The Nikon F6 definitely feels better than the D750 or D850. The F6 probably feels the best of any camera without a built in grip. But my ultimate favorite is the D5/D6. The Z9 feels great too and has the best ergonomics as far as button placement and what not. But the D5/D6 just fit my hands like a glove.
The Panasonic G9 is one of the best I've ever held. If I could have the lovechild of a G9 (video specs, stabilization, ergonomic, menus) with the sensor, low light abilities, and autofocus of a Sony a7iii I would never need another camera.
Have to disagree, the Nikon Z6 is a much nicer camera to use. Panasonic menus are overly complicated and their cameras have wayyy too many buttons in general.
I fully agree on this as I own both of the world's G9 Body ist my personal all over favorite 😍 a child of a G9 and a7IV (technical abilities) would be a dream
@@cyberwarfare9118 I haven't had a chance to use the Z6 yet but I've heard good things! I love all the buttons on my G9. I have literally every one of them customized and use them for various video and photography setups. To each his own though :)
As a Pentax shooter - Thanks for the K1 love. It is truly an amazingly intuitive, ergonomic, weather sealed and rugged body. For that matter, all Pentax cameras are great in the hand
I also love the Pentax K1. A few years ago I went to a camera shop and tried several DSLR and the one which fitted like a glove was the K1. Magnificent engineering by people who love photography - that's my impression anyway.
Love my Pentax K-1. Completely switch to Pentax only after I discover the K-5 and then switched to the full frame K-1. Great line of cameras and I absolutely love that you can use those 50 year old film era great glass lenses.
I haven't used any of the cameras mentioned by Chris. But I'll toss in another positive comment for Panasonic G series handling, menus, and general. IMO, they're fantastic. So good, I was actually a but surprised not to see the G9 (or its FF twin the Panasonic S5) mentioned but I think Chris personally is a bit more of an Olympus shooter.
@Ty Amararachchi oh ffs. I commented under the wrong thread. Please stop consuming cable news, especially Fox. Read a newspaper instead (the FT seems to be a very good start if you consider the American ones all biased) and emerge from your filter bubble. This religion-like support of talking points set by a few conservative US talkshow hosts is one of the biggest opportunities for a downfall self-inflicted by the West. Also: Stop hating Greetings from somewhere outside the US. P.S.: I know that there are many people outside the US who approve of Trump and Putin and dislike science-based approaches. They are however part of the political minority. To all of those: Please feel much invited to also critically check your own beliefs.
For years, I relied on a D750 for professional and personal use and absolutely agree it’s a great-handling camera. I currently use a Canon EOS R5 for virtually everything because, in addition to phenomenal image quality, it is a joy to handle (and it provides access to some of the best lenses for 35mm format I’ve ever used). Overall, I think your choices on spot-on. As usual, I enjoyed the video; keep them coming!
Yeh I agree on the Pentax K-1. It’s been about a few years now and it’s big and heavy but it just feels right. So much control, so customise-able, so right. I also own a couple of Fujis and an Olympus but I always feel like too many things miss with them and when I go back and pick up my K-1 ii it’s just so good. Actually I like the budget K-70 better than them too
Most comfortable… Olympus EM1 ii. It’s the right size, does everything I want. If I want bokeh, I shoot film with m42 mount lenses. For full frame digital, the Canon 6D. It’s the right size and not to heavy (light equals comfort). I really don’t care about megapixels, 20 is fine for 99% of my hobby (yes, I don’t shoot photos for money, I do it for fun. ✌️
I think Chris mentioned that he really enjoyed the ergonomics of the E-M1 series as well. I own the E-M1II and G9, and I prefer the G9 for handling. But, G9 "cheats" in that the body size deforms the idea of M4/3 compactness since it sizes up to APSC and some FF camera sizes. Don't care, love both lol.
The E-M1 is indeed very nice to hold but I don’t find it as intuitive to use as the Panasonic G7. In other respects and on the balance of everything, the E-M1 is the better camera even though it loses out on some really cool features. For handling, I prefer the G7
@@davidm5790 I so agree. All my fingers fit on the grip and that's with medium+ sized hands. I usually have a wrist strap on and when walking the grip can dangle on my fingertips and not fall off thanks to the subtle indent in the grip. It really is perfect.
I used to be a Pentax shooter and to my mind nothing has come close to the K-3 series in terms of handling. Everything was exactly where it needed to be. Back button focusing was a joy and the grip was fantastic. I moved to Nikon and although they design great camera bodies too, the K-3 was something a little bit special.
GENIUS! You are a genius. You picked the correct camera as number one, but more important, you picked it for the right reasons. It's organic. How do you like that for a one word description? I had given up photography due to age, being unable to carry the big 1Ds and super telephotos and to stand for long times to get birds, and then storms. So I gave up. Then I thought, why not make photographs at home of various subjects. I started with flowers. A great solution. So. I needed a camera for an old man. If an old person can use a device, it's useable. The essential elements must be easily accessible. The R5 is that in spades. Tapping the Mode button, then that sweet touch screen to select custom settings, and using the Info button to get to refinements is intuitive. And intuitive is necessary. The R5 solves so many handling *and* usability issues for me that I was amazed. And the number one big deal? Ease of focus and ease of managing the focus process. Thanks for your brilliant comments. About future list videos? If it feels natural, not as part of a production process, but as providing timely information. YMMV.
@@professionalpotato4764 I would absolutely buy another one! The only good thing about it being so underrated is that you can pick them up used for a pretty affordable price
@@youknowwho9247 The image quality is far from awful and the AF is good for photography, not always 100% but far from terrible. For video the continious AF isn't good.
I'm completely Nikon Z and loving it. But at some point I switcht from a D610 to a D750. And that was a big difference. With the D610 there were some 'pressure points' that gave me slight bruising in my hand after an intense day of shooting. No such problems with the D750.
For me, my old trusty Panasonic G7 is still the most comfortable camera i've used. Lots of customizability, enough function buttons, very light, but still enough of a decent grip. As nice as larger camera's can feel, to me the heaviness just brings it down a lot, making me enjoy taking the G7 around much more for casual trips around - as long as the conditions don't get too harsh.
I was just going to comment myself when I saw your comment right at the top. Yes, I agree that the G7 is so comfortable, light, sophisticated but easy to grab and go. Although I have a Leica Q2 with grip and thumb rest and Olympus E-M1, plus a Sony A7 MkIII with the Smallrig grip, the G7 comes out on top for handling. The grips on the others do improve them massively but the G7 still outclasses them. Reading down the list of comments, Panasonic cameras seem to be disproportionately liked. This is no surprise to those of us that use many cameras of course.
Hey Fabian. Like you... my g7 is still my travel and everyday cam. i have a fuji s5 beast as my stuido cam. yah its only 8mp. yes its from 2005. yehp. when they can beat that i'll replace it. speedboost a brilliant old nikon lens. Or try the manual ttartisan 17mm 1.4 and 50mm 1.2 and meike 35mm 1.4. and you get real metal lenses with aperture rings. I'm waiting on g9 specs into a g95 size camera.. until then no reason to upgrade. I'd get the leica 17mm but... i'm older the thought of 500 bucks for a lens is still nonsense to me. the meike is clickless so I'm looking for something similar thats clickable softly. Maybe laowa who have the electronic communication will make something.
Panasonic G9 is in my opinion one of the best handling cameras available. The menus make sense, the buttons and dials are in logical places, and it’s so customisable. Basically every button/dial can be customised to do basically anything you want! I’ve tried a Nikon D750 and the G9 is far far far better handling.
Runner-up for me is the Panasonic G9 for video and sports photography. My #1 is the Pentax K1. Would love to be able to afford a Sony A7IV or Canon R5 but for now the Pentax K1 feels like making love.
For me - S1, it just feels right in my hand. And I can manipulate every setting in just half of time required to blink. I just love it. With every lens I own, adapted manual lens, or native glass... It is just perfect.
My first DSLR was a Nikon D80, and I still feel like it's the best-feeling camera I've used. Deep grip, two dials, top screen and a huge viewfinder - all of these combined made for perfect ergonomics. These days I mostly shoot video using Panasonic G80 (smaller grip, but lightweight) and GH5 (bigger grip, but heavy), both of which I love, but D80 still has a special place in my heart :)
I vote in the affirmative and think you guys should do more videos like this. Initial reviews are great but a lot of camera shoppers want to know what it's like to live with the camera day in and out. This was a great start because handling, menus, reliability and many other things create the overall experience; good or bad....
I've been using Canons since 2008... 40D, 7D, 5D mk II, III, IV, R and now R5. The R5 seems like they took the best ideas from the 5-series and the R and combined them. After using cameras from Panasonic (GX7 and GX8), Fujifilm (X-T2, 3 and 4) and Sony (A7 III), the R5 is the nicest to use of them all.
Similar route starting with the 20D in 2004 although bigger gaps between models 20D, 50D, 5Dii, 5Div and R5. The R5 is the Swiss Army knife of cameras for my use case :)
Never, in 40 years of photography, have I enjoyed using a camera so much as I do my Panasonic G9. I spent three months researching a new camera purchase during the first Covid-19 lockdown here in the U.K. and when I finally got to try out the four cameras on my shortlist when my local camera store re-opened, the G9 won. The grip, the number of controls and control layout, the top LCD, the EVF, the customization, all brilliant.
I'll be honest - I've changed my mind on this one a fair bit. I used to say that the D500 is my all time favourite camera to hold, but by now I've tested bodies with so many different form factors ... I really think it's all just what you're used to. Recently had an a7 IV in, then went back to my Nikon DSLRs. Both switches feel wrong at first, but are fine after an hour.
The GH6 is a new high light in usability. The flip up and out screen is the best way to do screens. A good menu system, customizable buttons and a lot of stored complete custom settings where you can prepare ready to use setups for stills and video helps to make use out of a huge number of functions withing a second if you are out in the field. Lots of small helper-functions like Shutter-angle, Waveform, vector-scope and guide lines for different aspect ratios are still unique in Panasonic cameras.
Minolta 7D would be on the list for me. I did use many different Minolta film cameras before getting the 7D, so that may be part of why it seemed so intuitive for me. The grip felt perfect, and all the controls were where I expected them to be. I didn't replace it until the Sony A7iii came out, and at that was mostly because I just couldn't ignore the much higher performance of the newer cameras.
Totally agree... I still use it once In a while...I never went into the menu after the first few times of use....fantastic ergo the button and diles were perfect for me
i just got a used k1 in 2023..Pentax have always been my favorite Photography cameras hands down , I own multiple new mirrorless ff cameras and the k1 image quality still as good as ever..I use it with manual focus lenses along with mirrorless on shoots. Makes me slow down an appreciate shooting again..way more than just using eye detect auto focus and pushing buttons .
I couldnt agree more with the D750. It's a legend. I've put over a million clicks through over 5 different bodies and the way it feels in your hand and operates is a quick forgiveness for the small focus area and lack of thumbstick. It's the Toyota Hillux of post 2014 DSLR cameras.
I have used so many systems but none beats Panasonic G9 from m43. The balance between body and lens, the button, the grip all made it so good in handling
K1 hits it out of the park - like so many Pentax cameras (albeit not for video, lol)! IQ that just about knocks everything else out of the park. Low light & astro - amazing, with the astrotracer and gpc built in. 5 user modes - just with a spin of the dial iso, exposure, bracket, hdr, crop, all with the command wheel It's just the pinnacle of DSLR design. Awesome.
Before I got the EOS R5, the most enjoyable camera handling experience came from my Pentax K3ii and just after that, my Pana G9. When the R5 came on the scene, I initially poo-poohed it because of the cost. Eventually, after digesting it's amazing specs and successfully convincing a friend to let me hold his, I knew I had to get one. When it arrived and after I had spent some time getting familiar with it, I quickly forgot about all my other cameras (and I have quite a few). The EOS R5 is as close to a perfect camera as I have ever owned. It almost immediately became a virtual extension of my arms and delivers some of the most beautiful images I ever imagined I could produce. Even if video is (like me) not something you usually do , the R5 is still worth every penny! It's autofocus system alone will steal your heart.
Know I'm going to be the odd one out here, however, in 60 odd years of amateur photography have I enjoyed using a camera as much as I have the Fuji XPRO 3. It is something at now 75 I find a joy to take out almost every day. Yes, the X100v would be more practical but I'm into changeable prime lenses. Each to their own, but thought I'd give this unique camera a mention.
The camera that fitted my hands perfectly was the Olympus E-3. The first time I had it in my hands I knew I would buy it one day. And so I did. It is more than a decade ago since I bought it and I struggled hard to sell it several years later which I did anyways - and since then I want it back from time to time. It was just a joy to hold and use it!
Nikon D750 and the Pentax K-7 (with the add-on grip especially) are my top picks for ergonomics. I haven't tried the R3/R5 but I'd imagine they are very nice. I did like the RP with the grip extension.
I like that everyone is voting for their own camera! I think the three brands that make handling the highest priority are Nikon, Fujifilm and Pentax. I am glad that Chris recognised that in the video. I have stayed with Pentax mainly because the handling improves with each new model. Yes, the K-1 and K-3 III have complex customisable buttons, but they fall to hand brilliantly and I can do all the adjustments I need with my eye at the viewfinder. Almost never need to use the menus
I haven´t owned or tried many cameras, but here is my opinion: I own a D90, a D7100 and a D500. As someone mentions below it´s all about what you get used to, but the D90 always hurt me a little after long sessions of use outdoors shooting wildlife. The D500 is an impressive improvement in ergonomics from the D90. it´s amazing. I haven´t used the D7100 too much, but it feels fine. The Pentax K3-II did make a special mark on me in ergonomics field. Fantastic camera. So smooth dials, shutter sound. I tried it before the D500 and I was really sad other aspects didn´t fill my needs because I got in love to the Pentax. But I have to admit that probably the most comfortable camera I have grabbed was a Canon 70D at the store. Everything so natural for the hand, specially the shutter button position. But I didn´t like the position of the front dial, placed behind the shutter button, it doesn´t make sense for me. I believe the new OM-1 has to be very very comfortable. (though too small for my taste, being so comfortable with the D500). I wish I could try a Pentax K3-III. Regards from Spain.
Now Chris did the top 5 best handling camera. Now it's time for Jordan to do top 5 Hybrid camera that is great for using video without having to do a lot of editing more preferably straight out of the box. Cheers
Nikon D750 so far. In 2017 I switched from a D7000 to a D750 and the grip + controls just felt perfect to me. Much better than the D610, D810 and D500 at the time! The Z6 is really close after all that time but it took a few month to get used to the grip. I also tried many other secondary cameras from Sony, Fujifilm and Panasonic but some things in the interface or controls were always weird. As a secondary cam the Ricoh GR III is propably the best for me.
i've spent so much money getting back into canon after selling everything in 2017. I got an R5 and i juts love it, it's the camera i've always wanted :)
Pleasantly surprised to see my camera (D750) at number 2. It doesn't get much love these days, so I'm happy it's got a bit of recognition. It's been a great professional workhorse for me for the last 6 years.
I've used friends Nikon's including D750, D850 and D500 and maybe it's being a "Canon guy" but I never liked the feel and layout (but those D850 images were nice). I went through Canon crops of t3, t4i, and M5, then got an RP and loved it but recently sold to go to an R6 and I love this camera body. Large enough without extra bulk, heavy enough to balance a 700-200 but not too heavy to through the RF 35 and carry around all day. Just love it!
Mine: 35mm Film Nikon F100. Medium Format: Hasselblad H4 series. Some people will say the Leica S series but I have never touch it. DSLR: Nikon D850, my runner up is the. D750 followed by the Canon 6D Mirror-less: Too early to tell. Range finders: Fujifilm X100 or the Leica M5 second generation, I can't decide. Most influential: Nikon F4
for me its the Nikon D4S Just fit my hand perfectly - and as a sport shooter with no time to worry about what/where to press, I always felt at home And an Oddball camera, the old Sony A99 really worked for me back in the day with combo of versatile screen, great buttons and nice in hand feel
There is just something about the ergonomics of the Nikon flagships. For me, it’s the D5 - the second I I picked it up, I knew it was “the one” - no camera has ever felt so perfect in my hand as this.
I was at the camera store in Calgary,and I was intent on buying a Nikon z7 till I put a canon in my hand. The canon R6 just felt like it was designed for me , and they nailed the ergonomics perfectly. I’m kind of kicking myself that I didn’t get the R5 now,but certain people talked me out of it as they didn’t like the screen on top and preferred a dial . It didn’t seem that bad to me 😊
For me, it's the Canon EOS 6D Mark II as the ONLY traditional Canon full frame DSLR with a fully articulating screen and controls that are just right. Also, it has a great top screen and a mode dial, which no mirrorless body has yet combined. I have looked at all the full frame Canon RF bodies (R, RP, 3, 5 and 6) and been disappointed by all of them overall but with each having some characteristics I enjoyed. And I absolutely love the viewfinder on the D850, but that would involve completely switching systems.
Completely agree. The grip is great with all sizes of lenses, verrry customizable buttons, Olympus pioneered the dual dial with dual mode switch (2x2) and the screen articulates. Excited to get my OM-1 to get the focus joystick and try the new shutter button and wheel layout.
I’ve shot Nikon, Sony and now Canon and I agree, R5 feels so good. Only other camera that just felt natural when I picked it up was the D700… a long time ago
I hope you guys keep going. I don't know all the details of the closure, but I hope you can continue, if necessary with a new channel and a new site or sites. You guys have gifts that a lot of people appreciate.
Please continue Listicles with Chris Niccolls, I just love these type of videos especially with Chris’s sense of humor. My most favorite DSLR of all time is D750. Cheers!
Since it is so subjective it's really important for people to go to their local camera shop and hold the various cameras in their hands to see how they feel. It makes a big difference. Also support that local camera shop! ✊
Only agree on #1 and #2! Coming from Nikon (40 years) and using Fuji for travels, the Canon R5 is probably the best camera I've ever worked with. Not because it's the best camera on every level, but the best balanced camera for so many different assignments. It took me literally one day to get used to menu, set up the camera according to my needs and it just works. I know the R3 is sexier but I hope I'm sexy enough to compensate that! 😂
My favorite is the Nikon F2 Photomic. it feels just right in my hands. All metal construction, just the right size and weight. I took my best photos with the Nikon F2 and Kodachrome slide film. I use digital cameras now because of the cost, but it's much less satisfying. Sometimes, I grab the F2 and bring it up to my eye. Still magic.
Agree about the Leica. I switched entirely to Leica from 40 years with Canon. The M and the SL series are easy to handle. The M is a work of art and combined with good glass, are easy to use and produce amazing images.
Chuck a Meike grip extension (not a battery grip) onto a Sony camera and it feels so much better. Just adds a little more room for pinkie finger. My grip did have a little edge which felt strange but a light sanding and now feels seamless.
My favorite for photography is the Canon 6D. Granted, it can't do much other than taking pictures, but it's so easy and intuitive to handle. You never need to pay attention to the menu. I also like the R6 but it's still not as comfy for me.
Hasselblad X1D II is to me the best handling camera. Best grip I have ever held, very easy menu system, alll the buttons I need, and what an inspiring beauty it is.
Oh Chris. Chris, Chris, Chris. You were so close - you hit it at your #2. The D750 is spot on. Light weight, near perfect contols and you know - it can focus.
The moment I took D750 in my hands, I knew I need to bump up my camera budget just to keep using it; this is also an important advice for anyone looking for a new camera - go to the shop, grab several models and then decide because you want something you will actually enjoy using. It also helps greatly that D750 can deliver great photos.
I have an older Pentax camera. The K-5II. Like all Pentax cameras it's solid and built like a tank. It has some weight to it especially in my case because I keep the battery grip on mine. The grip of the camera as well as the grip is perfect for me. Nice and deep. Controls are simple to navigate and use.
The best camera is hands down the camera obscura. The form factor is so fluid as to be mind boggling. You can hold it, you can wear it on your head, you can stand inside of it. Most importantly, it allows you to cheat on your art projects and trace the scene you are supposed to be drawing, or painting.
I own both a Nikon d610 and Z6. I think one of the reasons why I still use my 610 a lot is the way it feels in my hand- solid and perfect placement of buttons (love the shutter sound too). Btw Z6 is not bad in anyway, its just that the design of Nikon FX dslrs are just so good that it doesn’t feel outdated(except maybe the weight which most people might not be comfortable with, I dont mind it in most situations).
I disagree, the placement of the AF mode selector button on Nikon dslrs and the Z9 is horrible. For those who don't know it is on the front left next to the lense mount. This means it is practically impossible to reach when using longer lenses. For the Z6 the 2 front function buttons on the right side are in a better position but it is still not optimal. Having 2 button you cannot see but might want to distinguish is always a bad situation, also Nikon cameras never let you customize all buttons completely and for no reason. Still I think the handling of the Z cameras is a lot better than for the F mount cameras.
@@phelanwolf6747 I dont find that placement of buttons to be an issue in both Z system & dslr even while using a 70-200 lens. I have never had to take my eye off the view finder or the screen while using it. Also I never had the need to change the AF mode so often that I end up missing a shot because of the placement of the button.
@@abhisheknair2863 maybe try a 200-500 or a 150-600? Anyways Nikon could simply allow all the buttons on the Z bodies to be completely customizable to make it a lot better. For instance I do not use the "disp" button on the video/photo mode switch, having this for instance to switch to tracking mode instead of using one of the front buttons (or assigning both front buttons) to it would be very convenient. Similarily for the F bodies, if any button could get any function the actual button layout is a non issue. For Nikon this would just be a simple change in the software but would have a huge impact on usability.
Although I mostly shoot Sony (I use A7IV; A7III; A7RII; RX-100 VII; A57; A100), one of my favorite cameras of all time is the Canon G12 - a great , easy-to-use camera.
I considered switching from Canon to Sony until I tried a friends R5 and purchased one. The R5 has a a very accurate and fast autofocus that finds and locks on to wildlife (birds in flight). The feel and location of the controls are excellent and to me its 45MP count is a great balance in terms of file size, resolution and my computers ability to process and store images without stress (Apple Studio M1Max), These days, I see little reason to jump from any major manufacturer to another.
The dials on the K-1ii, so easy to quickly tweak settings without going through menus. After dialing in my user settings, I can change for different shooting situations so seamlessly. Absolutely delightful to use.
I was divided between getting a Z6ii or R6 for myself. I was leaning towards a Z6ii because my wife is already invested in the Z mount with the Z5 … until I put my hands on an R6. It just felt right. You pick that camera up, and it’s like a part of your hand. So enjoyable to use, so easy to navigate, and everything is placed just right. Canon did a fantastic job there.
@@TheSpaceBrosShow It would be, but we never really swap lenses when we had the same system before. Also, having 10bit video and no crop on 4k60 on the R6 really sealed the deal for me.
@@FabledFew I guess mileage may vary, but my GF and I are on the same camera system and the running joke is that her camera is a glorified lens cap for a spare lens 😅
Looking forward to any new "tests" coming out with this kind of headline. Worked with "lists"... ;) Over the years I have shot a set of various cameras, but once I went digital I have stayed with Canon. I did loads of reading on what I wanted before investing in a system, but once I had one in my hand I was sold completely. The ergonomics works for me, and the menu system works for me. Now that I have my first full frame extra everything camera, I still feel at home with it. It is only my brain that have a hard time memorizing every function that is available, and when it is best to use it - I can hardly blame the camera for that.
Good video, Chris! My personal votes are, in order, the Hasselblad X1D II 50c, Leica SL2, and the Leica CL2 with an added thumb pad. The X1D II is so good at handling, it's almost invisible!
I was surprised the X1D and SL2 weren't included (haven't tried the CL2) as they are at the top of my list as well. In addition to simply superb feel in the hands both menu systems are far and away the easiest to navigate. The X1D nips the SL2 due to it's weight advantage.
For ergonomics and interface design, I'll second the X1D. It's a beautiful design that you just want to pick up. It's just that the Fujifilm GFX 50S II hardware and software engineers have wrung so much more functionality out of the same (dated) sensor. I wish that technology could be inside an X1D; then it would offer a complete shooting experience.
While Sony cameras have some menu quirks, I do enjoy having 3 programmable dials and a dedicated EC dial. I do wish Sony would take some ideas from the Nikon Z cameras for component layout (e.g. off-center EVF).
That's only the older bodies though. The new Sony menu system is hands down the best of all camera brands. It's the only one where I instantly find whatever I'm looking for because it's so well organised.
@@youknowwho9247 There's one blatant omission, IMO, that keeps it from being the best of all camera brands. The Fn menu is not accessible from the touchscreen like it is on Canon, and Fn can't be assigned to any other button, so pure touch control feels disjointed. Also, the Playback menu's Delete option that allows you to mass delete photos (after hitting the key button to protect the ones you want to keep) can't be assigned to a custom menu for some really bizarre reason, and the camera doesn't have a "Delete All" feature, so the only assignable menu item is to format the card, but you might not want to do that considering things like custom settings can be saved onto the card that you'd lose. I understand these are nitpicky things, but this is why I slightly prefer the Canon interface. Still, I think Sony is very close, especially with the A7 IV, which loses the dedicated EV dial which I always thought was a waste of space and gives us a third top dial. I think it's within like 5%, but I still give Canon the edge.
For my liking THE best handling camera is Panasonic S1/S1R/S1H. I now own one S1R, but that's not why I praise it so. I was thinking that S1 series are the best handlers since they were released and I've tried them. I could not afford one back then, so I am very happy to have to now! It fully answers my very high expectations of it!
I completely disagree with your number 1 spot. The R5 is frustrating and unintuitive. If you're not a long time Canon user the R5 is really annoying to use. I am coming from Sony and more recently the Panasonic S1R which I feel should have at least been an honorable mention here but maybe it's not popular enough for a mention. I've held many cameras and nothing comes close to the Panasonic ergonomics and button layout. Intuitive as they come. An absolute joy to use.
Thanks for the review on the handling of cameras! I am still loving the concept of my Pentax K1, a very well desinged and rugged Camera but I am now using my Nikon Z6 and Z7 much more for everyday use and with the meike grip-Extension they feel as comfortable in my hands as I wish a camera should feel. You are right that the D750 was also a very good choice, but overall the new Z bodys fit very well in my hands!
I agree, the Z 6 and Z 7 are very nice handlers-they were the cameras that replaced my D750 and D810, respectively. However, I found the bodies to be just a little too cramped for comfort. And I really am not enamored with the design and features of Nikons new Z lenses.
I had cameras from all major brands. The only one I would call uncomfortable was my Sony. But the more you use it, the more you get used to it. If I have to rank them, Nikon cameras are well laid out, both the DSLRs and the new Zs. Among the small ones, the E-M10 Mk2 is surprisingly comfortable for such a small thing.
I do like the list format. However, I'm subscribed and I pretty much like everything you both do. Great work, top-notch video shooting, and quality, great scripts to go with first-class editing. I look forward to what comes next.
Yes - the D750! One of the least ‘sexy’ cameras ever made but one of the absolute best. It’s just about perfect - great sensor, small but perfectly formed body, light but sturdy etc. etc. no coincidence that it’s often called a ‘Goldilocks’ camera. Everything about it is just about right. Pair it with the equally unsexy 24-120 f4 and you can do amazing things. I actually prefer ‘boring’ cameras as they allow me to focus on just taking great images rather than purring over how lovely my camera is.
Jordan positioned Chris in front of that storm-water drain to foreshadow the storm of comments he's going to get. Picking the EOS R5 as the best-handling camera is like saying the best-tasting food in the world is oatmeal. Yes, they're both deeply average, unlikely to offend or confuse anyone, and completely unsurprising. Is that the same as “best”? PS - My personal best-handling camera is the Epson R-D1, a camera I've owned for 18 years and still enjoy using. Chris has done one of his look-back pieces on it, so he knows why. Full-life-size viewfinder for comfortable viewing with both eyes open… dial readout for key info at a glance… and manual shutter-wind lever for a physical sense of the pace of your shooting… it's perfect. I'll tell myself it got slighted because the Camera Store didn't have one on hand for the B-roll, and feel free to tell yourself the same thing as to why your own favorite camera got overlooked…
I agree. Canon R5 and R3 are just amazing in the hand, the best even. But i'm tired of Canon's attitude of holding up features and the cripple hammers (holding video capabilty, time limit, overheating, and the last for me is the R5C not having IBIS). Recently I switched to Sony A7IV 2 bodies with 7 GMaster lenses, and pretty much happy with. But I still have hold my old 1DXIII and 5DIV with 9 EF L lenses. They have sentimental values for me.
I worked for many years at a local camera store. I would always urge the customers to see how the different cameras felt in their hands, letting them know that a camera that is more comfortable is a camera that will be used more often. With that said, my preference was always the Canon. Sadly I don't have access to a large variety of cameras, so I just have to be comfortable with what I do have. Oh, and I hear/see the word 'slough' quite often. locally we have Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and I must say it's a much better looking slough.
![[DRAGON BALL LEGENDS REVEALS ＆ STUFF] LEGENDS FESTIVAL 2024 Special Edition Part 1](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/mV5bGIswTtQ/mqdefault.jpg)
What about Jordan's take?
5. Nikon Z6 II/7 II
4. Panasonic G9
3. Leica Q2
2. Fujifilm X-T4
1. Pentax 645Z
@@dpreview i agree, G9 is one of the best handling bodies, ergo/grip wise,
has a heft to it, solid build
Hey maybe Jordan should’ve done his take too!
The Nikon F6 definitely feels better than the D750 or D850. The F6 probably feels the best of any camera without a built in grip. But my ultimate favorite is the D5/D6. The Z9 feels great too and has the best ergonomics as far as button placement and what not. But the D5/D6 just fit my hands like a glove.
@@CoachCSan Jordan's just the cameraman, he does as he's told!! 😂😉👌🏼
The Panasonic G9 is one of the best I've ever held. If I could have the lovechild of a G9 (video specs, stabilization, ergonomic, menus) with the sensor, low light abilities, and autofocus of a Sony a7iii I would never need another camera.
I second this ^^^^ that would have been the perfect camera
Have to disagree, the Nikon Z6 is a much nicer camera to use. Panasonic menus are overly complicated and their cameras have wayyy too many buttons in general.
@@jeremypentsil6390 I third this ^^^. Ergonomics and menu system. Best of the best.
I fully agree on this as I own both of the world's G9 Body ist my personal all over favorite 😍 a child of a G9 and a7IV (technical abilities) would be a dream
@@cyberwarfare9118 I haven't had a chance to use the Z6 yet but I've heard good things! I love all the buttons on my G9. I have literally every one of them customized and use them for various video and photography setups. To each his own though :)
I personally thought the Gameboy Camera was the most comfortable and ergonomic. No other camera both takes photos and plays games all in one!
It also has a hidden music production feature called Trippy H. 😎
There was a Samsung Galaxy Camera that you could play Angry Birds on.
They should let you play chess on Leica cameras.
Ehh have you used magic lantern on a canon lately...
@@caffeinecreature samsung also played that game of how agonisingly soft one could make a lens with that camera (they absolutely smashed it)
As a Pentax shooter - Thanks for the K1 love. It is truly an amazingly intuitive, ergonomic, weather sealed and rugged body. For that matter, all Pentax cameras are great in the hand
I also love the Pentax K1. A few years ago I went to a camera shop and tried several DSLR and the one which fitted like a glove was the K1. Magnificent engineering by people who love photography - that's my impression anyway.
I sold mine a few month ago to switch to sony... I clearly miss the ergonomics...
Love my Pentax K-1. Completely switch to Pentax only after I discover the K-5 and then switched to the full frame K-1. Great line of cameras and I absolutely love that you can use those 50 year old film era great glass lenses.
My Panasonic G85 is basically perfect. Just feels great in my hand and all controls are where I want them to be.
Love my G85 as well!
"MFT ist dead"
"Best handling camera of all time"
MFT-croud: "Avengers - assemble!"
I haven't used any of the cameras mentioned by Chris. But I'll toss in another positive comment for Panasonic G series handling, menus, and general. IMO, they're fantastic. So good, I was actually a but surprised not to see the G9 (or its FF twin the Panasonic S5) mentioned but I think Chris personally is a bit more of an Olympus shooter.
@Ty Amararachchi oh ffs. I commented under the wrong thread. Please stop consuming cable news, especially Fox. Read a newspaper instead (the FT seems to be a very good start if you consider the American ones all biased) and emerge from your filter bubble.
This religion-like support of talking points set by a few conservative US talkshow hosts is one of the biggest opportunities for a downfall self-inflicted by the West.
Also: Stop hating
Greetings from somewhere outside the US.
P.S.: I know that there are many people outside the US who approve of Trump and Putin and dislike science-based approaches. They are however part of the political minority. To all of those: Please feel much invited to also critically check your own beliefs.
For years, I relied on a D750 for professional and personal use and absolutely agree it’s a great-handling camera. I currently use a Canon EOS R5 for virtually everything because, in addition to phenomenal image quality, it is a joy to handle (and it provides access to some of the best lenses for 35mm format I’ve ever used). Overall, I think your choices on spot-on. As usual, I enjoyed the video; keep them coming!
Yeh I agree on the Pentax K-1. It’s been about a few years now and it’s big and heavy but it just feels right. So much control, so customise-able, so right. I also own a couple of Fujis and an Olympus but I always feel like too many things miss with them and when I go back and pick up my K-1 ii it’s just so good. Actually I like the budget K-70 better than them too
Most comfortable… Olympus EM1 ii. It’s the right size, does everything I want. If I want bokeh, I shoot film with m42 mount lenses.
For full frame digital, the Canon 6D. It’s the right size and not to heavy (light equals comfort). I really don’t care about megapixels, 20 is fine for 99% of my hobby (yes, I don’t shoot photos for money, I do it for fun. ✌️
I think Chris mentioned that he really enjoyed the ergonomics of the E-M1 series as well. I own the E-M1II and G9, and I prefer the G9 for handling. But, G9 "cheats" in that the body size deforms the idea of M4/3 compactness since it sizes up to APSC and some FF camera sizes. Don't care, love both lol.
@@Estirvana Well said!
My favorite is the Olympus em1 mk3, the grip is perfect for my hand. I'm still not crazy about the on off switch placement, but otherwise it's great.
you can swap it to the lever though! XD
a shame if you already use the lever :(
The E-M1 is indeed very nice to hold but I don’t find it as intuitive to use as the Panasonic G7. In other respects and on the balance of everything, the E-M1 is the better camera even though it loses out on some really cool features. For handling, I prefer the G7
EM1 II has the best grip I’ve ever held on a camera
@@davidm5790 I so agree. All my fingers fit on the grip and that's with medium+ sized hands. I usually have a wrist strap on and when walking the grip can dangle on my fingertips and not fall off thanks to the subtle indent in the grip. It really is perfect.
I used to be a Pentax shooter and to my mind nothing has come close to the K-3 series in terms of handling. Everything was exactly where it needed to be. Back button focusing was a joy and the grip was fantastic. I moved to Nikon and although they design great camera bodies too, the K-3 was something a little bit special.
Yep. But I also have the previous K-5, which I think was the blueprint AND the K-5 got a Gold Award for DPReview :-)
GENIUS! You are a genius. You picked the correct camera as number one, but more important, you picked it for the right reasons. It's organic. How do you like that for a one word description? I had given up photography due to age, being unable to carry the big 1Ds and super telephotos and to stand for long times to get birds, and then storms. So I gave up. Then I thought, why not make photographs at home of various subjects. I started with flowers. A great solution. So. I needed a camera for an old man. If an old person can use a device, it's useable. The essential elements must be easily accessible. The R5 is that in spades. Tapping the Mode button, then that sweet touch screen to select custom settings, and using the Info button to get to refinements is intuitive. And intuitive is necessary. The R5 solves so many handling *and* usability issues for me that I was amazed. And the number one big deal? Ease of focus and ease of managing the focus process. Thanks for your brilliant comments.
About future list videos? If it feels natural, not as part of a production process, but as providing timely information. YMMV.
My favorite camera I've used as far as ergonomics/usability goes is hands down the Lumix G9
Probably one of the most beautiful too. If I had spare cash, I wanna get one just as a room decor.
@@professionalpotato4764 I would absolutely buy another one! The only good thing about it being so underrated is that you can pick them up used for a pretty affordable price
The only things wrong with that camera are the terrible continuous af and the awful MFT image quality, the ergonomics are great though.
@@youknowwho9247 The image quality is far from awful and the AF is good for photography, not always 100% but far from terrible. For video the continious AF isn't good.
G9 has godlike ergonomics. The play button on the top left is bad though.
Lumix G9 is the best I've ever used in terms of ergonomics, feels, intuitiveness, weight, build, handling.
My Lumix S5 isn't near as good as the G9 in terms of ergonomics, it's almost perfect.
I'm completely Nikon Z and loving it. But at some point I switcht from a D610 to a D750. And that was a big difference. With the D610 there were some 'pressure points' that gave me slight bruising in my hand after an intense day of shooting. No such problems with the D750.
For me, my old trusty Panasonic G7 is still the most comfortable camera i've used. Lots of customizability, enough function buttons, very light, but still enough of a decent grip. As nice as larger camera's can feel, to me the heaviness just brings it down a lot, making me enjoy taking the G7 around much more for casual trips around - as long as the conditions don't get too harsh.
I was just going to comment myself when I saw your comment right at the top. Yes, I agree that the G7 is so comfortable, light, sophisticated but easy to grab and go. Although I have a Leica Q2 with grip and thumb rest and Olympus E-M1, plus a Sony A7 MkIII with the Smallrig grip, the G7 comes out on top for handling. The grips on the others do improve them massively but the G7 still outclasses them.
Reading down the list of comments, Panasonic cameras seem to be disproportionately liked. This is no surprise to those of us that use many cameras of course.
I agree about the G7.
Hey Fabian. Like you... my g7 is still my travel and everyday cam. i have a fuji s5 beast as my stuido cam. yah its only 8mp. yes its from 2005. yehp. when they can beat that i'll replace it. speedboost a brilliant old nikon lens. Or try the manual ttartisan 17mm 1.4 and 50mm 1.2 and meike 35mm 1.4. and you get real metal lenses with aperture rings. I'm waiting on g9 specs into a g95 size camera.. until then no reason to upgrade. I'd get the leica 17mm but... i'm older the thought of 500 bucks for a lens is still nonsense to me. the meike is clickless so I'm looking for something similar thats clickable softly. Maybe laowa who have the electronic communication will make something.
Panasonic G9 is in my opinion one of the best handling cameras available. The menus make sense, the buttons and dials are in logical places, and it’s so customisable. Basically every button/dial can be customised to do basically anything you want!
I’ve tried a Nikon D750 and the G9 is far far far better handling.
YES
IMHO: Handling is a toss-up. Image quality, dynamic range, autofocus are all in the D750's favor. The D750 remains a very under-rated camera.
Runner-up for me is the Panasonic G9 for video and sports photography.
My #1 is the Pentax K1.
Would love to be able to afford a Sony A7IV or Canon R5 but for now the Pentax K1 feels like making love.
For me - S1, it just feels right in my hand.
And I can manipulate every setting in just half of time required to blink.
I just love it.
With every lens I own, adapted manual lens, or native glass...
It is just perfect.
Meaning the Leica one?
My first DSLR was a Nikon D80, and I still feel like it's the best-feeling camera I've used. Deep grip, two dials, top screen and a huge viewfinder - all of these combined made for perfect ergonomics.
These days I mostly shoot video using Panasonic G80 (smaller grip, but lightweight) and GH5 (bigger grip, but heavy), both of which I love, but D80 still has a special place in my heart :)
I vote in the affirmative and think you guys should do more videos like this. Initial reviews are great but a lot of camera shoppers want to know what it's like to live with the camera day in and out. This was a great start because handling, menus, reliability and many other things create the overall experience; good or bad....
Best camera for every day use: Fuji X100V, best ergonomics: Olympus E-M1X with 12-100/4Pro ;-) And the best thing of this cameras is: Both are mine.
I've been using Canons since 2008... 40D, 7D, 5D mk II, III, IV, R and now R5. The R5 seems like they took the best ideas from the 5-series and the R and combined them. After using cameras from Panasonic (GX7 and GX8), Fujifilm (X-T2, 3 and 4) and Sony (A7 III), the R5 is the nicest to use of them all.
Try the a7 IV though, it's infinitely nicer than the III. Love the grip on the R5, but personally can't stand the back wheel on the Canons.
Similar route starting with the 20D in 2004 although bigger gaps between models 20D, 50D, 5Dii, 5Div and R5. The R5 is the Swiss Army knife of cameras for my use case :)
I had a GX7 and agree. It had nice balance and was light. Using Fuji X-T3 now.
@@Chris-NZ Canons back wheel in very nice. My Sonys, I hate the knurled feeling.
@@ryanb8736 The 20D has one !! Still feels good today but not the postage stamp sized LCD :)
Never, in 40 years of photography, have I enjoyed using a camera so much as I do my Panasonic G9. I spent three months researching a new camera purchase during the first Covid-19 lockdown here in the U.K. and when I finally got to try out the four cameras on my shortlist when my local camera store re-opened, the G9 won. The grip, the number of controls and control layout, the top LCD, the EVF, the customization, all brilliant.
I'll be honest - I've changed my mind on this one a fair bit. I used to say that the D500 is my all time favourite camera to hold, but by now I've tested bodies with so many different form factors ... I really think it's all just what you're used to. Recently had an a7 IV in, then went back to my Nikon DSLRs. Both switches feel wrong at first, but are fine after an hour.
The GH6 is a new high light in usability. The flip up and out screen is the best way to do screens. A good menu system, customizable buttons and a lot of stored complete custom settings where you can prepare ready to use setups for stills and video helps to make use out of a huge number of functions withing a second if you are out in the field. Lots of small helper-functions like Shutter-angle, Waveform, vector-scope and guide lines for different aspect ratios are still unique in Panasonic cameras.
Minolta 7D would be on the list for me. I did use many different Minolta film cameras before getting the 7D, so that may be part of why it seemed so intuitive for me. The grip felt perfect, and all the controls were where I expected them to be. I didn't replace it until the Sony A7iii came out, and at that was mostly because I just couldn't ignore the much higher performance of the newer cameras.
Totally agree... I still use it once In a while...I never went into the menu after the first few times of use....fantastic ergo the button and diles were perfect for me
i just got a used k1 in 2023..Pentax have always been my favorite Photography cameras hands down , I own multiple new mirrorless ff cameras and the k1 image quality still as good as ever..I use it with manual focus lenses along with mirrorless on shoots. Makes me slow down an appreciate shooting again..way more than just using eye detect auto focus and pushing buttons .
I couldnt agree more with the D750. It's a legend. I've put over a million clicks through over 5 different bodies and the way it feels in your hand and operates is a quick forgiveness for the small focus area and lack of thumbstick. It's the Toyota Hillux of post 2014 DSLR cameras.
I have used so many systems but none beats Panasonic G9 from m43. The balance between body and lens, the button, the grip all made it so good in handling
For me it's the G9 from Panasonic - picture quality is nowhere near those of recent FF cameras,but handling is just out of this world.
YES
K1 hits it out of the park - like so many Pentax cameras (albeit not for video, lol)!
IQ that just about knocks everything else out of the park. Low light & astro - amazing, with the astrotracer and gpc built in.
5 user modes - just with a spin of the dial
iso, exposure, bracket, hdr, crop, all with the command wheel
It's just the pinnacle of DSLR design. Awesome.
Before I got the EOS R5, the most enjoyable camera handling experience came from my Pentax K3ii and just after that, my Pana G9. When the R5 came on the scene, I initially poo-poohed it because of the cost. Eventually, after digesting it's amazing specs and successfully convincing a friend to let me hold his, I knew I had to get one. When it arrived and after I had spent some time getting familiar with it, I quickly forgot about all my other cameras (and I have quite a few). The EOS R5 is as close to a perfect camera as I have ever owned. It almost immediately became a virtual extension of my arms and delivers some of the most beautiful images I ever imagined I could produce. Even if video is (like me) not something you usually do , the R5 is still worth every penny! It's autofocus system alone will steal your heart.
Know I'm going to be the odd one out here, however, in 60 odd years of amateur photography have I enjoyed using a camera as much as I have the Fuji XPRO 3. It is something at now 75 I find a joy to take out almost every day. Yes, the X100v would be more practical but I'm into changeable prime lenses. Each to their own, but thought I'd give this unique camera a mention.
The camera that fitted my hands perfectly was the Olympus E-3. The first time I had it in my hands I knew I would buy it one day. And so I did. It is more than a decade ago since I bought it and I struggled hard to sell it several years later which I did anyways - and since then I want it back from time to time. It was just a joy to hold and use it!
Nikon D750 and the Pentax K-7 (with the add-on grip especially) are my top picks for ergonomics. I haven't tried the R3/R5 but I'd imagine they are very nice. I did like the RP with the grip extension.
I agree on the K-7 (haven't held D750 yet). Got a K-3 now but the K-7 is far better one the ergonomic side.
I like that everyone is voting for their own camera! I think the three brands that make handling the highest priority are Nikon, Fujifilm and Pentax. I am glad that Chris recognised that in the video. I have stayed with Pentax mainly because the handling improves with each new model. Yes, the K-1 and K-3 III have complex customisable buttons, but they fall to hand brilliantly and I can do all the adjustments I need with my eye at the viewfinder. Almost never need to use the menus
I haven´t owned or tried many cameras, but here is my opinion: I own a D90, a D7100 and a D500. As someone mentions below it´s all about what you get used to, but the D90 always hurt me a little after long sessions of use outdoors shooting wildlife. The D500 is an impressive improvement in ergonomics from the D90. it´s amazing. I haven´t used the D7100 too much, but it feels fine. The Pentax K3-II did make a special mark on me in ergonomics field. Fantastic camera. So smooth dials, shutter sound. I tried it before the D500 and I was really sad other aspects didn´t fill my needs because I got in love to the Pentax. But I have to admit that probably the most comfortable camera I have grabbed was a Canon 70D at the store. Everything so natural for the hand, specially the shutter button position. But I didn´t like the position of the front dial, placed behind the shutter button, it doesn´t make sense for me. I believe the new OM-1 has to be very very comfortable. (though too small for my taste, being so comfortable with the D500). I wish I could try a Pentax K3-III. Regards from Spain.
Now Chris did the top 5 best handling camera.
Now it's time for Jordan to do top 5 Hybrid camera that is great for using video without having to do a lot of editing more preferably straight out of the box.
Cheers
Nikon D750 so far. In 2017 I switched from a D7000 to a D750 and the grip + controls just felt perfect to me. Much better than the D610, D810 and D500 at the time!
The Z6 is really close after all that time but it took a few month to get used to the grip.
I also tried many other secondary cameras from Sony, Fujifilm and Panasonic but some things in the interface or controls were always weird.
As a secondary cam the Ricoh GR III is propably the best for me.
1- Olympus em1 ii and iii; 2- OM1; 3- Nikon Z6 and Z6ii; 4- em10 iv; 5- PenF
i've spent so much money getting back into canon after selling everything in 2017. I got an R5 and i juts love it, it's the camera i've always wanted :)
Lumix G9 and EM1 Mark III have to be on this list.
Pleasantly surprised to see my camera (D750) at number 2. It doesn't get much love these days, so I'm happy it's got a bit of recognition. It's been a great professional workhorse for me for the last 6 years.
I've used friends Nikon's including D750, D850 and D500 and maybe it's being a "Canon guy" but I never liked the feel and layout (but those D850 images were nice). I went through Canon crops of t3, t4i, and M5, then got an RP and loved it but recently sold to go to an R6 and I love this camera body. Large enough without extra bulk, heavy enough to balance a 700-200 but not too heavy to through the RF 35 and carry around all day. Just love it!
Mine:
35mm Film Nikon F100.
Medium Format: Hasselblad H4 series. Some people will say the Leica S series but I have never touch it.
DSLR: Nikon D850, my runner up is the. D750 followed by the Canon 6D
Mirror-less: Too early to tell.
Range finders: Fujifilm X100 or the Leica M5 second generation, I can't decide.
Most influential: Nikon F4
for me its the Nikon D4S
Just fit my hand perfectly - and as a sport shooter with no time to worry about what/where to press, I always felt at home
And an Oddball camera, the old Sony A99 really worked for me back in the day with combo of versatile screen, great buttons and nice in hand feel
There is just something about the ergonomics of the Nikon flagships. For me, it’s the D5 - the second I I picked it up, I knew it was “the one” - no camera has ever felt so perfect in my hand as this.
I was at the camera store in Calgary,and I was intent on buying a Nikon z7 till I put a canon in my hand. The canon R6 just felt like it was designed for me , and they nailed the ergonomics perfectly.
I’m kind of kicking myself that I didn’t get the R5 now,but certain people talked me out of it as they didn’t like the screen on top and preferred a dial . It didn’t seem that bad to me 😊
For me, it's the Canon EOS 6D Mark II as the ONLY traditional Canon full frame DSLR with a fully articulating screen and controls that are just right. Also, it has a great top screen and a mode dial, which no mirrorless body has yet combined. I have looked at all the full frame Canon RF bodies (R, RP, 3, 5 and 6) and been disappointed by all of them overall but with each having some characteristics I enjoyed. And I absolutely love the viewfinder on the D850, but that would involve completely switching systems.
I still have a D750 Chris sold me at The Camera Store, maybe seven years ago. Always a good source of information even back then.
I love the feel of my Pana g9 because it reminds me of Pentax.
I love the way my OM-D E-M1 Mark II feels. It's just perfect for my hand.
The menu system, on the other hand, is an abomination.
Completely agree. The grip is great with all sizes of lenses, verrry customizable buttons, Olympus pioneered the dual dial with dual mode switch (2x2) and the screen articulates.
Excited to get my OM-1 to get the focus joystick and try the new shutter button and wheel layout.
The gear icon on the SCP makes up for a lot of shortcomings, though.
I’ve shot Nikon, Sony and now Canon and I agree, R5 feels so good.
Only other camera that just felt natural when I picked it up was the D700… a long time ago
Still have my D700. Always impressive to grab it with a vertical grip after becoming used to tiny Z cameras.
I hope you guys keep going. I don't know all the details of the closure, but I hope you can continue, if necessary with a new channel and a new site or sites.
You guys have gifts that a lot of people appreciate.
Chris and Jordan are moving the show over to PetaPixel.
Please continue Listicles with Chris Niccolls, I just love these type of videos especially with Chris’s sense of humor. My most favorite DSLR of all time is D750. Cheers!
My top 5:
5. Nikon D4
4. Leica SL (Typ 601)
3. Kodak DCS600/700 Series
2. Hasselblad H2/3/4
1. Leica M8/M9
Since it is so subjective it's really important for people to go to their local camera shop and hold the various cameras in their hands to see how they feel. It makes a big difference. Also support that local camera shop! ✊
Only agree on #1 and #2! Coming from Nikon (40 years) and using Fuji for travels, the Canon R5 is probably the best camera I've ever worked with. Not because it's the best camera on every level, but the best balanced camera for so many different assignments. It took me literally one day to get used to menu, set up the camera according to my needs and it just works. I know the R3 is sexier but I hope I'm sexy enough to compensate that! 😂
I jumped from canon 80D to Eos R5 and have had no issues with navigating the many additional features. It’s great.
My favorite is the Nikon F2 Photomic. it feels just right in my hands. All metal construction, just the right size and weight. I took my best photos with the Nikon F2 and Kodachrome slide film. I use digital cameras now because of the cost, but it's much less satisfying. Sometimes, I grab the F2 and bring it up to my eye. Still magic.
Agree about the Leica. I switched entirely to Leica from 40 years with Canon. The M and the SL series are easy to handle. The M is a work of art and combined with good glass, are easy to use and produce amazing images.
Chuck a Meike grip extension (not a battery grip) onto a Sony camera and it feels so much better. Just adds a little more room for pinkie finger. My grip did have a little edge which felt strange but a light sanding and now feels seamless.
My favorite for photography is the Canon 6D. Granted, it can't do much other than taking pictures, but it's so easy and intuitive to handle. You never need to pay attention to the menu. I also like the R6 but it's still not as comfy for me.
The Nikon D750 was a major workhorse for me a couple of years ago when I used to work as a photojournalist for newspapers. Loved it!
Leica Q2. I LOVE just having mine in hand. It has everything I need at hand - and everything else via easy menus. And so beautiful to look at...
Pentax K3. Used it all winter in Canada. It will be bittersweet to go back to my X100V.
Hasselblad X1D II is to me the best handling camera. Best grip I have ever held, very easy menu system, alll the buttons I need, and what an inspiring beauty it is.
Oh Chris. Chris, Chris, Chris. You were so close - you hit it at your #2. The D750 is spot on. Light weight, near perfect contols and you know - it can focus.
The moment I took D750 in my hands, I knew I need to bump up my camera budget just to keep using it; this is also an important advice for anyone looking for a new camera - go to the shop, grab several models and then decide because you want something you will actually enjoy using. It also helps greatly that D750 can deliver great photos.
I have an older Pentax camera. The K-5II. Like all Pentax cameras it's solid and built like a tank. It has some weight to it especially in my case because I keep the battery grip on mine. The grip of the camera as well as the grip is perfect for me. Nice and deep. Controls are simple to navigate and use.
Leica SL Type 601 soooo perfect. The 4 function buttons around the screen just work perfectly. A Bauhaus design classic.
The best camera is hands down the camera obscura. The form factor is so fluid as to be mind boggling. You can hold it, you can wear it on your head, you can stand inside of it. Most importantly, it allows you to cheat on your art projects and trace the scene you are supposed to be drawing, or painting.
My favourite mirrorless body still the Olympuis Em1 Mk 2
I own both a Nikon d610 and Z6. I think one of the reasons why I still use my 610 a lot is the way it feels in my hand- solid and perfect placement of buttons (love the shutter sound too). Btw Z6 is not bad in anyway, its just that the design of Nikon FX dslrs are just so good that it doesn’t feel outdated(except maybe the weight which most people might not be comfortable with, I dont mind it in most situations).
I disagree, the placement of the AF mode selector button on Nikon dslrs and the Z9 is horrible. For those who don't know it is on the front left next to the lense mount. This means it is practically impossible to reach when using longer lenses. For the Z6 the 2 front function buttons on the right side are in a better position but it is still not optimal. Having 2 button you cannot see but might want to distinguish is always a bad situation, also Nikon cameras never let you customize all buttons completely and for no reason. Still I think the handling of the Z cameras is a lot better than for the F mount cameras.
@@phelanwolf6747 I dont find that placement of buttons to be an issue in both Z system & dslr even while using a 70-200 lens. I have never had to take my eye off the view finder or the screen while using it. Also I never had the need to change the AF mode so often that I end up missing a shot because of the placement of the button.
@@abhisheknair2863 maybe try a 200-500 or a 150-600? Anyways Nikon could simply allow all the buttons on the Z bodies to be completely customizable to make it a lot better. For instance I do not use the "disp" button on the video/photo mode switch, having this for instance to switch to tracking mode instead of using one of the front buttons (or assigning both front buttons) to it would be very convenient. Similarily for the F bodies, if any button could get any function the actual button layout is a non issue. For Nikon this would just be a simple change in the software but would have a huge impact on usability.
Good to see Pentax. I know they are niche, but their ergonomics are so great.
Although I mostly shoot Sony (I use A7IV; A7III; A7RII; RX-100 VII; A57; A100), one of my favorite cameras of all time is the Canon G12 - a great , easy-to-use camera.
i feel panasonic cameras are missing, they have great ergonomics e.g GH5, G9 etc
I considered switching from Canon to Sony until I tried a friends R5 and purchased one. The R5 has a a very accurate and fast autofocus that finds and locks on to wildlife (birds in flight). The feel and location of the controls are excellent and to me its 45MP count is a great balance in terms of file size, resolution and my computers ability to process and store images without stress (Apple Studio M1Max), These days, I see little reason to jump from any major manufacturer to another.
Love my D500 feel and intuitive use
The dials on the K-1ii, so easy to quickly tweak settings without going through menus. After dialing in my user settings, I can change for different shooting situations so seamlessly. Absolutely delightful to use.
I was divided between getting a Z6ii or R6 for myself. I was leaning towards a Z6ii because my wife is already invested in the Z mount with the Z5 … until I put my hands on an R6. It just felt right. You pick that camera up, and it’s like a part of your hand. So enjoyable to use, so easy to navigate, and everything is placed just right. Canon did a fantastic job there.
being able to swap lenses with your wife sounds like a huge bonus. Less lenses to pack when you travel, for example
@@TheSpaceBrosShow It would be, but we never really swap lenses when we had the same system before. Also, having 10bit video and no crop on 4k60 on the R6 really sealed the deal for me.
@@FabledFew I guess mileage may vary, but my GF and I are on the same camera system and the running joke is that her camera is a glorified lens cap for a spare lens 😅
@@TheSpaceBrosShow Haha. My wife on the other hand will not let you take her lenses. She’s basically married to the 50mm f/1.8 S. 😂
@@FabledFew shit that is a nice lens that I also wouldn't wanna give up lol
WOW !!!! I tought I was the only one finding the D750 the best handling nikon !!! happy I'm not dreaming !
Looking forward to any new "tests" coming out with this kind of headline. Worked with "lists"... ;)
Over the years I have shot a set of various cameras, but once I went digital I have stayed with Canon. I did loads of reading on what I wanted before investing in a system, but once I had one in my hand I was sold completely. The ergonomics works for me, and the menu system works for me. Now that I have my first full frame extra everything camera, I still feel at home with it. It is only my brain that have a hard time memorizing every function that is available, and when it is best to use it - I can hardly blame the camera for that.
Good video, Chris!
My personal votes are, in order, the Hasselblad X1D II 50c, Leica SL2, and the Leica CL2 with an added thumb pad. The X1D II is so good at handling, it's almost invisible!
I was surprised the X1D and SL2 weren't included (haven't tried the CL2) as they are at the top of my list as well. In addition to simply superb feel in the hands both menu systems are far and away the easiest to navigate. The X1D nips the SL2 due to it's weight advantage.
For ergonomics and interface design, I'll second the X1D. It's a beautiful design that you just want to pick up. It's just that the Fujifilm GFX 50S II hardware and software engineers have wrung so much more functionality out of the same (dated) sensor. I wish that technology could be inside an X1D; then it would offer a complete shooting experience.
Agree with your comments 100%. Im shooting Sony. Very good featured cameras however ergo wise they are well behind Canon/Nikon.
While Sony cameras have some menu quirks, I do enjoy having 3 programmable dials and a dedicated EC dial.
I do wish Sony would take some ideas from the Nikon Z cameras for component layout (e.g. off-center EVF).
That's only the older bodies though. The new Sony menu system is hands down the best of all camera brands. It's the only one where I instantly find whatever I'm looking for because it's so well organised.
@@youknowwho9247 There's one blatant omission, IMO, that keeps it from being the best of all camera brands. The Fn menu is not accessible from the touchscreen like it is on Canon, and Fn can't be assigned to any other button, so pure touch control feels disjointed. Also, the Playback menu's Delete option that allows you to mass delete photos (after hitting the key button to protect the ones you want to keep) can't be assigned to a custom menu for some really bizarre reason, and the camera doesn't have a "Delete All" feature, so the only assignable menu item is to format the card, but you might not want to do that considering things like custom settings can be saved onto the card that you'd lose. I understand these are nitpicky things, but this is why I slightly prefer the Canon interface. Still, I think Sony is very close, especially with the A7 IV, which loses the dedicated EV dial which I always thought was a waste of space and gives us a third top dial. I think it's within like 5%, but I still give Canon the edge.
For my liking THE best handling camera is Panasonic S1/S1R/S1H. I now own one S1R, but that's not why I praise it so. I was thinking that S1 series are the best handlers since they were released and I've tried them. I could not afford one back then, so I am very happy to have to now! It fully answers my very high expectations of it!
I completely disagree with your number 1 spot. The R5 is frustrating and unintuitive. If you're not a long time Canon user the R5 is really annoying to use. I am coming from Sony and more recently the Panasonic S1R which I feel should have at least been an honorable mention here but maybe it's not popular enough for a mention. I've held many cameras and nothing comes close to the Panasonic ergonomics and button layout. Intuitive as they come. An absolute joy to use.
Every hand is different. Of all the cameras I’ve used my Canon 5DII fits my hand beautifully.
Never owned one, but got to borrow a Nikon D850 for some hours in the wild and good Gods it felt amazing to hold and handle.
I own the Leica M10-P *white* limited edition + 50/1.4 summilux for 2 years now, & had Canon 6D & Nikon D7000. My Fav Handling Cameras would be Panasonic G9, Hasselblad X1Dii & 907x, Leica S3 (45x30mm sensor), Samsung NX-1, Pentax K1ii & 645Z, Olympus EM5iii & Pen-F, Canon EOS-R3, Nikon D750, Fuji GFX 50S II . . . . (but don't know about Phase One XF IQ4 150MP Achromatic)
Thanks for the review on the handling of cameras! I am still loving the concept of my Pentax K1, a very well desinged and rugged Camera but I am now using my Nikon Z6 and Z7 much more for everyday use and with the meike grip-Extension they feel as comfortable in my hands as I wish a camera should feel. You are right that the D750 was also a very good choice, but overall the new Z bodys fit very well in my hands!
I agree, the Z 6 and Z 7 are very nice handlers-they were the cameras that replaced my D750 and D810, respectively. However, I found the bodies to be just a little too cramped for comfort. And I really am not enamored with the design and features of Nikons new Z lenses.
I had cameras from all major brands. The only one I would call uncomfortable was my Sony. But the more you use it, the more you get used to it. If I have to rank them, Nikon cameras are well laid out, both the DSLRs and the new Zs. Among the small ones, the E-M10 Mk2 is surprisingly comfortable for such a small thing.
I do like the list format. However, I'm subscribed and I pretty much like everything you both do. Great work, top-notch video shooting, and quality, great scripts to go with first-class editing. I look forward to what comes next.
Yes - the D750! One of the least ‘sexy’ cameras ever made but one of the absolute best. It’s just about perfect - great sensor, small but perfectly formed body, light but sturdy etc. etc. no coincidence that it’s often called a ‘Goldilocks’ camera. Everything about it is just about right. Pair it with the equally unsexy 24-120 f4 and you can do amazing things. I actually prefer ‘boring’ cameras as they allow me to focus on just taking great images rather than purring over how lovely my camera is.
Jordan positioned Chris in front of that storm-water drain to foreshadow the storm of comments he's going to get. Picking the EOS R5 as the best-handling camera is like saying the best-tasting food in the world is oatmeal. Yes, they're both deeply average, unlikely to offend or confuse anyone, and completely unsurprising. Is that the same as “best”?
PS - My personal best-handling camera is the Epson R-D1, a camera I've owned for 18 years and still enjoy using. Chris has done one of his look-back pieces on it, so he knows why. Full-life-size viewfinder for comfortable viewing with both eyes open… dial readout for key info at a glance… and manual shutter-wind lever for a physical sense of the pace of your shooting… it's perfect. I'll tell myself it got slighted because the Camera Store didn't have one on hand for the B-roll, and feel free to tell yourself the same thing as to why your own favorite camera got overlooked…
The best handling camera of all time in the Ricoh GR, period. One handed operation, utterly flawless in use.
Yes my D750 is still my day to day hybrid camera. Ive been making money from it since 2014.🔥
I agree. Canon R5 and R3 are just amazing in the hand, the best even. But i'm tired of Canon's attitude of holding up features and the cripple hammers (holding video capabilty, time limit, overheating, and the last for me is the R5C not having IBIS).
Recently I switched to Sony A7IV 2 bodies with 7 GMaster lenses, and pretty much happy with.
But I still have hold my old 1DXIII and 5DIV with 9 EF L lenses. They have sentimental values for me.
I worked for many years at a local camera store. I would always urge the customers to see how the different cameras felt in their hands, letting them know that a camera that is more comfortable is a camera that will be used more often. With that said, my preference was always the Canon. Sadly I don't have access to a large variety of cameras, so I just have to be comfortable with what I do have.
Oh, and I hear/see the word 'slough' quite often. locally we have Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, and I must say it's a much better looking slough.