This worries me all the time when I'm out with my tougher to find Nikon glass.
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A1 - Wildlife Shootout!
- Thread starter Steve
- Start date
If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).
BlackRockArt
Well-known member
That's why I always keep a pair of red socks or red underwear with me on sojourns.
Oliver
RikWriter
Well-known member
Another thing to consider as a comparison between Canon, Sony and Nikon is that Nikon has one camera body that's suitable for serious wildlife photography and it's their most expensive one. For someone not looking to spend that kind of money on a body, Nikon is not a suitable choice. Canon has the R7 and R6 for lower cost models and with Sony you can find used A9's and A9II's.
Hopefully Nikon will remedy that this year. I think it's really hurting them.
RikWriter
Well-known member
I think they will. They seem to be intent on cornering the wildlife market.
Doug Herr
Well-known member
The wished-for Z8 would be a good step in that direction. Even if it's not quite enough for me to add one to my toy box it would benefit all of us because without the competition the other makers are less likely to update/innovate.
As a film shooter, I used Canon equipment. When I went to digital, I tried out the systems then available and decided that for portrait and fashion work, Nikon lenses had an advantage. I stayed with Nikkor lenses as I learned to photograph wildlife. I still feel that they show some advantages. I was a little worried as the Z mount offering was a little slow to expand, but I am thrilled with the offering available now. Congratulations to Steve for havingthe nerve to do this video.
hrv
Well-known member
Well, they apparently just announced building a new lens factory, so I guess they are definitely trying to remedy it.
I debated whether or not to chime in on this topic. Mainly because as @Steve pointed out technical differences are NOT a deciding factor between the two cameras. As demonstrated in the video there a few functional differences as to how some things are implemented that are a matter of preference. There's no point discussing the ergonomics because that's purely personal based on size of hands, personal preference, etc. After watching the video I pondered over which features of each camera I'd like to see in the other one. IOW what do I really miss when shooting one vs the other(ergonomics aside). All I could come up with still boil down to preferences. But here they are...
When shooting the Z9:
1) As a die hard full manual mode and ETTR shooter I REALLY miss not having the "zebra stripes" to indicate over exposed highlights real time in the VF. Z9 has the histogram but IMO it's about useless.
2) I miss not having the flexibility to program virtually any feature to any button. Z9 has significantly closed the gap in this regard but still annoyingly constrained on what function can be set to which buttons
When shooting the A1:
1) As a (mostly)manual shooter I miss the ability to change ISO with the control ring on the lens. Granted only works on S lenses.
2) I HATE the dials on top of the camera. This is about the only place that I depart from Steve's comments/opinions. In particular I prefer the way that exposure compensation is implemented in the Z9(with buttons set to "release button to use dial").
3) I much prefer the AF areas in the Z9 particularly since we can now custom design two wide areas.
4) I don't like DX mode. I really like how Nikon implements DX mode with the AF areas adjusting to relative size of frame and with AF performance improving(sometimes dramatically) with the subject larger in the frame.
At the end of the day anyone contemplating which route to take should be making a system decision not picking a camera. If I was "that guy" who only needs/wants one all around bird/wildlife kit with a single lens and as small/light as possible, you can't beat the A1/200-600 combo. For the widest array of lens options(f-mount inclusive) Nikon has the edge.
All said and done for me after a month of shooting them on alternating days and four continuous days shooting them side by side from daylight to dark, the Sony kit is for sale. It's great equipment. The Z9 and Nikon glass just work better for me.
When shooting the Z9:
1) As a die hard full manual mode and ETTR shooter I REALLY miss not having the "zebra stripes" to indicate over exposed highlights real time in the VF. Z9 has the histogram but IMO it's about useless.
2) I miss not having the flexibility to program virtually any feature to any button. Z9 has significantly closed the gap in this regard but still annoyingly constrained on what function can be set to which buttons
When shooting the A1:
1) As a (mostly)manual shooter I miss the ability to change ISO with the control ring on the lens. Granted only works on S lenses.
2) I HATE the dials on top of the camera. This is about the only place that I depart from Steve's comments/opinions. In particular I prefer the way that exposure compensation is implemented in the Z9(with buttons set to "release button to use dial").
3) I much prefer the AF areas in the Z9 particularly since we can now custom design two wide areas.
4) I don't like DX mode. I really like how Nikon implements DX mode with the AF areas adjusting to relative size of frame and with AF performance improving(sometimes dramatically) with the subject larger in the frame.
At the end of the day anyone contemplating which route to take should be making a system decision not picking a camera. If I was "that guy" who only needs/wants one all around bird/wildlife kit with a single lens and as small/light as possible, you can't beat the A1/200-600 combo. For the widest array of lens options(f-mount inclusive) Nikon has the edge.
All said and done for me after a month of shooting them on alternating days and four continuous days shooting them side by side from daylight to dark, the Sony kit is for sale. It's great equipment. The Z9 and Nikon glass just work better for me.
Last edited:
will be in 3 years when the factory is completed. May take that long for the backlog in 400 TC, 600 TC, and 800 PF lenses to be filled
abc123brian
Well-known member
maybe it‘s the factory they plan to build the upcoming 200-600mm so it should arrive in just over 3 yearswill be in 3 years when the factory is completed. May take that long for the backlog in 400 TC, 600 TC, and 800 PF lenses to be filled
abc123brian
Well-known member
This is the biggest factor in my opinion and the area Nikon needs to do something about if they intend to attract new people to the brand. If someone who is just getting started and wanting to know what camera and lens is a good choice, it is really difficult to recommend Nikon today. The Zii cameras were only adequate when they came out over two years ago and in that time Sony has updated their bodies and Canon has updated their lineup with the exception of the R5 but that was already excellent. An A7iv + 200-600mm or R6ii + 100-500mm are still what most of these users would consider expensive but are far less so than what Nikon offers. Canon offers very capable less expensive bodies and cheaper lenses with small apertures. If these users begin investing in Sony or Canon, it will be difficult for Nikon to win them over once they have acquired an investment in lenses.
John Navitsky
Well-known member
fyi, your video just got a shout-out on this Grays of Westminister video around 30m in
(in the “review” section)
John Navitsky
Well-known member
also, i’ll just leave this here 
That's so cool!
Calson
Well-known member
I have become paranoid about equipment security with my Z9 cameras and 800mm PF lens. If stolen it could take 6 months to replace them and so I am far more cautious when traveling with them. I also realize that my Gura Gear backpacks are irreplaceable and bought an extra 26L and 18L ones but have not found their Bataflae 32L in good condition.
I chose the Z9 over the Sony A1 camera but did so realizing that lens availability from Nikon was going to be a major drawback and this has not changed for the better.
I chose the Z9 over the Sony A1 camera but did so realizing that lens availability from Nikon was going to be a major drawback and this has not changed for the better.
Gura Gear is stil here:
You can even get 10% off with this code:
bcg10
And yes, I hear you about the paranoia
jmurthy
Well-known member
Agree! one of the big reasons i chose Z9 over A1 when i recently switched to mirrorless. Until then it was d850/d500.
i had read from a reliable source that Nikon d300s powered by solar charger was taking time lapses at high altitudes in the himalayas completely exposed to the elements.Apparently, they were still going for about 5 years or so at the time of the publication i read around 3 years ago. I would say that is a freaking remarkable and a great testamaent to the hardiness of the equipment. the second system i use in the field is olympus. you can pour water on it. I have done that
fcotterill
Well-known member
This is the only I've found that has tackled the subject of weather Sealing. It's likely the Nikon Pro cameras also underwent rigorous testing in R&D
How to REALLY weather-seal a camera. We go deep behind the scenes at Olympus R&D headquarters
Have you ever lost a shot because you were afraid of getting your camera wet? Or perhaps you braved the conditions and got the shot, but lost your camera to the elements in the process? I've experienced the pain of both, so…
www.imaging-resource.com
Precision reliability: Nikon shows off its weather and toughness testing methods for the Nikon D850
Earlier this year, we did extensive water torture testing on a variety of industry-leading cameras, including the Nikon D850. The success of the D850 helped us crown it the best camera of 2017. In a recent video published by Nikon…
www.imaging-resource.com
In response to this, I just recommended to someone starting out in wildlife photography, who was asking about my Z9, that they buy Sony equipment.
RE the comment quoted above that "Zii cameras were only adequate..." I own a Sony A74 with 200-600 (along with Nikon D850) and am currently renting a Nikon Z7ii with 400 f4.5 . I did my first test of it yesterday afternoon in an arroyo behind my condo, using the camera in spot focus mode. It grabbed birds in the midst of thick brances and even focused on birds behind branches where my Sony would never get them. In my limited experience, the Z7ii blows away the Sony (though I admit I have not tried a pro Sony body like A1 or A9, but I did rent an A7r5). I have also not used a faster aperture Sony lens, which may factor into my experience.
Often use spot focus with Z7ii - very useful esp if other modes are struggling.
Dave Wo
Active member
While in a bird blind at La Lomita Photo Ranch last week , one of my friends was there with his new Sony A1 and a Sony 600mm F4 prime attached. He let me take some photos with it.
The wow factor for me was several things. The shutter release was light to the touch and I could barely hear it go off. The eye tracking focusing system was remarkable. Hit the bird any where and a green square jumps out and locks on the birds eye and stays on. Outstanding! Not 100% perfect, but awfully close to it. That 600mm was fun to use also. My images look good and sharp too with my gear. I use the D810 and also the D500 with a 200-500mm Nikkor lens. Hoping to get the D850 soon. Got some great images I'm happy with, and didn't have to spend as much money as my first house cost like my friend with the Sony. Hope he enjoys it-he showed me some outstanding images from that gear. All I can say again is "Wow". Have not read all the comparisons with the Z9. Heard nothing but raves so far.
The wow factor for me was several things. The shutter release was light to the touch and I could barely hear it go off. The eye tracking focusing system was remarkable. Hit the bird any where and a green square jumps out and locks on the birds eye and stays on. Outstanding! Not 100% perfect, but awfully close to it. That 600mm was fun to use also. My images look good and sharp too with my gear. I use the D810 and also the D500 with a 200-500mm Nikkor lens. Hoping to get the D850 soon. Got some great images I'm happy with, and didn't have to spend as much money as my first house cost like my friend with the Sony. Hope he enjoys it-he showed me some outstanding images from that gear. All I can say again is "Wow". Have not read all the comparisons with the Z9. Heard nothing but raves so far.
NicholasN
Active member
Fair comparison can I add I still love the Nikon colours and the raw files and I agree version 2.1 onwards especially v3.1 has really helped with the AF on the Nikon and defo brought it closer to the Sony focus.
- Status