Either camera is great for any situation. I'm gonna wait about 10 years so I can get one for 800 bucks lol.

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Lol

@dcphotesq

2 жыл бұрын

Lolol

@dionysusrex9183

2 жыл бұрын

Plot twist: all of these images were from a D40

The point is it isn't the gear, it's the photographer. :)

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Yes

So many good cameras available today, great time to be a photographer and gear that costs 2500 today performs better than pro gear of 5 years ago costing $6-8000

Beautiful images as always and an interesting experiment. Obviously, in the right hands, all three cameras can produce stellar images.

No matter which camera you use, you always seem to end up with wild, vivid accuracy! Never blurred, always crisp focus! Nat. Geo quality!

I so appreciate all that you do with the skill sets you possess, Always a pleasure to hear you and your insights and to be a recipient of your stellar body of work over the years as well as your enthusiasm with the gear you use to paint your as well as others' monitors!!! Thank You for your Awesomeness and openness with sharing over the many years..... David

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure

Stunning images as always Mark, regardless of the equipment you use. Just shows that more important than your gear is improving your skills on how to use your camera and your knowledge of the subject. I prefer Nikon gear but personal preference aside, improving skills gets you better results, and the tools you prefer just add to the fun. Love your channel Mark and your images are beautiful.

In the end I think either camera can produce a great image because I think the sensors and image pipeline are both very good. I am more interested to learn from you if any setup or AF configuration options or approach the camera supports made it easier for you to capture the great images you shared. Or does a specific lens with one system or the other work better for you, i.e. focus faster. So sharing that kind of info would

Stunning photos as always Mark. These guessing competitions are fun, but what I really would love is for you to show your post processing on one of these images. It's probably asking you to give away your trade secrets, but that would be so cool,

Thanks for the quiz. I like your factual, story telling videos including your settings and tutorial type videos vs. the guessing type video’s of late but it was still fun. Thanks Mark.

Please keep doing it. I just appreciate the opportunity to see all these great photographs.

All of your photos are outstanding, I love them all. All cameras today can take mindblowing fine pictures, of course the tool you use have a certain impact. But it is the "handcraft" that counts. It is not the camera. It is the cameraholder! The photos you took with the D500 were fantastic. So are the ones you take with Your A1. Pictures like yours takes good tools, but even more it takes knowledge, not just knowing the gear, but also the wildlife you shoot. For me, I like to see your wonderful images and how you shoot them - gear comparison not so much.

You do great balanced content and such great advice. And amazing shots - I expect we will see you with millions of subs :)

I can't tell whether it was shot on Sony or Nikon when i see a beatiful image of an osprey - but im pretty sure the picture was taken by Mark Smith!

That was fun Mark! I vote to do more, but max 4-5 on this topic per year. I’d also, with deep respect, request you to provide some level of feedback. We pick models based on pixel peeping, so please bring some insight to the results. Tell us things you like or dislike about the photo and if it’s related to the camera. Folks who participated or liked this video are probably looking for insight on systems and models and how they perform.

Loved this type of video. Technology is amazing now and those just showcases that.

Both are very capable camera makers. Thanks for posting this.

I was right 🙂 with the last one. Waiting for my A7IV to arrive and to make my bird photgraphy a little bit easier.

Hi Mark thanks for your video. Always enjoy watching your video. Question: is it good to put Teleconverter for 200-600mm Sony. ?

Interesting comparison but!!, I assume all these shots were taken in RAW. Any thoughts on which brand takes more post work to bring in the rich color and detail?

I always thought it could have been either camera.. I couldn't guess.. It's always dependent of on light and the camera settings you use.. I was mostly interested in which camera had the best hit-rate.. Which was easier to use.. Which had the least problems..

I'd like to see how you compare the Canon R5, Nikon Z7 and Sony A1 maybe in a table format after you've discussed all 3.

Mark, Any early impressions of the Sony A7iv you can share? I almost bought it today. Just mailed off my slightly used Nikon Z6ii and kit lens for likely sale this am anticipating making the switch. I do all sorts of photography so birding is just one of its uses. Thanks, Craig

Great video as always Mark . I think we all have learned something here. Both cameras are amazing but then any camera is amazing in your hands . One more think that a lot of you tubers could learn from you . You never feel the need say this camera bad , this camera good. They are all great. Your success proves that click bait negative and” oh my let me find one little thing wrong with this camera and exploit it “is overdone and people are tiring of these type of videos. Yes 2 things can be amazing!!

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

That’s an awesome comment. Thanks.

I owned the Z9 and A1 in parallel for 3 weeks and was able to identify your photos with 100% accuracy. I ended up sending the Z9 back and kept the A1.

@gentleman0678

Жыл бұрын

What led you to choose the A1 over the z9?

@PictorialWhispers

Жыл бұрын

@@gentleman0678 Both cameras of course take great photos, but the Sony allowed me to assign the custom buttons in a way that Nikon does not which meant my ability to react in the field was significantly faster and better with the Sony. My issues may not be a deal breaker for another photographer, but they are for me. I effectively need to be able to change my configuration within a split second based on what the wild horses are doing and never remove my eye from the viewfinder.

@HungerJohn

Жыл бұрын

@@PictorialWhispers 这不算什么事儿，只是个软件问题。

@HungerJohn

Жыл бұрын

@@PictorialWhispers A1性价比远远不如Z9而且，尼康的镜头优势非常明显，现在有转接口，索尼的所有镜头尼康都可以用。我觉得你的选择只是个习惯问题，并不是必要的。我用Z9就没有感到任何不方便。

Can’t wait for the video set and operation for the the A1 … Thanks for your awesome channel, it’s made me a better photographer.

Mark, awesome photos as always. We all appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experiences. On the last photo, I am assuming that you paired up your Sony FE 600mm with the Sony a7IV. Do you use lens filters on your Sony FE 600mm and Sony FE 200-600mm lens? Thanks again.

Both amazing camera's, but for less than half I think the OM-1 will be my choice since I already have the glass. Besides I'm too old to carry all the weight around full frame lenses encumber one with.

Excellent video and I'd love to see more of these. I think it really removes some of the toxicity from the fan boys to see that most of today's cameras are capable of producing some unbelievable images...

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly!

Hi Mark. Me again. Okay you e had more time with that Sony a7 IV. Images I’ve seen really impress me for sensor performance. How is the AF/ tracking for BIF ? I’ve read that it’s bird AF is inconsistent with birds in motion. What do you think El Maestro ! It’s price point is good for me. Can the Sony a7 IV cut it with either the 200-600 or 100-400 GM for amateur birding and BIF ? Thanks 😊

I hadn't guessed, since I wouldn't know. But I Do know, they are All fabulous shots!

Always enjoy your videos for what they are. Honest assessments of what you are using and photographing. I believe the current round of equipment has made a significant difference in your images. What do you think, Mark? (Yes, I know you have more knowledge now, but still). As for the guessing game video - it's fun, but not really helpful. I guessed the first two images correctly (but I've seen your previous videos) and was dead wrong on the last two images (wasn't sure what camera the last image was shot on). Thanks as always. Keep up the fun stuff and story telling.

Indeed, working with the flagships of the big 3 out there should not allow us, outsiders, to know what brand was used. It shows that, despite all the new features current cameras have, it is still the person behind the camera that has to tame the beast. Interesting experiment but the point is proven so time to move on (you asked our opinion ;) )

3/4 are A1 , I think you made your choice clear.

I wouldn't be able to tell & feel most are just guessing. Outside of an extreme crop from 2 cameras, one being a 16-20mp & the other being 42- 50mp... Did you do any editing/color to the eyes in any of the osprey photos?

Love the images, love your story telling about capturing the images, and believe your skill and your eye for nature is the key. So maybe not too many ‘which camera took this’ for me (though I guess highly zoomed in iPhone for your last Instagram story!)

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Lol you got it!!

The pelican shot is super sharp and the colors are beautiful. I like these comparison videos!

Do you know the distances of your shots thru your camera? Do you use a range finder at all? The close up on the pelican makes me wonder how far away your camera was from the birds face.

Hi, im relative new to digital photo, I bought an zfc and I love it, I have almost the money for the z9, should it go for it or the z7ii would do the job? I mostly take bird photos and cosplay portraits

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Z9

@pinceno

2 жыл бұрын

@@MarkSmithphotography thanks, also what 50mm do you recommend for z sistem?

Hello Mark. In case you used Z9 (v 3.0+) and a9 ii(v3) extensively side by side, can you share your opinion on their AF as a comparison?

Your photos are great. Who cares which camera and what's the point of guessing at all? Good photography is not about the camera but who is behind it.

Yeah, I’m out on the comparison vids. I love my a7iv and I’m looking forward to your forthcoming content featuring it, but you produce amazing work product regardless of the rig. No need to fall into the silly camera wars that way too many people seem to feed into.

The test was interesting. I managed to choose photo 1 and 3 correctly. Nikon has been playing catch up to Sony with their mirrorless cameras, yet Sony has been playing catch up to Nikon with their photo color accuracy. It's a win, win for the consumers. 👍👍

Heyy I have the Sony A1 and photographed ospreys for the first time today and some shots came out blurry while they were diving in for the fish I was at 5000 shutter speed. Should I have been on a higher shutter speed?

When is the owl video coming out. Still wondering where in Canada you were filming owls. Thanks.

Interesting! I guess it confirms what I have always thought; you can get superior images from almost any modern day camera. It's more to do with skill than the technology.

To me the camera that makes it the easiest to get the higher keeper rates for these types of photos is more important. Outside of how the camera feels in your hands, once the camera menus' are set-up & you get comfortable using it, it probably doesn't matter. From what I have seen the A74 would most likely have slanted items in it while panning depending on the what's in the photo. Still a great camera for the price point. Heck , I get some great photos with the D810 & 200-500 lens. Just have to work way harder for them with a much, much, much lower keeper rate. Did I mention the lower keeper rate!

No point in trying to guess which camera. They all are fantastically good.

I'm way more interested in your feedback on which camera had a higher hit factor for you, which made it easier to get the best photos.

50/50 on my guesses too. Did you use a tripod or were you able to capture those images handholding? I hate using tripods unless it’s a nature shot.

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

All handheld

Both amazing cameras! :) fun way of comparing and really hard to choose the right one

I am using D500 now and i want to buy nikon z 7 ii for bird photography, is it good enough?

Awesome work as usual!

Hey Mark. Do you use any type of filter on your lenses?

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

No

I guessed them all correctly! Probably because I have been using Nikon cameras for many years and the way I figured it out was only down to the blues of the sky and water, that's it! All great images anyway :-)

Just like that for the reason that it shows one thing: All the brand bashing on the web has no substantial foundation. It is 1. the Photographer, 2. the light, 3. the lens and 4. the camera that makes the image. Maybe the lens and the camera come closer in sports & wildlife but they will never be more important than the person who takes the photo and the light.

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed

Mark now that you have the new a7iv do you plan to make a etup video like you did for the a1. That video was one of the most complete and comprehensive setup videos I have seen. I can't justify the cost of the a1 but I do own the new a7iv and would eagerly look forward to a setup video that also covered what works best for birding and wildlife.

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Yes!

Which camera would you rather have for BIF, the a74 or a7r4? (I have an a1 but wanting to upgrade wife’s a7r3 without spending $6500)

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

I would take the r4 any day of the week . It’s one of my fav cameras.

@KenToney

2 жыл бұрын

@@MarkSmithphotography cool, I was wondering if it tracked better than a7r4

@youknowwho9247

2 жыл бұрын

@@MarkSmithphotography That's surprising. Is there no advantage in AF in favour of the a7 IV?

Thanks Mark. The Sony a7 IV actually does a very good job on that osprey action shot. What kind of hit rate did you find on the Sony a7 IV for these action shots ? This was fun and informative. 👍👏🏻🕊🐿😀 Thanks.

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Not sure on the hit rate. It did well though. I should have a video detailing that soon.

Love your vidéos . Injust got m’y a7r4.i could not sait another monte i feel well with it

In general Nikon straight out of camera shots are colder with more hue of blue. Sony has warmer tones and more vivid colors out of the camera without any retouching.

I think the most interesting part is the optics. Can you share the lens info as well?

The questions I have is what lenses were they captured on ?? Lol! Nikon has been coming out with some pretty cool lenses lately like the 400mm f2.8 with built in TC and the new PF 800mm 😊

wow Mark Amazing Photos as always... I got several wrong between Sony, Nikon! I did like the "guessing game"... I'm wondering about post production if thats influencing the color science or not... are the photos shown edited? Post changes the color/level ranges of the cameras and lenses, the sharpness of both seem to be great and of course you the photographer, take the images to a whole other level!! -You Rock!!

I wouldn't even have a guess which camera in most of today's current lineups. They all make really good stuff - and for me it comes down to which I enjoy using the most (Nikon with Canon a fairly close 2nd).

I like this quiz. I think for extra guessing you should throw in an older photo from a camera you used to use and see if we can tell the difference between an old or a new camera.

I have the A7iv and really like the bird eye focus. How much better do you think the A1 bird eye focus is and is it worth the$4000 more??? I love your KZread channel!!

@MarkSmithphotography

Жыл бұрын

The a1 does a lot more than the a7iv and if you need those extra features then the price is certainly justified.

@andrewr171

Жыл бұрын

@@MarkSmithphotography thank you! How much better/ quicker is the A1 bird eye focus compared to the A7iv?

These are great pics. Like I have seen so many others say in these comments, I too would be more interested in the technical side of the cameras, IE the settings and what you did to produce such great shots. I am not an experienced photographer, but I recently bought a Sony A6400 and would love to know how to take shots this good.

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

I generally put all of my settings on the image in my videos. Go check some of them out, they might be more helpful. This video was more of a proof that any camera can capture good images.

I got all guesses correct! Great images

Great stuff only shoot with the A1 so a bit bias here on "Camilla & I" !! 😍👍🤔

I am surprised by the A7IV. Wow.

I think cameras these days are all excellent as you show in this video. The most important aspect of photography is the photographer behind the camera. Of course we want to get the best camera that we can afford to achieve our purpose but these days some people care too much about the device itself. Some people even get too defensive and get angry trying to defend their favorite camera brand as if they work for the brand. Camera is just a tool to express yourself.

I got every one correct except the last one. The poor highlights give the Nikon away.

Are you coming to PA to shoot Saw-Whets? They hang mostly within the Appalachian Plateau. Great pics as always by the way..

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Would love to

@richieblue6730

2 жыл бұрын

@@MarkSmithphotography let me know if you need a place to set up in PA.. Free coffee, room shower. Your only cost is taking me with you on the owl prowl.. :)

Pick a D90 one day and show us the results. Much people will still think it is a brand new camera. ;) Gear is overrated. Just allow me a question. It doesn´t hide any irony or second sense under lines. Don´t you get bored by using these new camera systems with such an amazing AF recognition systems? Do you find they kill part of your skills? I wonder that from the perspective of a DSLR shooter. (don´t get me wrong as a mirrorless "denier") It´s an impressive improvement in technology, but I wonder how much it leaves for our own merit. Regards

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Not at all! I enjoy it even more because I get to learn even more about my subjects!

@rmgwheelsspokeslab.7767

2 жыл бұрын

@@MarkSmithphotography Ah! I see. it´s a great point of view. So you pay more attention to what you are photographing. Interesting. But I can´t stop wondering if getting each and every image in focus and near perfect can´t be boring or, by other hand, the fact of having or being able to have tons of perfect images can be a burden. One of my main problems is deciding what image to save and store and have enought time to review them. :) But I still keep my challenge for you. To pick an old camera and surprise everyone of us and slide some images in between actual cameras ones. :) regards from Spain.

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

@@rmgwheelsspokeslab.7767 good idea!

Mark as your big fan and follower I need an advice from you... is it worth upgrading my Sony A9 for the Sony A1 ? Please

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

I think so

Great Video Mark. Thank You.

2:20 Wow, perfect shot.

I enjoy the opportunity to guess the camera body. Make a few more of this type of video. I think the last one is a Nikon BTW-I’m still shooting with a vintage,model, the original A9……

Mark are you going to do a review on Sony A7Iv?

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t do reviews. Will I create content with that camera , yes.

@cesarm8811

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks…

When is the a7iv review please?

Awesome as ever. Phil

Do you prefer a small body like the a1 or a heavy body like the Z9?

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

A1

La verdad es que las cámaras de hoy día están muy parejas en cuanto a resultado final. Son rápidas enfocando, tienen buena ráfaga de disparo, etc, etc. Para los que critican el color de las sony tan solo hay que ver ese pelícano con esos hermosos colores. Un gran vídeo con unas fotos de gran calidad.

@joseestevez1248

Жыл бұрын

Los que critican cualquier cámara por el resultado del color no son profesionales, solo saben dispara en JPG, si usas una cámara en modo RAW los colores se los das en post-production. También hay quien compra una cámara se miles de dólares y usan solo Aperture priority y Auto ISO.... dónde está el arte de la fotografía?

3:10 No way! Wow! I thought it was a Z9 shot. Very good photo.

My wife works at a local camera store, so she gets to play with some of the gear when its slow. She prefers the Nikon but you can't go wrong with either one. Thanks for the great video.

Mike, you are using sony a9 before, have you using it ?

You should put some D500,D850 pics in there as well. I'd be curious if they hold up against the mirrorless camera's ( I bet they do).

@youknowwho9247

2 жыл бұрын

The D850 will produce the same image quality if you get the shot. However, actually getting the shot is way less reliable.

@marklindsey1995

2 жыл бұрын

@@youknowwho9247 getting a D850 is way easier than getting a Z9! $1800 used and I keep all my glass versus $15,000 for a new Z and 3 f2.8 zooms. If I had Elon Musk money, I might think about switching to mirrorless.

Nikon for years…but no way my Sony setup is gonna leave my arsenal 😁

Well lol, I got the last one right with A7iv!

Make a video on a7iv

I think this video illustrates most of the latest cameras with good glass can produce equally great resulting in the hands of a master photographer like yourself. Interesting, but I prefer your regular videos. You are a great story teller. So I vote against further guessing videos.

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

Me too!

Goes to prove - it's not the gear but the skill & artistry of the photographer.

@mountainhobo

2 жыл бұрын

"it's not the gear but the skill" -- As long as the gear is at the level where it can support the skill.

@Jaydawg1250

2 жыл бұрын

@@mountainhobo agreed 100%

I definitely guessed wrong on the image I commented on LoL. I for sure thought that second image was from a Nikon body.

Both are good shots

I got everything but the last shot right, I guessed the last one was from a D850. It was the colors that help my decisions, to my eye Nikon’s colors differ to Sony’s, to my eyes anyway. Of course the last shot fooled me, and I shoot with the D850. Thank for sharing some superlative photos, your work is astounding! All the best.

With what lens?

I’d love to hear your opinion on the OM-1.

@MarkSmithphotography

2 жыл бұрын

I’d love to try one! I’ll have to ask bh if they can send me one.

Wow, all of these shots - but man that last one, I absolutely LOVE it. The background color, the lines / flow, just amazing. All of these modern bodies are basically impossible to differentiate (as shown by all 50/50 tallies here). They're all SO much better than what I started with decades ago, we're now at level "bananas". Anything from here forward is just icing on the cake. And I love the 33mp sensor in Sony's new A7IV, I think that's a sweet spot. I'm in the Nikon system so I'm hoping their next lineup offers that "in between" resolution.

Love it.