Camera recommendation...Nikon or Fuji

[mjcmt]

I notice that Derrel. I'm surprised at its used asking price. Will have to be patient. I would like to find a excellent condition preowned Df/50mm f1.8 kit...but may be hoping too much.

 

[Dave Maciak]

That's very good info on the FF. I'm sold on Nikon! I'm partial to Nikon too, as that is what I used in the '80-90s.
In regards to the 610 and 750, I like the Z5 w/ 24-70 f4 over a DSLR for it's size.

The hidden truth is if I could find the Nikon DF for cheap I'd buy for w/ my old 20 2.8, 35 1.4, and 180 2.8 edif lenses ... but I'm not holding my breath. But the Nikon mirrorless are so small and convenient to carry, which tilts the scale for me.

Now to allocate $2500 w/ prayer and my wife's go ahead.

I've used a Df since they were introduced: rugged, easy to use, reliable, great images--if you can find one don't hesitate!

Thanks Dave. I was wondering if it's still relevant, and I can use my old lenses, but loose the convenience of a walk around zoom. I don't like carrying a bag full of lenses at 68 yrs old.

I agree totally!! At 75 I don't like to tote a heavy bag either. I took Mr. K. Rockwell's advice and bought a Nikon
28--300 which as he said covers (most) every situation I'll be interested in. Anyhow, it works for me. And of course with that pedigree it's quality goes without saying. Always was a prime guy but the easier to carry lens works. I do also carry an f/2.8 35mm. That's it. If I really want to go light weight I'll pack a Leica with 35mm glass or XPRO3, with 35mm also. Lots of choices these days! Keep on shootin"!

 

[Derrel]

I notice that Derrel. I'm surprised at its used asking price. Will have to be patient. I would like to find a excellent condition preowned Df/50mm f1.8 kit...but may be hoping too much.

Been seeing Dfs going for $1350 in my area, lately. I think that collector interest is keeping this camera body price kind of high. I would really rather have a d610 in terms of image quality especially at the low price of $650 used.

 

[mjcmt]

What about the D750 vs. the D610?

 

[SquarePeg]

I can get the Fuji xt3 w/ 16-80 f4 lens for $1500 USD. Really world reviews are quite positive. That may be my ticket for a better camera system. What do you say? A Nikon z6 w/ 24-70 lens is on sale for $2500 USD.

I absolutely love the 16-80. The OIS is amazing. You really can get 3-4 stops out of it. I’ve taken waterfall pics handheld. Took most of my recent comet pics with it. That plus my xt2 can basically shoot anything except wildlife.

 

[Pixeldawg1]

I've been desiring to get a new camera for quite a while.
I've been shooting w/ a Fuji X100T fixed lens for over 4 years. It's been great but I'm wanting greater versatility and image quality.

I'm retired and on a real tight budget, so I'm thinking of the Nikon Z5 and 24-70 lens -or- Fuji XT30 w/ 16 2.8 and 35 2.0 lenses. The Fuji is more compact CMOS and a bit cheaper, while the Nikon is FF. Which do you think is the better camera for my needs as described below:

In the past I've shot a lot of B&W, but would like to shoot more color so looking for rich natural colors and good dynamic range. I'd like to shoot more nature photos besides my usual people photos. Maybe print some 11x14's to spread around our home, or maybe a coffee table book for family and friends.

My photos are pretty average and all over the place so I'd don't feel I need anything pro or expensive.
What do you think of the cameras and lenses I listed?

Here is a sample of my photographs to help you with my decission:
Michael Tabor

Thank you in advance for your advice,
Mike

Hey Mike!

I can't tell you much about the Fuji, but I am a Nikon Z user. Be careful with the Z5 because it uses different lenses than the other Z cameras. Not too sure why Nikon did this, but eventually if you decide to step up to a Z6 or even the Z7, you'll have to upgrade the glass as well. If you are on a budget, you may want to take a good look at the Fuji. As much as I love my Z and have been using Nikon's for many years, you have to do what is best for your situation, right? and one of the things you have to consider strongly is what happens if you decide you want to replace? The overall cost can be significant. I would also suggest that you may be better off purchasing a used camera from someone like KEH. I have used them for years and they have been flawless in my dealings with them. If you shop around, you may be able to buy a Z6 for the price of a new Z5. With the Z6, you can get the adapter and shoot with the older Nikon glass. I have an old Nikon F and I put the 50mm F1.4 lens on the Z7 and it worked perfectly and was tack sharp. The other consideration is video. If you shoot video, the Z6 is a magnificent camera to use. The great thing about it is that for about a grand, you can bump the camera up to a 10 bit, rather than the 8. The next camera up with these specs would cost you about $70k, so an amazing deal. Again, I realize you said you needed budget friendly, but wanted to share what I know and help you think about the "down the road" possibilities. If none of that is pertinent, I would go with the Fuji for the multi lenses and lower price. Good luck in your search!

 

[mjcmt]

Ok, I've read everyones comments here, watched a lot of Youtube videos, and did endless research.
I have narrowed my decision to a factory refurbished Nikon D750 body (so I can immediately use my Nikkor 20mm f2.8ais, 35mm f1.4, and 180mm f2.8 edif). Or the Fuji XT3 body w/ 16-80mm zoom (not use my Nikkor lenses for now).
I'm torn between the Nikon's FF sensor for $1100 USD, or the small form factor and tactile controls of the Fuji w/ lens for $1500USD. Please help me narrow it down.

 

[Pixeldawg1]

Ok, I've read everyones comments here, watched a lot of Youtube videos, and did endless research.
I have narrowed my decision to a factory refurbished Nikon D750 body (so I can immediately use my Nikkor 20mm f2.8ais, 35mm f1.4, and 180mm f2.8 edif). Or the Fuji XT3 body w/ 16-80mm zoom (not use my Nikkor lenses for now).
I'm torn between the Nikon's FF sensor for $1100 USD, or the small form factor and tactile controls of the Fuji w/ lens for $1500USD. Please help me narrow it down.

If it were me, this would be a no-brainer to get the D750. The overall cost to you would be MUCH less considering the kind of lenses you already have. The build quality of the 750 is excellent as well, full frame and very good video. We used them here at my University for the film students and if STUDENTS can use them and they hold up well, you should have no issues. Will be curious of your choice, so hope you'll post here what your final decision is.

 

[SquarePeg]

I changed from Nikon to Fuji and have no regrets. Size and weight were the original reasons for the change and that has been a great move for me! I had been leaving my Nikon behind on hikes and vacations because I didn’t want to lug it around and I was having shoulder issues. Best decision I made.

An unexpected bonus to the Fuji switch has been the incredibly usable jpeg files. I shoot one card raw and the other jpeg. With the exception of astrophotography, I am usually so happy with the jpegs that I use those for social media and online sharing here. less time editing means more time for shooting and other hobbies. No more slaving for hours editing raw files.

 

[Dave Maciak]

About the OP, definitely Fujifilm.

I find the look of the Df very ugly, because it is disproportionate and an unfortunate mix of styles. And theres no way I would tolerate that old AF module. The Df was a huge missed chance. The only really good feature is that you can use pre-AI lenses on it.

Personally I would love to get my hands on a D4 though. Unfortunately I have so many things I have to buy there is no budget left for stuff like that.

Df is a good camera, and "looks" are in the eye of the beholder. Benefit; use legacy glass, no need to go to monitor for menu, intuitive operation, never need to take your eye off the eye piece--which by the way compares with the F3HP finder.

 

[mjcmt]

I ordered a refurbished Nikon D750 from B&H Photo. I've never held it, but doesn't seem too big from Youtube and photos I've seen.

I can start out by using my Nikon MF 35mm f1.4 and 20mm f2.8 lenses and autofocus screw drive 180 f2.8 EDIF. Hope this works out for me.
I can easily keep the 35mm on camera for general photography or the 20mm on nature hikes w/ my wife. I'll only use the 180 for special occasions.

I'm thinking of getting the AF 50mm f1.8G lens for street photography shortly because it's cheap and compact.

 

[Dave Maciak]

I ordered a refurbished Nikon D750 from B&H Photo. I've never held it, but doesn't seem too big from Youtube and photos I've seen.

I can start out by using my Nikon MF 35mm f1.4 and 20mm f2.8 lenses and autofocus screw drive 180 f2.8 EDIF. Hope this works out for me.
I can easily keep the 35mm on camera for general photography or the 20mm on nature hikes w/ my wife. I'll only use the 180 for special occasions.

I'm thinking of getting the AF 50mm f1.8G lens for street photography shortly because it's cheap and compact.

That is a great rig, despite some who would call it "too big". With that camera and your imagination I'd say nothing but good things in store for you! Good luck and keep shootin'.

 

[Pixeldawg1]

I ordered a refurbished Nikon D750 from B&H Photo. I've never held it, but doesn't seem too big from Youtube and photos I've seen.

I can start out by using my Nikon MF 35mm f1.4 and 20mm f2.8 lenses and autofocus screw drive 180 f2.8 EDIF. Hope this works out for me.
I can easily keep the 35mm on camera for general photography or the 20mm on nature hikes w/ my wife. I'll only use the 180 for special occasions.

I'm thinking of getting the AF 50mm f1.8G lens for street photography shortly because it's cheap and compact.

Rather than order the 50, why not get the 28-70 F2.8? Much more bang for your buck and you can use a slightly higher ISO to compensate for the difference, if you really need to? Generally, 2.8 has been fast enough to do all of my journalism work, and the 50, in my opinion anyway, is a not-so-useful lens unless you're shooting basketball with a crop sensor, which you won't be using a crop sensor, so half of that argument goes down the toilet.

 

[mjcmt]

I ordered a refurbished Nikon D750 from B&H Photo. I've never held it, but doesn't seem too big from Youtube and photos I've seen.

I can start out by using my Nikon MF 35mm f1.4 and 20mm f2.8 lenses and autofocus screw drive 180 f2.8 EDIF. Hope this works out for me.
I can easily keep the 35mm on camera for general photography or the 20mm on nature hikes w/ my wife. I'll only use the 180 for special occasions.

I'm thinking of getting the AF 50mm f1.8G lens for street photography shortly because it's cheap and compact.

Rather than order the 50, why not get the 28-70 F2.8? Much more bang for your buck and you can use a slightly higher ISO to compensate for the difference, if you really need to? Generally, 2.8 has been fast enough to do all of my journalism work, and the 50, in my opinion anyway, is a not-so-useful lens unless you're shooting basketball with a crop sensor, which you won't be using a crop sensor, so half of that argument goes down the toilet.

I generally use a 35mm for street and would like to add a 50mm for days I don't want to get in someones face. I like the small form factor too.

 

[Derrel]

I think that the older 50 mm f 1.8 AF-D focuses faster than the 50mm f/1.8 G-series.The 50mm Afs-g series models, even though they use the AFS focusing protocol, are not that fast at focusing