No observation

[emraphoto]

Last week was a busy one for me. Multiple assignments with a flood of photojournalists at every one. Reuters, AP, NYTimes, CP, Guardian and on the list went. Some common names out there and even a Magnum photog.

Oddly, I noticed the majority of cameras employed were Sony. It would seem the CANIKON hegemony has ended. I would have been less surprised if it had been Fuji as I have my own feelings about the Sony menu systems :bang:

Have any of the working folks noticed a shift? Have you crossed over to, as Mr. Rockw… would say, the “photo hobbyist” realm?

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I really don't understand what all the drama is about the Sony menu system.
It is what it is. Deal with it.
If you can't handle it you're going to miss out on using some amazing cameras.

 

[jsrockit]

I really don't understand what all the drama is about the Sony menu system.
It is what it is. Deal with it.
If you can't handle it you're going to miss out on using some amazing cameras.

I think they are very confusing at first, but once you've figured it out... it's no big deal. And I've heard they've changed the menus for the better in their latest bodies. That said, they now need to deal with ergonomics and haptics. Less remote control feel, more camera feel.

 

[agentlossing]

Yes, Sony is driving the FF mirrorless market. They also happen to produce most of the best sensors, and arguably to keep all the best technology therein for their own high end models. But that's just my suspicion! 😉

 

[Larry Cloetta]

I really don't understand what all the drama is about the Sony menu system.
It is what it is. Deal with it.
If you can't handle it you're going to miss out on using some amazing cameras.

There are other amazing cameras out there, so even though he might miss out on Sony’s amazing cameras, he needn’t miss out on amazing cameras at all.
So, nobody needs to handle it, if they’d prefer not to.

 

[Shac]

I really don't understand what all the drama is about the Sony menu system.
It is what it is. Deal with it.
If you can't handle it you're going to miss out on using some amazing cameras.

Totally agree - but there again I don't fuss with the menu all the time - just set it up, put some a few things I do change occasionally in "My Menu" and that's it.
Menus in early bodies could take a while to get used to but recent ones are fine IMO

 

[emraphoto]

There are other amazing cameras out there, so even though he might miss out on Sony’s amazing cameras, he needn’t miss out on amazing cameras at all.
So, nobody needs to handle it, if they’d prefer not to.

I have a Sony A7Rii and have given the RX100 series a try on a number of occasions. I loathe the RX100’s and have had 2 go belly up with lens ERR messages on the losing side of warranty dates.

I agree that there are numerous other options out there. Now with that said, my original observation surprised me a little. It would seem Sony has continued to refine to a point where many are jumping ship. I do dig the inclusion of FTP connectivity admittedly.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Nothing odd. If not sports, Sony is FF (good in low light) and has much lenses now. Plus FF video.

I would be surprised to see more Sony than Canikons in sports.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Oddly, I noticed the majority of cameras employed were Sony. It would seem the CANIKON hegemony has ended. I would have been less surprised if it had been Fuji as I have my own feelings about the Sony menu systems :bang:

Have any of the working folks noticed a shift? Have you crossed over to, as Mr. Rockw… would say, the “photo hobbyist” realm?

I deal with a lot of wedding photographers at work and that's certainly been my observation. A few older photographers still shooting CaNikon FF dSLRs, but all the younger players (who make up most of the market) using Sony FF mirrorless to shoot video and stills.

 

[Oscuro]

I loathe the RX100’s and have had 2 go belly up with lens ERR messages on the losing side of warranty dates.

Dear John,

What did you loathe (besides the stopping working part) about the RX100 series? I have been thinking they might be a solution for when this little old woman must have a longer lens.

Many thanks in anticipation,
Mme. O.

 

[gavinlg]

I've noticed the Sony domination too. They have the lenses and the autofocus. The G-Master lenses are certainly some of the more accomplished of the mirrorless lenses - for example the 50mm f1.2 GM appears to be optically superior to the Nikkor 50mm f1.2 S, at around 60-70% of the size.

That said, I don't like Sony ergo's or menus either, so I'm in the nikon Z system for now.

 

[emraphoto]

Dear John,

What did you loathe (besides the stopping working part) about the RX100 series? I have been thinking they might be a solution for when this little old woman must have a longer lens.

Many thanks in anticipation,
Mme. O.

First let me say that on paper. the RX100 series are amazing cameras. the most recent iterations are little powerhouses. In fact, I really wish I did get on with them better.

For me they were small to the point of being clumsy to use. I am a fairly big fella, just shy of 6 foot tall and of Ashkenazim body type. Thick and solid. My hands suffer the same anatomical lineage. The latest RX100's really rely on the touch screen for much of the user input and sadly my hands almost always, inevitably trigger something unintentional when holding them. My only real option is to disable it thus leading to menu diving. For some, this is fine. For myself, given the type of work I do, it isn't. The work around is to set it up as a totally automated point and shoot however that's a steep investment for something of that nature. I'm not a 'purist' by any stretch and have used point and shoots in full auto mode for a long time. I'm just not keen on spending upwards of $1200 on one.

Speaking of money, I have not had much luck with Sony cameras and durability. The same issue ended my relationship with Leica digital cameras. For most this wouldn't be an issue and warranty etc. has always rectified the issue. The problem is I photograph events that don't often repeat (well that could be a whole other topic) and prior to Covid I would live out of the bags I was carrying for long periods of time. Packing about bodies that aren't working is not something I wish to do.

Now with all that said, they are mini powerhouses. The video capability of my current paperweight (MK VI), combined with the stabilization, was remarkable for a fella that started off shooting Fuji Press short rolls on a F2. If you're looking for something to carry about and shoot day to day stuff, they may prove exceptional. For my needs they have (so far) proven unreliable. I have recently picked up an A7R MKII and I have been putting some mileage on it. Perhaps my Sony experience will improve 🙂

 

[emraphoto]

I've noticed the Sony domination too. They have the lenses and the autofocus. The G-Master lenses are certainly some of the more accomplished of the mirrorless lenses - for example the 50mm f1.2 GM appears to be optically superior to the Nikkor 50mm f1.2 S, at around 60-70% of the size.

That said, I don't like Sony ergo's or menus either, so I'm in the nikon Z system for now.

There were a LOT of G master lenses about the past week and they are significantly smaller. I am friends with the Magnum fella referenced above and holding his A7R MKsomething with the 24-70 f4 was shocking. Very compact.

I was on the fence recently. The Z system or try the Sony gear again (one last time). I will let you know how it turns out mate. I hope you are well 🙂

 

[emraphoto]

Nothing odd. If not sports, Sony is FF (good in low light) and has much lenses now. Plus FF video.

I would be surprised to see more Sony than Canikons in sports.

I think that is a significant point. Being able to shoot video on the same rig you use for stills seems trivial but in the heat of the moment, it is imperative. And for the record, I cannot remember the last assignment request I received that didn't include video.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I think that is a significant point. Being able to shoot video on the same rig you use for stills seems trivial but in the heat of the moment, it is imperative. And for the record, I cannot remember the last assignment request I received that didn't include video.

I saw it coming. Russians and I have seen in Canada been using FF Canon DLSR for years. Video and stills. In Russia it went on nation wide channels.
It was in use for interviews and photos. Interviews on TV, photos on same media magazine, on-line versions. Canada, lots of music clips making.

In 2019 December at last convention in Toronto before Covid, it was about "still cameras" and video production.
Canon booth was busy, but nothing too busy. Nikon not busy, Olympus - crickets. Most busy both was ... Sony one. Crazy busy. Huge contrast from all.

 

[Oscuro]

First let me say that on paper. the RX100 series are amazing cameras. ...Perhaps my Sony experience will improve 🙂

Dear John,

Thank you so much. I will consider what you have said and I will look more closer to the camera. I don't need "brick" and I do need reliable but I am often in places and can say "***. Fine. I will shoot it in 75mm." I am too old to do the hard field work like yours but I still need the camera to run.

A thousand thanks,
Mme. O.

 

[gavinlg]

There were a LOT of G master lenses about the past week and they are significantly smaller. I am friends with the Magnum fella referenced above and holding his A7R MKsomething with the 24-70 f4 was shocking. Very compact.

I was on the fence recently. The Z system or try the Sony gear again (one last time). I will let you know how it turns out mate. I hope you are well 🙂

Likewise John, was glad to see a post from you pop up!