Official Nikon Z9 Launch, Info, and Discussion Thread

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Considering post processing algorithms to compress signals and clean electronic noise etc... another possibility to consider is at which 2 ISO settings, Nikon has designated to use higher gain in the ISO 64 sensor. Testing by Bill Claff should reveal these settings, and see Jim Kasson's correction to Nikon's answer in an interview after Z9 launch:

"Apina-based technology allows optimum suppression of read noise at two ISO settings which are determined when the sensor is designed. If the Z9 [sic] is to be a high-ISO monster, it will make the switch to high conversion gain at a high ISO setting."

The original Nikon answer by an interviewee:
Quote...

Does offering a base ISO of 64 come with any trade-off in high ISO image quality performance?

By adopting dual conversion gain technology, it is possible to suppress noise to the utmost limit at each ISO sensitivity from low ISO sensitivity to high ISO sensitivity, and expand the dynamic range. The Z 9 not only inherits the minimum ISO of 64, but also achieves an expanded shutter speed of 1/32,000sec, further increasing the creative potential of fast lenses such as the Noct or the Z 50mm F1.2 S.

For example, when shooting outdoors on sunny days at F1.2, optimal exposure, as well as under-exposure for low-key images, are possible. Low sensitivities are required when F1.2 and other fast lenses are used at maximum aperture. With the Z mount system especially, a group of lenses including the F0.95, F1.2 and lenses offer rendering performance that enables worry-free use and maximum sharpness from maximum aperture. Nikon designs with an emphasis on resolution, which is something that can be felt in comparison with all other manufacturers, and is a place where Nikon has a distinct advantage.

The pixel count of the Z9 is the same as the Z 7II: will the Z 9 be able to deliver the same image quality?

The image quality of the Z 9 is superior to that of the Z 7II in a few different ways. For still images, the faster scan speed minimizes rolling shutter distortion. Additionally, there is also improved stability in automatic white balance, and improved rendering of sunset scenes through higher performance of natural light auto WB.....

...Compared to the high sensitivity of the Z 7II, the noise in the flat area is particularly low. Compared to the D6 used by many sports photographers, the Z 9 is better suited to the [needs] of a sports photographer who shoots with a need for cropping, since the number of pixels is large. Additionally, when the high-sensitivity noise reduction is set to Strong, the roughness of the image can be reduced.
Unquote


So reading the above i wish only for the Z9 to deliver NOT LESS than the D850 in image quality and dynamic range, using Raw, or JPEG fine at maximum 20 fps.....
So is that what is being said or questioned.............

I want to shoot the Z9 just like the D850, with the option of utilizing the speed and other benefits...........at a flick of a switch.

I intend only using the Z9 around 10-12 fps with the option of moving to 20 fps if and when needed...............for special applications.........
I am looking at the Z9 to be my all round do everything from landscape to sports action and wild life..........
a) i cant really ware the shutter out
b) i get IBIS using FX lenses but limited to only 3 stops not 5 for Z lenses???
c) tilt screen
d) 45mp at 20 fps is handy...........
e) tracking is a free bee i am not really dependent on that so much i like to use my own skill set.............or be in control,

Number one is unless the image quality is as good as the D850 i don't want the Z9............
Ok the bonus is 30 fps, heck only knows if i would ever even use 120 fps LOL
 
With the latest Z lenses (70-200, 100-400 etc ) that support synchro VR, the Z9 offers 6 stops of VR.

So reading the above i wish only for the Z9 to deliver NOT LESS than the D850 in image quality and dynamic range, using Raw, or JPEG fine at maximum 20 fps.....
So is that what is being said or questioned.............

I want to shoot the Z9 just like the D850, with the option of utilizing the speed and other benefits...........at a flick of a switch.

I intend only using the Z9 around 10-12 fps with the option of moving to 20 fps if and when needed...............for special applications.........
I am looking at the Z9 to be my all round do everything from landscape to sports action and wild life..........
a) i cant really ware the shutter out
b) i get IBIS using FX lenses but limited to only 3 stops not 5 for Z lenses???
c) tilt screen
d) 45mp at 20 fps is handy...........
e) tracking is a free bee i am not really dependent on that so much i like to use my own skill set.............or be in control,

Number one is unless the image quality is as good as the D850 i don't want the Z9............
Ok the bonus is 30 fps, heck only knows if i would ever even use 120 fps LOL
 
"At 20 fps and Lossless Compressed, I got about 80 frames (4 seconds) before first hiccup. . . " :unsure: that seems different than what we were hearing before. Granted that would be plenty for my needs.
That seems to match what we had heard previously. Ricci got 81 with the best card.
Screen Shot 2021-12-04 at 4.28.48 AM.jpg
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Yes. In compressed raw , the numbers match with all the tests (80-82). What doesn't match is when in 15 fps, Matt reported infinite shooting whereas Thom reports around 300 shots.
Screenshot_20211128-145518_YouTube.jpg
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Thank you m'Lord for sharing this :)

I'm glad he prioritized an explanation of Subject Recognition wrt to customizing its setup with RSF. As he's says, this is following emailed questions. His post has also answered another question I've been wondering about, if the Z9 Autofocus System uses closest Subject Priority?

So far, his testing shows the Z9 does in at least one configuration: "...it appears like the Wide-area modes shift to a "focus on closest object within the focus box" system - just like Group Area mode works on Nikon's DSLR's..."
That seems to match what we had heard previously. Ricci got 81 with the best card.
View attachment 28242
 
From what I have read, while not the top in terms of speed (but close), the Delkin cards, especially the Black variant, are the ones that run most cool. Hence I went with these.
 
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Nikon officially market 6 stops if VR with Z lenses ( Synchro VR). On the F mount lenses ( not all) they market about 5 stops, as shown in the link below:


i was led to believe that using FX lenses on teh Z9 its only 3 stops....due to the FTZ adapter and the nature of the lenses and camera
 
Yes. In compressed raw , the numbers match with all the tests (80-82). What doesn't match is when in 15 fps, Matt reported infinite shooting whereas Thom reports around 300 shots.
View attachment 28245
The file size of a shot is dependent upon the contents of the image. If the shots are not of a scene producing the same file size, results could vary, from slightly to significantly. I assume that tests shots from one independent tester would be consistent in size. Between independent testers, I would not expect this consistency.
 
I look forward to seeing his remarks and side-by-side comparisons

Honestly, I wasn't sure he would try the Z9 but very glad he will. As we all know, there will be pros and cons to each of the setups he compares but I'm guessing mostly very similar. I believe the Z9 with the 500 pf (until longer Z S lens options are available) will be a fantastic (fast, hand-holdable, sharp, joy to use, etc.) walk-around wildlife setup, including BIF! Can't wait to get one and I will be very happy with it for a long time!
 
He did not care for the 500 PF But after all that I would not be surprised if Nikon sends him one that they’ve paid particularly good attention to

My understanding was that he claimed he received a bad copy and didn't try another one. I've used many and never had any issues except when I didn't use a top-end filter. Most folks adore the lens and I'm hoping he will try again to give it another go. Time will tell.
 
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He's planning to test the Z9 with the 500PF again and also with the 200-500. I think he still has his 500 F4G lens to test so this should be interesting. I have a hunch he will end up using both the A1 and Z9 going forward. A1+600GM as his primary gear with Z9 and 500PF for casual shooting and most importantly for his video work.

Yes but from I saw he wasn’t too interested.
I bought one and it’s the only one I have used. It is just fine. Way way better than the 200-50omm
I don’t use filters
 
Mark must have had some terrible copy of the 500PF. My copy can stand toe to toe with the best lenses out there. And that includes lenses like 500E FL and 600GM. I don't hear much about bad 500PF copies so I'm sure if he buys one for the Z9 he will be happy.

I'm glad we have one more reviewer that has experience with other top end gear to give a fair evaluation to the Z9 in relation to Canon and Sony and not just to previous Nikon cameras.

Steve Perry, Steve Mattheis and now Mark will be a good resource for those like me who are brand agnostic in our gear purchasing.
 
He’s world class, I doubt we will see any big differences in the final photos compared to other cameras. But, what he has to say about noise, files, human-machine interaction, etc. will be influential. His move to Sony was a big deal.
Personally, I just want to hear what guys like him and Steve Perry have to say about how they like it and what it can do to help me.

Exactly. If you watch his canon R5 video, no doubt he could have continued with a canon R5 and do great things but he nailed the 2 or 3 elements that made the R5 less desirable for his shooting conditions and shared that openly. I expect the same kind of candor on the Z9 and how it compares to the A1 for his shooting style.

To be honest, his biggest challenge with the Z9 will be that his Nikon 600 f:4 is an older generation, much heavier than the Sony and he shoots handheld... add the weight of the Z9 vs his A1 (without grip usually) and that will make a 3 to 4lb difference. It will be interesting to see how he wrestles that.
 
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My reading of abc123brian's post is not that he would not be honest, simply that he's so good he makes any camera easy to use for BIF. So the normal people can't draw many conclusions from his report.
That’s exactly what I was trying to say. He is very good at what he specializes in and could easily make any camera work. His review of the original Z7 was very positive and he had great results which contradicted with what most others reported. It isn’t that he wasn’t honest, he was able to make it work well for him. I‘m sure he will give his honest feedback for both cameras but he isn’t limited by the camera like many others are.
 
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