Photography, for me, has always been a journey of constant learning and adaptation.

Over the past 19 years, my trusty Nikon gear has been an extension of my vision, capturing moments and emotions in their purest form. However, the relentless march of technology brought forth a dilemma — should I transition to a mirrorless system? This was not just a question of upgrading equipment, but a significant shift in my creative process. Here, I share my comprehensive journey from the familiar grounds of Nikon to the innovative horizons of Sony.

The Nikon Years

My journey with Nikon began in 2004, starting with the iconic Nikon D70. Over the years, my arsenal expanded to include a range of Nikon cameras, such as the Nikon D200, D300, D3, D4, and D500. In recent times, my go-to choices have been the formidable Nikon D4 and D500 (the best ever APS-C DSLR camera). The rugged construction and remarkable speed of these models were indispensable elements of my photography process. Their performance, whether capturing the serene beauty of starlit landscapes or the dynamic essence of wildlife, was consistently impressive. The rich colour rendition of these cameras played a pivotal role in my work, which is deeply rooted in portraying the raw and authentic beauty of each scene I encountered. My portfolio, a tapestry of commercial assignments and personal projects, has been a testament to the dependability of Nikon’s engineering.

As time passed, it appeared that Nikon’s foray into the mirrorless camera market was taking longer than expected, and their development in this area seemed gradual, at least from my perspective.

This realization gradually took root over several months, leading me to contemplate a significant change in my photographic tools and approach.

The Mirrorless Movement: Contemplating Sony

As mirrorless technology emerged, it rippled through the world of photography, heralding a transformative era. Sony, a pioneer in this realm, grabbed the spotlight with its trailblazing technology. The allure of their full frame sensors, advanced autofocus, compact camera bodies, and superior video capabilities caught my attention. I found myself questioning: could these innovations redefine my approach to photography? As I juxtaposed the specifications of Sony’s A7 series against my Nikon equipment, including Nikon’s mirrorless offerings, the potential for enhanced performance in fast-paced and unpredictable settings became increasingly apparent.

During this period, my fascination with cinematography and video production was growing exponentially. Already producing content for pttlgr’s YouTube channel, I felt a newfound pull towards film and video creation. This burgeoning interest aligned seamlessly with Sony’s strengths, nudging me closer to a pivotal shift in my photographic and videographic journey.

Transitioning to Sony: Initial Experiences

The shift to Sony began with a blend of anticipation and apprehension as I welcomed the Sony A7 III into my toolkit. This change was both invigorating and challenging. In the initial year, I dedicated the A7 III primarily to my ventures into video creation, while my Nikon DSLR gear continued to be my steadfast companion for photography. Admittedly, there was a part of me, entrenched in traditional photography, that was reluctant to fully embrace the new wave of technology that Sony represented, despite its evident advantages in performance.

Over time, Sony’s dominance in the mirrorless camera market became more and more evident. Their innovative features, such as animal eye autofocus and sophisticated human eye autofocus, along with advanced tools for video creation, helped creators bring their visions to life. This shift in the landscape started to change my viewpoint. It wasn’t just about switching to a different brand; it was about embracing the rapid technological advancements that were transforming the fields of photography and videography.

Embracing Sony’s Cutting-Edge Innovation

Sony’s remarkable edge in the photography world stems from its commitment to relentless innovation. The autofocus system of their cameras, notably swifter and more precise than any I had previously encountered, significantly eased the process of capturing both still images and video footage. The introduction of the Sony a9 III, equipped with a global shutter, further exemplifies Sony’s commitment to continuous innovation.

My growing interest in videography found a robust ally in Sony’s capabilities. The brand’s advancements in this field ave broadened my horizons for creative expression. These features have not only enhanced the technical quality of my work but have also inspired me to explore new storytelling techniques in my videography.

The contemplation to switch was further solidified by Sony’s significant improvements in color science, particularly evident in the Sony A7 IV. This progression in color accuracy and rendition aligned well with my aesthetic preferences and style, reassuring me that my creative vision could be faithfully rendered through Sony’s evolving technology.

The Complete Transition to Sony

A few months ago marked a pivotal moment in my photographic journey — the decision to fully embrace Sony, transitioning away from my long-trusted Nikon equipment. This significant shift saw the addition of the Sony A7 IV to my gear collection, a choice that symbolized a new era in my pursuit of photography and videography.

Accompanying the A7 IV were several carefully selected lenses to complement its capabilities: the versatile Sony 200-600mm for those wildlife shots, the Sony 70-200mm a superb lens for every task, and the classic 50mm for its exceptional low light capabilities. Further enhancing my arsenal were two SIGMA lenses, the SIGMA DG DN 16-28mm and 28-70mm, each chosen for their unique compact size, suitable for every video production.

This complete transition to Sony wasn’t just about updating my equipment; it was about stepping into a new realm of photographic possibilities, aligning with the latest advancements in camera technology, and redefining my creative workflow.

In my quest to find the optimal gear, I did give Nikon another opportunity to impress me. I experimented with the highly acclaimed Nikon Z 9, a model that held promises as Nikon’s flagship in the mirrorless arena. However, after spending some time with the Z 9, I came to the realization that it did not align with my expectations for a mirrorless flagship model, nor did it suit my specific needs.

Even with the launch of the new Nikon Z 8, I found myself unconvinced about continuing within the Nikon ecosystem. Despite the advancements and features these new models offered, they did not seem to offer significant benefits that would justify staying with Nikon for my particular style and approach to photography. This realization played a crucial role in solidifying my decision to transition fully to Sony.

The Learning Curve

Transitioning to Sony wasn’t without challenges. The menu system is very different. However, every new shoot with the Sony brought a deeper understanding of its capabilities. I have been learning to adapt my shooting style, exploring angles and techniques that were previously unattainable.

Reflecting on the Sony Transition: A New Chapter in My Photography & Video Creation

The shift to Sony represents a significant milestone in my photographic journey. As I continue to explore this new terrain, I anticipate that the coming period will unveil how profoundly this change influences my art and image creation process. The ability to capture high-resolution images coupled with outstanding autofocus performance, all within a more compact camera body, has been nothing short of revolutionary for me. This transition has not only reignited my passion for photography and videography but also encouraged me to explore and push the boundaries of my creative expression.

Coinciding with my ongoing adaptation to Sony, the announcement of the new Sony A9 III, featuring a groundbreaking global shutter, arrived at an opportune moment. This innovation has already sparked my interest, and I find myself considering the possibility of adding it to my toolkit. The A9 III promises to further enhance my capabilities and inspire new perspectives in my work, making it an exciting potential addition to my ever-evolving collection of gear.

Conclusion: Embracing a New Era with Sony

My journey from Nikon to Sony is reflective of the broader evolution that photography and videography as an art form has undergone. Nikon, with its rich history and undeniable impact on my early career, will always be a cherished part of my photographic legacy. However, it is Sony that now shapes the path I tread in the ever-evolving landscape of photography.

This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter for me. It represents not just a change in equipment, but a renewed perspective on how I approach the art of image creation. I am optimistic that my choice to switch to Sony will equip me with the tools necessary to continue my exploration and growth in this field.

Ultimately, what truly matters in our craft is not just the camera we use, but the stories we capture and share through our lenses. It is the narrative we weave and the emotions we evoke with our images that truly define our work as image creators.

PS. Currently, I have no affiliation or collaboration with Sony. My decision to transition to their equipment was purely a personal choice, driven by my own preferences and professional needs.