The most surprising camera I have used in years
The Nikon Z9 is a heavy, bulky, chonkey-ass mirrorless camera with a new full-frame 45.7MP Stacked CMOS sensor and an Expeed 7 Image Processor. It can shoot RAW photos at 20FPS for over 1000 frames (assuming you are using a fast enough card), and the video specs put flagship specs from Sony’s A1 and Canon’s R5 to shame. But at nearly three pounds and $5,500 Nikon made a camera for professionals who need the best camera money can buy regardless of how much it weighs. It’s not for everyone, but it has finally put Nikon in the race for best mirrorless camera. #nikon #photography #technology
Read more: bit.ly/3iPN7v1
If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy: bit.ly/2TQsqjB
You can get the Nikon Z9 here: bit.ly/3HlJV3O
Subscribe: goo.gl/G5RXGs
Like The Verge on Facebook: goo.gl/2P1aGc
Follow on Twitter: goo.gl/XTWX61
Follow on Instagram: goo.gl/7ZeLvX
The Vergecast Podcast: pod.link/430333725
Decoder with Nilay Patel: apple.co/3v29nDc
More about our podcasts: www.theverge.com/podcasts
Read More: www.theverge.com
Community guidelines: bit.ly/2D0hlAv
What other camera brand do we think will surprise us with a beastly camera in 2023??
Super excited for the next Panasonic lineup.
Sony A1 II
I really hope Nikon can bring out another banger professional camera in a more compact body with a lower price and slightly lighter specs in a Z8. As long as it has almost everything as the Z9, and the full AF performance, it could be a hit!
@@_briantravis It would be great if this turns out that way (hope for CP+ in Feb!)
@@_briantravis YES! I am super excited for the Z8! I know it's super unrealistic, but I would love to see Nikon make a gamble on a Box style modular cinema camera body like the Panasonic B series. Nikon color science is just absolutely brilliant. It seems like the final summit for NRAW, as long as RED don't sue the living daylights out of it. lol.
"Bless your soul" said by everyone that has to transcode footage.
I transcode 200-300 GBs of footage once per week for work, it is indeed "bless your soul" LOL. Thank God for high core count modern CPUs
Hey there! Awesome video! I'm a Z9 user, and I've never had problems focusing in low light, Nikon Z9 has a unique option called "Starlight View", when activated, the camera basically sees in darkness! You can find it in (Firmware 3.01) the "Custom Settings Menu" > "d Shooting/Display" > option "d10 Starlight View (photo Lv)", great feature to use!🌠⭐
I'm so happy Nikon is finally getting some attention from the big tech sites. They provide excellent value cameras with feature sets that rival or better most Sonys and Canons. The Z9 is a fantastic piece of kit!
The z9 is there only good mirrorless camera they need to take some features from the z9 and shove them in there other mirrorless cameras
@@taylorshockley2210 Exactly, there are still many Nikon DSLR shooters ready to jump into Nikon mirrorless if this happens.
@@taylorshockley2210 nah.
There was a lull in coverage because the D750 was the last notable product Nikon released before the Z9
@@BenHowlandPhoto But the D850 is still the best DSLR that was ever made.
The Z 9 was developed under total NDA in collaboration with a French press agency that has some 150 photo journalists working for them - and for these people robustness and reliability are most important. Which harks back to Nikon "owning" 80% of that market segment worldwide around 1980. And NASA choosing Nikon for manned flights (they took Hasselblad to land on the moon, not Nikon). As to the size and its speed, note that the entire camera body is designed as heat-sink for the heat that can develop in the processor, the sensor and the memory cards. As to AF speed, my hypothesis is that the voltage of the Z 9's battery allows to run the AF motors in lenses faster - in sync with the very fast image processing side of AF. The EN-EL18 battery series as in the Z 9 are at ~10V (*) rather than the ~7V of the EN-EL15 series in the Z 6/7(ii) and combined with higher milli.Amp.hours, the "18" batteries have 2 times the Watt.hour energy of the "15". (*) The tilde ~ in this case means "about".
I don't think it's the battery but rather the processing power of the Expeed 7 unit in the Z 9 camera that has 10 times more processing power than the Expeed 6 in previous camera models.
Always enjoy Becca’s reviews. I’ve owned Nikon cameras since the D40. The ergonomics are always great. I have 2 Nikon Z cameras and they’ve been great for everyday use. What I want is all of the AF goodness of the Z9 in a slightly smaller, prosumer body. A Z8 or Z6/Z7 III maybe?
I started with a D40 too, great camera :). My grandfather handed a film F2 down to me and I had a lot of fun with that thing. I got myself an F4 too which is a beast. These days I mostly shoot a Ricoh GR2 and a Sony A7ii (when I'm not just using my phone of course).
D40 was my first as well, currently using a D5500 now
your wish has been granted.
By the way: the production of this video is great. Perfect angles, point of views, lighting and mixture of different scenes makes it very enjoyable to watch.
Nikon F2 shutter sound or riot!
I am glad you called out Sony for their uncomfortable bodies.
I’ve NEVER been bothered by Sony bodies, however I get dopamine hits when I hold my Canon R5. No Sony dopamine.
The designs of the 5D series Cannon DSLRs are superior than for all the non professional Cannon Mirrorless cameras, as Cannon Mirrorless cameras are linear with hard edges, unlike the 5D series DSLRs which had beautiful curves; if the Cannon design team had a brain they would have continued with the 5D series body designs by incorporating this great design into their Mirrorless models.
I was doing the same thing as you, shooting in H.265 while waiting for Adobe Premiere to accept the Nikon raw files (NEV). I decided to try Davinci Resolve and found that it was actually better and more fun to use. You might want to try it as well, but keep in mind there was a slight learning curve at the beginning.
This camera is heavier than others because it can record 8K 60p video for hours even in the hot afternoon sun of Africa without ever having a shutdown due to overheating issues like this has been the case with other cameras (hello Canon R5...).. On such affected cameras you have to wait 30 minutes after shutdown until you can continue to use it which makes any professional work impossible.
Nikon colors are so beautiful 😍🤌🏼
The "awful" shutter sound which the reviewer described sounds like music to my ears - it's close to the wonderful shutter sound from my Leica IIIb, perfect shutter sound!
I love Becca, she's does great reviews and her personality is so great.
Yeah. But the video is about the camera, not Becca
@@kumarsajal8400 shut up
@@kumarsajal8400 No. It’s 100% about Becca!
Wow the footage of this video is so good!! Even the talking head parts. Can't believe it was on Nlog! I thought for sure when I started watching it was on the FX3 or something like that. Glad Nikon is doing well. Hopefully the z8 or z6 & z7iii's update with similar specs as the z9!
I love my Z9 too. Makes me want to go out all the time. Glad you liked it too.
Watched your Hasselblad 50 and 100 first. Calm and correct impressions. Your sense as a user of industrial design continues with the Z9. Nice to hear a clear review. Thanks.
Im not even into Cameras, but the quality n delivery from becca made me watch it
Awesome review as always Becca. I don’t even own a dedicated camera and I loved the needing out on this video. Thanks!
I agree with everything you've said about the Z9. I was born 49 years ago, and so started with film photography using manual focus SLR's; my favourite are manual focus SLRs from the early eighties, as they had very little in the way of features so they were easy to learn and use; plus I loved the sound of the mirror and mechanical shutter sounds which were loud. You should test drive the Nikon F2 launched back in 1971, it's mirror reflex and shutter sounds were loud. By the way you come across very well, you have a certain charm I can't put my finger on.
Very nice review Becca. I'm enjoying my Z9. I switched my video recording start to the shutter button. Thanks
im glad they didnt put a front facing screen on it, and i really hope they dont add it in the next one. this camera isnt for vloggers, its for people working behind the camera, professionals.
+1 on custom shutter sounds! An easy way to switch it up would be great for babies and pets. I also miss having an audible cue on shutter speed. Sounds that mimicked long exposures, or the option for discrete sounds for the beginning and end of exposures less than, say, 1/60, would be great. Nice review!!
Nice review. But not entirely objective. The faux shutter sound is great. To be able to use shutter sounds of older cameras would be great too. But, what you’re hearing is shutter plus flappy mirror. Re: record button…. In video mode you can program the shutter release button to start and stop video. And you can program video record button as a zoom-to-check-critical-focus. It is heavier than other cameras but it’s not heavy in absolute terms. If you’re using this day in day out you quickly get used to it. And everything rise feels like a toy.
What a great video! Z9 is a beast. I enjoyed every moment with it when I had it for review.
Thanks, Faruk! it was nice meeting you at CES this year! - Vjeran
@@TheVerge It was so nice to meet you too! Hope to see you again soon! (found you on insta :))
Excellent and accessible review of a great camera! 100% agree with the shutter noise, absolutely hate it.
Love it! I want to see more camera content! I’d love to see you use the Fuji XH2 and XH2S with the latest firmware!
Same, I'm loving mine
I love the attention to the detail of using the actual camera shutter sound, it's something maybe only few people can get. I do remember D80 and D90 sounding very nice, hopefully that can be made with the Z line as you said! :D
Great review. Your pictures are insanely gorgeous. Smashed the subscribe, enthusiastically.
What men want: As many buttons, dials and knobs as possible. I'm already in love with the camera after you pointed out how many unnecessary buttons and functions it has. Really, it is a huge selling point.
It’s just amazing and relaxing to watch Becca’s videos, she’s just awesome.
i absolutely loved the bird picture at 8:57 !!
I LOVE N-RAW in DaVinci works perfectly in DR 18 .... I've abandoned Prores Raw The z9 is my main camera for a year now.... And I am still loving it
I was thinking of getting the ProresRAW output on the orignal Z6 when it was announced, but Adobe has not, almost 3 years after the announcement, given fully support for the format and I will most likely switch over to Davinci for future projects, regardless of cameras and file formats.
@@JoacimSchwartz I switched to DR about 4 years and LOVE it..... I've saved thousands of dollars on Adobe Subscription fees and apple product prices
@@joacimschwartz3589 Hi highly recommend getting the black magic video assist for the z6 It's way way better than the prores I have both and i'm telling you that my b-raw that comes at a z6 is beautiful
First, this ranks as one of the best, overall, well-rounded and thought out general reviews of the Nikon Z9 I've seen to date (BTW: I've been shooting this camera since its release). Funny how things age. I'm curious if you've migrated to the Z8 (which would make a lot of sense). Now with Nikon in the midst of acquiring RED, we will see if a separate line of camera bodies and lenses are in the mix, or if Nikon will produce cine lanes for its current lineup. Well done.
What happened between the Demand between RED and NIKON?
Incredibly well done, Becca, thanks!
I’m a Z9 user, amazing camera
I have the Z6ii and I love it. Super shots 😊
Re video start/stop problem: Just set the main shutter button to video start, and it's solved. That lets you use the video start for some other usefull function. As to the shutter soundd, it'a absolutely fine with me. Quiet enough not to disturb birds, loud enough to hear easily. What I DON'T want is to hear a DSLR shutter sound go off...
The first 1:40 minutes is why I love watching Becca Farsace. The research that has gone into it 🤓🔬
FACTS
Fantastic review. I always enjoy Becca’s reviews. I wish I had the fortune to play with this camera!
Nikon cameras are underrated.
Happy to see Nikon get some love!
Beautifully made video, amazing sample shots shown too. Gotta do Da Vinci though!
How nice to have a refreshing review. Subscribed.
A Becca Video is always awesome
Concise yet informative review!
Thanks for the video, I am still in love with my D750 ❤
Favorite tech reviewer at the verge now that dieter is gone Awesome video
Do some reviews from FujiFilm System!! Love to see that too.
No, no, no. The shutter sound is well designed. You absolutely don’t want an offensive or standout sound for the shutter. People shoot a lot of wildlife with this camera and don’t want to alert the animals. But it’s still nice to be able to have shutter sounds on.
I guess this is the video that finally convinced me to buy the Nikon Z9 after weeks of watching hundreds of reviews
I am just glad she stopped saying "buds" all the time.
I like that shutter sound. It sounds like my Leica M2 shutter. Maybe that's what all cloth shutter sounds like?
This camera is a beast. Glad Nikon is getting the worthy and glowing reviews.
I wanted this camera so bad but didn’t buy it because of the pathetic shutter sound. Until they fix that to sound like a real mechanical shutter I’m not interested. I heard that they did so in an update, but I haven’t found one on display at a camera store that has the updated sound. Yep, that’s the real reason why I won’t buy the camera. On the other hand, the reason why I won’t buy the Canon EOS R3 is because of it’s low resolution, after waiting so long for that camera to come out. I don’t know why camera manufacturers come out with such great cameras but overlook important factors that matter to photographers
Incredible quality on this review 🔥
This is an excellent review, thank you.
I've been with Nikon for 11 years now, Im buying a new camera before the end of my financial year in April. I hope Nikon bring out a Z8/Z6II with Z9 auto focus, if not Ive decided to buy a Panasonic S5II.
😊in case you don’t know you can assign the shutter release to start and stop video recording 😊😊 much easier than the small video record button. Red box on rear display or evf works great. 😊😊😊😊😊consider using Davinci Resolve Studio for editing. Fun review Shutter sound is a personal thing, I don’t mind it, have it set very low anyway. Great for events where “ loud shutter” sounds can disturb those around you.😊. After using the Z9 for several months and now Z8 going back to the D850 sounds very loud. Understand though wanting to hear a mechanical shutter.
The Z9 is one of my favorite cameras to use, glad to see you loved it.
Any RAW footage you take, whether it's N-RAW or ProRes RAW will not be as sharp out of the box as 10bit. Remember, RAW footage is unprocessed; you'll have to add any additional sharpening in post. Great video!
Wow! Well done!
This is actually a good camera review video... I'm very surprised, and I do own a Z9, and do love it!
Try focus tracking with starlight mode turned on.
As of now this camera holds the slot for dream camera for me tough I wouldn’t fully switch; this camera body definitely makes me want to invest 12K into the Nikon Z9 and the Z-mount ecosystem. This is a beautiful camera body and I appreciate Becca showing it some love.
Great review 👍
Re: low light autofocus, at least in situations where one would be using a flash, Sony isn’t great either. I’ve used the A9II and A1 at parties in dark event spaces and both struggle getting focus. I’ve had to resort to using the small LED light on the Profoto A10.
The A7IV is pretty amazing in low light, you might need to trade in for that one.
My favorite camera ever!
You are so right with the shuttersound 😅 Good video!
It's not much more audible than a mouse-fart.
Very fun review. I think the form of the camera was really first introduced with Nikon’s F4S. That was a tank, and I loved it, my last 35mm camera before going digital.
nikon fm w/md-12 or nikon f3 w/md-4 motor drives are shutter sounds which can't be beat.
great looking, old school.👍 yeah i dont know anything about the technicalities
I like the Sound tbh 😀
Try using starlight mode in low light for better autofocus
I really love the refreshing style of these videos. Somebody knows what she is doing. Just great.
Becca send a gdrive link with those photos pls need new wallpapers
I would totally want my shutter sound to be "HEY!" for an hour while taking photos.
It would be great if Nikon released a new faux shutter-curtain sound of a fart.
Great review mines coming tomorrow.
NGL, but the meow shutter sound is a killer feature haha
Love Verge ❤️
I'm surprised....I have been using the Z9 for a year and it's amazing in low light situations. Nothing compared to it.
So good to see Nikon back in the camera race. I always loved the way Nikon cameras handled low light shots compared to Canon and Sony. Can't believe how much swiftly Sony came up and swept Nikon out of second place.
The problem of Nikon was they entered into the mirrorless market very late. The whole Z-System is only 4 years old and the first mirrorless model appeared in late 2018.
Becca, personal ask: PLEASE tell the person who was helping you film (3:40) that they had a NICE set (they'll understand)
One of the best cameras I've ever owned.
Now I made the decision to purchase this beast 😂😂😂THX
Love monster beastly cameras
3:09 love the nails who the one is holding the shutter haha
I really love your videos. Your passion is Amazing
Thanks for watching and commenting text the telegram above you have won a prize🏅🏅🥇…..
Honestly pretty good for a Verge review
it's funny cuz I just watched a re-review of the old D3s and the reviewer was flexing the shutter sound (9fps in continuous shooting) - it was strong, it was crisp, it was beautiful, truly music to the ear! then to this video and the shutter sound is like... what a disappointment to its ancestor lol
Weird how tech sites don't generally like Nikon. Half the issue's come from people expecting a Nikon af system to work like a sony
You made me want to puchase the Z9 nikon
Really not missing the size when I see this. It's undoubtly a great camera, but every camera has been great for the past 5-10 years. For the people who will get the most out of the body, pro sports photographers, this is the go-to camera. For all the rest this is most def overkill. Great video nonetheless. You can feel the nerdy-camera love watching it.
Thanks for watching and commenting text the telegram above you have won a prize🏅🏅🥇…..
This camera seems to sell like hot cakes at the B&H store camera best sellers list. It got already 231 reviews from individual customers which is surprisingly high for a flagship camera of this type. The Sony A1 and Canon R3 flagship cameras can't match that.
Becca's reviews are great! Excellent sample photos too. Can tell there was a lot time spent actually using the camera.
I have been waiting a long time for Becca to review a Nikon.
Z9 needs the sound of my Hasselblad 503. Come you know you want it
Becca still the best to do it here.
I remember many lens brands didn't even make lenses for Nikon mount. I don't know if it has changed or will be changing.
Currently there is Voigtländer, Viltrox, Laowa, NiSi, Tamron and other chinse brands. Rumors are saying that Sigma will join this year to support the mirrorless system. The Nikon Z system includes already more third-party support of lenses than the Canon R system. Additionally you can use the FTZ Adapter for the Nikon F-Mount lenses (DSLR).