Nikon z9 vs Sony A1---Which one

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fcotterill said:
This is a useful website for those who need to compare cameras and lenses across brands. This is one of the 3 sites I have relied for reliable and honest reviews of Nikon lenses before investing large sums

photographylife.com

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A1

Now that Nikon's Z9 has launched into the mirrorless world, the biggest question is how it stacks up against the competition. And while it's a seriously impressive camera, the same can be said about other cameras on the market today. Perhaps the biggest competitor to the Nikon Z9 is the Sony A1.
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Thanks for the reference! For myself the size & weight difference is a huge factor, especially considering most of the other specs are very comparable. Each of the lens ecosystems for the two cameras has plusses and minuses; I favor shipping lenses over announced/roadmap lenses and this combined with the size & weight means I'm very satisfied with my current equipment. YMMV.
 
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uday592 said:
Can you please elaborate on the AF of Sony a1 being difficult to use
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Hi. Firstly , these are my own observations after using both the R5 for many months and A1 with 200-600 combination for several weeks. Unless someone has used both cameras for some time, i would be wary of opinions not based on actual experience with BOTH cameras. Amongst those who have used both. opinions differ, but these are my thoughts. Both cameras are great and helped me get shots that would have been harder or even not possible to get with my previous D850. Both though also have a few issues. The Canon R5 has excellent build and fantastic eye af.....It finds the eye in more scenarios and more consistently than the a1 in my tests. That is why i think you find R5 wildlife shooters relying on eye af predominantly and a1 shooters using other methods. What this meant for me, is that during very close up wildlife photography which i do quite a lot, the R5 was able to focus quicker initially on the eye of most wildlife than the a1, enabling me to get 'snatch shots (unexpected action images ) easier. The a1 had a real issue with squirrels for example whereas the R5 just locked on instantly. The a1 though has more speed in tracking once a lock is achieved......which is useful when tracking fast birds, as well as having far less , if any rolling shutter. The R5, at the speeds i shoot, which is often 1/4000 and above displays rolling shutter issues often. As it stands, and though i currently shoot with the R5, the rolling shutter effect on the R5 would actually make me favour the a1....My ideal camera would combine the eye af performance of the R5 with the speed and tracking , once locked on, of the a1 or better, though i prefer the chunky build of Nikon and Canon with added battery grip or built in as in the new Nikon Z9 . I am hoping that either the R3, Z9 or next generation Sony will combine more of the things i am looking for. I am not overly invested in any system right now...only owning an r5 and 100-500 lens after selling much gear ready for a future investment in one system..Once my respected reviewers, including Steve have compared these next generation cameras , I will then decide which way to go that works for my style of shooting, also taking into account the lens choices. I recently tried a Canon RF600mm f4 and was very disappointed with it. My copy was terribly soft and i returned it.
 
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Just watched Fro's Youtube review of the Z9. He likes the Z9. He uses a Sony A1 for photography and a Canon R5 for video. He feels Nikon has reached parity with Canon and Sony in terms of autofocus. He does not see a "D3 Moment" and does not think the camera will cause anyone to go back to Nikon from Sony or Canon, but should keep the Nikon faithful staying with Nikon. His assessment is mostly based on eye AF accuracy and reliability with humans. I have ordered the Z9. It looks good enough for me.
 
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Maljo said:
Just watched Fro's Youtube review of the Z9. He likes the Z9. He uses a Sony A1 for photography and a Canon R5 for video. He feels Nikon has reached parity with Canon and Sony in terms of autofocus. He does not see a "D3 Moment" and does not think the camera will cause anyone to go back to Nikon from Sony or Canon, but should keep the Nikon faithful staying with Nikon. His assessment is mostly based on eye AF accuracy and reliability with humans. I have ordered the Z9. It looks good enough for me.
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Can you send the link to video
 
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uday592 said:
How is the ergonomics of Sony A1 with 200-600mm lens. Think Nikon has the best grip.
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I shot the A1 (but without a grip) for a full day with a 100-400 handheld and my hand was sore. The grip would help, but there is too pronounced indentation in the grip which causes a lot of force on your finger. I'm sure the grip would help, but IMO the body isn't well shaped from an ergo perspective, esp. if you shoot for long stretches of time and with bigger (hand-held) glass.
 
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John Navitsky said:
I shot the A1 (but without a grip) for a full day with a 100-400 handheld and my hand was sore. The grip would help, but there is too pronounced indentation in the grip which causes a lot of force on your finger. I'm sure the grip would help, but IMO the body isn't well shaped from an ergo perspective, esp. if you shoot for long stretches of time and with bigger (hand-held) glass.
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I think it is really person dependent. I shoot that combo with out issue and I just picked up a 600mm f/4 that I took out for the first time over the weekend. Took a LOT of shots and had no issues with the grip on the A1. Everyone's hands are different so it's one of those things you have to try for yourself.
 
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John Navitsky said:
View attachment 26846

I shot the A1 (but without a grip) for a full day with a 100-400 handheld and my hand was sore. The grip would help, but there is too pronounced indentation in the grip which causes a lot of force on your finger. I'm sure the grip would help, but IMO the body isn't well shaped from an ergo perspective, esp. if you shoot for long stretches of time and with bigger (hand-held) glass.
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Interesting. I have been using the heavier 200-600 and haven't experienced this. I do use the grip but that notch doesn't move with the grip. I guess everyones hands are different sizes but I wear an XL glove and am 6' tall, so not a small person. The Nikon Z bodies and D bodies I think are nicer but I really don't notice any real difference after using for close to a year now.
 
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Venkatesh VT said:
A1 had no problem in tracking the eyes of this black puppy today though i was shooting against light & it was very cloudy too
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For what it's worth dogs in action are my primary subject and I've put the A1 through it's paces specifically with dogs and my thought was that it was very good, but not infallible, contrary to a number of reports. Which is not a knock on the A1 at all. I like this camera a lot.

For those who really want/need a pro sport body, I can't imagine being unhappy with either of these choices.
 
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dtibbals said:
Interesting. I have been using the heavier 200-600 and haven't experienced this. I do use the grip but that notch doesn't move with the grip. I guess everyones hands are different sizes but I wear an XL glove and am 6' tall, so not a small person. The Nikon Z bodies and D bodies I think are nicer but I really don't notice any real difference after using for close to a year now.
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The grip probably has a lot to do with it. Without the grip your pinky has nowhere to go, so you're putting all the weight on three fingers. If I were to pick an A1, I would 1000% get the grip. I'm a glove size 9 for comparison.
 
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wolfphotography721 said:
Hi All, I want to heavily invest in either the Sony A1 or Nikon Z9, I really do not shoot video so I do not care about that part as much. I want a camera that can do all. I shoot a lot of Raw files, please be open minded if you are a Sony or Nikon shooter., or would switch etc . Thank you all
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Day 4 with the A1... I've gone out 5 times to shoot. Currently own/shoot the D850.

Initial impressions.
Making the move to mirrorless has been interesting. It's a balance between you and the camera IMO. Meaning, shooting the DSLR you select your focal point, shoot, hold continuous focus and try to move with the subject. With the A1, I place the AF point and then turn things over to the camera to track the subject. I then just concentrate on framing/composition. It's taking some time to adjust. lol It's pretty cool to say the least.

The AF tracking and focus acquisition is fast. Menu system compared to Nikon...not horrible. Some of the names are convoluted but for the most part, it's not bad.

RAW files as mentioned above.
In my situation, I have just the one lens.. the 200-600 as I'm "testing" the system before I invest or sell it off. The 200-600 is a slow lens from 300-600 you need a lot of light to use higher shutter speeds. The noise in the Sony RAW files appears (to me) to be more evident in the lower ISOs and manageable/cleaner if that makes sense in the higher end. I'm shooting up to 12,800 with most images in the 3200-4000 or lower range. Based on the setup and depending on the light... I just have to accept some form of noise reduction is going to be needed. Sony color is nice as well. I've not owned a Sony outside of one in 1996 lol and I know there were grumblings about their color science/look of their files. I can say the A1 is capable of producing very nice files with great color. Better than Nikon...maybe not. I do like working with the Nikon RAW files.. just adjusting and figuring out what works best with the A1 files.

As I mentioned previously, maybe rent an A1 or buy one... see for yourself.

Form factor/ergonomics... I like it. The grip feeling isn't as nice material wise as my D850 but the compact size of the camera is a plus. All the buttons are easily accessible as well. I have the grip and this helps balance out the 200-600. Again, until you have one in your hands and shoot with it.. it's hard to say which camera would be best for you based on our opinions.

My plan is to shoot with this for another few weeks... then decide if I want to sell and stick with Nikon. I can tell you going from the D850 to the A1 .. when it comes to AF speed... is like going from a covered wagon to a Lambo. LOL

Good luck with your pursuit to find what works for you.
Hatch
 
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Palmor said:
That is how it starts, you pick up an A9 or A1 and the 200-600 and it's all downhill from there :D.
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LOL well... I love the 500PF ... size/weight/sharpness. The 200-600 is very capable and I have to keep telling myself it's a zoom..zoom with it! LOL So... I'm on the fence as the A1 has a lot to offer and the Sony lens line with 3rd party support has depth. Once I get back from Bosque here in a few weeks I'll reflect on a month with the A1 and decide. The Z9 looks amazing. I do like the size and weight of the A1 compared to the Z9...lots to factor in for sure. So far, I'm starting to grasp how to shoot with the A1...it's very different (at least for me) than shooting DSLR. More to come.
Hatch
 
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Thanks for all the response. I have been a Nikon user but picking up Sony for the first time. I am getting old and weight becomes an issue. Just going to try only with 200-600mm mostly hand holding and see how it goes. Will get the grip.
 
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Hatch1921 said:
LOL well... I love the 500PF ... size/weight/sharpness. The 200-600 is very capable and I have to keep telling myself it's a zoom..zoom with it! LOL So... I'm on the fence as the A1 has a lot to offer and the Sony lens line with 3rd party support has depth. Once I get back from Bosque here in a few weeks I'll reflect on a month with the A1 and decide. The Z9 looks amazing. I do like the size and weight of the A1 compared to the Z9...lots to factor in for sure. So far, I'm starting to grasp how to shoot with the A1...it's very different (at least for me) than shooting DSLR. More to come.
Hatch
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I feel your pain.. I finally made the tough choice to sell the 500PF and the rest of my Nikon gear a couple of weeks ago. There were two lenses that were holding me from doing it sooner.. the 14-30z and the 500PF (talk about different lenses ;) ) but since the Nikon gear was really collecting dust I decided it was time (and I'm not interested in a big pro body like the Z9, been there and don't really care for it anymore).
 
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uday592 said:
Thanks for all the response. I have been a Nikon user but picking up Sony for the first time. I am getting old and weight becomes an issue. Just going to try only with 200-600mm mostly hand holding and see how it goes. Will get the grip.
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The A1 + 200-600 isn't a light combo IMO,
A1 is 1.625 lbs 200-600 is 4.9lbs (no grip or extra battery) =6.525 lbs
Z9 is 2.95 lbs 500pf is 3.21lbs =6.16lbs

Since Nikon doesn't have a 200-600 yet.. I used the 500pf. I could have swapped out for a 150-600mm =6.13lbs.. which is a little less than the Sony 200-600.

So.. both systems/camera/lenses are neck in neck when it comes to weight.

Advantage goes to Sony for being able to use the camera without a grip.. in the weight and size department....but.. not by much.

This is why It's going to be a struggle when the time comes for me.. personally... to decide between keeping my Nikon gear and buying the Z9 or going with the A1. First world problems ... I know. :) I can see me using a monopod as like you.. I'm getting older... with either system/camera. The Sony with now grip and say the 24mm f/1.4 could be a fun walking around combo.. very light. Same setup with the Nikon would be chunky. So many things to consider... lol

Best of luck with the 200-600 trials... let us know what you think.
Hatch
 
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Palmor said:
I feel your pain.. I finally made the tough choice to sell the 500PF and the rest of my Nikon gear a couple of weeks ago. There were two lenses that were holding me from doing it sooner.. the 14-30z and the 500PF (talk about different lenses ;) ) but since the Nikon gear was really collecting dust I decided it was time (and I'm not interested in a big pro body like the Z9, been there and don't really care for it anymore).
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It's an amazing lens and as you know.. makes the choice to move to another brand ...difficult.
 
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John Navitsky said:
View attachment 26846

I shot the A1 (but without a grip) for a full day with a 100-400 handheld and my hand was sore. The grip would help, but there is too pronounced indentation in the grip which causes a lot of force on your finger. I'm sure the grip would help, but IMO the body isn't well shaped from an ergo perspective, esp. if you shoot for long stretches of time and with bigger (hand-held) glass.
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I shoot with out a grip since weight is an issue for my style of shooting & I had no issue with out the grip
 
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Hatch1921 said:
Day 4 with the A1... I've gone out 5 times to shoot. Currently own/shoot the D850.

Initial impressions.
Making the move to mirrorless has been interesting. It's a balance between you and the camera IMO. Meaning, shooting the DSLR you select your focal point, shoot, hold continuous focus and try to move with the subject. With the A1, I place the AF point and then turn things over to the camera to track the subject. I then just concentrate on framing/composition. It's taking some time to adjust. lol It's pretty cool to say the least.

The AF tracking and focus acquisition is fast. Menu system compared to Nikon...not horrible. Some of the names are convoluted but for the most part, it's not bad.

RAW files as mentioned above.
In my situation, I have just the one lens.. the 200-600 as I'm "testing" the system before I invest or sell it off. The 200-600 is a slow lens from 300-600 you need a lot of light to use higher shutter speeds. The noise in the Sony RAW files appears (to me) to be more evident in the lower ISOs and manageable/cleaner if that makes sense in the higher end. I'm shooting up to 12,800 with most images in the 3200-4000 or lower range. Based on the setup and depending on the light... I just have to accept some form of noise reduction is going to be needed. Sony color is nice as well. I've not owned a Sony outside of one in 1996 lol and I know there were grumblings about their color science/look of their files. I can say the A1 is capable of producing very nice files with great color. Better than Nikon...maybe not. I do like working with the Nikon RAW files.. just adjusting and figuring out what works best with the A1 files.

As I mentioned previously, maybe rent an A1 or buy one... see for yourself.

Form factor/ergonomics... I like it. The grip feeling isn't as nice material wise as my D850 but the compact size of the camera is a plus. All the buttons are easily accessible as well. I have the grip and this helps balance out the 200-600. Again, until you have one in your hands and shoot with it.. it's hard to say which camera would be best for you based on our opinions.

My plan is to shoot with this for another few weeks... then decide if I want to sell and stick with Nikon. I can tell you going from the D850 to the A1 .. when it comes to AF speed... is like going from a covered wagon to a Lambo. LOL

Good luck with your pursuit to find what works for you.
Hatch
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Very similar impressions as mine. I agree that the files are a bit more noisy at lower ISOs and less noisy at higher iso compared to the D850 and I find the colors quite pleasant as well - I have created some custom color profiles and they just are doing the job for me.
I also recommend you try out DXO Pure raw - so far it is my favorite option to remove noise from A1 files. It's not infallible but i find it vastly superior to Topaz Denoise AI (with both the A1 and D850 files btw). I find colors once processed are also better as well as sharpness (sometimes it overdoes the sharpening but that can be turned off if needed).
 
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Hatch1921 said:
LOL well... I love the 500PF ... size/weight/sharpness. The 200-600 is very capable and I have to keep telling myself it's a zoom..zoom with it! LOL So... I'm on the fence as the A1 has a lot to offer and the Sony lens line with 3rd party support has depth. Once I get back from Bosque here in a few weeks I'll reflect on a month with the A1 and decide. The Z9 looks amazing. I do like the size and weight of the A1 compared to the Z9...lots to factor in for sure. So far, I'm starting to grasp how to shoot with the A1...it's very different (at least for me) than shooting DSLR. More to come.
Hatch
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Yes, it's a completely different process but once you switch, it's so hard to get back to the old ways. I grabbed my D850 on sunday for casual shots of the kids in Halloween costumes and it was hell :)

If you have not done it yet, make sure to set the zebras (at 107 or 109 depending on how of a risk taker you are... both work very well). I have not messed up an exposure since I started using zebras.
The other thing I started doing is shooting full manual with ISO on the wheel on the back - it's so easy to get in and out of auto-iso compared to Nikon, just scroll your thumb. Pick speed and aperture for the subject and scroll the thumb until zebras appear, back down ISO until zebras go away. Set and done. Never take your eye off the viewfinder. It's actually even easier than Auto iso with exposure compensation once you get used to it (at least if your shutter speed doesn't need to change often, which it doesn't for BIF typically).
 
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Hatch1921 said:
The A1 + 200-600 isn't a light combo IMO,
A1 is 1.625 lbs 200-600 is 4.9lbs (no grip or extra battery) =6.525 lbs
Z9 is 2.95 lbs 500pf is 3.21lbs =6.16lbs

Since Nikon doesn't have a 200-600 yet.. I used the 500pf. I could have swapped out for a 150-600mm =6.13lbs.. which is a little less than the Sony 200-600.

So.. both systems/camera/lenses are neck in neck when it comes to weight.

Advantage goes to Sony for being able to use the camera without a grip.. in the weight and size department....but.. not by much.

This is why It's going to be a struggle when the time comes for me.. personally... to decide between keeping my Nikon gear and buying the Z9 or going with the A1. First world problems ... I know. :) I can see me using a monopod as like you.. I'm getting older... with either system/camera. The Sony with now grip and say the 24mm f/1.4 could be a fun walking around combo.. very light. Same setup with the Nikon would be chunky. So many things to consider... lol

Best of luck with the 200-600 trials... let us know what you think.
Hatch
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True BUT an A1/500pf combo is what we want [5#] so we wait until Nikon produces a D-500 equivalent or Sony produces a 500pf equivalent. At 80 that extra pound is critical.
 
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