From Nikon D90 to Sony Alpha A1: My Photography Journey and Lessons Learned
Many photographers talk a lot about their trips and photographs they take. But not many people talk about the thing that gets them their photo; a camera. In this article, we are going to explore the types of cameras, their differences, and the pros and cons of each.
I've had the pleasure of using two main types of digital cameras: DSLRs and Mirrorless. My trusty DSLR, like the Nikon D90, uses a mirror to reflect the image seen through the lens into the viewfinder. When I press the shutter button, the mirror flips up, allowing the camera to capture the moment. On the other hand, my experiences with Mirrorless cameras, such as the Sony Alpha A1, have shown me a different approach. These cameras don't have mirrors; instead, they use an electronic viewfinder, which lets me take pictures silently at the click of a button.
Now, let’s dive into the two cameras that I’ve used: the DSLR Nikon D90 and the Mirrorless Sony Alpha 1. I'll share the pros and cons of each, and reveal which one I prefer by the end of this comparison.
Nikon D90
Pros:
Less Battery Usage: One thing I've always appreciated about the D90 is its optical viewfinder, which means it consumes less battery compared to electronic viewfinders.
No Delay in the Viewfinder: With the D90, what you see through the viewfinder is instant—thanks to the speed of light.
Lower Prices: As the newer mirrorless technology emerges, the prices of DSLRs like the D90 have dropped, making it a cost-effective option.
Cons:
Size and Weight: The D90 is quite bulky because of the mirror and pentaprism. Carrying it around on long hikes can be a bit tiring.
Noise: Every time I take a shot, the mirror flip produces a noticeable noise, which can be disruptive, especially in quiet settings such as bird photography.
No Exposure Preview: When looking through the D90’s viewfinder, I can’t see exactly how the photo will turn out, which can sometimes lead to either an over exposed or less exposed photo.
Complexity: The D90 is quite delicate. If it breaks, repairs can be tricky, often requiring replacement of parts that can be hard to find.
Sony Alpha 1
Pros:
Exposure Preview: One feature that stands out with the A1 is the exposure preview in the viewfinder, giving me a real-time look at how my shot will appear. You get what you see.
Silent Pictures: The A1 allows me to shoot silently—an absolute game-changer for wildlife photography, where any noise can spook the subjects. It might not affect that much when you are shooting portraits or landscape.
Autofocus: The autofocus on the A1 is exceptional, locking onto subjects almost immediately.
Size and Weight: Without the need for a mirror and pentaprism, the A1 is more compact and lighter, making it easier to handle on my long hikes.
Cons:
More battery usage: Since the viewfinder is electronic, the A-1 takes up more power.
Higher prices: Since the Sony A-1 is new technology, it is at a much higher price than the D90.
In my opinion, the superior camera for wildlife photography is the Sony Alpha 1. Commonly referred to as the A1, this mirrorless camera excels in various aspects. It has automatic focus, allowing for quick and precise subject tracking. Additionally, the A1 has the capability to take photos both silently and with sound, making it versatile for different shooting environments. One of its standout features is the ability to capture up to 30 frames per second, which helps me freeze some of the moments such as the flapping of a hummingbird.These attributes make the Sony Alpha 1 my camera of choice for wildlife photography.
And even though my preferred camera is now the Sony Alpha A1, the Nikon D90 is still close to my heart. It was the camera that started my journey when my mom gifted it to me. It taught me the fundamentals of photography. Each click with the D90 brings back fond memories of my early days behind the lens.
