Nikon Z 9

[...] Last year i got my Z9. [...] I do now cinematic wedding videos and photos. [...]

I’m afraid it is about knowing the camera. [...] It’s all about knowing your camera.

After shooting with the z9 for roughly a year I can say it’s the best camera I’ve ever owned. [...] But like you said, the ergonomics of the z9 beat anything I’ve used and right there with Canon for me even though I’ve not shot the R3, just the R5/6. [...] But for the price, it’s amazing. [...]

[...] Unfortunately, this vdo show the footage that he took since about the Firmware 1.2 which is not the update test. I love Nikon prime lenses, They give full feeling color that different than other 2 brands and the photo quality that you got / no need to do post process. [...]

[...] They even picked it as best hybrid camera of the year. [...] I've been shooting on a Z6 for 4 years now and with the latest firmware I find the AF to be quite competent for what I do, which is both photos and video, both nature and of people. [...] Yeah, my Z6 is definitely going to lag with fast action stuff, I won't argue that, but seriously how many people are out there shooting sports? [...]

[...] I had not shot Nikon since film days so a year ago I got my Z9 and gave it a try. A year later I sold it because of its size/weight AND lack of a smaller companion camera to get with it with equal AF to have for travel when a second body was a must have. [...] I do use a battery grip and do wish they had a body with it integrated but like to have one that can be made smaller when I travel. [...] Not sure it’s worth tryin an EOS R3 at 24 Mpixels if it’s not sports.

[...] That D700 is still clicking along, and I bought a new D810 in 2015. Over two years ago, his A7 shutter fell apart and the repair is too $$. I think Canon has the same build quality, I'm certain that others will chirp about a D5100 or D710 that broke like a cheap toy, but I found that mine just keep on clicking.

I'm super happy with my OM10 mark3 and z9. the first is super fun to use and gives a really satisfying shitter kachunk when you shoot and the z9 though a chonker makes adjusting stuff easy having a billion buttons

[...] The spec sheet isn't particularly clear on this so I got it wrong taking it at face value, but on the Rolling Shutter Project it shows the sensor readout speed is the limit, which both use the same sensor. [...] I generally preference doing quiet single exposure (Qs) when doing wildlife to avoid any sounds, although since switching to the Z8 it's not really an issue since mirrorless is effectively silent in all modes at fairly open apertures.

I have been using the Nikon D600 for over a decade as a professional photographer. I am considering upgrading my camera body this year and am interested to see if Nikon will release a new line of cameras with comparable specs to Sony and Canon. In reality any current camera looks noticeably better than my old D600, but I really want to make sure I get a system that will last me another 10 years again.

[...] Not even the R3 has such high specs for both photos AND video. [...] Actually I'd say it feels very snappy and has some unique features like left/right eye selection boxes that I haven't seen in Canons. [...]

I own a Z9 and a R3. The latter just for better low light capability. [...] And Z9 ergonomics are just better. All buttons of the Z9 are lit and are of same size. I don't have to search and poke for the R3 mini buttons. [...] The programming of the Z9 buttons is much more sophistacted than the R3.

[...] One thing, which I want to mention, the quality / sharpness / colors of files produced from Nikon Z9 is just fabulous. [...] and best part they are not freaking expensive like canon’s. Sony also has huge selection of amazing lenses at perfect price points. [...]

[...] Before I got the A7III, I owned a Z6 1st gen (switched for the cheaper SD cards, since I started filming wedding, and I needed multiple high capacity cards, while the 240GB XQD at the time costed as much as 1.5TB UHS-I V30 cards - the most you need for A7III anyways). [...]

[...] Its alot of gear but I do a lot of various angles, remote shooting and leaving some cameras in my timelapse boxes in various locations. [...] I can not think of a time ever that I've missed a shot and gone 'bloody shit AF' Sure I've had times when the tracking has had a bit of a brain fart but I've had that with ALL brands, there is no perfect focus system yet and probably wont be for at least 10 years. [...] Thats not to say the A1 and R5 and R3 dont do good footage it's just I have no need for 5 cameras recording 4k at once...yet haha.. [...] ANY new camera will perform and produce stunning images/video these days so just with what glass you like the most, for me I have so much Sony/Canon/Nikon glass id be stupid not to use them all. One day ill be holding a camera that has 21 stops (actual) of DR with perfect focus and then we can all have the same camera as there will be no need for another one! [...]

I agree that AF Quality is very important and should again and again be put into comparison (When you say „thats not that important“ - well, why should you compare all these cameras at all?). As a professional wedding photographer I can tell: having a couple standing in front of you, showing that real smile and you can‘t acquire proper focus because your Z camera just won‘t get the eye AF right and you have to tell them things like „well, I guess we have to try that again… eheh!“ and the moment is GONE you really get pissed off at Nikon! I gave them my trust to further improve their stuff after I bought it and years later it still doesn‘t match a standard you can rely on as a professional. [...]

[...] I own a Z9, rented a Sony A1. [...] But I didn't like the ergonomics and felt the camera was too small for large glass. [...]

[...] Scratching my head. [...]

[...] I recently purchased a used Z6ii off eBay (and actually was surprised as it was really brand new, with warranty). Anyway I installed the latest firmware (1.5.0) and have shot less than 150 photos with it thus far, mostly bird pics and my crazy and lightning-fast mutt-hound. [...] So, basically if there's a bird in-flight and you notice it out of the corner of your eye and you whip the camera in that direction and start firing away, yes, there can be a struggle because the camera takes some time to acquire focus on the subject. If Canon and Sony can do that magically, well then I guess they are worth the $2000 more than I paid for my Z6ii. But I'm not a pro and I don't make money off these pics, so is that really worth the difference? [...] The last thing I will say, again with the limited experience I have with the Z6ii, is that I'm getting better results that I did with my previous D750, which was itself a great Nikon camera. [...]

[...] It is definitely a pro camera and overall I am very happy. [...] In fact I think you are pushing the right buttons to help Nikon getting better. [...]

[...] But the R3 is 24 MP , and I wanted the 40+ , the A1 is too small for my hand , and the ergonomics overall do not fit my large hand. grip helps but still not comfortable to hold. So it can have the best autofocus ever , but if it's tiring to use it's not worth it for me, I sometimes work really long days . [...] It's it's initial performance were a bit subpar, but it's been constantly improving and I'm not convinced the gap is as large as you say anymore , and all your compression test or 1 Vs 1 Vs are now outdated somewhat. [...] But I Absolutely agree Nikon need to push better lower level cameras , but keep in mind they did struggle financially (because they were too arrogant at first). [...]

[...] As a diehard Nikon fanboy with a just ridiculous amount of Nikon glass, it's just not worth going mirrorless yet, especially as a lot of that glass is the old AF lenses that wont adapt to auto focus through the adaptor (yes, I know a couple of companies have made some clever auto backward and forward auto adaptors, but I'll wait until someone comes up with a screwdrive adaptor) and I'm still really happy with my DSLRs. Eventually Nikon will sort out the auto focus (most probably through software so it will likely be usable through the whole Z body range), so then I will be more than happy to pick up a second hand Z6 or Z6ii, at which point I'll probably wonder why the hell it took me so long to get one, but hay I'm a patient guy :)

[...] I'm not a fan of editing and the Nikon files straight from the camera are excellent. [...] If I put the subject in the box, the camera locks and tracks nearly perfectly. [...]

[...] On the flipside, Nikon's Z glass is way better in both optical performance and value in my opinion. If you turn off the clean sensor when shutting down feature, the shutter almost instantly closes when you turn off the camera(atleast on my R6). [...]

[...] But I still pack my old Nikon D5200 and D7500 with me on every outing, as when I do shoot photos, I much prefer my Nikons for the photo work. [...] I can't tell you how often I've had similar conversations with friends who shoot or want to get into shooting, and they base their camera purchase off megapixels. [...]

I'm an amateur photographer, I've been using Nikon DSLR DX for years, but I want a bird and sports camera that shoots at least 10 fps. I am disappointed with the quality of some DX lenses that break the flexcable of the VR engine, after the warranty period and I find that many of these lenses have been discontinued, giving way to more modern versions such as the 18-55, 55-200 and 70 -300. Is the Nikon D500 still worth it in 2022? [...]

The non-Ms are beautifully made and worth every penny (eg Q2, SL) but the Ms are beautifully made terrible technology - specifically the rangefinder: they’re delicate, need frequent servicing and can only focus down to 0.7m, so the advent of live view finally allows lenses that go closer than 0.7m to be focused. [...] However, I think the digital signing is a good way to provide the photographer with proof that the picture in the paper/competition is the picture that they made with the camera and not their pal Midjourney. Why they put it in such a sluggish contraption, I don’t know, but probably a good place to start compared to a Z9 and trying to tag pictures at 500 frames a second or whatever.

I have issues with the original firmware, but since the revised firmwares have come out, I've had no tracking issues whatsoever and have used a Sony A7IV and Canon R5. [...] Do you really use the Z9 for the whole year or are you just basing this off your initial impressions a year ago and have since started using other cameras more? [...]

[...] Really all these expensive cameras should have good AF, though how relevant this is may depend on the user. I have a large collection of Nikon glass that appears to work fine/better on my Zfc, so am one of the ones waiting for a z6iii to use as my main camera. [...] I’m very happy with the Nikon colors out of camera and really love my Zfc design, though I’d admit it isn’t always the most efficient to use, it does encourage creativity. [...] Now that so much about photography is based around electronics and increasingly video, they have a huge advantage that the old school camera companies that used to dominate, are finding it hard to adapt to. [...] None of this excuses Nikon’s slow progress in AF, but it does put it in perspective, especially for non-pros. Cameras need to be fun and exciting to use, as well as being reliable tools, if Joe Blogs is still to want to own one.

[...] I posted a comparison video about the FX30 and the Z6II on the image quality, the A7R V sky photos are better which led me to sell the rest of my Nikon gear to get the A7R V. I will say though, I am not a big fan of the Sony ergonomics however, shooting more videos than photos now, I hold the camera differently, as a consequence of using the FX30, to access the buttons on the top, I find that I am doing that on the A7R V as well and using the screen a lot more. I would like to see Nikon do a video focused camera with a larger rear screen, incorporating video monitoring tools, an auto-focusing system like the A7R V, with stabilization like the the Panasonic S5II, while improving their ergonomics for this new design. [...] If they make something like that hack job Z9 look that has been parading around as the Z8, while giving it a fan and larger multi-angle screen, that would make for a good starting point.

I jumped ship to Sony. But I really loved the Nikon Z6ii and their 50 1.2. Loved the Nikon files and colors. I didn't mind the autofocus at first, but when I tried the Sony A7iv, I see the big difference. I was glad too the colors on the A7iv was way better than the a7iii. And the 50 1.2 on sony is way smaller. So I traded in all my Nikon bodies and glass☹️ I wish didn't have to though

[...] If it's just "point the camera somewhere and it will know what you want to focus on", then... [...] Because also, how does the camera know what I want to focus on? [...] My D750 is also 24MP, just like the Z6 II, and has excellent noise performance as well. Plus, I got that D750 so cheaply. The original Z6 is now starting to approach that price, for used samples. But yeah, same resolution, not that much better noise performance, no SD card slot, and then on top of that, the AF is a question mark.

[...] I thought you were a bit unfair on rating the Nikon Z9 body. It has so many advanced features - backlit buttons, no mechanicial shutter and the instant sensor protector. [...] I get sick of being told to learn how to use my camera. I paid a lot of money for it, and AF is one of the must haves these days. [...]

Almost 12 months with the Z9 and I've had no issues with AF.

Preach Pastor Jared. I have been a Nikon shooter since 2008. The next z camera has to have an autofocus system that works, or Nikon will lose their remaining pro shooters.

Completely agree on the need for good AF. I was a Nikon diehard and the Z7 upgrade totally ruined it for me. I switched to then Olympus after 20 years of Nikon, and I don't have much of a reason to return at the minute because of the insane amount of fantastic AF Mirrorless out there right now. Sony and Canon seem hard to beat. If the Z8 is launched soon and with good reviews, I might be inclined to go back. Nikon does produce some of the best files in the industry, I hope for better things ahead in the mid level area.

[...] I do like this camera a lot. My keeper rate has improved and yes it’s taken some time get used to but it’s a pro camera and it’s got to have lots of features.

[...] I wonder how much the reviewer has used the camera recently - he mentions 26k shots which is very low for 12 months professional use. [...]

[...] I have had my Z9 for a few weeks now and just grasping the magnitude of what it does. [...]

[...] and maybe Z9 mark II in next few years)

There are at least a dozen pro shooters that I know who have jumped from canon and Sony to Nikon z9 They have won awards and published wildlife photographers And in video dept the Nikon z9 is the best among all flagships Check out dP review for their video review I do watch your video as I like your delivery but many times it feels biased, not much but very shuttle but here and there and when I watch dP review it doesn’t

One of the first reasons I went with Nikon way way back was that the camera felt good in my hands. Maybe my hands are bigger, but when I picked up a Canon, it felt small. The Z9 and its speed have let me get shots that previously were missed.

[...] I got my Nikon D3100 at 15, D7000 at 16, then a D500. [...] Maybe in a couple years when the price comes down.

[...] It would be too much money lost to replace all these lenses to different brands. I am going to wait for a little bit to see how Nikon does in next the camera, Z8 or Z6III whatever, before I invest 85mm f1.2 or 35mm f1.2mm, or both of them 😄

[...] IMHO: In general, I think people tend to focus way too much on AF and tech assists, just forgetting to take pictures. [...]

still have to say I'm sticking to my R3 the subject tracking alone is amazing to 1 or 2 subjects 👏🏼

I own a Z9 and I love it. [...]

Thanks for your help just bought my second Z 9 and love them so much to learn

As a Nikon shooter I agree with you on the AF, I've just had to learn to adopt methods that work for me to achieve results. We are all hoping for that firmware upgrade to resolve these issues. Overall the sensor and glass combo is capable of spectacular results. 👍😎

thank you soo much jared i am using Nikon Z6 with all the Z glasses and i just have one issue and that's is it's Autofocus while in weddings or while shooting videos i am jst terrified horrible experience with af i just want Nikon for a sticky af and lockon af focus breathing is a huge issue please try to fix this thing Nikon i know you are capable enough .