Steve Perry's review of the Nikon Z9
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Thanks - that's why I've made the book a priority over the review. I feel like it's way more useful
Richard Guijt
New member
That’s one I am looking forward to. Have been playing and trying different setups, but wonder how more experienced photographers setup the Z9 for different circumstances.
At home I can practice on Birds and some deer, but subjects can differ when traveling. Notes from others that the AF can be hit or mis for different African animals. Guess I will find out in a month or so
That's very true - and my review will be based on 2.1 - and I'll put a note about that in the title for it too.
I'd thought about that - not just for the Z9, but for other reviews. However, if I release a bunch of short videos all about the Z9, then people who follow my channel and don't have a Z9 will complain that all I talk about is the Z9. I have to be very careful with my video topics and when they are released. I have multiple Z9 / Nikon gear vides in mind, but I'll intersperse them with other topics.
You’re right. I’ve given up watching several that I thought highly of notbjust because they’re Z9 focussed but also go on about the Z 400mm f2.8
a camera I’ll never need and I lens I’ll never afford!
I would be most interested in seeing just how well the Z9 AF behaves in the field (for your work) as compared to the high-end Sony bodies you have. Not as camera warfare fuel, but as a way to understand just how far Nikon (I have been told) closed the gap or set the bar vis a vis MILC autofocus systems and system responsiveness. They were behind the game for so long, and then I am told truly became a competitor.
After all, everybody will want to know what the Z9 II needs to bring to the table... ;-)
After all, everybody will want to know what the Z9 II needs to bring to the table... ;-)
The book will be welcome once I buy the camera, but I don't buy until I see your review. Too much money if it is not the one, is the autofocus up to the competition or should I just wait for the next generation. Thanks, knowing it is coming next month is sufficient for me.
What is this "camera I'll never need" stuff you speak of? Are you not feeling well, Patrick?
Yep…would not recommend a half dozen Z9 only ones in a row…but 1 out of 3 or 2 out of 5 shorter focused shorter ones would be largely the same to me as a longer Z9 one…and much more digestible In littler chunks.
Yep…a 14K lens just isn’t worth it for me as an amateur…and realistically even the 800PF is probably more than I would be willing to spend given my use case…so I pretty much ignore those reviews other than curiosity. It isn’t a can’t afford it thing…it’s a bang for the buck and how much would I use it actually and a do I want to carry it thing.
fcotterill
Well-known member
Fyi
A recently published review of the Z9
www.slrlounge.com
A recently published review of the Z9
Nikon Z9 Review | Is This Flagship Camera Worth It For Wedding Photography?
The Nikon Z9 was A game changer for photojournalists, wildlife and sports photographers, and even for wedding photographers like ourselves...
www.slrlounge.com
DaveR
Active member
For me the firmware 2.0 and 2.1 updates made a significant improvement in the AF performance and with that in mind I'm glad you have not rushed out an early review. A review now would give a much better idea of what the camera is capable of.
Really all that needs to be said is "So, after 6 months we believe purchasing a Z9 was incredibly good value." And I agree. They were hunting for 2 cons -- a) battery life shorter than on a D5/D6 -- well an EVF and real LCD do both use power but the biggest drain on the even higher capacity battery EN-EL18D is number of shots and snipping (looking at shots) afterwards -- both of which can be controlled and YES do buy an extra battery or 2 -- I travel with 2 spare for each Z9 body. Then b) Bigger and heavier than rival cameras - well this is directly tied to a) the HEAVY En-EL18D and grip is what makes it heavy -- as noted it is much lighter than predecessor flagship bodies AND you do not need to walk around with a pocket full of batteries - that is 3-4 EN-EL15 for 1 EN-EL18D. As to the rest the review is good and solid findings. My only issue is the clickbait title of the piece. But not out of normal for the SLRLounge.
@Steve -- personally I consider another "review" would be pointless at this time, particularly comparison reviews X vs Y - there is enough of that already. BUT - genuine guidance and experience for the field. How to overcome challenging situations -- how to plan and prepare (settings), how to practice and then what a working professional does in the field to adapt to what occurs.
I greatly enjoyed you 10 traits video -- because if I only do a few of them adequately I seem to achieve "good enough for me" results. The first trait for me is to learn, try to apply and practice what others have learnt to do. Practice in the field when costs of travel are cheap and then be ready for the expensive trips when you just have to be ready to get it right first time and be ready to adapt instantly if what you are doing is not quite optimal -- no fumbling about - Know that your Fn1 button does this, Fn2 does that etc....
A series of videos about how to apply the 10 traits while using a Z9 would be a very important gift to the community. [AND these can encompass any other cameras that emerge along the way]
TonyF
Active member
I think people that actually major on wildlife (and lots of us look to for good reason like Steve and Mark Smith) have covered/spoken about the critical functionality we need to know about already and have done so with a good degree of diplomacy. Even the big time generic influencers that attract a lot of hate haven't been that far off the mark. I've been using a Z9 almost every day for 5 months and have found that what's been said about critical requirements for wildlife (by Steve and Mark) is right on the money. I've blogged about it with a somewhat lesser degree of diplomacy (at times) but I'm a nobody so that doesn't matter
As things stand right now I don't envy anyone under pressure to come up with a full review. What can they say that hasn't been said already?
As such I wouldn't mind waiting for the next 'big step' firmware update or the one that majors on autofocus before the full review - or just a comprehensive review on what the new firmware brings to the show.
As things stand right now I don't envy anyone under pressure to come up with a full review. What can they say that hasn't been said already?
As such I wouldn't mind waiting for the next 'big step' firmware update or the one that majors on autofocus before the full review - or just a comprehensive review on what the new firmware brings to the show.
rogermaioli
New member
I too am surprised that @Steve should anticipate fewer views on such a review, although he surely knows the viewing history of his own channel. But I'm surprised in that his reviews do not resemble other reviews. I'm not into bashing channels and there are a lot of channels I like, for different reasons. (I go to Gerald Undone for lab reviews, Dustin Abbott for extensive gear review, or Stefano Ianiro and Mark Smith for more birding-focused content.) But no one that I know offers, on such a high level, Steve's combination of (1) in-depth assessment of the tech, (2) application to wildlife, and (3) focus on the experience in the field. In addition, Steve does what I wish all reviewers would do, which is to carefully plan the videos so that no time gets lost in throat-cleaning or digressions, and we get lots of clear info without need overlong videos.
The one exception I know (and I hope it's alright to make this kind of recommendation here) is a recent channel by Simon d'Entremont (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH6acC9jnug-mI4vdGvuDbA/videos). It's really extraordinary in the ways Steve's channel is, and it deserves more followers.
The one exception I know (and I hope it's alright to make this kind of recommendation here) is a recent channel by Simon d'Entremont (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH6acC9jnug-mI4vdGvuDbA/videos). It's really extraordinary in the ways Steve's channel is, and it deserves more followers.
Keep in mind that I'm not looking at just the number of views, but also how many views I'll get for the time I spend. In the case of a full Z9 review, I could get at least three other videos out for the same amount of time invested, netting me far more views for the same amount of work.
I am thinking of a little different approach this time though, based on the comments here.
Feiertag
Well-known member
Take your sweet time. You are very gifted and well respected. Keep up the good work!
That’s the way I would go…skip the basics like this many buttons and talk about how it solves problems for you. Although you’re clearly far better t this wildlife photography thing than me…our thought processes are similar and I really like your more focused videos myself.
Apparently I am in the minority but I am finding the gear reviews to be repetitive and tedious. Lately, I just pass them by. It seems that a number of good vlog photographers have started substituting gear reviews in place of their usual creative content.
So, given a choice between learning creative techniques or getting ideas for places to travel and watching a gear review I will go with the former.
I would like to see your review of the camera, though I already have one so it will not impact what I purchase. As you point out, 9-10 months after launch, everyone has made their mind up about this camera.
Shorter reviews, tips and tricks would be much more useful.
MarcoScocco
Well-known member
I would point out that a lot of people here in the UK at least, could not get the Z9 and still cannot get it. From my point of view, I am waiting for Steve's review to make the final call on buying the camera or not. I have a basic idea, having read a lot about it and watched a lot of videos, but I want an in deep review from a wildlife photographer as wildlife is all I do after all. So, from my point of view, he can take all the time he wants, probably better than rushing out there a video. Still relevant in my opinion and not only relevant, needed.
With all that you do, I would think people would understand that a review of the Z9 at this time would be a losing proposition for you in terms of the effort involved vs views. Rest assured, we will read what you have to say and after the myriad reviews that have already come out, I would be surprised if your review differed in any large or meaningful way with those reviews already written. The Z9 Reference Guide is over 200 pages and the number of "Bells & Whistles" on this camera are obscene (in a good way); perhaps a short video on the features you like the best ... assuming you could get them all into a short video.
Docpelt
New member
Is the Z9 set up guide available or are you still working on it? I have my Z9 in a box waiting as the are the best!!