Nikon z9 vs Sony A1---Which one

[EricBowles]

Nothing, assuming the battery being used provides the minimum amount of power to do what you need, and the runtime is long enough to be useful. I'm guessing the EL15c probably doesn't do that.

That's pretty accurate.

The 8k video and large files are changing things. With 2 hours of 8k video, the battery and memory card capacity could have been issues. Nikon for several generations has differentiated between average power and peak power. The new battery for the Z9 has 30% more capacity than the prior EN-EL18c and double the EN-EL15c.

The grip was designed to be a heat synch allowing the camera to operate at full frame rate and full capability without any changes to viewfinder, write speed, AF, etc. There is no scenario where the camera slows down because of heat buildup or has to compromise to maintain processing speed.

 

[DavidT]

Even with D5 batteries I always had a spare with me. With the a1 design I’ve been out shooting for 8 hours and haven’t gone through two full batteries. Steve has expressed even more shooting with his without issue so it’s a mute point.
Two Sony batteries in the grip is 4,560 MAH which is more than the Z9 battery so again the one bigger battery with less capacity isn’t an advantage.

Everyone talks about 8K but who’s actually using it? Who has a monitor or TV that is 8k? I’m guessing no one. Even media in 4K is still limited and 4K came out a long time ago in TV’s and even computers. Watching you tubers? Yeah most of them are uploading in 1080P. So why everyone gives a crap about 8k and recording times is mind blowing to me. I’ve never pushed the record button on my a1 or any Nikons I’ve owned. I get that some and I’ll repeat sum pros shoot video and stills but doubtful any are shooting 8K. The computer power and storage required for 8K is a major factor along with no one is watching the content in 8k so why bother. It’s a feature I’d rather not have and I sure don’t buy a camera based on its video specs.

 

[FB101]

Even with D5 batteries I always had a spare with me. With the a1 design I’ve been out shooting for 8 hours and haven’t gone through two full batteries. Steve has expressed even more shooting with his without issue so it’s a mute point.
Two Sony batteries in the grip is 4,560 MAH which is more than the Z9 battery so again the one bigger battery with less capacity isn’t an advantage.

Everyone talks about 8K but who’s actually using it? Who has a monitor or TV that is 8k? I’m guessing no one. Even media in 4K is still limited and 4K came out a long time ago in TV’s and even computers. Watching you tubers? Yeah most of them are uploading in 1080P. So why everyone gives a crap about 8k and recording times is mind blowing to me. I’ve never pushed the record button on my a1 or any Nikons I’ve owned. I get that some and I’ll repeat sum pros shoot video and stills but doubtful any are shooting 8K. The computer power and storage required for 8K is a major factor along with no one is watching the content in 8k so why bother. It’s a feature I’d rather not have and I sure don’t buy a camera based on its video specs.

I am not defending 8k, I don’t use it, but it has undeniable value for videographers who want to crop into their footage without loss of resolution at 4K. Very much like cropping FX to DX but for video.

 

[DavidT]

I am not defending 8k, I don’t use it, but it has undeniable value for videographers who want to crop into their footage without loss of resolution at 4K. Very much like cropping FX to DX but for video.

Sure I get it but the amount of folks actually doing that with an SLR camera is minimal at best. For those doing real work are buying black magic, canon or Sony video cameras. 8K in mirrorless cameras is becoming the towing and payload races of the pickup truck market. In reality everyone wants to say they have the most capable truck or camera but we are paying for stats we don’t use. It’s like VR in big glass. Pros on the sidelines shooting football have it off. Shooting 1/3200 bird in flight I’ve got it off. Lenses have gotten a lot more expensive and VR is part of that cost yet most of the time we have it shut off.

 

[Doug Herr]

... Lenses have gotten a lot more expensive and VR is part of that cost yet most of the time we have it shut off...

For myself Steady Shot is on 100% of the time. I'm often using low ISO, slow shutter speeds, small enough aperture for a smidge of DOF.

 

[Doug Herr]

I have zero interest in 8k video so I will happily stick a battery in my pocket this winter and go hiking with my no grip Sony

same for me.

 

[John Woodworth]

Even with D5 batteries I always had a spare with me. With the a1 design I’ve been out shooting for 8 hours and haven’t gone through two full batteries. Steve has expressed even more shooting with his without issue so it’s a mute point.
Two Sony batteries in the grip is 4,560 MAH which is more than the Z9 battery so again the one bigger battery with less capacity isn’t an advantage.

Everyone talks about 8K but who’s actually using it? Who has a monitor or TV that is 8k? I’m guessing no one. Even media in 4K is still limited and 4K came out a long time ago in TV’s and even computers. Watching you tubers? Yeah most of them are uploading in 1080P. So why everyone gives a crap about 8k and recording times is mind blowing to me. I’ve never pushed the record button on my a1 or any Nikons I’ve owned. I get that some and I’ll repeat sum pros shoot video and stills but doubtful any are shooting 8K. The computer power and storage required for 8K is a major factor along with no one is watching the content in 8k so why bother. It’s a feature I’d rather not have and I sure don’t buy a camera based on its video specs.

Right now, 8k video is being used to zoom and pan down to lower res video. A wide range of uses from wildlife to wedding photographers.

Not used much on Utoob, but the more creative individuals will think of something.

Having it so accessible is a game changer.

 

[RichF]

I like to compare specs and see sample photos. Unless it is someone mostly unbiased like Steve Perry then I want to hear the whole review!

Yes there are many reviews that are so slanted that they are more product promotions than reviews. Glad we have people like Steve and Thom Hogan (Z system users)

 

[anthonyrobinson]

Yes there are many reviews that are so slanted that they are more product promotions than reviews. Glad we have people like Steve and Thom Hogan (Z system users)

Thom definitely bleeds yellow and black, I wouldn't put him in the same basket as Steve!

 

[thelordofthelight]

Of course Thom prefers Nikon system and in fact every professional or a reviewer has some bias/ preference to a specific brand. It's all about how level headed they are when it comes to reviews and I think Thom does a fantastic job when it comes to technical reviews regardless of the brand. He's the first one to criticize Nikon when they go out of track and also the one that praised Sony A9II, and rated Sony A1 as 'Highly recommended'.

Thom definitely bleeds yellow and black, I wouldn't put him in the same basket as Steve!

 

[Venkatesh VT]

Right now, 8k video is being used to zoom and pan down to lower res video. A wide range of uses from wildlife to wedding photographers.

Not used much on Utoob, but the more creative individuals will think of something.

Having it so accessible is a game changer.

As a daily birder I get to shoot both stills & short videos of birds.I am really happy that A1 shoots video very well though hand holding makes it slighly shaky for me ( I don't use 8 k).

I was lucky to spot today Scaly breasted munias having their bath in a small puddle of water next to our place .
See the wonderful sight at

 

[John Woodworth]

As a daily birder I get to shoot both stills & short videos of birds.I am really happy that A1 shoots video very well though hand holding makes it slighly shaky for me ( I don't use 8 k).

...

Very nice!

Videos are good for showing behaviors. Stills are good for catching singular moments in time.

The whole field of imaging is becoming much richer and accessible.

 

[SRLNY]

Since this thread seems to be running around in circles now (the A1 users repeating -- and repeating -- how much they like the lighter weight and others pointing out other features they like about the Z9, what I get out of all this is that to me the decision A1 vs Z9 probably really comes down to camera feel/ergonomics. Both cameras clearly have basically fabulous mirrorless features and the differences in the specs exist but -- to me -- they are really not that material, and nothing to get all in a huff about. You can take superb photos with either. Unless you truly have some specific need, such as 8K video at 120 fps (or something else), either will do the trick. Last year, I faced the decision of whether to switch from Nikon or not. I got an R5 and then an A1 and tried them each for a week. (Didn't try an R3 but I doubt it would have changed my mind). They certainly were specification-wise and feature-set-wise fabulous. But rather than switching, I stuck with waiting for the Z9 because, all in all, I simply didn't like the way either felt in my hand. My primary camera has been an D850, sometimes with a grip for sports, and I simply love the way it feels. That to me ended up being the paramount factor. I did, for temporary purposes, get a Z6ii which works just fine for family shots (and gave me a reason to start getting Z glass) and, with a SmallRig cage, it feels good. But I, for one, am glad that the Z9 probably will feel similar to the D850 and will make my decision to stick with Nikon worthwhile. So, as to the OP, I would think the best thing do to is to hang loose and then compare how each camera feels to you in your hand and for your shooting purposes. Either will give you great photos (And, BTW, it seems clear that the new Nikon primes, at least, are going to be PF, to the extent that matters to you.)

 

[thelordofthelight]

Agreed, after the launch of Nikon Z9, it's not about the camera bodies anymore. It's about the other aspects like the lens choices, ergonomics, colors..basically system as a whole.

Since this thread seems to be running around in circles now (the A1 users repeating -- and repeating -- how much they like the lighter weight and others pointing out other features they like about the Z9, what I get out of all this is that to me the decision A1 vs Z9 probably really comes down to camera feel/ergonomics. Both cameras clearly have basically fabulous mirrorless features and the differences in the specs exist but -- to me -- they are really not that material, and nothing to get all in a huff about. You can take superb photos with either. Unless you truly have some specific need, such as 8K video at 120 fps (or something else), either will do the trick. Last year, I faced the decision of whether to switch from Nikon or not. I got an R5 and then an A1 and tried them each for a week. (Didn't try an R3 but I doubt it would have changed my mind). They certainly were specification-wise and feature-set-wise fabulous. But rather than switching, I stuck with waiting for the Z9 because, all in all, I simply didn't like the way either felt in my hand. My primary camera has been an D850, sometimes with a grip for sports, and I simply love the way it feels. That to me ended up being the paramount factor. I did, for temporary purposes, get a Z6ii and, with a SmallRig cage, it feels good. But I, for one, am glad that the Z9 probably will feel similar to the D850 and will make my decision to stick with Nikon worthwhile. So, as to the OP, I would think the best thing do to is to hang loose and then compare each camera feels to you in your hand and for your shooting purposes. Either will give you great photos (And, BTW, it seems clear that the new Nikon primes, at least, are going to be PF, to the extent that matters to you.)

 

[Tom Reynolds]

Since this thread seems to be running around in circles now (the A1 users repeating -- and repeating -- how much they like the lighter weight and others pointing out other features they like about the Z9, what I get out of all this is that to me the decision A1 vs Z9 probably really comes down to camera feel/ergonomics. Both cameras clearly have basically fabulous mirrorless features and the differences in the specs exist but -- to me -- they are really not that material, and nothing to get all in a huff about. You can take superb photos with either. Unless you truly have some specific need, such as 8K video at 120 fps (or something else), either will do the trick. Last year, I faced the decision of whether to switch from Nikon or not. I got an R5 and then an A1 and tried them each for a week. (Didn't try an R3 but I doubt it would have changed my mind). They certainly were specification-wise and feature-set-wise fabulous. But rather than switching, I stuck with waiting for the Z9 because, all in all, I simply didn't like the way either felt in my hand. My primary camera has been an D850, sometimes with a grip for sports, and I simply love the way it feels. That to me ended up being the paramount factor. I did, for temporary purposes, get a Z6ii which works just fine for family shots (and gave me a reason to start getting Z glass) and, with a SmallRig cage, it feels good. But I, for one, am glad that the Z9 probably will feel similar to the D850 and will make my decision to stick with Nikon worthwhile. So, as to the OP, I would think the best thing do to is to hang loose and then compare how each camera feels to you in your hand and for your shooting purposes. Either will give you great photos (And, BTW, it seems clear that the new Nikon primes, at least, are going to be PF, to the extent that matters to you.)

One key point made in this thread. Answer: NEITHER.
Neither because we can't currently pair an A1's light weight with a 500pf's light weight to create the alternative to a D-500/500pf's light weight.

 

[SRLNY]

One key point made in this thread. Answer: NEITHER.
Neither because we can't currently pair an A1's light weight with a 500pf's light weight to create the alternative to a D-500/500pf's light weight.

Well, no. The answer isn't NEITHER as a general matter. It is neither if the criteria are your criteria. My criteria, for instance, are different. I'll be just fine with my 500pf on the Z9, I'm pretty sure (particularly feeling that way after watching Matt Granger's test of F mount glass on the Z9). I'm fine with the 500pf on my D850, after all. That's my criteria. Whether one should get an A1 or Z9 depends on, as I said and believe, depends on "how each camera feels to you in your hand and for your shooting purposes." Heck, the answer would be "neither" if your criteria is 40 fps at full raw, too. But that's not mine (nor probably most folks). For your criteria, I'd think you might have to wait a year until the Z8 arrives,

 

[JAS]

Age-old zoom-vs-prime comparison. Imagine a camera the size & weight of the a1 with a lens like the 500 PF: a bit under 5 lbs
Given the entirely justified popularity of the PF lenses it baffles me why Nikon didn't prioritize a lighter weight camera body.

BTW add the weight of the FTZ to the Z9+500 PF.

Sometimes it is not only about the weight. There are those of us out there with larger hands who find the smaller bodies almost or actually unusable because the cameras are too small and the buttons too Close together That would include me and it is why the Z9 may be on my horizon. Buy what meets your needs and enjoy it because they are all good cameras.

 

[anthonyrobinson]

He's the first one to criticize Nikon when they go out of track...

He's quick to criticise their marketing department, their lack of DX series stuff, and their (but not specific to nikon) inability to sync with phone/whatever for rapid sharing/dissemination, but I don't think I've seen him ever criticise a Nikon product.
He was very quick to criticise anyone who thought the AF on the Z6/7 was substandard and implying they didn't understand how to use the autofocus, this was when I lost all faith in him as being impartial.
Plus the 'and by the way buy my book for autofocus tips for the Z's' (which I did - disclaimer, the AF still sucks).

 

[NorthernFocus]

...
Makes me wonder what’s next for Sony

Me too. Surely they will do something to respond to the Z9. If not yet ready to release A1ii then discount the current model? They have the excuse of holiday discount season anyway. If they do that it will make a tougher decision for many. After it will still be well past first of 2022 before enough info is available for many people to be ready to pony up for the Z9.

Fortunately for me this is slow season for shooting. I can bide time and watch...

 

[eaj101]

Me too. Surely they will do something to respond to the Z9. If not yet ready to release A1ii then discount the current model? They have the excuse of holiday discount season anyway. If they do that it will make a tougher decision for many. After it will still be well past first of 2022 before enough info is available for many people to be ready to pony up for the Z9.

Fortunately for me this is slow season for shooting. I can bide time and watch...

I think people are over-estimating the tit-for-tat one-upmanship of product development. I just doesn't work that way. If there was some awesome piece of technology that Sony could have put in an a1 they would have done so, if only to increase their advantage over their competitors. Nor would they hold something in their pockets waiting for a retaliatory new release.

Product development cycles in technology are measured in years, you're often working three to five years out. You're waiting for development to be done, not just your own but technologies you've licensed or components you are purchasing. Semiconductor lead times, especially new technologies, take even longer.

Don't hold your breath waiting for a new Sony product response to the Z9 (they let the A7iii languish for several years). Lowering price is possible, but in my opinion not likely - the costs of products are pretty well baked in at release and I doubt they have much wiggle room.

 

[uday592]

If Nikon comes out with selection of Z PF lenses than I am also buying the Z9 as I already have Nikon F lenses. Will use with monopod. Ok to have Sony and Nikon gear as long they compliment each other.

 

[FB101]

I think people are over-estimating the tit-for-tat one-upmanship of product development. I just doesn't work that way. If there was some awesome piece of technology that Sony could have put in an a1 they would have done so, if only to increase their advantage over their competitors. Nor would they hold something in their pockets waiting for a retaliatory new release.

Product development cycles in technology are measured in years, you're often working three to five years out. You're waiting for development to be done, not just your own but technologies you've licensed or components you are purchasing. Semiconductor lead times, especially new technologies, take even longer.

Don't hold your breath waiting for a new Sony product response to the Z9 (they let the A7iii languish for several years). Lowering price is possible, but in my opinion not likely - the costs of products are pretty well baked in at release and I doubt they have much wiggle room.

With the newest mirrorless cameras there are now two development cycles. Hardware is a multi year process as you pointed out and I see Sony having more pressing upgrades on their plates, starting with the A9ii but I also could see them pulling off a Nikon and be the first to release a companion A9iii / A6900 with APSC sensor and close to matching performance at the same time.

Firmware on the other hand is a faster cycle and there are some changes seen in the A7iv that I imagine will come to the A1 soon, and probably some unique A1 features too. Depending on what the processor can support I could see a nice refresh of the A1 that would keep it relevant at its current price.

knowing Sony marketing capabilities i am quite certain the A1 pricing is not cost driven but market driven. They had a breakthrough camera when nobody did, short supply, and they priced for it. But your point is well taken, they may not have a huge pricing flexibility because we all forget, the A1 has a kick-ass mechanical shutter the like of which we’ve never seen, and I doubt that’s cheap to make. It is funny that the A1 gets no credit for that because it gets eclipsed by all the other specs, but if you are an indoor sport shooter that needs to use flash, that 1/400s flash synch in full frame is a game changer.

 

[Doug Herr]

If Nikon comes out with selection of Z PF lenses than I am also buying the Z9 as I already have Nikon F lenses. Will use with monopod. Ok to have Sony and Nikon gear as long they compliment each other.

That was my plan until I saw the size & weight of the Z9. From what I can tell the Z9's performance will be very comparable to the a1 in most respects (both have relatively small advantages over the other aside from the size & weight). I was hoping for a lightweight hiking/backpacking camera but the Z9 + existing 500 PF offers no weight advantage over the a1 + 200-600. I'll keep watching Nikon Z body and Sony alpha lens developments.

 

[Venkatesh VT]

That was my plan until I saw the size & weight of the Z9. From what I can tell the Z9's performance will be very comparable to the a1 in most respects (both have relatively small advantages over the other aside from the size & weight). I was hoping for a lightweight hiking/backpacking camera but the Z9 + existing 500 PF offers no weight advantage over the a1 + 200-600. I'll keep watching Nikon Z body and Sony alpha lens developments.

Same here.Sony is not going to keep quiet & pull a fast one like announcing a PF lens .What is noteworthy is that I was able to get an A1 with in a month & there was no talk of waiting list or chip shortages.I was not even asked for a deposit till the A1 was in the dealers shop.200- 600 was also readily available along with the Sony cfexpress Type A memory cards

 

[eaj101]

With the newest mirrorless cameras there are now two development cycles. Hardware is a multi year process as you pointed out and I see Sony having more pressing upgrades on their plates, starting with the A9ii but I also could see them pulling off a Nikon and be the first to release a companion A9iii / A6900 with APSC sensor and close to matching performance at the same time.

Firmware on the other hand is a faster cycle and there are some changes seen in the A7iv that I imagine will come to the A1 soon, and probably some unique A1 features too. Depending on what the processor can support I could see a nice refresh of the A1 that would keep it relevant at its current price.

knowing Sony marketing capabilities i am quite certain the A1 pricing is not cost driven but market driven. They had a breakthrough camera when nobody did, short supply, and they priced for it. But your point is well taken, they may not have a huge pricing flexibility because we all forget, the A1 has a kick-ass mechanical shutter the like of which we’ve never seen, and I doubt that’s cheap to make. It is funny that the A1 gets no credit for that because it gets eclipsed by all the other specs, but if you are an indoor sport shooter that needs to use flash, that 1/400s flash synch in full frame is a game changer.

One of my major gripes with Sony is how they've bollixed their crop sensor line. The a6500 had IBIS but they dropped it for its successor, the a6600. I had one and liked the camera, but Sony's optics for the APS-C cameras are a joke. The 'Zeiss' 16-70 is terrible, as is the 55-210. As bad as Nikon at their worst.