I used a Z9 last season for football under poor light (12,800), thought the images looked pretty good. But then this summer I picked up a D6 and have since used it under the same conditions (12,800) and I find the images much better than the Z9 noise wise. So much so I'm going to use the D6 for all my low light work.
This video gave me a great mental satisfaction. 😅 I arranged the money for a new Z9 but instead of buying it I bought a D5 & a 400mm f2.8 used. I think i made a right choice
I have shot on a Nikon D4 for over 2 years now, and it still blows me away the quality of noise it produces at 12800 ISO. Something about this 16.2 MP sensor that is just puts out amazing pictures even in 2024. I had a D3 for about a month before I traded up to the D4, by far much better high ISO handling than the D3. If I had the money for Z9, I will still buy a D4 or D5 and some good DSLR prime glass. The Z9 is on my future upgrade list for sure, but I am enjoying the DSLR discounted pricing to much currently due to Pros dumping DSLR gear and moving to Z mount.
It surprised me a little but I had my suspicions. I'm amazed though, how well the D4s compares to more modern cameras. It's still the go to camera for cross country event photographers.
Thank you! As a hobbyist, I am satisfied with D4s. This video confirms that Z9 would only improve my capabilities in videos (which I don't have time to spend on currently). I use AI for noise removal and super-resolution so I don't see how the spec for Z9 ISO would have much real world meaning to me if I still need to post-process the files (e.g., apparently the ISO8000 pictures from Z9 would require postprocessing). Superresolution provides 4-6 times increase without sacrificing realism (especially for feathers, fabrics, and eyes, but might lose accuracy on edges or high-contrast areas). That also means the 45 MP resolution means nothing. 16 MP upscales to 64 MP without losing details (and file managements can be easier on the hardware). Of course, for high FPS shooting (120 FPS), Z9 would dominate. But I don't see how often my weekends would require me to shoot more than 10 FPS. Also, running the battery in the EVF is always a shortcoming of mirrorless.
well, I just made a purchase on a D4s in new condition!!!!! with 200k count! costs me 549 british pounds!! it blew me away with its condition!! came from a photographer who should win an award for looking after cameras :)
I remember when the D5 came out and was being reviewed people noticed that at 6400 ISO it had a kind of noise level "reset" as if it has some sort of dual ISO sensor.
Great comparison Sean I’ve learned that the Z9 stops at 25600 ISO which I didn’t know. as I own a D6 I thought the the next generation flagship camera would be at least at the same level. For indoor sport photography with my 70-200 f/2.8 at 1/1000th s I often reach 32000 ISO with the D6 with such incredible results that I’m realizing that considering my use of this camera I would never switch to the Z9…
Look, Nikon was basically in the financial swamp for years and years, before the Z mount series! Nikon had to do something drastic, which for most consumers of their cameras, meant worse autofocus and such for the Z5-Z7 series… worse in the terms of action photography requirements. The D500 is still far superior to the Z6II, if for no other reasons, the ability with one pressable button to instantly switch autofocus target size and mode. So, along came the Z9, also because at this point, their own marketing was creating the necessity to kill off their top performers , such as the D850, D500, D5 & D6… According to this review, which seems quite factual and solid, the Z9 is also a compromise… I bet Nikon is still focusing on earnings, and has forgone their original thoughts about serving photographers, rather than reviewers and stockholders
I've not yet used the D6 for any length of time but hoping to try out one soon. I think the Z9 is a stunning camera but the D5/D6 are incredible low light cameras. Maybe I was hoping for too much with the first Pro mirrorless.
Don't get me wrong, the Z9 is a stunning camera and a huge relief for all Nikon kit owners. I just wish the ISO hadn't taken a back step as Nikon have presented this model as their latest flagship sports camera, replacing the D6. Not all sports are well lit but they certainly all need higher shutter speeds. As I often say, 8000 ISO is my normal requirement, any less and I have to start compromising. For myself, I don't really need 45mp I'd rather have higher ISO.
im using a d4s an im not changing it ! if you cannot take a good pic with a d4s d850 d610 etc etc you wont with a mirrorless its you not having a latest mirrorless at 5 k
That matches my experience; when it gets dark noise becomes overwhelming. Waxy: that is a very good word to describe what programs like DeNoise do. I need to remember that. So far, I tend to limit my ISO to 6400, but when it gets dark even that is a bit high (D500, Z6II). We'll see if that holds true for the Z9.
For ISO's of 8000 and 10,000 I would normally use DeNoise, but sparingly. At 20,000 I think the job was just too much for the program. The Z9 is superb at lower ISO's though.
Would have been maybe more interesting to have seen the tests, where the iso was being bumped because of a Low Light scenario as this I feel also may be a contributor to the relative noise levels. My own experience is that my D6 is way better than my Z9 in low light/ high iso scenarios.
I have been pulling my hair out doing this comparison!! I just took my D4s out of my bag and replaced it with the Z9. man have I been eaten alive on the DPreview forms about this comparison. although the camera is faster and autofocus is out of this world, iso definitely failed to impress me. I’m hoping they fix this issue with the Z9h
Owning both, I would say the d4s is better in terms of the amount of noise and the quality of the noise compared to the z9. The noise is also much more pleasant, especially on parts that are incorrectly exposed. The z9 noise is jarringly nasty in appearance. However the z9 noise cleans up way easier in editing software on the z9. If you nail your exposure pretty clean images ar high ISO... The D4s was way ahead of its time, and even compared to the D4 was fantastic in low light...
I regularly use 25,6 to 51,2 on the Canon R3 for indoor sports. Would have liked to have seen these comparisons created under fluorescent or led lights. Think it would have impacted the resulting noise.
The first set of images (the two cameras) were taken under LED video lights. I'd like to have have used them in an indoor school setting but unfortunately I think people would have complained about the length of the video
Hi Sean, I owe a D750 and D850 tbh I never go further than 3200iso, I guess I’m a bit too much old school and I do see noise at those settings. That’s out of the camera btw.
I think that Nikon has worried too much about Sensor MP and less about ISO. I started to get worried when I heard 64mp was the starting point. I got more concerned when the advertising showed the camera shooting a model in the studio. However, the focussing is really good and a huge relief to me. Considering the number of cameras I have, the Z9 is the first one that I pack for a job or just a day out. The D5 always comes along too :)
@@seancameronphotographic3740I was thinking the same thing, the issue is mirrorless is here to stay. I’m investing into the future of camera gear. Going from D4s to D6 just didn’t make sense to me. although the Z9 is great in terms of speed but lacks ISO I’m more or less waiting for the rumored Z9h to outperform and correct for these issues
Great video thank you for posting. A quick question if you have access to a D6 is there and difference to the D5? The D6 seems to be over shadowed by the Z9.
I'm hoping to get one for a couple of days and I'm keen to test it against the D5, as I never believed that there was much difference. However, the people that have one reckon it's much better
As you know, I've nothing but good thoughts about my Z9. However, at the higher ISO's I usually pop it through DeNoise, whereas I don't need to with the D5. The Z9 is a lot easier to good shots with though.
I used a Z9 last season for football under poor light (12,800), thought the images looked pretty good. But then this summer I picked up a D6 and have since used it under the same conditions (12,800) and I find the images much better than the Z9 noise wise. So much so I'm going to use the D6 for all my low light work.
This video gave me a great mental satisfaction. 😅
I arranged the money for a new Z9 but instead of buying it I bought a D5 & a 400mm f2.8 used.
I think i made a right choice
I have shot on a Nikon D4 for over 2 years now, and it still blows me away the quality of noise it produces at 12800 ISO. Something about this 16.2 MP sensor that is just puts out amazing pictures even in 2024. I had a D3 for about a month before I traded up to the D4, by far much better high ISO handling than the D3. If I had the money for Z9, I will still buy a D4 or D5 and some good DSLR prime glass. The Z9 is on my future upgrade list for sure, but I am enjoying the DSLR discounted pricing to much currently due to Pros dumping DSLR gear and moving to Z mount.
very impressed how well the D4s still holding up against the big boys, thank you for putting the time into this
Thank you for the comparison. It might surprise some people. I owned the D4 and D5 and now Z9. I must say I miss my D5.
It surprised me a little but I had my suspicions. I'm amazed though, how well the D4s compares to more modern cameras. It's still the go to camera for cross country event photographers.
Thank you! As a hobbyist, I am satisfied with D4s. This video confirms that Z9 would only improve my capabilities in videos (which I don't have time to spend on currently). I use AI for noise removal and super-resolution so I don't see how the spec for Z9 ISO would have much real world meaning to me if I still need to post-process the files (e.g., apparently the ISO8000 pictures from Z9 would require postprocessing). Superresolution provides 4-6 times increase without sacrificing realism (especially for feathers, fabrics, and eyes, but might lose accuracy on edges or high-contrast areas). That also means the 45 MP resolution means nothing. 16 MP upscales to 64 MP without losing details (and file managements can be easier on the hardware). Of course, for high FPS shooting (120 FPS), Z9 would dominate. But I don't see how often my weekends would require me to shoot more than 10 FPS. Also, running the battery in the EVF is always a shortcoming of mirrorless.
,
😊
I'm in the same boat with a D4. I'm not quite as sold on up ressing but otherwise I'd agree. Key things I'd love on my D4: IBIS and focus peaking.
well, I just made a purchase on a D4s in new condition!!!!! with 200k count! costs me 549 british pounds!! it blew me away with its condition!! came from a photographer who should win an award for looking after cameras :)
It was and still is a fantastic camera. Very much still used by the horse photography freelancers.
I remember when the D5 came out and was being reviewed people noticed that at 6400 ISO it had a kind of noise level "reset" as if it has some sort of dual ISO sensor.
Is no one going to comment on how the cameras are arranged on that top shelf….Pro body film paired with its numerical Pro body Digital! Very nice. 😊
These findings actually make sense. Nice video👍
Very nice.
Thank you.
I liked the D5.
Thank you! I've been waiting for this comparison! And thanks for the extra comparison, exactly what I needed!
I'm so pleased that you liked it
Great comparison Sean
I’ve learned that the Z9 stops at 25600 ISO which I didn’t know.
as I own a D6 I thought the the next generation flagship camera would be at least at the same level.
For indoor sport photography with my 70-200 f/2.8 at 1/1000th s I often reach 32000 ISO with the D6 with such incredible results that I’m realizing that considering my use of this camera I would never switch to the Z9…
Look, Nikon was basically in the financial swamp for years and years, before the Z mount series! Nikon had to do something drastic, which for most consumers of their cameras, meant worse autofocus and such for the Z5-Z7 series… worse in the terms of action photography requirements. The D500 is still far superior to the Z6II, if for no other reasons, the ability with one pressable button to instantly switch autofocus target size and mode. So, along came the Z9, also because at this point, their own marketing was creating the necessity to kill off their top performers , such as the D850, D500, D5 & D6… According to this review, which seems quite factual and solid, the Z9 is also a compromise… I bet Nikon is still focusing on earnings, and has forgone their original thoughts about serving photographers, rather than reviewers and stockholders
I've not yet used the D6 for any length of time but hoping to try out one soon. I think the Z9 is a stunning camera but the D5/D6 are incredible low light cameras. Maybe I was hoping for too much with the first Pro mirrorless.
Don't get me wrong, the Z9 is a stunning camera and a huge relief for all Nikon kit owners. I just wish the ISO hadn't taken a back step as Nikon have presented this model as their latest flagship sports camera, replacing the D6. Not all sports are well lit but they certainly all need higher shutter speeds. As I often say, 8000 ISO is my normal requirement, any less and I have to start compromising. For myself, I don't really need 45mp I'd rather have higher ISO.
Thanks❤
Wow! The D5 was very interesting! Great video thanks
im using a d4s an im not changing it ! if you cannot take a good pic with a d4s d850 d610 etc etc you wont with a mirrorless its you not having a latest mirrorless at 5 k
Thank you for doing this video!
Thank you Sean!
Very welcome
That matches my experience; when it gets dark noise becomes overwhelming. Waxy: that is a very good word to describe what programs like DeNoise do. I need to remember that. So far, I tend to limit my ISO to 6400, but when it gets dark even that is a bit high (D500, Z6II). We'll see if that holds true for the Z9.
For ISO's of 8000 and 10,000 I would normally use DeNoise, but sparingly. At 20,000 I think the job was just too much for the program. The Z9 is superb at lower ISO's though.
Would have been maybe more interesting to have seen the tests, where the iso was being bumped because of a Low Light scenario as this I feel also may be a contributor to the relative noise levels. My own experience is that my D6 is way better than my Z9 in low light/ high iso scenarios.
Digital is better than mirrorless
@@joekelly9369ok, hold up. Please explain what that means.
I have been pulling my hair out doing this comparison!! I just took my D4s out of my bag and replaced it with the Z9. man have I been eaten alive on the DPreview forms about this comparison. although the camera is faster and autofocus is out of this world, iso definitely failed to impress me. I’m hoping they fix this issue with the Z9h
Isn't the lowest native iso for the d4 and d5 64? My d810 goes down to 64 iso natively.
They're 100
Owning both, I would say the d4s is better in terms of the amount of noise and the quality of the noise compared to the z9. The noise is also much more pleasant, especially on parts that are incorrectly exposed. The z9 noise is jarringly nasty in appearance.
However the z9 noise cleans up way easier in editing software on the z9. If you nail your exposure pretty clean images ar high ISO...
The D4s was way ahead of its time, and even compared to the D4 was fantastic in low light...
I regularly use 25,6 to 51,2 on the Canon R3 for indoor sports. Would have liked to have seen these comparisons created under fluorescent or led lights. Think it would have impacted the resulting noise.
The first set of images (the two cameras) were taken under LED video lights. I'd like to have have used them in an indoor school setting but unfortunately I think people would have complained about the length of the video
Im an old fart using d850s and pro glass . I cringe using iso 200 , and having to edit
Hi Sean, I owe a D750 and D850 tbh I never go further than 3200iso, I guess I’m a bit too much old school and I do see noise at those settings. That’s out of the camera btw.
Given your testing do you still think a Z9 is worth the 3K extra? 🙂
Do you know something, I do. It's a lot easier to get really good images and furthermore, images that I can't normally get with a DSLR.
@@seancameronphotographic3740 Personally I do not own a Z9 myself so I have no knowledge to share from 🙂
I think that Nikon has worried too much about Sensor MP and less about ISO. I started to get worried when I heard 64mp was the starting point. I got more concerned when the advertising showed the camera shooting a model in the studio. However, the focussing is really good and a huge relief to me. Considering the number of cameras I have, the Z9 is the first one that I pack for a job or just a day out. The D5 always comes along too :)
@@seancameronphotographic3740I was thinking the same thing, the issue is mirrorless is here to stay. I’m investing into the future of camera gear. Going from D4s to D6 just didn’t make sense to me. although the Z9 is great in terms of speed but lacks ISO I’m more or less waiting for the rumored Z9h to outperform and correct for these issues
@@seancameronphotographic3740took the words out of my mouth with the MP, it seems like it’s been a year since this review. How is it still holding up?
Great video thank you for posting. A quick question if you have access to a D6 is there and difference to the D5? The D6 seems to be over shadowed by the Z9.
I'm hoping to get one for a couple of days and I'm keen to test it against the D5, as I never believed that there was much difference. However, the people that have one reckon it's much better
@@seancameronphotographic3740 Excellent looking forward to that.
Actually there is no need for a test, purely mathematically the D4/D5/D6 are ahead in terms of noise behavior
Imagine ten years from now how high an iso can go and still look clean
Probably won't be much different.
The d4 has big eyeballs.
NO Comparison.
Don't leave me hanging Dave, elaborate mate
Love the Z9 but i'm going to push my D5 further.
I'd rather get a sub-optimal image than none at all.
The D4 and D5 had Nikons own Sensor...🦘
As you know, I've nothing but good thoughts about my Z9. However, at the higher ISO's I usually pop it through DeNoise, whereas I don't need to with the D5. The Z9 is a lot easier to good shots with though.