p.1 #1 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
Since trying an a9iii last year, I've -really- wanted a camera with pre-capture. I'm a novice at shooting birds and my grandkids' soccer games, but it was clear to me that feature would greatly increase my keeper rate for both. (Especially given my 70-year-old reaction times.) However, as Sony guy, the only options are the A1ii or the A9iii; neither of which I can afford, even used.
So I resigned myself to waiting two or three years for the used prices to align.
That is, until I read about the Nikon Z5ii, which surprisingly has pre-capture and is only $1700 new. Wow, I thought, maybe this (along with the latest Megadap adapter) could work for me while I wait for a Sony solution.
The Nikon doesn't have RAW pre-capture, so I'll need to get used to JPEGs, but I think I could deal with that.
Pushing the idea further, I started comparing the Z5ii to other Nikon bodies and decided maybe the Z6iii would be a better choice, since it's only a little more money. Then...I came across a killer deal on a refurbished Z6iii, which pushed me over the edge.
So now, after 13 years of only Sony bodies, I'll soon be packing a Nikon Z6iii as well.
p.1 #3 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
I'm very interested to hear how you like it.
A close friend is a Nikon guy, and there is a lot to like, especially being able to adapt all your Sony glass.
p.1 #7 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
MikeEvangelist wrote:
Since trying an a9iii last year, I've -really- wanted a camera with pre-capture. I'm a novice at shooting birds and my grandkids' soccer games, but it was clear to me that feature would greatly increase my keeper rate for both. (Especially given my 70-year-old reaction times.) However, as Sony guy, the only options are the A1ii or the A9iii; neither of which I can afford, even used.
So I resigned myself to waiting two or three years for the used prices to align.
That is, until I read about the Nikon Z5ii, which surprisingly has pre-capture and is only $1700 new. Wow, I thought, maybe this (along with the latest Megadap adapter) could work for me while I wait for a Sony solution.
The Nikon doesn't have RAW pre-capture, so I'll need to get used to JPEGs, but I think I could deal with that.
Pushing the idea further, I started comparing the Z5ii to other Nikon bodies and decided maybe the Z6iii would be a better choice, for only a little more money. Then...I came across a killer deal on a refurbished Z6iii, which pushed me over the edge.
So now, after 13 years of only Sony bodies, I'll soon be packing a Nikon Z6iii as well.
p.1 #8 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
Well, some day Nikon will perhaps make a camera performing like a Z8 in the size and weight (at most) as a Sony A1. Then I'll have a close look at it. OTOH Sony may have made an A7C with A1 performance by then...
p.1 #9 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
Definitely get the 24-120!
Aug 23, 2025 at 05:34 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #10 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
MikeEvangelist wrote:
Since trying an a9iii last year, I've -really- wanted a camera with pre-capture. I'm a novice at shooting birds and my grandkids' soccer games, but it was clear to me that feature would greatly increase my keeper rate for both. (Especially given my 70-year-old reaction times.) However, as Sony guy, the only options are the A1ii or the A9iii; neither of which I can afford, even used.
So I resigned myself to waiting two or three years for the used prices to align.
That is, until I read about the Nikon Z5ii, which surprisingly has pre-capture and is only $1700 new. Wow, I thought, maybe this (along with the latest Megadap adapter) could work for me while I wait for a Sony solution.
The Nikon doesn't have RAW pre-capture, so I'll need to get used to JPEGs, but I think I could deal with that.
Pushing the idea further, I started comparing the Z5ii to other Nikon bodies and decided maybe the Z6iii would be a better choice, for only a little more money. Then...I came across a killer deal on a refurbished Z6iii, which pushed me over the edge.
So now, after 13 years of only Sony bodies, I'll soon be packing a Nikon Z6iii as well.
Good luck, Mike. I think you will like it. For action type stuff like sports and wildlife Sony has nothing comparable to a Z6 III and the Nikon camera, of course, has a Sony sensor at its core. And now you have the Nikon camera you should definitely consider some of their Z lenses. For what you are shooting, I would start by looking at the 400 f/4.5 and getting a 1.4X TC. That lens isn't too expensive and Sony has nothing like it. For soccer the bare lens ought to be wonderful and for shooting birds the lens with the 1.4X TC should give you a really nice combo.
p.1 #12 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
3catsinky wrote:
Definitely get the 24-120!
I've heard that lens is excellent, but I love the 20-70mm G and can't see replacing it.
Steve Spencer wrote:
For what you are shooting, I would start by looking at the 400 f/4.5 and getting a 1.4X TC. That lens isn't too expensive and Sony has nothing like it. For soccer the bare lens ought to be wonderful and for shooting birds the lens with the 1.4X TC should give you a really nice combo.
For now at least, this is only an experiment; and it's predicated on using my existing lenses. If the 100-400mm GM doesn't work well on the Megadap/Nikon, I may consider other options.
PS
The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 does indeed look like a nice lens, but even used it sells for twice what I paid for the 100-400. So not realistic for me at the moment.
p.1 #13 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
Grenache wrote:
Sounds like your proclaimed victory at paring down your gear and curing GAS forever has slipped. 🙃
Perhaps a bit. Although this change is actually reducing my kit, as I'm trading one Sony body and one lens to fund the Nikon body. So still going in the right direction.
Aug 23, 2025 at 07:34 AM
Steve Spencer Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: On
p.1 #14 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
aCuria wrote:
I do expect the A7V to have pre capture
Even if it has precapture will it have the semi-stacked sensor with the fast sensor read out of the Z6 III? That would be cool, but I won't hold my breath. Nikon has done a really nice job with the Z6 III and Sony needs to really step up with the A7 V. I hope they do, and they should build a 400 f/4.5 lens as well. It is even part of their heritage as Minolta had a really nice 400 f/4.5 for its day.
p.1 #15 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
Can't say I blame you for being curious. The Nikon's of today are tempting!
With the adapters working so seamlessly you can just get the best of both worlds on a Nikon body; and some might even prefer a body-type like the Z8. I know I still think about the one time I used one
p.1 #16 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
I'd go back to Nikon if the gave a z7ii (body and sensor) with zf AF. That's all I'd need... and this ash tray.. and this paddle game... and the remote control... that's all I'd need.
p.1 #17 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
Seabassius wrote:
I'd go back to Nikon if the gave a z7ii (body and sensor) with zf AF. That's all I'd need... and this ash tray.. and this paddle game... and the remote control... that's all I'd need.
p.1 #18 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
The Z5ii is a great camera…though I’m not convinced it’s the model you need for what you are trying to accomplish. Keep us posted on the Nikon side of how it’s going and if you have questions.
p.1 #19 · After 13 years of all Sony, I'm trying Nikon
RoamingScott wrote:
The Z5ii is a great camera…though I’m not convinced it’s the model you need for what you are trying to accomplish. Keep us posted on the Nikon side of how it’s going and if you have questions.
I went with the Z6iii, as the price for the refurb from Nikon was the same as the Z5ii.
