My Z9 Update Wish List - I sent this to Nikon

[Steve]

Steve,
What about Auto AF Area Starting Point? My D6 had it and my wife really liked using it for candid photography. I frequently used it on my backyard hummers at the feeders.

To quote you from Secrets to the Nikon Autofocus System... "This is another fantastic addition to the Nikon AF system and solves a major problem many of us have with the normal Auto AF area."

Of course, this would apply to both the Z9 and Z8.

That would be a good addition. Although, at this point, Nikon hasn't really implemented any of these ideas (or similar ideas from other photographers), so who knows? They kind of do what they want to. If I send an updated list, I'll pass this one along though - it's handy.

 

[ButlerKid]

That would be a good addition. Although, at this point, Nikon hasn't really implicated any of these ideas (or similar ideas from other photographers), so who knows? They kind of do what they want to. If I send an updated list, I'll pass this one along though - it's handy.

I see spell check sometimes helps you out also......

 

[Charles Loy]

#4 - now I know why I can't find that! Silly to not include spot metering

 

[O]

List of Z9 firmware update suggestions

So, I sent this list of ideas to Nikon for firmware updates easier this year and thought I'd share it with the board. So far, no joy (this was sent back in May I think), but who knows - maybe they'll take some of the suggestions to heart. The list below was for firmware, but I have a few hardware ideas at the bottom.

1. I'd love to see an option for turning off subject detection with a programmable button. While most of the time subject detection works well, it can sometimes prove problematic. There are instances it will miss-identify the target or end up on the wrong place on that subject. An option to quickly toggle subject detection on and off with the press of a button would prove extremely helpful. At the moment, I have Recall Shooting programmed for this, but it's really a waste of that function's capabilities.

2. Another incredibly useful option would be to control exactly what aspects subject detection is looking for in an image - either body/face/eye OR just face/eye. Often, when I see problems with subject detection, it's not that subject detection is failing; it's that focusing on the torso is the wrong approach. (Also, this mainly applies to the Wide AF areas.)

For instance, I have noticed with long-necked birds-in-flight that the camera frequently doesn't see the face or eye but almost always identifies the torso. However, if the bird is coming in at any kind of an angle, the result is an out-of-focus face/eye and a sharp body.

With the option to only look for the face/eye, the photographer could concentrate on keeping a wide AF area in the vicinity of the face/eye as much as possible. If the camera sees the face/eye, great - that's an extra aid (same applies if the photographer wanders off-target and the camera is sticking to the face/eye). However, if the camera doesn't see the face/eye, then it would use the AF area normally. In that scenario, if the photographer had the AF area in the vicinity of the face/eye, at least those areas would be sharp. However, as it stands now, you can have a wide AF area right where you want it on the target and the camera will still go for the body if it doesn't see the face or eye, resulting in a 100% failure rate, depending on the angle of the subject.

3. Another helpful option would be to restrict subject detection to just the inside of the Wide AF areas rather than letting it have full reign over the entire subject (this would help with the situation mentioned in point 2 above). I think this should be an on/off option as there are times the current implementation is advantageous. This would be another handy option for an on/off toggle on a programmable button.

4. Spot metering hold. An item I think should make a comeback is the spot meter (hold) option. For tricky metering situations, it's incredibly helpful. It was an option on previous cameras and it would be welcomed back by many. I've seen quite a few people asking about it and they are genuinely disappointed that it's not there. It would undoubtedly be helpful for wildlife work (it was in the past).

5. Another helpful addition would be to place Auto ISO at the "bottom" and "top" of the ISO range when using the lens control ring. Adjusting manual ISO on the control ring is incredibly handy, but if you want to jump from normal ISO to Auto, you must press the ISO button and turn the sub-command dial to toggle between them. It would be handy if you could put all the ISO options on a single, fast control. So, I could select my ISO manually with the lens function ring as I can now, but when I want to go back into Auto ISO, I'd simply turn the ring to the bottom or top of the range.

6. In addition to Nikon, I also shoot Sony and I have to tell you that zebra stripes for exposure are incredibly helpful. While the histogram is handy too, it's tough to spot small, clipped highlights with it and it covers up part of the photo. No such issue with zebra stripes - they don't cover any image area and spotting even a tiny flashing bit of clipped highlight is easy. I think that this would be a welcome addition for many shooters.

7. I'd also love to see recall shooting available with different settings for each button. Recall shooting is an incredibly powerful option and allowing every button to have its own (different) recall shooting options would offer a level of flexibility unheard of in most cameras. As a quick example, you could have one button programmed for slower subjects and another programmed for faster ones. This would make instant changes in the field incredibly fast.

8. AF areas on the lens control ring. Another handy option would be switching AF areas by turning the lens control ring. Using the proper AF area can make a huge difference in outcome and having a nearly instant way to do it would be a nice upgrade.

9. Another option that would be nice for changing AF areas is to have the camera switch from area to area with the press of a button. So, for example, you'd program Fn1 as your toggle button and one press would get you from the AF area you're currently using to the next one in the sequence. Sony allows you to do this and it makes changing AF areas incredibly fast. Although I still think having them on the control ring would be faster, it would be nice to have both options.

10. A handy upgrade would be an option that allows us to lock in the current settings for our photo shooting banks. As it stands now, any changes I make while in a given photo shooting bank changes that setting to the new default for that bank. Ideally, it would be nice if each bank had an option to "lock in current settings." That way, a user could set up a bank for a general scenario and make small tweaks as needed for the specific situation in the viewfinder. However, instead of those tweaks becoming the new default for that bank, when the user goes into another bank and then back, they would get the original settings they had when they first locked them in.

In short, it would be handy to know that when you go back to a particular photo shooting bank, it's always set a certain way. I honestly don't use the photo shooting banks myself at the moment because they don't recall my preferred settings for that bank. If I have to go in and make adjustments anyway, there's not much point in using them unless you typically have to change a LOT of settings. Also, this lock should absolutely apply to the shutter speed, F/stop and ISO settings if Extended menu banks are turned on - that's where it would be the most useful.

10a - This is a continuation of 10. It would also be nice to have the option to link photo shooting banks to a specific custom setting bank. That way maybe I could link custom setting bank a to photo shooting bank a (or b, or c) and have a far more effective customization at my fingertips without jumping around between menus.

That's it. I appreciate your consideration.

That was the end of the letter, but there are always other things to add.

In addition, I'd of course like to see AF improved to at least a1 levels. That didn't make the list (I think they know). Plus, I'd like to see a LOT more customization offered - my a1 has 164 items I can assign, the Z9, only 62. And, as noted in my letter above, there are some very valuable items that could be added.

Hardware:​

In addition to the firmware ideas I sent Nikon, I think a few hardware updates would be handy as well.

Obviously, these ideas would require a new camera, a Z9ii

First, I think we need an extra button on the back that we can assign. Just the AF-On button isn't enough. It would be nice to have another AF area / function avaialbe in that prime real estate area.

A better EVF would be nice - the current one is good, but I think if it were right erred, it would be better. I often forget I'm looking at an EVF with my a1 - with the Z9, not so much.

A deeper buffer would be great - something that allowed 30 FPS with lossless RAW and RAW pre-capture.

I also think we need more dials. There's a lot of empty space on top that could be used for a customizable dial that allows exp comp, ISO etc. I'd also like to see a "ring" on the back of the camera like Sony and Canon has. The Sony one not only turns, but allows button pushes at all the cardinal points and three of those are customizable.

Also, fix the eyepiece for the viewfinder - the little rubber thing likes to come off (and it's not just my camera - I saw it a lot over the summer during workshops).

The camera could also use a much better latch for the memory card door. I loved the ones with the D5/6, this is sometimes a pain to open by comparison.

Finally, weight - the Z9 is just heavier than it needs to be IMO. Sony and Canon have pro mirrorless that don't feel like you're holding a hunk of lead, Nikon can do it too.

Whew, that's the main stuff. I have lots of other little things too for both firmware and hardware, but those are the big ones I'd like to see,.

Great constructive list, as you say there would be more to add but that can come later.

Weight- size , I am guessing Nikon needed a large heat sink more for video performance ? who knows, but in hind sight it looks like its paying off, maybe. I feel heat to performance capacity is an on going development need for everyone.

I don't mind the size or weight of the Z9 that much but not in every application limiting its use for what i do, love the feel of grip in the Z9 and all pro grip bodys, i think also the pressure maybe was to get the Z9 out at any cost finished or unfinished as it was so long overdue?

I feel the Z9 II will likely come sooner than later out of necessity to accommodate more hardware needs and horsepower, maybe the Z9II is already in existence being tested ?

The question is does it make more sense to just leave the Z9 as it is and sell everyone a Z9II, basically a Z6 versus Z6II scenario ?

I don't think Nikon is worried about the Z8 Z9 being so similar, getting the Z8 out was critical, now forget about the Z9 that's the past, its all eyes on the Z9 II or equivalent that's important, guessing The bar has been set by Sony and it will be wait for Nikon to catch up again.

I think we are in for some exciting times and changes, in 23-24, 25 if you look at the road map of expectation for technology advancements, Sony is due to make their move, and its likely they will advance things remarkably well, the bar will be raised for others to follow especially with image quality, well that is my gut expectation.

I was thinking Sony seems to have the body, software, focusing, speed, resolution, all sorted around where it needs to be reliably, so maybe unleashing the next phase i feel is going to be due soon and very interesting, remember Sony is in the phone, TV, camera, movie, music, video, sensor making industry.

In my view phones are a fantastic pilot mini R and D development testing ground integrated with the current generation. Sony is fully vertically integrated and can build of whats trending.

I think we will see more phone like feature technology coming across, dynamic range, added to even better tracking focus permanence, combined with super smart connectivity, something Canon has been talking about.

Software editing features in camera is becoming a major marketing tool.

Nikon's present strength is its glass.................not so much its cameras, well that's my opinion.

I am a Nikon owner, i am not bashing a product or being a fan, i am far from a tech computer whiz thankfully by choice, i am simply having a cup of tea and thinking about where to next, i am in a position where i have a Z9, D850 with the wholly trio of DSLR glass plus a 200-500 etc, i rent anything special or exotic as needed, therefore i am in a comfortable position where everything meets my needs as required, i can switch to Canon Sony or ride the wave with Nikon, my final thought is well what about actual photography ?

Sunny, Blue sky, 18 degrees C, south west breeze will face up the 2 meter swell, time for a surf.

Only an opinion

 

[Krümelkraft]

For your next wish list:
I'd like to have the option of assigning VR mode switch to any button.
Also, VR mode should be included in the recall-shooting, so I can switch to an action setup that includes sports VR.

 

[ElenaH]

7. I'd also love to see recall shooting available with different settings for each button

the same for me. with a possibility to use it on hold or toggle.
It would solve a lot of tasks already and it is only a software issue.. good to have it in some update.

A deeper buffer would be great - something that allowed 30 FPS with lossless RAW and RAW pre-capture.

would be good... perhaps it will give the possibility to put the sequence of files in the video timeline and render them into the video as we do it with timelapses. And have still of a high resolution as well... Well, 8K UHD is almost there (7680px vs. 8256px) Perhaps, time will come. But sometimes you just need to have both, stills and video and don't want to opt your stills for video... you just need a good sequence, perhaps even not so long, just a few minutes for some action. And have both..! Oh it would be a dream

I would like to have a such (area) AF wich will focus to he closest subject (as D850 does). As I understand the phase AF just calculates the intentional movement of the subject but the camera still sees everything in 2D and not in 3D. However, it could be possible by eveluation of the distance sent by the lens. In any way, at the moment it doesn't wark so great like it works on D850. The most close subject.

 

[Patrick M]

My Hasselblad X2D has a 1Tb ssd drive inside. We know the technology is there.
so a z9 ii with an internal ssd could have an enormous “buffer” enabling very fast fps. Right now we can get 120 fos for jpeg, but an internal drive opens possibilities.

 

[Wes Peterson]

Slave VR to subject detection. Right now it uses camera movements to stabilize. In the future someone will use the subject location in frame to guide VR to improve panning shot hit rate. I made Nikon aware of the idea but time will tell.

 

[agrumpyoldsod]

1. I'd love to see an option for turning off subject detection with a programmable button. While most of the time subject detection works well, it can sometimes prove problematic. There are instances it will miss-identify the target or end up on the wrong place on that subject. An option to quickly toggle subject detection on and off with the press of a button would prove extremely helpful. At the moment, I have Recall Shooting programmed for this, but it's really a waste of that function's capabilities.

100%

2. Another incredibly useful option would be to control exactly what aspects subject detection is looking for in an image - either body/face/eye OR just face/eye. Often, when I see problems with subject detection, it's not that subject detection is failing; it's that focusing on the torso is the wrong approach. (Also, this mainly applies to the Wide AF areas.)

This is in the area of Broad AF improvements and refinement -- I still wonder if the Z8/Z9 had more and smaller AF points would it "do better" - I do not shoot other brands or FF cameras so I have no basis for comparison - However, I can count and I wonder why those that do have far more AF points (mainly Canon and Sony) are consistently stated to be "better" in low light and in complex lighting /environmental situations at detecting Humans and Parts of Humans than the Z8/Z9.

I am no Nikon engineer or any kind of camera engineer -- but this makes one wonder.

It also makes me wonder if Nikon was able to break up Animal into more types wouldn't the AF improve -- so "we" understand Birds, Dogs and Cats generally do well -- but what about:

1. Ungulates and other species with large/flat eyes
2. Leopards and Cheetahs -- the spots can confuse the AF SD
3. Lizards
4. Sea mammals

Given initial feedback from those shooting Aircraft where Nikon said priority was given to the cockpit -- whether a third option is needed -- 1) Af-mode; 2) subject detection group; 3) SD priority - auto, eye, head, body; auto, cockpit, front 3rd or middle of AIRCRAFT; auto, windscreen, mid bonnet, front grill OR mid-vehicle; and so on.

3. Another helpful option would be to restrict subject detection to just the inside of the Wide AF areas rather than letting it have full reign over the entire subject (this would help with the situation mentioned in point 2 above). I think this should be an on/off option as there are times the current implementation is advantageous. This would be another handy option for an on/off toggle on a programmable button.

I would not want to lose what we have so perhaps rename the current C1 and C2 to W1 and W2 and add a C1 and C2 that tightly limits the SD to ONLY looking inside the shape.

4. Spot metering hold. An item I think should make a comeback is the spot meter (hold) option. For tricky metering situations, it's incredibly helpful. It was an option on previous cameras and it would be welcomed back by many. I've seen quite a few people asking about it and they are genuinely disappointed that it's not there. It would undoubtedly be helpful for wildlife work (it was in the past).

I do not understand - is this simply AN exposure hold -- can't one already do this with AE-lock ?

5. Another helpful addition would be to place Auto ISO at the "bottom" and "top" of the ISO range when using the lens control ring. Adjusting manual ISO on the control ring is incredibly handy, but if you want to jump from normal ISO to Auto, you must press the ISO button and turn the sub-command dial to toggle between them. It would be handy if you could put all the ISO options on a single, fast control. So, I could select my ISO manually with the lens function ring as I can now, but when I want to go back into Auto ISO, I'd simply turn the ring to the bottom or top of the range.

Agreed - a similar case can be made for Aperture, EC, etc when allocated to these rings

6. In addition to Nikon, I also shoot Sony and I have to tell you that zebra stripes for exposure are incredibly helpful. While the histogram is handy too, it's tough to spot small, clipped highlights with it and it covers up part of the photo. No such issue with zebra stripes - they don't cover any image area and spotting even a tiny flashing bit of clipped highlight is easy. I think that this would be a welcome addition for many shooters.

100% -- I believe this was in an early make of Z body - but the settings for when Zebras turn on must be selectable.

7. I'd also love to see recall shooting available with different settings for each button. Recall shooting is an incredibly powerful option and allowing every button to have its own (different) recall shooting options would offer a level of flexibility unheard of in most cameras. As a quick example, you could have one button programmed for slower subjects and another programmed for faster ones. This would make instant changes in the field incredibly fast.

100% -- we need to be able to have more than 1 per bank

8. AF areas on the lens control ring. Another handy option would be switching AF areas by turning the lens control ring. Using the proper AF area can make a huge difference in outcome and having a nearly instant way to do it would be a nice upgrade.

Too dangerous for me -- most of the time I disable the lens control rings and used studio tape to cover over the rings on my 400 and 600. This is where it is most comfortable for me to hold the lens. Both the 400 and 600 need firmware updates to enable the same options as other S-lines lenses

9. Another option that would be nice for changing AF areas is to have the camera switch from area to area with the press of a button. So, for example, you'd program Fn1 as your toggle button and one press would get you from the AF area you're currently using to the next one in the sequence. Sony allows you to do this and it makes changing AF areas incredibly fast. Although I still think having them on the control ring would be faster, it would be nice to have both options.

Not for me - I have chosen what I want on each programmed button and 3 or 4 choices is enough for me -- I don't want to have to go hunting mid pursuit. Reaching for the AF selector button or iMenu is perfect for these types of choices.

10. A handy upgrade would be an option that allows us to lock in the current settings for our photo shooting banks. As it stands now, any changes I make while in a given photo shooting bank changes that setting to the new default for that bank. Ideally, it would be nice if each bank had an option to "lock in current settings." That way, a user could set up a bank for a general scenario and make small tweaks as needed for the specific situation in the viewfinder. However, instead of those tweaks becoming the new default for that bank, when the user goes into another bank and then back, they would get the original settings they had when they first locked them in.

Many folk like the way U1, U2, U3 worked on other models AND wonder why this is not possible on the Z8/Z9

In short, it would be handy to know that when you go back to a particular photo shooting bank, it's always set a certain way. I honestly don't use the photo shooting banks myself at the moment because they don't recall my preferred settings for that bank. If I have to go in and make adjustments anyway, there's not much point in using them unless you typically have to change a LOT of settings. Also, this lock should absolutely apply to the shutter speed, F/stop and ISO settings if Extended menu banks are turned on - that's where it would be the most useful.

If we have multiple RSF Holds wouldn't this do this ?

10a - This is a continuation of 10. It would also be nice to have the option to link photo shooting banks to a specific custom setting bank. That way maybe I could link custom setting bank a to photo shooting bank a (or b, or c) and have a far more effective customization at my fingertips without jumping around between menus.

Sure

Others

-- Video -- display Shutter Angle and False Colour
-- Give us L, M, S - RAW sizes as well -- L=full res, M= 30-33MP, and S=24mp not 19.5 or 12 -- all full-frame down sampled NOT pixel skipped. (sure add very small and very very small if you wish to Nikon.

HARDWARE

Obviously, these ideas would require a new camera, a Z9ii

And Z8ii

First, I think we need an extra button on the back that we can assign. Just the AF-On button isn't enough. It would be nice to have another AF area / function avaialbe in that prime real estate area.

Some folk are using the DISP button for this -- not me

A better EVF would be nice - the current one is good, but I think if it were right erred, it would be better. I often forget I'm looking at an EVF with my a1 - with the Z9, not so much.

One should be more specific about "better" -- do you mean higher resolution - without loss of current functionality (ie blackout free)

A deeper buffer would be great - something that allowed 30 FPS with lossless RAW and RAW pre-capture.

Is lossless RAW pre-capture a buffer issue of just a limitation -- YES Nikon please add 30 FPS and Pre-capture for Lossless RAW to the EXISTING Z8/Z9. Then in a bigger better Z8/Z9 - Yes a bigger buffer would be grand, particularly if it allowed MORE..... fps AND Longer .....

I also think we need more dials. There's a lot of empty space on top that could be used for a customizable dial that allows exp comp, ISO etc. I'd also like to see a "ring" on the back of the camera like Sony and Canon has. The Sony one not only turns, but allows button pushes at all the cardinal points and three of those are customizable.

No thanks

Also, fix the eyepiece for the viewfinder - the little rubber thing likes to come off (and it's not just my camera - I saw it a lot over the summer during workshops).

I replace the Nikon with Hoodman Eye Piece for glasses

The camera could also use a much better latch for the memory card door. I loved the ones with the D5/6, this is sometimes a pain to open by comparison.

NO - this is a non-issue for me and has gotten easier over time. I suspect due to my technique and thumb getting better, but it could also be the lock easing.
I find the card cover on the Z8 annoyingly easy to knock open.

Finally, weight - the Z9 is just heavier than it needs to be IMO. Sony and Canon have pro mirrorless that don't feel like you're holding a hunk of lead, Nikon can do it too.

I doubt it

Obviously, these ideas would require a new camera, a Z9ii

Well not all of them

OTHER -- primarily for Video shooters but not only --

1. Z8 modify the Power Delivery in USB-C AND add 2nd USB-C port t the Z9 -- BOTH to be "fully functional USB-C" -- latest generation
   
   
2. Z8 -- replace the the UHS-ii/SD with CFE-B -- to be honest while I understand what has been said about the reasons for this - REALLY dumb decision driven by focus groups and old thinking - the difference between CFE-B X2 and V90 is HUGH!!. This is a pro-level body NOT a toy . Pros bring cards and do not need to go to Target to buy crappy V30
   
   
3. Z8 -- give us a battery grip that takes EN-EL18 batteries
   
   
4. ACTIVE COOLING solution for the Z8 (and later Z9) -- lots of implications for the LCD screen and how it is connected to the camera if a BOLT on cooling module is chosen. Bigger issues for stills shooters if Built-In cooling is added -- a "C" variant would be needed. AND how cooling is delivered to the camera's cpu/card/sensor/battery etc particularly in light of Canon's 2020 water cooling patent would need to be addressed -- this all is part of the "what is Nikons approach to CINE?
   
   
5. Mount based accessory to provide Up to 10 stops via built in ND filter system - this will also need to address optical correction - hence why Nikon has to do it
   
   
6. Ability to connect an SSD (NVMe and SATA) and directly write to it while shooting/recording AND/OR to copy files from cards to it. [we need a bus level data port]
   
   
7. Enable dual card writing for VIDEO -- same as stills - back-up and overflow AND possibly mixed format -- N-RAW to slot one and 10-bit MOV to slot 2.
   
   
8. Consider the new CF Express Type C -- twice as fast as CFE-B - but much larger- could a bolt on CFE-C attachment with buslevel connector do this?
   
   
9. Z9/Z8 -- give us an CINE centric accessory that allows SLI dual; 12G-SD,IMON.1/MON.2: BNC jack, physical time code sync; Genlock; Synch; Follow focus power and control; power in from V/gold battery and power out distribution for accessories;
   
   
10. Add the ability to use and display user input LUTs

Just my top Ten

 

[agrumpyoldsod]

My Hasselblad X2D has a 1Tb ssd drive inside.

MIne too

 

[Alistair]

My Hasselblad X2D has a 1Tb ssd drive inside. We know the technology is there.
so a z9 ii with an internal ssd could have an enormous “buffer” enabling very fast fps. Right now we can get 120 fos for jpeg, but an internal drive opens possibilities.

Way too slow for buffering and way too limiting as a storage medium. No thanks.

 

[Nimi]

100%


This is in the area of Broad AF improvements and refinement -- I still wonder if the Z8/Z9 had more and smaller AF points would it "do better" - I do not shoot other brands or FF cameras so I have no basis for comparison - However, I can count and I wonder why those that do have far more AF points (mainly Canon and Sony) are consistently stated to be "better" in low light and in complex lighting /environmental situations at detecting Humans and Parts of Humans than the Z8/Z9.

I am no Nikon engineer or any kind of camera engineer -- but this makes one wonder.

It also makes me wonder if Nikon was able to break up Animal into more types wouldn't the AF improve -- so "we" understand Birds, Dogs and Cats generally do well -- but what about:

1. Ungulates and other species with large/flat eyes
2. Leopards and Cheetahs -- the spots can confuse the AF SD
3. Lizards
4. Sea mammals

Given initial feedback from those shooting Aircraft where Nikon said priority was given to the cockpit -- whether a third option is needed -- 1) Af-mode; 2) subject detection group; 3) SD priority - auto, eye, head, body; auto, cockpit, front 3rd or middle of AIRCRAFT; auto, windscreen, mid bonnet, front grill OR mid-vehicle; and so on.


I would not want to lose what we have so perhaps rename the current C1 and C2 to W1 and W2 and add a C1 and C2 that tightly limits the SD to ONLY looking inside the shape.


I do not understand - is this simply AN exposure hold -- can't one already do this with AE-lock ?


Agreed - a similar case can be made for Aperture, EC, etc when allocated to these rings

100% -- I believe this was in an early make of Z body - but the settings for when Zebras turn on must be selectable.


100% -- we need to be able to have more than 1 per bank


Too dangerous for me -- most of the time I disable the lens control rings and used studio tape to cover over the rings on my 400 and 600. This is where it is most comfortable for me to hold the lens. Both the 400 and 600 need firmware updates to enable the same options as other S-lines lenses

Not for me - I have chosen what I want on each programmed button and 3 or 4 choices is enough for me -- I don't want to have to go hunting mid pursuit. Reaching for the AF selector button or iMenu is perfect for these types of choices.


Many folk like the way U1, U2, U3 worked on other models AND wonder why this is not possible on the Z8/Z9


If we have multiple RSF Holds wouldn't this do this ?


Sure

Others

-- Video -- display Shutter Angle and False Colour
-- Give us L, M, S - RAW sizes as well -- L=full res, M= 30-33MP, and S=24mp not 19.5 or 12 -- all full-frame down sampled NOT pixel skipped. (sure add very small and very very small if you wish to Nikon.

HARDWARE


And Z8ii

Some folk are using the DISP button for this -- not me


One should be more specific about "better" -- do you mean higher resolution - without loss of current functionality (ie blackout free)


Is lossless RAW pre-capture a buffer issue of just a limitation -- YES Nikon please add 30 FPS and Pre-capture for Lossless RAW to the EXISTING Z8/Z9. Then in a bigger better Z8/Z9 - Yes a bigger buffer would be grand, particularly if it allowed MORE..... fps AND Longer .....


No thanks


I replace the Nikon with Hoodman Eye Piece for glasses


NO - this is a non-issue for me and has gotten easier over time. I suspect due to my technique and thumb getting better, but it could also be the lock easing.
I find the card cover on the Z8 annoyingly easy to knock open.


I doubt it

Well not all of them

OTHER -- primarily for Video shooters but not only --

1. Z8 modify the Power Delivery in USB-C AND add 2nd USB-C port t the Z9 -- BOTH to be "fully functional USB-C" -- latest generation
   
   
2. Z8 -- replace the the UHS-ii/SD with CFE-B -- to be honest while I understand what has been said about the reasons for this - REALLY dumb decision driven by focus groups and old thinking - the difference between CFE-B X2 and V90 is HUGH!!. This is a pro-level body NOT a toy . Pros bring cards and do not need to go to Target to buy crappy V30
   
   
3. Z8 -- give us a battery grip that takes EN-EL18 batteries
   
   
4. ACTIVE COOLING solution for the Z8 (and later Z9) -- lots of implications for the LCD screen and how it is connected to the camera if a BOLT on cooling module is chosen. Bigger issues for stills shooters if Built-In cooling is added -- a "C" variant would be needed. AND how cooling is delivered to the camera's cpu/card/sensor/battery etc particularly in light of Canon's 2020 water cooling patent would need to be addressed -- this all is part of the "what is Nikons approach to CINE?
   
   
5. Mount based accessory to provide Up to 10 stops via built in ND filter system - this will also need to address optical correction - hence why Nikon has to do it
   
   
6. Ability to connect an SSD (NVMe and SATA) and directly write to it while shooting/recording AND/OR to copy files from cards to it. [we need a bus level data port]
   
   
7. Enable dual card writing for VIDEO -- same as stills - back-up and overflow AND possibly mixed format -- N-RAW to slot one and 10-bit MOV to slot 2.
   
   
8. Consider the new CF Express Type C -- twice as fast as CFE-B - but much larger- could a bolt on CFE-C attachment with buslevel connector do this?
   
   
9. Z9/Z8 -- give us an CINE centric accessory that allows SLI dual; 12G-SD,IMON.1/MON.2: BNC jack, physical time code sync; Genlock; Synch; Follow focus power and control; power in from V/gold battery and power out distribution for accessories;
   
   
10. Add the ability to use and display user input LUTs

Just my top Ten

Re #5. Spoke to several manufacturers and they all said that Z to Z with ND is impossible for existing Z lenses because there is no way to optically compensate for interrupting the flange gap without essentially a costly or shi$#y multi-element contraption. This is an issue for all hybrid cameras, by the way, so these companies are working on adapters with drop-in VND for E, EF and PL on the lens side and R, PL, E, EF and Z on the camera side. So for Nikon to do this, they need to design cine lenses with drop-in slots. As an aside, I'm just resigned to work with PL using the Wooden Camera adapter.

 

[Patrick M]

Way too slow for buffering and way too limiting as a storage medium. No thanks.

Remember I’m talking in-camera storage. It’s still more than some of today’s largest and fastest Cfexpress cards….And I’m pretty sure buffering in-camera too could be made to improve. Today’s tech might not be there, but we are talking wish list. Anything is posssible.

 

[agrumpyoldsod]

Re #5. Spoke to several manufacturers and they all said that Z to Z with ND is impossible for existing Z lenses because there is no way to optically compensate for interrupting the flange gap without essentially a costly or shi$#y multi-element contraption. This is an issue for all hybrid cameras, by the way, so these companies are working on adapters with drop-in VND for E, EF and PL on the lens side and R, PL, E, EF and Z on the camera side. So for Nikon to do this, they need to design cine lenses with drop-in slots. As an aside, I'm just resigned to work with PL using the Wooden Camera adapter.

Thanks Nimi --

Personally I have no issues added an ND to the front of a lens or into a matte box -- but a whole bunch of folk appear to want a built in (or bolt on) solution.

BUT "apparently" we must have "in-body variable ND" [or close to it]

The idea came from the fact one can already buy a Vizelex Cine ND Throttle Lens Mount Adapter Compatible with Nikon Nikkor F Mount G-Type D/SLR Lens to Nikon Z-Mount Mirrorless Camera Body with Built-In Variable ND Filter (2 to 8 Stops) for use with F-mount glass. [from fotodiox for $110] but this is a "low tech tool"
The Tiltamax TE-ND – Electronic Vari ND Filter PL Mount Adapter for RED - was more of the sort of thing I thought could work -- BUT then still not with Z-glass.
The space of an FTZii could be used to house such a contraption. [Canon also make Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R with Drop-in Variable ND Filter A]

As we may have discussed elsewhere - there is already tremendous fully manual PL mount glass and other types that these adapted solutions could accommodate -- I was hoping to spur interest in encouraging similar solutions for Nikon Z-glass

That was why I suggest we kick the ball back to Nikon. Objective -- give us a mount based solution we can add to a Z body to provide a Vari ND filter for fully electronic Z glass - no loss of Af or other functionality. AND yes there would need to be an optical element to correct for the depth of the ND unit. Hence why it is surely a Nikon level challenge.

Of course one solution would be for Nikon to develop its own line of CINE lenses to work with such a unit and solve 2 problems in one !!!

 

[O]

I would like 80-100MP computational stacking like i think is in the smart phones.

I would like a ergonomically placed dedicated button or or on off switch on the back possibly left side that works well with the shutter button AF/ON rather than the button options on the front that need constant pressure, so i can go from a stock normal camera position or engage to instant 3D tracking etc.

Shave off 300-400 gms but keep the feel and size as was the case with some of the DSLRS.

Also on a different point I would like a Camera that is just simply is dedicated and optimized purely for photography, not hybrid, no video.


Only an opinion

 

[Nimi]

Thanks Nimi --

Personally I have no issues added an ND to the front of a lens or into a matte box -- but a whole bunch of folk appear to want a built in (or bolt on) solution.

BUT "apparently" we must have "in-body variable ND" [or close to it]

The idea came from the fact one can already buy a Vizelex Cine ND Throttle Lens Mount Adapter Compatible with Nikon Nikkor F Mount G-Type D/SLR Lens to Nikon Z-Mount Mirrorless Camera Body with Built-In Variable ND Filter (2 to 8 Stops) for use with F-mount glass. [from fotodiox for $110] but this is a "low tech tool"
The Tiltamax TE-ND – Electronic Vari ND Filter PL Mount Adapter for RED - was more of the sort of thing I thought could work -- BUT then still not with Z-glass.
The space of an FTZii could be used to house such a contraption. [Canon also make Drop-in Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R with Drop-in Variable ND Filter A]

As we may have discussed elsewhere - there is already tremendous fully manual PL mount glass and other types that these adapted solutions could accommodate -- I was hoping to spur interest in encouraging similar solutions for Nikon Z-glass

That was why I suggest we kick the ball back to Nikon. Objective -- give us a mount based solution we can add to a Z body to provide a Vari ND filter for fully electronic Z glass - no loss of Af or other functionality. AND yes there would need to be an optical element to correct for the depth of the ND unit. Hence why it is surely a Nikon level challenge.

Of course one solution would be for Nikon to develop its own line of CINE lenses to work with such a unit and solve 2 problems in one !!!

I have the Vizelex, the optical quality is what you'd expect from a $90 contraption. It was fine for a 12 second reel for Insta, but it took a lot of work to get the distortions and color cast out.

This is a near-universal issue. The hybrids caught up, some cases exceeded the features of the sub-$10,000 cinema cameras. They fall short on heat management, built-in ND, sound, and DR. Would love to see a Nikon version of the C70 with FF. I owned the FX6 for a few weeks, didn't warm up to it.

I spoke to Vitrolex and they were ambiguous but did not deny that they are working on Z-mount version of their new 1.33.

Until then, yes, front-mounted circular or square filters.

 

[garyd03]

Number 10 would be useful. Never understand why they never allowed shooting banks to be pre set.

 

[O]

Remember I’m talking in-camera storage. It’s still more than some of today’s largest and fastest Cfexpress cards….And I’m pretty sure buffering in-camera too could be made to improve. Today’s tech might not be there, but we are talking wish list. Anything is posssible.

May i ask Patrick how do you find the X2D, optically, and comparing it to say a D850 Z7II Z9? I appreciate that glass would make a difference.

 

[Patrick M]

May i ask Patrick how do you find the X2D, optically, and comparing it to say a D850 Z7II Z9? I appreciate that glass would make a difference.

May I refer you to @Andy Miller Photo UK ’s blog in this. Personally I love the colour and depth of detail the X2D creates. Files are huge, 200mb ! But it’s simplicity itself to use. It’s my portrait/landscape camera and with the Z8, the Dream Team !

 

[O]

May I refer you to @Andy Miller Photo UK ’s blog in this. Personally I love the colour and depth of detail the X2D creates. Files are huge, 200mb ! But it’s simplicity itself to use. It’s my portrait/landscape camera and with the Z8, the Dream Team !

Thank you so much, a good combo by the sounds of it.

 

[agrumpyoldsod]

May I refer you to @Andy Miller Photo UK ’s blog in this. Personally I love the colour and depth of detail the X2D creates. Files are huge, 200mb ! But it’s simplicity itself to use. It’s my portrait/landscape camera and with the Z8, the Dream Team !

@Patrick M you are WAY too generous.

The "master" of objective testing of MF/SMF is Jim Kasson, but everytime I read his work I understand I am not remotely worthy. One almost needs post-doc in Jim speak to understand the subtleties of what he is stating.

I can summarise:

- Fuji GFX100/X100s and X2D-100C share the same 44mmx33mm sensor -- but that is it.

- Both these cameras deliver 16-bit colour data (-vs- 14-bit from full frame) hence the additional size of RAW files -- and you simply cannot believe the difference until you see it and use it.

- The team at Fuji have done an awesome job taking the capabilities of their top Mirrorless bodies and applying them into Small Medium Format -- AWESOME AF-C with tracking. So awesome that I call this the engineer's camera -- very very complex but rewarding once learned.

- Whereas Hasselblad has no history in Mirrorless or DSLRs -- the H range and others before it have ONE focusing point, are designed to be used by highly trained top pros, who all learn the focus and recompose technique needed and should only be used PROPERLY for what I call considered slow shooting. The X1D-50C, then X1Dii-50C and now the X2D-100C all follow along that line, but as a sop to the rest of us I has been made much more accessible -- a fantastic piece of art in itself the X2D has an interface similar to an iPhone, truly incredible IBIS (as demanded by a 100mp sensor) and they use XCD lenses with leaf shutters in the lenses (-vs- a focal plain shutter in the GFX100/100s -- this means the X2D can be used at much faster flash sync speeds than the X100/100s and the lenses are much more expensive and should be treated with more care. But then I own it so that is blandly ignored by me.

- NOW this point is killer for those who do not get it -- the X2D only has AF-S it does not """"""YET"""""" have continuous autofocus -- you either choose to shoot in Manual Focus or use the AF-D button (similar to AF-ON) to set focus then quickly recompose without change the distance to subject. [A learned skill].
99.99% of the time this also means stepping down a wee bit to allow a little more Depth of Focus. Frankly this is a non-issue for me I rarely shoot WIDE open and the XCD glass is NOT cheap. [YES MF and AF-S focus modes are "not the same" -- BUT pressing the AF-D button does what Af-S does but in MF mode one also gets all the other focussing aids that help understand where the focus plane is. [Peaking and Focus Assist tool

- Speaking of XCD glass H has launched a new "V" line of lenses and so far only 2 are available. The original XCD lenses are AWESOME - but the new ones are better, lighter and quicker. Plus they are cool. BUT very hard to obtain and the 2.5/90mm (the 3rd of the initial 3) has still not be released -- H are "working on it" and the new design leaf shutter that goes to 1/4000th -- think of that for freezing movement with strobes and such.

- Both cameras can be shot with a Mechanical Shutter (focal plane or leaf) OR electronic shutter -- Hasselblad have found a way to significantly reduce rolling shutter -vs- the GFX100/100s -- not at Z8/Z9 levels but perfectly good enough for most uses -- AND this is one reason why using the Z8/Z9 and/or the Z2D with adapted glass is also a winner for me. I use mine with Nikkor PC-E lenses, a Cambo Actus View Camera, and a host of adapted Hasselblad "HCD" lenses. [[[ Note Hasselblad has shut down production of the H line -- these use are the larger 53mmx40mm sensors and cost a TON of doe.

- My relationship with the X2D and Hasselblad is somewhat like any relationship -- one has to be a the right frame of mind to get the best from the camera. AND this includes being patient with it and how one has to work. Some days it and Hasselbald's slow time line can be more than a little irksome. Clearly since being bought by DJI and closing down their long term breadwinner the H-line the company is going through some changes -- I hope that all this is for the best and that H will develop and grow the X line-up and other products. There is no evidence to say they won't. In fact the recent release of firmware 2.0 (in Q2 2023) was a VERY welcome surprise -- some of us had been waiting a while and it did not disappoint. YES sure they have more to go.... dip into my blog to see my rants if you wish.

I can easily go on and on and on - and HAVE.

 

[O]

@Patrick M you are WAY too generous.

The "master" of objective testing of MF/SMF is Jim Kasson, but everytime I read his work I understand I am not remotely worthy. One almost needs post-doc in Jim speak to understand the subtleties of what he is stating.

I can summarise:

- Fuji GFX100/X100s and X2D-100C share the same 44mmx33mm sensor -- but that is it.

- Both these cameras deliver 16-bit colour data (-vs- 14-bit from full frame) hence the additional size of RAW files -- and you simply cannot believe the difference until you see it and use it.

- The team at Fuji have done an awesome job taking the capabilities of their top Mirrorless bodies and applying them into Small Medium Format -- AWESOME AF-C with tracking. So awesome that I call this the engineer's camera -- very very complex but rewarding once learned.

- Whereas Hasselblad has no history in Mirrorless or DSLRs -- the H range and others before it have ONE focusing point, are designed to be used by highly trained top pros, who all learn the focus and recompose technique needed and should only be used PROPERLY for what I call considered slow shooting. The X1D-50C, then X1Dii-50C and now the X2D-100C all follow along that line, but as a sop to the rest of us I has been made much more accessible -- a fantastic piece of art in itself the X2D has an interface similar to an iPhone, truly incredible IBIS (as demanded by a 100mp sensor) and they use XCD lenses with leaf shutters in the lenses (-vs- a focal plain shutter in the GFX100/100s -- this means the X2D can be used at much faster flash sync speeds than the X100/100s and the lenses are much more expensive and should be treated with more care. But then I own it so that is blandly ignored by me.

- NOW this point is killer for those who do not get it -- the X2D only has AF-S it does not """"""YET"""""" have continuous autofocus -- you either choose to shoot in Manual Focus or use the AF-D button (similar to AF-ON) to set focus then quickly recompose without change the distance to subject. [A learned skill].
99.99% of the time this also means stepping down a wee bit to allow a little more Depth of Focus. Frankly this is a non-issue for me I rarely shoot WIDE open and the XCD glass is NOT cheap. [YES MF and AF-S focus modes are "not the same" -- BUT pressing the AF-D button does what Af-S does but in MF mode one also gets all the other focussing aids that help understand where the focus plane is. [Peaking and Focus Assist tool

- Speaking of XCD glass H has launched a new "V" line of lenses and so far only 2 are available. The original XCD lenses are AWESOME - but the new ones are better, lighter and quicker. Plus they are cool. BUT very hard to obtain and the 2.5/90mm (the 3rd of the initial 3) has still not be released -- H are "working on it" and the new design leaf shutter that goes to 1/4000th -- think of that for freezing movement with strobes and such.

- Both cameras can be shot with a Mechanical Shutter (focal plane or leaf) OR electronic shutter -- Hasselblad have found a way to significantly reduce rolling shutter -vs- the GFX100/100s -- not at Z8/Z9 levels but perfectly good enough for most uses -- AND this is one reason why using the Z8/Z9 and/or the Z2D with adapted glass is also a winner for me. I use mine with Nikkor PC-E lenses, a Cambo Actus View Camera, and a host of adapted Hasselblad "HCD" lenses. [[[ Note Hasselblad has shut down production of the H line -- these use are the larger 53mmx40mm sensors and cost a TON of doe.

- My relationship with the X2D and Hasselblad is somewhat like any relationship -- one has to be a the right frame of mind to get the best from the camera. AND this includes being patient with it and how one has to work. Some days it and Hasselbald's slow time line can be more than a little irksome. Clearly since being bought by DJI and closing down their long term breadwinner the H-line the company is going through some changes -- I hope that all this is for the best and that H will develop and grow the X line-up and other products. There is no evidence to say they won't. In fact the recent release of firmware 2.0 (in Q2 2023) was a VERY welcome surprise -- some of us had been waiting a while and it did not disappoint. YES sure they have more to go.... dip into my blog to see my rants if you wish.

I can easily go on and on and on - and HAVE.

Incredibly helpful, very great full for the information and coal face experience shared, i have read your blog as well, thank you, and for your time in writing, kindest regards.........

 

[Howard5252]

I see this list has been around for a while - I just noticed it. My wish would be for a good mirror lens. I had an f8 mirror lens and I'm aware of some of its drawbacks (fixed aperture and very difficult to focus) but I'm sure some Nikon engineer could design an easier focusing lens. Can't you picture a 1000mm weighing in at 4 pounds?

 

[DRwyoming]

I'm aware of some of its drawbacks (fixed aperture and very difficult to focus)

Add doughnut shaped bokeh to that list. I had one many years ago and it was the crazy doughnut shaped out of focus highlights that turned me off more than the slow aperture or difficult focus.

 

[JAJohnson]

Slave VR to subject detection. Right now it uses camera movements to stabilize. In the future someone will use the subject location in frame to guide VR to improve panning shot hit rate. I made Nikon aware of the idea but time will tell.

This seems similar to the new Focus Point VR option on the Zf camera.