Nikon Z9 - Can it Make You a Better Photographer? A Different Kind of Review
The Nikon Z9 is our new action and wildlife camera, but is it the body for you? Find the gear we used and a couple Z9 videos by other creators linked below!
Nikon Z9: imaging.nikon.com/lineup/mirr...
FTZ II Adapter: amzn.to/36heYxC
Viltrox 50mm f/1.8: viltroxstore.com/products/vil...
Nikon 70-200mm f/1.8 VR S: amzn.to/3t5V9Sw
Nikon 14-30mm f/4 S: amzn.to/3CDrtja
Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 (F mount): amzn.to/367p7g6
A few videos about the Nikon Z9 below. Both of these guys have more than one video on the camera. Check them out!
Matt Granger's well-rounded discussion: • Video
Mark Smith's AMAZING bird photography: • Nikon Z9 Autofocus Tes...
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Hi! I’m SnapChick. My channel is about photography as an art form and as a lifestyle, with a healthy dose of technology thrown in! I post new videos every week so subscribe here on KZhead, follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+, and join in on the conversation!
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This camera reminds me of my D850. It hasn't made me a better photographer, it has challenged me to *become* a better photographer.
@@dicekolev5360 with all respect I suggest all of use get back to the daguerreotype 😉
@@dicekolev5360 imagine being upset that technology has advanced lol
Loved this video, I like to see you guys in the field more often. I have been a Nikon shooter for 35 years and when I can afford it I hope to get a Z9. I an retired from weddings and such and only do nature unless the grandkids want some photos. I have a Z711 and in the meantime hope to get the most out of it. Nikon files are the best. Nikon cameras are heavy but I think they are built the best!!
Great video, very informative, I really like the new format! Putting the emphasis on the actual photography produced by the camera makes for more interesting content. Although your videos never really felt like a quest to push new gear and I’ve always appreciated that! I’ve always been a Nikon person, currently use a Z5, Z50, and D500 for digital and F-100. FM2N for film . I’ve never felt it was either or when it came to formats. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙏🏼📸😊
another wonderful and informative video, it is so nice to see the both of you. Keep your videos coming...love them all!
I like your new format. You have moved from "what" to answer the question, "why". Good job.
This has truly been a purposeful change for us and we are both glad that you like it!
Well said.
I have the D850 and D500 now which are excellent cams. Have the Z9 on order as well. We do mostly wildlife and birds shots. The auto focus of the Z9 looks like a game changer for us. Good vid guys as you gave a good overview. Thanks
I have the D500, D850 and recently the Z9 for shooting birds. The Z9 delivers and it is awesome, that said the D500 is my go-to camera, the D850 will be sold. The DX of the D500 with the Tamron 100-400 is the best! Light, easy to maneuver, battery goes for ever, 10 FPS, amazing for tracking birds.
Exactly what I’ve been waiting for from Nikon to get into mirrorless. I wanted the capabilities of my D5 with the sensor size of my D850 and a body form factor of the D5. And the eye tracking looks outstanding.
What a refreshing and honest approach to review a camera. I particularly like that you state numerous times that this camera won’t of itself make you a better photographer. Well done.
Totally agree "skills first", it's all about the skills, visions and understanding the limits of the gear.
Enjoyed your video! Answering your question from the end: Yes, this is the mirrorless camera that finally meets my needs as a wildlife photographer, and am moving to it (whenever I'm off the wait list!) from the D850. Multiple factors make this the one that brings me over: - the autofocus is primary - I'm deep into the Nikon system, and have no intention of replacing all of my glass, so I've waited for a Nikon camera with good autofocus - the EVF showing the actual exposure - the silent shutter - yes, the D850 has a silent shutter mode, but LiveView is atrocious for autofocus! - the third function button. I utilize both function buttons on the D850 for various focus modes, as well as pushing the joystick, and having another true function is going to be invaluable! (I hand hold a long lens, so buttons on the left side of the camera are useless to me) - the video features. Certainly the earlier Z cameras had capable video, but the autofocus was still lacking; as a just-for-fun videographer, I don't use manual focus as true videographers do, so I rely on the camera being able to track, not over, then under, focus, as Nikon's tradition has been. Looking forward to being able to try it out! o
I really like the opening music montages. I am certain that the music selection and images reduced my blood pressure and put me into a open, contemplative mind for the remainder of the video. Bravo!
I love that finally someone tests the Z9 with the 200-500! As i also have this lens, unless they release the 200-600z it's still a very good lens. It's also tempting to get the 800 6.3PF alongside it
The Z9 is the right size for me. I always had a grip on my D800, D500 and now my Z6ii. Otherwise grip is too small for my 68 yo hands. I want a Z9. I need a Z9. I just can't afford one. The Z9 was made for me .... a richer me. Cheers.
I like this way better than someone screaming at the screen telling me 'the button is in the wrong place' or that 'even though it's a great camera you should buy (insert fanboy favorite brand)'
I have D500, D850, Z6ii, Z7ii and now pair of Z9. Yesterday was the first time I did event with the Z9 and I can tell you it's magic, plain simple. It's so fast and so accurate, made my job so simple.
Your right on with this presentation! It’s about time someone gave us the why instead of the specs. And I agree it is a large camera however not as large as a D6 ( or close to the same size) the way you presented the abilities of this powerhouse in the photos you made gives us what is needed when considering such a purchase Thank you it was spot on!!
I’m always so excited when Leigh The SnapChic drops a new video! The introduction was beautiful and relaxing. The whole video went by so fast! I really enjoyed the interaction between Leigh and Raymond, I would love to watch more of these style videos. Although I’ve never actually used a Nikon camera, I enjoyed learning about them. Great content. Thank you.
Definitely will be more like this. Thanks for your feedback!
Nice video/review, thank you both.
as an A1 user this was interesting to watch. we have so many amazing cameras now all with their own strengths but the weaknesses have got smaller and smaller over the last 5 years or so
First, on the body size, it was necessary to dissipate the heat from 8K video and 4K120. It was also necessary to get a big enough battery to provide the performance professionals need. Nikon flagship owners will be perfectly at home with this. To the point about how often you will take it out. I'm a long time flagship/gripped DSLR user. I didn't think I would want the smaller body... until I actually used it. I always felt that I would only take my D750+grip or D500+grip out for "planned" shoots. I wouldn't just take it with me just in case. With the Z 6II, I love taking it with me even if I don't know if I will use it or not. The Z 9 will certainly put me back into the "planned" shoot mode. Finally I love the Z 9. My all time favorite Nikon's include the F5, the D2h, the D500, the D1h, and my FM. The Z 6II jumped into that top-5 above the D500 and now the Z 9, after three weeks of use has jumped the D2h. It is unapologetically a Nikon. Everything that I've loved about Nikon and kept me as a Nikon shooter for 42 years is still there. I've had chances to change systems. But none match up to how a good Nikon feels in my hands.
went from the Nikon d500 to the z9, I mostly do action photography (BIF, etc.) - the biggest difference for me is the number of keepers you get, which is very helpful when trying to find the perfect 'pose' from a series of shots during fast action. thanks for your informative video
Do you notice the greater dynamic range and color depth? Also D500 is has a lot of noise.
@@KZheadr-ku4nk d500 a lot of noise ? to the contrary, it does not in my experience. Depends on shooting conditions I think.
@@jc.baptiste And the photographer!
@@kyslim111 haha I did not want to be harsh but you said it ! 😂 The D500 is known for its excellent performance with ISO, which I can confirm. Sure it’s aging compared to newer cameras but it remains excellent.
Love how you guys produced this. I like the back and forth between you too. Works really well and I feel like it’s more informative.
Worked out better than I thought it would. Thanks!
Excellent video, really enjoyed watching it, thanks for posting
Thank you for the excellent video. It was refreshing to not focus on specs and to make the point that it’s the “archer not the bow” but a better bow can help a good archer. Really liked the new format.
I held one at a camera store twice, put it down and had to pick it back up :), ya i think it will be finding it's way into my bag. The ergonomics alone are incredible, the af, the rear screen, etc. So z8 and z9 are making it into my bag.....I can't get over how light it feels, and balances perfectly with the 50 1.2 and 70-200 2.8.
Love to see you both 🤩
Glad found your video. Got my z9 yesterday. I took a still image but when hit play or preview, I got a black screen, no image. I imported to computer, also shown a black screen instead of the image I shot. Any suggestion?
Nice review, I enjoyed the problem solving approach to some of your test segments.
I have been exclusively using my Z9 combined with the 500 PF and Z 100-400mm for all my fast action wildlife photography with which I have been very satisfied. It was purchased with this purpose in mind as the Z7 ll was very inadequate. I switch to my Z7 ll for landscapes and most other photo demands where or when the Z9's considerable weight will be a significant disadvantage without offering a meaningful upside. I too would love to see all the Z9 technology in a D500 or D800 sized body. Meantime, I will remain all smiles. I did notice that I have been employing a monopod a bit more since the arrival of the Z9 and had to purchase a deeper backpack to hold the combined camera and lens.
The third....lol. Love your videos. I really like how how you show Raymond's face now and again. As always, keep up the good work and keep'em flying....Yours truly, from the Red Planet...lol.
Thanks you two! Very informative and educational. (You could make the first minute and a half of this video into a "relaxation" type video 👍)
Just a few comments: I really like your channel. I’ve been in the Z-system since 2018, and a Z9 owner since the 23rd of December. I absolutely love this camera, and have already ordered a second body. I really appreciate the detail this camera is able to capture. Although it has the same resolution as my Z7 II, the photos have a different “look”, and the EyeAF is just amazing.
so curious about the different look between z9 and z7 , can you tell?
@@bh105401 When I say “look”, I’m referring to how the images appear straight out if the camera with very little manipulation in Lightroom even though I’m shooting Raw images. Maybe I’m paying more attention to my histogram, I’m not sure, but the images look much more balanced.
@@bh105401 We didn't notice any difference between the Z9 and Z7 images.
Excellent video! The point about the size and bag is very insightful as there are other things to consider for someone transitioning to this camera: possibly new memory cards, adapters, battery, fast computer to process, hard drive space, etc. I’m debating a move from the z5 and while the camera will no doubt be better, those other factors have to be considered. Keep up the great work!
Just remember that those files are significantly smaller! Less pressure on the computer, less storage, etc… just waiting for the softwares updates (dx0)
Coming from a Nikon F2 over twenty years ago, collecting a lot of Ai and Ai-S lenses and also two AF D lenses which I still use occasionally on my digital F5s, I went from the D3 over to the D4 and finally got into mirrorless with the Leica SL (Typ 601) as my dream camera for manual focusing all of my lenses from Nikon F mount over Leica M mount to Pentax K mount and maybe a lot of other lenses to come in the future. I am not into quick AF so the Leica is the perfect choice for me with its huge EVF.
Thanks for this video, great as always. Leigh, looking amazing as always, Raymond, I love how you're turning into a hipster-guru 👌 keep up the good work.
Thank you for your great inside info of Z9.
The format of this review is really nice by the way.
As soon as I get the money for my arm and leg, or sell more houses, I will purchase this camera. I love what I am seeing. Thank you for the review!
Great to see the BOTH of you sharing thoughts in this video. Please use this format more often. I've learned so much from you guys over about the last 4 years. THIS video was engaging AND relaxing at the same time! Love & miss the beautiful Arizona landscape. You see; although I am a native Alabama boy, I lived in Phoenix about 4 months. We lived there while dad trained at GE on computers (in 1963!). Weekends were spent from the Grand Canyon to Nogales, and all points in between! As a 6th grader, I broke into photography with my neat little 126 camera, wanting to be just like dad and his 35mm. Of course, I became hooked for life! BTW,....near Sedona, is "Coffee Pot Rock" still photographical without housing being in the picture?
Well, thank you for sharing! Very nice video and photos. Of course, this video is very useful to me. And I wanna be a wildlife photographer. I am very glad. Thank you!!!
Thanks for watchiing!
The Z9 is the pro body for Nikon shooters. It needs to be substantial. The assignment shooter needs dependability and reliability above all else. That calls for a rugged camera. As someone who has been clobbered on the sidelines of football games more than once (and even got an ambulance ride from one), I can tell you that this is who the Z9 is built for. I don't find it terribly heavy or bulky - and often the lens I have attached to is is where all the weight an bulk are anyway. But it also serves me very well for product photography, and even brings some nice new features to the table there. It's not perfect, but it's the closest thing to it that we have so far, IMO. Great video - very thoughtful topics and narrative and excellent examples.
Love you two working together. Great combination.
Great review guys. I have a Z9 on order. When I will see it, only the "supply chain" knows. I love the Z6II and Z7II. My only gripe with those cameras is the focus tracking which is why I would like the Z9. I know it's big and heavy, which I'm wondering if I want that big a camera. 📸 Your review and comments are very helpful and you've made lots of excellent points. Do I really need the Z9? It's a tough question as I sit here typing on 3/22/22, not sure. Thanks for your helpful and hard work. 👍📸😎⭐
Yes. 26 years of DSLR usage... now mirrorless with the Z9. DSLRs are now my back ups for a while. Maybe I will buy another Z9 or wait for the Z8 or Z7iii. I like having 2 bodies of the same model for backup or simply just need for not having to change lenses as often. My go to combo use to be D3 and D700, eventually changed to D4/5 and D750 or D850. Z9 knocks all those out, and so not sure what I will do next but enjoying the Z9 more than any camera I have used in 26 years as a full time pro. :)
I haven't switched from DSLR yet. The D5 D500 scenario you mentioned is what I've been waiting on to make the move.
Great video! As a looooooong term viewer, I think you've recaptured a lot of the vibe of the early videos, where art and technique were the focus, and gear was not so centre screen. Don't get me wrong, I am an absolute gear-head (a Zuikoholic, in fact), but there's plenty of channels reading out a list of specs on 'this bad boy' (why is it always a bad boy? 🤷♂️), and not enough talking about how you use the tech to achieve (or not achieve, if, like Raymond, you're the anti-Snow White, and the forest creatures keep their distance 😄) the end. Keep going in this new direction. It may mean more work to create a video each time, but it sure is worth it!
Great review! I am glad the Z9 exists. It is good for the Nikon brand. As you pointed out, it won’t make neophytes like me anymore capable of getting exceptional images. In the right hands though, the sky s the limit. Beginners like me, will settle for the fact image quality, build quality, and ergonomics are clearly priorities with Nikon across their product line.
First things first: I shoot mostly sports/wildlife/action (side line of portrait, landscape, astrophotography) and the Z9 (and the new FTZii adapter) were the things to make me finally move over to Nikon Mirrorless. I've had my list of requirements for 3 years and the Z9 met almost every one. Now that I've had it in hand for 6 weeks it has exceeded most of my expectations. I handled a preproduction model and first words out of my mouth were "it's heavy". Truth be told, it's 100 grams lighter than the D850 with grip and D5 battery until you add the FTZii adaptor and then it is the same weight. I have not seen anyone comment on why it is as heavy as it is, but I assume it was to provide cooling of the chips that will soon do 8K 60p 4.2.2. pro res raw internal. It is more compact that the D850 + VGrip and more comfortable in the hand than that combination for me. The list of things that swung me is too long to share, but silent shooting (golf, tennis, wildlife, dance events etc), fast frame rates (120fps/11mpx), reduced raw file sizes, highly programable features and buttons, black out free shooting with very usable and bright EVF, and of course usable animal, people eye autodetect that works and vehicle detect has been exceptionally good (but I do find it has quirks and does jump off the subject at times) - even to the water Leigh when the reflected eye is not as clear as the bird's eye. The focusing speed with my f-mount glass including the 200-500mm f/5.6 (that you were using) and the 600mm f/4 fl ed vr. is approximately 0.5 seconds faster on the Z9 even with adapter that it was on the DSLRs. In addition, the 600mm f/4 can now be used with the f-mount TC 1.4 with excellent results. I'll end this comment with two points. First, Sony and Canon users have known for a while the benefits of sticky eye auto-detect. While I do not think Nikon's version is as sticky, it is very close and will likely improve as firmware updates become available. Hands down, this is an exceptional camera for what I shoot and the best I've used. Second: I know you were trying to stay away from technical talk, but I found this video came up just a bit short on helping anyone watching it decide on if this was the camera for them. I see you guys selling this camera in a few years for a smaller, lighter similar featured version. Perhaps I'm wrong. Just an aside: You guys even speak with similar phrasing, intonation and structured structure. LOL It was meant to be! Happy Shooting!
I love getting out to Gilbert before sunrise and shooting at the ponds!
I traded in a majority of my DSLR camera gear, including my D850, to be able to purchase the Z9. I did keep my 500mm PF lens since I love wildlife photography. I was able to take a few hundred images with the Z9, before I was bedridden with a bulging disc in my lower back. The camera was amazing at tracking the subject with AF. I am glad I made the change to mirrorless. I just wish I could get out and about to try out more of the features of my new camera. I did purchase a new 24-120 Z lens for landscape photography. However, it has barely been touched due to my physical limitations.
Get better soon!
I just started to research on Z9 couple of days ago and your review just popped up. It is very insightful, Thanks. If there is a debate between Pro DSLR (D5/D6) vs mirrorless (Z9) to produce the most stunning picture or "award winning picture" for a skilled photographer. Which one do you suggest .?
Neither camera is going to make the difference. I suggest using the one that you feel most comfortable with - that is what will allow you achieve the results you're looking for.
i have 3 hold Nikon dslr (d810 is my most recent) and many years of diverses experiences.. the idea of to see in the view finder the highlight with evidence, the same scene/image of photos, the high iso and the silence when shooting are for me a dream of advantages.. the speed and resolution are relatives for me.. the technology now is mesmerizing/captivating but not the price.. like the D3 and later the D800, i hope a new low cost version with those advantages soon!!
In case you haven't figured it out, your brown, speckled bird is a juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron. You photographed an adult later in the video. I am a Nikon shooter and am considering the Z9 or possibly switching to Sony. Thanks for the information you shared in this video!
I am currently shooting with a D500 and a Z6, both, very capable bodies. I pay attention to those rumors of a potential Z8, which might incorporate many of the Z9 upgrades into a smaller body. If that happens, I could drop the D500 and go completely mirrorless. The Z9 looks like a nice camera, but, size and price are issues as I primarily do travel and landscapes, with some occasional bird and wildlife shots into the mix.
Beautiful exposure, and composition, especially dynamic framing with the video. If you’ve never looked into the golden hour or golden mean or depth of field don’t buy. When your good at those three with a cheaper camera buy this one.
Hi Leigh and Raymond This video was a great video!! Your channel's new format is exceptional, excellent, and informative!! Best wishes Duane
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
@@LeighAndRaymond I understand Raymond's past reluctance to be on video but he adds a fresh dynamic and perspective. Keep up the great work Raymond!! (Leigh has been doing great work!! 🙂🙂)
My suggestion is to try it with top-notch manual focus lenses. Shooting them with it rather than with any other DSLR is night and day easier and better and allows you a much higher accuracy, due to the stabilised body, magnified (100x or the like) in-viewfinder vision that makes the need for live view - tripod camera mode much lower. This makes your shooting pace much faster and more enjoyable. Plus, there's no fine tune issues. Try it for classic, staged portraiture with say, a Milvus or an Otus lens. You'll realize for yourself how much fun it is.
I often wonder where Raymond & Leigh might find some great shots, and many of course are near, or at the Grand Canyon. I was recently in Casa Grande for a few months, so I made my way out to Superior, Globe and Miami Arizona, another day at CaveCreek and Carefree areas, then the Raparian Water Park for a few hours for photo's. Lastly, and one I spend basically the whole day they where open, was Saint Anthony's Greek Orthadox Monastery, all within reach of this same region! While driving in these areas, I often wondered if Raymond & Leigh had been, and would suppose they have, and I must say, since being Canadian, it's certainly a different region of photography that I would find here at home, but I did find it very fun and interesting, to say the least! Location, can make or break getting challenging photo's, and of course the weather, but one of the days driving back from Miami Az, I saw an area in the middle of nowhere, with some very interesting cactus, so I stopped, climbed a hill, got my images, and then found a bird, who had made a nest on a cactus. She was obviously sitting on her eggs, so I grabbed a couple of photos and moved on, and upon returning to my vehicle, I peeked in while she had left for a while, and there was one chick, and one egg to hatch yet, so I got my image and headed back to the vehicle. Overall, it was a great solo road trip, and my trusty D750 did all I asked of it. I will mention, my next upgrade won't be the Z9, as I like the feel of the D850, so it will eventually be in my possession!
Great format, especially the discussion between the two of you. I appreciate that you’re not using clickbait titles and taking extreme positions to gin up views. I’m one of those that likes the Z9’s size, but I don’t need its features for landscapes and portraits.
Waiting for the Z8 😉
Have a question you might be able answer now that you have your Z9.. While I know a lot of people like the gripped body and its large battery is there any technology and capability in the Z9 that prevents Nikon from doing a repackaging to create a body without the grip and larger battery. I understand if heat generating circuitry for video would have to be held back due to cooling issues but could Nikon build the stills capability into a gripless Z body to compete against the Sony A1 or A9II (and possible A9III)? Thanks for the video by the way.
I'm not sure if there is anything other than the larger battery that requires the larger body. There may be something technical, or it may have been a choice to entice some of the D5/6 users over to mirrorless! I know a lot of folks out there really like that larger body. :)
Decided to post this exact question with more detail on the Nikon Mirroreless forum on DP Review to see what Nikon Z9 users thought.
@@LeighAndRaymond I like the larger body as well (use a battery grip on all my gripless cameras but I also like it when I can go small if needed and I will. Also like that with those cameras I can take two cameras and only one battery grip if room is tight.
There are lots of rumours from other Nikon poeple about a smaller Z8 coming but no evidence 😁
A really interesting video, thanks for sharing. The Z9 is way out of my league, but in photography as with all things, the flagship features trickle down to the more budget models over time. Its also good to hear the common sense you feature so heavily,. Technology is a tool, it doesn't substitute for skill, however it can help you realise the results you desire ... once you've had the idea and worked out a composition.
I am looking at the Z9, I was wondering does the AF actually get the focus right? I have a D850 that has Never done that regardless of Lens, AF settings/mode, AF Tuning, Shutter Speed/f-stop. My D810 and D800 were much better. The D850 has been back to Nikon twice, they claim it is within Factory Specs. Those Specs must wide wide enough to drive two or three Semi Trucks through side-by-side.
I love the Sunrise thru the trees.
Thank you! :)
i like the bigger body , the built in grip opposed to the d850s add on .is a bonus in a way theres no movement between grip and body when using say the 24-70 on a tripod .the lens weight can cause movement there ! ok you say lose the grip 《 doing so means your stuck with an en el15 battery so that defeats the battery life ! that big battery has to go somewhere , this is the only reason i would buy the z9 , that tiny movement between grip and body , the d850 should v had a built in grip .. z9 or epoxy resin 😀 . thing is il continue to use 1 frame a minute !
If you're a beginner, don't buy a high-end camera even if you can afford to because it will just be wasted on you. The extra money you save by buying a less expensive camera could be spent on traveling to more interesting places or buying better lenses as you need them. Even the Z5 is a tremendous camera if you need full frame. If not, there are many great crop sensor cameras out there. I use the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II, which can be had used for about 1/10 of the price of a Z9. That is a camera with many professional features like weather sealing, dual SD card slots, Cinema 4K video, and headphone and mic jacks. It's also extremely fast for sports and action.
I think my z6ii aided me in becoming a better photographer, if not that it was capable of getting the shots I wanted to be able to get with my d5600. But, it didn't improve my skill, just gave the resources i needed
my street photography camera went from a x100f to a nikon d4s. that's what i lug around. actually, true story, just got a hasselblad h4d50 and i use that to shoot on the streets. so no. this body isn't big. it's great.
To answe the title, yes. What I've seen is that Z9 has such a good construction that it retains its battery level on some of the highest and coldest mountain where DSLRs' batteries might give in. Also, shots at 0:50 onwards, this lens is simply. insane.
The size and weight are the only problem I have with the Z9. I have placed an order for z9 but I will keep my Z6 and probably use it a lot and have z9 for the more challenging situations.
Yes, for a mirrorless camera this is big and expensive. But if you dig deeper you'll find that, compared to the other flagship cameras, the Z9 is smaller and considerably less expensive. This is part of its groundbreaking nature. Also, most larger ML cameras tend to have more room for bigger batteries making their battery life superior to the small ones. That has always been a major failing of mirrorless cameras - they could never even approach the battery life of a DSLR.
Q for Leigh: Which tripod and mount are you using or recommend that is light enough but strong enough to hold the weight of the Z9 with the 200-500mm lens on it?
Wonderful video. Refreshing POV to the plethora of gear reviews. If you’ll execute the pun, it’s great to focus on what’s really important. Cameras are merely tools - but you need a tool that can help you realize your vision and not hinder your journey. Thank you.
I will have a Z9 before the years end ! Maybe, lol . I also want a Sony a7iv. Trying to upgrade away from my Nikon dslrs for video and photos . I use a Sony a7siii as a daily carry and supplement higher resolution pics with the d850 or d810 .
I bought my Z9 😂three weeks ago. Still in the box waiting to be fixed under the recall. Disappointed but not disenchanted. My D850 is becoming my backup once the Z9 issue is rectified. Curious if your Z9 is on recall and if you had any lens dismount issues due to release button problem?
Had the Z9 for one month and am very impressed with the ruggedness and quality of product coming out of the camera. I agree that the AF of the Z9 is a vast improvement over other Nikon cameras but it is not the end all to AF systems and hope that any additional firmware will continue to improve the AF functions offered by the Z9 and other Nikon cameras. The MP count, quality and color is Nikon at its best and the camera is only limited by the skill sets and camera knowledge brought by the user to the Z9. Love your video covering the Z9. Best of wishes to your team. - Jim
Having tried the z9 I didn’t see any advantage with the autofocus over the d3/4s/5 all of which I own. I can take any of these to the ski slopes or the race track and get the shot. If I want “eye autofocus” I put the focus selector ON the eye. :) it’s really quite simple. If you don’t do video, not really sure what the point of mirrorless is. I’ll take my tank bodies with 4k-shot batteries any day :)
Nice job Leigh.I think the practical comparison of the Z9 and say, your Leica SL2 is a fascinating one. How do you feel when you’re using the Leica vs. the Z9? The Leica is smaller, feels totally different, and has optical advantages but not the speed and system advantages of the Nikon. Would love to hear your thoughts on the comparison at some point…. Thanks for another stellar video.
It's an interesting idea - maybe I should work on a video on our current collection of gear and why we chose each one, or would choose one over the other for a day of photography. :)
I'm hoping the Z8 will mirror the AF performance, resolution of the Z9 but in a smaller package with a removable grip. Sort of like what the F100 was to the F5 (not a perfect analogy but just sayin).
I liked how you two presented. The reflection of the light fixture in Raymond's glasses was my "biggest problem". But, that's just me. I can't let go of my older Nikon cameras, and I think my Z6II can pretty much do it all, but to the speed or acquiring focus that Z9 could. I still don't see a reason to purchase it, yet, and seeing it next to the Z7, really made it easier not to order it for now. Thanks again for the video. Greeting from Tucson.
Z6II is super good - taking into account quality, price, ergonomics, and everything else, it may be the best overall camera on the market. I totally agree on the glasses. I don't even really need them when speaking to the camera.
@@scraymond5597 One day, coffee in Phoenix. Keep up the great videos.
The autofocus is amazing.
I like your honest advice that ;the beginner should go for it if it is in there means to afford it.
I brought the Lumix S5 over the Z9 and the A1. Leica glass + S5 such good combo.
At first, I didn't recognize The Snap Dude, at all!
Great video!
I’m new to Nikon. I recently bought a used z6 because of it’s strong hybrid capabilities and of course the bargain second hand price. I also shoot my Olympus EM5mkiii and the 75-300mm (FF 150-600mm) for wildlife. I’m happy with the shots I get with the Olympus (it’s my hobby and I don’t publish) but after using the z6 I’m pretty sure I should rent the Nikon AF-S 200-500mm just to see how much better the files will look. They’ll be cleaner that’s for sure. My cropped sensor mentality is telling me not to invest in such a huge lens. However then I realized that I would only be using the 200-500mm on wildlife outings and the rest of the time the z6 would be paired with another appropriate lens like the 40mm f2 for when I walk the dog to the cafe. I was warned off using FTZ adapted lenses but until Nikon come out with a z mount replacement I think the 200-500mm may end up being an exception.
Great source of information as always...That was a juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron and then the second was the adult....lolol
Thanks for the info! That's what I thought MAYBE it was when researching it but this one was lighter than I expected.
Beautiful z9, its so easy any people can shoot
I have the Z6ii and have noticed while shooting my favorite furry pets a based hound and 2 mini dachshunds. The I af has more trouble on the dachshunds they are Black and Tan I af has trouble the basset that is white and brown I can almost get eye lock at any point her face is visible. My assumption is it’s a contrast issue between the dark eye and dark fur
Total game changer, better, cheaper and far more ergonomic than anything Sony has produced, well done Nikon. Sadly though, it means I have no more use for my much loved D500, it has been blown away by this amazing camera. Be warned, there is a bit of a learning curve to get this set up just how you like it, but once there.., Wow !
Only been shooting Nikon since 2019 after being a Canon shooter 15 years. I own the D500 and D850 and shoot motorsports and aviation, so slow shutter speed pans, and slow shutter speed airplane shots for prop blur. I bought a Z7II last year to try it. It just was not fast enough with the mechanical shutter. The electronic shutter in the Z7II is useless to me. Rolling shutter ruins slow pans, and makes propeller blades curve. An absolute no-no in my type of photography. When I read the specs and saw test shots with no rolling shutter I sold the Z7II and bought the Z9. Now I'm just waiting for it to warm up to try some auto racing shots. I will continue to also use the D500 and D850 also. Once Nikon comes up with a D500 spec mirrorless with no rolling shutter, I will be all over that. Probably will always hang on to the D850 though.
The Z9 is a awesome pro, pro and pro camera. It would be great for us hobbyist photographer to get Nikon to produce a much affordable camera.
I remember seeing snapchiick videos like 12 years ago. How time flies.
It sounds like there are a lot of us waiting for a smaller sized Z9. Maybe the Z8? Meanwhile, still waiting for the Z9 I ordered on Nov 8th.
Too big for me! Haven't gone mirrorless yet. The Z9 proves Nikon can do it. I will likely stick with Nikon because I like the lense roadmap. If there is not a Ziii soon, I am considering entering the Z system from the middle (Z7 or Z6ii) as a 2nd camera to my D500. Don't need 30fps or 8k, but no blackout or rolling shutter is a must. I am not sure I need the auto eye focus either, but I want it to track whatever I set the focus point to.
I decided on an A1 because of form factor. I still believe that's a major challenge for Nikon and I just don't want a behemoth. If the Sigma FP L had reliable autofocus, I'd be thinking about it. Nikon is not as forward thinking as they were talking just before Z9 launch. Now the z7i has all sorts of prominent real estate on Nikon's website. That means not enough z7iis are moving off the shelves. The Z9 is not the body for me.
As much as I’d love to have a Z9, I just can’t put this much in a hobby camera and will be sticking to the Z6 for some time :) Maybe in some years when I will get some more money.
I love the Nikon z9 si very strong.
I had a Z6 in the beginning, traded it in for a D850 and D500. Now I use the Z9, still have the D500, but use the Z9 primarily, and I use it in the DX mode to get that extra reach with my 500PF. I enjoy watch your channel, keep it up!!
how heavy this combo?
What it comes down to is that Nikon had to make a mirrorless Flagship for the D6, D5, D4 professional shooters out there. This camera is for those who "needs' the robustness and professional features that working pros require and what nikon flagships are known for. For people like me who went from Pro work to amateur-sometimes-client-work, I am more than fine with mid level bodies like the D750, D780, Z6II, Z7II. As much as I would love to own the Z9 and have it as my do-everything camera, I cant justify any "need" for the price and features that will go to waist in my shooting workflow. Now if I was to go back into photojournalism and press/sports work, Yes, it would be a no brainer to get the Z9. For landscapes, fine art, portrait and the occasional action shooting I do I am fine with the other Nikon offerings... and for day long portrait shooting, all I have to do is attach the vertical control grip to the Z7II and Z6II, and instantly I have a little brother Z9 alternative.