Nikon Z8 vs Canon R5 vs Sony ARV : $4K Wildlife Photography Camera Shootout. Who Wins?

Join us as we do a head to head comparison of the 3 Semi-Pro Wildlife Photography full frame cameras from Canon, Nikon, and Sony to see which we feel performs the best in autofocus, image quality, and feel.
Sont A7RV Review: • How good is Sony’s New...
Canon R5 Setup: • Canon R5 - How to Setu...
Nikon Z8 Review: • Pros and Cons of the N...
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[@cy9nvs]

Sony really needs a high resolution + >20 FPS burst camera that's cheaper than the A1 and Canon really needs an affordable competitor to both Nikon's and Sony's 600mm zoom lenses. The Z8 of course is a pretty expensive body still, but overall I feel like Nikon has got the most complete system for wildlife shooting. Great (somewhat) affordable long lenses and cameras with good AF, high resolution and a fast burst rate.

[@hans6304]

Yes it will be good for all of us.

[@WILDALASKA]

Nikon is killing it for wildlife gear for sure.

[@cy9nvs]

@@UnconventionalReasoning bullshit. 😂 With a slower and lower res camera you are going to miss more shots, that's a fact.

[@cy9nvs]

@@UnconventionalReasoning man, I really don't want to hold such a useless elitist conversation. Why aren't you shooting with a camera from the 80s, if it's all about the photographer? Good gear will always put you in a better situation, leaving you with more shots to choose from and the shots being more detailed. It's 2023 and there's no reason why (except for the expensive A1) Sony can't compete in this regard.

[@cy9nvs]

@@UnconventionalReasoning bs

[@Digmen1]

Hi I am an older guy Nikon most of my life. I now have a Nikonz Z6ii and a XZfc But I am amazed at how guys like you can use all the detailed features of these cameras, and remember how to do it in the field! And for several brands and in several seconds! (I have to write everything down in a cheat sheet)

[@WILDALASKA]

👍😁

[@djack4125]

The R5 is now 3 years old. it is amazing how the R5 still compares so well with much newer cameras. The updated R5 Mark 2 may hit the market in a few months. Great times to be a photographer!

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes the R5 has been a serious workhorse. And the MKII hopefully will be the same. I never hold my breathe on canon or Nikon release dates. been waiting 3 years for the R1 . grrrrrrrr 🤬

[@AbcDino843]

Just got a new one for $2,900. It's crazy what you get with R5 for the money.

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

Scott, this was an excellent review from the perspective of a wildlife photographer.! It’s unfortunate that the Sony A7RV didn’t have faster frames per second. Based on my own experiences shooting the Canon R5, Canon R3, and Nikon Z9, I agree wholeheartedly with your analyses of the strengths and weaknesses of the Canon R5 and the Nikon Z8. It will be very interesting to see how the Nikon Z8 improves with firmware updates, and how the highly anticipated Canon R5 Mark II compares with the current Sony, Canon, and Nikon bodies. If you consider the lenses currently available from Sony, Canon, and Nikon that are best suited for wildlife photography, I think Nikon has a real advantage in the price to performance ratio. The setting in which you photographed the yellow legs was quite unique! I really loved the photographs and video on the elevated perches. The slow motion video was particularly interesting. I was also quite impressed that the video quality was comparable between the Canon R5 and Nikon Z8.

[@WILDALASKA]

Agree with everything you said. Bot cameras performed well and the images straight out of camera were excellent. I should have edited one to show the difference would be very little from the raw ;)

[@user-pg4zh2tk2w]

I agree that from a price performance ratio that the Nikon 400 mm f4.5 and 800 mm f6.3 cannot be beat.

[@user-pg4zh2tk2w]

A very balanced and solid review. I primarily use Canon, but recently added a Z8 and Nikon 800 mm f6.3 and Nikon 400 mm f4.5 to my selection. The two telephoto lenses are extremely lightweight for their given focal lengths.

[@WILDALASKA]

very cool

[@brucegraner5901]

Despite all the automation in cameras today, it seems to me, getting good results depends most often on the hand-to-eye coordination of the photographer and his or her knowledge of the camera they own and the of the subject they're trying to photograph. I enjoyed your review and I hope you get the Canon R5 Mk 2 you've mentioned sooner than later.

[@WILDALASKA]

good info. Yes I have said may times in our videos that the most important things is knowing your camera well and HOW to get a good shot. Once you know that you can use about anything and get a good shot ;)

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

I think the real takeaway is that all cameras are getting closer and closer and it’s just a matter of the brand that works best for you , it’s not so much a competition. The competition for quality and the best technology is a huge plus for consumers , and that’s a great thing ✔️

[@colintraveller]

And what you can honestly afford without getting into DEBT . as it stands i can't afford ethier .unless i win the lotto . But am more than satisfied with what i use ...

[@WILDALASKA]

agree and that was my closing statement at how lucky we are now that you can move into almost any brand and get amazing results

[@brianbrooking496]

I would say the lense selection available is critical. I think Nikon are killing it with telephoto lenses with built in TC. The canon lenses are pretty expensive and don’t feel the range and price point is there

[@nordic5490]

@@brianbrooking496 that is because you do not understand just how good optically, now lightweight, and flexibilty the RF 100-500 is.

[@brianbrooking496]

@@nordic5490 I think you missed the focus point of what I was saying. Or perhaps you can’t see it because you don’t have the focal range to see the subject, a little bit like your lense. I love the L series lenses, as I am Pro Canon. However as an all round shooter, Nikon and Sony are churning out some great lenses that offer more reach with a more competitive price point, not to say that Canon’s are poor performers, as of course the L series lenses are good…. Take of your 10 stop and calm down dear. 😉Canon ain’t the king in all conversations.

[@adamrubinstein1479]

Your findings mirror my experience though as a long time Canon WL photographer, I am enjoying Nikon not only for the reasons you mentioned but I think their mid-range lenses are simply better,. They are more affordable, lighter weight, and perform really well.

[@WILDALASKA]

agree

[@davidbarr9475]

Great video Scott. And while I have your attention. Thanks again for all your help on my transition from dslr to my r6 mk.2 staying patient and taking your advice and tips. I'm now extremely happy and excited for my wildlife photography. When I look back a few years ago of shots with my ol trusty 6d compared to this spring and summer. I'm just blown away. Thanks for all you do. From North central Ohio

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad to hear it 🎉

[@CraigEggleton]

Spot on with your comment about nitpicking and what feels right for the individual. I kind of feel like the camera world has gone down the path that we saw with IOS v Android on the phone side. Thank you for putting this together.

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@MartianCitizen]

Currently Sony alpha 1, and nikon z8/z9, are the flagship cameras competing with a long in the tooth Canon r5. The r5 is an upper mid-range prosumer camera that does double duty as a pro camera as well. As you pointed out, the Canon r5 ii is just around the corner. I believe that is when the Championship match will begin. Can't wait. Thank you for this video comparison of these 3 cameras. Very nicely done. As always, keep up the good work and keep'em flying. 👽👽👽👽👾👾👾👾😁 When the Canon R1 is launched, watch out! 😶

[@WILDALASKA]

Good info and I agree.

[@ten7prime179]

Just picked up the R5 do to the price drop and for having a RF 100-500 already. If I was starting from scratch I would really be interested in the Nikon.

[@WILDALASKA]

nice

[@jeffolson4731]

I have never seen Greater Yellow Legs in that type of environment. I only ever see them at the beach. I think I need to pay more attention. Since the R5 is a 3 year old camera it is amazing it is still as competitive as it is. I would not be surprised if Canon was a little disappointed in the Z8. I think the Z9 was what they were expecting but the Z8 may force them to rethink and make the R5 MKII closer to the R1 than they wanted. Canon already having the R3 probably constraints Canon in a way they don't really want. The R1 should be the Best, the R3 next, then the R5 (MKII). How users define the ranking system will be critical.

[@VABrowneMDPhD]

I’m eager to see what Canon does with the R5 Mark II and the Canon R1. I think that the Nikon Z8/Z9 set a very clear target for Canon. In my opinion, Canon needs at least two new professional level bodies that use BSI stacked sensors. The Canon R3 is already an excellent camera that has a large, bright EVF, fast, accurate, and flexible auto focus, and is well-suited to sports and action photography. It also performs very well for photographing large mammals, and in low light settings, such as photographing in a rainforest. What it lacks, obviously, are the benefits of a higher resolution sensor, especially when photographing birds and smaller mammals. To better compete with Sony and Nikon, Canon needs to build on the strengths of the R3 to create the R5 Mark II and R1 both equipped with next generation improved auto focus capabilities and BSI stacked sensors.

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes any area where you have some standing water or wetland area you will find them. This was an area that always holds some swampy/marsh type water and they hold there in early summer. Im looking forward to what canon brings next in that mid to high. Should be interesting.

[@stevest.lawrence5748]

Great job in the analysis. Quality information and I believe you play it right down the middle. Thank you!!

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stretchgoham]

I’ve had great success with the A7RV with BIF once you tweak all the detailed specific settings under the animal and bird focus settings. That Z8 is nice though very appealing!

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@michaeljohannsen4872]

Great Canon/Nikon comparison! 🎉 many thanks!

[@WILDALASKA]

Glad you liked it!

[@TheKCflys]

I love your analysis as you look at each camera as tool with strengths and weaknesses. Very fair as your analysis is based on your use cases I really appreciate your channel

[@WILDALASKA]

Cool, thanks

[@2009kronos]

I’m using the z8 with a 100-400mm and really happy with this combo. Very unlikely that I’ll ever switch to Sony or canon anytime soon

[@WILDALASKA]

Very good combo.

[@Susaptaghosh]

Are you getting enough close to the birds with 400 mm ?

[@Ed-dv2ij]

Hey Scott, great video I found it really insightful. Very brave though, good luck with the comment section!

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks. The community is usually pretty good ;)

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

R5 is my preference. It just works well all around.

[@WILDALASKA]

Can't go wrong with either one

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

@@WILDALASKA plus old EF glass is more plentiful and lighter

[@jamUSA24]

I’m starting my journey and I’m coming from a very old Nikon DSLR. After much, much research I narrowed to the Nikon and Canon. It seems to me that the most versatile camera is the Canon R5, and although it’s now a 4 years old platform, it will do 90% of what I need at a lower price point. Perhaps if I get really into it, I’ll upgrade to the R5 Mark II. It’s a shame Nikon took this long to catch up. Thank you for the great review. I learned a lot from your videos.

[@WILDALASKA]

Z8 for same price would be my suggestion but R5 is great also. The Nikon lens selection is better currently also and glass is more important than the camera body.

[@matthewjeffres4640]

THANKS FOR YOUR HONEST REVIEW! For me it would be between the Nikon and the Sony and in this comparison the Nikon is miles ahead as a wildlife camera.

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@triedge6200]

Have the Z8 and the A7rV and i must say i prefer the z8 with its dual usb better ergonomics and that amazing no lag viewfinder with gorgeous screen. Been shooting Sony for about 7 years and yes 20 megapixels less but all in all the video options are just amazing the best hybrid on the market

[@WILDALASKA]

yes the a7RV is more a portrait /landscape camera imho. But you can do wildlife. gorgeous sensor also

[@triedge6200]

Yes sadly the a1 never budges in price and the a9iii im not able to justify with its 24 megs…. Seems only good and fair priced stacked sensor bodies are z8 and xh2s

[@matthewbell1968]

And this folks is how to do a review, all the info laid out in front and we can make a decision. I think the truth is that there are no bad cameras these days and we're all winning. I suspect the R5 ii will push the bar even higher but wouldn't discount the r8 it's is an absolute gem of a camera, especially at the price. Keep the videos coming Scott;

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks

[@johnforbes4795]

Very informative and balanced review. Great job!

[@WILDALASKA]

thanks

[@GreatPics]

An excellent review (BTW I would have used small wide focus mode on the Nikon in your scenario)

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks. The way the yellowlegs fly the small wide didn't work as the birds fly erratic up and downs along with lateral in this tight area. I flip between those 2 modes a lot but the wide l worked better. I did hit them a few times as the landing shots showed ;)

[@isotechimages.9130]

As you said R5 getting a bit old now tech wise but as you said it does hold up well but it will be a case of how improved will the R5 mark ii be.

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@kuttymary1371]

Nikon Z8 Wowwww....❣💕

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@samanmahdiabadi]

I love sony and I'm actually buying the A7RV soon... But this review is true and real! A7RV can't do that good of wildlife... Maybe more slower animals ! ... For my type of photography ( airplane/Aviation/landscape ... And A little bit of wildlife for fun) the A7RV is the best I think!

[@WILDALASKA]

Heck yes. the a7Rv will be great for that. Go check out my a7rV video. I got some amazing Bohemian waxwing shots on that camera. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bITYn3iXmpuMhcU

[@OkwyUgonweze]

You are very correct to toss the sony A7rv,its on same price range but not on same performance level. The R5 has better af and thus subjectively better for wildlife. The nikon is the best camera for wedding and portraits, it's image quality, dynamic range and balance in the hands makes it hands down the best for those purposes. I believe with few firmware updates the Z8 will be close to perfection.

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes they buit the Z9 and Z8 to take a lot of firmware upgrades. I think that's Nikons plan to have enough processor to upgrade over time rather than 2 + year camera refresh

[@MarkusGebhard]

I bought the sony 200-600 a few months ago and it turned out that I enjoy shooting wildlife more than any other type of photography. However, I feel stuck now in the sony ecosystem. I currently shoot with an older R series camera and don't want to have any less MP than I do now, but I also want to have a stacked sensor camera. So the only choice sony has to offer right now is the a1, which is about 60% more expensive than a Nikon z8. I think I might sell my sony gear and change over to Nikon soon. Have you had the chance to test the Megadapt ETZ21 pro adaptor to pair the Nikon z8 with the sony 200-600mm? This might be a solution for sony shooters who dont want to spend that much money on the sony a1

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes the megadep adapter works pretty good. I toyed with that setup of the sony 200-600 on the z9 vs the nikon 200-500. I settled on the nikon 200-500 as its 5.6 and was on sale for $1k vs the close to $2k for the sony. image quality on both were good but price vs quality the nikon won out.

[@MarkusGebhard]

@@WILDALASKA awesome. That's what I wanted to hear, thank you. Looks like the Z8 is going to be on top of my shopping list :)

[@AlfredoJPadilla]

You can find used A1 cameras for not much more than a Z8

[@MarkusGebhard]

@@AlfredoJPadilla a used a1 in a poor condition still cost more than a brand new z8.

[@georgewelch2366]

While I don’t shoot Sony any longer, the A9 and A9II are both extremely capable cameras that fit the bill for most photographers

[@linhaixueyuan]

Always like your video👍👍👍, and IMHO, Z8 by far ....

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@alcosound]

As I am still learning my R7, I wonder if the R5 body is larger in size (taller)? Grabbing the R7 without mittens means than my pinky just about touches the camera handle (the reason I preferred bodies like the 80D and 6D was their comfortable handles for large hands). Using mittens on the R7 during the winter would be a very problematic proposition, I guess (add too many small buttons near each other as well).

[@WILDALASKA]

yes the R5 is a bigger body. The lack of grip is to me one of the drawbacks of the r7, but the positives outweigh it by a mile.

[@IPGAuto]

That's been the issue with the Z8/Z9 foreground focusing. I believe Nikon is working on a significant firmware update on these

[@WILDALASKA]

the new z9 and z8 firmware fixed it for the most part especially in bird.

[@gaucphotography]

Great summary of the current state of the art top prosumer cameras…

[@WILDALASKA]

thx

[@seanpaulie7]

Nikon z8 is a beast no comparison at all its the future both cannon and sony are bay back

[@WILDALASKA]

It's all a leapfrog game with Canon and Nikon. Almost 3 years ago all the Nikon guys were at wits end for Wildlife. Now we are almost like that at the Canon end. One will drop something innovative and then the other. Good time to be a photographer !

[@alansunshinemd]

Great video, Scott. Do you have a video on how you setup your Z8?

[@WILDALASKA]

Not yet!

[@vidthreenorth4007]

Actually, for Sony, I would have looked at the A7iv rather than the "r" models. The "r" models are for stationary things like buildings. The sensors are slower reading and higher resolution. The A7iv is more video centric. The 33mp sensor reads out faster and avoids rolling shutter, but the resolution at 33mp is high enough for cropping. Colors are reputed to be better too, as well as noise and dynamic range. Realistically though, I do tend to prefer Panasonic Lumix, but for some reason you are not considering them. Not - my - problem. . . .

[@WILDALASKA]

The A7RV was used due to the newest and most advanced Autofocus at the time for Sony.

[@vidthreenorth4007]

@@WILDALASKA Autofocus performance is a grey area, and I think it will be for more years to come. The biggest jump in the Sony line seems to have been the A7iii (not "R"). Speed and ability to find the (human) eye were the big jumps. And of course, Sony has been spreading that tech and improving on it. But comparisons are generally kept within the lines. Is the "Rv" better than the [non-R]"iv"? Maybe, but I doubt it. I would still recommend you try the "A7iv" if you can get around to it. Then again, eventually you have to give up on testing and get down to work. 🙂

[@agrs1974]

I have the A7rv and used the the IV. The A7rv blows it out the water so I'm afraid your wrong man.

[@kennethlui2268]

For me, BIF AF takes priority. So I would take the R5.

[@WILDALASKA]

ok

[@DonaldHawk]

Thanks!

[@WILDALASKA]

THANK YOU

[@DonaldHawk]

@@WILDALASKA Between camera systems right now. So appreciate any insights. Know these videos are a lot of work so wanted to give something.

[@os6997]

Great video ! Would love to know your opinion after the release of the new Nikon Z8 firmware !

[@WILDALASKA]

Z8 no has the same bird AF performance as the r5

[@Marc-op3ov]

Good review, i have the Sony A7R V and indeed it has good performance for landscape, portraits but is not a wildlife camera at all. BIF is really below expectations. You need a sony a1 to compete with Z8 and Z9 . Also with the new Nikon primes for wildlife i consider to sell my sony gear.😢

[@WILDALASKA]

if the EVF lag and blackout was not as bad as it is, th a7r5 would be usable for wildlife

[@Marc-op3ov]

To my opinion the EV black-out is really not a issue at all. Reverting to your previous review the autofocus is more a issue, and I agree. Further more don’t shoot with the electronic shutter but use the mechanical shutter to avoid rolling shutter problems😅

[@lekkerpruven887]

Did somebody ever test the impact of the monitor on there autofocus performance? Is it just the same as without the monitor?

[@WILDALASKA]

🤷‍♂️

[@BenBadBass]

I know this video is 6 months old, but do you still feel the same about the A7RIV? Really thinking about upgrading from my A7ii. The A7RV was the one that really caught my eye other than the A7IV, which from what I hear the new update on it is bad.

[@WILDALASKA]

No change in my thoughts. The A7RV is just to slow sensor and fps for wildlife photography. Now the sensor takes amazing images though. For wildlife Id suggest the A1 or A9III

[@gonzagasantos2290]

Thank you very much for the excellent video; I have a dilemma to solve, I will soon buy new equipment to photograph. I had a Canon DSLR but upon returning from Africa I made the decision to change everything, considering image quality and especially the weight to carry. So I sold everything and am looking at options. I've always used Canon but I've always felt some envy of the images produced with Nikon, I hope this has some basis. I really love photographing wildlife and I'm unsure whether to choose Nikon or Canon. Canon is expected to make new and important releases soon and expectations are high. But Nikon still has the advantage that its lenses are more accessible, including from third-party manufacturers. My opportunity is unique because now I am in a position to choose any of them. But the doubt persists. And now? which one should I buy? Help!!!

[@WILDALASKA]

My advice.....figure out what your dream lens is first...400 2.8, 600 f/4, etc. Then build the camera body and manufacturer around that. Reason is the lens will last you 2o years and multiple camera bodies. And the bodies are 3-5 years each. And the lens will make or break that image once you get to those pro level lenses.

[@gonzagasantos2290]

@@WILDALASKA I thank you for your answer, your advice... it really makes a lot of sense. My dream would be a Z 600 f/4 lens, however, at the moment I have to buy everything, so I decided to start with a Z8, a Z 24-120 F4 and a Z 180-600 f 5.6-6.3, I think That's enough to start playing. Thank you again. Hug.

[@GrumpyInMaine1]

Do you have a terrible video kicking around that doesn't have so much useful knowledge? Lol. Excellent videos sir. I subbed a bit ago and I am just getting into wildlife photography. Old school film guy here, moved to Fujifilm and now added Sony so I shoot both at this point. Have always been more into landscape photography but the desire to shoot wildlife as well is steadily growing. I really enjoyed this video and it has really helped to steer me in the Canon direction I think. Leaning towards the R8 due to price and to get my feet wet without a million dollar investment. I believe you recommend the Canon RF 100-400 f5.6-f8 as a great budget telephoto lens to start? Thank you very much for making these videos and the phot/videography is excellent.

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks and the R8 is fantastic camera and so is that lens.

[@kirgan11]

I just tried out a Nikon Z8 (rented) using a 180-600mm & PF 800mm lenses (rented). White balance was way off filming gulls in flight. A lot of the grey on the birds showed up as blue and the scene in general always looked kind of cool temps and not warm. It was a sunny day and white balance was set to auto. I have seen other posts about people having blue tints due to bad white balance on the Z8 and having to fix it in post. I had a Canon R5 (borrowed) with a 100-500mm lense (borrowed) at the same time and the white balance was more accurate with warmer colors. I have an old Olympus setup for underwater photography, but my wife has gotten me into wildlife photography, especially bird photography and I am trying to decide which camera system to go with. I was hoping to go with the Z8 due to the reviews and the PF lenses, but the bad white balance causing blue tints is making me wonder if that is the best choice after all. I hadn't really planned on having to do custom white balance with cards - like I do with underwater photography. I do agree with what you said about autofocus of both - I had a similar experience in my testing.

[@WILDALASKA]

I shoot the Z8 a LOT in video. White balance has never been an issue. It looks and works exactly like the Z9. The Z9 and Z8 has better colors right out of camera than the R5. The R5, R7, and R8 all have good colors and video also. With rented gear ALWAYS reset the cameras to default as they can have just one simple setting out of whack to mess everything up. Especially with Nikon and their over extensive menu items. Also if you have blue (or grey) on white subjects, it is not the white balance, it is the exposure causing the issue. Under exposed images and to far away from native ISO's will cause a blue or grey shift. It something I have to be very very aware of as we have a lot of snow and white animals up here in AK.

[@kirgan11]

Thanks@@WILDALASKA. I will keep that in mind and do some more test, as I did do some minor modifications to the settings, but nothing to do with color. But I can try resetting to defaults in case there was something set by a previous user. I did find more posts about others saying it had cool, weak or blue tints out of the camera, with one person showing a scene with lots of white from an Ice Hockey match that caused lots of blue overtones to the scene and required a custom white balance to be set. I also found some people talking about Picture Control had to be adjusted to get color tones more warm. I just looked and saw that Picture Control on my rental is currently set to Auto.

[@kirgan11]

I did change the camera settings on Picture Control and it warmed up the colors a lot. I will go back to the dam (Jordan Dam, NC) this weekend to take more pictures of the gulls to see if this also eliminates greys from showing up blue on the gull's wings. BTW, on the release side of the dam the river has a lot of rocks on the side and the Z8 focuses really well when the backgrounds is water or sky. But when flying in front of a busy rocky background, it can't focus at all, no matter what focus option I have it set too. The R5 can. Just an example that supports what you said about the R5 focusing better.

[@bladerealm124]

I'm curious how the Z9 with the new update would fair in your example now. And if/when the Z8 gets that update.

[@kirgan11]

I was curious about that too, so I rented a Z9 that arrives tomorrow and I will be going back to that same location this weekend to see if it can focus better with gulls in front of that busy rocky background. I will let you know.

[@MrPjtmac]

Were you using the latest Nikon firmware for your tests. If so, which version?

[@WILDALASKA]

I always use the latest available at time of review. Currently the z9 bird AF is top notch along with Canons AF

[@Ben_Stewart]

I am really enjoying the Z8 but it is a huge leap from my Z6ii. I kept my Z6 for Astro Mod and I hope they release a Z50ii for my travels. The Nikon Z 400 f4.5 with the 1.4X tele is putting my Z 180-600 order to shame.

[@WILDALASKA]

$4k vs $1.6k price tags ;) different glass and weight. It will be interesting to test the 2 out once I can get hold of the new lens

[@alexanderkapsiotis8050]

At 400mm with the same fstop, they get the same results. I'd call it barely an advantage for the price. The 180-600 flops at 500-600mm opened wide.

[@Ben_Stewart]

From my initial test at 500-600 my images were very sharp. Can't see much difference with my 400 with the 1.4tele.@@alexanderkapsiotis8050

[@14DDF]

Nikon 💖

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@MrPetebuster1]

Not everybody shoots Peregrine falcons or hummingbirds so much depends what and where you shoot , there's so much more to it than just a body

[@WILDALASKA]

I believe I stated just that at the conclusion section at the end

[@MrPetebuster1]

@@WILDALASKA i wasn't saying you didn't , simply making the point to.👍

[@WILDALASKA]

👍@@MrPetebuster1

[@Yupthereitism]

Should have compared the Sony a9ii, which he better autofocus than the two cameras you’re comparing here

[@WILDALASKA]

are you trolling?

[@Nadeemkhalid07]

Plz recommend a camera+ lens set up for a beginner wildlife/bird photographer, without much compromise in quality and more importantly in a budget! Cant sell my kidney!! Lol

[@WILDALASKA]

Canon R7 and RF 100-400 around $2K US

[@Nadeemkhalid07]

@@WILDALASKA thank you…

[@dscottstoness2436]

Thank you very much. Great video. I have r8 and r5 and 600f4, 200-400 and 100-400 and TS17, Ts24 and a whole bunch more. I am big animal and landscape focussed. My observation is - they are close, its tough to change brands (different menu, different orientation... I tried it once and in low light it was tough unless I went all in and spent 6 months) - eg. for most people switching is not a wise choice. So its best to stick to your brand unless there is a big gap - and there is not. The Sony A9 price gap is not as big as switching lens and accessories and reorientated to Nikon on Sony. The r5 is good enough that switching is not worth it - and Nikon does not have the flip in adapter... The Nikon r8 is good enough not to switch. I guess my summary is - great video but for most people, stick to your brand - Canon, Sony or Nikon. The negatives are offset by the learning curve and the $$$ switch costs.

[@WILDALASKA]

yup. my final thoughts were just that 😀

[@coco-talkingandsingingafri6327]

Am I the only one who struggles to understand the accent? Words appear to blend i to each other and I just can’t get it. Seems a great review though. Am a bird in flight photographer and can’t make up my mind.

[@WILDALASKA]

🤷‍♂️

[@bobbullethalf]

Nikon Z8 wins hands down!

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@emersonpalomino6748]

would it be better if we start to make small videos with photos?

[@WILDALASKA]

Who is 'WE'?

[@bladerealm124]

Have you tested the Z9 with the newest update? How does it compare to the R5 now?

[@WILDALASKA]

Yes I have a couple videos on it. In birds its as good or better in AF now

[@bladerealm124]

@@WILDALASKA awesome I'll check them out

[@silvere36]

That Z8 is actually quite a bargain.

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@fotoflorian]

Got mine on launch day and I love it. Huge upgrade from the Z6

[@stubones]

Nikon jumped ahead of the game when it comes to the sensor. Stacked sensors and no need for mechanical. Having just purchased a R6 mkii, I just know the mkiii will have a stacked sensor, rendering my mkii undesirable... The Canon AF has been much improved since the R5 was released.

[@WILDALASKA]

Agree. My 2 cents (and its not worth much more than that) is that all middle and up level cameras will have BSI or BSI stacked moving on from here. If not man they are losing out

[@rickyjohnson1034]

If Canon would build a true successor to the 7DII ?

[@mlai2546]

Isn't that R7?

[@WILDALASKA]

hopefully on the future. The R7 was close.

[@iconicon3108]

It should be R5 vs A7 V... The Z8 shouldn't be compared to the two please.

[@WILDALASKA]

All in the same price range and marketing. the a7r5 is the one that shouldnt be compared due to its lack of wildlife features.

[@c141charlie]

I got into WWII warbird photography (not exactly wildlife), and never knew I would want or need a blackout free shutter. But in that tiny amount of time when everything goes dark, the airplanes will move just enough for you to have to make micro adjustments to recompose. We’re talking a tiny amount of time, and with practice I suspect you can calibrate your brain to deal with it. With birds and wildlife, I can see how that would be a really nice to have feature.

[@WILDALASKA]

Good info

[@Riskbreaker2009]

a9 III

[@WILDALASKA]

🤷‍♂️

[@horstschoninger1265]

🎯

[@WILDALASKA]

👍

[@colintraveller]

You willing to review the new Hassleblad for wildlife ... Folks are happy to to review 4/5,000 grand cameras but they ignore ultra expensive brand Hassleblad .

[@WILDALASKA]

Ya no ;) 3 frames per second on the 100mp and 2.7 fps on the 50mp one :(

[@colintraveller]

@@WILDALASKA Frames per sec is not the be all and end all .. As it never was in the early days .

[@WILDALASKA]

But it is today, and it was a headache then also by missing the right moment. And the evf lag makes it extremely difficult if anything decides to move. 3 frames per second...ugh.

[@birbs4life174]

@@colintravellerit is very important for wildlife photography. I think a wildlife camera needs at least 7-8fps bare minimum, 10fps and up is what you’re usually needing.

[@colintraveller]

@@birbs4life174 Another giving the FPS excuse lolol . I don't care about Video ..

[@TheWildlifeGallery388]

I hate these types of reviews that look for THE winner - This is about as good as one can get - my believe is that when comparing other bodies to the current model ANY of us are using, the winner will always be that model, it's the one we're spending the most time with (currently). Really does come down to personal preference.

[@WILDALASKA]

Thanks your your comment, And I think I said JUST that at the closing of the video. You almost cant go wrong anymore with any of the brands. But we also want to show how the 3 cameras stacked up with use and MY personal experience on which was the best and as I said also I like both the r5 and z8. But which camera would I pick up if someone told me to only grab one for the day...the z8

[@FotosyMas.]

Which camera has the most recalls?

[@WILDALASKA]

😂 let me know what brand you shoot..love to know

[@FotosyMas.]

@@WILDALASKA Lol I have a Nikon Z5 and looking at the new 180-600. I don’t need fast fps or eye AF. I’ll shoot perched birds

[@WILDALASKA]

​@@FotosyMas. that's a pretty good camera. I need to test out the Z5 and Z6II. I'm guessing that a 3 version is headed for the z6 and maybe a 2 on the z5. And yes that new lens is going to be juicy.

[@hondahoon2479]

Z8 beats em both

[@MysticApertureStudios]

These are tools, its always the photographer.

[@WILDALASKA]

true but using good tools makes it easier

[@WILDALASKA]

😁

[@hondahoon2479]

@@WILDALASKA exactly!

[@echoauxgen]

Remember this is a Pro and for the hobbyist the Sony A7RM5 is great and will blow your socks off even the A7RM2 or A7M3 have used all three for flying birds even chasing hummingbirds even using the 24-240mm but all using either the Sigma 150-600mm or 200-600mm even using a 2x teleconverter with total rig above f/8 and have never had problems even above f/13 even with tracking. Yes high MP's give more cropping ability. I have a button for APS-C so even at 1800mm there is unbelievable sharpness. Sony's sensors give low noise and a key for sunny days and white birds is the +/- EV all have a +/- 3EV but the RV has +/-5EV allowing small amount Zebras or none and getting a normal bright image in post just like astro milky way shots and having to dim some so others will believe it not PS'ed. Just saying you will get great images and workable with stop Acton and enough images to pick from even using full RAW selection, but the ability to pick is a plus also. Just saying think about your needs and use the camera you have no matter the make/brand using either above makes will make anyone happy. Always remember the last thing you use is Software with a RAW image to get the final image file. He does make a great point of video results that I never do, just a single framer.

[@WILDALASKA]

Good info. But the issues with the a7rv is more with its evf lag /blackout, bad af tracking at distance and low shots, and slow fps. The camera is more of a portrait/landscape vs wildlife centered camera and at this price point it is just not a great wildlife camera. I did get some of my best Bohemian waxwing photos with it. that 61 mp came in handy.

[@mbismbismb]

Bye sony byee… u r no longer relevant 😂

[@WILDALASKA]

🤣 Funny but Sony is good and the A7rv is a great camera just not for my type of wildlife shooting ;)

[@Mr09260]

Z8 0r go home

[@WILDALASKA]

Not necessarily 😁 , but if I could only take one of them out it would probably be the z8

[@Mr09260]

Its the S Lenses that go on the Z mount advantage and 52 years with Nikon >> no need or thought of ever changing in my lived African Wild LifeExperience @@WILDALASKA