Camera option decisions!

[GamersCouch]

So, I'm thinking about taking one of two routes...

 

option 1:

D850

Sigma 105 1.4

 

Option 2:

Nikon Z6

Sigma 105 1.4

Atomos Ninja V

 

I own a media company (small) and I do both photography and videos (mostly photography). both options are about the same price. it's honestly 50/50 for me, so any advice would actually help me. What do you guys think!?!

[cc143]

The d850 is the better camera by miles, but, if you need to focus in liveview, its useless. So you may as well go with the z6 in this instance, since I assume you'll want to do video. 

 

Do you already have any equipment? What are you shooting? This choice seems very specific... also, why not the 105 f/1.4 g from Nikon? it should be more cooperative with the FTZ adapter theoretically...

[GamersCouch]

3 hours ago, cc143 said:

The d850 is the better camera by miles, but, if you need to focus in liveview, its useless. So you may as well go with the z6 in this instance, since I assume you'll want to do video. 

 

Do you already have any equipment? What are you shooting? This choice seems very specific... also, why not the 105 f/1.4 g from Nikon? it should be more cooperative with the FTZ adapter theoretically...

I have a few lenses for Nikon from Nikon already. The Sigma outperforms Nikon's 105 1.4 and is a lot cheaper too. I shoot a lot of commercial stuff and weddings as well.

[cc143]

1 hour ago, GamersCouch said:

I have a few lenses for Nikon from Nikon already. The Sigma outperforms Nikon's 105 1.4 and is a lot cheaper too. I shoot a lot of commercial stuff and weddings as well.

The d850 is hands down the best stills camera out there at the moment. In all my years shooting Canon its the only nikon camera I would think about switching for, hadn't it been for other considerations. 

 

But if you are shooting video in the nikon system, the mirrorless options are much better. That being said, I don't think the z6 or z7 are that worthwhile for professionals. Maybe a 2nd generation camera with some more professional features (vertical grip availability, 2nd card slot, a more finetuned AF system for stills etc.) once some pro glass is released.  

 

If you don't rely on AF in video, the d850 is the best option here, if you are, unfortunately the z series cameras are better. What are you shooting at the moment? If you are on a d810 or d500, you can just keep it and use it as a stills body with the z6 as a hybrid. 

[Bustapalapeno]

If you are a media pro, doing mostly photos, go for the D850. The Z7/Z6 is a great camera and in many ways is the future of Nikon. But as a pro, I would much rather have dual card slots and AF performance of the D850 than the creature comforts of mirrorless found on the Z6 and the Z7. 10bit video is a nice to have, but IMO, overhyped in the camera review world right now. Video AF on Z6 and Z7 is better, but you can always manual focus for video needs. With a true manual focus lens and some practice, you will get better results than you would with autofocus. 

[GamersCouch]

So I guess what it really comes down to is... I'm for sure getting the Sigma 105 1.4. That Atomos Ninja V is just something that I wish I really had. I think I do ~75% photos and 25% videos. I definitely like to do both equally, 

[YellowJersey]

4 hours ago, GamersCouch said:

So I guess what it really comes down to is... I'm for sure getting the Sigma 105 1.4. That Atomos Ninja V is just something that I wish I really had. I think I do ~75% photos and 25% videos. I definitely like to do both equally, 

 

When you're doing video, do you find yourself wanting to track a subject or needing to change focus while recording? If so, then you're going to be better off with the Z6. However, if you're shooting doesn't require changing focus while recording, then the D850 will probably do the job just fine and is a better stills camera overall.

D850: Pros over Z6

-best stills camera on the market

-robust weathersealed body

-dual card slots (only applies to stills, but still relevant)

-higher resolution sensor w/ no low pass filter

-no lag optical viewfinder

 

Z6: Pros over the D850

-better video features, particularly autofocus

-IBIS

-EVF (lags being optical viewfinder by a tiny bit but allows you to see exposure before you take the shot)

 

Honestly, it's a real toss up. For you, I'm leaning D850 because you shoot primarily stills.