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Soon to be leaving Canon for Nikon!

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NacMacFeegle

NacMacFeegle

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I finally made the big decision to not only move from DSLR to mirrorless, but from Canon to Nikon as well. I've been shooting with Canon for many years, and I love my current Eos 80D, but I've wanted a full frame camera for awhile now, and the sad fact is that Canon's cameras are thoroughly unexciting compared to the competition.

I went back and forth between Sony and Nikon for a long time. Panasonic's new S1 was tempting, but I didn't see it offering enough extra value to compensate for it's high price. I also considered the Fujifilm T-3, since it's control scheme is far and away the best there is IMHO. However, it finally came down to the A7 iii and the Z6. Four things shifted me towards the Nikon - the larger body with the bigger grip, sturdier build quality and weather proofing, a high quality kit lens, and the free FTZ adapter promotion.

So, a few days ago I gritted my teeth and closed my ears to the tortured screams of my wallet, and now the Nikon Z6 is on its way! Perhaps harder than the camera purchase was stomaching the additional $130 for a 64GB XQD card. It's too bad the Z6 doesn't have a second, regular SD slot - both for backup purposes, and for cheapskates like me to save a few bucks!

I also sent off for FD, EF, and M42 mount adapters - I have a ton of manual lenses that I plan on adapting! I also ordered a screen protector, something I've never needed in the past with my Canon cameras. If only the Z6 had a vari-angle LCD instead of a tilting one. IMHO - every camera should just use vari-angle! They are so good for shooting at odd angles, and also allow me to flip the screen face in when I don't need it. This not only protects the screen, it keeps me from "chimping". If only the Eos R wasn't such an outdated, boring camera!

I can't wait to get my hands on the Z6 and find out whether or not it's the camera I need.
 
NacMacFeegle said:
I finally made the big decision to not only move from DSLR to mirrorless, but from Canon to Nikon as well. I've been shooting with Canon for many years, and I love my current Eos 80D, but I've wanted a full frame camera for awhile now, and the sad fact is that Canon's cameras are thoroughly unexciting compared to the competition.

I went back and forth between Sony and Nikon for a long time. Panasonic's new S1 was tempting, but I didn't see it offering enough extra value to compensate for it's high price. I also considered the Fujifilm T-3, since it's control scheme is far and away the best there is IMHO. However, it finally came down to the A7 iii and the Z6. Four things shifted me towards the Nikon - the larger body with the bigger grip, sturdier build quality and weather proofing, a high quality kit lens, and the free FTZ adapter promotion.

So, a few days ago I gritted my teeth and closed my ears to the tortured screams of my wallet, and now the Nikon Z6 is on its way! Perhaps harder than the camera purchase was stomaching the additional $130 for a 64GB XQD card. It's too bad the Z6 doesn't have a second, regular SD slot - both for backup purposes, and for cheapskates like me to save a few bucks!

I also sent off for FD, EF, and M42 mount adapters - I have a ton of manual lenses that I plan on adapting! I also ordered a screen protector, something I've never needed in the past with my Canon cameras. If only the Z6 had a vari-angle LCD instead of a tilting one. IMHO - every camera should just use vari-angle! They are so good for shooting at odd angles, and also allow me to flip the screen face in when I don't need it. This not only protects the screen, it keeps me from "chimping". If only the Eos R wasn't such an outdated, boring camera!

I can't wait to get my hands on the Z6 and find out whether or not it's the camera I need.
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Congrats! Probably a good choice, and it sounds like you've done your research. I've had the Z6 since it was first released, and it's an excellent camera.

In case it's useful to you, look through each topic in my thread here:
And in particular, Part 4 (Controls):
It may give you some ideas for how to personalize the camera to make it easier to use, and some quirks you may run into.
 
I agree about wishing the Z had a fully tiltable, closable back screen. My Nikon D5300 had this, as does my little Canon. Very handy. Can’t imagine why they left it off.

On the bright side, the glass screen protectors these days are excellent. I don’t even know it’s there.

Enjoy the new camera!
 
Congrads on your new camera. It's a great camera and with the kit lens an absolute joy to walk around with. I think you'll enjoy it even more then you expect.
 
I doubt you will have great difficulty adapting from Canon to Nikon menus and controls.

With most cameras I find you quickly learn to use what you usually use but still need the manual for the rest or on-line explanations of what seems obscure in the manual. That is even more the case for mirrorless computers/cameras. I diligently program option buttons and rapidly forget what I programmed them to do.

I have a closet full of inherited film lenses that I had been using on an m43 but that has a double focal length penalty.

So far I have just gotten a Minolta MD adapter---amazing to be able to use these lenses again because some of them are pretty good. If you have never used Zebras you might find them as I do the best thing about EVF overlays.

All is not perfect in Z land but that is up to you to discover or not even notice. In my experience all EVF cameras have their occasional electronic hiccoughs. You are already aware of Nikon's perhaps unfortunate design choices with regard to bulkitude and XQD.

Off topic but given sales trends I would not be surprised if Nikon stops development of optical dSLRs . . . it has to happen sooner rather than later.
 
Congratulations on the new camera purchase. It will take a little time to get used to going from DSLR to Mirrorless. For me, the most difficult thing to adjust to when shooting the Nikon is getting used to its backwards turning lens mounts. I can't say I adjusted to that yet. I bought the Z6 to see if it would be able to replace my D750, which it can, and for adapting old manual focus lenses. After shooting the Z6 for a day, I have to say I was more than impressed with it.
 
beatboxa said:
Congrats! Probably a good choice, and it sounds like you've done your research. I've had the Z6 since it was first released, and it's an excellent camera.

In case it's useful to you, look through each topic in my thread here:
And in particular, Part 4 (Controls):
It may give you some ideas for how to personalize the camera to make it easier to use, and some quirks you may run into.
Click to expand...
Thanks, I'll have a look at those links!
 
Twitchly said:
I agree about wishing the Z had a fully tiltable, closable back screen. My Nikon D5300 had this, as does my little Canon. Very handy. Can’t imagine why they left it off.
Click to expand...
I've heard that they claim that that other kinds of screens aren't as durable or water proof, but I've dragged my 80D (and the 60D before it) through all kinds of chaos, and never had an issue!
 
bmoag said:
I doubt you will have great difficulty adapting from Canon to Nikon menus and controls.

With most cameras I find you quickly learn to use what you usually use but still need the manual for the rest or on-line explanations of what seems obscure in the manual. That is even more the case for mirrorless computers/cameras. I diligently program option buttons and rapidly forget what I programmed them to do.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I usually skip the manual and just google whatever I need lol!
bmoag said:
I have a closet full of inherited film lenses that I had been using on an m43 but that has a double focal length penalty.

So far I have just gotten a Minolta MD adapter---amazing to be able to use these lenses again because some of them are pretty good. If you have never used Zebras you might find them as I do the best thing about EVF overlays.
Click to expand...
I'm particularly looking forward to using the old FD glass - Vintage Nikon works fine adapted to Canon, but there are just no good adapters for FD to EF, so all those nice lenses have just been languishing.

I'd like to see a M42 to Z focal reducer such as is available for Sony, so I could take old medium format lenses and use them with a medium format field of view.
bmoag said:
All is not perfect in Z land but that is up to you to discover or not even notice. In my experience all EVF cameras have their occasional electronic hiccoughs. You are already aware of Nikon's perhaps unfortunate design choices with regard to bulkitude and XQD.
Click to expand...
The bulkiness is actually one of the reasons I went for the Nikon over the Sony - I have huge hands! I'm not sure how I feel about XQD; on one hand it's expensive, but on the other hand it's a lot faster and supposedly more durable.
bmoag said:
Off topic but given sales trends I would not be surprised if Nikon stops development of optical dSLRs . . . it has to happen sooner rather than later.
Click to expand...
My guess is that no one will be making dSLRs within 10 years....... and then 10 years later we'll see "retro" dSLRs popping up on Kickstarter!
 
abc123brian said:
Congratulations on the new camera purchase. It will take a little time to get used to going from DSLR to Mirrorless. For me, the most difficult thing to adjust to when shooting the Nikon is getting used to its backwards turning lens mounts. I can't say I adjusted to that yet. I bought the Z6 to see if it would be able to replace my D750, which it can, and for adapting old manual focus lenses. After shooting the Z6 for a day, I have to say I was more than impressed with it.
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I didn't know Nikon's mount turned opposite to Canons, but I guess that makes sense seeing as focus is also opposite.
 
Sounds exactly like me a few weeks ago, i researched canon, fuji, sony, nikon and it came down to sony and nikon with nikon winning due to the FTZ free which means a whole lot of lenses for a whole lot cheaper.

i told myself, i have 30 days to try it and return if if i dont like it. 4 days later, my D750 went up for sale and sold. The Z6 is simply amazing, way better than i thought and so glad i choose Nikon.
 
Parks71a said:
Sounds exactly like me a few weeks ago, i researched canon, fuji, sony, nikon and it came down to sony and nikon with nikon winning due to the FTZ free which means a whole lot of lenses for a whole lot cheaper.

i told myself, i have 30 days to try it and return if if i dont like it. 4 days later, my D750 went up for sale and sold. The Z6 is simply amazing, way better than i thought and so glad i choose Nikon.
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I might not have been brave enough to order it if not for the 30 day return period. I'm glad to hear about your Z6 experience, makes me more confident in my decision lol!
 
As one says, a hearty welcome to the Greater Nikon Ecosystem :-)

Yes Steve's helped many of us. His books are vital IME, especially the AF and now Exposure. It's the least one can do to thank the guy for all his generosity and hardwork. Many here also keep an eye on Brad Hill's blog - he gives exhaustive details on Nikon fit telephotos, including Sigma. And be interested to read his further feedback on the Z7, which he kept but dumped his D850 (!) I'm no where near going that far :D

In case you need them further to your Z6 (and GAS afflicts you!) ..... Besides Lenstip and more prominent sources, here're a few more with reliable info IMHO - Nikon related reviews etc.

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blog.mingthein.com

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photographylife.com

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nikongear.net

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dslrbodies.com

links including WRT older Nikkor glass

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www.dpreview.com

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www.dpreview.com

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www.dpreview.com

A couple of years back, Ming Thein was appointed to the strategic helm of Hasselblad but recently moved back to mostly Nikon, but he also uses and compares lenses and cameras across brands. So does Thom Hogan.
Besides Steve Perry, the only utube I bother with is Ricci Talks
 
I went through the same thing moving away from Olympus. I looked hard at Fuji. I shoot tethered and that is completely broken on Fuji so I gave up on that idea. Impressive camera system otherwise though.

In the end it came down to Sony vs. Nikon. I didn't like the the ergonomics on the Sony. And the EVF was more than a bit weaker IMO.

I had thought I would keep the Oly and use it in parallel. Turns out I haven't picked it up once since I go the z6. I think you will be happy. I am.
 
If you have glass stay with Canon.

Better take some classes on shooting than change systems!

Trust me, my GAS has always held me back from truly improving my skill...
 
PictureTakerPhotoMaker said:
If you have glass stay with Canon.

Better take some classes on shooting than change systems!

Trust me, my GAS has always held me back from truly improving my skill...
Click to expand...
I only have a few full frame Canon lenses (the 50 1.8 stm, and the Sigma 150-600). Moving to full frame, there's not much to keep me with Canon.

I've never found that GAS has held me back from improving my skill - new gear usually inspires me to get more creative and do more shooting.
 
rsaha said:
I went through the same thing moving away from Olympus. I looked hard at Fuji. I shoot tethered and that is completely broken on Fuji so I gave up on that idea. Impressive camera system otherwise though.
In the end it came down to Sony vs. Nikon. I didn't like the the ergonomics on the Sony. And the EVF was more than a bit weaker IMO.

I had thought I would keep the Oly and use it in parallel. Turns out I haven't picked it up once since I go the z6. I think you will be happy. I am.
Click to expand...
I've never shot tethered before - the need has just never arose, though it might possibly be something I need in the near future.

The EVF was definitely a big factor in my decision - the design of the EVF on the Nikon really is obviously superior to that of Sony's. I think Sony cameras really suffer from an unhealthy obsession with miniaturization - they need to find a better balance between size and ergonomics.
 
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