The Nikon D6 is by far my most favorite of the flagships. I’ve been a photographer for 30 years now…started at age 9 years old. I too had the F5, F100 and N90s. Than I had the D1, D1H and D1x, D2H, D2Xs, D3, D3s, D3x, D4/D4s, D5 and D6. I was one of the first people in America to get an Z9. I’m a photojournalist and NPS member. Plus my news organization has a close relationship with NPS/Nikon. I’ll admit a lot has been added to the Z9 since I had mine. So I’ll probably get a Z9 sometime this year. When I first got my Z9 I wasn’t happy with the noise performance at all. Although I learned afterwards that was mainly due to Lightroom/Z9 issue. Which was apparently fixed sometime after I got rid of my Z9. One major deciding point for me was battery life and EVF. I unfortunately have light sensitivity and since I’m photojournalist I use cameras all day at times. I used to average 3-4 assignments someday. Long story short the EVF gets tough to look at after a few hours. We’re all already looking at screens all day and night. With a minimum of two…if not three assignments my eyes hurt. Whereas on my D6 I can use it for days without any issues. Plus the D6 has the best and brightest OVF ever made. It’s noticeably brighter than the D5 and D850 OVF’s. Honestly the OVF on the D6 is just outstanding! Plus I never have run out of battery or had to swap batteries on my flagship DSLR’s. At least not since the D1 series. My EN-EL18D’s last days or even a week at times in my D6’s. I have a D850 with grip kit as a backup or third body. Long story short, the poorer battery life, the EVF and noise performance all were not what I had hoped for in my Z9. Another major issue for me is the Z9 got rid of the port for the wireless WT-6. Which is a wireless transmitter that I use daily to send images from my cameras to my devices. It has worked reliably for me 100% of the time since I started using them in 2012 with the D4. It allows me to transfer RAW and or JPEG images within 1-2 seconds at up to 650ft range. I can even setup remote D5/D6’s and fire them with the WT-6A. Sure the D6 and Z9 have built in wireless…but it’s not 100% reliable. It’s harder to use and has a much lesser range. You pretty much need to be right near your Z9 for it to work. On my D6’s I simply flick-up on the rear screen to send an image. Within about 1-1.5 seconds a full sized RAW image is transferred to my iPhone and or MacBook Pro. I use ShutterSnitch mostly, but sometimes I’ll use Photo Mechanic. Most importantly it just works, always and speed is extremely important to me as a photojournalist. I shoot everything from sports to breaking news and being first to publish is awesome. Unfortunately Canon and Nikon got rid of the ports where their respective wireless adapters fit. Plus the built in wireless sucks in comparison to the $700 accessories they used before. Admittedly this is a niche need and I get most people don’t care, but for me it’s a big deal. Plus the D6 is amazing, it has the best autofocus ever in a DSLR and it’s not too much slower than the Z9. However the Z9 has received a lot of updates since I had one. So I’m willing to give it another chance. However I’m sure it’ll be a second camera. My D6’s are so beloved…nothing can replace them in my mind. Most UA-camr photographers just wrote the D6 off. Jared Polin who loved and used the D5 for years…immediately made fun of the D6 and basically said it was trash. Funny how a newer and better version of his favorite camera could be trash. Worst of all he promised to put out a full review and never did. Others also said that DSLR’s are dead and mirrorless was the way to go. Meanwhile the D6 costs $6500 USD and the Z9 costs $5000 USD now. $5500 at release, but that’s because it’s made in Thailand and has less moving parts, etc.! Nothing wrong with made in Thailand or China. However the lenses and cameras made in Japan are a notch above in my opinion. The D6 definitely feels a bit more well built compared to the Z9. Plus everyone I know whom owns an Z9 or Z8 have had to send their cameras in for repairs or recalls multiple times. Whereas I’ve never once had to have any Nikon camera or lens repaired or replaced in my 30 years. Maybe I’ve been lucky? Though I’ve also put upwards of 900k shutter count on D5’s and other DSLR flagships. So the no shutter or mirror on the Z9 is not really an advantage when it comes to durability. People who say it is…must have never put close to a million shots on a D5 and have still run just fine. Again, I’ve never had to repair or replace any Nikon gear. Whereas the Z9 and Z8 have had multiple recalls and other issues. My colleagues who use them have all had to send them in for different reasons. I’m not attacking the Z8 or Z9. They’re both incredible cameras and are beloved by many people. Nikon has sold over 45,000 copies of the Z9 just in the USA alone. Yet they’ve only sold 2,000 D6’s…which further proves I’m in a niche situation. I get that my opinions and reasons are not the average, but thought I’d share them anyways. One last thing I’ll say is I’ve not seen any image quality improvements. I own the 28mm f/1.4E, 24-70mm f/2.8E VR, 105mm f/1.4E, 70-200mm f/2.8E and 500mm f/4E FL. All of which are incredible image quality wise. In fact my three favorite lenses don’t exist for the Z-mount. The 28mm f/1.4E, 105mm f/1.4E and 500mm FL. Yes they can easily be used with FTZ, but again, just not seeing any good reason to switch. I get compliments quite often and people ask what I’m using…which is good enough for me. My editors are almost always happy with my work and I love my DSLR’s.
@@patricksmith2553Patrick, I had the z9 for a year, up to firmware 5.0. My D6 focuses better in low light, and the high iso performance is still better. I shoot in local high school gyms and football fields for local media, and I practically live at 6400 and 12800, so I sold off my z9 and have never been happier. The D6 gives me everything I need, and then some. The z9 is not built like a flagship. Its build quality is closer to that of the d850. Like you, I can go days without having to charge the battery on the D6, and I have no qualms shooting with it in inclement weather. For example, we had a horrible Thanksgiving weather-wise: A friend of mine (another working pro) had all sorts of problems with his z9 focusing in the rain, and was surprised that I had no such problems. Matt says he skipped the D6 in his video - he might think otherwise if he shot regularly with one. I has pleasantly surprised just how much better the D6 is compared to the D5.
Z9 for nearly 3 years, definitely a flagship, bought the z6 on release, didn’t like it so sold it, on the Z9 announcement bought a Z6ii and the trinity of lenses. Now have Z9 and Z6iii and 9 lenses including 400 4.5, 180-600,105 macro to mention a few. I’m in my 70s and don’t find the kit to heavy. 11 days in the Scottish Highlands and Mull, a week in the Yorkshire dales and I’m still here. Happy Christmas to you Matt and all your subscribers and viewers.
Well Matt, as a photographer who is old enough to have bought a new Nikon F at the start of my career, and progressed through all the F series apart from the F3 which I hated and the F6 which came too late in my change to digital, I agree with your assessment of the Z9 and whatever comes next. I bought a Z9 as a backup to my Z9 as nothing else really came close! I’ve got a couple of Z6 bodies still which are on stand by, or there to lend to others, but Nikon mirrorless revolutionised my photography, my approach to photography and what I found that I could achieve that earlier D series could never offer me. If one is working on the technological limits for much of the time, even a small update can make a huge difference; certainly the latest firmware hits the spot for video users. The older I get the younger I feel!
Z9 is definitely the GOAT! But I recently bought a D4S with a low shutter count in mint condition and I love its dynamic range and beautiful rendering. I use Z9 mostly and D4S as a suitable backup for the work I do in jazz clubs. Fun video Matt!
I've shot over 7,000 frames in one night before on my Z9 when a baseball game went to extra innings and still had a lot of battery left over. The camera has been astounding to use
Nice history chat Matt, for my 2p, I have both D6 and Z9 and I love them both for different reasons. That said I have absolutely no intention of giving up the D6 any time soon as for most sports shooting cases it is still my first choice camera. Optical viewfinder and in some instances better, yes better AF accuracy are great. The only thing that shifts me to the Z9 is the near silent, not silent, shooting which has been a game changer for some sports scenarios. Ps you not alone on the Nikon Flagships either as I have also drifted with the F and D series and now Z series.
You of course talked about the Z-Lenses being superior to the old F Glass, but I think many people really don't seem to realize what a big jump that is. Even the somewhat ghetto Z 35 f/1.4 is significantly sharper, and shows less chromatic aberrations wide open, than the expensive 35 f/1.4G for f-mount.
I would recommend to check that upfront individually for each lens. The older 400mm and the 800mm are optically significantly better than the new Z lenses. No need to talk about weight and AF speed but if it’s just the optucs, you must be careful with general statements.
@@cy9nvs if you buy it new, yes for sure the price is a Ko criterion for the 5,6/800mm and wouldn’t justify the slight difference in Quality. However, if you consider to also buy a used lens (and 5,6/ 800mn you can get for about the same price or even less than the new 6,3/800) it might be worth to think about it.
@@MikaLJ I got the 800 PF, and I couldn't think of a reason why anyone would pick up the old one nowadays. The 800 PF is very sharp and super lightweight, imo the better of the two for most people. Where I live, buying the 800 PF used or during a sale, it's about 2000€ cheaper than the 800 5.6
@ might be that you are OK with it. It is despite the limitations (strong light from ahead, Bokeh issues, slightly not that good in sharpness). As mentioned, if weight and AF does count most for you, you probably are happy for ever.
Great history overview, thanks Matt! Having started on the EOS 650 (darkroom days), I actually went through a depression when digital hit. Finally bought a D200 to enter the DSLR days added a D5600 and ran into a similar dilemma when MILC's hit. Waited out the MILC wars and bought a Z6ii, but the AF was not what I personally needed. Jumped to Sony from that point eventually landing on the A7RV which is outstanding. I still prefer Nikon color science and files, but the non 3-way variable screen actually kept me from the Z8 when upgrading to the A7RV... I personally require a variable tilt LCD for my work. If the Z7III has the same form-factor as the Z6iii, I may come "home". Nikon users (including yourself) still compromise my favorite community. Nikon is now the King of "Kaizen" and with their acquisition of RED I'm even more optimistic of their future. I would still recommend Nikon above all other brands for their price-point, support, and current platforms. That said... I love the versatility of the A7RV, being able to use "Crop Mode" with a 26mp output gives every lens a dual functionality (1.6x Zoom). Love your channel, thanks again!
LOL! Nice one Matt! As I said, I'm still waiting for the "quack" shutter release sound for the Z9 ... but now I think I'd also like your excellent imitation of the same. Thanks for the history lesson; I'm sure it'll be appreciated by the uninitiated. My favourite flagship is the Z9, since it's the first I've ever owned after nearly 5 decades using Nikon cameras. Before that, it was the (prosumer) D800 which was hard to part with as a trade-in on the Z9.
As an amateur, after I got my Z8, I was seriously thinking about selling my Z9. But every time I picked it up, I was amazed by its build quality which sets it apart from Z8. IMHO, Z9 deserves a spot in every photographers' collection forever.
You say that because you never dropped your Z9 on the street 😅 The better built quality still belongs to the DSLRs and seems like we will never see such standard in today/future tech. They want us to buy new every two years, not to buy one that will last...
I mean this in the kindest way - you must drive Nikon haters nuts! I have a Z9. I'm an pro/amateur hybrid. Nicely retired. Buying the Z9 put a a little GAS pressure on my 47 year marriage! Maybe some more in the future if I have to wait for a Z9II to get pre-capture RAW. If I had the money, the only extra lens I'd love to own would be the 400 2.8 TC. Or even a chance to use one for a few days. But realistically I can't complain. Sony, Canon et al make great cameras, but go Nikon! Cheers.
The arrival of the R1 and A1II, plus FW 5.1, coupled with the Z8 being almost the same camera and with Nikon Flagship DNA, I feel like it is all laid out for us in this moment. Just like in other areas of life, the GOAT mantle will be handed around over time. Today I feel it coalesces here, and is worth a mention, a celebration :). Yes I too would love a 400 TC :) Epic kit.
The F4 was a genuine game changer! For someone roughing it around African game parks the contrast with an F3+drive as night and day. The advanced metering alone saved me a ton of film (no more bracketing!), the built in drive saved size a weight and was faster. I traded in a load of older gear to afford one the day it was released and I have never regretted it.
Great video, Matt. I would love to see you do a video where you go in depth on how you use your off-camera, non-speed light flash(es). I shot an evening event with my Z8 and my SB800 speed light and whilst the client was delighted with the photos I thought I could do better.
Thanks for this great video, new subscriber here... I have always used Nikon dslr's so when upgrading to mirrorless it was an easy choice for me and I went for the Z8 as the Z9 didn't fit my needs. The Z8 is a beast, I have to say it took a lot of getting used to, but once I started to get my head around the settings... oh wow!
I took my F5 out last week. With 100 ISO film (shot at 50 ISO because it is long expired) everything had to be shot on the tripod. A reminder of how far we have come. All of the new releases on other brands makes us forget how great the Z9 still is. Glad you showed it some love.
Fun video, my first Nikon flagship is the Z9 that I recently purchased pre-owned from a friend primarily for bird photography, this is complimented by a Z7. That said, I started with an FE-2, then an FM, followed by a D100, D7000, and then the D850. Recently, I purchased on eBay a Nikon F and a Nikon F2, both cameras I could not afford early on. Anyway, thank you Matt, love your content.
What a cracking 'trip down memory lane' that was, Matt! As a stills-only shooter, I'm slightly underwhelmed with the latest v5.1 firmware; but, as you say, the Z9 allows me to do things I could only dream of, using my beloved old D4 or the D850. Looking to the future, a Z9II; I'd expect a global shutter, though that would not bother me one way or the other. But AF cross type sensors have got to be in there; or do you think they'll nail dual cross types?
Yes, the Z9 is the GOAT imho, Matt. Although I tend to leave my Z9 all rigged up for video and reach for my Z8 for stills. I just wish the Z8 had a 3rd function button at the front to mirror (pun totally intended) the Z9.
I bought the Z8 as backup camera for my next safari… so , I use it intensively lately to get use with it… my intention was to sale my Z9 after my travel… i really changed my mind… there is something with the Z9 in hands that is unbeatable… I will keep it for sure!
I have a Z8 and Z9 and when I use my wife’s Sony a9iii , the autofocus is so much better and lenses are much smaller and lighter as well! Nikon still has some job to do!
My favourite Sony lens is the 85 1.2 and the 400 2.8 TC. 😂 Image quality with no compromise. And I love the A9III for its 45.7MP 8K video ..... . . . . . . . . . Have you shot with any of Nikon kit lenses? For example the 24-120 F4. Smaller and lighter is not a feature of the optical prowess of a lens. As an image maker I am looking for the best image quality, with the most imaging options within the lens. 1.2 is more options than 1.4, a built in TC is more lens in one, with a flick of a switch. Digital lens correction for focus breathing is not an attribute I am interested in.
I had a D4, Z7 then Z9 and really love the camera. I used the D4 for a long time and was thinking of getting a D850, but decided on the Z7 because of IBIS and because I wanted to experience the new mount and lenses. The Z9 took everything to the next level.
The D6 is still worth buying if you need a very low light camera, mechanical shutter, warranty and prefer an Optical View finder over an EVF. Definitely the best DSLR ever made if you understand exactly what you're getting. D850 is a close 2nd, and the Canon 1Dx III 3rd imo. If Nikon is to 1up the D6, and Z9 they'll need to get its ISO up to 51k and 102k even if they need to engineer ai denoiser in camera Raw files above ISO 6400. They could also just give it 4x base ISO. 800, 1600, 6400, 12,800. Reduce the rolling shutter further. Who am I 😅 I'm not buying one. Too chunky. I'd prefer a pro APS-C Z body with at least 32mp and a medium image size of 16mp and small 10mp.
@GautamSingh-yn9cb It doesn't. The Z9 is for pros who usually shoot in well lit arenas and as long as they have 6400 and 12,800 noise isn't too much of an issue. The Z9 is essentially a D3 equivalent for noise. From what I've read over the years, the D6 is a beast and people were wrong to pass it off as a poorly upgraded D5. I think the D6 will be my last camera. I'm getting a Zfc between now and March. I'm in no rush to get the D6, but I just want one (I don't need it).
@@rustinpowell215 It does. But that's only at full resolution. You have to downsample the Z9 from full resolution to around 19mp or even 10mp to remove the noise.
Hi Matt enjoyed the video. I am looking for a lightweight fluid head and just wondered what head was on the tripod supporting the Z9 behind you and to your left. Thanks
Just opengate , and we are all set :) and if they can add the Shutter angle and opengate to the Z6III another winner. can't wait to see what the Z9 II would bring!! So glad I bought the Z9 !!
I bought the z8 because I didn't need the z9 and I didn't want the larger body. I'm the kind of person the z8 was made for. I have what I believe is the original flagship. The F series cameras were the first pro film cameras. I recently bought an F4 and an FM2N. The F4 was Nikon's first auto focus camera. Mine has the MB-21 battery grip so it's the s model. It even has a shutter button on the grip. I bought the cameras from a friend who had inherited them. The F4 still has a roll of film in it. The only pictures I've taken with it was too finish out the roll and to test it. I really wanted the F3. The F4 is a heavy beast of a camera. I think you could literally beat someone to 💀 with it. I think i will mainly use the F4 for portraits with portra 400. I never thought I would be shooting film again.
Great news for having another Z9 firmware update but improvements/ new functions are mostly irrelevant to my use as a wildlife photographer. Bought EOS R5ii and R1 recently, and I’m puzzled now whether I should keep my Nikon gear. I truly hope Nikon to put more effort on improving its AF system and add a few more buttons on the back of the camera bodies.
This sparked a thought - hear me out. Considering the sales and compromises of the Sony a9 III, what if Nikon leverages the Z7 line to debut a global shutter? They could then simultaneously enhance and maintain critical features like dynamic range, noise performance, and low-light capabilities while keeping costs competitive for their flagship(s). I haven't heard this take yet.
Love this one - a straightforward round-up of the FX digital flagship era. I love all my Z cameras from the Z6 1st gen to the Z9. Before I only owned one flagship Nikon and that was the D3 that I bought used from Becky at Grays in 2007. There is a hughe difference in trust and feel when you are working with a flagsip like the Z9. You simply know that it will not let you down. But as much as I love my Z9: What I wish for is a really small and competent travel and landscape camera. Smaller than a Z7 and paired with a lightweight set of travel lenses. The 4/14-30mm is nice, as is the 24-120mm. But above that there is something missing - the Tamron 70-300mm is nice but not Nikon ;), the 100-400mm is just a bit too big for hiking/travelling imho.
Yep, Z9 for goat, even if the Z8 is more convenient. I find my F4 too heavy so I’m surprised you rate the F5 above the F6...Otherwise, what a lovely nostalgic video, thanks🎉🎉🎉
The only flagship Nikons I own are the F5 and F2A. I bought them in the 2000s, because I enjoy film photography. As an amateur photographer, the price and features of a flagship have usually been too much for me. In the Z FX space, for my use case, the Zf and Z7II are more than enough for me. Do I dream of a Z9…. yup… but I have to be able to look my wife in the eye and tell her why the extra dollars are required. I cannot honestly do that with either the D6 or Z9 flagships. Maaaaaybe a Z8… maybe!
I just bought a Z9, now if Nikon can only supply a new battery that can accept a charge!. Bought 2 new batteries from a nikon dealer and both were dead and would not accept a charge. Great camera, great lenses. Good report Matt. More please. have a great Christmas.
To each their own, I actually have not purchased an F5 due to it having the built in battery grip… Not a fan of huge heavy cameras. So I have an F3, F4, I would have an F6 but they are way overpriced. I’d prefer a Z8 over a Z9 (but even the Z8 is larger and heavier than I would like). You can add a grip if you want to most cameras, I don’t want to be forced to have it. I can understand a small percentage of people that would like that, maybe studio/sports maybe even some wildlife shooters if they don’t do a lot of hiking with their gear. I’m mostly landscape, and I do hike so prefer smaller lighter gear when possible. 🙂 Hoping the z7III comes out sometime soon, might be tempted by that if it’s good enough.
Nothing is perfect. lol. But it can record Raw internal. And it can record for long periods of time without overheating. Which can’t be said for some other flagships. Not sure one or two cards is much help if you simply can’t shoot at all due to heat shutdown. Recording to two cards will also heat a camera up quicker than 1 card.
How do you mean? Vs 20MP cameras sure. Vs other 45-50 MP cameras it is in the zone. www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Sony-A1-versus-Nikon-Z9-versus-Canon-EOS-R5___1365_1378_1382 Base ISO FAB, from dual GAIN FAB vs Canon and Sony.
Not long after getting my Z9 last year, I went on a walk for a couple of hours and decided to try 120fps mode.. I accidentally left it at 120fps.. Came home with 7200 photos and still had around 30% battery left :-D
As much as I'd love a Z9 or Z8, it simply isn't in my budget. I'm happy with the ZF and D500 but one can dream. Started with Nikon with the D3000, love the range. Next thing to save for will be a Z mount lens.
Z9 all the way. In terms of battery file I shot an Air Show with my Z9 8400+ images and still had 30% charge on the battery. Absolute beast of a camera. My previous Nikon Flagship was the D2x.
@@MattIrwinPhotography I don't have a problem with Nikon, they make good cameras, so does Canon, Fuji, Panasonic, Hasselblad, Leica, Pentax, OM Systems, Sigma, even Sony..... I watched your review on the Sony A1 2, most of your review was how inadequate it was...comparing it to Nikon and Canon... fact check: there is no perfect camera, but when you talk about Sony you go to great lengths to highlight what you perceive as inadequacies, if Sony is so bad, why have all the aforementioned camera manufacturers used (and in many cases still use) Sony sensors... now, if I had not owned and used cameras for around 5 decades and watched your reviews I might be swayed into believing that Nikon cameras are the pinnacle of camera tech and Sony is rubbish. Side note: I own 2 Nikon cameras......
You did not watch the whole video, as I said the Sony A1II was an outstanding camera. Up to you to review a book you have not completed. It makes your above statements factually incorrect. Further perhaps you did not come across any other videos, like perhaps Gerald Undone who had similar comments. Indeed you might own two Nikons ( which ones are they?). What Sony's do you own? I own Sony A7R and A7RIII and a collection of lenses and frequently use A7RV. What is your opening statement "amazing what you can do with a Sony IMX609AQJ sensor" And so what if they do. If Sony did not make sensors there would be another company that would. There is basically 2 things I have heard from Sony users since the Z mount arrived, until this day. Sony control Nikon's destiny because they make their sensors. Sony AF is better. I am not today going to re-litigate in full the Sony-Nikon sensor FUD, the complexities of Japanese companies, how they share tech, and the need of Sony sensor division to have customers, along with Nikon designing their own sensors, which includes, back side RAM decisions, colour arrays, front glass elements, and the proprietary colour science and RAW conversion. The process of bringing an image to life is a huge array of elements. And there is far more to it. If Sony owned the tech in Z8 Z9, why have they not implemented their version, why not slip some of it into the A1II. Why let Nikon have it in the first place? The ever elusive 'Sony AF is better' ... hmmm. I don't know where to start. Today 99% of people and their use cases with any current GEN Sony Nikon Canon, are going to find AF is delivering. And if Sony Canon or Nikon is better, we will find it is only a very small group of people that experience the difference in their niche use-cases. And for 99% of people they will simply never shoot anything which exposes focusing differences. Today the statement is simply misleading. "Sony AF is better". A potentially more accurate statement could be 'in very specific use cases, you might find the hit rate increase with camera X, but today Canon Nikon Sony current generation cameras will deliver for the majority of users and their use cases outstanding performance." Regarding Sony, I am not sure it has really been proven to me in 2024. If you have a link to some scientific testing, which most UA-cam channels don't engage in, I would love to see it. Ultimately this is all opinion, and in the case of this video, and previous, it is all my opinion. And as I endless state in this video, "in my opinion, for my use-case". I have kicked around in photography for 40 years now, and as a professional for 35. Earning my keep in this space from the tools I have held in my hand. Ultimately that is the measure of any system for me. Has the tool facilitated successfully on my needs, wallet, growth, expression, artistic vision, hand size, reliability, weather performance, FW, customer service, DNA, history ... and on and on. The real world realities across perhaps 200 data points (not just cameras specs) actually are the measure. Not what name is etched on the sensor, or if some use case AF is 8% better for 1% of users. It does not matter. It's like your Ferrari does 297MPH and my 911 does 281MPH. I choose the 911 for 200 reasons. I was not even thinking about you, and your Ferrari. I was thinking about the 199 reasons why I love driving, using, and spending time with 911. I am really happy with my 911, and from my world view, for my use case. GOAT.
@@MattIrwinPhotography “Sony A1 II Not The Camera We Expected” who are “We”? Who do you represent and speak for? Incidentally, I watched this video twice before I commented. After the first viewing, I suspected, I had just watched a biased presentation. I watched it again and was convinced that you are biased and did not have the common courtesy to disclose this upfront. I have witnessed the evolution of the digital camera from the start, since I started in the film era. The camera industry evolved so much that differences can be measured in in microns and nano seconds, I am yet to meet an engineer who can tell the difference between 2 microns and 10 microns without proper instrumentation…. A nano second is less time than it takes to blink an eye. When I bought my A7 camera in 2013 I decided to read some reviews on the internet, guess how many people said the evf would never be as good as an optical view finder, without mentioning how much easier it was to take pictures without “chimping”, or, mirror-less will never be as good as DSLR…. this was a clear indication that no matter how good Sony made a camera, “brand bias” would always trump reason. Today, all new cameras are mirror-less with evf’s. All cameras are different and many cameras are good… but to say that one is better than the other without evaluating the use case, in my opinion, is “juvenile”. In your review of the A1-2 this is exactly what you did and in your reply you all but admit your bias…. In my opinion, a professional can select an appropriate tool, evaluate its limitations and use it effectively… be it photography or landscape gardening. If you had stated your bias up-front we would not be having this conversation. Now if you want a list of my gear I’ll be happy to do so.
The Z8 is prone to overheating. From a video perspective they are not the same. This reason and the battery life are why I elected to go with the Z9 over the Z8.
There is a reason Canon and Sony sell almost all of the cameras in the world. As I understand, their combined sales are close to 90%. I grew up on Nikon film cameras. I still like their design. But they solve problems that don’t exist- like dynamic range, and seem incapable of competing on things that matter- like AF ( until very recently). I think their lenses are great- but not good value, or better than what Canon or Sony offer. The latest bodies are good. I just hope it’s not too late. We are poorer for only having two dominant players. I am an amateur shooting mainly wildlife and birds. I shoot Canon. I put my 20 year old EF 500 F4 L is lens on my R7 and it works better than it did on my 1D3. Don’t need a $6500 body for 30 fps RAW and AF that actually works
I kind of disagree.... for hybrid shooters yes the Z9 likely is the best of all time, but for stills shooters I'd argue the D850 was the best of all time (maybe up there with older bodies like the D3/D300 series) even though it doesn't have the video capabilities like the z9 (like 8k video) but it was one that constantly keeps coming up in circles as a solid, robust camera that's affordable, despite it's age, I'd say it still puts up a good fight against the Z8 and Z9 for stills usage (particularly with action). the z9 is also financially out of reach for many people probably though too, being $5000+. The Z8 isn't that far behind at $3500 on sale, but the D850 I think was a good balance between cost and performance when it was released. Now if we're limiting this to just Z cameras, sure the z9 takes the spots for GOAT, and probably a close call between it an the Z8.
I switched to Canon. I still have my D810. I think most photographers and youtube influences still think the AF of the Z9 is lacking compared to Canon and Sony. So yes, the Z9 has a pro body unlike Sony which has no pro body. But compared to Canon who does have a pro body, the z9 in AP (photo mode) is lacking and is not best in class actually worst in class compared to Canon and Sony. I have friends who have been pros using Nikons from the beginning who are not impressed. So once Nikon is able to make its AF as good as Sony/Canon, then at that point It will be goat for all camera. I also think Nikon quality has gone down hill, not making their flagship in Japan has hurt it. But you also have to consider Nikon flagship is substantially less expensive. I think Nikon has done well considering at one point it looked like they were on the way out.
It's fascinating to see how little the exterior dimensions of the flagship has change. Back when I used D7000, I lusted the D4. Nowadays, I wish I have the time and budget for Z9 + 35mm & 85mm ...
Sound is terrible ! Probably due to your fan blowing behind you, but it's not professional at all, not up to your standard. I'm surprised you didn't re-record your talk 🤔
No the Z9 is not the GOAT! Nikon made 4 GOAT’s : - Nikon SP: best RF camera - Nikon F6: best SLR camera - Nikon D850: best DSLR camera - Nikon Zxx : best mirror less camera (future successor of the Z8/Z9)
Hi Scott thanks for inviting me to this programming meeting today, I know in your role as head of programming for the Matt Irwin channel you may not see the merit in today's episode. I feel with the arrival of the R1 and A1II, plus FW 5.1, coupled with the Z8 being almost the same camera and with Nikon Flagship DNA, it is all laid out for us in this moment. Just like in other areas of life, the GOAT mantle will be handed around over time. Today I feel it coalesces here, and is worth a mention, a celebration :). Also happy for you to send content ideas via email. 😀
What's your favourite flagship? Is Z9 the GOAT?
The Nikon D6 is by far my most favorite of the flagships. I’ve been a photographer for 30 years now…started at age 9 years old. I too had the F5, F100 and N90s. Than I had the D1, D1H and D1x, D2H, D2Xs, D3, D3s, D3x, D4/D4s, D5 and D6. I was one of the first people in America to get an Z9. I’m a photojournalist and NPS member. Plus my news organization has a close relationship with NPS/Nikon. I’ll admit a lot has been added to the Z9 since I had mine. So I’ll probably get a Z9 sometime this year. When I first got my Z9 I wasn’t happy with the noise performance at all. Although I learned afterwards that was mainly due to Lightroom/Z9 issue. Which was apparently fixed sometime after I got rid of my Z9.
One major deciding point for me was battery life and EVF. I unfortunately have light sensitivity and since I’m photojournalist I use cameras all day at times. I used to average 3-4 assignments someday. Long story short the EVF gets tough to look at after a few hours. We’re all already looking at screens all day and night. With a minimum of two…if not three assignments my eyes hurt. Whereas on my D6 I can use it for days without any issues. Plus the D6 has the best and brightest OVF ever made. It’s noticeably brighter than the D5 and D850 OVF’s. Honestly the OVF on the D6 is just outstanding! Plus I never have run out of battery or had to swap batteries on my flagship DSLR’s. At least not since the D1 series. My EN-EL18D’s last days or even a week at times in my D6’s. I have a D850 with grip kit as a backup or third body. Long story short, the poorer battery life, the EVF and noise performance all were not what I had hoped for in my Z9.
Another major issue for me is the Z9 got rid of the port for the wireless WT-6. Which is a wireless transmitter that I use daily to send images from my cameras to my devices. It has worked reliably for me 100% of the time since I started using them in 2012 with the D4. It allows me to transfer RAW and or JPEG images within 1-2 seconds at up to 650ft range. I can even setup remote D5/D6’s and fire them with the WT-6A. Sure the D6 and Z9 have built in wireless…but it’s not 100% reliable. It’s harder to use and has a much lesser range. You pretty much need to be right near your Z9 for it to work. On my D6’s I simply flick-up on the rear screen to send an image. Within about 1-1.5 seconds a full sized RAW image is transferred to my iPhone and or MacBook Pro. I use ShutterSnitch mostly, but sometimes I’ll use Photo Mechanic. Most importantly it just works, always and speed is extremely important to me as a photojournalist. I shoot everything from sports to breaking news and being first to publish is awesome. Unfortunately Canon and Nikon got rid of the ports where their respective wireless adapters fit. Plus the built in wireless sucks in comparison to the $700 accessories they used before. Admittedly this is a niche need and I get most people don’t care, but for me it’s a big deal. Plus the D6 is amazing, it has the best autofocus ever in a DSLR and it’s not too much slower than the Z9. However the Z9 has received a lot of updates since I had one. So I’m willing to give it another chance. However I’m sure it’ll be a second camera.
My D6’s are so beloved…nothing can replace them in my mind. Most UA-camr photographers just wrote the D6 off. Jared Polin who loved and used the D5 for years…immediately made fun of the D6 and basically said it was trash. Funny how a newer and better version of his favorite camera could be trash. Worst of all he promised to put out a full review and never did. Others also said that DSLR’s are dead and mirrorless was the way to go. Meanwhile the D6 costs $6500 USD and the Z9 costs $5000 USD now. $5500 at release, but that’s because it’s made in Thailand and has less moving parts, etc.! Nothing wrong with made in Thailand or China. However the lenses and cameras made in Japan are a notch above in my opinion. The D6 definitely feels a bit more well built compared to the Z9. Plus everyone I know whom owns an Z9 or Z8 have had to send their cameras in for repairs or recalls multiple times. Whereas I’ve never once had to have any Nikon camera or lens repaired or replaced in my 30 years. Maybe I’ve been lucky? Though I’ve also put upwards of 900k shutter count on D5’s and other DSLR flagships. So the no shutter or mirror on the Z9 is not really an advantage when it comes to durability. People who say it is…must have never put close to a million shots on a D5 and have still run just fine. Again, I’ve never had to repair or replace any Nikon gear.
Whereas the Z9 and Z8 have had multiple recalls and other issues. My colleagues who use them have all had to send them in for different reasons. I’m not attacking the Z8 or Z9. They’re both incredible cameras and are beloved by many people. Nikon has sold over 45,000 copies of the Z9 just in the USA alone. Yet they’ve only sold 2,000 D6’s…which further proves I’m in a niche situation. I get that my opinions and reasons are not the average, but thought I’d share them anyways. One last thing I’ll say is I’ve not seen any image quality improvements. I own the 28mm f/1.4E, 24-70mm f/2.8E VR, 105mm f/1.4E, 70-200mm f/2.8E and 500mm f/4E FL. All of which are incredible image quality wise. In fact my three favorite lenses don’t exist for the Z-mount. The 28mm f/1.4E, 105mm f/1.4E and 500mm FL. Yes they can easily be used with FTZ, but again, just not seeing any good reason to switch. I get compliments quite often and people ask what I’m using…which is good enough for me. My editors are almost always happy with my work and I love my DSLR’s.
Z9 for sure; and they keep giving us upgrades in firmware. 👍
@@patricksmith2553Patrick, I had the z9 for a year, up to firmware 5.0. My D6 focuses better in low light, and the high iso performance is still better. I shoot in local high school gyms and football fields for local media, and I practically live at 6400 and 12800, so I sold off my z9 and have never been happier. The D6 gives me everything I need, and then some.
The z9 is not built like a flagship. Its build quality is closer to that of the d850. Like you, I can go days without having to charge the battery on the D6, and I have no qualms shooting with it in inclement weather. For example, we had a horrible Thanksgiving weather-wise: A friend of mine (another working pro) had all sorts of problems with his z9 focusing in the rain, and was surprised that I had no such problems.
Matt says he skipped the D6 in his video - he might think otherwise if he shot regularly with one. I has pleasantly surprised just how much better the D6 is compared to the D5.
I am using Nikon from D3 onwards, D3X, D3s, D4, D5 and now the Z9. The Z9 definitely is my favorite.
Z9 for nearly 3 years, definitely a flagship, bought the z6 on release, didn’t like it so sold it, on the Z9 announcement bought a Z6ii and the trinity of lenses. Now have Z9 and Z6iii and 9 lenses including 400 4.5, 180-600,105 macro to mention a few. I’m in my 70s and don’t find the kit to heavy. 11 days in the Scottish Highlands and Mull, a week in the Yorkshire dales and I’m still here. Happy Christmas to you Matt and all your subscribers and viewers.
How do you like the 105 MC? I'm thinking of getting it.
Nikon's Dynamic range is amazing. I own D850 and still a beast
Well Matt, as a photographer who is old enough to have bought a new Nikon F at the start of my career, and progressed through all the F series apart from the F3 which I hated and the F6 which came too late in my change to digital, I agree with your assessment of the Z9 and whatever comes next. I bought a Z9 as a backup to my Z9 as nothing else really came close! I’ve got a couple of Z6 bodies still which are on stand by, or there to lend to others, but Nikon mirrorless revolutionised my photography, my approach to photography and what I found that I could achieve that earlier D series could never offer me. If one is working on the technological limits for much of the time, even a small update can make a huge difference; certainly the latest firmware hits the spot for video users. The older I get the younger I feel!
Z9 is definitely the GOAT! But I recently bought a D4S with a low shutter count in mint condition and I love its dynamic range and beautiful rendering. I use Z9 mostly and D4S as a suitable backup for the work I do in jazz clubs. Fun video Matt!
I've shot over 7,000 frames in one night before on my Z9 when a baseball game went to extra innings and still had a lot of battery left over. The camera has been astounding to use
Outstanding battery performance. Thanks so much for sharing. 😀
Nice history chat Matt, for my 2p, I have both D6 and Z9 and I love them both for different reasons. That said I have absolutely no intention of giving up the D6 any time soon as for most sports shooting cases it is still my first choice camera. Optical viewfinder and in some instances better, yes better AF accuracy are great. The only thing that shifts me to the Z9 is the near silent, not silent, shooting which has been a game changer for some sports scenarios. Ps you not alone on the Nikon Flagships either as I have also drifted with the F and D series and now Z series.
You of course talked about the Z-Lenses being superior to the old F Glass, but I think many people really don't seem to realize what a big jump that is.
Even the somewhat ghetto Z 35 f/1.4 is significantly sharper, and shows less chromatic aberrations wide open, than the expensive 35 f/1.4G for f-mount.
I would recommend to check that upfront individually for each lens. The older 400mm and the 800mm are optically significantly better than the new Z lenses. No need to talk about weight and AF speed but if it’s just the optucs, you must be careful with general statements.
@MikaLJ the old 800 costs more than 3x as much as the new one, also something to consider
@@cy9nvs if you buy it new, yes for sure the price is a Ko criterion for the 5,6/800mm and wouldn’t justify the slight difference in Quality. However, if you consider to also buy a used lens (and 5,6/ 800mn you can get for about the same price or even less than the new 6,3/800) it might be worth to think about it.
@@MikaLJ I got the 800 PF, and I couldn't think of a reason why anyone would pick up the old one nowadays. The 800 PF is very sharp and super lightweight, imo the better of the two for most people.
Where I live, buying the 800 PF used or during a sale, it's about 2000€ cheaper than the 800 5.6
@ might be that you are OK with it. It is despite the limitations (strong light from ahead, Bokeh issues, slightly not that good in sharpness). As mentioned, if weight and AF does count most for you, you probably are happy for ever.
Great history overview, thanks Matt! Having started on the EOS 650 (darkroom days), I actually went through a depression when digital hit. Finally bought a D200 to enter the DSLR days added a D5600 and ran into a similar dilemma when MILC's hit. Waited out the MILC wars and bought a Z6ii, but the AF was not what I personally needed. Jumped to Sony from that point eventually landing on the A7RV which is outstanding. I still prefer Nikon color science and files, but the non 3-way variable screen actually kept me from the Z8 when upgrading to the A7RV... I personally require a variable tilt LCD for my work. If the Z7III has the same form-factor as the Z6iii, I may come "home". Nikon users (including yourself) still compromise my favorite community. Nikon is now the King of "Kaizen" and with their acquisition of RED I'm even more optimistic of their future. I would still recommend Nikon above all other brands for their price-point, support, and current platforms. That said... I love the versatility of the A7RV, being able to use "Crop Mode" with a 26mp output gives every lens a dual functionality (1.6x Zoom). Love your channel, thanks again!
LOL! Nice one Matt! As I said, I'm still waiting for the "quack" shutter release sound for the Z9 ... but now I think I'd also like your excellent imitation of the same. Thanks for the history lesson; I'm sure it'll be appreciated by the uninitiated. My favourite flagship is the Z9, since it's the first I've ever owned after nearly 5 decades using Nikon cameras. Before that, it was the (prosumer) D800 which was hard to part with as a trade-in on the Z9.
If Nikon put the quack in the Z9, that would be the ultimate coup de grâce.
Perhaps for this video, I should have said it 'quacks' like a GOAT.
I was a AFP photographer my Nikon D2H got many front pages
As an amateur, after I got my Z8, I was seriously thinking about selling my Z9. But every time I picked it up, I was amazed by its build quality which sets it apart from Z8. IMHO, Z9 deserves a spot in every photographers' collection forever.
You say that because you never dropped your Z9 on the street 😅 The better built quality still belongs to the DSLRs and seems like we will never see such standard in today/future tech. They want us to buy new every two years, not to buy one that will last...
@@dicekolev5360 😂 So sorry to hear that. I'll take a note to take extra caution in handling it.
I mean this in the kindest way - you must drive Nikon haters nuts! I have a Z9. I'm an pro/amateur hybrid. Nicely retired. Buying the Z9 put a a little GAS pressure on my 47 year marriage! Maybe some more in the future if I have to wait for a Z9II to get pre-capture RAW. If I had the money, the only extra lens I'd love to own would be the 400 2.8 TC. Or even a chance to use one for a few days. But realistically I can't complain. Sony, Canon et al make great cameras, but go Nikon! Cheers.
The arrival of the R1 and A1II, plus FW 5.1, coupled with the Z8 being almost the same camera and with Nikon Flagship DNA, I feel like it is all laid out for us in this moment. Just like in other areas of life, the GOAT mantle will be handed around over time. Today I feel it coalesces here, and is worth a mention, a celebration :). Yes I too would love a 400 TC :) Epic kit.
The F4 was a genuine game changer! For someone roughing it around African game parks the contrast with an F3+drive as night and day. The advanced metering alone saved me a ton of film (no more bracketing!), the built in drive saved size a weight and was faster. I traded in a load of older gear to afford one the day it was released and I have never regretted it.
Great video, Matt. I would love to see you do a video where you go in depth on how you use your off-camera, non-speed light flash(es). I shot an evening event with my Z8 and my SB800 speed light and whilst the client was delighted with the photos I thought I could do better.
Thanks for this great video, new subscriber here... I have always used Nikon dslr's so when upgrading to mirrorless it was an easy choice for me and I went for the Z8 as the Z9 didn't fit my needs.
The Z8 is a beast, I have to say it took a lot of getting used to, but once I started to get my head around the settings... oh wow!
I love all this Nikon history
I took my F5 out last week. With 100 ISO film (shot at 50 ISO because it is long expired) everything had to be shot on the tripod. A reminder of how far we have come. All of the new releases on other brands makes us forget how great the Z9 still is. Glad you showed it some love.
Fun video, my first Nikon flagship is the Z9 that I recently purchased pre-owned from a friend primarily for bird photography, this is complimented by a Z7. That said, I started with an FE-2, then an FM, followed by a D100, D7000, and then the D850. Recently, I purchased on eBay a Nikon F and a Nikon F2, both cameras I could not afford early on. Anyway, thank you Matt, love your content.
Cheers Leo :)
Good job Matt - Merry Xmas and Happy New Year
What a cracking 'trip down memory lane' that was, Matt! As a stills-only shooter, I'm slightly underwhelmed with the latest v5.1 firmware; but, as you say, the Z9 allows me to do things I could only dream of, using my beloved old D4 or the D850.
Looking to the future, a Z9II; I'd expect a global shutter, though that would not bother me one way or the other. But AF cross type sensors have got to be in there; or do you think they'll nail dual cross types?
I am waiting for the 35mm f1.2z. My "friend" at a camera store told me it will be coming out before the end of Jan. Really eexcited@
Yes, the Z9 is the GOAT imho, Matt. Although I tend to leave my Z9 all rigged up for video and reach for my Z8 for stills. I just wish the Z8 had a 3rd function button at the front to mirror (pun totally intended) the Z9.
I bought the Z8 as backup camera for my next safari… so , I use it intensively lately to get use with it… my intention was to sale my Z9 after my travel… i really changed my mind… there is something with the Z9 in hands that is unbeatable… I will keep it for sure!
Z9 user for years. Love it. One of my favourite cameras along with my Fuji gfx 100 ii and Hasselblad x2d.
Being able to afford the best is certainly a nice position to be in, and you'll certainly not be complaining with those cameras.
I have a Z8 and Z9 and when I use my wife’s Sony a9iii , the autofocus is so much better and lenses are much smaller and lighter as well! Nikon still has some job to do!
Technique might need tweaking.
Kit quality lenses should be smaller and lighter, and that is what Sony has a whole bunch of...kit quality lenses.
My favourite Sony lens is the 85 1.2 and the 400 2.8 TC. 😂 Image quality with no compromise. And I love the A9III for its 45.7MP 8K video ..... . . . . . . . . .
Have you shot with any of Nikon kit lenses? For example the 24-120 F4.
Smaller and lighter is not a feature of the optical prowess of a lens. As an image maker I am looking for the best image quality, with the most imaging options within the lens. 1.2 is more options than 1.4, a built in TC is more lens in one, with a flick of a switch. Digital lens correction for focus breathing is not an attribute I am interested in.
Interesting Documentary ❤
Seasons greetings from South Africa 🎉
I had a D4, Z7 then Z9 and really love the camera. I used the D4 for a long time and was thinking of getting a D850, but decided on the Z7 because of IBIS and because I wanted to experience the new mount and lenses. The Z9 took everything to the next level.
Was just watching the Nocty video when this history lesson popped up!
The D6 is still worth buying if you need a very low light camera, mechanical shutter, warranty and prefer an Optical View finder over an EVF. Definitely the best DSLR ever made if you understand exactly what you're getting. D850 is a close 2nd, and the Canon 1Dx III 3rd imo.
If Nikon is to 1up the D6, and Z9 they'll need to get its ISO up to 51k and 102k even if they need to engineer ai denoiser in camera Raw files above ISO 6400. They could also just give it 4x base ISO. 800, 1600, 6400, 12,800. Reduce the rolling shutter further.
Who am I 😅 I'm not buying one. Too chunky. I'd prefer a pro APS-C Z body with at least 32mp and a medium image size of 16mp and small 10mp.
My only real gripe moving from the D6->Z9 is the high ISO performance. It feels like the D6 @ 25,600 outperforms the Z9 @ 10,000
I bought D6 with 70 200, it blows my mind, AF and very clean images even at 12800. D6 shines from iso 3200 onwards.. I don't think even Z9 comes close
@GautamSingh-yn9cb It doesn't. The Z9 is for pros who usually shoot in well lit arenas and as long as they have 6400 and 12,800 noise isn't too much of an issue. The Z9 is essentially a D3 equivalent for noise.
From what I've read over the years, the D6 is a beast and people were wrong to pass it off as a poorly upgraded D5. I think the D6 will be my last camera. I'm getting a Zfc between now and March. I'm in no rush to get the D6, but I just want one (I don't need it).
@@rustinpowell215 It does. But that's only at full resolution. You have to downsample the Z9 from full resolution to around 19mp or even 10mp to remove the noise.
Hi Matt enjoyed the video. I am looking for a lightweight fluid head and just wondered what head was on the tripod supporting the Z9 behind you and to your left. Thanks
Just opengate , and we are all set :)
and if they can add the Shutter angle and opengate to the Z6III another winner.
can't wait to see what the Z9 II would bring!!
So glad I bought the Z9 !!
I realized this video is focused on flagships, but since you included a discussion about many many Nikons, just curious why the Z6iii was omitted?
I bought the z8 because I didn't need the z9 and I didn't want the larger body. I'm the kind of person the z8 was made for. I have what I believe is the original flagship. The F series cameras were the first pro film cameras. I recently bought an F4 and an FM2N. The F4 was Nikon's first auto focus camera. Mine has the MB-21 battery grip so it's the s model. It even has a shutter button on the grip. I bought the cameras from a friend who had inherited them. The F4 still has a roll of film in it. The only pictures I've taken with it was too finish out the roll and to test it. I really wanted the F3. The F4 is a heavy beast of a camera. I think you could literally beat someone to 💀 with it. I think i will mainly use the F4 for portraits with portra 400. I never thought I would be shooting film again.
The F4 certainly is a beast! I would occasionally use mine with a 300/2.8 attached as a camping stool 😃
@ian-nz-2000 that's a new one. I haven't heard that one before. 🤣
@@carlmcneill1139 we were all young and foolish once!
I got the Z8 and keeping my Z6. I regret selling my D750. Hopefully the Z8 gets the firmware update.
Great news for having another Z9 firmware update but improvements/ new functions are mostly irrelevant to my use as a wildlife photographer. Bought EOS R5ii and R1 recently, and I’m puzzled now whether I should keep my Nikon gear. I truly hope Nikon to put more effort on improving its AF system and add a few more buttons on the back of the camera bodies.
This sparked a thought - hear me out. Considering the sales and compromises of the Sony a9 III, what if Nikon leverages the Z7 line to debut a global shutter? They could then simultaneously enhance and maintain critical features like dynamic range, noise performance, and low-light capabilities while keeping costs competitive for their flagship(s). I haven't heard this take yet.
Z7III global?
Love this one - a straightforward round-up of the FX digital flagship era. I love all my Z cameras from the Z6 1st gen to the Z9. Before I only owned one flagship Nikon and that was the D3 that I bought used from Becky at Grays in 2007. There is a hughe difference in trust and feel when you are working with a flagsip like the Z9. You simply know that it will not let you down. But as much as I love my Z9: What I wish for is a really small and competent travel and landscape camera. Smaller than a Z7 and paired with a lightweight set of travel lenses. The 4/14-30mm is nice, as is the 24-120mm. But above that there is something missing - the Tamron 70-300mm is nice but not Nikon ;), the 100-400mm is just a bit too big for hiking/travelling imho.
I love my z8. My biggest issue as a beauty fashion photographer that shoots in the studio is the poor flash sync speed
1:41 Lol D4 missing Rubber. I have 2 of those like that...
The audio is a bit noisy coz of the big fan behind..
Live Music: The Z9 keeps you safe in the Mosh
You forgot to mention that.
Yep, Z9 for goat, even if the Z8 is more convenient. I find my F4 too heavy so I’m surprised you rate the F5 above the F6...Otherwise, what a lovely nostalgic video, thanks🎉🎉🎉
The only flagship Nikons I own are the F5 and F2A. I bought them in the 2000s, because I enjoy film photography. As an amateur photographer, the price and features of a flagship have usually been too much for me. In the Z FX space, for my use case, the Zf and Z7II are more than enough for me. Do I dream of a Z9…. yup… but I have to be able to look my wife in the eye and tell her why the extra dollars are required. I cannot honestly do that with either the D6 or Z9 flagships. Maaaaaybe a Z8… maybe!
I just bought a Z9, now if Nikon can only supply a new battery that can accept a charge!. Bought 2 new batteries from a nikon dealer and both were dead and would not accept a charge. Great camera, great lenses. Good report Matt. More please. have a great Christmas.
Cheers. Thank you. Hope you get the batteries ASAP.
To each their own, I actually have not purchased an F5 due to it having the built in battery grip… Not a fan of huge heavy cameras. So I have an F3, F4, I would have an F6 but they are way overpriced. I’d prefer a Z8 over a Z9 (but even the Z8 is larger and heavier than I would like). You can add a grip if you want to most cameras, I don’t want to be forced to have it. I can understand a small percentage of people that would like that, maybe studio/sports maybe even some wildlife shooters if they don’t do a lot of hiking with their gear. I’m mostly landscape, and I do hike so prefer smaller lighter gear when possible. 🙂
Hoping the z7III comes out sometime soon, might be tempted by that if it’s good enough.
With the update can it record video on both cards?
Nothing is perfect. lol. But it can record Raw internal. And it can record for long periods of time without overheating. Which can’t be said for some other flagships. Not sure one or two cards is much help if you simply can’t shoot at all due to heat shutdown. Recording to two cards will also heat a camera up quicker than 1 card.
tanks for info 😊@@MattIrwinPhotography
You are the GOAT.
LOL thanks !!!
How's the lack luster high iso dynamic range working out? lol
How do you mean? Vs 20MP cameras sure. Vs other 45-50 MP cameras it is in the zone. www.dxomark.com/Cameras/Compare/Side-by-side/Sony-A1-versus-Nikon-Z9-versus-Canon-EOS-R5___1365_1378_1382 Base ISO FAB, from dual GAIN FAB vs Canon and Sony.
The F4s is the great grandfather of all these cameras 😊( I need to get an F5)
Not long after getting my Z9 last year, I went on a walk for a couple of hours and decided to try 120fps mode.. I accidentally left it at 120fps.. Came home with 7200 photos and still had around 30% battery left :-D
Wow. Amazing!!!
Posted 29 seconds ago and I’m the first viewer. I better focus now on what Matt has to share.
Even after converting to Canon for 2 years..... even with the non-flagship cameras, nothing beats Nikon's color science...
This I have to agree with you in terms of colour science. I will say Leica and Fuji comes extremely close second
As much as I'd love a Z9 or Z8, it simply isn't in my budget. I'm happy with the ZF and D500 but one can dream. Started with Nikon with the D3000, love the range. Next thing to save for will be a Z mount lens.
Americas Cup 2 Z9, what a dream to use
Z9 all the way. In terms of battery file I shot an Air Show with my Z9 8400+ images and still had 30% charge on the battery. Absolute beast of a camera. My previous Nikon Flagship was the D2x.
Outstanding to hear about that real world performance of the Z9, thanks for sharing :)
Nikon is the new king of Kaizen
I have a D2X... Interested?
amazing what you can do with a Sony IMX609AQJ sensor
Tell us more about what Nikon does?
@@MattIrwinPhotography I don't have a problem with Nikon, they make good cameras, so does Canon, Fuji, Panasonic, Hasselblad, Leica, Pentax, OM Systems, Sigma, even Sony..... I watched your review on the Sony A1 2, most of your review was how inadequate it was...comparing it to Nikon and Canon... fact check: there is no perfect camera, but when you talk about Sony you go to great lengths to highlight what you perceive as inadequacies, if Sony is so bad, why have all the aforementioned camera manufacturers used (and in many cases still use) Sony sensors... now, if I had not owned and used cameras for around 5 decades and watched your reviews I might be swayed into believing that Nikon cameras are the pinnacle of camera tech and Sony is rubbish. Side note: I own 2 Nikon cameras......
You did not watch the whole video, as I said the Sony A1II was an outstanding camera. Up to you to review a book you have not completed. It makes your above statements factually incorrect. Further perhaps you did not come across any other videos, like perhaps Gerald Undone who had similar comments. Indeed you might own two Nikons ( which ones are they?). What Sony's do you own? I own Sony A7R and A7RIII and a collection of lenses and frequently use A7RV.
What is your opening statement
"amazing what you can do with a Sony IMX609AQJ sensor"
And so what if they do. If Sony did not make sensors there would be another company that would.
There is basically 2 things I have heard from Sony users since the Z mount arrived, until this day.
Sony control Nikon's destiny because they make their sensors.
Sony AF is better.
I am not today going to re-litigate in full the Sony-Nikon sensor FUD, the complexities of Japanese companies, how they share tech, and the need of Sony sensor division to have customers, along with Nikon designing their own sensors, which includes, back side RAM decisions, colour arrays, front glass elements, and the proprietary colour science and RAW conversion. The process of bringing an image to life is a huge array of elements. And there is far more to it. If Sony owned the tech in Z8 Z9, why have they not implemented their version, why not slip some of it into the A1II. Why let Nikon have it in the first place?
The ever elusive 'Sony AF is better' ... hmmm. I don't know where to start. Today 99% of people and their use cases with any current GEN Sony Nikon Canon, are going to find AF is delivering. And if Sony Canon or Nikon is better, we will find it is only a very small group of people that experience the difference in their niche use-cases. And for 99% of people they will simply never shoot anything which exposes focusing differences. Today the statement is simply misleading. "Sony AF is better". A potentially more accurate statement could be 'in very specific use cases, you might find the hit rate increase with camera X, but today Canon Nikon Sony current generation cameras will deliver for the majority of users and their use cases outstanding performance." Regarding Sony, I am not sure it has really been proven to me in 2024. If you have a link to some scientific testing, which most UA-cam channels don't engage in, I would love to see it.
Ultimately this is all opinion, and in the case of this video, and previous, it is all my opinion. And as I endless state in this video, "in my opinion, for my use-case". I have kicked around in photography for 40 years now, and as a professional for 35. Earning my keep in this space from the tools I have held in my hand. Ultimately that is the measure of any system for me. Has the tool facilitated successfully on my needs, wallet, growth, expression, artistic vision, hand size, reliability, weather performance, FW, customer service, DNA, history ... and on and on.
The real world realities across perhaps 200 data points (not just cameras specs) actually are the measure. Not what name is etched on the sensor, or if some use case AF is 8% better for 1% of users.
It does not matter.
It's like your Ferrari does 297MPH and my 911 does 281MPH.
I choose the 911 for 200 reasons. I was not even thinking about you, and your Ferrari. I was thinking about the 199 reasons why I love driving, using, and spending time with 911.
I am really happy with my 911, and from my world view, for my use case. GOAT.
@@MattIrwinPhotography “Sony A1 II Not The Camera We Expected” who are “We”? Who do you represent and speak for? Incidentally, I watched this video twice before I commented. After the first viewing, I suspected, I had just watched a biased presentation. I watched it again and was convinced that you are biased and did not have the common courtesy to disclose this upfront. I have witnessed the evolution of the digital camera from the start, since I started in the film era. The camera industry evolved so much that differences can be measured in in microns and nano seconds, I am yet to meet an engineer who can tell the difference between 2 microns and 10 microns without proper instrumentation…. A nano second is less time than it takes to blink an eye. When I bought my A7 camera in 2013 I decided to read some reviews on the internet, guess how many people said the evf would never be as good as an optical view finder, without mentioning how much easier it was to take pictures without “chimping”, or, mirror-less will never be as good as DSLR…. this was a clear indication that no matter how good Sony made a camera, “brand bias” would always trump reason. Today, all new cameras are mirror-less with evf’s. All cameras are different and many cameras are good… but to say that one is better than the other without evaluating the use case, in my opinion, is “juvenile”. In your review of the A1-2 this is exactly what you did and in your reply you all but admit your bias…. In my opinion, a professional can select an appropriate tool, evaluate its limitations and use it effectively… be it photography or landscape gardening. If you had stated your bias up-front we would not be having this conversation. Now if you want a list of my gear I’ll be happy to do so.
The Z8 is prone to overheating. From a video perspective they are not the same. This reason and the battery life are why I elected to go with the Z9 over the Z8.
Depends where you live. No issues here in Canada.
@@Ben_Stewart
The North Pole adjacent country? LOL
I'm in the South East of USA, sub-tropical zone.
I specifically called out the heat performance difference in this video
to me D3 is the game changer..
There is a reason Canon and Sony sell almost all of the cameras in the world. As I understand, their combined sales are close to 90%. I grew up on Nikon film cameras. I still like their design. But they solve problems that don’t exist- like dynamic range, and seem incapable of competing on things that matter- like AF ( until very recently). I think their lenses are great- but not good value, or better than what Canon or Sony offer. The latest bodies are good. I just hope it’s not too late. We are poorer for only having two dominant players. I am an amateur shooting mainly wildlife and birds. I shoot Canon. I put my 20 year old EF 500 F4 L is lens on my R7 and it works better than it did on my 1D3. Don’t need a $6500 body for 30 fps RAW and AF that actually works
I kind of disagree.... for hybrid shooters yes the Z9 likely is the best of all time, but for stills shooters I'd argue the D850 was the best of all time (maybe up there with older bodies like the D3/D300 series) even though it doesn't have the video capabilities like the z9 (like 8k video) but it was one that constantly keeps coming up in circles as a solid, robust camera that's affordable, despite it's age, I'd say it still puts up a good fight against the Z8 and Z9 for stills usage (particularly with action). the z9 is also financially out of reach for many people probably though too, being $5000+. The Z8 isn't that far behind at $3500 on sale, but the D850 I think was a good balance between cost and performance when it was released.
Now if we're limiting this to just Z cameras, sure the z9 takes the spots for GOAT, and probably a close call between it an the Z8.
Why is the audio so bad?
I switched to Canon. I still have my D810. I think most photographers and youtube influences still think the AF of the Z9 is lacking compared to Canon and Sony. So yes, the Z9 has a pro body unlike Sony which has no pro body. But compared to Canon who does have a pro body, the z9 in AP (photo mode) is lacking and is not best in class actually worst in class compared to Canon and Sony. I have friends who have been pros using Nikons from the beginning who are not impressed. So once Nikon is able to make its AF as good as Sony/Canon, then at that point It will be goat for all camera. I also think Nikon quality has gone down hill, not making their flagship in Japan has hurt it. But you also have to consider Nikon flagship is substantially less expensive. I think Nikon has done well considering at one point it looked like they were on the way out.
Heck, nikon don’t you ever forsake Z8 owners.
The Z9 is simply amazing! It's stacked, as is the girl at 9:31.
isn't it a mistake not to mention D3s?🤔😁
are you and Vahagraphy sqabbling over Flagships? Its starting to get amusing
A1II and R1 arriving, along with FW 5.1 and the presence of the Z8, crystallises for me how meaningful the Z9 is. It’s worth talking about.
Somehow the audio of your video switches to spanish.
Wow. That was not me. UA-cam is doing that. Please let them know your experience😀
I feel poor watching all these camera you owned. Lol
It's fascinating to see how little the exterior dimensions of the flagship has change.
Back when I used D7000, I lusted the D4. Nowadays, I wish I have the time and budget for Z9 + 35mm & 85mm ...
👍🏾 🏴🇸🇪🇹🇹
Z9 is the best Nikon camera, but not the best on a market.
F6 was the film flagship. Fail.
Sound is terrible ! Probably due to your fan blowing behind you, but it's not professional at all, not up to your standard. I'm surprised you didn't re-record your talk 🤔
Some of us were listening to the words! Did you miss one?
No the Z9 is not the GOAT!
Nikon made 4 GOAT’s :
- Nikon SP: best RF camera
- Nikon F6: best SLR camera
- Nikon D850: best DSLR camera
- Nikon Zxx : best mirror less camera (future successor of the Z8/Z9)
How bizarre. I doubt anyone will agree with your SP choice and the Z9 is basically unmatched on nearly all specs...
@ Z9 cannot use film !!!
The flagship for now. Maybe concentrate on more useful content. lol😊
Hi Scott thanks for inviting me to this programming meeting today, I know in your role as head of programming for the Matt Irwin channel you may not see the merit in today's episode. I feel with the arrival of the R1 and A1II, plus FW 5.1, coupled with the Z8 being almost the same camera and with Nikon Flagship DNA, it is all laid out for us in this moment. Just like in other areas of life, the GOAT mantle will be handed around over time. Today I feel it coalesces here, and is worth a mention, a celebration :). Also happy for you to send content ideas via email. 😀