HRB
Well-known member
Its a question that has been beat to death on social media sites but I want to ask it in a different perhaps simpler way of all Nikon users. Its simple "would you trade in your D4S, D5 or D6 for a Z9"?
How good a camera is the Z9 really?
- Thread starter HRB
- Start date
If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).
Depends on what's important to you, and what type of photography you do. If advanced AF and fast frame rates are critical to your style of photography, then yes, I'd say the Z9 offers clear advantages over the DSLRs you mention. In my case, neither of these features is critical for what I photograph, so I'm in no hurry to "upgrade" to the Z9. Someday perhaps, but not now. I'm happy with my D850s - they serve me very well.
I sold my D6 shortly after getting the Z9 and haven't regretted it. The Z9 is, for what I do, better than the D5/6 were.
And the good thing about that is those items can now be acquired by those who wish to use Nikon DSLRs and F-mount lenses. Win-win, IMO. Have fun with your Z9.
100% correct!! Been quite a while since I got new gear and I decided since I'm 72 that maybe I should just do it! LOL
Sold D5 to get the Z9. Planned to keep the D850 as backup but now sold it as well. Since we can keep using F mount lenses and they work even better yes it's worth it.
I have a F100, D600 IR conversion, D750, D850, Z6 and Z9 (ordered). I also have a good lens set and with the Z lenses I want. The F100, D600and D850 all require the F lens so they stay. The D850 and Z9 will be the workhorses and I may look at trading in the Z6 and D750 towards a Z6II or III.
Each serves its purpose and works well for me. My focus is on the high quality Z lens to supplement the F lens in hand so 105 macro, 70-200, 100-400 and 800 PF.
We each have our own drivers, interests and sweet spots. It is important for each of us to be comfortable in their space as I am in mine. There is no one right answer so best wishes to all on your journeys.
Each serves its purpose and works well for me. My focus is on the high quality Z lens to supplement the F lens in hand so 105 macro, 70-200, 100-400 and 800 PF.
We each have our own drivers, interests and sweet spots. It is important for each of us to be comfortable in their space as I am in mine. There is no one right answer so best wishes to all on your journeys.
tickle_my_nikon
Active member
Honestly, I sold my Z9 because the eye autofocus was unreliable. Even if the autofocus claims its locked on, it's a crap shoot whether it is or not on a relatively stationary target. It's not user error, or an individual camera issue, and it's certainly not the primes I'm using. It's just the software. Some skill with Nikon's Multi-CAM 20K system and you can outperform the Z9's automatic focusing, particularly when it locks on the wrong thing and won't let go.
Note: I do not shoot birds in flight, so that may be the real benefit to some.
Since I also found the 50mm 1.2 S disappointing, there was any real reason to stay on a Z mount at all. All four of my F mount lenses have not been replaced on Z mount, and I highly doubt any of them will in the near future.
Those considering whether to go to a Z mount from a DSLR should consider switching platforms at the time they decide to jump, or wait for details on the "Z8" like I am doing now. Z6/Z7 is completely obsolete by comparison to the Z9, unfortunately.
There's no sensor upgrade on the Z9 from the D850. You're essentially paying for auto focus software, and 120 fps in JPG format which I personally find useless --- there's very little I can't grab at 5 FPS and I rarely even put my camera on continuous high.
If you have a D5 or D6, liquidate it before it's practically worthless and pick up a Z9.
Feiertag
Well-known member
I met this wonderful professional photographer while looking for Snowy Owls near Kingston, Ontario, a few weeks ago. She was using a Z9. Michelle recently won a gold medal using Nikon, not Sony equipment.
wpcteamcanada.com
2022 Gold Medal / Michelle Valberg
Boss the Spirit Bear is a rare and elusive species in Canada. I am proud to have the opportunity to photograph and showcase him to the world.
wpcteamcanada.com
You've got a pretty "outlier" experience compared to most others, I find this interesting given that the eye autofocus performance by most anybody has been touted as excellent and close to if not on par with Sony and Canon. Not discounting your personal feelings/findings, just find that interesting!
As to the 50mm f/1.2 S, what do you find disappointing about it? I've found the lens to be immensely enjoyable, despite it being big and heavy. It is incredible for video application given the absent focus breathing and the separation it provides between subject and background in both photo and video is superb. Again, most feel the 50mm f/1.2 is in a league of its own, especially compared to the f mount 50mm's available, so find your take interesting as well!
Last edited:
Feiertag
Well-known member
You make absolutely no sense. At the beginning of your post, you stated that you sold the Z9. It makes me wonder if you actually owned a Z9. Great camera.
Then, you advise people to liquidate the D5 or D6, if you own one, and pick up a Z9. Talk about confusing!
Feiertag
Well-known member
Good to know.
And on a fairly stationary subject....not a BIF......
tickle_my_nikon
Active member
It makes perfect sense. People with heavy investments of $5000 plus used in a D5 or D6 should jettison them before they depreciate exponentially. The Z9 is a better buy than either of those cameras.
I’m not saying that the Z9 isn’t a great camera. I’m saying it’s not worth the $6,000 you’re paying for software.
Also in my case I see no reason to invest $8,000 into the Z mount when I might be better off with Sony long term.
Feiertag
Well-known member
You don't think that she didn't compete against BIF shoots? The bottom line is that she won a gold medal at the world championship competition, using Nikon equipment.
Why do people always look for holes to run down or belittle everything under the sun. Are these critics jealous or just love to ***** about everything?
tickle_my_nikon
Active member
There’s little point in me discussing it apparently. I’m the outlier. I compare it to my 28mm 1.4E and the 50mm 1.2 is soft until F2. I don’t need an F2 lens.
I’d write more detail but I’m posting this from my phone.
I wasn't talking about the competition. Only commenting that the Z9 does fine with stationary subjects. It's generally small, fast moving subjects where it struggles compared to the A1.
I have sold a D5, a D850 and a D750, all very good cameras for their intended use. Currently own a Z6ii, Z7ii and Z9. I prefer the Z bodies and am satisfied with the S lenses I have acquired. The transition took nearly three years but I happy with everything except Nikon's very slow delivery of a Z mount 400 mm f/2.8 lens.
It is a completely new sensor design for Nikon. The only thing similar about it to the one in the D850 is that it is the same megapixels. The sensors in the D850 and Z7 cameras are not capable of the fast read necessary for 20fps.
Doug A.
Well-known member
I would not. For my primary style of photography, it would not gain me anything substantial enough over my D850.
As a newcomer to the hobby as well as awaiting my order of a Z 9, I actually am curious to hear more on your Z9 findings, simply because I haven't read/seen much anywhere else in terms of eye autofocus criticism, so I do find it worth having the discussion if you feel inclined to
As to the 50mm f/1.2 being soft until f/2, I may not be looking at images correctly but would love to see images you have of your 28mm f/1.4 compared to images you've taken with the 50mm f1.2. I'm genuinely curious on what you are seeing that would indicate the 50mm f/1.2 is soft at f/1.2? If no 50mm f/1.2 images on your end, here's one I took earlier today of my pooch with Z 6II with the 50mm f/1.2. Had it in animal eye detect and with the thin depth of field, focus/sharpness is right on eye but naturally the fall off is pretty quick in front and behind focus and is soft but that's to be expected I assume? Appreciate the opportunity to learn on my end!
You can only see EXIF info for this image if you are logged in.
Feiertag
Well-known member
I own the Z9. It doesn't struggle at all. Maybe you had an inferior Z9?
Last edited:
FB101
Well-known member
You are funny. Did you look at Karen’s website before writing your post?