The Nikon Z 9 was a latecomer to the mirrorless camera party for professionals. Nikon, on the other hand, claims that this allowed it to take use of the advantages that a mirrorless design – notably the Z-mount – can provide. And it has been well worth the wait. It's difficult to argue that the Nikon Z 9 isn't the most competent all-around hybrid camera on the market, with virtually limitless 8K 30p recording and a staggering 120fps maximum burst rate.
Specifications
Sensor: 45.7MP back-side illuminated stacked sensor
Stabilisation: 5-axis, 5.5 stops (up to six stops with specific lenses)
Image processor: Expeed 7 AF points: 493 hybrid phase/contrast detect AF points
ProRes 4:2:2 HQ (firmware), 12-bit in-camera ProRes RAW HQ (firmware)
ISO range: 64 to 25,600 (exp 32 to 102,400)
Video: 8K up to 60p (via upcoming firmware), 4K up to 120p. 8- or 10-bit H.265, 10-bit Apple
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, USB-C, headphone jack,mic jack
Viewfinder: Super-bright OLED, 3.69m dots, 100% coverage
Memory cards: 2x CFexpress Type B
Max burst: 20fps raw, 30fps hi-res JPEG, 120fps lo-res JPEG
Max shutter speed: 1/32,000 sec
Dimensions: 149 x 149.5 x 90.5mm
LCD: 3-inch bi-directional tilting touchscreen, 1.04mdots
Weight: 1,340g with battery and memory card (1,160g body only)
Price: £5,299/$5,497 (body only)
Some may be disappointed by the loss of medium- or low-resolution raw files, however the 14-bit raw formats allow the camera to shoot at high frame rates. The Z 9 won't drain your battery as quickly as its competitors. We took nearly 7,000 frames and a tonne of 8K 30p video, and the battery was only about 75% charged when we shut it off. It has incredible endurance. Nikon's most efficient autofocus system is found in the Z9. With 493 AF points, subject tracking is possible across the full frame, and there are 10 AF Area settings to choose from, as well as 405 Auto Area AF points.The lack of an articulated screen is, of course, a major flaw in videography. The Z9's tilting screen is serviceable, but it feels like an odd constraint for a camera with such incredible video capabilities.
The Nikon Z9 was a latecomer to the mirrorless flagship party, but it is a stunning camera. It's built like a tank, with a spec sheet that reads like a wish list for press, sports, and wildlife photographers. It's Nikon's first camera without a mechanical shutter. Instead, it contains a 45.7MP BSI stacked sensor with an eShutter as the only trigger. That's how it can shoot 8K/30p video, 11MP stills at 120 frames per second, and 45MP stills at 30 frames per second with complete autofocus.
It'll get better with a firmware update if Nikon delivers on its promise of shooting 8K footage at 60 frames per second in 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ.
I had the opportunity to try out the Nikon Z 9 at the Lee Valley VeloPark, which was the ideal environment for putting the camera's speed demon credentials to the test. When you first pick up a new camera, it takes a beat or two to become used to it. But I was able to get some fantastic images in only two brief bursts.
I decreased the shutter speed since it was too easy; 1/200 sec doesn't communicate a sense of velocity, so I went down to 1/30. My handheld shooting was made easy by the Z 9's 5-axis in-body image stabilisation, and after a few more trial bursts, I obtained more great shots. I tried lowering the shutter to 1/5, but it was a mess. Return to 1/20, which is an excellent shutter speed for portraying motion and a true test of any camera system. Even when railings blocked our view, the Nikon Z 9 consistently latched onto the subjects' bodies and faces.
The Nikon Z9 had already proven itself after only 15 minutes of use. It's a workhorse of a camera that eliminates the need to consider in most shooting situations. However, it detracts from the excitement, particularly in sporting events. Between 2010 and 2016, I had the fortunate pleasure to cover two Olympic Games and two FIFA World Cups. One of the most satisfying aspects of my job was knowing that every shot I obtained was a one-of-a-kind moment that could never be manufactured or duplicated. Fear of missing the shot fueled the excitement of getting the shot. As a professional, you'll almost always get the shot.
However, I believe that if I had used the Nikon Z 9, the experience and recollection of those great occasions would have been a little duller.
Even if you hand the camera to a trained monkey, you'll get the shot with 120fps, AF-C, auto exposure, and a 1000+ frame buffer. It's unethical. Of course, the Z9 isn't the only camera I'd call dishonest — after all, it only has 493 AF points compared to Canon's EOS R3's 4,779 AF points.However, these cameras present an intriguing question: are we approaching a stage where a photographer's talent is no longer relevant? Or, with these highly superior tools at our disposal, would we see photographers producing whole new sorts of images? I'm hoping for the latter.
With its rapid 120fps burst shooting, 8K 60p performance, over 2.5 hours of 8K 30p recording, and lower price tag, the Nikon Z9 outperforms the Sony A1 and Canon EOS R3. The incredible focusing technology has finally caught up to its competitors, the electronic-only shutter has yet to present any problems in artificial light, and the battery life is the finest in class.
0 Comments