MrSMW

Let’s see how long this post stays up.
I have started a countdown…

Wrestling with this also…
A decade ago, I had 20:20 vision and did not even consider how anything else would impact my work (shooting).
These days, I need 2 pairs of specs. Readers for reading and editing plus varifocals for shooting.
I can use the EVF but almost exclusively shoot with the rear LCD bouncing between video and stills all day long as I do.
Which is a reason why rear LCD’s under 2000 (whatever the units are) are not great for me.
Another area where I prefer S1H over S5ii for instance and why most Sony cameras to me are not great.
I am looking (no pun intended) at laser this year, but we’ll see (pun intended)…

With extreme wincing back in the day.
When I used to live in the UK and shoot church weddings, it was very hit and miss whether you could even get permission to shoot and often it was only by pleading that you would be as stealthy as a mouse.
KER LICK
KER LICK
KER LICK
KER LICK
And then electronic shutter came along.
Shutter button feel is more a personal preference as in I would prefer a damped option but could live without it.
Sound is non-negotiable to me these days though. I can’t be invisible and I cannot always be totally silent, but I do practice stealth as much as is practically possible and KER LICK is not part of that equation.
 

I quite like it and would pair it with an adapted Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 for a compact, sub 700g, 27-75mm FF equivalent EDC/travel set up.

I’ve got 7 years so might just beat it being ‘above mid market’ 😉

Goes off to check out Nikon Z30…

Goes off to check out Nikon Z30…

YES, someone else that also gets this!
As a 50:50 stills/video shooter myself, only photographers really get just how important shutter sound (and button feel) are when it’s your job.
It was awful on the OG S5 and that carried over to the S5ii.
I love my S5ii for video but for stills, the S1H is in another league.
I could have, and wanted to build a system around 3x S5ii’s, but the shutter sound plus the lack of lenses for my specific needs, has meant I cannot.
I genuinely think that Panasonic potentially has the best all round hybrid cameras in the S5ii and the S1H and they just need to merge the two into one for the ‘perfect’ camera, ie, the focus system of the S5ii in the S1H!
Actually my ‘perfect’ camera is a mashup of the; S5ii, the S1H and the Sigma FP with Tamron lenses, specifically the 35-150mm f2/2.8 and 70-180mm f2.8
If only, for those lenses, it’s Sony or Nikon bodies only…which is why I have skipped off back to Nikon + Tamron for stills.

The question is, what is the size of that market?
To play devils advocate, let's say it's 10,000 units per annum but based on their research, they would need to sell 100k units PA to make it worthwhile, they are not going to do it are they.
There's lot's of stuff I'd like to see in the marketplace, but if it's too niche, I can understand why it does not exist, even if I do not like it!
I think phones have simply killed the market. Not completely as in of course folks exist who wish to be served by it, but in such small numbers, it's not viable. Or the projections aren't. Or 'stuff' just doesn't fit their brand/profile anymore.
There seemed to be a time when stuff was getting smaller, but I think that time is mostly over. Mostly. Other stuff is filling certain niches such as phones and action cam type stuff.
Personally, I'd like to see big (FF and MF) sensors in tiny bodies with lenses to match, but either the physics of it does not (yet) exist, or the cost to design and build is too high.
I had high hopes for instance for the Sigma FP, but it has not hit the mark for my needs.
Something like the L model with the optional grip and the Sigma 28-70mm f2.8 with decent cropping ability due to being 61mp, makes for an extremely compelling unit to me. On paper. And it falls down at that point due to banding issues, no IBIS and no 4K 50/60p and no tilt screen.
The latter can actually be fixed with an aftermarket solution, but the rest still kills it for me. Maybe the digital stabilisation might just be enough, I don't know, but it still falls short in 2 other key areas for my needs so a sad "no".
OK, it's not super super tiny, but had it ticked more or all of the boxes, what a stunningly capable, sub 1kg unit that would have been...
 

Do DR next @kye as in when the manufacturer quotes 97 stops of DR, but it’s actually 11 when all the planets align.
I’m just messing 😉

So 4 then.

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.

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!
 

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!
 

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!
 

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!
 

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!
 

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!
 

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.

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.

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.

This forum needs a section called 'Ask Kye'.
Again, I'm just messing and do enjoy your posts 😘

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 🤪

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.