Nikon D500 VS SONY A9 - Bird Photography - Best Experience to Date!

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NIKON D500 QUICK START GUIDE FOR BIRD AND WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY:
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[@MarkSmithphotography]

All Sony A9 shots were taken before firmware version 5.0

[@Hofsaedter]

do you think in the update they make a 500mm lens out of a 400mm ? The camera is good even without update, the only thing is the missing focal lenght!

[@jtalstad]

Hi Mark, Thank you for pinning this info since that was a quick answer to the main question I had after watching this excellent video. You commented on the color. It will be interesting to hear what you think on a shoot with 5.0. Another question: once Sony releases their 500 and 600 which will you use? Both?

[@jtalstad]

Oh, and Mark, do you already own the Sony 1.4 TC?

[@gerards4843]

Wonderful moments Mark. Love your enthusiasm. Thanks for sharing.

[@cooloox]

Absolutely stunning and amazing images. You're highly talented and must have amazing timing skills. Wow!

[@ungavaproductions]

My Dear Mark, I believe you are living your second life cause in your first one you were probably a bird. Amazing birds shots !

[@MarkSmithphotography]

lol, thanks

[@Sameersupertramp4life]

Mark you are a legend. Thank you for giving all these informations and beautiful stories to us for free.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you for watching!

[@karenholley8356]

Thank you, Mark. Love the way that the osprey, when he has a fish, flies with the head of the fish pointing in the same direction that he is flying!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you!

[@Suhailkhan53]

D500 produced some absolutely brilliant images.

[@zacharygoode8341]

Every time I watch one of your videos I want to go out and photograph😊. Truly inspiring!

[@marcoantonioregiltv]

Love my D500!!!

[@bobmeeks4033]

I’ve never left a comment on a KZbin video before, but this was ... BY FAR ... the most fun and interesting video I’ve ever watched. As a novice bird photographer, these shots were absolutely amazing and I loved the narration. Thank you very much for posting this!!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@kennypringle4580]

I’m a dedicated follower of your great bird photography. When you say “comon let’s go” I’m always excited and ready to follow you in a wonderful photographic journey.

[@africo9104]

That video was amazing. I’ve just started bird photography this weekend , went to an small Island with white beach, green tropical trees, but all my photos came out washed out. Thanks for these fantastic photos.

[@usernamemykel]

Overexposed. Learn to use histograms, then judgment through experience.

[@Charmedbyashley]

that shot of the 3 at the end of the sandhill babies, omg its just too cute!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

I agree. It melts my heart a little.

[@StefanoIaniro]

All shots were fantastic, but that tilapia releasing the babies is next level storytelling!!

[@terrym45]

Wish I were there. What a video. You know what a Sony 500 mm G will cost. After I saw you in February, I had great results from the D500 and my 200-500 Nikon. Just the birds were not cooperating (if you remember) . For the price nothing comes close to the D500 and 200-500mm, Have several pro friends using A9 exclusively. Most sold all of their Canon equipment.

[@Pan3optic3on]

Arguably I'd say the A7III coupled with a Sigma 150-600c rivals the D500 for the cost. The main reason being you can pull results in low light, a full stop and a half even cropped in some 30%. Considering the Sigma 150-600c is Canon fit and lacking a bit of light stop over the Nikon 200-500mm and 500mm f4, its an awesome combination. I got a test to do on the A7III in shutter speed priority mode as thats what my friends on the D500 shoot on these days. I haven't used that mode for a while since starting out. It can be a way on manipulating exposure compensation without ISO loss. A7III retains low light well so can't wait to see the results.

[@gc3098]

I am soooooooo happy I have come across your videos. Just lately I bought a 27” Dell 4K UHD computer monitor which I am using for my TV. Your video comes through so “Pure and Precise”. I have subscribed to your channel.

[@gordroberts53]

EPIC! One of your best videos ever! The shot of the Tilapia dropping its young is a one of a kind. Thanks for sharing!

[@petertoth2350]

Man, you not only making incredible pictures, but your presentation is just as good as your pictures, and you can tell you do all this by loving the whole process

[@jeffmiller8950]

As usual... great narration, great photo and a very enjoyable 16 minutes! Those head-on shots of the “skimmer” with the A9 were awesome. Keep up the great work.

[@MichaelSeneschal]

Amazing. I’ve commented this before, and I’ve seen others say the same thing... this is by far my favorite photography channel. Where others talk about camera specs in a clinical way, you put everything into context with an interesting story and fantastic images. Simply great. My r old girl and I watch your videos, and she enjoys them too. Thanks!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is great to hear. Thanks.

[@thomasevans1128]

This is such a beautiful video! The photos you captured are amazing! I'm looking at upgrading from my Nikon P950 to a Nikon D500 with a 200-500mm lens! So exited!

[@dsorx]

Thank for sharing Mark. I watch every video and I swear this one gave me chills seeing your images. As a fellow Floridian, it's amazing what we have access to. I love my D500 too, just wish I had the big glass. Also, still dying to see a post-processing video to see how you give your raw files such an amazing natural look.

[@MrAfro1979]

I'm speechless, truly brilliant shots Mark and your comments...I'm always holding my breath!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

thasnk

[@nicochiarappa9314]

Amazing video as usual, you deserve much more views and subscribers !! Congratulations for the passion of photography.

[@MrHitthespot]

The Sony A9 is a nice Full Frame Camera. The pictures from it were beautiful. Having said that, there was just something more appealing / magical about the D500 shots. l can't explain it, clarity, pop, I don't know what it was but I also liked the D500 better. This was one of the videos that helped me choose the D500. I have had it about two weeks now and I'm very happy so far.

[@TheDesertsweeper]

Perhaps the lens rather than the sensor

[@johnjohnaad]

Getting back into photography, specifically wildlife and upgrading to a D500. Mark loves what he does and it shows. Great information keep up the fantastic shots

[@keithmacdonald4805]

Your best experience so far and also your best video. Your images are second to none, thanks so much for sharing this wonderful experience!!

[@pichsopheak]

Oh love this kind of work. Thank you for sharing this amazing 😍 photo story.

[@frankventre7420]

Mark, I've been following you for a while. Your passion for birds is amazing and your results are over the top. The D500 pics had definitely more detail but all photos were rich in tone and depth. Keep up your great work would love to shoot with you one day.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@dayalanpadayachy]

Mark, simply amazing photography coupled with excellent commentary too! The variety of birds and their actions is simply great. Well done.

[@sapelesteve]

Totally awesome photography Mark! Both cameras performed admirably in my opinion. Keep up the great work. Love your videos!

[@garykuiken6191]

I agree with your last comment, the images from the D500 were very impactful. The extra reach and Nikons color rendering really gave them that extra punch. Great images all Stay safe.

[@terryanderson6753]

Hey Mark, really enjoyed this video having shot both camera's myself. With the D500 I used a 80-400G Nikon, and the 600mm f4 vr. And loved the results. But decided to change systems last April. I choose the Sigma 150-600 EF mount contemporary mounted on an MC-11 adapter which has worked pretty well for me with Snowy owls up here in both RI and MA. Thanks for the time and work you put into this video.

[@Raptorman0909]

Amazing shots, all of them. I really liked the end shots of the Sandhill Cranes walking away -- you really get a feel for the dinosaur lineage with those three toed feet.

[@ducati08]

Excellent work Mark, the shots, the video, and the narration, bravo! Especially like the tilapia releasing its babies in one shot and you noting the later osprey keeping its catch’s mouth closed. Great story telling! Looking forward to seeing more of the sandhill colts as they mature. And thanks again for the great morning a few weeks ago. You and Torin were wonderful to hang out with.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much! Was a wild week of shooting.

[@judyboyd9530]

Another great video! I purchased the D500 after watching your videos and I have not been disappointed. Because I live in Florida, I have become more of a wildlife photographer. I hope to take one of your workshops next spring. Absolutely love the crane shots!

[@Huggybear101]

Those were absolutely stunning shots! I live off of the South River in Maryland and the local ospreys and bald eagles have started nesting. Really enjoying my D500 and 200-500mm f5.6 lens. Can't imagine a better combination for the money.

[@winpicphotography4338]

Mark - this is the first time I've come across your channel, but I wanted to say that I enjoyed this video so much! Your enthusiasm and story telling made this comparo vid really fun to watch! Cheers!

[@LiLiuMD]

Another amazing episode, as usual. I was so fortunate to shoot with and learn from you last month. Look forward to joining your workshop again in the future. Li

[@ricklei100]

Amazing shots and presentation Mark. The shots from both cameras are amazing, but no camera body can make up for quality glass and reach. That is why I still use my Nikkor 600mm F4. Keep up the great work!

[@darrens7040]

Another great video Mark I’m sticking with my D500 love it to bits

[@larryjoseph6837]

Thank you Mark for the review! Osprey are definitely one of my all-time favourite birds! You were able to capture so many action shots that I simply could not do with my Nikon D7200!

[@sanjay5145]

you are wrong, its not just the body ...you need lens too with experience n patient too... don't mind its only my opinion which i know

[@tomlee812]

Every time I watch one of your videos I think it's even better than the last and surely it can't be beat...? Guess what? You did it again. Awesome photography Mark. Best wishes from South East England...

[@mikecrowley6485]

Brilliant Video again Mark, the Photos are just absolutely great. 👍🏻

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks!

[@stephenqchu]

You left my mouth open up to the end!! You are my BPOTY for 2021 no matter if this is a 2 yrs old vid.

[@jackietarbell2166]

I love this video!! I have a D500 and just love the pictures I am able to take with it. So I thought it did a great job in your comparison.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@amazinazihn]

Wow, these are amazing photos. Thank you for creating these awesome videos and sharing these experiences. I can't see myself ever getting an opportunity to see these things in person, so I am living vicariously through your videos and awesome narration lol. Can't wait to see how the a9 works out for you post update, especially the animal eye one later in the year.

[@a1m153]

Best bird photography I've ever seen! And I have to say it again: I like your narating style. Thanks for sharing your pictures and amazing moments with us!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

thanks

[@uxo2255]

Mark, that was an exceptional video. Thanks for sharing. Excellent narration, felt like I was there with you.

[@serkanboztepe4623]

Dude, I love your videos. Just caught myself watching like 20 of them in a row. Love the picture too. They are absolutely freaking awesome.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks so much!

[@gs6156]

Wow just Amazing Mark , I have a D500 . I know you are using a 500mm lens . I have a 200 500mm lens, what focusing point do you use. Thanks

[@MsSasha4444]

Your comment about the ability of photographs to share amazing moments is something that I experience and share with others all the time. My most recent favorite was a dolphin’s tail just before it went underwater. It is a perfect waterfall designed by nature capturing color from the setting sun. It was the first time that I was able to get that close and detailed by using a 1.4 extender on my Canon 100-400 zoom lens. You have challenged me to test the limits of my gear and my ability. You can’t ask for any more than that. Thank you very much!

[@cherylglarue6218]

Thank you for all the nice photos of wonderful world of birds. It's really much appreciated, especially at this time of this awful coronavirus. Keep up the nice work!

[@fredm81lighter92]

Mark, another awesome series of bird photos. I love my D500 with 300 f4 pf and 200-500. That A9 is a real nice camera, too. I need to find more opportunities fot birding around here in NC. Thanks. You are a top- notch birder.

[@derekmidgley]

Just the best bunch of shots imaginable. Thanks as always for sharing the magic, Mark.

[@jibsj2100]

Awesome job man. Other KZbinrs should learn from you. I am very impressed. Again outstanding work.

[@brian_phillip]

I'm just blown away by your images every time! Just awesome dressed in awesomeness.

[@robertjacobson5314]

Once again, a great video. I too, am very happy with my D500 and the NIKKOR 200-500 mm 5.6. You are my favorite KZbin channel, keep up the good work.

[@justindurand9110]

Wow man, great shots! Great review, narration and video, too!

[@kellyking6430]

Dear sir, what a fantastic video! I absolutely love your enthusiasm and passion for the birdies. So many stunning images! Great stuff!!!

[@Thunderlips420]

Next year will definitely be doing a workshop

[@davidbee8648]

Once again you put us all to shame with your great photos. You are doing an amazing job and I really appreciate your photos.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@pracquet]

Wow..... awesome photos Mark, and a great video about your story of capturing these photos!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@ekcollins7]

Color has been improved with the new firmware - noticeable improvement.

[@jamesf3382]

Ellis Collins is it your experience? I haven't noticed yet

[@bjure8111]

Not caught up even yet.

[@amitdutta8768]

Thanks Mark for such outstanding photography and detailed comparison. I am all the more elated to see the D500 performed so well because I am also a D500 user with a Nikkor 200-500mm.

[@deluco]

Hello Emit. I purchased the 500 5.6 because of the weight difference. The price was difficult to get by but I am very pleased with the purchase. The zooms in that range were at least 1-2 pounds heavier and I want to be able to walk around without a tripod. I did seriously consider that 200-500.

[@amitdutta8768]

@@deluco Though its 5.6, it achieves good blurring due to long focal length. Moreover if u combine it with a mirrorless then high iso will allow u to shoot in low light.

[@tweston315]

Thank you so much for this amazing review and awesome video! It is by far the best I've seen! Your photos were breathtaking! Keep shooting!

[@DeletedDelusion]

Wow, these pictures are absolutely amazing. Fantastic work!

[@trish856]

Awesome images - thank you for sharing and giving a comparison of the two cameras at the same time. I would like just to be there watching the birds.

[@randygeene9455]

The skimmers coming straight at you shots are awesome and on my bucket list!! I shoot a D500 with the Sigma 150-600 mm sport. Time to plan an Atlantic coast trip.

[@joelemire1913]

I love your pics with a story, makes super interesting to watch with the kids, helps them to understand nature also .

[@BlingBlingTheBSOFTHEISS]

Oh my goodness Mark, how did I miss this video? This is absolutely my new favorite. Now I am going to check out your images.

[@divinerdetective44]

UNBELIEVABLE! I love this! You've really got your skills down, Mark.

[@bluaway30]

I'm just glad the D500 held it's own against the Sony. I have a D500 and I just love it. Thanks for a good video.

[@patricksmith2553]

I think that Mark and many other people fail to realize or mention that the lens has so much to do with autofocus performance. The Nikon super-telephoto lenses have amazingly quick autofocus. Everyone talks about a camera's autofocus ability, but no one seems to mention how important a lenses autofocus ability and speed is important to the equation. There is no way that the Sony 100-400mm lens can compete in autofocus speed to a Nikon super-tele like the 500mm f4 VR.

[@pgo2372]

@@patricksmith2553 You must have left the room when Mark said he got so many shots in focus with the 100-400 that he had trouble choosing which ones to keep. That means the lens is able to keep up with the A9's amazing AF and deliver real world results.

[@patricksmith2553]

@@pgo2372 No I watched the entire video and I would bet you my life that the Sony 100-400mm lens does not autofocus as fast as the Nikon 500mm f4 VR. I have owned both the Nikon and Canon 100-400mm or 80-400mm lenses. I have also owned both the Nikon and Canon 500mm f4 VR/IS lenses, however now own and shoot the 400mm 2.8 VR. I am sure if you were to email and ask Mark, who is a wonderful and nice person he would tell you the Nikon super-tele's are noticeably faster. It may be that the a9's focusing ability is that much better than the Nikon's that it evens things out. The focusing speed though on a super-telephoto lens from Nikon or Canon can not be matched by any other lens. The only zoom lens that is almost as fast as the big primes is the new Nikon 70-200mm 2.8 FL.

[@pgo2372]

@@patricksmith2553 So how do you argue with his results of having so many in-focus shots that he had trouble selecting the keepers he wanted? The proof is right there. He's shooting very fast, erratic subjects that are a true test of a lens/body's AF abilities. I owned the A7R3 with the 100-400, so I have actual experience with it, unlike you. The focus speed was fantastic with the A7R3, so I'm sure the A9 was even better. The only reason I sold it was because there aren't enough long lenses available for my liking.

[@patricksmith2553]

@@@pgo2372 I never said that the a9 is not a great camera or that the 100-400mm is a slow lens. I am not some kind of Sony hater. What I said is that no 100-400mm f4-5.6 zoom lens is a fast as a super telephoto like the Nikon 500mm f4 VR. If you have ever used or owned a super telephoto then you would know what I am talking about. The focus speed is near instantaneous. Now it is also the case that the A9 has amazing autofocus with excellent tracking ability. However that is not what I was talking about. All I said was that the lens is half the equation when talking about autofocus speed. That was my point, but that all being said I would still bet my life that the Nikon 500mm f4 VR has faster focus than the 100-400mm. Now none of us would be arguing this if you had both side by side. I have had the Nikon and Canon 100-400mm type lenses side by side with 400mm 2.8 and 500mm f4 lenses. They are not even close in focusing speed. It is possible the Sony is slightly faster than the Nikon or Canon, but it can't be as fast as the super-telephoto's. The reason would be the size of the true ultrasonic ring motor that is in a super-telephoto.

[@MrThor49]

Great video Mark - absolutely amazing photos.

[@Meagain921]

Thanks once again. I always feel that I have accompanied you on these exciting trips, and I have your experience and examples to thank for the fabulous D500/200-500 combo I bought last year. Still amazed by the ability of this gear if used properly, and for advice and tips I turn to Mark Smith !

[@jimmiealeshire7605]

awesome series Mark. Thanks for sharing. Happy New Year and happy shooting.

[@jakesdewet3567]

Mark, what I enjoy most from your video's is the amazing storytelling and passion you have for photography and the subject you choose. With that you do an amazing job being objective about the equipment you test. The photography world is now stuck in a bad place where there are more debates and fights about the gear people use and the complete obsession with changing from DSLR to ML. Here we have seen a great example of testing two systems based on their pure abilities, not on ML vs DSLR. This is not a brand contest, photography is about the art of storytelling, capturing the details and light, the moment and displays the ability of the photographer to use the equipment to do so. Photography is not the "ability" to buy the camera and lens with the biggest price tag or latest specs. I also think we see a great example of using two different systems and the advantage of what a well developed ecosystem can do. Even an older generation 500f4 on a Crop sensor, vs the latest tech. My point is, don't judge a photographer by his/her gear. Show me the pictures...Well done Mark.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks and very well said.

[@xavierhorn9825]

That last shot was simply breath-taking!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thank you and I agree!

[@martharetallick204]

See, Junior, this is a runway...

[@SteveHedgesPhotography]

Great video and images, i use a Nikon D500 and absolutely love it.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@robertbohnaker9898]

Beautifully done. You’re a real inspiration for me. I agree; I think the d500 did amazingly well. I think the warmer colors are more pleasing and natural and 3dish. And much more affordable. I’d love to see how the d500 does with the nikkor 500 pf when you get it !👌😎

[@gordonociao1231]

Your narrative is excellent. The comparison between Nikon and Sony is very very interesting thank you again for sharing such great moments in capturing our wild America!

[@the_sandancer]

Some absolutely fantastic shots Mark, great going! 📷

[@DmanD69]

I love your work man, I'm designing a roost for Osprey in Western Nebraska and using your shots as some inspiration

[@tridipchakraborty7564]

The way you describe a photograph is outstanding.

[@DanOhPhotography]

I really appreciate you describing beautiful creature of birds

[@UncleVinnys]

Awesome shot at 12:38. What a remarkable capture. And the wingspan on the osprey . . . Wow!

[@hiresmusic]

Absolute top review.Best I saw for long time.Not only from technical side,your photos is true art!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@kiran499]

Wow..those are really amazing shots you got there!!

[@williamkays9082]

Incredible shots Mark - it’s just fun to watch your videos! Thanks for putting this together. (Also cool to see the young Sandhill Cranes that I got to see when they were just eggs)

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks. They grow up really quick!

[@naturealbums]

Everytime I watch one of your videos I think this cant get more awesome I am even more wow'd with this. excellent!!!

[@Plantsandflowers283]

I agree he is my favorite bird photographer her in youtube.

[@19Photographer76]

I always miss living in Florida when I watch your videos Mark! I don't have a Sony but between the D500 and D850, I enjoy the D500 more as the AF seems to be more responsive.

[@Gazzab6]

I've heard quite a few people who own both cameras say that.

[@myroadtours6147]

That Osprey set near the end is amazing!

[@brianglenville386]

Absolutely stunning photos demonstrating not just your photographic skill but also understanding of the creatures you captured; sheer joy! In a way you could argue the competition was between lenses rather than cameras which are both excellent beasts. That said I’ll stick with my D500 which I love .... almost limitless buffer; made for wildlife.

[@wordzenpix]

Outstanding review with incredibly beautiful bird photos. Thanks!

[@cryptographerchris4856]

Wonderful images. So far keeping my D500 and not switching.

[@strongandco]

Great work Mark. Always look forward to your videos coming out.

[@MarkSmithphotography]

Thanks

[@SuperLumberjock]

Beautiful!!!! Simply beautiful!!!!! I enjoyed this vid immensely! Thank you so much!!!

[@fs028]

What a fantastic video! And your enthusiasm is beyond infectious.....I’ve been laid up with the flu for a week but you bet I’ll be going for some Osprey this week...

[@cmtrain1]

A great video of some amazing wildlife superbly photographed, top stuff

[@marcoantonioregiltv]

Where in Florida is this? I live in Miami. Do you have workshops? It would be awesome to learn from you. Great videos!!

[@MarkSmithphotography]

All over the state and yes. www.photoworkshopsandtours.com

[@edrod2188]

Mark, man you just have no idea of glad I remain after watching your birds film. I think you are truly amazing. I totally dig your description of events. Your photos are superb and so is your disposition. The only thing I can do, from my world is to subscribe. I got a lesson on birds and cameras. Thanhx

[@MarkSmithphotography]

That is great to hear.

[@RobBlight]

Wow stunning images Mark! I think both cameras are doing a great job - in this case it seems to come more down to the lens. Good storytelling & you really held my attention for the entire video. Great job!

[@richardnguyen6853]

The awesome photo I love it's you did amazing work and a lot of patients to catching on the actions