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Some interesting observations about the AF system but have a strange feeling that he's not quite getting it. I look forward to a more thorough review from Steve. Still, in the end he seems to really like and recommend the camera especially for video. I of course am still waiting on mine so can't comment directly
- so thanks for taking one for the team!
Did you make a profit on the camera?
I hadn't heard of the FX6, so I looked it up... It appears impressive. Maybe we'll have a video category here sometime.
Yes, I think that would be great! Mirrorless cameras are introducting video to a whole army of still photography shooters. Videography is very challenging, but at the same time addicting, and rewarding.
Nope. All I wanted was the exact amount I paid. That is all I asked and that is what I got.
Hi Arbitrage, if I got it right there were two objections mentioned in the video:
My only argument with absolute statements like this is they seem to focus on birds, primarily BIF which can test a cameras and lenses ability to keep a subject in focus, but there are many other forms of wildlife and different situations. As an example, I shoot a lot of black bear which tend to be in shaded forest cover, lack contrast on the face/eyes, and quite often have blades of grass, twigs, or branches nearby, and require higher ISO. This can also be tricky for AF systems in a different way even though the bear tends to move slow. What works best for BIF might not work best here. Steve Matthies mentioned the bison in the snow was better handled by the Z9. Maybe you or @arbitrage have tested on other wildlife like black bear with all cameras and are taking it into consideration. As black bear are in hibernation I haven’t been able to and haven’t seen any comparisons. I have seen the Z9 detect the eyes of fish, lizards, birds, raccoons, squirrels, and birds, as well as the bodies of dolphins. I’m sure the best cameras do well in most of these situations, but not seeing comparisons. If you have tested, or even better compared the top cameras with other subjects, please share your findings as I am not a birder and am curious. If not, I‘d appreciate it if you could add “best for birds” to the comment. I’m not trying to disrespectful, just not into birds as much as most others here.For stills though, in my hands, the choice is clear with Sony. My Z9/500PF went to a happy new owner yesterday.
Just brace yourself - half this forum will now label you untrustworthy, arrogant and dismiss every experience you have.
For me, you just saved me from having to do the evaluation myself
And BTW, I also agree that the A1 handheld video capabilities seriously lag Canon R5 and Nikon Z - that's my only disappointment so far. I have to activate in-body electronic stabilization (in addition to Lens OSS and IBIS) with a pretty heavy crop to get even remotely close to what one can do with the R5 + 100/500
I only wish I had a few more mammals around at the moment to test.Nikon warranty only applies to the original purchaser.
I agree with your points and look forward to your review as you take many things into consideration. I’m glad to hear you’re finding it to work well with mammals as that is where my interest is. There are a few locations near me that have a few other mammals (bobcats, bison, horses, bear) that I’m hoping to make it to soon, but seeing them is hit or miss. In the meantime, I’m trying to take advantage of the the Florida birding which seems to be having an off year.I agree on the BIF standard. It seems like the only aspect people care about - but to be fair, it is a good way to test an AF system. Most of my Z testing will use BIF simply because I think the camera can track mammals just fine - at least from what I've seen so far
The trick with comparing two cameras ability to find subjects though is that you have to us both at the same relative time for the same subject. Every circumstance is different. There are times I "feel" like my a1 is better with finding eyes and times I "feel" like the Z9 might have an edge. However, you'd have to have both cameras in-hand to really compare (and I will try to make that happen when the opportunities present themselves, but even then it's a very small sample size).
I'm going to mess with them a bit, but I feel like they are more of a legacy AF area now. They essentially do what 3D does, only in a smaller area and without showing you what AF point is in use.
Yeah I was down there for a week two weeks ago shooting. I did get some good shots in FL but I really had to work for them. I was a bit shocked how little was there but still pulled out some good shots. Now having the time to go through them all is the current challenge.
