The Nikon DSLR advantage in today's digital world

The latest news on digital photography is mostly about mirrorless systems rather than DSLRs. However, Nikon cameras with DSLR technology continue to offer undeniable advantages for modern photography. And this applies to the ambitious amateur photographer as well as the professional. In addition to the famous Nikon image quality, the main advantages include the optical viewfinder, the long battery life and the extensive F-mount ecosystem. We have taken a look at why a Nikon DSLR should still be part of your photography equipment.

Why professional camera technology is so popular, even with a mirror

There is a lot of nostalgia associated with DSLRs. Shooting without a screen, an unadulterated optical experience and a throwback to a golden era of photography still attract many photographers to this technology. The click of the mirror is a kind of acoustic signature that has a special appeal. DSLRs are considered robust and solid and offer an authentic feel. These are advantages that go beyond pure image quality. They promote the joy of photography and can therefore indirectly improve the result because we are more motivated to get to work with such equipment.

So much authenticity and weight calls for a carrying and protection solution that meets the same requirements. A classic leather shoulder bag, robust and stylish at the same time, emphasizes the solidity of a DSLR and makes quick access to the body and one or two lenses effortless.

The market today is essentially mirrorless. All the more reason for a DSLR to stand out. It can be seen as a kind of final link to the optical-mechanical tradition of photography. The factor of predictability of results should also not be underestimated. Here you work with fixed buttons, no EVF tuning is required. You turn the camera on and can "deliver" immediately. Many photographers prefer such an experience to the EVF-based approach, where searching through menus can get in the way of shooting.

In addition, many photographers have special memories with Nikon because they have built up a collection of suitable F lenses over the years that they are reluctant to give up. These are often lenses with character and emotional ties. And they still deliver outstanding images. It is also something special to inherit such a collection and now, perhaps for the first time, to be able to try out for yourself the many possibilities that such proven technology has offered generations of photographers.

The decisive DSLR advantages: optical viewfinder, ergonomics and robustness

Anyone who prefers a natural viewing experience like with a classic camera will soon no longer want to do without the optical viewfinder of a Nikon DSLR. It displays the image instantaneously, something that cannot be achieved with any digital technology. The viewing experience is also less tiring because the latency caused by electronic transmission is simply completely absent here. The use of DSLRs therefore also means an additional gain in ergonomics.

The optical viewfinder (OVF) works with a 45-degree mirror that directs the incident light upwards onto a focusing screen. A pentaprism ensures the correct image rotation. You therefore see the scene directly through the glass in the eyepiece. Unlike a sensor-based preview image, there are no display artifacts or delays. Instead of a simulated image, you get realistic contrasts and reflections.

There are also advantages in terms of battery life. This is because the optical viewfinder of a Nikon DSLR naturally requires no power. The longer battery life is absolutely noticeable in practical use. However, these are all fundamental advantages of DSLR technology. But Nikon also has specific advantages to offer, which we will also take a look at.

Anyone who spends hours working with the optical viewfinder will appreciate reliability and comfort. An ergonomic backpack optimally distributes the weight of the camera, interchangeable lenses and accessories - for long days of photography outdoors or when traveling, without compromising on protection and organization.

What makes a Nikon DSLR so special?

With the various functions of its DSLR, Nikon addresses a range of photographic challenges that users encounter in everyday use. If you're out and about in the wildlife or sports sector, for example, you'll reach for the D500, D850 or D5/D6 models. Why? Because 3D tracking and RGB metering sensor coupling are available here. This makes it much easier to keep color and pattern-based subjects in focus. This is a real advantage in front of noisy backgrounds.

If you enjoy taking photos at concerts or weddings, you may be interested in highlight-weighted metering. With this type of metering, highlights are prioritized. This means that the otherwise typical fraying in hard light situations occurs less frequently and you have less work to do with post-processing.

With a Nikon, you can even use viewfinder AF that is as accurate as if it were calibrated on an image sensor. The technology is called Auto AF Fine-Tune. The camera uses Live View as a reference to correct the front/back focus offset that can occur along the optical axis. To do this, the camera saves a small offset value for each lens and adds this value to the viewfinder AF focusing. This is saved using the lens ID. The focal plane is then really located where the image sensor is and not where the separate AF module assumes it to be.

If you do want to use a hybrid workflow and do not want to do without the advantages of digital technology completely, the D780 with Z-AF in the DSLR body is also interesting. In viewfinder mode, the camera behaves like a classic DSLR. In addition, however, there is the Live View, which works practically like a Z camera. Switching is done via the LV lever/live view switch on the camera.

Especially when switching between classic viewfinder mode and modern hybrid functions, it is important to have the camera to hand at all times. A secure camera strap with cut protection ensures that the DSLR is carried comfortably, is quickly to hand and looks inconspicuous - whether for reportage or events.

F-mount offers a huge selection of lenses

The continuity of the F-mount at Nikon is very impressive. The standard was introduced back in 1959 and is still in use today. The F bayonet was used for the first time on the Nikon F. The latest DSLR generations from Nikon, such as the D780 or D6, still use the F mount. It is therefore hardly surprising that the used market offers an almost unmanageable selection of lenses. Although the number of discontinued products is increasing, support is still available. Nevertheless, it is of course correct that further development is focused on the Z-mount.

You should try lenses such as the 85/1.4D with its particularly soft, characterful bokeh. This lens is ideal for portrait photography. The 35/1.8G FX, on the other hand, is a compact and lightweight travel companion that is ideal for reportage and street photography. You get the classic Nikkor telephoto aesthetic with the 180/2.8 ED. Another option is the 200/2 VR with its buttery soft bokeh. If you are more interested in macro and details, you should take a look at the 55/2.8 Micro-Nikkor AI-S or the 105/2.8 Micro VR. The 300/4E PF and the 500/5.6E PF, on the other hand, are lightweight and mobile solutions for wildlife photography, for example.

With a large selection of F-mount lenses, the need for well-thought-out organization of accessories is also growing. Whether memory cards, filters or batteries - a high-quality organizer keeps everything in its place and ensures that nothing gets lost on the move.