It's too bad you didn't keep your old Nikon gear. I first bought the RX10IV and a year or two later I added the A7III for astro and portrait work (which don't require extreme telephotos). After getting and using my Sony gear, I gave my Nikon D300 to one of my nieces and my D600 and about 4 Nikon lenses to my older grandson (10 years old). The RX10IV is my travel and landscape camera and I love it. The D600 with Nikon 28-200 was my previous travel camera. I think keeping the RX10IV is a good decision. Now if it sits in the camera bag for two years...
Hi Nigel, my opinion is don’t go down the gas route which at the moment most photographers I watch are into, remember how struggled with which lens to take with you on trips and which body combination etc, new gear is nice but deciding on a trip out and just picking up a camera bag with one body and lens is so liberating and being in the moment rather than complicating your thoughts on gear!, Unless it’s a family occasion backup bodies are hardly ever needed unless travelling to destinations that you are never going to get there again. Well that’s my humble opinion and keep it simple and enjoy the moment
Craig Wliams thanks Craig. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. On Astro shoots I tend to use two cameras. One taking Time-lapse and one for other stills where I can move about and play around with composition.
I think that you need, a specialised gear for night photography and an all round gear for hiking and or travel. There is no magical one fits all solution.Thx for the video.
Yes, indeed. Since posting this video three years back, I have reinvested in Nikon gear and now use a Z6ii for Astro Landscapes and a Z7ii for other landscapes with a range of Nikon and Laowa lenses.
When I sold my two D750's and nikkor lens collection to move the Sony RX10 mk 4 and mk 2 I also bought a Sony RX1r mk2 so I still had a portable full frame always with me for low light situations. You are wise to keep your RX10 mk 4.
Gordon Kerr Thanks Gordon. Yes, I’m keeping the Sony for now and feel that is the right way to go. Meantime, I’ve had a rush of blood to the head, bought a used D750 and sold the D700. This will give me better Astro options/performance and allow me to retain all the benefits of the RX10iv. I am now looking out for a used Nikon 20mm f/1.8 to go with the D750.
@@NigelBaileyPhotography You may have bought one of my previous D750 cameras! The D750 is a great choice for low light and I think Astro photography is the only area I would bother going wider than 24 mm for the obvious technical advantage a fast ultra wide brings to taking nightcapes.
Thanks for watching - I hope it is useful. In my latest video, you'll see the I have now re-purchased a full-frame Nikon D750 and have also just bought a used Nikkor 20mm f/1.8 prime lens. I have still kept the Sony for non-astro use.
@@NigelBaileyPhotography I gave the Sony another shot as primary camera…. I want to love it. But it can’t compete with modern full frame mirrorless like z6ii
Hi Stuart, and thanks for watching; I seen a whole bunch of your own videos - love them. I won't be ditching the Sony, but I have bought a Nikon D750 and a 20mm f/1.8 lens just for astro work. The Sony can take care of pretty much everything else I need to do; it's so versatile.
DSLR Life - Nigel Bailey thanks for watching yes i have mine as 2nd camera or spare camera for everyday the a7riv for the work side of things from portraiture to commercial work etc but the rx10iv has come in handy aswell for that aswell. Ive used a friends d750 a great camera. Sensor size is a massive thing but having the 1inch sensor on the rx10iv is one reason its so useable but yes its weakness is low light. Used in nice light its an amazing. Nice sony sensor in the nikon though
I understand your desire to travel more lightly. At 71 there is a limit to what my back and knees will carry for several hours. So I have two fairly complete systems - a Sony A7R3 with heavier lenses that I normally use for specific photography tasks. That includes nightscapes with a Sony 20mm f1.8 G, used at f2.2. Having been a Canon (5DSr, 5Dmk2, 5Dmk1) user for decades, the Sony full frame has an excellent dynamic range and the lenses are top quality, even the G series. But when I'm hiking for a day, it's M43. My Olympus EM1MK2 and Panasonic G9 give excellent results. The Olympus 12-100 f4 (24-200 in full frame) has superb stabilisation where one second handheld is commonplace (useful in churches, or urban night shots for example). The Lumix/Leica 200mm f2.8 (400mm full frame) on the G9 also has great stabilisation. Handheld at 1/60 second is no problem. And the Olympus 300mm (600mm ff) f4 gives results that are certainly comparable to my Sony 200-600. But in a smaller, lighter package. I've no intention of stopping the use of either system. It's simply horses for courses, all cameras and lenses are a compromise.
it is hard to compare a 1" sensor with a full-frame sensor... different cameras for different tasks (the d800 is certainly a better camera). ....and a F4 in a 1" sensor is a very different thing from a F4 on a Full frame, in terms of depth of field. Sony cameras are video cameras that also take photos, Nikon cameras as photographic cameras that also make video.
I think that the answer your looking for is in the name of the type of camera the Sony is! It is a bridge camera - which capabilities bridge the gap between a compact and a full DSLR. It was never designed to replace a DSLR in it's entirety. My main camera's are a Canon 5DSR and 7D mk11, but I also have a Sony RX10 mkiv to use when I do not want to carry a huge camera rucksack around with me. The RX10 has some really good features which I like including the high frame rate video and the high speed 24fps stills. I would never swap one out for the other but use each to their best advantages - i.e use the DSLR's for wildlife safari's and specific photography days and the Sony as a great light weight holiday camera or to just have a very competent camera for leisure days out.
Trevor Godfrey thanks for your comment Trevor. I have pretty much settled on keeping the Sony for all its flexibility and video capability. Filmed a dramatic cliff-top rescue last night. Couldn’t have done it with the D800. Need both...
I understand about the RX10 IV being great for almost everything-except low light! My suggestion would have been to supplement it with a used original Sony A7 or possibly even A7R II, depending on budget. Then you could have similar menus and operations between cameras, and even use the same batteries. Full frame Sony cameras have developed a great lens catalog, with Sigma, Samyang, Tamron and Voigtlander all contributing lenses worthy of consideration.
You saved me the trouble of writing a post Zobied as you have already written exactly what I was going to say. Incidently, RX10iv + A7Rii is exactly what's in my camera bag 🙂
Yeah when it comes to astrophotography, I definitely think full frame is the way to go! Great to see you getting more into the astro side of things.. sticking with you D700 for the time being so not a bad choice. I only have a old Canon 5D Mark 2 and it works great for astro... I recommend Samyang prime lenses for astro, once you get the focus right they are tak sharp! Plus very fast at f1.4
I have Nikon d800 with a great selection of Nikon lenses. I have just purchased the Sony RX10iv and definitely selling all my Nikon gear. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send you the pricing and such. Thx
Greetings. I had the similar dilemma with swapping to Fuji and their crop sensors. I used a X100f along side my D800 and the the quality of the photos with regards to dynamic range was considerable. Sony was an option, as I like to do more video, but the A7 range (And the G-Lenses) are beyond my budget. So for a carry everywhere camera, I use a Canon EOS RP, which is is still full frame, so I'm not compromising image quality there, but the weight and size drop is also considerable. For my wedding work and photo shoots, the D810 and D4 aren't going anywhere, as their quality, performance and reliability would be greatly missed. For the everyday, so far, the RP is doing the job. I cannot believe the size of the thing. I once owned a D3300 with a kit lens, and that is bigger than the RP. Good luck with your night photography and Nikon lens gathering journey. All the best:)
Its the most difficult choice to make, with which camera to buy, thee are so many out there, first of all you have to make decisions ie full frame, Aps-c, or m 4/3rds, as I can make out, you have Nikon in full frame either Mirrorless, Z6,Z7, or D810 or D850, Canon the 5D Mk3, or Mk4 or one of the newer Mirrorless derivatives in Eos form, Aps-c it probably has to be a Fuji XT3 or XT4, in Micro Olympus or Lumix Panasonic, these seem to be the popular choices at this present, and i bet you if I showed you a dozen images printed to A3 size you could not tell me what cameras took which pictures, thats how difficult photography is. great video, i am glad your back , Regards.
IMHO you have made the right choice. I have full frame Nikon and a wonderful collection of old fast lenses but it is just too heavy to carry around all day. I have just bought a used RX10 Mk4 as a carry around camera. I agree that it's not great in low light but DXO noise reduction woeks wonders. All the best to you and good luck with your future photography plans :0)
Nigel, I think that there are several ways of looking at this dilemma. Both tend to start with "why"? For someone who is steeped in the craft, you know you were giving up certain aspects of your photography by going to a fixed lens. SONY does make it attractive with the loads of technology packed in, but if image quality is your passion, smaller sensors and non prime lenses were eventually not making the final cut. That being said, the convenience of NOT lugging around tons of extemporaneous weight is usually the reason a pro sizes down. Someone new to the craft is already in over their head with all that ANY advanced camera requires, definitely does NOT want to be carrying and changing lenses and thus approaches the solution from a very different place. I own an RX-10iv bought recently (2024), and a Sony A77, and a Canon SX-60, and Nikon P900. I use each of them for what I intend to shoot or how I am feeling on a given day. That way I remain happy with them all, and although one ALWAYS mourns a shot you may have gotten from a different camera, it is lessened by using different cameras on different occasions.
I just broke my RX10IV (drop) .. still have my old Canon gear but I love RX10 for what it can do. It has it's limitations and that is for sure low light .. but that depends on interest and I don't like to shoot in low light anyway. It is light, versatile, great optical quality. I've dropped it twice and second time it stopped working. I wish MKV is there but the question is what better they can do with it unless they change a sensor. And if they do it will no longer be the same thing. I was not always happy with colors compared to Cannon. Now thinking of buying another one as this one lasted only two years .. but it is not cheap and also hard to find in store. I would definitely keep it as great all around camera .. but it is 2021 now .. you've made up your mind already.
@@NigelBaileyPhotography Thanks, no .. never take those (insurance) as I am trying to be careful but lately it is happening to often :). As I know that me either go for a costly lens assembly replacement or buy a new one (or used) I've started 'abusing' and puling and pushing the lens by force until by some miracle it started working again. I know it will eventually fail again as I can tell zoom movement is not as smooth as it used to be. For now .. it works. I love this camera so much that I may buy another one and have this one fixed. Sony may eventually release MKV but that will not be the same type of camera anymore. They either have to use different sensor or do something more radical which will push the price to high. As it is light camera and very complicated we tend to forget how delicate it is.
Hi Nigel, I have a Sony Rx10 Mk4. I'm retired and not so agile now and gave up my canon system for it. As a pro you have made the right decision. Keep it but still indulge your passion for perfection with your Nikon gear. Love your videos. Jim
Thanks for your review. I like the calmer way you speak, for second language speakers it’s perfect! I am thinking in buying that Sony camera, for adventure I use Olympus tg 6 and for the every day Shooting I use the iPhone XS that is in my pocket. Most of the reviews, they say that Sony is not compatible with the MacBook Pro M1, and for a non professional I still have my doubts. Best regards João
Honestly, when you said you were going to switch I thought that was a mistake, but it was your right to experiment. Too bad you have to start over again. It is such a shame to have to rebuy lenses considering that prices nowadays are much higher than at the time that you bought your old lenses.
Marieta S. It actually seems to be quite a good time to buy just now. I think lots of people are switching to mirrorless, so there’s quite a lot of F-mount lenses around second-hand. I’m looking out for bargains.
DSLR Life - Nigel Bailey I actually never thought about it like that. In my country the market has not adjusted to the conditions you mentioned. People sell lenses very expensively so I had to resort to buying used lenses from b&h. I had a family member who traveled frequently to the US and I was getting them very cheaply. I hope it works for you and that you build your collection soon. 😀
Well if you decide to give up the Sony please let me know. I have been looking for a good second hand one that I could afford. I mostly enjoy daytime shooting here in the Southern States. I just found these videos a quite enjoy them . Good luck on your quest in perfecting your field.
I subscribed to your channel when I saw your video about switching to the Sony RX 4. Since then mine bit the dust and I bought a Panasonic g9 to replace it. I continued to miss the Sony so much that I turned around and bought another one off of eBay, a used one in excellent condition. Since I've done that I only use the g9 for video and I carry the Sony RX10 IV almost everywhere I go. I take it to work and back home with me to catch photo opportunities along the way. I found myself missing it too much to stay without it. However wildlife is my favorite photography and I understand you're wanting the full frame to meet your particular genre. I do appreciate your videos. Thanks and good luck with your final decision.
Allen Thomas thanks for watching Allen. That’s great that you get on so well with the Sony. It’s portability and flexibility are real winning features. Last night’s shoot showed that. I was out for an Astro shoot and ended up filming a dramatic helicopter cliff-top rescue in low light. Couldn’t have done it on the D800.
Hi, I bought the RX10 iv after watching some recommendations on youtube, but I am struggling with it in low light conditions. I have found I have to take photos in bright overcast days, it just can't get sharp pictures in the two hours before sunset. Was out yesterday evening from 7 pm and sunset was at 8.40. The pics at iso 500, 800, & 1600, the 70 shots were a waste of time. I wonder if it is me or I made the wrong decision. Yet close ups of birds in a bright overcast day are great, clear and sharp. Soon as the light is poor, I or or the camera struggle to get any keepers. Isn't after 600mm the camera is cropping the photos? I am thinking of doing the same. Or I need to learn its capabilities and expecting to much.
I have been looking to purchase a rx10IV as a camera to carry around all the time. I don’t always carry my DSLR . With that being said I don’t understand why photographers are comparing the rx 10iv with a dslr with an asp-c censor or a full frame censor, they are in completely different categories and your not going to get the same performance out of a bridge camera that you will a full frame censor camera, at least not yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take an amazing image .You can take a great photo with any camera, I’m not older yet but I took action photos with my moms old Polaroid camera. Yes certain equipment matters to a degree for certain things, but it’s also the person behind that equipment.
Such a weird comparison. Reviewing/comparing camera’s for astro/nightshooting only. Of course a full frame sensor camera will do better in low light conditions. (Try a Sony alfa 7 or 9 and you will be amazed) In fact there will be most likely for every specific scenery/circumstances one specific camera performing best in that specific area. So one would end up with @least with 4 camera’s and even more lenses. That’s not what the Sony RX10 IV is about, in case one didn’t notice, it’s the best ‘all in one’ allround camera on the market.
In the short time i have had my affordable Sony Camera .. i've learned quickly that it's not for Night time captures .. it's a day time early evening camera , Mine is a DSCHX350 . My Subject matter covers a wide range . Wild flowers , Scenery , Sunsets , Planes ,Helicopters , Boats , Ships . When it comes to Sunset captures i use my Samsung mobile does the job miles better And thanks for the honest viewpoint on the Sony RX10 . I did see a virtually brand new one that had been traded in for sale online . Seeing that questioned by original decision to get one .but spending 1,499 I honestly can't see myself spending that . I also have been looking at the P1000 which is cheaper . But try to find an honest review on YT is hard to find . tooo many are trying to upsell you it instead of being honest , when you ask the question ie "How good is it at taking captures high flying passenger jet's" . Which they more often make up excuses . Nikon DSLR . A D3500 with a AF P VR 18/55mm and 70/300mm , less than 700 to buy . Any thoughts on that ???
you can get some great second hand bargains out there with d810 or d750 with articulated screen ,always knew you wouldnt be happy with your high standards of photography ,great to see you back
Keep the Sony you will regret selling it, I did. I sold my Rx10 IV last March in anticipating buying the RX10 V when it come out. So far it has not come out and I miss the IV. I have went through what your going through 3 times in my life. with bodies and lenses and carrying and never having the right lens. Have one full frame Nikon with some glass for night and the Sony for day and family happenings. Good Luck
Lou Walter Wilson Thanks for your input Lou. This is pretty much where I’m headed. I have bought a new (used) DSLR body and will tell all in a VLOG sometime in the next couple of weeks ;-)
Nigel, I am struggling with same questions... I have a Canon R, with descent investment in lenses. But majority of my pictures are taken at kids’ baseball games, for which I was using 100-400. So every time I went to a game I would be lugging a camera, tripod, 100-400, 70-200 and 24-70 - which is just too much to carry. So I want to switch to Sony RX10 IV for its versatility but having a really hard time giving up my Canon gear. So my plan is to sell the 100-400; which should pay for the Sony and keep my Canon for other stuff. Let’s see how this works out!
I saw something you did not comment on, perhaps because it is obvious, but here goes: I thought the Landscape shot taken with the Sony left me wanting more detail. For the long reach yes, for friends & family yes; star shots no, landscapes no -- w/o the fancy stacking. I'd like to see a sunlit stacked landscape shot; I wonder if that might look better? Just FYI.
Hi Nigel, To be honest, I was waiting for some astro shots taken with the rx10 with help of an astro tracker..:-) Sorry to here you made the wrong decision to switch to sony but that's life ...Trail and error! I switched from canon dslr to sony rx10 m4 and i am more then happy with it. I am surprised about the good picture quality and i like bringing it with me all the time... I took some pictures from Neowise and the shots looked surprisingly nice to me (used sequator and lightroom for developing)but of course, sensor size is important for perfect image quality. So if your focus will be astro shots the choice to switch back to full frame is a good one. As long as you keep posting nice video's from breathtaking landscapes in the UK ,accompanied with your inspiring music, I am happy, no matter wich camera you use..:-)
R R I went out last night with the astro tracker and both cameras. Unfortunately it was massively windy - haven’t checked the shots yet, but I’ll be stunned if anything is sharp. Video about that coming soon.
Thanks again. The landscapes will keep coming - the sky is not clear enough often enough in this part of the world to make Astro and night-scapes the one big thing.
Michael Lakoudis Thaks for your comment. To be fair to R R, image quality is a relative thing - the RX is a highly capable camera, but it will never match a full frame with a good wide aperture prime lens for Astro work. But it will smash the D750 of D800 when it comes to video, image stabilisation, sports, fat focusing, frame rate and so on. I have gone for a “best of both worlds” approach.
Simply Birding the Pentax has come up a couple of times in the comments. Sounds interesting, but likely beyond my pocket at present. I shall research it in any event.
I'm a Canon user and an astrophotographer and wouldn't dream of using a Bridge camera for astroimaging, as you say they don't have the sensor for night time photography. I use a bridge camera for wildlife photography but only in good light and a mirrorless for astrophotography. Nikon, Canon and Sony DSLR's and mirrorless are good for the night time stuff but have you considered getting a 'modified' camera for the H-alpha regions? If you can have both i.e. bridge camera and an H-Alpha modified DSLR you will pretty much have all you need.
LOL I did exactly the same, a Nikon man since the mid 70's and sold D810 and two D750 Nikon bodies, the Holy Trinity plus other lenses and got the Sony as when traveling I would take a the biggest Billingham bag a 555 full of gear weighing over 20 Kgs, and couldn't cope with the weight and indecision of what to take with me and still have the wrong lens on in certain situations. The Sony sits by the front door ready to be grabbed on way out and have never enjoyed my photography more but at 70 now its enough, have done low light and astro photography and understand your fascination but can't cope with the cold and am basically a Jessie daytime photographer LOL. You just have to be aware of the low light capabilities and suck it up although with Lightroom's AI Denoise function I can revive low light shots a bit better now. Great Video, nice to see I wasn't the only one that had done this.
You are very correct, although, I would keep the rx10v4 if you can, and get a used Nikon FF, with the only one or 2 high end lenses for your night photography. You then could augment your full frame camera with select every low cost older tamron adaptall sp manual lenses that have great iq, and go out and be creative with them. I have just acquired a used rx10v4, and like you shot Nikon exclusively for years, and would not sell my core Nikon gear. Having a D4, D750, and d850, it’s my lenses that I have that make those tools shine. Quality lenses are the key, matched with most full frame cameras, is what delivers that extra oomph that smaller sensors can’t usually deliver especially in low light situations. I do believe the rx10v4 will be valuable in situations when I need the things it can deliver. I kinda view it as a Swiss Army knife, very helpful in unique situations, but you wouldn’t expect it to be the end all be all tool. Kinda think of it as a decent super telephoto lense, or a decent 4K movie camera, doing a few things that my Nikons just can’t do. So, my suggestion is keep the Sony until your sure you won’t miss it once it’s gone (like you did with the Nikon). Of course cameras are expensive so economics are understandably a factor. Good luck
I have the Sony A 7 R 4 and use the 200 to 600 for bird photography. However, it is sooo heavy and not very flexible. I bought the Sony RX10 4 for portability and to try and couple my new puppy walking with some photography. It is a fun camera to use, and in good light cannot be beaten. However, it has struggled in these dark December days. Maybe it is not a fair comparison against a full frame anyway, I think I would have been delighted if I was comparing like with like. I won't be selling my A7R4 but think I will be getting more user from the RX10 4, particularly as the weather starts to improve.
Thanks for watching and for contributing your comments. It certainly takes some adjustments dropping to the cropped sensor, but worth persevering, especially for the daytime dog walking scenario.
Thank you for your comment. IT’s now some years later and I am now using a Nikon Z6ii with a Nikon 20mm f1.8 and also a Laowa 15mm f2.0. The Laowa is so good and has become my main partner with the Z6ii.
Hi Nigel, I am enjoying your vids as they are natural with none of that hype. I have been using a tired Sony NEX 6 combined with four other E lenses and its time that I go to the next level but I just can't make up my mind in what I want LOL part of me likes the idea of the RX10 IV as it seems to be a great all round camera without the issues of constantly having to change lenses and at times missing the moment while getting the other lens ready. Other than the night photography do you think that RX is good performer and are the pics nice and crisp and to what size could the images be made into prints. I also use a Sony RX 100III which I use at times when out and about. With regards to you looking at selling the RX IV, seeing some of the pics that you have taken with that camera I would keep it and invest in better glass for the Nikon as good glass plays an important part which you would be happy with and at the end of the day one can only get what one can afford, you should be happy with what you got as it all looks pretty good.
Hi Glenn, and thanks for watching and for your feedback. I have kept the RX10iv and am now the delighted owner of an old Nikon D750 and a Nikon 20mm f/1.8 lens. The Sony is a great camera, but does have its shortcomings, especially in low light. Also, the small sensor means that you have to re-learn and adjust your practice in terms of what aperture to use to achieve a given effect. For example, if you use anything smaller than f/8.0 the sharpness really falls off. The sweet spot on my Nikon is about f8 to f11. On the Sony it's about f5.6 to f6.2. In terms of printing, I have printed at 27 inches wide, but that was really pushing it and the image was quite soft towards the edges. Hope that helps. Best, Nigel
Love your videos. Hello from the USA. Why not sell the smaller sony you mentioned that you have & definitely keep the RX10 for the advantages you mention?. That’s the problem with selling gear, the money lost is pretty daunting from the original purchase prices. I’d love to sell some things and get the RX10IV BUT I won’t until the rumored V comes out. The gear gets pretty heavy indeed, & the lighter camera sounds great.
I know you said you're looking for bargains and used gear, but have you considered the Z system? I don't know what used D800/810 bodies are going for, but the brand new z5 is $1400 here in the US, and can use F lenses with the adapter with no loss of quality. You'd get the in body stabilization, smaller format than dslr, 24mp for some cropping... Not sure how the video specs compare, but I think they're at least decent. If you start gradually collecting z lenses, I can tell you from the few I have that they've been fantastic so far, not really a dud in the lineup. If you found a good deal on a used z7, that would be even better than the 5; basically D850 quality but smaller. Anyway, just wondered how much you'd explored that option.
Thanks for the suggestion, but here in the UK, we're looking at over GBP 1,700 to 1,800 with just a 24-50mm F4.0-6.3 kit lens. About another £100 to add the F-Z mount adapter so you can use older lenses. This lens isn't nearly wide enough for my use, so I'd then need to spend more money on other lenses anyway. I'd rather just buy a decent wide angle Nikon 20mm f/1.8 - I can grab a second-hand one for about £550. I can use that on my D700 until I can afford a better body, like the D750. Meantime, my Sony can do all the video that I need. I'm not massively taken by the need to go down the mirrorless route. I love the fact that I can turn on my old-fashioned D700, or a D800, and it is immediately "on". No wake-up time at all - just immediately ready to go. I don't need all the fancy wi-fi features and the like - just a really great sensor will do me fine for landscapes. I also don't like the fly-by-wire z lens system. For astro type work I want to dial in my manual focus and know that I can fix it in place. Finally, the batteries on the older bodies just go on and on all day as they don't have to power the screen. Thanks for watching and for your thoughts - every suggestion is helping me to understand what it is that I need.
Fair point on the locked down manual focus. I don't shoot that way, so I've never noticed, but sure enough even with the lens switched to MF, it resets to infinity focus when the power cycles. Learn something every day... It does remember focus distance when the system sleeps, but not if you actually shut down with the switch. I know the dslr is faster on power up, but the Z turns on plenty fast for my use. But you're right that it's a bit of a learning curve that the camera goes to sleep whereas the dslr is always ready. I've learned just to tap the shutter release as I'm bringing it up to my eye and it's ready by the time I need it. Anyway, I figured you'd done research on the Z, but you seemed interested in smaller/lighter, IBIS, and video, so just thought I'd mention it. I switched not necessarily for the mirrorlessness itself, but I was intrigued what nikon would be able to do with the new mount dimensions, and so far I am very impressed. I have both 24-70 lenses, and the kit f/4 is really good (and small and light), but the 2.8 blows me away. The 14-30/4 is great for my landscape needs but I don't shoot astro, so f/4 is fine with me. Long term I think the bodies will improve and I love the lenses, so I'm building for what I hope will be a system that lasts as long as I shoot. As for the price in the UK, can you not get body-only? Not that it matters since you've decided against it, but I wouldn't be interested in that 24-50 either. Here in the US it's $300 cheaper without the lens. Cheers for the reply, I'll be watching and curious what you end up with. Congrats on finishing the degree and I'm sure you'll put whatever gear you get to great use!
The rx10iv is 20mp not 24mp. Its also a 24-600mm and not 1200. Maybe your thinking digital zoom.i think your harsh on the Sony. Your really failing it on one thing. Night shots. Unfair in my opinion..
Drone Alba thanks for your comment. Quite right about the mp. The RX will go to 1200mm (digital) equivalent in jpg but not in RAW. If we’re going to be really accurate about it, it’s actual range is 8.8 to 220mm. 600 is the full frame equivalent. I have tried very hard to convince myself I made the right decision to quit Nikon, but I have relented. I still love the Sony too though.
@@NigelBaileyPhotography I had one but sold it. I regretted it and want another. Its a great all rounder. Only let down is the low light performance but with a 1inch sensor you cant really expect much else..
I have lots of F lensesa AIS old school 20mm 24 28 50s many -105 micro nikkors 55 &105). the G series Full zoom for D200 2006 $1700 now an anchor. I wanqt too use them fro video our still close up have lots of close up gear and 35mm extension racks. BUT I have also have the Sony RX10 Mk2 which i am happy with. Can an 11x print be heads and tales seen side by side with the nikon and big diff. from a tripod????? Sony so simple reliable not a bother to lug. taking shots since 1969 AA BA photog and cinema SFSU was a Navy Photog 72-6 But still value your opinion.
I've had the RX10MK4 for nearly three years and keep saying i need a full frame camera?The RX though is that good in decent light it'll take as good an image as any expensive full frame and lense camera,sorry dslr lovers but its true. As you say the only thing that lets it down is lowlight and night shots,but,they are still achievable,but,with more work. Another consideration is video the rx is a brilliant camera for this again how much would you have to spend to achieve the same quality with full frame?? Think you've done right by getting full frame for astro photography especially as your getting into it,but for every thing else I'd definitely keep the rx. Good luck.
Thanks Peter for your response. I think that you're absolutely right. I've shot images with the Sony that I'm really pleased with - and that I wouldn't have got with the Nikon because I wouldn't have carried all the lenses with me. Last night, whilst out on a night shoot, I filmed a helicopter cliff-top rescue in low light. Couldn't have done it with the Nikon.
Is RX10's video Quality Image comparable with A6300 cameras? I'm only intersting in good and medium light conditions (night is not essencial to me) on terms of dinamyc Range, color, etc. ¿What do You think? I want a camera to make short cinematic style films
Stick with the Nikon untill there is a RX10 version with a larger sensor or, a one inch sensor that has much better low light capabilities. Also, you can make much more money with drone photography. Given your area (legal issues). I think you'd live doing it. DJI has unreal image quality.
I am having the same issue right now. I photograph wildlife from a far distance. Even at 600mm the subject is so small by the time I crop it, I am unable to make a print. If anyone knows a workaround for this please let me know. Someone said there's a way to get more than 600mm sharply out of it with the digital zoom or CIZ but I don't know what that means and am trying to find out.
Thanks for your comment. The RX10iv can go to the equivalent of 1200mm if you are in jpeg mode, but is “limited” to 600mm in RAW. However, I have found some loss of definition when going past 600mm. Also, you’ll need to absolutely lock down your tripod to have any hope of a sharp image at that focal length. Realistically, if you are having to crop significantly at 600mm, you probably need to find a way to be closer to your subject.
Given the sensor size of the Sony I don’t think it was ever going to cut it for low light / astro photography, particularly if you’ve been used to using full frame. But then as you say in the video the RX10 is capable of things other cameras can’t do. If you’re happy with what you get from the D700 then I think you’ve already found the best solution - also providing you’re happy with what the Sony produces in decent light. Keep the Sony, use the D700 for the low light photography and maybe spend any extra pennies on lenses as and when. Having bought a second hand dslr I decided carrying and swapping lenses wasn’t for me so the Sony suits my needs perfectly, but then I’ve not progressed to astro photography as yet! As always, I enjoyed your video and good luck with whatever choices you make going forward :)
Hi just watched the whole of your vid, found it very interesting. I have gone mirrorless with the Z6 but looking at getting a RX10 for video .... I have also got a Nikon D750 which is great in low light which i would be willing to have a deal with against the Sony.... If your interested give me a shout ... Keep up the good work ... Subbed
Just remember, the RX10 series is only going to get better. The new and upcoming mk 5 should have the same articulating screen as seen on the new Sony A7 S3 camera. It may even have IBIS that would stabilize the 4k recording modes. Another great thing is it has a great resale value as they sell used on eBay for just a few hundred less that when purchased new therefore, upgrading isn't so painful. Just sell your mk 4 two months before the actual release date of the mk 5 because the retail price of the mk 4 for will drop $200 therefore, your used resale price will also drop $200
It's too bad you didn't keep your old Nikon gear. I first bought the RX10IV and a year or two later I added the A7III for astro and portrait work (which don't require extreme telephotos). After getting and using my Sony gear, I gave my Nikon D300 to one of my nieces and my D600 and about 4 Nikon lenses to my older grandson (10 years old). The RX10IV is my travel and landscape camera and I love it. The D600 with Nikon 28-200 was my previous travel camera. I think keeping the RX10IV is a good decision. Now if it sits in the camera bag for two years...
Hi Nigel, my opinion is don’t go down the gas route which at the moment most photographers I watch are into, remember how struggled with which lens to take with you on trips and which body combination etc, new gear is nice but deciding on a trip out and just picking up a camera bag with one body and lens is so liberating and being in the moment rather than complicating your thoughts on gear!,
Unless it’s a family occasion backup bodies are hardly ever needed unless travelling to destinations that you are never going to get there again.
Well that’s my humble opinion and keep it simple and enjoy the moment
Craig Wliams thanks Craig. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. On Astro shoots I tend to use two cameras. One taking Time-lapse and one for other stills where I can move about and play around with composition.
I think that you need, a specialised gear for night photography and an all round gear for hiking and or travel. There is no magical one fits all solution.Thx for the video.
Yes, indeed. Since posting this video three years back, I have reinvested in Nikon gear and now use a Z6ii for Astro Landscapes and a Z7ii for other landscapes with a range of Nikon and Laowa lenses.
When I sold my two D750's and nikkor lens collection to move the Sony RX10 mk 4 and mk 2 I also bought a Sony RX1r mk2 so I still had a portable full frame always with me for low light situations. You are wise to keep your RX10 mk 4.
Gordon Kerr Thanks Gordon. Yes, I’m keeping the Sony for now and feel that is the right way to go. Meantime, I’ve had a rush of blood to the head, bought a used D750 and sold the D700. This will give me better Astro options/performance and allow me to retain all the benefits of the RX10iv. I am now looking out for a used Nikon 20mm f/1.8 to go with the D750.
@@NigelBaileyPhotography You may have bought one of my previous D750 cameras! The D750 is a great choice for low light and I think Astro photography is the only area I would bother going wider than 24 mm for the obvious technical advantage a fast ultra wide brings to taking nightcapes.
I am struggling with almost the same decision. Thanks for your perspective!
Thanks for watching - I hope it is useful. In my latest video, you'll see the I have now re-purchased a full-frame Nikon D750 and have also just bought a used Nikkor 20mm f/1.8 prime lens. I have still kept the Sony for non-astro use.
@@NigelBaileyPhotography I gave the Sony another shot as primary camera…. I want to love it. But it can’t compete with modern full frame mirrorless like z6ii
Rx10iv only time im ditching mine is when they release the rx10v other than that its the perfect side camera or day out camera next to my a7riv
Hi Stuart, and thanks for watching; I seen a whole bunch of your own videos - love them. I won't be ditching the Sony, but I have bought a Nikon D750 and a 20mm f/1.8 lens just for astro work. The Sony can take care of pretty much everything else I need to do; it's so versatile.
DSLR Life - Nigel Bailey thanks for watching yes i have mine as 2nd camera or spare camera for everyday the a7riv for the work side of things from portraiture to commercial work etc but the rx10iv has come in handy aswell for that aswell. Ive used a friends d750 a great camera. Sensor size is a massive thing but having the 1inch sensor on the rx10iv is one reason its so useable but yes its weakness is low light. Used in nice light its an amazing. Nice sony sensor in the nikon though
Wouldn’t be without my RX10…looking to get another camera for Astro work but won’t be getting rid of the RX10
Kelly Hopkins the RX10iv certainly has a dedicated following. It is a very capable and versatile instrument.
If you get bitten by the Astrophotography bug, be prepared to spend money and time; probably/certainly, lots.
I understand your desire to travel more lightly. At 71 there is a limit to what my back and knees will carry for several hours. So I have two fairly complete systems - a Sony A7R3 with heavier lenses that I normally use for specific photography tasks. That includes nightscapes with a Sony 20mm f1.8 G, used at f2.2. Having been a Canon (5DSr, 5Dmk2, 5Dmk1) user for decades, the Sony full frame has an excellent dynamic range and the lenses are top quality, even the G series. But when I'm hiking for a day, it's M43. My Olympus EM1MK2 and Panasonic G9 give excellent results. The Olympus 12-100 f4 (24-200 in full frame) has superb stabilisation where one second handheld is commonplace (useful in churches, or urban night shots for example). The Lumix/Leica 200mm f2.8 (400mm full frame) on the G9 also has great stabilisation. Handheld at 1/60 second is no problem. And the Olympus 300mm (600mm ff) f4 gives results that are certainly comparable to my Sony 200-600. But in a smaller, lighter package. I've no intention of stopping the use of either system. It's simply horses for courses, all cameras and lenses are a compromise.
it is hard to compare a 1" sensor with a full-frame sensor... different cameras for different tasks (the d800 is certainly a better camera). ....and a F4 in a 1" sensor is a very different thing from a F4 on a Full frame, in terms of depth of field. Sony cameras are video cameras that also take photos, Nikon cameras as photographic cameras that also make video.
I think that the answer your looking for is in the name of the type of camera the Sony is! It is a bridge camera - which capabilities bridge the gap between a compact and a full DSLR. It was never designed to replace a DSLR in it's entirety. My main camera's are a Canon 5DSR and 7D mk11, but I also have a Sony RX10 mkiv to use when I do not want to carry a huge camera rucksack around with me. The RX10 has some really good features which I like including the high frame rate video and the high speed 24fps stills. I would never swap one out for the other but use each to their best advantages - i.e use the DSLR's for wildlife safari's and specific photography days and the Sony as a great light weight holiday camera or to just have a very competent camera for leisure days out.
Trevor Godfrey thanks for your comment Trevor. I have pretty much settled on keeping the Sony for all its flexibility and video capability. Filmed a dramatic cliff-top rescue last night. Couldn’t have done it with the D800. Need both...
I believe the max optical zoom is 600mm. Still impressive, but 600mm to 1200mm is digital zoom
I understand about the RX10 IV being great for almost everything-except low light! My suggestion would have been to supplement it with a used original Sony A7 or possibly even A7R II, depending on budget. Then you could have similar menus and operations between cameras, and even use the same batteries. Full frame Sony cameras have developed a great lens catalog, with Sigma, Samyang, Tamron and Voigtlander all contributing lenses worthy of consideration.
You saved me the trouble of writing a post Zobied as you have already written exactly what I was going to say. Incidently, RX10iv + A7Rii is exactly what's in my camera bag 🙂
Yeah when it comes to astrophotography, I definitely think full frame is the way to go!
Great to see you getting more into the astro side of things.. sticking with you D700 for the time being so not a bad choice. I only have a old Canon 5D Mark 2 and it works great for astro...
I recommend Samyang prime lenses for astro, once you get the focus right they are tak sharp! Plus very fast at f1.4
Right tool for the right job. No one camera is perfect for everything.
I have Nikon d800 with a great selection of Nikon lenses. I have just purchased the Sony RX10iv and definitely selling all my Nikon gear. Let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send you the pricing and such.
Thx
Greetings. I had the similar dilemma with swapping to Fuji and their crop sensors. I used a X100f along side my D800 and the the quality of the photos with regards to dynamic range was considerable. Sony was an option, as I like to do more video, but the A7 range (And the G-Lenses) are beyond my budget. So for a carry everywhere camera, I use a Canon EOS RP, which is is still full frame, so I'm not compromising image quality there, but the weight and size drop is also considerable. For my wedding work and photo shoots, the D810 and D4 aren't going anywhere, as their quality, performance and reliability would be greatly missed. For the everyday, so far, the RP is doing the job. I cannot believe the size of the thing. I once owned a D3300 with a kit lens, and that is bigger than the RP. Good luck with your night photography and Nikon lens gathering journey. All the best:)
The dilemma faced by many. The hassle of carrying equipment. One must carefully examine exactly what kind of photography one intends to do.
Its the most difficult choice to make, with which camera to buy, thee are so many out there, first of all you have to make decisions ie full frame, Aps-c, or m 4/3rds, as I can make out, you have Nikon in full frame either Mirrorless, Z6,Z7, or D810 or D850, Canon the 5D Mk3, or Mk4 or one of the newer Mirrorless derivatives in Eos form, Aps-c it probably has to be a Fuji XT3 or XT4, in Micro Olympus or Lumix Panasonic, these seem to be the popular choices at this present, and i bet you if I showed you a dozen images printed to A3 size you could not tell me what cameras took which pictures, thats how difficult photography is. great video, i am glad your back , Regards.
colin clewley Thanks Colin. You’re right - there’s a lot of good gear out there.
Thanks Tony. Sounds like you have a pretty comprehensive kit there.
IMHO you have made the right choice. I have full frame Nikon and a wonderful collection of old fast lenses but it is just too heavy to carry around all day. I have just bought a used RX10 Mk4 as a carry around camera. I agree that it's not great in low light but DXO noise reduction woeks wonders. All the best to you and good luck with your future photography plans :0)
Nigel, I think that there are several ways of looking at this dilemma. Both tend to start with "why"? For someone who is steeped in the craft, you know you were giving up certain aspects of your photography by going to a fixed lens. SONY does make it attractive with the loads of technology packed in, but if image quality is your passion, smaller sensors and non prime lenses were eventually not making the final cut. That being said, the convenience of NOT lugging around tons of extemporaneous weight is usually the reason a pro sizes down. Someone new to the craft is already in over their head with all that ANY advanced camera requires, definitely does NOT want to be carrying and changing lenses and thus approaches the solution from a very different place. I own an RX-10iv bought recently (2024), and a Sony A77, and a Canon SX-60, and Nikon P900. I use each of them for what I intend to shoot or how I am feeling on a given day. That way I remain happy with them all, and although one ALWAYS mourns a shot you may have gotten from a different camera, it is lessened by using different cameras on different occasions.
I just broke my RX10IV (drop) .. still have my old Canon gear but I love RX10 for what it can do. It has it's limitations and that is for sure low light .. but that depends on interest and I don't like to shoot in low light anyway. It is light, versatile, great optical quality. I've dropped it twice and second time it stopped working. I wish MKV is there but the question is what better they can do with it unless they change a sensor. And if they do it will no longer be the same thing. I was not always happy with colors compared to Cannon. Now thinking of buying another one as this one lasted only two years .. but it is not cheap and also hard to find in store. I would definitely keep it as great all around camera .. but it is 2021 now .. you've made up your mind already.
Sorry to hear about your damage. Insured?
@@NigelBaileyPhotography Thanks, no .. never take those (insurance) as I am trying to be careful but lately it is happening to often :). As I know that me either go for a costly lens assembly replacement or buy a new one (or used) I've started 'abusing' and puling and pushing the lens by force until by some miracle it started working again. I know it will eventually fail again as I can tell zoom movement is not as smooth as it used to be. For now .. it works. I love this camera so much that I may buy another one and have this one fixed. Sony may eventually release MKV but that will not be the same type of camera anymore. They either have to use different sensor or do something more radical which will push the price to high. As it is light camera and very complicated we tend to forget how delicate it is.
Hi Nigel, I have a Sony Rx10 Mk4. I'm retired and not so agile now and gave up my canon system for it. As a pro you have made the right decision. Keep it but still indulge your passion for perfection with your Nikon gear. Love your videos. Jim
Thanks for watching Jim.
Thanks for your review.
I like the calmer way you speak, for second language speakers it’s perfect!
I am thinking in buying that Sony camera, for adventure I use Olympus tg 6 and for the every day Shooting I use the iPhone XS that is in my pocket.
Most of the reviews, they say that Sony is not compatible with the MacBook Pro M1, and for a non professional I still have my doubts.
Best regards
João
Honestly, when you said you were going to switch I thought that was a mistake, but it was your right to experiment. Too bad you have to start over again. It is such a shame to have to rebuy lenses considering that prices nowadays are much higher than at the time that you bought your old lenses.
Marieta S. It actually seems to be quite a good time to buy just now. I think lots of people are switching to mirrorless, so there’s quite a lot of F-mount lenses around second-hand. I’m looking out for bargains.
DSLR Life - Nigel Bailey I actually never thought about it like that. In my country the market has not adjusted to the conditions you mentioned. People sell lenses very expensively so I had to resort to buying used lenses from b&h. I had a family member who traveled frequently to the US and I was getting them very cheaply. I hope it works for you and that you build your collection soon. 😀
Well if you decide to give up the Sony please let me know. I have been looking for a good second hand one that I could afford. I mostly enjoy daytime shooting here in the Southern States. I just found these videos a quite enjoy them . Good luck on your quest in perfecting your field.
I subscribed to your channel when I saw your video about switching to the Sony RX 4. Since then mine bit the dust and I bought a Panasonic g9 to replace it. I continued to miss the Sony so much that I turned around and bought another one off of eBay, a used one in excellent condition. Since I've done that I only use the g9 for video and I carry the Sony RX10 IV almost everywhere I go. I take it to work and back home with me to catch photo opportunities along the way. I found myself missing it too much to stay without it. However wildlife is my favorite photography and I understand you're wanting the full frame to meet your particular genre. I do appreciate your videos. Thanks and good luck with your final decision.
Allen Thomas thanks for watching Allen. That’s great that you get on so well with the Sony. It’s portability and flexibility are real winning features. Last night’s shoot showed that. I was out for an Astro shoot and ended up filming a dramatic helicopter cliff-top rescue in low light. Couldn’t have done it on the D800.
Hi, I bought the RX10 iv after watching some recommendations on youtube, but I am struggling with it in low light conditions. I have found I have to take photos in bright overcast days, it just can't get sharp pictures in the two hours before sunset. Was out yesterday evening from 7 pm and sunset was at 8.40. The pics at iso 500, 800, & 1600, the 70 shots were a waste of time. I wonder if it is me or I made the wrong decision. Yet close ups of birds in a bright overcast day are great, clear and sharp. Soon as the light is poor, I or or the camera struggle to get any keepers. Isn't after 600mm the camera is cropping the photos? I am thinking of doing the same. Or I need to learn its capabilities and expecting to much.
I have been looking to purchase a rx10IV as a camera to carry around all the time. I don’t always carry my DSLR . With that being said I don’t understand why photographers are comparing the rx 10iv with a dslr with an asp-c censor or a full frame censor, they are in completely different categories and your not going to get the same performance out of a bridge camera that you will a full frame censor camera, at least not yet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take an amazing image .You can take a great photo with any camera, I’m not older yet but I took action photos with my moms old Polaroid camera. Yes certain equipment matters to a degree for certain things, but it’s also the person behind that equipment.
Such a weird comparison.
Reviewing/comparing camera’s for astro/nightshooting only.
Of course a full frame sensor camera will do better in low light conditions. (Try a Sony alfa 7 or 9 and you will be amazed)
In fact there will be most likely for every specific scenery/circumstances one specific camera performing best in that specific area.
So one would end up with @least with 4 camera’s and even more lenses.
That’s not what the Sony RX10 IV is about, in case one didn’t notice, it’s the best ‘all in one’ allround camera on the market.
Thanks for watching and the comment. I remain undecided really, so I’m going to take my time over this decision.
In the short time i have had my affordable Sony Camera .. i've learned quickly that it's not for Night time captures .. it's a day time early evening camera , Mine is a DSCHX350 .
My Subject matter covers a wide range . Wild flowers , Scenery , Sunsets , Planes ,Helicopters , Boats , Ships . When it comes to Sunset captures i use my Samsung mobile does the job miles better
And thanks for the honest viewpoint on the Sony RX10 . I did see a virtually brand new one that had been traded in for sale online . Seeing that questioned by original decision to get one .but spending 1,499 I honestly can't see myself spending that .
I also have been looking at the P1000 which is cheaper . But try to find an honest review on YT is hard to find . tooo many are trying to upsell you it instead of being honest , when you ask the question ie "How good is it at taking captures high flying passenger jet's" . Which they more often make up excuses .
Nikon DSLR . A D3500 with a AF P VR 18/55mm and 70/300mm , less than 700 to buy . Any thoughts on that ???
you can get some great second hand bargains out there with d810 or d750 with articulated screen ,always knew you wouldnt be happy with your high standards of photography ,great to see you back
Thanks Phil. You can certainly get some great s/h value atm. I think I'm going to go for lenses first and make do with the D700 body for now.
Keep the Sony you will regret selling it, I did. I sold my Rx10 IV last March in anticipating buying the RX10 V when it come out. So far it has not come out and I miss the IV. I have went through what your going through 3 times in my life. with bodies and lenses and carrying and never having the right lens. Have one full frame Nikon with some glass for night and the Sony for day and family happenings. Good Luck
Lou Walter Wilson Thanks for your input Lou. This is pretty much where I’m headed. I have bought a new (used) DSLR body and will tell all in a VLOG sometime in the next couple of weeks ;-)
Nigel, I am struggling with same questions...
I have a Canon R, with descent investment in lenses. But majority of my pictures are taken at kids’ baseball games, for which I was using 100-400. So every time I went to a game I would be lugging a camera, tripod, 100-400, 70-200 and 24-70 - which is just too much to carry. So I want to switch to Sony RX10 IV for its versatility but having a really hard time giving up my Canon gear. So my plan is to sell the 100-400; which should pay for the Sony and keep my Canon for other stuff. Let’s see how this works out!
Thanks for watching. I hope the RX10 works out for you.
I saw something you did not comment on, perhaps because it is obvious, but here goes: I thought the Landscape shot taken with the Sony left me wanting more detail. For the long reach yes, for friends & family yes; star shots no, landscapes no -- w/o the fancy stacking.
I'd like to see a sunlit stacked landscape shot; I wonder if that might look better? Just FYI.
Hi Nigel, To be honest, I was waiting for some astro shots taken with the rx10 with help of an astro tracker..:-)
Sorry to here you made the wrong decision to switch to sony but that's life ...Trail and error!
I switched from canon dslr to sony rx10 m4 and i am more then happy with it. I am surprised about the good picture quality and i like bringing it with me all the time...
I took some pictures from Neowise and the shots looked surprisingly nice to me (used sequator and lightroom for developing)but of course, sensor size is important for perfect image quality. So if your focus will be astro shots the choice to switch back to full frame is a good one.
As long as you keep posting nice video's from breathtaking landscapes in the UK ,accompanied with your inspiring music, I am happy, no matter wich camera you use..:-)
R R I went out last night with the astro tracker and both cameras. Unfortunately it was massively windy - haven’t checked the shots yet, but I’ll be stunned if anything is sharp. Video about that coming soon.
BTW - astro with the Sony-Tracker combination will be coming...
Thanks again. The landscapes will keep coming - the sky is not clear enough often enough in this part of the world to make Astro and night-scapes the one big thing.
R R “surprised about the good picture quality” even though it has universally great reviews?
Michael Lakoudis Thaks for your comment. To be fair to R R, image quality is a relative thing - the RX is a highly capable camera, but it will never match a full frame with a good wide aperture prime lens for Astro work. But it will smash the D750 of D800 when it comes to video, image stabilisation, sports, fat focusing, frame rate and so on. I have gone for a “best of both worlds” approach.
Have a look at the Pentax K1ii for astrophotography! It uses sensor shift tech for long exposures.
Simply Birding the Pentax has come up a couple of times in the comments. Sounds interesting, but likely beyond my pocket at present. I shall research it in any event.
I'm a Canon user and an astrophotographer and wouldn't dream of using a Bridge camera for astroimaging, as you say they don't have the sensor for night time photography. I use a bridge camera for wildlife photography but only in good light and a mirrorless for astrophotography. Nikon, Canon and Sony DSLR's and mirrorless are good for the night time stuff but have you considered getting a 'modified' camera for the H-alpha regions? If you can have both i.e. bridge camera and an H-Alpha modified DSLR you will pretty much have all you need.
LOL I did exactly the same, a Nikon man since the mid 70's and sold D810 and two D750 Nikon bodies, the Holy Trinity plus other lenses and got the Sony as when traveling I would take a the biggest Billingham bag a 555 full of gear weighing over 20 Kgs, and couldn't cope with the weight and indecision of what to take with me and still have the wrong lens on in certain situations. The Sony sits by the front door ready to be grabbed on way out and have never enjoyed my photography more but at 70 now its enough, have done low light and astro photography and understand your fascination but can't cope with the cold and am basically a Jessie daytime photographer LOL. You just have to be aware of the low light capabilities and suck it up although with Lightroom's AI Denoise function I can revive low light shots a bit better now. Great Video, nice to see I wasn't the only one that had done this.
You are very correct, although, I would keep the rx10v4 if you can, and get a used Nikon FF, with the only one or 2 high end lenses for your night photography. You then could augment your full frame camera with select every low cost older tamron adaptall sp manual lenses that have great iq, and go out and be creative with them. I have just acquired a used rx10v4, and like you shot Nikon exclusively for years, and would not sell my core Nikon gear. Having a D4, D750, and d850, it’s my lenses that I have that make those tools shine. Quality lenses are the key, matched with most full frame cameras, is what delivers that extra oomph that smaller sensors can’t usually deliver especially in low light situations. I do believe the rx10v4 will be valuable in situations when I need the things it can deliver. I kinda view it as a Swiss Army knife, very helpful in unique situations, but you wouldn’t expect it to be the end all be all tool. Kinda think of it as a decent super telephoto lense, or a decent 4K movie camera, doing a few things that my Nikons just can’t do. So, my suggestion is keep the Sony until your sure you won’t miss it once it’s gone (like you did with the Nikon). Of course cameras are expensive so economics are understandably a factor. Good luck
I have the Sony A 7 R 4 and use the 200 to 600 for bird photography. However, it is sooo heavy and not very flexible. I bought the Sony RX10 4 for portability and to try and couple my new puppy walking with some photography. It is a fun camera to use, and in good light cannot be beaten. However, it has struggled in these dark December days. Maybe it is not a fair comparison against a full frame anyway, I think I would have been delighted if I was comparing like with like. I won't be selling my A7R4 but think I will be getting more user from the RX10 4, particularly as the weather starts to improve.
Thanks for watching and for contributing your comments. It certainly takes some adjustments dropping to the cropped sensor, but worth persevering, especially for the daytime dog walking scenario.
Para vía láctea y demás, Nikon D850 y Nikon 20mm F1.8, composición perfecta para vía láctea.
Thank you for your comment. IT’s now some years later and I am now using a Nikon Z6ii with a Nikon 20mm f1.8 and also a Laowa 15mm f2.0. The Laowa is so good and has become my main partner with the Z6ii.
Great vid. Do u know when will the Rx 10 V Launches?
If only I did... I’m sure it’s going to be pretty popular when it does though.
I wish you’ll keep your Sony where I can learn from you using my Sony RX10 lV.
LUVACTION575 Worry not - I still have my Sony and will be making good use of it. 😉
It would be good to check the Pentax
Hi Nigel, I am enjoying your vids as they are natural with none of that hype. I have been using a tired Sony NEX 6 combined with four other E lenses and its time that I go to the next level but I just can't make up my mind in what I want LOL part of me likes the idea of the RX10 IV as it seems to be a great all round camera without the issues of constantly having to change lenses and at times missing the moment while getting the other lens ready. Other than the night photography do you think that RX is good performer and are the pics nice and crisp and to what size could the images be made into prints. I also use a Sony RX 100III which I use at times when out and about. With regards to you looking at selling the RX IV, seeing some of the pics that you have taken with that camera I would keep it and invest in better glass for the Nikon as good glass plays an important part which you would be happy with and at the end of the day one can only get what one can afford, you should be happy with what you got as it all looks pretty good.
Hi Glenn, and thanks for watching and for your feedback. I have kept the RX10iv and am now the delighted owner of an old Nikon D750 and a Nikon 20mm f/1.8 lens. The Sony is a great camera, but does have its shortcomings, especially in low light. Also, the small sensor means that you have to re-learn and adjust your practice in terms of what aperture to use to achieve a given effect. For example, if you use anything smaller than f/8.0 the sharpness really falls off. The sweet spot on my Nikon is about f8 to f11. On the Sony it's about f5.6 to f6.2. In terms of printing, I have printed at 27 inches wide, but that was really pushing it and the image was quite soft towards the edges. Hope that helps. Best, Nigel
Love your videos. Hello from the USA. Why not sell the smaller sony you mentioned that you have & definitely keep the RX10 for the advantages you mention?. That’s the problem with selling gear, the money lost is pretty daunting from the original purchase prices. I’d love to sell some things and get the RX10IV BUT I won’t until the rumored V comes out. The gear gets pretty heavy indeed, & the lighter camera sounds great.
G Fody thanks, and welcome to the UK! Funnily enough, I sold the RX100 v a while back.
Ok…just watched it to the end. Good decision imo.
Keep them both rx10 to keep close all the time and Nikon for your more special shots. Keep snapping.
Just like most trades, different tools for different tasks. You can’t expect a hammer to do what a screw driver does either.
I know you said you're looking for bargains and used gear, but have you considered the Z system? I don't know what used D800/810 bodies are going for, but the brand new z5 is $1400 here in the US, and can use F lenses with the adapter with no loss of quality. You'd get the in body stabilization, smaller format than dslr, 24mp for some cropping... Not sure how the video specs compare, but I think they're at least decent. If you start gradually collecting z lenses, I can tell you from the few I have that they've been fantastic so far, not really a dud in the lineup. If you found a good deal on a used z7, that would be even better than the 5; basically D850 quality but smaller. Anyway, just wondered how much you'd explored that option.
Thanks for the suggestion, but here in the UK, we're looking at over GBP 1,700 to 1,800 with just a 24-50mm F4.0-6.3 kit lens. About another £100 to add the F-Z mount adapter so you can use older lenses. This lens isn't nearly wide enough for my use, so I'd then need to spend more money on other lenses anyway. I'd rather just buy a decent wide angle Nikon 20mm f/1.8 - I can grab a second-hand one for about £550. I can use that on my D700 until I can afford a better body, like the D750. Meantime, my Sony can do all the video that I need. I'm not massively taken by the need to go down the mirrorless route. I love the fact that I can turn on my old-fashioned D700, or a D800, and it is immediately "on". No wake-up time at all - just immediately ready to go. I don't need all the fancy wi-fi features and the like - just a really great sensor will do me fine for landscapes. I also don't like the fly-by-wire z lens system. For astro type work I want to dial in my manual focus and know that I can fix it in place. Finally, the batteries on the older bodies just go on and on all day as they don't have to power the screen. Thanks for watching and for your thoughts - every suggestion is helping me to understand what it is that I need.
Fair point on the locked down manual focus. I don't shoot that way, so I've never noticed, but sure enough even with the lens switched to MF, it resets to infinity focus when the power cycles. Learn something every day... It does remember focus distance when the system sleeps, but not if you actually shut down with the switch. I know the dslr is faster on power up, but the Z turns on plenty fast for my use. But you're right that it's a bit of a learning curve that the camera goes to sleep whereas the dslr is always ready. I've learned just to tap the shutter release as I'm bringing it up to my eye and it's ready by the time I need it. Anyway, I figured you'd done research on the Z, but you seemed interested in smaller/lighter, IBIS, and video, so just thought I'd mention it. I switched not necessarily for the mirrorlessness itself, but I was intrigued what nikon would be able to do with the new mount dimensions, and so far I am very impressed. I have both 24-70 lenses, and the kit f/4 is really good (and small and light), but the 2.8 blows me away. The 14-30/4 is great for my landscape needs but I don't shoot astro, so f/4 is fine with me. Long term I think the bodies will improve and I love the lenses, so I'm building for what I hope will be a system that lasts as long as I shoot. As for the price in the UK, can you not get body-only? Not that it matters since you've decided against it, but I wouldn't be interested in that 24-50 either. Here in the US it's $300 cheaper without the lens.
Cheers for the reply, I'll be watching and curious what you end up with. Congrats on finishing the degree and I'm sure you'll put whatever gear you get to great use!
Thanks once again for your thoughts. I will likely change my mind several times before I spend any money.
You probably meant 600mm on the Rx10 iv
The rx10iv is 20mp not 24mp. Its also a 24-600mm and not 1200. Maybe your thinking digital zoom.i think your harsh on the Sony. Your really failing it on one thing. Night shots. Unfair in my opinion..
Drone Alba thanks for your comment. Quite right about the mp. The RX will go to 1200mm (digital) equivalent in jpg but not in RAW. If we’re going to be really accurate about it, it’s actual range is 8.8 to 220mm. 600 is the full frame equivalent. I have tried very hard to convince myself I made the right decision to quit Nikon, but I have relented. I still love the Sony too though.
@@NigelBaileyPhotography I had one but sold it. I regretted it and want another. Its a great all rounder. Only let down is the low light performance but with a 1inch sensor you cant really expect much else..
The Pentax has an astrotracker installed
Wilfried Lehnert Thanks for your multiple comments Wilfried - I wasn’t aware of the Pentax features. I will check it out.
I have lots of F lensesa AIS old school 20mm 24 28 50s many -105 micro nikkors 55 &105). the G series Full zoom for D200 2006 $1700 now an anchor. I wanqt too use them fro video our still close up have lots of close up gear and 35mm extension racks. BUT I have also have the Sony RX10 Mk2 which i am happy with. Can an 11x print be heads and tales seen side by side with the nikon and big diff. from a tripod????? Sony so simple reliable not a bother to lug. taking shots since 1969 AA BA photog and cinema SFSU was a Navy Photog 72-6 But still value your opinion.
I've had the RX10MK4 for nearly three years and keep saying i need a full frame camera?The RX though is that good in decent light it'll take as good an image as any expensive full frame and lense camera,sorry dslr lovers but its true.
As you say the only thing that lets it down is lowlight and night shots,but,they are still achievable,but,with more work.
Another consideration is video the rx is a brilliant camera for this again how much would you have to spend to achieve the same quality with full frame??
Think you've done right by getting full frame for astro photography especially as your getting into it,but for every thing else I'd definitely keep the rx.
Good luck.
Thanks Peter for your response. I think that you're absolutely right. I've shot images with the Sony that I'm really pleased with - and that I wouldn't have got with the Nikon because I wouldn't have carried all the lenses with me. Last night, whilst out on a night shoot, I filmed a helicopter cliff-top rescue in low light. Couldn't have done it with the Nikon.
Is RX10's video Quality Image comparable with A6300 cameras? I'm only intersting in good and medium light conditions (night is not essencial to me) on terms of dinamyc Range, color, etc.
¿What do You think? I want a camera to make short cinematic style films
Stick with the Nikon untill there is a RX10 version with a larger sensor or, a one inch sensor that has much better low light capabilities.
Also, you can make much more money with drone photography.
Given your area (legal issues).
I think you'd live doing it. DJI has unreal image quality.
I am having the same issue right now. I photograph wildlife from a far distance. Even at 600mm the subject is so small by the time I crop it, I am unable to make a print. If anyone knows a workaround for this please let me know. Someone said there's a way to get more than 600mm sharply out of it with the digital zoom or CIZ but I don't know what that means and am trying to find out.
Thanks for your comment. The RX10iv can go to the equivalent of 1200mm if you are in jpeg mode, but is “limited” to 600mm in RAW. However, I have found some loss of definition when going past 600mm. Also, you’ll need to absolutely lock down your tripod to have any hope of a sharp image at that focal length. Realistically, if you are having to crop significantly at 600mm, you probably need to find a way to be closer to your subject.
Given the sensor size of the Sony I don’t think it was ever going to cut it for low light / astro photography, particularly if you’ve been used to using full frame. But then as you say in the video the RX10 is capable of things other cameras can’t do. If you’re happy with what you get from the D700 then I think you’ve already found the best solution - also providing you’re happy with what the Sony produces in decent light. Keep the Sony, use the D700 for the low light photography and maybe spend any extra pennies on lenses as and when. Having bought a second hand dslr I decided carrying and swapping lenses wasn’t for me so the Sony suits my needs perfectly, but then I’ve not progressed to astro photography as yet! As always, I enjoyed your video and good luck with whatever choices you make going forward :)
Thanks Ian - I appreciate you taking the time to add your thoughts to the discussion. I'm still chewing it all over.
you can't compare Sony's 1 inch sensor to the Nikon D800 full frame sensor. That's apples and oranges comparison.
Perhaps a D3? nb the sensor of the RX10 is not 1", you and many, many others have seen an inch sign which is not there. 1-type.
Why sell the Sony? No, one camera does everything . Like buying a Ferrari but you still need to tow your caravan.
Hi just watched the whole of your vid, found it very interesting. I have gone mirrorless with the Z6 but looking at getting a RX10 for video .... I have also got a Nikon D750 which is great in low light which i would be willing to have a deal with against the Sony.... If your interested give me a shout ... Keep up the good work ... Subbed
Too much gear out there...I´m a Nikon user for 47 years....its very , very hard to me to switch to another brand...
Just remember, the RX10 series is only going to get better.
The new and upcoming mk 5 should have the same articulating screen as seen on the new Sony A7 S3 camera.
It may even have IBIS that would stabilize the 4k recording modes.
Another great thing is it has a great resale value as they sell used on eBay for just a few hundred less that when purchased new therefore, upgrading isn't so painful.
Just sell your mk 4 two months before the actual release date of the mk 5 because the retail price of the mk 4 for will drop $200 therefore, your used resale price will also drop $200
Pentax Astrophotos
Not being funny but the was never made for astrophotography