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I'm a Nikon shooter that was on the verge of switching to either Sony or Canon when the Z9 development announcement came out. I held off. Then the specs started leaking and it looked really competitive, so I started saving my money, and by the time the camera was announced and available, I had more than enough to pay for it and throw down another kilobuck for CF express cards. I'm duly impressed with the camera. I was shooting a D500 for wildlife before, and having grown up shooting film, 10 fps with good autofocus was pretty magical. The Z9 experience is like being on a acid trip compared to that. If I can't get a good shot with this camera, I'd better take up bowling. Like you said, it won't make me a better photographer, but it sure makes things a lot easier. Now I just need to start saving again so I can score the 800 pf when that comes out. I love shooting ospreys, and I'm fortunate enough to live very close to a nesting platform, so I get to see them raising their young and fishing in the local waters, but I may have to make it down for one of your workshops because witnessing the feeding frenzies like you have down there looks like an awe inspiring experience. Thanks for all you do, Mark, and I look forward to seeing/hearing more from you about the Z9.
My pleasure. Thanks for watching!
"Like being on an acid trip" lol Love it!
I just switched to the A7IV from Canon R5 kit. I've been shooting Canon for over 20 years. It was a really tough pill to swallow but I couldn't be happier. I just finished photographing the Cincinnati Bengals Fan Rally and it just captures everything with ease. I've been shooting with it just over a month and this was my 5th assignment with it. I'm surprised how fast I adapted to the system. I suggest the Sony system.
@@f0t0b0y had an old EOS 600D and switched to A7sIII going fully in this time. I love it, but just out of curiosity. Why the switch from the R5 (which was the alternative for me)? Back to topic: I'm very glad that Nikon made it. Would be a huge loss, of the company would vanish. The Z9 looks tasty
@@ragnarokgzlr8522 I’m a hybrid shooter. I was experiencing overheating and not in HQ. I shoot long form interviews and it just wasn’t cutting it. Also, it freezes up on me all the time. I use the fastest memory cards and it would lock up during critical moments all the time when shooting burst mode. Sent both cameras to CPS and the said it was a card issue. Bullshit. I miss my 5D Mark IV. That camera is superior to the R5. Never overheated or seized up. Canon failed its users and the R5C is the recall version they should have replaced the R5 with.
Thank you Mark for your honest thoughts on this big question for so many folks. I am a Nikon amateur bird/ nature photographer and I have an order in for a Z9. I own the 500pf lens and I look forward to the day when I can try this combination out myself. Looking forward to your video and as always, thank you for your beautiful photography.
Mine arrived last week - an addition to my D850 - After just a few days I can surmise that the Z9 is a keeper. It's incredible.
I'm very fortunate that I got to be there during that feeding frenzy and feel the excitement for myself. I'm also happy to hear you think there is room for Nikon in the mirrorless discussion!
I like your diplomatic answer, saying no you’re not buying it. I’m a Sony user, never switch.. Thanks
Thank you for sharing this video. I appreciate your heartfelt take on an awkward question that most everybody else would run away from.
Got my Z9 last month. It works great with all my F mount glass (FTZII). Autofocus seems to be a lot better than my D850 was. To be fair, I haven’t tried anything fast moving yet. I’m having fun.
I applaud that you said " these expensive mirrorless camera will not make you a better photographer but will make something easier for you"
Hi Mark, I look forward to the full video! I think once Nikon release the 800mm PF Z series lens - that lens with the Z9 will hopefully be a wonderful combo for bird photographers - I currently mainly use the Canon R5 & 600 F4 II - but would be really tempted by the lighter Nikon combo as it can be a real pain (in every sense) to try and hike with the Canon big glass. The RF800mm and RF100-500 are just not quite good enough to make me give up the F4. You are a very lucky man to have so much wonderful wildlife right on your doorstep!
I am what the industry calls an advanced hobbyist. I think that means I have cash to spend on cameras that are better than my abilities. I look forward to your comments. I am not going to switch from Nikon because I have to much invested in the system and do not want to learn a new camera. I have fun when I go out. That is enough. The Z9 has allowed me to take pictures I could not get before. If I had the time and effort and cash to switch systems I might have captured those pictures with a Sony or Cannon. But I might have got just frustrated and quit the hobby too. I do believe we are in a magic time for good cameras and folks should just stay with the system that works for them. I look forward to your comments about the Z9 Mark. As always I learn a lot from your videos and really enjoy the story telling. Stay well and be Happy! John
100% agree with this. I would fit in that advanced hobbyist category also but I love gear so much I have bought and sold most of the high end bodies and have had my time with A9, A1, R5 and now Z9. We are spoiled for choice and unless you are like me and love testing/trying new gear it is now easy to just stay put and not look over the fence at the neighbors grass in envy.
Thank you for your honest opinion Mark!
I recently purchase the Sony A1 and even used your video on how to set the camera up. I like that other camera manufacturers are stepping up their game with mirrorless cameras as it benefits everyone. I don't think anyone can go wrong with the Sony, Nikon and Canon flagship cameras though I think Canon is still holding back on their true flagship camera. That's just my opinion on Canon, but a person still can't go wrong with Canon. Really enjoy videos and I plan in the future to do one of your workshops.
I think the only reason Canon is holding back is a combo of uncertainty, chip shortage and the coming of the Sony A1 M2. The Canon R1 will be its true flagship.
@@jlozano281 So you think there is no time required for engineering or ramping up production? They basically choose not to come out with the next camera?
@@daran0815 I believe they may have it in the finishing stages of development or they may already be testing it on the field using their own trusted employees. They will deploy the R1 it is just a matter of timing. Maybe at the end of this year, prior to the World Cup? We will have to wait and see...
@@jlozano281 LOL, what do you think, its like companies are going to do flagship camera every year. Guess what, why do these camera in general take 4 years with perhaps a mid life refresh, they are at the top of the processor food chain. They where the absolute best the engineers could do at the time. Doing lower level camera is easy from that point. Just remove a some ram here, decrease the clock there etc. The A1 is already overheating so be prepared for years before an A1 M2. While Sony could release 10 bodies below that easily.
Canon lost me forever when they stopped innovation with the 7dmkII. There we no excuses at that time.
I got my Z9 last week and have shot a few sporting events (did I mention that I'm a sports photographer?). I was using a D5 (and still am) but the Z9 brings some dimensions that help, but it's not without a bit of a learning curve. After shooting a couple of NCAA basketball games I've pretty will adapted to the feel and action of the camera. The 20 FPS comes in handy at times (although after shooting sports for many years I often shoot certain sports in single frame mode). Also, the focus tracking is really good! One thing I'm not crazy about are the Z9 timeouts. When a timeout executes the camera goes to sleep and it takes about 2 seconds to wake up - that 2 seconds is an eternity in sports. I have my Standby Timer set to 10 minutes (was 1 minute and that was a problem), and my Picture Review set for 10 seconds. The Picture review can be a problem if you let it timeout because the camera goes to sleep and the next time I pull the camera up to start shooting you have to wait 2 seconds - bummer. So I've started to condition myself not to let the Picture Review timeout. You can set these timeouts to NO LIMIT but then the camera eats the battery that much faster. Having groused about the timeouts, I have to say once you are used to their behavior it's not a big problem and other features like 20/30/120 FPS and the tracking focus (people, animals, cars) work really well. I was surprised at how well the focus tracking is and if you shoot motion, you'll quickly fall in love with it. Should you buy one? If you have a spare $5500 lying around - sure! If you shoot motion - definitely! Otherwise you can probably do without it.
Holly brag about yourself. Lol.. If i was shooting motion for a living the last thing i would do is buy a mirrorless. The rolling shutter effect is a no go. Even if it only happens once per event!
I agree with Mark.❤👍
Just a great to the point video. I loved the comment "they won't make you a better photographer", spoken for the truth. I'm a Sony shooter and while I can afford the A1, it feels gluttonous to me because for my photography I'm still getting great images from my A7R3. Good stuff Mark, thanks!
All I really want is a mirrorless just for exposire prevew in the view finder. Btw, great lighting in this video.
Thanks for the short 😜. Looking forward to your video featuring the Z9.
One of the best answer to this question!!
Excellent Review Mark. Thank You.
No reason to switch but I sure am looking forward to the OG osprey video! 🍻
Can't wait to come to one of your workshops
Can't wait for your review, thanks in advance
After having read reviews on the Z9 which have stated that the Z9 only has a electronic shutter which is barely audible, I will continue using my Nikon F2 film SLR which was launched way back in 1971; I love it for it’s very loud sound of the mechanical shutter curtains opening and closing, and the unmistakable clunking sound of the mirror, these sounds confirm when a exposure is made
If it helps, it most definitely has an audible shutter confirmation, and you can adjust the audio level or turn it off if you’re in situations where you need it to be silent.
Thanks for doing all the testing for us. One major issue with the Z9 is related to artificial light (which I don't think you care too much about since you're doing wildlife), but I often shoot under LED lighting and so I need a mechanical shutter or at least a way to address the banding issue (Canon and Sony have a hi-frequency-flicker mode), and ideally both. The Z9 is lacking both.
I assume that it dont need it since they removed the shutter? Must be some magic there? Anyones tested it?
Everything I’ve read said that banding with the Z9 is nonexistent.
Very curious to hear what the Nikon can't do. Seen the video from Tony and he made a love letter to Nikon about the things Nikon has done right. Very nice to see that. I guess all systems have their pros and cons.
I’m wanting a Z9 100% but am waiting a bit I believe. I also want a Sony a7iv to use along with my a7siii. The 12mp and 33mp are good for not smashing my hd space . I have a d850 and it can munch some space fast . I also have the d500 and d810 . The 500 is nice for saving space but the d850 files are so nice . I am really digging that images and video you put up with the Z9. The colors and detail was amazing. I am also liking the Sony also so the two formats are going to be working for me hand in hand . Love what your do and appreciate all your hard work. Thanks man
The 500 PF is a game changer for me. I shoot hand held. Most prime super teles are way too heavy and break my back! If Canon or Sony had a PF quality/weight lens, I would consider changing brands. What say you about the Z9 and the 500mm PF?
Thanks for the input
Looking to see the vid. Especially what one can do versus the other. Thanks.
That`s right!
cant wait for your comparisson video on the sony a1 and nikon Z9.
Question for the upcoming video. I had 2x Nikon D500s each with over 1.3M shutter clicks on them both started to develop issues so I moved to the Z9. Have you shot in the DX mode on the Z9 and if so your opinions of it for zoo/wildlife? or do you only use it in FF mode. I have been using the DX mode and fined it amazing myself. What I most love about rhe DX mode is what you see in the full frame is what it saves unlike a D850 where you have a box around the center of the frame and what is in that box is saved. So I can concentrate more on composition and behaviors of the animals vs making sure my image is in the center of the frame and won;t be cut off. Nikon really got the Z9 right in DX mode.
Very honest opinions and suggestions
Spoken like a true friend offering balanced, wide-ranging experience. I am not in the market for such a pricey beast. But i do hope the Z9 gives us a sense for what a future Z6iii might be able to do. And maybe will get a firmware perk in the meantime.
Thanks
The 400mm 2.8 with 1.4 TC, the 500mm pf, the upcoming 800mm pf, the 120-300mm 2.8, all paired with the awesome Z9 - Nikon is returning to being kings of wildlife photography.
Im glad if I can afford upcoming 200-600mm
@@saibhargavamanda1062 I would be happy to be able to afford the 24-120 F mount
Everyone should remember that Mark did not use native Z glass for the comparison. On my Z9 it makes quite a difference. I understand that right at the moment there is not a 500mm native lens to use but there is the 100-400 which is sharp as a tack and fast focusing. Not sure it would change his mind and I would never try to but maybe it could explain some speed differences. I am sure he would prefer the A1 due to weight if nothing else the Z9 is very heavy. Looking forward to more review info.
A good point. Please find my long comment I posted about 20 minutes ago. I’ll get the Z 400 2.8 TC VR S, can’t wait for it. All my test described there are still using adapted glass, 70-200 1:2.8E FL ED VR and 600 1:4E FL ED VR.
A good affordable long zoom like the Sony 200-600 for the Z system would be very welcome. I would not buy a Z9 but a Z7 with a lens like this would be good for those with a moderate budget.
@@neeravnaik the 200-600 is on the roadmap soon. Just don't know the price yet.
@@neeravnaik Oh yes indeed. Something like the AF-S 200-500, just extended to 600 like the Sony G 200-600 and PLEASE Nikon, fixed aperture over all zoom range like the AF-S 200-500 1:5.6 has. And lightweight like Sony’s FE 200-600 5.6-6.3 G
@Jerry Faircloth - native z-mount lenses have a lot of slow stepper motors in the lineup, it's not suitable for action shooting, nikon admitted that by finally promising to put voice coil motor(s) in their upcoming 400/2.8 z-mount lens.
I've been a novice photographer now for twenty years I went from film to D700 to a D850 I have invested a small fortune in good f mount glass. I've been eyeballing nikons moves and in order to hedge my bets I purchased a second new D850 and stashed it. I can't see moving to a Z9 as a hobbyist, a professional however would have good reason to make the jump. I dont see nikon selling very many I can guarantee it won't outsell the D850. Unless and until nikon puts a medium format camera in the hundred megapixel department within my financial reach they won't be seeing any more of my money. I have an amazing setup and I'm not shaking things up for just any camera.
When I have seen the development of the 800mm pf I decided to stay with Nikon I know they have been behind but they have the most appealing and interesting lenses from all of them
This is amazing camera i have already
Hi Mark, I am hobbyist photographer and retired. I can't justify the price for these flagship cameras. So I am waiting to see if Nikon (I am Nikon user) will introduce a mid-range camera with better AF. Hopefully they will trickle down some of the Z9 technologies into an more affordable camera. Looking forward to your next video.
When did BIF become the only photography genre! Have we all gone mad. I love FUJI ha ha!
Hi Mark! I have a very specific question. I feel like the sony 200-600 lens is the best purchase right now for my needs. Now I am looking for a body to go with it. I could go with a a6400 or a6600 but I am attracted to the full frame options. However I would prefer higher Megapixel body so I can shoot in cropped mode too. A7r2,r3,r4 are some of the options I am looking at. looking at some of your thought about this
If a 200-600mm is going to be your primary lens, the difference between the A6400/6600 and the A7RIV in cropped mode is less than two megapixels. The A6xxx is 24.2MP; the A7RIV in crop mode is 26MP. That said, the A7RIV is going to handle better with a big lens, and it is going to have better high ISO performance as well.
Looking forward to your full review. Very interested in how it stacks up against the A1
Wonderful work, Mark. I was wondering what post-processing program(s) do you use, most frequently? BTW, I was fortunate to have bought the Z9, a month ago. Cheers!
Unrelated but I like your lighting settings in this video !
Thanks
The best thing about Mark is his honesty....none of this you must buy this because. Also the love for what he does. I would say each camera has its plus and minus and each system is only going to get better.Among my friends we shoot nikon,canon and sony and all of us are a bit jealous of something each system has.The next gen of cameras will all be amazing thanks to Sony and now Canon which has got Nikon moving and i hope theres a place for all three.
Hi Mark. I have a quick question: does dust on a mirrorless camera’s sensor affect an image’s sharpness? I ask this because unlike DSLRs, mirrorless cameras focus with their primary sensors, not a sensor dedicated to autofocus. Thank you so much! Take care.
Sounds like I made a good choice with A1
I'd be interested in what you think are the head-to-head strength and weakness of the Sony Alpha 1 and the Nikon Z9. Have an A1 but also I'm able to test out an Z9. The Canon R3 for me is a few to few megapixels even thought the R5 was a very nice camera. Thanks for sharing your comments.
The thought process is spot on for decision making. It was agreeable to watch; you have my vote.
Thanks
Really appreciate what you do and waiting on your Z9 review - Mark I am about to purchase the 500 pf f5.6, what do you think, is it a good lens ?? I have an 80-400mm at present but cant find any comparisons.
Would you do another video using Z9 + 500pf +1.4 extender to evaluate the performance of the 1.4 extender please?
Mark, I'd be interested to know if you ever wanted to move out of the 3D autofocus mode into any other mode and if so, why?
So the conclusion I took from this video that the only reason to buy z9 is if you already have the lenses. But if you starting from scratch, then a1 can do what z9 do plus more
exactly, z9 is a huge step up for nikon dslr owners, but it's not nearly enough to switch platforms, unless for some bizarre reason you need the upcoming 8kp60 that nikon is supposed to be releasing.
Yeah this video pretty much told me to get the A9 instead.
@@mjohnsimon1337 Since then I got the Z9 I am quite pleased with it other than the weight. Which justified if compared with the A9 or A1 when combined with pf lenses. Also a heavier camera close to the body is less straining than heavy lens away from the body. I don't regret buying the Z9
Absolutely bang on IF you are a Nikon user. I was using a Z6 and loved it but I knew it’s limitations. I mainly used my D5 and D850 for all my images and wanted a mirrorless version of the best parts of both of those cameras and almost switched to Canon but luckily the Z9 was announced and I placed an order on the day of release which meant I could keep all my expensive fast aperture telephotos. So far I’m loving the Z9 and cannot wait give it some serious use.
Hello Mark, can you use the joystick button as an auto focus selector as used to do with the D500? I use my AF button for group / dynamic and the joystick for single point. I lost that with the Z6.
Hi Mark, I haven't made the jump to mirrorless yet, I currently use Nikon D850/D500 with my 500mm F4 being my best lens and heaviest!!! I would like to know your thoughts on using the FTZ adaptor with the 500mm PF lens, especially your thoughts on AF speed as due to costing I could be tempted to keep most of my Nikon glass rather than switch to Sony. I would like to reduce the overall weight of my Nikon kit, hence the 500mm PF question. I was really impressed when I held a Sony A1 and Sony 600mm F4 lens by the weight (not cost) compared to my current Nikon D850/500mm F4.
I know you said the r5 autofocus would get confused when photographing birds on the water line. How has the z9 done in that regard? I’m on the fence between the a1 and the z9.
I will look forward to the next video on where the Z9 falls short when compared to the A1. I am still trying to decide where to go next from the R5 as I am not happy with the Canon lens situation. But, I do have a question in the meantime, was the Z9's AF slow or good enough since the 500mm PF is not native on the Z mount?
I think that being "not native" isn't the issue, but rather not having fast linear motors.
And if you guys already have R6 no need to buy Z9 too. Just want it to throw it out there lol. Good video Mark. I think you’re right about not missing anything if shooting already with r5 and A1 I hope you’re not looking down on the R6.
Nope not at all
Please discuss on a future vid the differences in image quality & AF you noticing when you use zoom lens on the various mirrorless bodies. Thank you.
hi mark I really appreciate your videos . I been recently in costa rica . finding myself , first time in my life confronted with bird photography . As much as I enjoyed the birds photographing , as much on the other hand I found all things to slow , on my d800 . frame-rate to slow . autofocus to slow . do you think a z9 would radically improve ? thanks in advance .franz.
i'll wait...maybe a Z8 might come along.
How much additional money does it take to get the Z9 up and running? Does it require special memory cards or and special memory card readers? In relation to how something like the D500 has it's own card which requires it's own special 100 dollar card reader. How is the battery life compared to the A1? Does the Z9 require any special programs or downloads to work with the images and or videos? On the not so serious side, I have had other photographers ask me to take photographs of them (in YS) holding their big glass while they pose? Would a photographer look cooler holding the Z9 or the A1?
You'd shoot Nikon Z to take advantage of Z lenses. 📷😃👍
Really enjoyed this video! 😄
By Nikon after 30 years and every body made. Switched to Sony 4 years ago, love my a1
Really hoping to replace the Z7ii with this for some nice BiF hand held video slow motion, photo and aviation/racing video. Goodness.
The z9 will do it!
I'm still using Nikon D3s haha I should upgrade
I got the D3s when it first came out
I'm in the market for this camera, but I'm waiting until I have a good business reason for purchasing it.
What do you think about Nikon z9 auto-focus capabilities compare to Sony A1 ? Thanks for your videos!
Mark, please test the Z9 also with your older 500 F4 G Lens. This would be quite interesting.
Thanks for the info on the Z9. Looking forward to the details. Hope you include your thoughts on the 500pf as well.
Mark the question I have here is if someone is a Nikon shooter with the digital SLR do they have to switch lenses when they're going to go mirrorless .
Hey Mark......can one use their old nikon lens's with the new Z9?
Hey Mark! How would the Z9 compare to, say, the A9?
Thanks Mark. Looking forward to the next video with more of your detailed thoughts. I shoot birds in flight with the Nikon D500 and 200-500 lens. It’s been good for me for a couple years now. The Z9 looks like a big step up with eye focus and tracking. And a bit faster frame rate than the D500. Question: If I go for the Z9, what do you think about getting all new Z-mount lenses, vs continuing with my current F-mount lenses and using the adapter II? Maybe the 500pf in the Z-mount? Or another Z-mount zoom?
Mark, my recommendation for that what you are doing and the glass you own: keep the a1. - Why? Well: The Z9 is an awesome camera and if it comes to filming, the ProRes which can be recorded directly to the CFexpress cards in body is a dream, no external recorder needed. But the subject detection, specially bird eye AF is by far better on the a1. I did extensive tests myself. Where the a1 sticks immediately to the eye even on small birds sitting in bushes, partially covered by branches, the Z9 does not find the bird. Same problem on water surface, sun (in my back) reflections in the ripples of the waves are completely distracting the subject detection. The 4D technology, part of Sony’s AF technology, also does a better job if subjects moving towards you, e.g. fast running dogs. Me, laying down on the ground for getting eye level images, the dog running straight towards its master (standing behind me), a1 delivers 100% picks, eyes tack sharp with the version 1 of the 70-200 2.8 GM. The Z9 in same situation only 50%, even if the EVF shows that little square sticking exactly to the eye, lens: AF-S 70-200 2.8E FL ED VR on FTZ-2. Both cameras shot 20 fps lossless compressed. You, filming water diving Ospreys, keeping the a1 is kinda mandatory. A1 also offers pixel shift multishot, the Z9 not. Concerning focus stacking, it’s the opposite. - Why I sold all Sony gear and go with the Z9? I’m not specialised like you and do also a lot of other stuff such as photo journalism, often on camera flash bouncing off walls is used and for that shot on ISO 1600 to 6400. Flash at those ISO values using a Sony ends up in the ugliest pictures ever, because of shadows are getting a brown-red tint, emphasising each skin imperfection, making the people looking 20 years older. No such problems using Nikon.
Agreed
Seems like you would want a mech shuttter?
@@hut640 Ah yes, good point, I forgot: couldn’t make the a1 work with the cheap Elinchrome triggers you find in every “rent-a-studio” if the a1 is set to electronic shutter only. The mechanical shutter is needed and for that you lose the ability to flash at 1/400 without need of HSS. - No such problems if a HVL-F60RM is connected. - Didn’t test this Elinchrome yet on the Z9.
@@MarkSmithphotography 😄 me 3000 characters or so, Mark’s reply: “Agreed”. That’s what I call efficiency. 😄
@@rolandrick lol
I feel like as time goes on consumers are putting less and less weight into brand ambassadors. Some of them may be excellent photographers but channels like yours that don't have any affiliation and the fact that you're, well, just a straight up guy who would feel terrible misleading someone adds up to a real win for consumers.
Thanks for the kind words
Mark, do you think the Z9 is worth considering for those that are primarily interested in video? Is it that much better than the A1?
Z9 has quite a few advantages over A1 for video.
What are they? I’d like to know.
I think it depends on the glass and what your subjects are. The a1 with the 200 600 for wildlife video is hard to beat!
@@MarkSmithphotography The Z9 does oversampled 4k HQ up to 30p (the A1 bins all 4k frame rates modes and isn't as detailed). The Z9 can do 4k120p in DX mode with a 2.3x crop(!) providing extreme reach. The Z9 records prores/prores raw (future) internal and has animal AF in video. Z9 has better colours out of the camera.
@@MarkSmithphotography Absolutely Mark! But based on all the Z lenses so far, I expect Nikon's version of the 200-600 will be right up there with Sony's. We'll know soon enough.
Thanks Mark! Another opinion for using all 3 top mirrorless cameras, flagging that all are great and there’s little to choose between them. Fanboys please note that good competition makes better cameras for all of us...(stop criticising other brands!)
Sony sponsors you. The Z9 can do a lot of things the Sony a1 and canons can’t do.
Gee in South Africa we are lucky if we see one Osprey once every 15 years but we have other superb Raptors
I havent changed from Nikon since I moved to Nikon from Minolta in 1972
Yes as fast as posble
From Nikon to Sony and back to Nikon again? Boy it's hard to keep up!
No. Adding more to my kit is all.
@@MarkSmithphotography Just having some fun! You inspire all of us! Keep up the good work and shoot with whatever you have.
I’m looking at a d850 in excellent condition for 1500 bucks. Talk me out of it, lol….( have the Holy trinity of Nikon lenses)
Great stuff as always, Mark. Question: Is it possible, as some have suggested, that the autofocus keeper rate (for most situations) is similar with the Z9 and Sony A1, despite the AF box e.g. spending more time on the eye for the Sony? That is, even though the A1 autofocus "appears" better due to box stickiness, the actual autofocus performs similarly?
From everything I've seen so far, the A1 is slightly better. But you also have to remember that you have the option of 30fps on the A1. So even if it had a lower hit rate percentage wise it could still be capturing more sharp frames in total.
Pls see my huge comment I posted a few minutes ago
@@TechnoBabble this is a valid comparison advantage of the A1 over Z9, on the other hand the Z9 hardware AF capability is not yet fully utilized with its current FW. The Z9 AF will just get better with FW updates overtime
@@VIDEOVISTAVIEW2020 Of course firmware can improve things. No idea why that should only be applicable to the Z9, though.
@@daran0815 because since the Z9 is the newer system it has the bigger room for improvement.
The Z9 will only get better, I think it just lacks lenses with motors capable of the fps needed for super accurate focus, yes you can use fmount lenses but will not have the same performance as say the new 400 2.8 Z.
This is indeed one area where Nikon is lacking. There are currently 0 Nikon lenses with fast motors. One will come and it will cost $14k. Sony has a bunch (28+) lenses with those fast motors.
Just got the Z9 and am very happy so far. My question is which of the D850 and D500 should I keep and which to sell?
Are you going to test new om-1 camera?
No
If you can afford it, yes.
but du to the shortage... no one could
Staying with tha Alpha One. I love, absolutely love the ergonomics of Nikon cameras and this was a concern when I got my a7r IV & A9 II. I sold those 2 bodies since the menu’s were different than the A1 but once I received the A1 I’ve never looked back. I love the fact that you can keep the Alpha one smaller and add the grip if needed. To me the A1 will exceed all of my photography needs for quite some time. Their lenses are awesome as well. I love all their fast primes like the 24, 35, 50, plus I got the version II OF THE 70-200 mm, 100-400mm and 200-600 and the 1.4 teleconverter. On my wish list is a 24-70mm version II and maybe a 85mm f1.2 prime like my 50mm f1.2. Staying with my Sony gear for life at age 64.
If you've got a big disposable income why not, just wait for native glass, so maybe two years waiting.
Mark, just curious. If you hadn't switched to Sony, had tested some of their gear but we're still shooting your D850, do you think the Z9 would keep you shooting Nikon?
Good question, after watching several toobers who use Nikon with very nice long glass it appears 100% they stayed with Nikon with the Z9 & even some that used other platforms (sony) moved back to Nikon with Z9. Mark answers the question in his video with his thinking process, I would surely see Mark stay with Nikon if Z9 came out a few years ago and confidently predicted back to Nikon users except JP; he sold off all good Nikon glass before the Z9 came out. I am not authorized to respond for Mark in his place so, sorry for jumping in here just to put a wall of text.
@@j.kimmer1509 Thanks for the thoughts. We're lucky to be living in such an amazing revolution in camera autofocus technology. I shot Nikon on and off (mostly on) for my 40+ years in press photography and am glad to see Nikon come roaring back with the Z9. We all benefit from competition among camera companies. I was very impressed with Mark's report from his last eagle clinic that he no longer has to edit for sharpness but just for composition thanks to the accuracy of his Sony A1. Wow!
So is there anything that the z9 would be better at than the A1 like what DPreview has presented? Also, I have noticed that your A1 shots do not have the punch in terms of color than the your Nikon and Canon shots?
I don’t know what those things are? I have yet to see anything the z9 does better.
@@MarkSmithphotography Not video?
@@MarkSmithphotography that's a bias opinion if I ever heard one Mark.
@@MarkSmithphotography how about ISO 64, GPS, 2 CF Express B Cards, Price with grip to mention a few
@@MarkSmithphotography yikes. There’s definitely some things lol but probably not areas of importance for you
Mark, Was a D500 user... sat on the fence for the last month thinking I would put in a pre-order for the Z9. Decided to jump to Sony A1. Pulled the trigger with B&H Sunday Night... They shipped it the next day. Thanks for your observations about the A1.
Congratulations and enjoy!
I really can't stand the indefinite waiting for the Z9. I bought the tax-free Sony A1 through BH on December 28. After a month of frequent use, I am completely satisfied with the A1. It has opened a new photography mode and gained a lot of previous A dream picture! Thanks Sony! I can't afford the cost of a dual system, so I've given up on my original Z9 order. Thanks Mark for all the videos, I'll be following along!
To add, I use the A1 mainly to shoot non-static birds such as swifts, ospreys, white-tailed harriers, tits, etc. in high-speed motion. I used the sonyA7R4 before, which cannot cope with this kind of shooting in most cases. The lens I'm currently using is a Sony 200-600, and I'm looking forward to having a 400F2.8 or 600F4 as soon as possible. Currently it's always out of stock on BH.
Almost 10k in my country. Not gonna happen,
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