon cameras and lenses, I first bought a Canon 60D (which I still have) and then I bought a 7D Mk2. And a Canon EF 100-400mm mk 2 - the Classic. One of the finest lenses ever. Then I needed more reach than 400mm and my bird photography teacher suggested I go with a Sigma 150-600mm since I didn't have the big bucks to buy a Canon 600mm. Who does? So I got the Sigma and then I realized I didn't like switching from one lens to another in the field. So I bought a good used 7D Mk2. Put the Sigma on the newer 7D and the Canon on the older. And that is what I've used for the last 5 years. So here's the deal Josh. Those two DSLRs are getting a lot of shutter activations. Some day...the shutters will self-destruct, right? That was my main thought when I began to get interested in that word - MIRRORLESS . Because they don't have friggin' shutters! And then I started to see what they had on top of that. It was like "mirrorless cameras" are actually "just as good" as DSLRs. Boy was I from Hicksville. So now I had a problem, Houston. I've always been a Canon feller just like you were a Nikon feller. So I started looking at the R5 and R6 of course. And I figured I'd get one of those when the time came. But then I began to read some horror stories on B&H reviews about the R6 in particular which was what I'd have gotten due to cost. I don't know if those stories are indicative of anything significant but it just gave me pause. I wasn't going to get a Nikon, period. But I started to hear good things about Sony. Some of which came from Katie, honestly. And then you. So now I am reading about Sonys! LOL. Trying to figure out their naming system. Like what is this "R" thing - you know? You have an A4 and an AR4. Huh? Then there's the A3 which I figured out was the old A4. And there's the A9 and A1. New world. I DON'T KNOW! Call it intuition. I just have a feeling about Sony's cameras. I've even looked at micro 4/3rds for Josh sake! But I like that white color on the Sony lenses, they remind me of my EF "L" 100-400mm lens. So okay I've hesitated to switch from Canon b/c I am heavily invested in lenses for my Canons. I don't think I can use my Sigma 150-600 on a Sony so both of my zoom telephotos would be superfluous. Anyway, long story. But once I started it just kept going. Sorry............😂
You probably don't remember, but talked about the SONY A1 almost a year ago in the comments of one of your videos at that time. I was telling you how good it is and that it's the new mirrorless benchmark the competition has to deal with, did not expect you to switch at that time, so it also surprised me alot. But on the other hand, I own the A1 + A7IV and know how fantastic they are, so I am not surprised at all ;-) LOL Anyways, I think you are a 100% right, gear does not matter as long as you find YOUR gear which fits your requirements and style the best. Who care's about the brands, I was also into NIKON for years and owned the D850 + Z6, and switched to the SONY A9ii, no regrets as you can imagine ;-) I will also follow you if you're switching to Canon in two years, or to Fuji in another 2-3 years, people like me care about you, your stories, and your content ..... I don't give a sh*** which gear produced it. It's absolutely ridiculous to unsubscribe just because someone switched the brand, that's childish. Just my two cents, Marco from Switzerland
Absolutely nothing wrong with making a change! I'm happy with Canon for the time being but there have been times I was envious of different systems when certain glass was announced at a more affordable price point. Most recently, I briefly felt like that when Nikon announce the PH 800mm but I'm going to stick with Canon. About four years ago, I bought a new Camaro. I thought it would be a fun way to travel across the NV desert from Napa to the Tetons and spent four years being envious of the photographers with all wheel drive. I traded that Camaro in a few weeks ago for a new Toyota Tundra 4x4. Never too late to make a change or rectify a mistake. Great video!
Great video, as a sony user Ive still been watching your videos when using Nikon becuse the content is good and now will still still watch even more now ;)
Thanks Josh, a well presented justification. Personally I am very happy with the Nikon systems I have, particularly now I have the Z9. Since getting the new camera I have only turned the 7ii on on a couple of occasions and am only keeping it as an emergency back-up. I like to shoot a variety of genres and for many, the Z6 & 7ii perform outstandingly well but, I agree, the autofocus system was/is lacking for some aspects of bird photography although, having said that, I have got some superb results with both those cameras. I am not a professional either although I too signed up for NPS which helped me get my Z9 reasonably quickly, but I am also quite a bit older than you, a pensioner with no income so the cost of switching brands would be prohibitive if I were to even consider it - which I am not. Here in the UK I hear from the resellers I deal with that the delays that we suffer getting new stuff from Nikon also applies to the other brands so there really isn't any benefit in switching to speed up availability. Enjoy your new system but please don't rub it in in future videos. I enjoy your style as to how you go about your photography, the choice of locations, subjects and approach but don't want to hear that you could only get that because you have a Sony!!! For me, the Z9 will be my system of choice for probably the rest of my serious photography / videography as I certainly won't be able to afford anything else and will only change when age catches up and I find these systems are too heavy to carry around and use effectively at which point I would probably go to a micro 4/3 system (The Olympus OM-1 is getting very good reviews from both a Sony A1 user and a Nikon Z9 user!!!). I look forward to your continuing adventures.
nice thoughts , thats what i always thought about nikon theres no 600mm native mount yet , so i went sony , how did you rate the a1 and the a7 iv for locking on the eye ? are they similar , i dont need the fps of the a1 but if its drastically different and was wondering if its worth getting an a7 iv over my a7riv ( which has no bird eye focus and misses allot ) , thanks
It’s pretty damn close. Noticeably more evf blackout but overall, the eye tracking and speed of the AF is damn good. It’s like a reliable Toyota and the A1 is a Porsche!
Really funny to see how people can change opinion so quickly 😂. If I could afford to buy a Z9, I would think twice before such an expense and probably would keep it for years …
The good news is I used the Z9 for 3 months and sold it for what I paid for it. So no loss there. I held on to Nikon for 9 years and avoided the temptation to switch for several years. so....I wouldn't say It was a quick decision.
Great honest video Josh !!! That elephant was running naked streaking through your last video saying look at me look at me !!! lol I think everyone noticed it lol 😂😂😂Look you don't owe anyone an explanation do what makes you happy and what gives you the best results. I think you made a great decision, wish you many years of happiness with your new gear bud !!!
Watched your video about switching from Nikon to Sony. I wonder why a photographer needs to publicize about switching camera gear in YT. What is so big deal. The same thing has been done by Mark Smith, Steve Matheis and now you. I wonder whether you make this sort of YT video as promotional purpose sponsored by the camera company. Camera equipment are not cheap and amateur photographer shooting with one brand of camera for many years (> 20 yrs) starting from film to digital collects many good lenses and bodies. Unless you are a professional photographer or have tons of money in your pocket, it is difficult to change entire set of gears to another brand. Also, it is not so easy to sell out large number of camera equipment in reasonable price. Not everyone has that skill. The history of Nikon and Canon started with film and then transitioned to digital photography. Sony was infant at that time. Also, if we take a ratio of good picture taken by a photographer I wonder how much it depends on the best gear in the market. Mark Smith started his career with Nikon. I wonder whether he has been taking super quality pictures lately with Sony compared to what he took with Nikon D500+Nikkor 200-500mm.. In your video, you have contradicted yourself in many points. A quality picture can also be taken with any camera. It's the matter of situation, innovative and creative thinking of the image maker and often luck.
I am a Nikon shooter and when I found your channel thought it was nice that you were also but not why I starting following you. Just love what you do and how you do it…just a fan of you, not the gear you use. Keep doing you and I will keep following !!! 😊
Well, photography seems to be an oligopoly market. Basically we have three main brands (Canon, Nikon and Sony). Now all of them have great cameras. Nikon is great ATM with their new lenses. The new 600mm f4 with teleconverter blows Canon and Sony out of the water! I often hear glass is more important than bodies (they come and go) but the glass stays for a long time! 😇 Hopefully we will see some tele lenses with teleconverter from Canon and Sony, too. For Sony it would be a premiere! Canon has done this before in their EF line-up. 🤔
I find nothing fake nor phony about you, that is refreshing. I appreciate your honesty regardless of which camera body you use. Keep up the great work. Teach us more, I too shoot the a1 with the 200-600mm lens. The 600mm lens is a bit above my pay grade, and yet my pictures are quite good...to me. Please keep up the good work.
Another simple, plain speaking, honest description of where you are with your camera gear and why you changed Josh. You are a breath of fresh air on You Tube sir, keep doing what you're doing😉👍
I’ve just sold my business and want to get back to shooting professionally again after 10 years away. I went through similar thoughts as you. My business was in cameras so Ive had the chance to try most gear. Up until the A1,A7IV I think the ergonomic argument against Sony held true. With the latest generation of Sony cameras this narrative about ergonomics simply isn’t true any more. They are so customisable as well as usable . Simple things like being able to assign ISO to the rear scroll wheel and program FN buttons to switch between animal af and bird af as well as turn eye af on make the Sony cameras excellent now. I picked up my A7IV today after not touching it for a month (using other cameras) and everything is so logical that it just convinced me that Sony are the way I will go with my full frame gear. This despite me having a slight bias against them historically. Of course the lens lineup is great too, hitting many price points with great quality (including 3rd party options). Nikon don’t have the options that I want and Canon lenses are either very expensive but great, or cheap but not upto the quality I want. Now I’ve made my choice it’s time to forget about the gear and get out and enjoy nature.
I agree with Susan. I couldn't care less what camera you use. I miss you and Katie and your program very much. Please do us a favor and come back soon.
Found your channel because of your z6ii use. Found your content enjoyable aside from the gear talk. I researched Sony gear and asked lots of questions of local photographers and the recurring theme was a lack of reliability battery and lack of battery life. Good luck with you Sony stuff and good luck with the channel.
I don't mind switching. I started out with Pentex for film, then had a Fujifilm DSLR, and finally Nikon for mirrorless. It doesn't matter which brand you are in. What matter is more how you use gear and master it. But I do agree with you, Nikon is barely catching up, we shall see how the big 3 compete.
Now back to regular programming. Although I am a Nikon shooter I didn’t subscribe because you were. I found the content entertaining. Glad that you are satisfied with your choice of gear. I have to admit that I was getting caught up in gear talk all over the internet to the point I was shooting less because I didn’t own anyone’s flagship camera. I then took that energy and applied it to learning my camera better and now I’m enjoying what I have and my photos. One thing that is clear to me is know matter what brand or how much you invest you can you can still take an average picture that’s focused perfectly. Can’t wait for your next non gear video. Thanks
Wise words. I am a Sony shooter but also love to watch your channel, not because the equipment you use. Real reason is that your storytelling and values to do birding are so good. So started to watch your videos right away when noticed your storytelling gift, no matter the gear. Also thinking that the best thing is to buy and use gear which you can and like the most.
Photography is a means by which one can express a feeling that only lasts a few seconds in some cases, the equipment we have is just a tool we use to capture that moment. I enjoy and learn from many people who, like you, take the time to make and edit videos so that people like me can learn a little more, it doesn't matter the equipment that is used but the quality of the content that this video has. So even though I am still a Nikonian I will not stop supporting every photographer that can capture my attention with their images regardless of the brand of their equipment. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos that help distract my thoughts from my work life. I will be looking forward to your next video, until then I hope you have good light for your bird photograph.
Don’t feel like you owe anyone anything. Including this video… except Katie. We may leave, we may stay. Do your thing. What you lose in guys like me that watch for as much the Nikon use and setup as the photography, you will gain in others for the same. ✌️
@@BayouJosh wow! I watched Tony and Chelsea and they were talking about how shallow the buffer was and that it took a while for the camera to process the images. Maybe they were talking about another Sony. Dang, I wish I had 30fps!!!! Sounds like a dream! Happy photoing josh!♡
I never looked back after swapping the Nikon D850 for the Sony A9 ! I go for what does the business ! The 200-600mm and 600mm f4 were the icing on the cake ! The A1 is the best camera to date in my view!
Totally understand where you’re coming from and you’re right, shoot with what you’re comfortable with. I’m still using a D500 because I know that camera inside out and I can immediately change from one AF Group to another while tracking a bird in flight. I have practiced and practiced in order to do it quickly and it works for me. I’m not bothered about the latest and best tech as long as I’m not missing anything with my current set up, I’m happy.
As long as you're out there getting some awesome images, who even cares what word is printed on your device? They are all the same thing, all cameras have a sensor, all cameras use lenses, and all modern cameras capture beautiful images! Use that beast of a D500 of yours and just go out and have fun... That's what counts. Why do wildlife photographers relate, because we bought devices with the same name on them, yes maybe a bit, but it's because we all go out into the bush, struggle with the same stuff, build similar skills with our cameras, adapt to our environments, and strive to get the best images. So that is what should keep us together. And if you have a brand related question, then yes, go ask someone that shoots the same brand as you, otherwise just enjoy the community😁
I am a Canon R5 shooter, I watch your videos because they are always interesting, your commentary and presentation are superb. Gear matters .. but it doesn't matter 😉
Thanks Ike. Honestly I don’t even think about cameras that much anymore. Just trying to make pretty content now. Except when I don’t do gear reviews my views are 90% less. People love talking about cameras.
I watch your content for your and Mrs. Bayou’s banter, casual relatable conversation and joy for photography. As a canon and Nikon user it was cool seeing you use gear I was familiar with. Switching brands won’t stop my liking of your content. I do wonder about the “just caught up” comment. Is that a good or bad thing. One one hand Sony is on generation IV and gen III of stacked sensor while Nikon is kinda on 1.5(?) and first with stacked sensor and has caught up relatively quickly going from an afterthought in video and uncompetitive in mirrorless af to having arguably best hybrid for video and stills in Z9. That along with the lens line up that’s out now and to come by end of year is something to feel confident about. On the other hand Sony has A9iii and A7r5 likely coming out in next couple years and will continue to push envelope. At the end of the day we as photographers win.
We need to understand that the tech race will never end. Additionally, they only have one interest and that is profits. I'm sure Sony could pull their resources and build the perfect camera for every need. But what good would that do for the shareholders. incremental improvements is the name of the game.
Well I have Canon and you had Nikon. Now that you have Sony, I guess I will keep my Canon and still watch your videos… 😂😂😂😂😂 Keep them coming our way. I’m from Portugal by the way and as long as I think your stories are fun and interesting count me in. Don’t care much about the rest. Cheers!
I like your honest to goodness attitude Josh that is why I like your videos and thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am a Canon shooter and I really enjoy your channel.
I think you did a great job breaking down the how and why you switched, but one thing bothers me. Towards the end of your video you commented about the ergonomics and menus. I agree that you can sit down and learn the differences in the placement and languages, but it's the ergonomics part that got me the most. Sony has drastically improved their ergonomics on all of their newer models in my opinion. People usually are referring to the older models that had absolutely horrible ergonomics, and the menus were also a lot worse on those models in my opinion as well. I've actually started jumping ship little by little myself, but to Canon for lots of reasons. You are right about flippy screens....never again will I go without one.😆 Keep doing you and we will watch👍👍📷
Josh - I have been watching your channel for several months now because you focus on the “why” of bird photography, not the gear. I couldn’t care less about you getting rid of your Nikon gear and going all in on Sony. I just hope to see videos featuring you and Katie on your adventures for a long time to come. Cheers!
I have been using Nikon incident free since 1972 thats 50 years but here in Africa I really love my Canon Pixma Printer and my Sony TV is awesome ... Never had a thought of ever changing my camera Brand though.. I think this could be the USA way of Instant Gratification Just watch the Northrops, Fro , etc and then compare to say Matt Irwin in Australia ..Nikon SA has received about 10 x Z9's so far I am told ..So what Nikon will never let you down.
Every story and use case is different as you know. It's not just about the gear. Don't worry Josh, I will never hit the unsubscribe button !! Keep making those great videos!!! Love them!
I just started with photography and haven’t gotten into wildlife yet. I’m a big fan of Morten Hilmer and how he uses his Nikon gear. To him its just a tool and his camera and lenses get beaten up a lot. So I’m heavily drawn to Nikon. So would you recommend Sony to a newbie? With a D7500 and 300PF you’ll get an amazing starters kit for ~2k used and have an amazing lens to keep. Are there any “old glas” options for Sony users?
Nikon does have great old options. The 300pf specifically is awesome. That is why I stayed with the Nikon as long as I did. I used a lot of older gear. I was in the situation that allowed me to explore all my options. Like I said in the video, if Nikon would have just answered an email or returned a phone call, I would likely still have that Kit. That being said, I am very happy with the Sony A1 and 600mmf/4. It is awesome. but to answer your question...you are in a great kit and make a great point about old equipment.
I've been shooting Sony for over 4 years. Enjoy! I've been following you not for any brand, but for your love of nature and no bs attitude. Happy shooting!
I get your frustration on the Nikon wait, 5 months ago I bought the 100-400mm and still waiting, bought the 800mm pf and waiting, I guess I could appreciate Nikon teaching me about patience and self control but men... Still sticking to nikon gear since I don't feel like I'm squeezing it even 20%
I do have a problem. Now that you have the same camera I do, I am supposed to follow you even more. How do it do that, I have already seen all your videos :-) ? I love your story telling, it doesn't matter what you shoot. Hopefully you'll get to try the digital microphone that mounts on that new Sony hot-shoe; I have been wondering how good the sound capture might be with that thing and it's 3 recording patterns you can switch with just a button.
Thanks Frederic, I appreciate it man. I use that NTG video mic and I noticed the sound it super crisp with the Sony Pre-amps. I'll look into the other options.
Really a great video Josh and welcome to Sony. You are actually the first one I followed on YT that don’t shoot Sony but I followed you just because you are good at what you’re doing. And seeing you go to Sony now is just nice. But did you go with A1? 😀
Thank you so much Chris. Yes, I got the A1 and a couple of A7iv's. One for just video and Katie has had the other A7iv for a couple of months. Thank you for the kind welcome.
@@BayouJosh you’re so welcome and well deserved. Man I wish I someday can say “I bought the A1 and a couple of A7IV’s” 😀 But I won’t stop believing. One day I will own the A1. Keep up the good work. And Katie too 👍
At the end of the day it all balls down to what works for YOU and some just can’t wrap their heads around that. I’m glad I didn’t care what people thought about my choice to move from Nikon to Sony and Canon over a year ago, best decision I made. Now I admit my only mistake was that I went from Nikon DSLR to Nikon Mirrorless. The D850 and the lenses I owned was superior to me over the Z7/Z7II and Z6/Z6II and I should never made the switch because Nikon just wasn’t there yet. In my decision making process I lost a lot of money and ran into a lot of headaches. I now own the Sony A1, Sony A7IV, and Canon R5 and I couldn’t be happier.
That was my sentiment as well. I definitely regretted that move. But I need a video and I had some old F Mount glass. That I eventually sold pretty quick. So yeah Nikon DSLR to Nikon mirrorless was a mistake.
I have been enjoying this channel since before I even owned a camera. "excluding the camera phone ;-)" Our Trip to Yellow Stone Sept '21 had us attempting to take photos along side all of those big lenses. about the 2nd or 3rd day we decided we needed to do some research on the "big lens" when we return. We decided for the budget the Sony 200-600 was the lens, now what camera. As research and waiting for deals on bodies, we ended up deciding to put camera gear on the Christmas list. Ended up with the A7IV at the end of the year. Good to have choices and glad you made the best choice for your needs. Looking forward to Friday's with Josh and Katie!
My interest in gear is just the search for the better can opener. Forty years as a press photographer found me using, in order: the Konica T3, Nikon F2, the Canon F1, A1, Nikon F3, FA, F4 + Canon EOS1 35-350, Nikon NC2000, Nikon D1, D1X, D2, & D700. Required to shoot and produce online videos and stills, I added the Canon SX40,50&60 and then the Leica V-Lux 114 before retiring (rather than shoot with an I-phone like my co-workers). Given enough daylight the SX series and 114 allowed me to shoot video and stills at the same time and transmit from my phone! Having bought the SX60 and 114 they came with me when I retired and I got into bird photography through them. Being 65+ I appreciated the light weight. I got into your channel through your Canon R5 experience but stayed for the stories. While I'm rooting for Nikon I can understand why you and Mark Smith switched. Mark was using the finest ax in the forest for years, the D850, when some of his clinic clients started showing up with Sony chainsaws. I no longer shoot professionally but was intrigued by the new focusing tech so, being old and retired, needed a light weight kit and now, you can add the Lumix G9 and 100-400mm lens to the list above. With the G9's 2.4 software upgrade I'm a pretty happy camper but, I have to admit, I'm keeping one eye on a possible Canon R7 and their 100-500mm lens. In their time each of these camera makers has offered me a frontier of new possibilities and/or portability. For the serious photographer, GAS is not a sickness, it's our natural curiosity fanned by a desire to record and share and improve the images we take. I like my G9 and have learned enough about MFT to think the format has a lot to offer. But the G9's new capabilities have also pointed out what I need to do to be a better wildlife photographer, and this year, I'm really looking forward to the arrival of our black skimmers. I hope gear questions don't upset you. We're just curious about what you shoot and why because, like Charlie, we've spent a lot of time tagging along with you and Katie. I'll always look forward to the stories the two of you tell, no matter what gear you use.
We sure appreciate you tagging along with us Bruce. You are right. there is always a new frontier being exposed by each camera manufacturer. I'm sure we will see something else new in the years to come.
One more question. Apart from the wait with Nikon equipment (Just the Z9 body). Assume you had the 400mm and the 600mm was available today (and you had it today). Was the Z9 a satisfactory camera?
Absolutely! 100%. If Nikon professional services would’ve just sent me an email telling me when the 400 was going to arrive, I’d still have it. Availability is sometimes the best ability a camera company can demonstrate. That being said, I love the A1 and the 600 mm F4. So light and balanced. Still have a ways to go to completely feel comfortable but it’s been a smooth transition.
