Nikon Z8 + 180-600mm VS Sony A1 + 200-600mm | Would I Switch? 

I’m sure everyone would agree Nikon are faster for firmware updates than Sony. I know a lot of frustrated Sony owners out there that have been screaming for updates for their cameras for quite some time. I just touched on some of the reasons why I wouldn’t switch. I skipped build quality, reliability and top LCD screen etc to keep the video shorter. Interesting to note, at the time of making this video, here in Australia the Sony A1 on special retails for approx. $7500. I’ve seen the Z8 as low as $5500 on special (trust me I was tempted). Quite a difference in price 🤙📸

Both good gear. I would have gone for the Z8 for the same reasons, plus I like having a top screen on the camera to see my settings.

I owe Nikon Z9 with 180-600Z and it rocks. I like how it is balanced with this lens, also Z9 argonomics and how it feels in hands. Yes it is heavy, but reliable.

Thank you for answering the question in the first minute. I will remain a subscribers. I bristle at youtube creators who use deceptive click-bait titles (yours isn't) or make you wait or wade through their entire video for the climax only to find it's really anticlimatic and they were only trying to gain minutes of view for themselves and not deliver valuable content for their viewers. so thank you for being straight forward, and to the point.

The Nikon Z8 combined with the Nikon Z 180-600 (if you can find one) is a photographers dream. The images and the handling of camera and lens is fantastic.

Nice work, Adrian! I like and agree with all of your points. I think I'm finally going to buy a high resolution full frame body this year after choosing the lower resolution option for my last 3 full frame bodies. I'm waiting for the R5 Mark II but if it doesn't have a super fast stacked sensor like the Z8 and A1, I'm not going to be happy. No pressure Canon.

Great question to consider. Bonus that you have actually used the Sony A1 as well. Camera gear is such a big investment, it's no wonder people want to consider it carefully. Thanks for sharing your view.

Interesting to hear your reasons why you wouldn't, I would have both if I could but I'll stick with my drones. Enjoyable video Adrian and many thanks for sharing your thoughts - have a great weekend.

I was always a Nikon guy so I would not change. thanks for sharing Adrian.

I should be switching up to the A1 soon Adrian, if you lived next door we could do a joint comparison😂 I was recently looking at switching to the Olympus and OM systems loaned me one to try with the 100-400 lens. Only problem I would only switch for the Olympus 150-400 at £7000! I think we have to accept that all the top camera Companies make cracking cameras and the main difference is who is using it! By the way I always extend the grip on Sony's with an L-Bracket so I can switch to portrait quickly. The main reason I have for not switching brands is the cost to do so when you have invested in half a dozen lenses! Nice video mate and I respect you despite being a Nikon shooter😉😉👍👍

I own both, and honestly, the Nikon lens is much sharper, and I prefer the Z8 over the A1.

Hi Adrian, I personally don't like to switch to another brand because of the (too) high number lenses I own 😬 That was, by the way, also one of the main reason for me why I decided on Sony after shooting analogue at Minolta, as that was the same mount as Sony A, back then. One single common lens mount would be fine over all the manufacturers, but the camera industry seems to know what they do 😉 Thank you for this great video and have an enjoyable weekend, Christian

Of course !!! Nikon !!!❤👌👍

Great comparison Adrian & some key points to consider. I would never switch to another brand and not because I’m a fanboy but because it would be too much of a hassle and too lazy😂

Great video, good thoughts! Having switched to the A7iv from Z6ii for glass options/$$$, AF, 3-way tilt screen, the Sony met and exceeded all my requirements... and yet, I don't pick it up nearly as much. Absolutely love the Tammy 50-400, customization, smaller size, and 33mp sensor, BUT, i don't shoot as much anymore. Not sure why either, i can't place much fault on the Sony aside from color science, and screens. Hoping the Z7iii has the mp's and variable-tilt screen... may have to jump back! I also miss the Nikon community tbh.

Great very informative video Adrian. I also waiting for the APS-C professional one (I still have the D500 + Nikon AF-S 80-400). If Nikon will have a good APS-C, I would buy a Nikon Z 100-400 f4.5-5.6 S straight away - which is not so heavy. It is slightly to short focal lens for me on Z7II full frame. The Z 180-600 is much heavier... Can I ask you ? What is better in your opinion, if I will use the DX mode in Z7 II, or use Nikon Z teleconverter 1.4x on Z7 II (full frame mode - more pixels) + Z 100-400mm S ? Which option will give us better results or both similar ? Thanks in advance.

Great video Adrian. Isn't it funny about the ergonomics of a camera? I am the other way around, I don't like the feel of Nikon cameras and I absolutely HATE the look and feel of Canon camera bodies. All fair comparison points made here though mate. I wouldn't even trade my A7R3 for an A1 😂 Hope you are having a great weekend pal, take care!

After firmware updates version 2.0/2.01 for Nikon Z8 for autofocus tracking, Nikon Z8 wins because of its ergonomics and price. Also, 180-600 and 200-600 are comparable, although 180-600 is much newer lens, so it may be somewhat better in terms of image quality. Further, Nikon has a better choice of lenses and one can make a better camera system compared to Sony. Nikon is also good for free software updates and support.

Hello everyone. I'm planning on getting a new camera, I've shot on a nikon d3400 and am looking to upgrade to a mirrorless camera. Could you please suggest a good mirrorless camera, I mainly shoot birds and some macro.

100% agree. Nikon for sure. The fact that they are continuously updating their firmware is a huge plus. It's like having a new camera each time. Additionally, the Nikon Raw files are astounding in terms of picture quality and range. Also, no rolling shutter on the z8 as there's no mechanical shutter. Lastly, the 4k and 8k video shooting options I believe are more robust on the Nikon. Yes the Sony has better auto focus but, there's a lot more to that in photography which Nikon is just better in my opinion.

Nikon should update his z7 II with Bird AF. They will save production money, and boost sales for a good camera. But what I see, Nikon try to do the Sony thing - bringing every time a new camera with new features. This will go wrong, as Nikon can`t keep up with Sony production.

Adrian, I totally agree with you. Sony, did lead the pack in terms of mirrorless cameras however, Nikon has caught up with the Z9 and the Z8. In addition, Nikon’s variety of Z lenses is way better than anything that Sony has delivered. Aside from the 180-600, depending on our budget, there are multiple options for lenses such as the 100-400, 400 F4.5, 400 F2.8TC, 600 F6.3, 600 F4TC. Sony does not have any of those. Anyway, enjoyed the video. BTW, “You don’t own a Z8 yet?” LOL

And then there's price. The sony would cost you over $2500 more than the Nikon! For that money you could buy a couple of additional lenses or even a 2nd body. Sony is way overpriced IMO.