Nikon Z9 vs Sony A1 - Wildlife Shootout!

[JoelKlein]

When you half press the shutter, the Z9 would start capturing pictures in the background overriding it every second, if you press the shutter to capture an image, the Z9 would save your shutter press picture along with the second before you actually pressed the shutter.

 

[MrFotoFool]

When you half press the shutter, the Z9 would start capturing pictures in the background overriding it every second, if you press the shutter to capture an image, the Z9 would send your shutter press picture along with the second before you actually pressed the shutter.

Thanks. Sounds like cheating.

 

[JoelKlein]

Thanks. Sounds like cheating.

And its doing it in Jpeg only. As of now. Its purpose is to save those images because you pressed the shutter a half a second too late…
Then there is Post capture… if you release the shutter too early

 

[Mark Garfinkel]

Forgive my ignorance, but what is "pre-capture"?

It captures .XX to XX seconds before you press the shutter button all the way down.

 

[fcotterill]

It's called Procapture in the Olympus MILCs. Very powerful to capture action for wildlife action and sports eg baseball or cricket.
@EricBowles reported on a Pro he knows who finds Precapture in the Z9 gives him unique advantages in the stadium.

We discussed the feature well over a year ago, hoping that Nikon would add the feature sometime in the future. Remarkably it was revealed in FW 2.0 for the Z9!
But it's still jpeg only , which is a showstopper

Links here

We should all flood Nikon with one suggestion about the Z9 software update.

Nikon 1000% should add a "pre roll" feature to the 8k RAW update. If youre not familiar with pre roll, it allows the camera to use the buffer to delay the video stream being written to the card allowing you to kind of travel in time to hit the record button before action happens. Imagine...

bcgforums.com

 

[fcotterill]

Essential reading IMHO

Does it Focus? | Cameras and Photography Explained | Thom Hogan

The focus arguments keep coming. Who's best, Sony or Nikon? Neither.

bythom.com

 

[Garfield]

Nikon USA rep said that engineering (I assume he meant in Japan) are looking into how to actually implement pre/post RAW capture.

Funny thing about pre capture.
My heart rate always goes up when I’m doing mission critical shooting. I found my self anxious not to lose the shot and I’m doing pre capture on my own by actually pressing the shutter.

Perhaps I should give pre-capture a try even if it’s JPEG.

The Z9 has many great features I haven’t had a chance to try

Indeed, adding pre-capture to video would be an absolutely killer feature and put Nikon on the map with videographers. As far as I know the only video camera that has it is the Sony FX6. Pre-capture can be a godsend when shooting unpredictable events/wildlife.

 

[DavidT]

I enjoyed the video and agreed with most everything you said. I do think watching the video if we are truly picking a winner between the a1 or Z9 the a1 actually won. If discussing a system then it becomes very personal for what your needs are which Steve mentions. Keeping that in mind it appears to me the reason the Z9 was picked was more about the system i.e. lenses more than the body itself.

I have no doubt the Nikon eco system offers a lot of options. If I had the opportunity to replace my 600 with one with a good built in TC I would in a heartbeat. I think for the vast majority of those who shoot wildlife they won't spend the money on a 600F4 and if they do many will look to the used market which doesn't exist with the new Nikon 600 with TC. The vast majority are 200-600 buyers which for now Nikon doesn't have. At the end of the day unless you are willing to spend big money on the primes or the 800PF I think the case could be made that Sony actually has the most diverse system currently. They also have more than one body that is capable of producing outstanding results for wildlife shooters, there is a used market allowing more people to have gear they desire/need at a more affordable price. The a1 came out of the box with more capabilities than the Z9, yes the Z9 with updates has caught up but considering the a1 is over 2 years old that speaks to the system, its abilities and the future is bright.

It is pretty impossible to pick a bad system to invest in or update. Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony and Fuji all have a system that can capture images that the DSLR would be more challenged to reliably capture.

It is all subjective as to what one values the most. I welcome the comparisons and I think it helps many who are on the fence or starting from scratch. Not many people (myself included) have both systems with that much time behind the camera to even begin offering an honest comparison.

For me the customization of buttons, speed of switching from one shooting mode to another and having the ability for 30FPS in RAW when wanted is a very compelling feature set I am not willing to give up.

It is a wonderful time to be a photographer and investing in new gear!

 

[JoelKlein]

The truth is that the Z9 vs. A1 is mostly relevant to brand new photographers. If you’re already shooting for business/hobby then you have lenses. Just because a new lens came out doesn’t make a difference in a way that one would change systems.

 

[Steve]

I enjoyed the video and agreed with most everything you said. I do think watching the video if we are truly picking a winner between the a1 or Z9 the a1 actually won. If discussing a system then it becomes very personal for what your needs are which Steve mentions. Keeping that in mind it appears to me the reason the Z9 was picked was more about the system i.e. lenses more than the body itself.

I have no doubt the Nikon eco system offers a lot of options. If I had the opportunity to replace my 600 with one with a good built in TC I would in a heartbeat. I think for the vast majority of those who shoot wildlife they won't spend the money on a 600F4 and if they do many will look to the used market which doesn't exist with the new Nikon 600 with TC. The vast majority are 200-600 buyers which for now Nikon doesn't have. At the end of the day unless you are willing to spend big money on the primes or the 800PF I think the case could be made that Sony actually has the most diverse system currently. They also have more than one body that is capable of producing outstanding results for wildlife shooters, there is a used market allowing more people to have gear they desire/need at a more affordable price. The a1 came out of the box with more capabilities than the Z9, yes the Z9 with updates has caught up but considering the a1 is over 2 years old that speaks to the system, its abilities and the future is bright.

It is pretty impossible to pick a bad system to invest in or update. Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Sony and Fuji all have a system that can capture images that the DSLR would be more challenged to reliably capture.

It is all subjective as to what one values the most. I welcome the comparisons and I think it helps many who are on the fence or starting from scratch. Not many people (myself included) have both systems with that much time behind the camera to even begin offering an honest comparison.

For me the customization of buttons, speed of switching from one shooting mode to another and having the ability for 30FPS in RAW when wanted is a very compelling feature set I am not willing to give up.

It is a wonderful time to be a photographer and investing in new gear!

It was the overall system that won me over, but in my mind, I can't shoot the camera without the lenses

Still, if Sony had the same lens line up as Nikon, the a1 would have taken the win by the same margin the Z9 did - just a nose.

 

[FB101]

It was the overall system that won me over, but in my mind, I can't shoot the camera without the lenses

Still, if Sony had the same lens line up as Nikon, the a1 would have taken the win by the same margin the Z9 did - just a nose.

The key point you made well in the video is that to select a “best” you have to remove the factors that are personal preferences. Folks usually compound the two and that’s when we get into unpleasant arguments. My preference is for the A1’s handling and ergonomics, but it’s just my bias. Objectively, Nikon offers more unique lens options for wildlife photographers, and objectively Sony offers more options at the wide end. The video does a great job at sorting through preferences versus factual statements.

 

[MrFotoFool]

The key point you made well in the video is that to select a “best” you have to remove the factors that are personal preferences. Folks usually compound the two and that’s when we get into unpleasant arguments. My preference is for the A1’s handling and ergonomics, but it’s just my bias. Objectively, Nikon offers more unique lens options for wildlife photographers, and objectively Sony offers more options at the wide end. The video does a great job at sorting through preferences versus factual statements.

Yes, well stated. Everyone has personal preferences and needs (which is why different brands survive - they meet different needs). It would be like a prospective car buyer asking a group of six strangers, what car should I buy?

 

[DavidT]

It was the overall system that won me over, but in my mind, I can't shoot the camera without the lenses

Still, if Sony had the same lens line up as Nikon, the a1 would have taken the win by the same margin the Z9 did - just a nose.

I completely agree. I guess the video should have been more about the system for wildlife photographers than just a comparison between two camera bodies

 

[BrianSmall]

One major factor that sways me to Sony, especially when compared to Nikon, is the difference between the two companies in availability and ease of acquisition of the gear. I agree with Steve that Nikon's telephoto lens line up is now superior to Sony's. But if you can't get the equipment reasonably easily or have to wait a year or more in some cases what's the point??!! There is PLENTY of evidence of that just on this forum alone. The majority of folks in the world aren't NPS members and are likely to be in for a long wait to get the latest and greatest equipment from Nikon. I'm sorry but I think it's a terrible way to do business and is a complete turn off for me. The camera companies (Sony, Nikon & Canon) will always be leapfrogging each other with new and better offerings. But I've found the ability to acquire Sony's gear pretty quick and easy since I switched away from Nikon about two years ago and consider this a big advantage. Oh and I am both an NPS and Sony PRO member.

 

[RikWriter]

The key point you made well in the video is that to select a “best” you have to remove the factors that are personal preferences. Folks usually compound the two and that’s when we get into unpleasant arguments. My preference is for the A1’s handling and ergonomics, but it’s just my bias. Objectively, Nikon offers more unique lens options for wildlife photographers, and objectively Sony offers more options at the wide end. The video does a great job at sorting through preferences versus factual statements.

Nikon offers them...if you can get them.

 

[BrianSmall]

Question for Steve......................Steve, since a couple folks have mentioned it in this thread I thought I'd ask about your experience. I've read (here and elsewhere) of people experiencing reduced accuracy/subject acquisition of AF since doing the last firmware update for the A1. I've not seen this at all since I did the update. Have you noticed any change to your A1's AF abilities.............assuming you have the latest firmware? If so can you say a few words about it?

 

[Steve]

Question for Steve......................Steve, since a couple folks have mentioned it in this thread I thought I'd ask about your experience. I've read (here and elsewhere) of people experiencing reduced accuracy/subject acquisition of AF since doing the last firmware update for the A1. I've not seen this at all since I did the update. Have you noticed any change to your A1's AF abilities.............assuming you have the latest firmware? If so can you say a few words about it?

It seems about the same to me. I haven't seen what I would characterize and a significant improvement, but I don't think it's worse either. However, as mentioned in the video, my targets have been a bit limited lately. Hopefully I'll be out shooting more soon and if I see anything notable I'll report back.

 

[LTK]

Question for Steve......................Steve, since a couple folks have mentioned it in this thread I thought I'd ask about your experience. I've read (here and elsewhere) of people experiencing reduced accuracy/subject acquisition of AF since doing the last firmware update for the A1. I've not seen this at all since I did the update. Have you noticed any change to your A1's AF abilities.............assuming you have the latest firmware? If so can you say a few words about it?

Mines been worse for BIF (noticeably less nailed shots) but I’ve only used it with the 200-600 , for slower subjects no problem at all .

 

[BlackRockArt]

Question for Steve......................Steve, since a couple folks have mentioned it in this thread I thought I'd ask about your experience. I've read (here and elsewhere) of people experiencing reduced accuracy/subject acquisition of AF since doing the last firmware update for the A1. I've not seen this at all since I did the update. Have you noticed any change to your A1's AF abilities.............assuming you have the latest firmware? If so can you say a few words about it?

Hi Brian. I wonder if you are using tele-zoom lens or prime lens, there is this nagging thought if it's my shaky hands, or the firmware. I am on FW 1.3.1 , do you know if it's possible to donwgrade to 1.3.0 ?

Thanks

Oliver

 

[DaveR]

But if you can't get the equipment reasonably easily or have to wait a year or more in some cases what's the point??!!

I'm in the UK. I had the Z9 in Jan last year and the Z800mm in May. Didn't seem that much of a wait to be honest.

 

[BrianSmall]

Hi Brian. I wonder if you are using tele-zoom lens or prime lens, there is this nagging thought if it's my shaky hands, or the firmware. I am on FW 1.3.1 , do you know if it's possible to donwgrade to 1.3.0 ?

Thanks

Oliver

Oliver.................I'm using the 600 GM and the 200-600 and have seen no difference with either. And no, I don't believe you can downgrade.

 

[BrianSmall]

I'm in the UK. I had the Z9 in Jan last year and the Z800mm in May. Didn't seem that much of a wait to be honest.

Maybe it's different over there or you're just one of the lucky ones. But if you read any photo forums here in the U.S. you'll find nothing but complaints about trying to get the newest Nikon gear. NPS definitely helps but beyond that you get nothing but stories of people waiting a year or more for this or that for Nikon's newest offerings. Just read through this entire thread and you'll find plenty of them.

 

[Doug Herr]

One major factor that sways me to Sony, especially when compared to Nikon, is the difference between the two companies in availability and ease of acquisition of the gear. I agree with Steve that Nikon's telephoto lens line up is now superior to Sony's. But if you can't get the equipment reasonably easily or have to wait a year or more in some cases what's the point??!! There is PLENTY of evidence of that just on this forum alone. The majority of folks in the world aren't NPS members and are likely to be in for a long wait to get the latest and greatest equipment from Nikon. I'm sorry but I think it's a terrible way to do business and is a complete turn off for me. The camera companies (Sony, Nikon & Canon) will always be leapfrogging each other with new and better offerings. But I've found the ability to acquire Sony's gear pretty quick and easy since I switched away from Nikon about two years ago and consider this a big advantage. Oh and I am both an NPS and Sony PRO member.

For example: over 2 years ago when it first became available I ordered a 600mm GM from my local dealer and had it within a week. With the same dealer I ordered the a1 within the first week it was for sale, and I had it in a few weeks. The major brands are all excellent but I don't see the point of any marginal technical superiority if the product isn't readily available.

Consider this scenario: I'm on an extended trip, my equipment is damaged and I need a replacement ASAP; I can call my dealer and have a replacement shipped to me. Do I want it overnight, or wait several months? The big online retailers (not naming names) have both the a1 and 600 GM in stock.

 

[DHL]

For example: over 2 years ago when it first became available I ordered a 600mm GM from my local dealer and had it within a week. With the same dealer I ordered the a1 within the first week it was for sale, and I had it in a few weeks. The major brands are all excellent but I don't see the point of any marginal technical superiority if the product isn't readily available.

Consider this scenario: I'm on an extended trip, my equipment is damaged and I need a replacement ASAP; I can call my dealer and have a replacement shipped to me. Do I want it overnight, or wait several months? The big online retailers (not naming names) have both the a1 and 600 GM in stock.

I'm glad Sony equipment is readily available. But my Nikon experience was similar to Dave R's above. I had two Z9's by February, 2022 and received my Z 400mm TC S in March or April of the same year. I'm in the US and non-NPS. I should add that I've since been on trips as early as May, 2022, with other photographers with the same gear. I have not ordered either the Z 800mm or the Z 600mm f4.

 

[BlackRockArt]

Oliver.................I'm using the 600 GM and the 200-600 and have seen no difference with either. And no, I don't believe you can downgrade.

Thanks Brian, I shall take some more pictures with 260G, otherwise I need to get back to the gym.

Oliver