I'm thinking of upgrading my DSLR Nikon 3200 DX to Full Frame Mirrorless, is it worth it?

[Jasonovich]

I probably should be posting this thread on What Camera but as I have erected my tent on WHF, I'm a little lazy to budge.
I have so many expensive hobbies, like HiFi, PCs and Cameras that it makes it almost neigh on impossible to save up on a rainy day!

I've been using my ubiquitous Nikon 3200 DX DSLR for several years now, I have fast aperture lens that costs twice as much as the camera, all collection of lens and I'm thinking shall I upgrade to Full Frame Mirrorless Nikon Z5 II camera with in-body stabilisation, is it worth starting all over again?

I love the idea that you can take FX full-frame sensor size photos, which is 36mm x 24mm. Nikon’s DX sensor size is 23.5 x 15.7mm, so there's a lot more coverage on the former.
What's putting me off, is the costs, though relatively speaking £1500 for a full frame Nikon Z5 II camera (body only) is reasonable. I could consider the older Z5, which are selling at £850 but it's quirky and only half as good as it's successor. There are other brands but I'm a Nikon guy, don't mention Canon....Aghkooo spit!



I suppose I can get a reasonable price for the whole kit and I am swayed by the advantages of the Mirrorless compact size and the effortlessness of the Z5 II, I like you can shoot on the go, when you set it to auto.
On my Nikon 3200, the auto setting is flawed, I have it on semi-auto and tweak each time I capture a frame but that's the fun of it I suppose.

For those of you, who also love photography, I love to have your feedback or suggestions.

 

[Jasonovich]

Let's make this a camera thread, anything and everything about camera's 🙂

 

[Gray]

....There are other brands but I'm a Nikon guy

You and my brother both Jason.
I thought I would WhatsApp your post to him to see if he had anything to say.
The following is a direct paste in from his reply:

'I was a Nikon DX man for many years and last year I switched over to Nikon's mirrorless Z system.
Here are a few random observations...
I got a Z8 but for my needs it is a bit overkill. The latest Z6III and Z5II seem to be very good compromises. The 24-120 'kit' lens I got with it is nothing like the cheap kit lenses of yesteryear... this is a top quality item and with this one acquisition, you can go a long while without being pressured to get more.
If you have a decent existing lens, then the FTZII mount adaptor is a great way to extend its lifespan. It has next to no compromises. Even if the old lens is a DX, non-full frame, it will still work well.
I was worried about the electronic viewfinder. I shouldn't have been, it has so many advantages. The quality is so good. You can adjust brightness to suit your preference and environment. To be able to review photos in the viewfinder seems so alien at first but it is so much better than using the LCD, especially as the viewfinder is not affected by ambient light as you view.
The low light performance is probably the most impressive feature though. ISO values I would never have even considered are now possible and coupled with software that can 'denoise' images to a high standard, you hardly ever have to worry.
If video is important in any way (and even if you don't think it is) the results are spectacular. Nikon have really upped their game recently with things like focus. They have now acquired RED and the video side can only improve as time goes on. Stick a half decent mic (or radio mic) on to the body and you can flick effortlessly between stills and video... the quality is breathtaking.
Across the range, Nikon make every new addition very compelling, there is less between high and low end models than ever before.
Finally, the aftersales market offers a relatively high financial return so it is well worth putting that towards the investment of a new system.

I would wholeheartedly advise taking the plunge... it is one of those things in life that you won't regret. The only snag is that the very latest model won't be subject to the generous discounts that slightly older ones might... and who knows what this tariff war is going to do to the hobby?'

 

[Jasonovich]

You and my brother both Jason.
I thought I would WhatsApp your post to him to see if he had anything to say.
The following is a direct paste in from his reply:

'I was a Nikon DX man for many years and last year I switched over to Nikon's mirrorless Z system.
Here are a few random observations...
I got a Z8 but for my needs it is a bit overkill. The latest Z6III and Z5II seem to be very good compromises. The 24-120 'kit' lens I got with it is nothing like the cheap kit lenses of yesteryear... this is a top quality item and with this one acquisition, you can go a long while without being pressured to get more.
If you have a decent existing lens, then the FTZII mount adaptor is a great way to extend its lifespan. It has next to no compromises. Even if the old lens is a DX, non-full frame, it will still work well.
I was worried about the electronic viewfinder. I shouldn't have been, it has so many advantages. The quality is so good. You can adjust brightness to suit your preference and environment. To be able to review photos in the viewfinder seems so alien at first but it is so much better than using the LCD, especially as the viewfinder is not affected by ambient light as you view.
The low light performance is probably the most impressive feature though. ISO values I would never have even considered are now possible and coupled with software that can 'denoise' images to a high standard, you hardly ever have to worry.
If video is important in any way (and even if you don't think it is) the results are spectacular. Nikon have really upped their game recently with things like focus. They have now acquired RED and the video side can only improve as time goes on. Stick a half decent mic (or radio mic) on to the body and you can flick effortlessly between stills and video... the quality is breathtaking.
Across the range, Nikon make every new addition very compelling, there is less between high and low end models than ever before.
Finally, the aftersales market offers a relatively high financial return so it is well worth putting that towards the investment of a new system.

I would wholeheartedly advise taking the plunge... it is one of those things in life that you won't regret. The only snag is that the very latest model won't be subject to the generous discounts that slightly older ones might... and who knows what this tariff war is going to do to the hobby?'

Thanks Gray, really appreciate that.
Please extend my thanks to your brother. He has a Z8 oh wow, awesome!

I'm going to have to manage my own expectation Z5 II (New Z5 II model is miles better than Z6 and Z6 II but latest Z6 III restores numeracy supremacy) is going to be outside my budget but a second-hand Z6 II is within my price range. You really don't need the latest and greatest to take phenomenal photos.
My basic DX with fast aperture 1/4 Sigma 30mm fixed lens does a great job. Though the ISO values on my camera is a bit limiting.

If you have a decent existing lens, then the FTZII mount adaptor is a great way to extend its lifespan. It has next to no compromises. Even if the old lens is a DX, non-full frame, it will still work well.

Your brother read my mind, I was looking at the FTZ adapters but the website didn't mention if the DX lens would work well on FX cameras, using the F to Z adapter. I was worried there might be some glare or distortion around the edges but very glad your brother had answered my question without me asking. He's obviously very deep into the hobby 🙂!
Cheers 👍

Let's have a camera surgery thread. It may not be obvious but there is a synergy with HiFi, particularly when you can record your videos in 4K and align with Hi-Res sound and then be able play back on your TV-Hifi via the USB and the best part, it's sourced from your own endeavours.

 

[Jasonovich]

Some vids

View: https://youtu.be/bB8O46eRIE8?si=NoSSy56fIpWVUBi9

View: https://youtu.be/8f0Sa67I4Lc?si=W-nbwl1KBq7H8Lmo

View: https://youtu.be/lEHexydq2qc?si=k8-xMOZEBUaw2iDD

 

[Shrek]

cameras have advanced so much i remember my older brother setting up a dark room in our 2nd WC with no window to develop photos that was a skill in its self all the solutions and trays.now you just plug in and print the photo or view it .go for it 👍

 

[Jasonovich]

cameras have advanced so much i remember my older brother setting up a dark room in our 2nd WC with no window to develop photos that was a skill in its self all the solutions and trays.now you just plug in and print the photo or view it .go for it 👍

Yes indeed, the pace of technology is absolutely mind boggling.
Not long ago, DSLR cameras were defacto, then was it 5 or 6 years ago, Sony brought out their most excellent Mirrorless Cameras, pulling the rug under feet of Canon and Nikon, who were pretty much entrenched in their traditional markets.
Sony absolutely killed it, dominating the Mirrorless camera market for many years.

Nowadays, you can find marked down top of the range DSLR, worth considering if anyone is thinking of getting into photography.
Nikon Z9 Mirrorless is possibly the best you can buy.
Every one is talking about Nikon again.
It is moving at a rapid pace, Yesterday it was Sony, today Nikon and tomorrow maybe Canon, Fuji, Lumix or somebody else.

Deal alert: 'superb' full-frame image quality in smaller camera body!

The Nikon Z8 is fast, has a high-resolution sensor, records 8K video and comes with a versatile zoom lens in this deal – what’s not to like?

amateurphotographer.com

 

[Jasonovich]

The near future release, the Nikon ZX will have global shutters technology though no official announcement as yet. Going to be for the real or semi-professionals I suspect.

View: https://youtu.be/QlHMgMrodpA?si=e4-hSRCuYiZEl01U

 

[Friesiansam]

Every one is talking about Nikon again.
It is moving at a rapid pace, Yesterday it was Sony, today Nikon and tomorrow maybe Canon, Fuji, Lumix or somebody else.

Acme?

 

[Jasonovich]

Acme?

🙂

 

[F8lee]

Alright - if your current Nikkor lenses are full frame, then a mirrorless (or, as I like to call them - EVIL - Electronic Finder Interchangeable Lens) could make sense - though weight savings is not the reason given there won't be that much (particularly when you add the adapter you will need since the flange to image chip distance is shorter in the mirrorless cameras than in DSLRs)

I switched from Nikon full frame DSLRs to Fuji mirrorless, and have not looked back but can say there are some pertinent differenced between OVF and EVF:

An advantage of the EVF is that in poorly lit situations the little TV screen that you are viewing can compensate, whereas with a DSLR you are seeing things as dim as they are, which also might make focusing more difficult
Also, when I have occasion to use very dense ND filters, with the DSLR I have to remove the filter, frame and focus, and then put the ND filter back on (naturally, the camera is on a tripod for this)...with the EVF, the darkest ND filters still allow me to frame and focus.
On the flip side, in certain low light situations (like astrophotography) the EVF effectively becomes useless, as it just shows a field of all black (with lots of noise). I have taken shots of Jupiter (using a 150-600MM lens plus 2X TC) and was able to focus thanks to the EVF's "blinkies" function, but efforts to capture a moving subject, like the ISS, fail miserably because the EVF simply cannot keep up with movement at those low light levels.
Meanwhile, the instantaneous viewing through a set of mirrors in a DSLR (speed of light and whatnot) can be quite advantageous in macro shooting - when I walk through a botanical garden with a macro lens and ring flash I can hand hold the gear as I frame the shot and get the pistil or whatever in perfect focus - with the slight delay in an EVF (which is unavoidable since it is essentially displaying a reassembled image as if there is a tiny TV station in the camera) by the time I get focus in the EVF the flower has moved a millimeter or so, throwing it out of focus.
So any weight savings might be mooted and you need to be sure your current glass is full frame ready, but the important thing might be to ascertain what kinds of subjects you like to shoot.

 

[Jasonovich]

Alright - if your current Nikkor lenses are full frame, then a mirrorless (or, as I like to call them - EVIL - Electronic Finder Interchangeable Lens) could make sense - though weight savings is not the reason given there won't be that much (particularly when you add the adapter you will need since the flange to image chip distance is shorter in the mirrorless cameras than in DSLRs)

I switched from Nikon full frame DSLRs to Fuji mirrorless, and have not looked back but can say there are some pertinent differenced between OVF and EVF:

An advantage of the EVF is that in poorly lit situations the little TV screen that you are viewing can compensate, whereas with a DSLR you are seeing things as dim as they are, which also might make focusing more difficult
Also, when I have occasion to use very dense ND filters, with the DSLR I have to remove the filter, frame and focus, and then put the ND filter back on (naturally, the camera is on a tripod for this)...with the EVF, the darkest ND filters still allow me to frame and focus.
On the flip side, in certain low light situations (like astrophotography) the EVF effectively becomes useless, as it just shows a field of all black (with lots of noise). I have taken shots of Jupiter (using a 150-600MM lens plus 2X TC) and was able to focus thanks to the EVF's "blinkies" function, but efforts to capture a moving subject, like the ISS, fail miserably because the EVF simply cannot keep up with movement at those low light levels.
Meanwhile, the instantaneous viewing through a set of mirrors in a DSLR (speed of light and whatnot) can be quite advantageous in macro shooting - when I walk through a botanical garden with a macro lens and ring flash I can hand hold the gear as I frame the shot and get the pistil or whatever in perfect focus - with the slight delay in an EVF (which is unavoidable since it is essentially displaying a reassembled image as if there is a tiny TV station in the camera) by the time I get focus in the EVF the flower has moved a millimeter or so, throwing it out of focus.
So any weight savings might be mooted and you need to be sure your current glass is full frame ready, but the important thing might be to ascertain what kinds of subjects you like to shoot.

Thank you, really appreciate your feedback.
DSLR does hold some advantages as you have elucidated in some detail. Thank you for that, much appreciated.

It's been a few years since I picked up a camera and done some proper stuff.
I'll be casual stuff, holiday photos, silly cat photos.
Maybe some macro shots of flower petals. Bugs, buildings and landscapes etc.
Yes, I have to watch out for the light setting. Very true what light I see on the DSLR mirror is an actual representation of light on the photo.
I think the transition is to EVF is going to be an education.
There was a YouTube video citing the six advantages of DSLR those you cited, the other was better lens to camera balance, yes you mentioned that also.
The obvious one, DSLR can be had for a good price.
Maybe DSLR will stick around like vinyl 😊👍

 

[F8lee]

Thank you, really appreciate your feedback.
DSLR does hold some advantages as you have elucidated in some detail. Thank you for that, much appreciated.

It's been a few years since I picked up a camera and done some proper stuff.
I'll be casual stuff, holiday photos, silly cat photos.
Maybe some macro shots of flower petals. Bugs, buildings and landscapes etc.
Yes, I have to watch out for the light setting. Very true what light I see on the DSLR mirror is an actual representation of light on the photo.
I think the transition is to EVF is going to be an education.
There was a YouTube video citing the six advantages of DSLR those you cited, the other was better lens to camera balance, yes you mentioned that also.
The obvious one, DSLR can be had for a good price.
Maybe DSLR will stick around like vinyl 😊👍

Sure thing - glad I could be of some help

I don't know if you are aware of it, but I belong to a forum for photographers called (stupidly enough - and I have no idea why) uglyhedgehog...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography

Photography Forum, Digital Photography, DSLR, Mirrorless

www.uglyhedgehog.com

15K members from around the world - some trolls (of course) but many willing to help with all kinds of queries, as well as SIGs for all kinds of photography and so forth. It's free - you might want to join - yours is the kind of query that pops up on occasion.

 

[Jasonovich]

Sure thing - glad I could be of some help

I don't know if you are aware of it, but I belong to a forum for photographers called (stupidly enough - and I have no idea why) uglyhedgehog...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography

Photography Forum, Digital Photography, DSLR, Mirrorless

www.uglyhedgehog.com

15K members from around the world - some trolls (of course) but many willing to help with all kinds of queries, as well as SIGs for all kinds of photography and so forth. It's free - you might want to join - yours is the kind of query that pops up on occasion.

Ha ha ha Love it!
What a great name uglyhedgehog
Fabulous idea, I'll do just that. Thanks