Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera Review
Nikon and Canon have been fighting for the leading spot in professional photography for a long time. But, as we enter the realm of mirrorless cameras, the competition is heating up. The growth of the Nikon Z series is a perfect example of how both cameras and lenses are reaching new heights of perfection.
From the humble origins, the pace has quickened, and the lens selection has expanded to accommodate the expanding number of Z series.
Let’s take a closer look at the new flagship model, the Nikon Z9, along with the recently reviewed Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 zoom lens.
Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera Reviewed
Nikon Z9 Features
This camera has a classic Nikon layout and handling, but it’s not a DSLR because it is the new flagship of the Z series mirrorless range. The camera has the overall appearance of a DSLR with a motor drive attached, however there is no pentaprism here, instead a fantastic 0.5 inch (1.27cm) OLED EVF with 3.69 million dots.
Apart from the fact that it needs battery power to operate, the viewfinder image is quite similar to that of a standard pentaprism. The camera can be held horizontally or vertically, and a shutter release is conveniently located in both positions.
The main distinction is that there is no tripod connection for vertical position, and one would not be practical due to the location of all the numerous connections. There is, however, a well-designed double articulated monitor to cater for the vertical shots. This is a 3.2-inch Touch LCD monitor with 2.1 million dots.
The massive battery, which is astonishing in and of itself, is another reason for the huge grip. The detachable battery covering can be clipped onto the battery itself to make it one unit, which is another great design feature. This prevents the camera from being rendered unusable in the field if the cover is lost. According to CIPA regulations, the battery’s capacity is claimed to be 740 shots. It would be useful to get a second battery cover that could be used with any other battery to make changing them more convenient and secure.
The CMOS sensor has same 45.7MP resolution as the Z7 II, which is sufficient for excellent image quality. The ISO range is 64-25600, however it can be expanded to ISO 32-102400 if necessary.
GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth are all built-in, giving you lots of connectivity options. A wired LAN connection using a FJ-45 connector is also possible. A full-size HDMI port is also featured, as well as the standard USB-C port.
The AF system used for focusing is a hybrid phase-detection/contrast-detection system that locks on quickly, accurately, and silently. The image rate can be increased to 120fps if necessary, but only at a decreased resolution of 11MP.
Full HD, 4K UHD to 120p, and 8K to 30p are just a few of the options available to videographers. A firmware upgrade is planned for the spring to bring the resolution up to 8K and 60p.
VR (Vibration Reduction) on all five axes is a big plus, allowing for considerably slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. That’s what will differ from person to person and even day to day, but on this particular day, crisp sharpness provided a two-stop advantage, and a four-stop advantage if a lower degree of sharpness was acceptable.
The distinction is between critical sharpness, which would produce fantastic large-scale posters, and sharpness for the web or smaller prints, which would be fine but lacking in “bite.”
The shutter is new, as it is entirely electronic with the Z9. The reading is fast enough to allow for some astounding shutter speeds of up to 1/32000s and frame rates to match. One immediate benefit is that the shutter release is completely vibration-free, as there are no moving parts.
Rolling shutter distortion, according to Nikon, is as minimal as any mechanical shutter, and no issues were observed during the review time. It’s reassuring to not hear the clunk of a mirror or the vibration of a focal plane shutters.
Fast photos and high frame rates necessitate fast cards, and Nikon has decided to abandon SD cards in favor of this new camera. Sony’s XQD card or the CFExpress card are the options. Both are currently pricey options, but the CFExpress is particularly so. For the sake of this evaluation, a Sony G XQD card was used, and it performed flawlessly.
Characteristics
- Full-frame 45.7MP CMOS sensor
- XQD and CFExpress are the media used (Type B)
- 30 seconds to 1/32000s shutter speeds (Electronic shutter)
- ISO/IEC 102400
- -6.5EV to +19EV metering range
- VR with 5 axes
- RAW shot at 20 frames per second
- JPEG shooting at 30 frames per second
- AF using hybrid phase/contrast detection
- People, Animals, and Birds Eye Detection AF
- Built-in standard and vertical grip
- Up to 120p in Full HD and 4K UHD
- From 8K to 30p (60p to follow via firmware update soon)
- Apple ProRes 422 High Definition (10 bit)
- H.264/AAC (High-Definition Video/Audio Coding (8 bit)
- 8/10 bit H.265/HEVC
- ISO 32-102400 is an international standard.
- 3.69 million dots OLED EVF, 0.5″ (1.27cm)
- 0.8x magnification in the viewfinder
- Tilting Touch 3.2″ LCD with 2.1 million dots Tilting Touch 3.2″ LCD with 2.1 million dots
- GPS
- WiFi
- Bluetooth version 5.0
- RJ-45 RJ-45 RJ-45 RJ-45 RJ-45 RJ-45 RJ-
- 1340g (including the battery)
- 740 shots from the battery (CIPA)
- There are nine white balance presets to choose from.
- Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, and Flat are the eight Picture Control settings.
- Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary, Carbon, Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary
Handling the Nikon Z9
In mirrorless terms, this is a big and heavy camera, but it’s a lot smaller than prior DSLR and film SLR cameras with similar form factors. It fits the hand perfectly, is plainly well-made, and all of the controls are of excellent quality.
Because of the camera’s size, the buttons are placed far enough apart that they are unlikely to be mistakenly pressed while being carried. This is significant for this reviewer, who carries a camera in his right hand without a strap, ready to lift to his eye.
The little joystick that regulates the focal point is usually the questionable control, and this can result in an inadvertent adjustment of that position. This isn’t the case with the Z9, but it is with the smaller Z bodies, for example.
Not all parameters are used all of the time, with many being used only to personalize the camera, but those that are can be quickly reached via a configurable I menu. The ISO and exposure compensation controls, as well as the options available on the lens via the quiet control ring, are likewise dedicated.
The camera’s grip is deep and comfortable, and this is nicely replicated when utilized in the vertical configuration, making vertical hand-held shots much more steady. There is just a tripod bush for horizontal shooting, which is unfortunate, but it’s impossible to imagine how the designers could have included one while also fitting the vast number of plugs required for various forms of communication.
With the camera on a tripod, both the batteries and the cards are easily accessible, which is excellent for both studio and location photography.
The OLED viewfinder performs admirably, with no flickering or distortion. As previously stated, the image is highly pleasing to the eye and could be easily worn for long periods of time. The sole disadvantage is that, unlike an optical pentaprism finder, it requires power to look through. The monitor is bright and clear, make using LiveView a breeze.
Pros
- Exceptional quality throughout
- A fantastic selection of lenses
- It’s jam-packed with features to cover every contingency.
- Weatherproofing
- VR (Virtual Reality) (Vibration Reduction)
- Video capacity is extensive.
- Built-in vertical grip
- EVF is excellent.
- Quick and dependable
- Electronic shutter with no vibrations
Cons
- It’s quite large and heavy.
- XQD cards are costly.
- CF Express cards are extremely costly.
Conclusion
I can tell that this is the top-of-the-line Flagship Z series camera. It has every feature you could want, is wonderfully constructed, performs well, and is every bit the professional camera. Although it appears to be enormous and hefty, it actually blends quite well with the lenses and is primarily a photographer’s camera. The vertical grip is also a great addition.
If a smaller form factor is required, the Z series offers the Z7 and Z7 II, both of which have the same resolution as the Z9. Otherwise, the new Z9 is a highly powerful and adaptable design if the weight and girth are acceptable.
If a smaller form factor is required, the Z series offers the Z7 and Z7 II, both of which have the same resolution as the Z9. Otherwise, the new Z9 is a highly powerful and adaptable design if the weight and girth are acceptable.
The best memory cards for Nikon Z9
Memory cards for Nikon Z9 are integral for capturing high-quality images. There are different types of memory cards available in the market. Nikon Z9 is compatible with SDHC, SDXC, and UHS-II ultra-high-speed memory cards, which have a capacity of at least 64GB.
You can buy memory cards in a different capacity. They are available from 32GB to 64GB and 128GB to 256GB. Also, you can buy memory cards that are optimized for Nikon Z9. All the pictures, videos, and data shot by your camera will be stored and saved on these memory cards. These memory cards are specially designed and engineered for Nikon Z9 camera users who want good-quality photographs and videos.
The 5 Best Memory cards for Nikon Z9 include:
SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB SDXC UHS-II Memory Card
This memory card is designed for Nikon Z9. It has a capacity of 256GB. When you use this memory card, you will be able to capture high-definition images and videos without compromising quality. The SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB SDXC UHS-II Memory Card comes with a lifetime limited warranty. Users can shoot high-definition images up to 30fps with this memory card in their Nikon Z9 camera.
This memory card format is used for high-quality photographs and videos. This memory card format comes with a design that will prevent it from any damage. You can stay relaxed and tension-free while using this memory card format.
Transcend TS64GSDU1K 64GB SDXC Card
This memory card format is compatible with Nikon Z9. It has a performance of up to 103MB/s on regular systems and up to 305 MB/s on high-speed systems.
This memory card format has been designed keeping in mind the transportation and handling of the memory card by the customer. The edges of this memory card have been designed to be rounded, preventing it from damage and scratches while being transported. The card format is used to store large-size photographs and videos. Transcend TS64GSDU1K 64GB SDXC comprises quality flash memory chips. These memory chips help in this memory card’s fast and efficient functioning.
This memory card will be very helpful in saving your hard work. You don’t have to worry about losing or damaging the photographs, videos, and other files saved on this memory card.
Lexar Professional 400x 256GB SDXC UHS-II Card
This UHS-II memory card format is designed to function with a Nikon Z9 camera. It has a transfer rate of up to 323 MB/s on regular systems and 1450 MB/s on high-speed systems.
Lexar Professional 400x 256GB SDXC UHS-II Card stores large-size photographs, video files, etc. It has a design that prevents it from any damage or loss of quality while being transported and handled.
It has a design that preserves the performance of storing and transferring data on it. This memory card format helps shoot high-quality photographs, videos, and other files. You will be very happy with the performance of this memory card format.
Kingston Digital HyperX Fury Pro 64GB SD Card
This SDHC memory card format is compatible with Nikon Z9. It has a transfer rate of up to 95 MB/s on regular systems and 50 MB/s on high-speed systems.
This memory card format is made up of premium quality memory chips. These memory chips help in the fast and efficient functioning of transferring data from this card format to a computer or any other device.
You will be very happy with the performance of photography, videos, and other files stored in this memory card format.
Sony 64GB Class 10 UHS-I
This memory card format is compatible with Nikon Z9. This memory card format has a performance of up to 95MB/s on regular systems and up to 84 MB/s on high-speed systems.
Sony 64GB Class 10 UHS-I supports the camera and its operation with camera lenses. It has a transfer speed of up to 8 MB/s which helps transfer data from this memory card format to any computer or device easily and quickly.
You can trust Sony 64GB Class 10 UHS-I for storing your precious data. It has a compact design to prevent any damage or quality loss while being transported.
You don’t have to worry about losing, damaging, and scratching this memory card format while being transported.
A List of Top 5 Best Nikon Z9 Accessories
Nikon Z9 accessories are of the utmost importance to ensure that you photography equipment is in perfect working order at all times, especially if it means keeping your camera safe from damage and dust prevention. From the sensor cleaning kit to important memory card accessories, all of which are essential in order to maximize your photographic experience. The following are 5 best Nikon Z9 accessories;
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED DX VR Lens
A great zoom lens that covers a range from wide angle to the more standard focal length of mid range, the Nikkor lens is perfect for those who have been using Nikon Z cameras as well as being a perfect fit with camera model body. A highly sought after lens that has maintained popularity and availability, this 18-55mm is often very expensive as it looks to be increasingly on the market over time, with some models selling for thousands of dollars.For those who are looking for value and affordability without worrying about compromising quality, this lens is perfect.
Nikon Z9 Bundle with 32GB SD Card + External Flash + Camera Bag + Lens Pen + Lens Cleaning Kit
This Z9 bundle gives you a comprehensive kit of accessories which will go a long way to ensuring you get the most out of using your camera. The memory card that is included in this kit is invaluable in order to ensure that photography enthusiasts will never miss an important shot, especially when taking travel photography or documenting special events such as weddings. If you are constantly running out of space, then this is a must have kit to ensure that you are back up and recording within minutes. The Nikon bundle also includes an external flash which allows you the freedom to have complete control of your photography, allowing more advanced photographers the opportunity to make their own adjustments while still maintaining quality. This kit also includes many crucial accessories which help with cleaning your lenses and cameras, as well as protecting them in cases where you need to transport them over long distances.
Nikon Z9 Extra Battery + Charger + Case
The importance of ensuring that your camera stays on: especially if you are an avid photographer who wants to spend plenty of time out taking photographs at various locations around the world. The batteries are of the utmost importance when it comes to ensuring your camera is functioning at all times, particularly if you are traveling on long distances and need to rely on your Nikon Z9 for images of some of the most spectacular locations.
SanDisk Extreme 128GB microSDXC Memory Card
While memory card’s have become much cheaper for many years now, a quality memory card is still worth its weight in gold. If you want to ensure that you are able to take many photographs without having to waste time and being frustrated by running out of space, then investing in high capacity cards will be hugely beneficial. This SanDisk Extreme microSDXC is one of the most popular and highly rated memory cards on the market, able to hold 128GB worth of storage, with an ability to be upgraded to a Gigabyte should you ever need to. Not only will this card give you the opportunity to take countless photographs while still having the ability to download and store those images on your computer, it also allows you the freedom to record HD movies as well.
Nikon SB-5000 Speedlight Flash
Anyone who loves photography and wants to preserve the best photographs of their images will be needing to ensure that their flash is working at all times. Sometimes the shadows can become murky, when you are shooting in a very low light environment and need to have the ability to zoom in on images, it is often difficult to do so if there are dark shadows against the camera for example. The Nikon SB-5000 flash is one of the most popular flashes currently on the market, easy enough for anyone to use from novice photographers just starting out with photography all the way up through experienced amateurs.
The above are 5 best Nikon Z9 accessories, they are all essential in ensuring that you will get the best quality photographs possible from your Nikon Z9 camera, with the best quality available.