Nikon Z 9

The Nikon Z9 is perhaps the most complete camera we've ever tested. [...] It's larger and heavier than some of its rivals, which make it less well suited to some applications, but overall it combines the best of a DSLR and a video camera in a single body. [...] Thay are the only major company in this space fully focusing on best photography experience as a whole, not just some side product of photo copiers or game consoles behemots.

[...] 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. [...]

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. [...]

[...] Almost pulled the trigger on a used Z9 I like almost everything about it except the low light performance it's a high resolution low light flagship reminds me of another d3x. I don't see how Nikon's ever going to be number one again when they depend on a competitor Sony for sensors plus Canon makes their own.

[...] 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.

[...] Right now, I just hope Nikon releases the next Nikon mirrorless camera with at least 80% of what the Nikon Z9 can do lol

[...] 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. [...]

[...] but, to be honest, unless you're writing your own malloc (and it a lot of assembly cases, you're not), you're dealing with static allocations of memory for data. [...] But, in the end, unlike todays legos, you're still stuck 2, 4, and 8 pin bricks to build everything. [...] I remember a lady who wrote much of here companies core business software in BASIC. [...]

Olympus is one of the few camera (I literally have hundreds as this is my side hobby) I love to use. [...] It is not the hardware, it is the software …

As hobbyist photographer, I can't justify the cost of a Z9 camera. I currently own the Z50 as a travel camera (I think Nikon color science is the best). But I love to see Nikon introduce a D500 mirrorless replacement with similar AF to Canon R7 and R6II. [...]

[...] 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. [...]

And ultra-professional $6k cameras from Zeiss miss the mark entirely, you need to target a prosumer market (i.e. [...] Zeiss is generally not a camera maker, at least not these days; the ZX1 is more of a halo product than anything. They're much better-known for their optics, which are often niche, but usually worth the money if it's your niche. In any case, a better example of a professional camera would be something like Nikon's Z8 and Z9, Sony's A7/9/1 models, or Canon's newer EOSes. They're also a good amount cheaper than USD$6k, in most cases. [...] Just make it large enough to hold the camera. [...] Most people are right-handed, and having a comfortable grip is nice. [...]

Something that industry hasn't seemed to have noticed is that Nikon has recently released a couple of camera bodies that are very capable hybrid shooters. The Nikon Z9 and Z8 cameras can record up to 8.3K 60fps RAW video in-body[1], and the shutter speed is fast enough to be very nearly "global shutter". They also inherit features common to stills cameras but rare in video cameras such as eye-detect auto focus. [...] Just running around with a "normal" camera you can carry in one hand. [...] I have a sinking feeling that the product lines will be split again, and that the stills bodies will not get any new video features, which will be relegated to dedicated video cameras. [...] These cameras can record at about 6,000 Mbps which is in the same league a "large format" and IMAX style cine cameras.

[...] 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. [...]

[...] 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! [...]

[...] 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 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 know that because I own a proper big camera and know a bit about postprocessing. But with enough skill you can make decent photos with a good smartphone todays. Without skill even a Nikon Z 9 or Sony A1 makes shitty photos.

The good low light performance was amazing for its time (10 years ago), and it still holds up decently today. [...]

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

How well does the Z9 focus on a person's eye in low light mode? [...] I like that you can tell the camera which eye to focus on with the Z9. [...]

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.

[...] 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). [...]

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

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

It's the best camera I've ever held, owned, and used. The Z9 is everything I've ever wanted in a camera. It's THE camera in my opinion. [...]

Well I switched from Sony to Nikon and I am really happy :) Never had any issues with my z9 so far. Not saying that it is the best camera to get, but I am happy with what I got and never had any bad issues with the autofocus.

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

[...] To me, there is no other camera system I rather use. Thank you Nikon for making the Z9 and to keep perfecting it with regular updates.

I think you should revise the review of the excellent Nikon Z9,since it's been Firmware Upgraded to 4.0......it's a game changer........no bad feelings Polin.....

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

I shoot professionally and we use the z9 and z6ii. We are happy with it. We still use canon and panasonic for video though. We also feel that the lens line up is fine for us wedding and event shooters.

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'm a sports photographer inside up to (f/2.8 300mm vr i hockey) and got 90+ success rate with a D500. Although not using anything other than 21 pt dynamic or spot focus. If the z9 focuses better than that, or any other Nikon, this would be heaven to me.

I love my Z9. Puts my old D850 to shame. People pics is the only time I might have to fight af. New glass it's kinda rare though. I tend to not shoot lower than 2.8 so this might be a part of that.

[...] This camera will have been in development for some time so that production cycle depending on Nikon’s process the hardware choices could have been baked in for some time. [...]

I'm rather surprised you obviously have NOT wrung out the Z9 with the latest 3.1ver firmware. From all I've seen it is every bit as fast to acquire and stick on a subject. It's only weakness is in low light.

A well-balanced and fair review. I respect your varied and extensive use of all these brands (very few, if any, content creators can claim this). There is no perfect system. But they are ALL excellent at this point. “Best” really only exists in subjectivity, based on someone’s needs / goals / preferences. I will also add, I definitely know pros in C & S that have AF (and other) extensive complaints & nit-picks about those systems. Probably more so in S than C. Even if (if) the Z9’s AF is in 3rd place, all the other features you outline here still far outweigh its competition and make it an easy choice (for my use case).

I have some friends equipped with the Z9 their main complain is about quality problems in high iso compared to the R3. And I have seen some picts taken during a press conference in Paris. The banding is hugue as it is for the Alpha 9 .

I agree 100% I wait for something more affordable because of the lenses I own. How long would I have to wait or am I ready to wait that long?

[...] 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. [...]

[...] I do understand that Nikon is lagging behind the competition, and I certainly appreciate your honest take on the situation. [...]