MrSMW

I agree with the above 👆 thoughts as someone who shoots stills and video all day long at every job I do. It is possible to use the same kit most of the time, but not all the time, something that has been part of the puzzle for me. My own reality came down to there being 2 solutions better than any other and these were: A. The twin body set up shooting min 6k raw to give me the ability to pull hi res stills, or, B. The 4 body set up with 2 set up and dedicated for video and the other 2 for stills. There was/is a 3 body approach but it actually required/requires more compromise than either of the above, for my needs at least. Therefore having a dedicated stills camera with a secondary additional compatible video function makes absolute sense.

To quote myself, I should clarify VERY happy with the result, just not the process required to achieve it from an ergonomic, weight and lens changing perspective. That is what I had to fix. And have not necessarily ‘fixed’, but improved upon considerably. Carry on 😉

It went OK… I ended up doing 21 jobs instead of the previous years 33, but the 2022 year workload was insane and a necessity after 2 terrible Covid ‘work’ years (ha, 6 jobs in 2 years). 2024 I have revised it down slightly even further to 15-20 and I already have 4 jobs locked in for 2025. Volume-wise, I have no concerns. Client-wise, as in the type, ditto. I have always been quite picky because otherwise… Kit-wise, struggled again all year long. As a solo, multi-day, hybrid destination wedding shooter, I have some very specific needs. It’s been an evolving process over many years based on the available tech each year combined with my ever-evolving approach and needs. By the close of my 2023 season, I finally cracked it regarding kit with the final conclusion that a 2, 3 or 4 body kit could work equally as well, but glass was the key. L Mount does not give me it so it has been a case of either ditch it totally, or split my photo and video needs into 2 different systems. For 2024, I decided to do just that and then we will see how that goes. My ‘perfect’ set up is with Canon, based around a pair of R3’s, IMO, the ultimate current hybrid body, but I can’t afford so… L Mount for video and Nikon/adapted Tamron for stills: Static video = S1H + battery grip + 70-200mm f4 Roaming video = S5ii + Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 Candid photo = Nikon Zf + 40mm f2 All other photo = Nikon ‘X’ + Tamron 20-40mm f2.8 plus Tamron 70-180mm f2.8 The ‘X’ being either; Z8, Z9, new Z6iii if it is available in time, or even another Zf. Other than that final piece of kit, I’m sorted and happy with all my set up, cameras, lenses, lights, audio etc and I’m well set up also with my motorhome/RV as a home away from home and mobile office. Bring it on ‘24!

For most people most of the time at this price point. IMO. An easier pick than the Zf as it’s more conventional but I am now of the opinion that Z Mount has the best lens options as it has all of it’s own Z line, all of it’s back catalogue F and all of Sony E, these latter two adapted with full AF capability. The most interesting and least compromised kit at this price point today, is L Mount and Nikon. The Zf is quite a big jump over the Z6ii when it comes to AF and IBIS and has the processor from the Z8/9. I hope so because I am currently on that proverbial fence flip-flopping between Z9, Z8, another Zf or a Z6iii. Ideally for its role, I would like a gripped body…but also a compact as possible body. Pros and cons for each of the above, but that’s just my own personal dilemma, but pertaining to Daniel, yes, might be worth holding on a while and seeing what the Z6iii might be. If it turns out to be a re-bodied Zf, then a lot of folks are going to be disappointed. Not because it won’t be a great camera…because that would be, but because folks always want more. If it has a version of the Sony A7iv 33mp sensor, an updated Z6ii style body and the tech from the Zf, straight to the top of the class, especially if it has an optional battery grip that is better designed than the clunky Z8 option.

Take a good look at both the Lumix S5ii and the Nikon Zf then. The latter at first appearance may appear to be a retro inspired ‘stills’ camera, but is actually an excellent low light, AF, performer. I’m still on the fence myself whether to: A: even bother with a Z8 or Z9 to pair it with and just get a second Zf, or, B: even move lock stock and barrel over to Nikon for video also. If I was not already heavily invested in L Mount, the question would be clearer and the answer would almost certainly be yes, but… For 2024 at least, it’s more a financial consideration and I will run both systems side by side. For your requirements though Daniel, the Zf paired with the 24-120mm f4 could be an excellent option? Or, S5ii with the 24-105mm f4 as I think this slightly longer focal range is more what you are used to and prefer over something like a 24-70?

Lumix S5ii + Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 is a solid all-rounder with great stills capability and possibly the best video chops at this price point. Nikon Zf + adapted Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 G2 is a slightly quirky, left field choice with arguably even better AF, IBIS and photo quality over the Lumix, but with a few less ultimate video options. Fuji XH2/S + 16-55mm f2.8 keeps you within your familiar brand, improves on ‘everything’ compared with what you have except possibly ultimate output (but honestly, who would notice) but arguably, the full-frame options are slightly ahead in areas such as AF and outright capability. I’d be happy with any of them and for me it comes down to the final detail and how my entire kit works as a whole for the specific needs and wants I personally have. On that basis, for 2024, I am shooting L Mount for video and Nikon for stills, but if you took it all away and dumped a Fuji based system into my hands, it would work equally ‘real world’ just as well.

Northern France has been trash for about 2 months 😠

Not enough light sabres or use of The Force for you? 😉

Big fan of the Amaran 60X lights which are only a couple of hundred each. Plug into the mains or run off a portable 500kwh power bank or a pair of Sony batteries for a totally cable-less off-grid set up. In my cart for weddings, I have a pair, 2 lightstands, 2 optional softboxes, 40m extension cable and powerbank and it’s been a fantastic set up all year. I did have the Sony batteries but had them stolen along with another light at a wedding in Sep. Narrowed it down to the DJ, but can’t prove it… But definitely one of my purchases of the year and unless I break them or they are stolen, I can’t see why they won’t last out my career.

Sony RX100V ? I had one and it was pretty fantastic. Tiny, genuinely pocketable and my only real issue was overheating for how I used it which is for MUCH longer takes than you Kye. Same issue with the ZV1, brilliant little thing but needed cooling…which it probably could today with the Tilta stick on jobbie. Part of me really wants to go uber-small with my gear, but I think for my needs and taking budget (the huge losses in trading) into consideration, it’s a non-starter. Just knocking off 1kg is a big plus for me for 2024 but that is still a body and lens combo about 5+ times heavier than any of yours 🤪

Finally just saw it myself today. Had to watch on my 16” MacBook because…well that is a long and boring story, so I won’t bother with that, but really enjoyed it. Big fan of Bladerunner (both), Dune, Rogue One, ie, well done sci fi and this can be added to that list. It could have been a bit longer actually, but the opposite of Rebel Moon which we saw the other day and didn’t think was complete trash, but fairly poor. I’m tempted to trade in my S1H and S5ii for a pair of FX3’s but somehow, I don’t think it will be enough, so sticking with them.

Awful in my line of work as any change/changes mid scene is near impossible to overcome in post. Just a headache. But otherwise yes, fixed WB of ‘5500’ works nicely and is my go to (not 5600) as it’s the recommendation for the conversion LUT I use. I also meant 4500 indoors not 4000, so 4500 and 5500 are my two programmed default options.

Pretty sure it will be Zf spec except for different body and bigger second card slot than the Micro SD. Not expecting anything more. FF 4K 60p would have been nice but there are going to be restrictions compared with the Z8 for sure.

Agree…unless shooting street and with smaller primes such as the 26/28/40 lenses. The grip makes a difference. Still waiting for my Tamron 70-180 as there is a chance, albeit slight, I get a second ZF because other than the side hinge screen, it’s a ‘perfect’ camera for me.

Being a hybrid wedding/event shooter, I don’t have the time to be setting WB every single scene so it’s 5600 outdoor and 4000 in and adjust in post if needs be. Otherwise indeed trying to get as much SOOC internally as possible. Works for me. I shoot log these days/this last year, but no issues with shooting a flat profile and do so for all low light/after dark stuff.

If it’s basically a ‘DSLR’ version of my Zf, I might just save the bucks and go for one over a Z9…which I am favouring over the Z8. Z7iii just seems too close to Z8 if we are are looking at similar mp sensor size difference as per the previous 2 models so maybe they will go something much larger, otherwise don’t see where it fits in really? Tried to have a play with a Z9 today on one of my rare forays into a city but no joy, didn’t have one. Also depends on availability because unless I can actually buy one by end of March max, it’s default Z9 for me...which is no bad thing because it will allow me to run L Mount for video and Z for stills all year and then make a decision whether to continue with that or trade 2 L Mount units for another single Z and use what will then be 3x Z units all as full hybrid. I really don’t mind either way as there are pros and cons for either option so either way it’s a win.

My parents still believe Great Britain has colonies and rules the world…

I hear you brother Django. It’s the same in my camp, - attempting to weigh up the pros & cons so as not to make a decision I will later regret. Done that too many times previously and determined not to again. If I can help it. Hopefully getting into a real bricks & mortar camera shop next week for a final handling/ergo check, but the Z9 makes the most sense to me. Fortunately I am not ‘stuck’ between brands, - it’s simply the more compact Z8 vs the combined additional attributes of the Z9. Close now…

Where exactly do you live in the World where it’s 2024 already? Must be one of those remote Pacific islands? 🤔

Yep, sounds like me 😜

This is the principal element that stops me going all in on Nikon. I'm not especially interested in grading etc and have a capture & edit workflow I am very happy with with Lumix. So why change that? I quite probably will not, for 2024 at least, but if I do, it would probably be for the Flat profile because I could work with that. It's just one component of the greater puzzle for me personally.

I meant new Blazar anamorphics…but apparently not.

The add on grip is an option…for some users I guess. Personally I think it’s hideous and I would never use it. I did use an add on grip to my S1H to balance the Leica 24-90 as that lens is a beast and still do actually for the 70-200 f4. So necessity rather than ‘choice’ but I much prefer an integrated grip. Personally (professionally) I have no need to ever add on or take away a grip so it’s a case of I need one 100% of the time, or 100% not at all. I don’t like even changing lenses, so the thought of changing the handling characteristics of any set up so significantly, fills me with loathing.

Indeed. Before the Z8 came out, there could be a bunch of Z9 buyers who bought it for it’s spec and compromised on the size/weight for their needs, who then later wished or exchanged for the Z8, but today, with both on the table, it should be more straightforward to make the right decision for ‘you’. I am at that stage now where I have cleared my backlog of work for this year and am now twiddling my thumbs and contemplating my naval. I have a trip to the UK a week today and then Christmas and then it’s into the new year which is also a new financial year. I also have some plans for some personal projects Jan-March just so I am not totally bored to tears so have made a pretty firm decision that unless I see any sign of an imminent (available by end of March latest) Z6iii, I am going to pick up a Z9 at the start of ‘24. The pros just outweigh the cons for me and though I still prefer the Canon R3 body (the only real competitor at this time for the Z9 in terms of being a gripped mirrorless body) the combo of body + lens has tipped things now in favour of Nikon + Tamron at the ‘Dream’ level, never mind the reality level, because the Canon route is not financially viable anyway 😜 The above is a pretty easy decision to now make, but if that Z6iii does show signs of appearing within my timescale, the Z8 comes back into play as a possibility as it would not be having to do quite the heavy lifting that the Z9 would. But having said that, still probably Z9 for all the previously mentioned reasons; platform, portrait orientation, battery life, cards, yada yada. Actually, no yada yada, those are the reasons!

Looks like one of the new Sirui anamorphics?