Official Nikon Z9 Launch, Info, and Discussion Thread

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The 200-500 is a good example of feedback that lacks context. It is pretty good for a consumer tele-zoom, but compared to a pro prime or pro zoom, it's going to fall short. Of course the price point also is relevant for context. I have the 200-500 - but for me it has a niche use for hand holding or on water.

The 500 PF is similar - very good for most people but slightly short of the mark on a tripod compared to a 500 f/4, 400 f/2.8 or 600 f/4 (which are all much bigger and more expensive). It's smaller size and lighter weight that increase the value - as well as price point.


200-500 is an excellent tool, I keep one in the Boot at all times LOL Price a 120-300 2.8...... then add a 1.4tc....
Pushing the boundary of the gear you have at the time is more a challenge.........


1st
image, 480mm hand held 200-500 D850 25 point focus 9fps taken as a JPEG, Made Promo poster and mag, Cashing $ in the till. Note the hand and lip, shadow under board.

2nd image, 1050mm ! LOL, 200-500 D850 shot at 500mm PLUS Tc 1.4III = 700mm plus IN DX MODE, shot in TIFF = 60mb DX file used a mono pod. 25 point focus from memory.

3rd image,1050mm ! LOL is test shot 200-500 D850 shot at 500mm PLUS Tc 1.4III = 700mm plus IN DX MODE shot in TIFF = 60mb DX file used a mono pod. 25 point focus from memory.

4th image, 500mm Jepg shot D4s Old 150-500 Sigma with broken VR but still fires. Lives in the travel bus with a D7100 i cant sell LOL ? 21 point focus.

5th image, 210mm D4s JPEG shot hand held using the 28-300 lens at 11fps 21 point focus, the subject was shot at 210 to 300mm and every where in between, black out for me is a state of mind.......and not an issue ever......

In all the images there is no VR or tracking or facial recognition or eye tracking LOL, the D4s is just sharp fast accurate with excellent image quality. The D850 is also sharp reasonably fast and accurate with just more detail and corp ability.......its a different tool for different things, but gee the D4s image files are excellent.....its mostly been the paparazzi tool on the 14-24, it just doesn't miss.

In this rodeo shot I dropped the D850 and 300 2.8 and ran around the arena positioning myself for the best light angle for the final bull event, it was better to use the 28-300..on the D4s, its a highly underrated lens, the smoke was coming of the 28-300 LOL on the D4s the lens even hammers on a D5 LOL, i am not concerned about using it on a Z9 at 20 fps LOL, its about getting the best shot by any means not missing it. We spend tens of thousands on the gear to look at images on a Phone, I Pad or Desk top....in most cases.

Time light and speed is all that matters with what ever you use, 90% of what you get depends on you. For critical work i shoot raw and JPEG fine at the same time and out source for professional editing.....i don't have or want light room or like using PS......i don't enjoy editing and keep it to a real minimum as i have little skill sets in this area..I try to get it right in camera as much as possible and hence i like shooting 95% of te time with JPEG fine....with pre sets.

I have ordered and fully paid for a Z9 and I am actually starting to ask why.......

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A little bit of Light relief....
Substitute the cheese in this helter-skelter stampede among the in the First-Come-First Served On-The-Shelves day....for the first freely available Z9 cameras!

Turn off the sound if strong words in the commentary might offend...

wonder how many did not need medical attention :unsure:
 
200-500 is an excellent tool, I keep one in the Boot at all times LOL Price a 120-300 2.8...... then add a 1.4tc....
Pushing the boundary of the gear you have at the time is more a challenge.........


1st
image, 480mm hand held 200-500 D850 25 point focus 9fps taken as a JPEG, Made Promo poster and mag, Cashing $ in the till. Note the hand and lip, shadow under board.

2nd image, 1050mm ! LOL, 200-500 D850 shot at 500mm PLUS Tc 1.4III = 700mm plus IN DX MODE, shot in TIFF = 60mb DX file used a mono pod. 25 point focus from memory.

3rd image,1050mm ! LOL is test shot 200-500 D850 shot at 500mm PLUS Tc 1.4III = 700mm plus IN DX MODE shot in TIFF = 60mb DX file used a mono pod. 25 point focus from memory.

4th image, 500mm Jepg shot D4s Old 150-500 Sigma with broken VR but still fires. Lives in the travel bus with a D7100 i cant sell LOL ? 21 point focus.

5th image, 210mm D4s JPEG shot hand held using the 28-300 lens at 11fps 21 point focus, the subject was shot at 210 to 300mm and every where in between, black out for me is a state of mind.......and not an issue ever......

In all the images there is no VR or tracking or facial recognition or eye tracking LOL, the D4s is just sharp fast accurate with excellent image quality. The D850 is also sharp resonably fast and accurate with just more detail and corp ability.......its a different tool for different things, but gee the D4s image files are excellent.....its mostly been the paparazzi tool on the 14-24, it just doesn't miss.

In thsi rodeo shot I dropped the D850 and 300 2.8 and ran around the arena positioning myself for the best light angle for the final bull event, it was better to use the 28-300..on teh D4s its a highly underrated lens, the smoke was coming of it LOL on the D4s and it even hammers on a D5 LOL, i am not concerned about using it on a Z9 at 20 fps LOL, its about getting the best shot by any means not missing it. We soend tens of thousands on the gear to look at images on a Phone, I Pad or Desk top....in most cases.

Time light and speed is all that matters with what ever you use, 90% of what you get depends on you. For critical work i shoot raw and JPEG fine and out source for professional editing.....i dont have or want light room or like using PS......i dont enjoy editing and keep it to a real minimum as i have little skill sets in this area..I try to get it right in camera as much as possible and hence i like Jpeg fine....with pre sets.

I have ordered and fully paid for a Z9 and I am actually starting to ask why.......

View attachment 28434

View attachment 28435

View attachment 28436

View attachment 28437

View attachment 28438


Sorry forgot to include image 2 and 3 was in crop mode as well, it yielded 60mb file in tiff, lots of meat on the sensor LOL
I cant use the D850 in RAW as i don't have or use software that much. Nor do i have much interest to do so. Its cheaper and quicker to outsource editing if really needed
 
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Also on NR
Notice regarding release date of "Z 9" and related products and product delivery
  • December 08, 2021
    Product information
Thank you for your continued patronage of Nikon products.

We are pleased to inform you that the release date of the full-size (Nikon FX format) mirrorless camera "Nikon Z 9", which was announced to be released within 2021, has been decided on December 24th (Friday).

In addition, we have received a large number of reservations for "Z 9" and related products, which exceeds our expectations. For this reason, we may not be able to deliver the product to customers who have already made a reservation on the day of release. In addition, we are considering increasing production due to the favorable reception of orders, but due to the impact of semiconductor shortages, it may take time for products to be delivered even to customers who make reservations in the future.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers who are waiting for this product.
We will do our utmost to deliver the product as soon as possible, and we appreciate your understanding.
 
Also on NR
Notice regarding release date of "Z 9" and related products and product delivery
  • December 08, 2021
    Product information
Thank you for your continued patronage of Nikon products.

We are pleased to inform you that the release date of the full-size (Nikon FX format) mirrorless camera "Nikon Z 9", which was announced to be released within 2021, has been decided on December 24th (Friday).

In addition, we have received a large number of reservations for "Z 9" and related products, which exceeds our expectations. For this reason, we may not be able to deliver the product to customers who have already made a reservation on the day of release. In addition, we are considering increasing production due to the favorable reception of orders, but due to the impact of semiconductor shortages, it may take time for products to be delivered even to customers who make reservations in the future.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers who are waiting for this product.
We will do our utmost to deliver the product as soon as possible, and we appreciate your understanding.
There it is.... !
 
HERE IS FOR SOME WHAT IS WRONG WITH GETTING A Z9

If we think that its the be end to all, do all in one camera.........you may be in for a shock, my hypothesis is it wont be..........

The enormous popularity of the Z9 is because many feel its the do all in one camera YEEEE....and for so many it will be.

However Manufactures will never do that for you..........and never have.........its bad for business.

The Z9 breaks teh drought and hits the sweet spot for volume uptake in sales and deliverers incentive to get people into the Z glass....... a honey pot stacked with over pricing for low cost manufactured lenses price hiked beyond belief........for what they are.

My Hypothesis ...i don't want to get arrested by the Google police LOL

I hope there will be a new model just for dedicated pros, teh camera will have large pixels, much lower resolution, insaine focusing ability, breath taking ISO and speed................i feel this will come after the Z9 pipeline has been filled......also at which point the drill down cheaper version of the Z9 will arrive if not just before.

Nikon has done a great Job hats off................

The Z9 cruidly put is like a D850 Z7II style camera on steroids with a new sensor and focusing system, mirror-less..........we cop that......45mp still has its limitations on ISO and more speed as that logically both comes at the expense of dynamic range.............colour accuracy........generally speaking......gates open boys LOL

The Z9 is braking the drought and is so welcomed..........it will eventually deliver a lot of what we want...........but it will only be one half of the range, the other half wont be far behind it will be the mega TOP Dog LOL...........

Z9 ?
A7II D6
D850 D6
D810 D5
D800 D4s

Ok.........this to come top dog may well be only 16 mp or max 20 mp, i feel the difference between 24mp and 45 equates to only about 20% in actual resolution, i don't know for certain i am guessing from what i have heard in the past. This cameras priority wont be resolution it will be ISO, speed, focusing and smaller file sizes with killer video.

The two camera party owners will just have to have one me included LOL..........and Nikon knows it LOL.

You get the general drift of what i am guessing could happen.............start salting away those penny's ...Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year...........
 
Also on NR
Notice regarding release date of "Z 9" and related products and product delivery
  • December 08, 2021
    Product information
Thank you for your continued patronage of Nikon products.

We are pleased to inform you that the release date of the full-size (Nikon FX format) mirrorless camera "Nikon Z 9", which was announced to be released within 2021, has been decided on December 24th (Friday).

In addition, we have received a large number of reservations for "Z 9" and related products, which exceeds our expectations. For this reason, we may not be able to deliver the product to customers who have already made a reservation on the day of release. In addition, we are considering increasing production due to the favorable reception of orders, but due to the impact of semiconductor shortages, it may take time for products to be delivered even to customers who make reservations in the future.

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused to customers who are waiting for this product.
We will do our utmost to deliver the product as soon as possible, and we appreciate your understanding.


Interesting...........thanks for letting me know...........cant help but think hmmm text book answers, 24th December buys them into the new year as general plant close down suppliers for holiday,s yada yada so hmmmm something doesn't sit well.

I hope its not a issue with the production version of the camera technically.

Cant quite accept this one........i smell some BS here....sorry
 
HERE IS FOR SOME WHAT IS WRONG WITH GETTING A Z9

If we think that its the be end to all, do all in one camera.........you may be in for a shock, my hypothesis is it wont be..........

The enormous popularity of the Z9 is because many feel its the do all in one camera YEEEE....and for so many it will be.

However Manufactures will never do that for you..........and never have.........its bad for business.

The Z9 breaks teh drought and hits the sweet spot for volume uptake in sales and deliverers incentive to get people into the Z glass....... a honey pot stacked with over pricing for low cost manufactured lenses price hiked beyond belief........for what they are.

My Hypothesis ...i don't want to get arrested by the Google police LOL

I hope there will be a new model just for dedicated pros, teh camera will have large pixels, much lower resolution, insaine focusing ability, breath taking ISO and speed................i feel this will come after the Z9 pipeline has been filled......also at which point the drill down cheaper version of the Z9 will arrive if not just before.

Nikon has done a great Job hats off................

The Z9 cruidly put is like a D850 Z7II style camera on steroids with a new sensor and focusing system, mirror-less..........we cop that......45mp still has its limitations on ISO and more speed as that logically both comes at the expense of dynamic range.............colour accuracy........generally speaking......gates open boys LOL

The Z9 is braking the drought and is so welcomed..........it will eventually deliver a lot of what we want...........but it will only be one half of the range, the other half wont be far behind it will be the mega TOP Dog LOL...........

Z9 ?
A7II D6
D850 D6
D810 D5
D800 D4s

Ok.........this to come top dog may well be only 16 mp or max 20 mp, i feel the difference between 24mp and 45 equates to only about 20% in actual resolution, i don't know for certain i am guessing from what i have heard in the past. This cameras priority wont be resolution it will be ISO, speed, focusing and smaller file sizes with killer video.

The two camera party owners will just have to have one me included LOL..........and Nikon knows it LOL.

You get the general drift of what i am guessing could happen.............start salting away those penny's ...Merry Christmas to all and a Happy New Year...........

I don't really see why this needed to be posted. We all know the Mp of the Z9 and we know pretty much how it will perform AFwise and many other aspects and therefore I don't see why anyone should be in for a shock. We know it has a reasonably high Mp count and thus won't be the low-light king like a D5/6 or whatever. However, for AF speed and acquistion etc and for cropping like a D850 (Z7/Z7II) it will be great for birding, sports, animals etc but much better in the AF department than any DSLR (apparently). The AF ability already looks insanely fantastic and they will be introducing FW updates along the way to improve that also.

I don't know of *any* camera that is the "be to all, do all in one camera", not the D3/4/5/6 nor the D700/800/800E/810/850. They all have their compromises in one way or another. However, looking at the Z9, it ticks more of the boxes than any of the aforementioned DSLR's as far as I can see. So, for most people, I think it is definitely the camera we have been waiting for and even if they bring out another lower Mp version, it won't suit many people either.
 
I agree entirely, and there's more...

From all we have seen and what's been discussed about the Z9 specs and features, there is not much to worry about IMHO. Prior to these reports using the prototypes over the past 5 weeks, my original position was this camera will ably qualify for my needs and standards in AF and haptics provided it at least matches the reliability of the D5 and better D6 for wildlife subjects.

Over the past week, Thom H and Brad Hill have confirmed the primary aspects in reports of the first wave of Z9 users aka influencers:
  • excellent blackout free, bright EVF;
  • Nikon colour science;
  • the fps and buffer etc is more than one needs in almost all situations;
  • what will likely become rated the most advanced and reliable AF system in the history of 'affordable' photography as of 2021-2022.
There are zilch concerns over the fully electronic shutter. The sensor guard is long overdue, especially in dusty conditions. Major kudos to Nikon.

The only real area of concern - more academic - is the lowlight image quality; but again as you and others are saying.... if the Z9 matches D850 / Z7 sensor quality ie ISO6400 - 25600 no worries, even if pp software is the necessary accessory for these images.

One intriguing arena where we will keep learning until the camera has been worked hard - entails the deeper details of Z9 Menu intricacies and Haptics. Overall, Thom Hogan and Brad Hill have already confirmed the customization scope / options in the Z9 Menus is better than those in the D6. Here the Z9 brings quantum improvements, compared to the mid-tier Z6 - Z7 cameras.

This especially applies to the Z9 allowing more Options-per-Button - big leap fwd over the irksome Nikon tradition to tie users to apron strings by crippling some of the control buttons on DSLRs and also the Zeds. For example, muzzling Fn3 to be basically useless for most of us (except MyMenu maybe).

Now we will be able to customize the Z9 in so many different ways for action shooting etc, including other genres. For example, the Z9 now allows more options besides mapping a preferred AFMode+AFOn to a Fn button(s). There are at least 3 ways to switch AF modes solely with the right hand, and with single controls. This includes using a respective suite of RSF (Recall Shooting Functions) in each Shooting Bank.

I don't really see why this needed to be posted. We all know the Mp of the Z9 and we know pretty much how it will perform AFwise and many other aspects and therefore I don't see why anyone should be in for a shock. We know it has a reasonably high Mp count and thus won't be the low-light king like a D5/6 or whatever. However, for AF speed and acquistion etc and for cropping like a D850 (Z7/Z7II) it will be great for birding, sports, animals etc but much better in the AF department than any DSLR (apparently). The AF ability already looks insanely fantastic and they will be introducing FW updates along the way to improve that also.

I don't know of *any* camera that is the "be to all, do all in one camera", not the D3/4/5/6 nor the D700/800/800E/810/850. They all have their compromises in one way or another. However, looking at the Z9, it ticks more of the boxes than any of the aforementioned DSLR's as far as I can see. So, for most people, I think it is definitely the camera we have been waiting for and even if they bring out another lower Mp version, it won't suit many people either.
 
I seriously hope Nikon doesn't take that path of having a low MP pro body, considering the way the Canon R3 has been received. Not that it is bad but it is for a very targeted segment (say sports shooters). I'm so happy Nikon kept the Z9 to about 45MP which IMHO is the best compromise between speed/ISO performance/Resolution.

What will be another home run for Nikon would be if they introduce a mini Z9 in DX format at around 24-30 MP in a smaller form factor.

I don't really see why this needed to be posted. We all know the Mp of the Z9 and we know pretty much how it will perform AFwise and many other aspects and therefore I don't see why anyone should be in for a shock. We know it has a reasonably high Mp count and thus won't be the low-light king like a D5/6 or whatever. However, for AF speed and acquistion etc and for cropping like a D850 (Z7/Z7II) it will be great for birding, sports, animals etc but much better in the AF department than any DSLR (apparently). The AF ability already looks insanely fantastic and they will be introducing FW updates along the way to improve that also.

I don't know of *any* camera that is the "be to all, do all in one camera", not the D3/4/5/6 nor the D700/800/800E/810/850. They all have their compromises in one way or another. However, looking at the Z9, it ticks more of the boxes than any of the aforementioned DSLR's as far as I can see. So, for most people, I think it is definitely the camera we have been waiting for and even if they bring out another lower Mp version, it won't suit many people either.
 
Also on NR
Notice regarding release date of "Z 9" and related products and product delivery
  • December 08, 2021
    Product information
Thank you for your continued patronage of Nikon products.

We are pleased to inform you that the release date of the full-size (Nikon FX format) mirrorless camera "Nikon Z 9", which was announced to be released within 2021, has been decided on December 24th (Friday).

1638956383478.png
 
I seriously hope Nikon doesn't take that path of having a low MP pro body, considering the way the Canon R3 has been received. Not that it is bad but it is for a very targeted segment (say sports shooters). I'm so happy Nikon kept the Z9 to about 45MP which IMHO is the best compromise between speed/ISO performance/Resolution.

What will be another home run for Nikon would be if they introduce a mini Z9 in DX format at around 24-30 MP in a smaller form factor.


Its logical that the Z9 fits the purpose brilliantly for so so many.............but there is defiantly a great chance that Nikon will eventually bring out a dedicated lower res higher iso deadly focused Pro performer for the dedicated pro market especially sports action with high quality pro video and pro connectivity............that's what i was referring to in the early comments, this dedicated pro version is the missing link.

The Z9 is excellent tool and fits the purpose for so many as i have described earlier, but its only one half of the equation............while the Z9 is an all rounder its not the ultimate top dog for high iso and mad speed at high iso, this is yet to come.......only an assumption..........on my part but a very plausible one if you look at history.............2022-23 will see even more real innovation arrive................... is my feeling.......i don't think one should think the Z9 is the end of the line.........as the end all be all.

Z9 ?
A7II D6
D850 D6
D810 D5
D800 D4s
 
We will have to wait and watch. Except the high ISO performance where lower MP bodies still have an advantage at a pixel level, everything else you mentioned like speed, video features, pro connectivity etc. are already in the Z9. Unlike Canon, both Nikon and Sony do not position their Z9/A1 as one level down from being called a "pro body".

Also, during the DSLR days, there was a clear segregation between a pro grade body like a D6 or D5 vs all purpose bodies like the D850 and after the launch of A1/Z9, there isn't enough difference to justify a lower MP body. I feel 45-50MP is the new 20MP equivalent pro bodies and we will see some crazy megapixel monsters like 80 or even 100+ MP that will be the D850 equivalents. That's just my guess and i could be totally wrong :)

Its logical that the Z9 fits the purpose brilliantly for so so many.............but there is defiantly a great chance that Nikon will eventually bring out a dedicated lower res higher iso deadly focused Pro performer for the dedicated pro market especially sports action with high quality pro video and pro connectivity............that's what i was referring to in the early comments, this dedicated pro version is the missing link.

The Z9 is excellent tool and fits the purpose for so many as i have described earlier, but its only one half of the equation............while the Z9 is an all rounder its not the ultimate top dog for high iso and mad speed at high iso, this is yet to come.......only an assumption..........on my part but a very plausible one if you look at history.............2022-23 will see even more real innovation arrive................... is my feeling.......i don't think one should think the Z9 is the end of the line.........as the end all be all.

Z9 ?
A7II D6
D850 D6
D810 D5
D800 D4s
 
We are pleased to inform you that the release date of the full-size (Nikon FX format) mirrorless camera "Nikon Z 9", which was announced to be released within 2021, has been decided on December 24th (Friday).

In addition, we have received a large number of reservations for "Z 9" and related products, which exceeds our expectations. For this reason, we may not be able to deliver the product to customers who have already made a reservation on the day of release. In addition, we are considering increasing production due to the favorable reception of orders, but due to the impact of semiconductor shortages, it may take time for products to be delivered even to customers who make reservations in the future.
Am I missing something or is this just poor English/translation?

Release date : Dec 24th but it wont be available to those who reserved it the day of release???

So what are they releasing and to who?
 
Am I missing something or is this just poor English/translation?

Release date : Dec 24th but it wont be available to those who reserved it the day of release???

So what are they releasing and to whom?
Certainly a ambiguous answer. I feel no company should ever release any product until they have at least some of the product to distribute. I have always been a Nikon fan but lately my patience is wearing thin. This is the first time in my life that I’ve seriously considers switching brands. I’m going to be patient for a couple more months to see how this rollout goes as well as firmware releases. I did not pre-order one but I’ve contemplated it. I did call B&H earlier in the week and they are telling me they still have spots open for the first wave of shipments which makes no sense to me. Hopefully this release doesn’t turn out to be a sh?? show!
 
Certainly a ambiguous answer. I feel no company should ever release any product until they have at least some of the product to distribute. I have always been a Nikon fan but lately my patience is wearing thin. This is the first time in my life that I’ve seriously considers switching brands.

Huh. Sorry you feel that way. For me it’s the opposite. I’ve been waiting years for this camera and once they said they’d start shipping this year I feel like I’m in the home stretch.
 
Huh. Sorry you feel that way. For me it’s the opposite. I’ve been waiting years for this camera and once they said they’d start shipping this year I feel like I’m in the home stretch.
I am excited for the release and want Nikon to succeed. I have well over 20k worth of Nikon equipment and really want to stay with them. Having said that, it has been disappointing to me that neither of the generation 2 Z cameras I have still haven’t received a substantial firmware update. I suppose it’s not the end of the world. perhaps I’m just pissed because I am recovering from surgery and in substantial pain. Either way, hopefully this rollout goes smoothly and Nikon starts going in the right direction.
 
First of all, this is a Nikon communication to their Japanese customers, do not expect a direct computer translation to make much sense in English.
Second, it does not say anything about their not being any product to ship before the end of this year.

This apology statement from Nikon to its customers has been expected by many many Nikon camera owners (talked about in many threads) and now that it has been made we have a release date. I know more now than yesterday and that is good.

Back to packing the camera bag for next weeks Florida birding trip.
 
First of all, this is a Nikon communication to their Japanese customers, do not expect a direct computer translation to make much sense in English.
Second, it does not say anything about their not being any product to ship before the end of this year.

This apology statement from Nikon to its customers has been expected by many many Nikon camera owners (talked about in many threads) and now that it has been made we have a release date. I know more now than yesterday and that is good.

Back to packing the camera bag for next weeks Florida birding trip.
Good point it is to Japanese customers. North American customers - well we are on our own :unsure:
 
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