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Sony vs Canon vs Nikon www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comp...
All Apple Watches Compared www.kenrockwell.com/apple/wat...
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This is the best review I have seen on Nikon Z9. Thanks Ken for sharing this video. Love from India 🇮🇳
Thank you! PS - I LOVE Indian food; wish we had more here in the USA.
@@rizzabarcarse Here's my written Z9 guide www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z9-users-guide.htm and my new unpublished Z9 guide video kzhead.info/sun/ocOPecp9mH2PgXA/bejne.html
Agreed! The speed with which you speak and the experience in that noggin😆 - perfect combo for us. 🙏🏽
@@wanderlostNW Indian foods are quite yummy and Ken has expressed his love for Indian food. That has got nothing to do with this review.
True this camera also not for me. I prefer 25-35s megapixel full frame mainly for still photography. Even its only shoot 1 frame per second or cant shoot video Its not problem for me as long as its shoot world best RAW image
The Z9 is not a camera for me. I'm not the target audience, but wow, do I want it! It's an absolute beast. I'm looking forward to seeing the Z9 tech trickle down to upcoming Z cameras.
And it will trickle down, always does. Thanks!
It’s a lot of camera. Once you learn to set up custom functions it’s awesome. I still own a D4 that is much better under lower light and has as much as useful optical sharpness. Sometimes I look at a Z9 at 45mp and a D4 at 16mp and I don’t see an obvious difference until you enlarge image to 100%.
Thanks so much Ken for a great review. I have had my Z9 for a few weeks now and just grasping the magnitude of what it does. This helps immensely. I am a long time follower of your online website and appreciate your years of dedication to us Nikon users. Keep on doing what you do so well. Jim
Thanks Jim!!!
Nice to see someone honest and enthusiastic about top tier technology. There seems to be a current trend of deliberately focussing on small negatives with KZhead channels just to try and obtain more clicks from the perceived controversy. I much prefer this style, honest and very informative. Heading over to your website for the full review 😄 have a cool day and hello from England 🏴
Thank you! Just calling it as I see it after actually shooting every day for months with this.
Thanks for in depth review. I've been coming to your page first for years whenever I purchased anything new and this video once again showed why.
Thank you!! Just saying it like it is.
Always appreciate your no BS reviews- thank you!
Thanks; "No BS" is exactly what I'm trying to accomplish; thanks for noticing!
Excellent review. I've had my Z9 for some time now. Love it. The Firmware upgrade 2.0 really rocks.
Thanks Joe!
Thanks a lot Ken for sharing ! You are far beyond these KZhead "specialists"! Wish you all the best from Brazil!
Thank you! Enjoy some of those world class steaks down there for me!
Thanks for the great review, Ken! Awesome amount of practical info about this camera...
Thanks! That comes from actually shooting with it every day.
Ken Rockwell, as usuall another great review from you on KZhead. Like everyone, I was waiting for your say about the Z9 Beast ! 👹 Superb detailed review on your website. Love the product big and clear photos and the accompanying crystal clear photos. Reviewed with an in-depth analysis. Wow. Thank you from Tel Aviv.
Toda raba! Thanks for noticing; I put a lot of effort into exactly what you noticed. It takes forever to get my product shots looking as they do.
Been waiting for this! Good that you spent the time needed to make this wide ranging review. Thanks!
Thanks; the more complete review and samples are at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z9.htm
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks! I have been reading your reviews for a long time and I've always enjoyed the text and the images with the bold, vivid colors and creative compositions. Here, the saturation seems to be taken up a notch. Has Nikon changed its color science?
As usual a very comprehensive unbiased and balanced real world review Many thanks Ken
Thanks, but the even more complete review is written at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z9.htm Thanks!
Hi Ken, This is by far your best review ever. You are back to the real thing of talking pictures with great cameras. Every point is well taken. Awesome! PS: Nikon has different rotating design teams, with different views on all those thousands of possible options for each team. That makes changes later on not very likely due to a lot of sensitivities. As you mentioned - Don't hope for future software upgrades with any camera.
Thanks! Actually I have a ton of work I’ve shot but haven’t gotten to sharing it yet. Stay tuned!
There's already 4.0 firmware
Love that you mentioned the surveillance stuff. I first started using Nikon because that is what my unit was issued. I am guessing it is the only mention of that in a review. Nicely done.
Thank you!!
The "Ken Rockwell" from the blogs? The original reviewer before reviewing became a thing? Good to see you here. Thank you for all your work! I have read and learnt from your blogs for almost a decade and a half ago! Greetings from India.
Yup, it’s me! Thanks!!!
Omg ken Rockwell????? I learnt so much from you back when I was 12 living in Tehran and had to wait for my dial up connection to load your picture samples!!! I used to read everything on your website religiously, you made me fall in love with Nikon d100 and their last proper CCD camera d200. Ken we owe you a lot!
How is your family? I remember how excited you were back when your first child was born.
Thank you!!! All is well here - but kids now 14 and 15 and won’t let me take their pictures anymore. Still in Tehran?
Great review, Many thanks for your opinion and advice.
Thank you!
Love Ken! I have a Z9 and other Nikons. The Z9 is fantastic, Ken is right 11MP are more then enough. I don’t use the 120fps because I wind up with so many pictures it’s difficult to go through them all. It’s hard to go back to the Z6ll after using the Z9 for a while. The only down side is that the Z9 is heavy
Try photo mechanic for sorting through all the pictures www.kenrockwell.com/tech/photo-mechanic.htm thanks!
Longtime fan Ken and just 2 days ago I went to your website to see if you wrote anything about slide scanners. I'm curious what you used to shoot this video. Super clear and sharp!
Details are all in the comments; I shoot all my view on my iPhone, which has much better video for real-world use than any of these interchange lens cameras. No way can any lens on the Z9 focus as close and autofocus as fast and clairvoyantly and have such depth of field as the video you just saw.
@@KenRockwellTV - I never thought a phone camera would ever be so good, but they are. I have an iPhone 13 Pro and the macro, low light capabilities and overall photo quality is incredible in such a tiny space. The main reason I upgraded was for the extra-wide lens, but overall the camera is so much better. This is the reason I don't use my DSLR very much anymore, but still I want to get back into serious photography someday.
Great review Ken, thank you. You say that there are no user settings but from memory these are in banks and can be changed as required. Looking forward to getting my copy 👍👍
They are in two different sets of banks, which are only available by getting into two different menus, and even when you eventually recall both; only 2/3 of the settings are actually recalled - making them not very useful. This has been a major shortcoming in Nikon since the D2 of 2003. Thanks!
Nice review, I like the fact that you comment and are clear on the fact that it’s personal. You share an opinion that’s it.
Thanks for noticing !
Interestingly enough, the red finder and red screen mode from the Nikon Z9 was first seen on LUMIX cameras, though it didn't make much sense at the time since their MFT sensors did horribly in low light. Now with full frame cameras in their lineup and the Z9 though, it works wonders at night! Lets me compose and look around so I'm aware of my surroundings! Neat! More cameras need this feature and I'm glad one of the big companies looked into it.
Exactly! Thanks!
Lumix is very under rated. They have all kinds of little neat things first. I heard recently they were technically the first mirrorless camera to market? (RangeFinder cameras not included :)
Best camera advice on Earth, thanks Ken!
Thank YOU!!!
Hi Ken, as a video shooter, I have to say that the advantage of 8k isn't the picture quality as such, it's the fact that you can shoot in 8k, but edit on a 4k (or 1080) timeline, which means you can crop into a tight shop without loosing any resolution. For interviews I film a wide head and shoulder shot then can crop into a tight shot and still maintain full 4k resolution, which looks amazing when displayed at conferences on a 3 metre screen.
Superb! Far cry from what we had years ago.
Very well said. A real experience user review. Great job. 👍 ... I agree a larger file name... perfectly with the date in it.
Yeah, is it still 1979 with 8-place file names?
Nice review! I have been a huge follower since the early 2010s, big thanks to that flimsy screen at the back Nikon had to put the playback button on the right.
Good point! Thanks!
Thank you sir. Being born (near) and raised in Manhattan, I appreciate the speed at which you talk; it's feature not a bug!
Yes! No BS and I try to get to the point. If I’m too fast or slow youtube has playback options to slow or slowed up everything. Thanks!!!!
Excellent review showing things many others hadn't looked at. Seems to be a great camera on the whole. I've been hoping to get one this year, but there are too many negatives for me.
I prefer the Canon system, and we’re all different. Thanks!
What a beast the Z9. Hopefully the technology will trickle down to the upcoming Nikon Z cameras.
It always does trickle down, while the Z9 is actually quite reasonable compared to other genuinely pro cameras.
Ever since I first got on the internet back in 2005 I have always used Kens reviews before I have purchased any new kit. Cheers Ken. 👌👌👌
Thank you!!!!!!!
Great review Ken! Thanks!
Thank YOU!
Have been waiting for your review! Z9 seems Great! Kudos to Nikon ❤🙌🏼
Thanks, but the most detailed review has been at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z9.htm since last year; these videos are just for fun. Thanks!
Seeing a new Ken Rockwell’s review video literally puts my reaction times to the test. I clicked this time in aprox 0.00023 seconds, thus setting a new record. Cheers!
Thanks!
Everything is very fast but also very fair in this review ! 👏👏👏
Merci!
I'm still in love with my D750, but boy do I want the Z9 now :)
Nikons best Mirrorless yet - but the d750 was an instant classic as well. Thanks!
Yay a new vid! . . . . . . Hope you’re enjoying the summer my dude 😎
So far so good. Pretty boring here, I need to get out for a hike.
This is the kind of review I think we all want when we're looking for info. This covered the handling better than anything else I've seen. Yes I understand the IQ is great, but what isn't these days? Thanks Ken.
IQ is great in every camera. What matter to full time pros is if the camera get out of the way or not. The AF system is pretty bad in the Z9 and all nikon Mirrorless; I prefer Canon by far.
Analysis and fact, kudos Ken♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you!
been waiting on your updated videos!!! wondering your thoughts on the R7 and the new cameras, or would u get an R or RP for the same cost / less ? or is it worth the convenience of new features
Have not tried the APS-C EOS-R cameras yet. Thanks!
12:00 I think the red option is really cool for surveillance although he's now retired when my uncle was a police officer he was actually able to use his personal camera for surveillance and he had a Nikon D4 with a 24-200 lens
Thanks!
Nice review. There is an option to use Extended banks. Tuen that on and I think you will find everything changes.
I mention that in my guide at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z9-users-guide.htm#eb Thanks!
Great review Ken
Thanks Robbie! I always worry that I don’t get into as much detail in video as I do at my real review at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z9.htm but that would make a three hour video!
@@KenRockwellTV I like these 'brief' reviews on KZhead. Your in depth review on your website is perfect for the deep dive 👍🏾
Ken this is an excellent example why I put so much trust in your opinions! Great video! Now if only I could get a z9. Later this week I think I’ll call NPS and get a priority delivery appointment for a Z9. Thanks again, Tom KC3QAC
You’re welcome - or you could take this as a sign that it’s time to go Canon and get the R3 for the future. Thanks!
Amazing review
Thank you!!!
Great review from a long time Nikon guy with a major investment in Nikon f-mount lens. I'm wondering, Ken, if moving to the Z9 as my main pro camera will require replacing my lens with Z versions. Does it make enough of a difference and how good is the FTZ II converter? Is that a long term solution. Many thanks.
As always, see my website for all the details. The FTZ only works with some of the newest lenses, if you’re a long time Bunin guy like me than many of our lenses don’t work properly on the FTZ, which is why I simply upgraded directly to Canon. Here’s all about the FTZ: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/lenses/ftz.htm ultimately we all wind up replacing our old lenses with new, so since you’ll be rebuying an entire new system eventually, I’d take a hard look at Canon, which I prefer. www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm thanks!!!
That’s was long time NIKON guy …
Great review from a veteran (and true) photographer. I hope one day you can do a comparison between this & Canon R3 specofically for wildlife photography.
Here are the basics of each brand. From there you can look at the specifics of the Z9 and R3 for your purpose and voila have your answer. Hint: I’d prefer the R3.
www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm only advantage of Z9 is 120 FPS. I’d rather the advantages of the R3 and I’ll be just fine at 30 FPS.
@@KenRockwellTV thanks for reviewing both and coming to the same conclusion
Best feature is the “shutter” covers the sensor when camera is off. Z6 is has a sensor that is collects dust when changing lenses.
Just bought mine. Amazing camera!
Thanks! Hope you love it!
I've been waiting for this review for a long long time since your unboxing! Thank you Ken!! :).........I know you have a D850 review on your website, but out of curiosity, will you be doing a video review of the D850 (even for fun)? Thank you!
Not of D850; just like with the Z9 the most detailed review is the written one at KenRockwell.com. Thanks!
Great Review Ken
Thanks Peter!!!!
Glad to see Nikon is back in the game.
Did they ever leave? Thanks!
Ken, are you going to review the ZF ? I had a long play with it at Grays of Westminster, and I loved it. I'm a D750 user. Another guy at the demo was saying that it focuses much better than his Z7ii.
Of course! Still waiting for my Zf; I'm shooting and reviewing my R6 II right now. Nikon's mirrorless AF performance I find to be well behind Canon and Sony. I haven't found any Nikon Z I like better than my Canon’s. Thanks!
Thanks for the review, im thinking about buying one. Cant you change the focus point with the arrows while looking on the view finder? that would be a big no for me
What arrows? There are four-way clickers on the back, but that's like the 1970s compared to the Canon EOS R3 www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/r3.htm which has an optical thumb mouse on the back that lets you just slide your finger and move the AF point exactly as you move a mouse cursor on a computer. Using the Z9 after the Canon is like stepping back to the Disco-era technology. Other brands like Sony let you use the rear LCD like a touch pad to move AF areas as you use the finder, but not the Z9. I sent my Z9 back because of this, and because it was offshored out of Japan - not pro grade. Thanks!
Hey Ken, you mentioned the playback button and the menu buttons are in the correct spot. its the same way on a 12 year old rebel t3 until the t7.
Thank goodness!!
Thanks for the review! Ultimately, which one do you reach most often for: Nikon Z9 or Canon R3?
R3 every time. Thanks! I'm returning this one; I'm not getting ripped-off with an offshored product whose country of origin wasn't disclosed before purchased.
@@KenRockwellTV 24 MP not a problem?
I've been following you for many years. When will you bring out a review such as this for the Canon R7?
As soon as I get mine! Thanks!
I've been looking forward to this review. The Z9 is the best new pro spec Nikon in many years, its like they have finally put in the sort of effort developing it as they put into their very best cameras of the past
Yes, a significant advance from the other sad first tries at Mirrorless. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Great review. As a long term Nikon user, its great to see them finally hit the nail on the head, & then some, in mirrorless👍
The button to focus with the screen is to the left of the screen. Simply tap it to enable touch to focus or focus and shoot.
Thanks, but that doesn’t help while using the finder.
The starlight mode is very useful - especially if you are shooting studio portraits in a dark studio at a 200th sec at f 5.6 - vital with composing and using autofocus.
I prefer the finder mode which mimics an optical finder by not applying the effects of exposure settings. Try it. Here’s how to do it on OM system www.kenrockwell.com/om/om-1-users-guide.htm#usefinder
I always loved your videos, you should make more! I'm also a Nikon fan, based on your reviews from 20 years ago. Given you have demonstrated that, for now Cannon is better, it's nice to see Nikon is making progress. I've been doing more video recently so I've been tempted to move to Cannon, or Even Sony, which has been excellent for video as I've heard, but high costs have stuck me with Nikon. So it's good to see they haven improved in the video area.
Always greener elsewhere… but… Watch Steve Perry approach… it is very interesting…
I use video cameras or my iPhone for video. Thanks! I did make more; here's the Z9 Tutorial I shot yesterday kzhead.info/sun/ocOPecp9mH2PgXA/bejne.html
I think with the d5100 you can move your focus points when you’re using the viewfinder.
Maybe, but sadly in only found the clickers worked on the Z9; no eye control focus or optical finger sensors like in R3
It would nice nice if you slowed down a bit. Does the Z9 have setting memories, like the three the Z7II has ? I find them very handy, so the settings stay in memory when turning on and off.
It has the Settings Banks, which I find almost useless compared to U1, U2 and U3 settings. My concern its that the two different menu settings banks together still don't recall everything that I need. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV can't f1 f2 f3 buttons recall settings
When you turn it off and on again, does it use your last settings ?
Attention all camera reviewers!! This is the way to present a camera. Far too many of you reviewers just film yourself talking instead of showing us the actual subject matter, waving the camera in your hand (many times in dim light) , only randomly inserting a still now and then. Thank you Mr. Rockwell for showing how it's done.
Thanks for noticing! Since I'm just one guy, not a KZheadr, I have no assistant to help me shoot; it's nearly impossible to frame myself with a remote camera without a dedicated camera operator or operatrix, and yes, it's about the camera, not me. Thanks!
Hi Ken. Are you planning on making a video review of the Z30?
Already done; the complete review is at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/z30.htm from back in July. Videos here are for entertainment, but if you want the real story always go directly to KenRockwell.com for the most complete and updated reviews. No plans for a Z30 review on YT. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks!
Yes - definitely need a bulk select option.
Thanks!
I agree that function buttons would be nice on the vertical grip, but disagree that the camera should use a sensor to detect orientation. Orientation sensors can be fooled, and it’s quite frustrating when it’s doing the wrong thing. A better solution would be to half-depress the shoot button, then the camera knows which grip you’re using and it uses that orientation until you half-depress the shoot button on the other grip.
Only issue with that is that half pressing the shutter button already engages an autofocus mode (or can). So it would need to be processing two streams at once (and some people still reach across the grip to depress the normal shutter button in horizontal even though they are shooting vertically). You can't win! LOL
Agreed; paying attion to which shutter is tapped is an orientation sensor. Thanks!
Hope to see Nikon become the prominent brand seen on the sidelines of stadiums once again with the Z9!
Not likely. 120 FPS is nice, but not that much more useful in actual use than 30FPS and Canon makes a better system and supports it better.
The solution for the AF hunting in low light is to use one of the AF-C modes. My hit rate on AF-C is almost 100%.
Thanks!
great review about the z9 curently have a d500 second hand hoping to get a z9/8 or even the z6iii when its out mainly for sports and indoor photgraphy the z8 is also a good body wish that nikon made it that you could use a en-el18 series batteri in th ez8/z6ii/z7ii grip like ion the d500 and d850
I’d recommend going straight to Canon for Mirrorless. I prefer it as a system (see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm) and it’s important to realize that what you own and think will work well adapted to Z doesn’t. Thus in a few years you’ll have re-bought everything for Mirrorless - and could have upgraded to Canon for free if you choose to go that way.
Great video, Love my Z9;)
Bingo! Thanks!
Great video
Thank you!!!
All is great. Why can’t the screen swing to the side and flip to the front too? This would also be handy if you need to do a stand-upper for on-location assignments. Nikon please add this to your already sophisticated contraption.
Nikon goofed. Not the first time, and won't be the last. Thanks!
For the shutter button on the side, I keep bumping stuff with my palm while trying to hold this one handed. But, I also like the ability to press the button from the side in some scenarios. So, I wouldn’t want it to auto-select based on the camera orientation.
Thanks!
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? If anyone has a suggestion, I'd appreciate it. I look forward to the Canon R7 review with Mr. Rockwell and congratulations on the excellent review of the Z9
D500 is still the best bird camera from Nikon. I prefer Canon and especially the 90D for birds. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/90d.htm
@@KenRockwellTV Thanks! 👏👏👏
Mauro, I own the D500 (and love it). That said, you can't go wrong with the Sony a1, Canon R3/5 for stills, or the Nikon Z9. Clearly, there is a step up in price. Short quick responses do not begin to address the plethora of issues for a detailed enough answer. I'll mention just a few which can not be accomplished with Ken's recommendations. 1. Precapture on the Z9. I go out shooting with Sony and Canon friends. One day, on the beach, we had a night heron walking along the brush. Problem was there were Tern nests near by (and maybe he knew that). The adult terns became very annoyed at his presence and repeatedly did a low, fast "dive fly by". Because it was repeated behavior I set the Z9 up quickly on the tripod and used animal eye detect to stay on the night heron as it moved. All I had to do is frame the shot and dial in shutter speed and aperture. With the focus button pressed, each time I saw the tern enter the frame I hit the "shutter" release at 120 fps (and my Canon R3 friend did as well). In 10 repeated sequences I was able to capture from beginning to end (with precapture) the entire fly-by. The R3, only tail feathers on all passes, all with the bird leaving the scene (stay tuned for why). When we reviewed the images of each fly by and were amazed - not only had the entire sequence been captured (with 1 second pre-capture), but that the Tern was dropping excrement on the Night Heron on each and every pass. The number of shots that showed that were at most 4 to 5 (with the birds in close proximity). I wish I could post the example here. Four out of 120 frames per second. That's 0.03 percent or 1 frame if shooting the R3 at 30 fps. That said, the entire sequence of fly by where the birds are in even close proximity were about 7 to 8 frames, and about 12 frames with the bird just entering the frame. That's 0.1 seconds. The average human reaction time for a visual stimulus is 0.25 seconds (250ms). Point is, there was no way my Canon or Sony friends could capture the event unless anticipating the event and then they would likely have only one shot to choose from. Clearly, this is a outlier of an example, but we repeated a similar, more common event. We focused on a bird eating berries on a branch. We both had animal eye detect enabled. I was in 3D tracking AF area mode. We both photographed 3 bird launches from a perch to see who could capture the best images. Again, the R3 got tail feathers each time. The Z9, with precapture (JPG - both at 30 fps - full sized MP and 120 11 JPG MP files) captured all three take offs with precapture enabled. EXPOSURE: My D850/D500 shots had many inconsistent exposures (user error) for rapidly changing wildlife scenes (and changing light even with autoISO). I would say nearly 95 percent of my photos on the Z9 are properly exposed even in tricky lighting (i.e. dark bird bright water, bright bird bright water, dark and bright bird with iridescent feathers). The Video AF is the best Nikon yet. There are many other examples of why this Nikon Z9 is the best hybrid camera/mirrorless, but I would say the Sony a1's AF is stickier. Canon's finds the birds eye slightly better - that said - my R3 friend and I were out shooting Least Bitterns in the Texas Morning and his R3 could not find the eye (nor could the Z9 - until I put it into DX mode - making the bird larger in the frame - and then it had much less trouble). To be sure, the Z9 (and other mirrorless cameras) with horizontal linear OSPDAF masked pixels types will have AF issues until the software improves (this is what Ken describes in this video - the hunting) - as detecting horizontal lines is one of the current design flaws. This will require, I image, a duel or quad pixel array. If you shoot sports, action, wildlife - this will be the best camera you've ever used. That said, there is a learning curve and it will work best eventually with NEWER, NAITIVE Z lenses. I've used mostly E mount glass (200-500, 600mm) and they are quicker to focus on the Z9 than D500, D850). The 200-500 actually feels like a new lens on the Z9 (much faster responsive AF). Hope this "long" but short response helps some with your thoughts. Try one out if you can.
@@dance2jam Thanks for sharing your experience, but full frame cameras are out of my budget. I refuse to pay $5500 for a Z9 that outperforms a $3000 mirrorless camera, whose autofocus speed is similar to APS-C DSLR cameras between $1200 and $1500. If I migrate to mirrorless, I will definitely go to the Canon system. In my country Nikon technical support is no longer available and if I choose the Nikon D500, I will have to send it abroad in case it needs repair. I still haven't decided which camera to buy, as I'm waiting for the tests with the R7, which has pre-capture, but there is no information about the autofocus speed and FPS in the real world. Thank you for your answer and it will certainly be useful in the analysis of which camera to choose
@@maurogalch2098 I just typed you a response (and it disappeared). I'll keep it short: DSLRs and DSLR lenses are going to be bargains and a great option. As the advantages of mirrorless evolve, it will be there in the future and you'll know when you want to jump (when you need or want the features). For me, silent shooting, blackout free EVF, silent shooting, weather sealing with rugged build, and higher megapixel camera with extended battery life were things I needed. Good video AF was something I wanted. Image quality goes without saying. Biggest downside of the Z9 is weight and low light performance (but that goes with any FF/High megapixel camera with small pixel pitch). Good luck with your choice. Happy Shooting.
You can get past that file naming issue by using Photo Mechanic and adding a date/time stamp to the front of all the file names. I use this a lot because I use two R5s at events and even though I can put a file name prefix different on each, I like to have them in the order they were taken regardless of the camera. This could work the same for you with this issue.
Thanks; hadn’t thought of that. I use photo mechanic all day.
Wonderful review of the Z9. If I had the need for a Z9, I'd be buying one, but as a cinematographer I'm pretty set with my Lumix ecosystem and the 14+ stops dynamic range. 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. Excellent point on megapixels - I find the 20.9 megapixels on my D7500 is plenty. 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. One of the biggest mistakes new photographers make when shopping around.
Exactly. See also www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm and www.kenrockwell.com/tech/pixel-dumping.htm
I wonder how much better than a D500 it would be for catching birds in flight. I'm amazed at the # of keepers I get with my D300S compared to my mirrorless cameras (Olympus and Sony).
Haven’t tried. I’d stick with d500 if it’s working well.
Hi Ken , in terms of video, what do you think is the best ? R3 / R5 / sony a1 / Z9 ???
I'd go R3, but for video, I use iPhone or a real video camera like one of these www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=Pro+Camcorder&N=0&BI=287&KBID=1037
Would you recommend 400 mm Z f/4.5 on a Z9, good companion? I own 70-200 Z and TC 2x… but almost one stop of light is it worth?
No. Not recommended. I suggest the 100-400 to replace both the 400/4.5 and 70-200: www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/z/100-400mm.htm with digital a stop either way makes very little difference.
I've never had a mirrorless full size camera. I currently have a D7100 which I don't use nearly often enough. I'd love to get back into photography and do it professionally, but never had the right connections to know how to make a living at it. Should I look for a mirrorless for my next camera?
I went from a Nikon 7200 to Nikon z 6ii and I love it, I also bought the Nikon z 50 because it is so lightweight, and I wanted something I would actually take our and use, instead of relying on my cell phone. Love them both. To me at least the z 9 is overkill for what I use it for.
NO. Mirrorless is just what's hot right now, and because of that the price is too high. If you want to do this for money, keep the excellent D7100 camera you already have and learn to hustle.
@@KenRockwellTV - I have gotten some really nice shots from the D7100, and to be honest I've never been turned on by mirrorless so I'll take your advice and work with it some more. Thanks for your reply.
I do love Nikon I want this in a Z8... Like they did with the D850 so I get to use it more often ( I come from Canon 1d series so had my fair share of carrying bricks) oh yes please Nikon just a simple flippy screen without the clever tilt. Please also sort out your production I want to see it not my grandchildren pick up the pre-order.
Thanks!
Is it smaller than the D500+grip, or D750+grip? Also, can you tell me if the D5 is smaller than the mentioned cameras?
Hi! Geesh; I don’t have them here but I do have all the actual weights and dimensions all up at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/index.htm
I am waiting for the Z6III to see if it has some of the tech of the Z9 first. Rumors are that the Z6III will have a 30-33 megapixel sensor. My 45 Z7II megapixe camera is more than I need. Thanks for the review!
I want to see the snipers who are using Z9's to spot their targets 😂 Great review Ken.
Sorry, but you'll never see a good sniper; that's the whole point. These are used not to spot, but to observe, document and report. Thanks!
Thanks Ken as usual great review there….In terms of AF tracking which is better z9 or R6?
R6 better! The Z9 is adequate, but gets lost and hunts more often than other cameras. The problem with the Z9 is getting it to lock-on in the first place; it's not as good as other cameras at that, but once it finds the subject, does well.
Love my Z9 also.
Thanks!!!
? There is no vertical 4x5 setting on the vertical? Nikon has always had that option on both horizontal and vertical.
Hi Micheal, The crop setting doesn’t care about orientation. In he case of my Z9, there simply is no 4:3 or 4:5 option. Weird. Thanks for asking!
Hi Ken, I'm getting new Z9 , HOW can I confirm it is brand new , in DSLR we previously used the shutter count . In Z9 what shall I do to just be sure it us brand new . Your quick response is highly appreciated
Easy: get yours ONLY from the approved favorite dealers I use (listed at www.kenrockwell.com/links.htm#stores) and you should be good. While the Z9 hasn’t had a shot counter, every image file is embedded with the shot count. It’s easy to read if you Google it; I use Photo Mechanic (www.kenrockwell.com/tech/photo-mechanic.htm) which has shot count among the many things it can show about a file. Thanks!
Thanks Ken! I did not need to see this, awesome review. I want one with the new 400m f4.5, what a combo for critters and birds. Unfortunately just a dream for now. I will soldier on with my D500, and the D750, and the 300mil f4D, and the 200-500. :) Cheers!
Thanks!!
I wonder why every time when you go to playback and try to look through the photos through the viewfinder, the evf will dim the brightness? Is there a way you to tell them camera don’t do that ?
Never seen that. Thanks for pointing it out.
The link that you mentioned to purchase?
I got mine here www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1629829-REG/nikon_z_9_mirrorless_digital.html/BI/287/KBID/1037 also in the description. Thanks!
The bottom line to me is how do the pictures look field tasted and studio work o can learn how to work it in time that shot at the beginning I can make that my old d70 in bright sun light also how does low light look
Looks the same as all other modern nikon digital Mirrorless and DSLRs, which is good because I can shoot them all and mix the results and use the same settings that I’ve taken so long to perfect for my look in the past. Same for Canon; each brand looks different from others, but all cameras in the same brand do share the same look. Thanks!
Ken, why don't camera manufacturers have a 1/500 sec sync speed and 1/16,000 sec shutter speed like even the old D1x did? Also, why did Nikon eliminate the built-in flash like my D800 has?
Easy: The D1 series used a CCD rather than today's CMOS sensors, and actually its sync speed included 1/16,000 if you used the PC terminal for sync! It all comes down to the way the data is collected and then read from the sensor. Built-in flashes went away when they had to put the bluetooth antennas up where the flash used to go.
Why they don't consult some experienced users like yourself in the design stage is certainly a big mistake by Nikon. You really need to get more involved in camera design consultancy work. I understand you can't please everyone, but everything you have mentioned here for improving useability, even if by drawing from other successful camera designs, all makes perfect sense, to me anyway. Technology is moving so fast that by the time I save up to buy one of these, implants allowing you to record images from your own retina will be available, the Nikon Ret1. Nice video Ken.🙏
I hear they let the engineers define the features rather than the marketing people, product management or other normal people who actually shoot all day for a living. I’m here if they want me. Thanks!
Would be new to these systems, Nikon Z9 or Sony A1?
I greatly prefer the z9, and prefer the EOS 3 to either. I’ve shot all these, but we all have different needs. I have to shoot every day and come back with lots of great images; no time to piddle with balky cameras.
@@KenRockwellTV R3?
I thought you spoke a bit fast then I realized I was playing it at 1.25. I left it there and understood everything that you said. Thank you for the great (as usual) review. Am glad that Nikon produced a winner in mirrorless. Maybe a Nikon official has a girlfriend in Thailand. Might be amusing to spy on them with a Z9.
Good points! I do speak fast: I don't have time to dilly-dally about this. Thanks!
22:45 is the important part. Mirrorless cameras and the crappy focus is THE reason for not switching. Even more tf you make a decent living on shooting weddings with flash.
I never used auto focus lenses. Always used manual focus. This is how photography is for decades.
This is why I prefer Canon, among any other things www.kenrockwell.com/tech/comparisons/nikon-vs-canon-vs-sony-full-frame.htm . Thanks!
Next to bent pins in the card slots, that rear panel display assembly is going to be the most common reason the Z9 will get sent in to Nikon for repair. It feels vulnerable in your hands like its going to jam up or snap. I rarely use it for shooting anyway - I use the viewfinder. I do use it for image review.
Good news is it works so poorly that I never have any reason to move it, so it won't break on mine!
@@KenRockwellTV It's easy to ignore. Just like the collapsing Z lenses that people bitch about. It's just an option if you need another inch of room in your bag - otherwise - just leave the zoom at the widest setting - or wherever you want. You aren't required by law to collapse it.
Wait. Hold on. I can't set the OK button to go to 100% zoom in playback? I can do that on all my other Nikons. Is this true?
Yes, I set mine the same way: I can set my Z9 OK button to zoom to 100%. The problem is it's not one-click from idle. It will zoom as programmed if you're playing, but you have to hit PLAY first to start playback. Ideally it would be programmable so that one click of OK both initiates PLAY and ZOOMS as it does on many DSLRs. Thanks!
@@KenRockwellTV Oh, ok, I understand now. Whew! You scared me there. Thanks for the reply. I've learned a lot from you over the past 20 years. Thanks for all you do.
Did I understand correctly that this camera does not offer selectable custom settings? If so, that is a major shortcoming in my opinion. I shoot with an Olympus E-M1x and it has 4 custom mode settings on the mode dial. For example, I have my 'bird in flight' settings saved to C1 on the Mode Dial. I can be shooting a static subject in Aperture Priority Mode, at a set ISO, Single Point AF, etc., and see a Great Egret about to take flight and simply turn the mode dial to C1 and bang, I've got Auto ISO, Shutter Speed Priority @ 1/2500 Sec, Continuous AF, etc.. IF the Z9 can't do this, I am surprised.
Correct, it is a major goof and one of many reasons why I prefer the EOS R3. The Z9's memories are in two different sets of banks, which are only available by getting into two different menus, and even when you eventually recall both; only 2/3 of the settings are actually recalled - making them not very useful. This has been a major shortcoming in Nikon since the D2 of 2003. Thanks!
Back in the film days, the “F” meant “Film” and later the “D” meant “Digital”. So what does the “Z” mean? Zen, Zeal or just Zero?
Nothing. Thanks!