A Camera Gear Journey

The right gear is critical for a photographer.

My journey with different camera systems has been quite the rollercoaster, filled with love, a bit of disappointment, and ultimately, a homecoming to Nikon. From my initial days with Nikon, a fling with Fujifilm, and a return to Nikon, this journey has been about finding the right tools that not only meet my technical needs but also ignite my creative spirit. Here's my story of how I navigated through these changes and what I learned along the way.

My Nikon Beginnings

My first camera, a Nikon D60, was a high school graduation gift from my parents. I quickly followed this with a D90, which I bought myself by saving up money while working my first real job at my local newspaper. These cameras were more than just equipment to me; they were the gateways to my passion. Reliable, effective, and just fun to use, these cameras accompanied me through countless adventures and helped me hone my skills.

During my time at that job, I really cut my teeth in photography. I was one of the few wielding a Nikon, as most of my colleagues preferred Canon, especially as Nikon lagged in video capabilities. Despite the buzz around brands, my loyalty never wavered. I loved my Nikon.

Those cameras and I had a good run for almost a decade. But as technology advanced, I was tempted by Nikon’s new venture into the mirrorless world with the Z6. It seemed like the perfect upgrade—until it wasn't.

The Nikon Z6 Experience

Transitioning to the Z6 was a move driven more by nostalgia than practicality. I wish I had done my homework better. At its launch, Nikon's mirrorless system felt half-baked. There weren't enough native lenses, and the FTZ adapter, though functional, was clunky.

The Z6 had good image quality but lacked reliability. The autofocus was a letdown, and missing features like a second card slot were deal-breakers for me. My photography mojo started to wane—a clear sign that something was off.

In my quest for that lost spark, I even tried branching out to other brands. I picked up a Sony A6600, appreciating its capabilities but feeling the lack of commitment Sony had towards its APS-C line. The Nikon fc also made a brief appearance in my gear bag. It was a cool concept but felt more like a collectible than a workhorse, with the same autofocus issues plaguing the Z6.

Switching to Fujifilm

By 2023, I was ready for a change. I sold all my Nikon gear and embraced Fujifilm, drawn by the allure of the Fuji X-T5. Its design was a breath of fresh air, and handling it just felt right. The tactile controls brought a sense of connection with every shot I took.

The Fujifilm X system's lenses were a delight, boasting incredible quality and color science that made every image pop. However, the autofocus was not much of an improvement over the Nikon Z6, and the novelty of the film simulations wore off quickly, as I mostly shot in RAW.

What’s more, Fujifilm’s APS-C cameras weren’t the budget-friendly or compact alternatives you might expect. The price point was too close to full-frame models from other brands, making it hard to justify the cost for what was on offer. It became clear that while Fujifilm cameras were great, they weren’t perfect for my needs. Nonetheless, Fujifilm rekindled my passion for photography, reminding me of the joy in capturing moments.

The Return to Nikon

Everything changed when I stopped by Mike's Camera on a trip to Colorado. There, I got my hands on the Nikon ZF and Z8. It was like meeting an old friend who had really gotten their act together. Nikon had made leaps in improvements, and it showed in every aspect of these cameras.

This time, I really did my research. I made sure that Nikon was actually back. If you look around, you'll find nothing but rave reviews for both of these cameras. The full native lens lineup, the stunningly effective autofocus, and the robust build quality—it was all there. The Z8 and ZF not only met but exceeded my expectations. They brought back the familiar, reliable feel of Nikon, making it feel like coming home.

Camera Technology and the Search for Engagement

Camera technology has been moving fast. Autofocus performance has dramatically improved, and the inevitable introduction of AI has made processing images faster and easier. However, this rapid advancement has made the experience less engaging for some. People are craving a more analog experience—something that harkens back to the days of film, with its grain, colors, and nostalgia. In a world where many cameras feel like lifeless gadgets, Fujifilm, at least on paper, seems to fill this void.

Sony, for example, has always felt very sterile to me. Technically impressive, yes, but lacking in character. My wife shot with Sony for a while, and I just couldn't get past that feeling. Nikon doesn’t necessarily excel in this area either, but they have a heritage. They have a history of lenses and cameras that have produced some of the most iconic photos in history. I trust Nikon's perspective on creating an image.

Fujifilm also brings a lot to the table with their X system, which feels like a throwback to vintage photography. While the Nikon ZF is amazing, it shows that slapping a vintage skin on a camera isn’t enough. Developing a truly engaging camera involves much more. I think Nikon is about 90% of the way there with the ZF, and I hope they continue to refine this experience moving forward.

On the other hand, I trust the Z8 to deliver the images I want. Technically, there's nothing holding me back. If I can frame it, the Z8 can capture it. It might not always be the most engaging experience, but when it truly matters—at a wedding, a sports event, or when you finally catch that elusive bird—it delivers.

That’s why both of these cameras—the Z8 and ZF—fit perfectly into my arsenal. One for when I want an engaging experience, like exploring a new city, and one for when I need to ensure I get the shot, no matter what.

The Verdict: Nikon Z8 and ZF

The Nikon Z8 is a powerhouse. It’s fast, sharp, and balances high megapixel counts with exceptional performance, making it perfect for both landscapes and fast-paced wildlife photography. The ergonomics are spot-on, too; it's a camera that feels like an extension of my hand, despite its heft.

And while I enjoyed my time with Fujifilm, Nikon has always felt like home. The X-T5 was wonderful, and the X-H2S served me well, but Nikon’s Z8 and ZF are just on another level.

Conclusion

Here’s the thing about cameras: they are just tools at the end of the day. Creativity springs from many sources, but you need to feel motivated to pick up your camera. If it doesn’t excite you, it might just be stifling your creativity. Choose a camera that makes you want to shoot, one that fulfills your needs without chasing the latest trends.

For now, I’m sticking with Nikon. They’ve truly outdone themselves, making photography enjoyable and exciting again. The Z8 and ZF have reignited my passion for capturing the world through my lens, and I can't wait to see where this renewed journey takes me.