Wonder if my Z9 will be upgradable to Z9n?
IF your main camera is the Z9 what would you choose as a second camera body?
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O
Well-known member
Thank you so much for your feed back, it sounds very practical as you describe.
I had a look at one from Nikon NPS and i liked it, it makes my DF look like a relic LOL.
The ZF is on my short list, just waiting for the Z7III to break out of its shell, i am tipping it will be 60mp 10 fps and if that's the case it will suite my application nicely.
thelordofthelight
Well-known member
My primary camera/lens combo is Z9/4002.8TC that I use 80% of the time. My secondary camera is the D850 and I don’t think I will ever sell it as this is THE camera/ camera gear that excited me the most when launched (more than even a Z9/400TC). Also, I still have my 70-200 E FL and 500PF that I simply can’t think of selling/ upgrading so I will keep using them.
Having said that, I do need a third camera body that Nikon still doesn’t have in their line up. That’s either a pro DX mirrorless with 30+MP resolution, stacked sensor and Z9 AF or a Z7III with 80+MP resolution and decent sensor speed and better EVF slide-show implementation.
Having said that, I do need a third camera body that Nikon still doesn’t have in their line up. That’s either a pro DX mirrorless with 30+MP resolution, stacked sensor and Z9 AF or a Z7III with 80+MP resolution and decent sensor speed and better EVF slide-show implementation.
O
Well-known member
WOW i thought i was alone LOL
I use my D850 for nearly everything and the Z9 if i need 20fps etc. The D850 is a great camera and far less complicated, as i mentioned previously i am also waiting for the outcome of the A7III 60mp plus at least 10 fps and that's the ticket. See what happens.
Interesting especially the later part
Only an opinion
wsr
New member
I have 2 Z9 bodies and a Z8. The Z8 is a wonderful walk around camera and would suffice as a second camera except I personally like the large battery in the Z9 for nature photography.
Dionigi Colombo
Well-known member
The Z9, like any ML camera, in low light, adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow, morning fog, and a few other conditions the Z9 struggles a lot or even does not focus at all
I'll put up a couple of examples hoping they don't go off the topic of discussion
Attachments
I've had it struggle on some rainy days and no problems on others. AF does seem to struggle more in low contrast than the D5/850 did. But no hard data to support that impression.
Not my experience. Getting better results in harsh conditions than my D5.
Dionigi Colombo
Well-known member
I forgot to specify that the "problems" occur when the subjects are set as in my photos, with close-ups or portraits much less
And btw, love the deer photo. Very much takes me there. Something to be said for a scene with lower contrast, desarurated by fog. Everything now (to my eye) is optimized for phones and social media.
It's like comparing apples and oranges anyway. In my case at least. The only AF modes I ever used on DSLRs was single point and group. With Z8/9 I'm using wide area 100 percent of the time. I used to have a button set to single point mode. But now I use a 1x1 custom area.
In my case as well. Typically have issues with longer range subjects.
Good point. I don't shoot wildlife, just other things that move fast but predictably and are larger (cars, surfers). So I'm typically on 1x1 or single point, no tracking. As I was on the DSLR.
O
Well-known member
The D6 and even the D850 or D4s just sticks to what ever you point it at like glue, even if the subject is a very low contrast against a low contrast back ground, i never use tracking on any of these cameras LOL.
I switch everything off on the Z9 as far as tracking goes and use it like a normal camera and combine it with good old fashioned skill sets.
If i do ever use tracking its in rare specific applications where the camera is staying with in its capabilities. Usually i will assignee things to a single button for recall so i switch from tracking to standard DSLR mode where i am in control.
I hear the R1 will or has fixed this tracking vulnerability.
There is no right or wrong, its what ever works for you.
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Dionigi Colombo
Well-known member
I partly agree, SLRs I use only in single point, rarely in D9, tracking is practically nonexistent.
On the Z9 if the animal, I only photograph those, does not occupy a very large portion of the frame the tracking is not reliable at all, instead of the head it goes on the shoulder, the rear or the background. That is why I have to use Wide S area or the 1x1 point, but in my opinion so it is less responsive and you lose most of the advantages given by the Af of the Z9
AnnetteJane
Well-known member
I would get a Z8 for a second camera body. Weight and size. Battery isn’t as crucial because my Z9 is the main camera.
SoCalRick
Well-known member
I decidd to get a Z8 for my second body, as it is essentially a Z9 in a slightly smaller package. This way I end up having 2 cameras with nearly identical interfaces and configurations, but I also have the option of choosing the slightly smaller and lighter body of the Z8 whenever the situation calls for it.
I also have the Z7ii as a tertiary backup and/or to use as an even smaller form factor camera for travel purposes, which almost exclusively gets used for landscape photography.
I prefer using the Z8/Z9 combo, due to their nearly identical user interface and configuration settings, but it doesn't take me too long to get into the mindset of using the Z7ii, especially in landscape photography situations, which typically means that I am not rushed for time.
I also have the Z7ii as a tertiary backup and/or to use as an even smaller form factor camera for travel purposes, which almost exclusively gets used for landscape photography.
I prefer using the Z8/Z9 combo, due to their nearly identical user interface and configuration settings, but it doesn't take me too long to get into the mindset of using the Z7ii, especially in landscape photography situations, which typically means that I am not rushed for time.
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Steve.Lamb
New member
I have a Z9 and to be honest it is not my go to camera. The Z5 is my go to camera for street photography and travel. I pair my Z5 with the Z 14-30mm f/4 S, Z 28-75mm f/2.8 and Tamron Z 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 for travel. Z 50mm or 35mm f/1.8 S for street.
The Z9 I use for action, wildlife, landscape, portrate and macro with the following lenses Z 14-30mm f/4 S, Z 50mm f/1.8 S, F mount 70-200mm f/2.8 E ED VR via FTZ, Z 105mm f/2.8 MC VR Micro and Z 400mm F/4.5 VR S.
O
Well-known member
Stunning Camera and set up, why would you want to let go of that, i still prefer the D6 even over the Z9 especially in extremely challenging low contrast shoots.
Only an opinion.
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Darrellhar
Well-known member
I'm glad I searched for this before posting as there are a lot of good ideas in this thread. I currently own a Z9 and have opportunity to purchase a second one used from friend for about the same price as a new Z8. I really do like the idea of being able to set up both cameras the same way (easily) and really enjoy using the larger battery. I've never owned a capable backup camera and I'm trying to decide whether to pull the trigger on this or not. As a landscape, sports and sometimes wildlife shooter a second body would be more of a luxury than a requirement (I've done this long without one). I personally can't imagine what they could add to a Z9 ii that would make me want to upgrade (famous last words of all of us I'm sure) so having two version 1's would have them last that much longer. It is interesting to read what others use second cameras for and decisions they would make depending on what second was for. Again famous last words but I think I'm done purchasing lens, unless they release something that I can't think of, so having second body would not keep me from that purchase. I generally over think and analyze any new large purchases and this is no exception. For those that have a second (or third body) are there any other reasons you own it other than one of these? Backup in case first goes in for service, backup for big trip, second camera for second lens, smaller camera for different type of shooting.
Ultimately I'm trying to justify in my head the purchase of a camera that I know is going to drop in price over next year as rumors of version 2 get more often. I can already purchase it for less than I have seen other used copies (and this would already come with L bracket and couple extra batteries making it an even better deal). Just trying to justify in my head the purchase and what better way to do that than ask others that spend a ton on the same hobby.
Ultimately I'm trying to justify in my head the purchase of a camera that I know is going to drop in price over next year as rumors of version 2 get more often. I can already purchase it for less than I have seen other used copies (and this would already come with L bracket and couple extra batteries making it an even better deal). Just trying to justify in my head the purchase and what better way to do that than ask others that spend a ton on the same hobby.
DsD
Well-known member
I went for the Zf, more of luxury than need. I always loved the D-750 files and wanted that plus a nod to the roots of my film day camera. Smaller plus the incredible focus options with manual focus glass (think Voigtlander w/aperture ring) was a deciding factor as well.
What really cemented my decision was a recent trip to Montana where a second body with a WA lens would have been very useful. Thus keeping the 800 PF on the Z9 at all times ... seems strange how when one changes lenes that the other one is of immediate need!
What really cemented my decision was a recent trip to Montana where a second body with a WA lens would have been very useful. Thus keeping the 800 PF on the Z9 at all times ... seems strange how when one changes lenes that the other one is of immediate need!
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nhzen
Member
I got a Z8 as a second body on the theory that (a) it's lighter than the Z9, and (b) it's otherwise "identical" to the Z9. The latter assumption unfortunately turned out not to be exactly true, even before the firmware upgrades diverged the bodies further. It's particularly noticeable when hunting around in the menus in the field, where minor differences are annoying, especially in the field when one is in a hurry. Then there is the difference in the batteries, which is also annoying to manage (two sets of batteries and chargers to be carried along).
Based on those experiences, I wished I had gotten another Z9, even at the cost of the additional weight. That being said, the Z8 is fantastic and I almost think it focuses better. But if I'm in this situation again, especially with something as nearly ideal as the Z9, I would stick with the same model for both bodies just to make my life simpler.
Based on those experiences, I wished I had gotten another Z9, even at the cost of the additional weight. That being said, the Z8 is fantastic and I almost think it focuses better. But if I'm in this situation again, especially with something as nearly ideal as the Z9, I would stick with the same model for both bodies just to make my life simpler.
fcotterill
Well-known member
(edited) Great opportunity 
in the field it's extremely useful to have complementary lenses at hand eg 70-200 or 400/500 with a 800mm, particularly in a vehicle or hide but also hiking with a pair of rigs.
You will appreciate the identical Menus, ergonomics and ENEL18d batteries, which share a single model in the MH33 charger... Dual CFExpress B slots, particularly as it was great to banish SD cards years ago, when XQD arrived. Importantly, both Z9's share the latest Firmware update.... As summarized :
bcgforums.com
More discussion:
bcgforums.com
bcgforums.com
in the field it's extremely useful to have complementary lenses at hand eg 70-200 or 400/500 with a 800mm, particularly in a vehicle or hide but also hiking with a pair of rigs.
You will appreciate the identical Menus, ergonomics and ENEL18d batteries, which share a single model in the MH33 charger... Dual CFExpress B slots, particularly as it was great to banish SD cards years ago, when XQD arrived. Importantly, both Z9's share the latest Firmware update.... As summarized :
Thoughts on a 2nd Camera Body to compliment my Z9 (Another Z9 or go with a Z8)
The pros and cons to each are mostly minor things and come down to personal preferences. I have both and prefer the smaller, lighter Z8. Do you prefer the larger gripped body or do you want a smaller, lighter body to compliment it? How important is built in gps? How important are matched card...
bcgforums.com
More discussion:
Thinking Zf vs Z8 for backup cam....
I don't need a backup camera, ultimately. I'm not a pro. That said I have the Nikon D6 as back up to my Nikon Z9. Which I've turned to twice when the Z9 was in the shop. However. Enter the 600 f/4 TC lens which becomes a paperweight if the Z9 fails (e.g. I can't shoot new lens on old body)...
bcgforums.com
Z8 / Z9 DECISIONS
I have just returned from a business trip to Australia, which included a couple of days wildlife photography. On my first day out I had a disaster! I was walking with a couple of local photographers at a well know location in Sydney. I had my Z9 + 800pf on a monopod with Wimberley Mono gimbal. I...
bcgforums.com
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Darrellhar
Well-known member
Do you have any regrets having a second camera body? I guess I'm asking if it was worth the investment?
Darrellhar
Well-known member
Thank you for posting those but I already read through them all. I commented on this thread because it was closest to my thoughts and questions.Great opportunity
You will appreciate the identical Menus, ergonomics and ENEL18d batteries, which share a single model in the MH33 charger... And as importantly the latest shared Firmware update.... As summarized :
Thoughts on a 2nd Camera Body to compliment my Z9 (Another Z9 or go with a Z8)
The pros and cons to each are mostly minor things and come down to personal preferences. I have both and prefer the smaller, lighter Z8. Do you prefer the larger gripped body or do you want a smaller, lighter body to compliment it? How important is built in gps? How important are matched card...
More discussion:
Thinking Zf vs Z8 for backup cam....
I don't need a backup camera, ultimately. I'm not a pro. That said I have the Nikon D6 as back up to my Nikon Z9. Which I've turned to twice when the Z9 was in the shop. However. Enter the 600 f/4 TC lens which becomes a paperweight if the Z9 fails (e.g. I can't shoot new lens on old body)...
Z8 / Z9 DECISIONS
I have just returned from a business trip to Australia, which included a couple of days wildlife photography. On my first day out I had a disaster! I was walking with a couple of local photographers at a well know location in Sydney. I had my Z9 + 800pf on a monopod with Wimberley Mono gimbal. I...