Nikon Z9 review: Speed, resolution and 8K video power

[@uxo2255]

They really should have use a photographer to do this reviews. If this guy used this camera for more than a day he'd know that it can shoot more than 700 shots on a single charge. (Way way more.) All I heard was a bunch of stats being regurgitated, while using a revolving door attack method for what it doesn't do better than the A1 and the R3. He also called it expensive, while comparing it to the A1 which is $1000 more. Lastly, if you want to shoot more that 44 lossless raw files without filling the buffer, have your budget department stop being cheap and buy a real CF Express Card, hell a Delkin CFExpress Green card can double his 44 shot output and it's 160 bucks for 128gb version, not 700+ dollars as he would lead you to believe. Just an overall poor review. I could get more accurate and realistic information talking to a clerk at Bestbuy. This was a lazy review and the reviewer didn't put much effort into learning about the camera. But, it's Engadget so why am I surprised.

[@troyphillips1077]

I’m not finished watching but am getting the feeling he’s not a Nikon fan at all . He seems to want to make the camera look as though it’s not as competent as the other brands . Just a feeling

[@dance2jam]

@@troyphillips1077 I own the camera and have used it for several months. I have lots of issues with this "review" (see above), but the main one is - there is some issues that it's fair to complain about, but he doesn't really hit any legitimate ones (other than the one thing everyone says - including me - and that is the weight). I love the "get rid of the top screen for more buttons". I don't need more buttons (nor would my fingers know what to do with them or recognize them). Not even sure why I finished the video.

[@dance2jam]

@TheDaveStavros Touche! I would like a control wheel that I could take for a spin.

[@uxo2255]

@@dance2jam Agree 💯

[@aorr]

This!

[@DrNick8002]

Considering lower price tag and features almost comparable to Sony A1....Nikon Z9 is really wonderful to have.

[@knightmarinechilaw630]

Features better than A1.

[@bmc1222]

Once I heard 700 shots per battery, I knew all credibility was lost.

[@dance2jam]

Ya think? LOL. Shot over 2,100 images yesterday with less than 1/3 battery and have gone over 7,000 on one charge. Enough said.

[@reneefariasphoto40]

Yeah I get about 3000 shots but I am also combining video so my battery life will go down. With that said, the battery life is the best of all cameras in this category.

[@rwilifeandtravel]

Unfortunately, this is one review that should have been conducted by someone more familiar with pro cameras. I'm not a Nikon shooter but this review does not do the camera justice.

[@dance2jam]

Couldn't agree more and I've shot the camera for nearly 3 months. No camera is perfect and if you are going to do a review nearly 4 months after release, please use the time to comment on the pluses and minuses in field use or bring up something no one has mentioned. What is sad, is the fact that this video reveals a complete lack of issues raised by others already on KZbin that are sound.

[@livejames9374]

Thank goodness Nikon didn’t choose a fully articulating screen.

[@dance2jam]

Yes, can you imagine if the screen could fully articulate, what it would have said about his photos?

[@shamaldeare5576]

@@dance2jam There are many reasons why people would not want a fully articulating screen. Video is more than just KZbinrs filming themselves.

[@dance2jam]

@@shamaldeare5576 I was teasing. I completely understand. LOL

[@CraigTravis]

This was like watching a taxi driver review an F1 car.

[@jamiexf8669]

Hahaha

[@romanhar4151]

I can't imagine a professional needs a Z9 for selfi video with fully articulated screen. 🤔😜

[@dance2jam]

There is a lot in this video I can't agree with and the fully articulating screen is one of them (as vloggers were not the intended audience for this camera). That said, we all know some people want everything in one camera so they can use it for everything - and those same KZbinrs seem to have a new camera in hand every 3 months. Let's face it, they like seeing themselves.

[@MichaelHassey]

This is a clown show of a review - I would have expected better from Engadget. Yes the 79 has some issues, but this guy is just way out of his league in reviewing PRO digital cameras. I knew it was going to be bad when the 'it's too big and heavy' came out. After 5 minutes I had to bail on this - Worthless. Without value.

[@dance2jam]

Ditto (except I had to watch the train wreck all the way to the end). BTW: Heavy it is. As another KZbinr likes to say "Compared to what?". That is a fair criticism of the Z9. The problem is, he didn't follow it up with anything that shows real world use. I have several things I could complain about (How about Lightroom's handling of HE* files) in the Z9, but truth is, it's the best sports/action/wildlife Nikon camera I've ever shot with (and I'm not even including video). The AF system still needs to be tweaked and the menus could be better. The bank system could also be better (i.e. Nikon, give us a way to store all bank settings in the camera and restore to them - not just to factory default). The AF Mode button is where a DSLR shooter would expect it, but no one uses it any more because the buttons are so highly programable. "Get rid of the top screen for more buttons?" I just had to laugh.

[@MichaelHassey]

@@dance2jam That heavy is welcome when you attach long lenses to it. It's smaller and lighter than the D6 - When I have the 70-200 mounted it is a dream rig. The short is - it's a pro camera, pro features and pro results. Hand it to an ass clown reviewer who feels they can not do quality ticktock vids with it - and that is the basics of this review. I like the top screen. Miss it on the Z5. I think we are all set for buttons I have noticed in myself, as well as others who have run prior Z series cameras that the change on where buttons are becomes an issue until you overcome your muscle memory and learn new moves.. Long time Nikon shooter - so the menus don't bother me. A Sony or Cannon shooter would go bananas using it. The big gripes I somewhat agree with are - storing shooting banks - and the lack of the delay mode (having to go to self timer)

[@dance2jam]

@@MichaelHassey Agree with both those gripes Michael (and it shows you use the camera). I have a 600mm f/4 attached, but I'm not handholding it. I weighed it with the FTZii attached and the weight is nearly identical to the D850 + vertical grip + D5 battery at 1440 grams (but more compact). For those handholding all day I do believe the weight is an issue and a fair mention. As you mention, the only reason I bothered to comment is that at 4 months out if you are going to do a review, then show knowledge from experience and mention things not previous discussed. (i.e. the sensor shield being the source of the electronic warning message that some people are experiencing and having to send their cameras back in to Nikon for new parts). That's fair game.

[@creamynessification]

The menu isn't complicated, it's you. You're just not used to it .

[@dance2jam]

I'm not sure he's too complicated either.

[@tor2919]

I can’t believe this guy is talking about vlogging on a professional camera like this. The Z9 is a tool designed for working photojournalists. A flip up screen is much faster to deploy and is aligned with the optical centre. Look at other reviews preferably made by someone who has pro experience. This Engadget guy has no idea what he is talking about.

[@dance2jam]

He's reading off a spec sheet. His sample images rival the Angry Photographer.

[@RJC0969]

Why would anyone vlog with a Z9? Wrong purpose for this tool.

[@_benjimouse_]

Yeah, lol at pinging nikon on not having a flip out screen. Imagine it, talking head body builders in 8k, because they're the only guys who can carry a ~2kg camera rig at arms length.

[@uxo2255]

Also, how useful would that screen be if you weren't trying to mount the camera in a rig/cage with others accessories attached.

[@dance2jam]

Because they can. Oh wait, they can't. My bad. The only people who complain about this routinely are KZbinrs who have a new camera in studio/hand nearly every 3 months (or so it seems). I'd say something about shooting themselves, but then I'm sure some algorithm will ban me for good.

[@sumitvarute]

There are way better reviews on KZbin than this one 🤨

[@cpanbalagan]

This is the dumbest review, I've ever seen

[@dance2jam]

You mean people who actually have used the camera? LOL

[@WarriorsPhoto]

Wow that's the dream. A full fledged Nikon Mirrorless camera. Glad I watched this video. (:

[@sharbeen]

This guy doesn't seem to know much about the camera. No! the buffer doesn't run out if you use the right card. Prograde Gold is not high speed CFexpress card and you need Cobalt.

[@NalinKhurb]

Engadget's camera reviews are utterly disappointing. At this point I am certain that Engadget does not really care what information is being put out and all it's presenter's are like government employees, just doing their 'job' without any care and bother for either accuracy or standards of journalism I mean seriously, you sir, Steve Dent, do you even know what a professional camera is? How does it look? Why is it heavy? Or that you don't vlog with it? What a shame

[@borocotochacha]

For sure, most real photographers don´t want a fully articulating screen. Sometimes we are between masses, protest marches, parades, etc.. and a full articulated screen will last 1 day. ALso you can justa conect a phone to any camera if you want to blog. Damn the world is full of camera operators, some are photographers ;) Real bad review at every point and feels throuh this like Sony and Canon is getting afraid of the Z system. Is it necessary to lie at 100% of the "review"?

[@cpanbalagan]

Exactly that's my point also, worst review ever!!

[@dance2jam]

I'm not going to be that harsh (I lie - see my comment). It wasn't 100 percent inaccurate. LOL. Seriously, though, you can tell it's not a real review (I've had the camera for 3 months), when they don't hit on the real issues (ie AF mode issues) and stick with the same things in the pre-release videos. How do you release this crap nearly 4 months post release without any new information, but just rehashed information that reveals nothing valuable.

[@JBBfootball]

i tried replaying that again and again to hear what he said . He did say 700 shots.. lmao

[@dance2jam]

He did. Just imagine if he had a fully articulating screen what it would have said to him.

[@airjaff]

Oh my this guy is a terrible reviewer. He has so many things wrong

[@dance2jam]

And that, my friend, doesn't even scratch the surface. I think he needs a Polaroid.

[@sil3nt777]

What is a great camera for catching fast movements and great video. Also for professionals? I want to buy once not a million to find the best. Any recommendations?

[@airjaff]

The af button next to the lens? What are you talking about?

[@uxo2255]

Haha, I know right? I think he meant AF mode button.

[@dance2jam]

@@uxo2255 He did, and it is awkwardly placed (better on D850) especially if using longer focal lengths, but I've never used it and have no issues.

[@genesisalvarado3102]

Two initial thoughts: 1. Pro bodies tend to be heavy, let me find out you are going to complain about cars having 4 wheels too. 2. If you are going to compare the Z9 to the A1, compare them on price too. The Z9 is $1,000 less and the least expensive pro body when compared to Sony and Canon.

[@benbolton625]

Extremely poor quality review. How can the size be denoted a 'flaw'? It's a pro body.

[@cyberr2k]

Totally biased. Just saw the first 2 mins. My Z9 is arriving next week and would never want to continue seeing this.

[@dance2jam]

You'll be very happy with your camera. See my comment above or below (it's lengthy). I've had the camera for 3 months and it's been a great experience. That said, there are issues. Hit me up after you get your camera.

[@charliipresley]

Pretty awful review. Read the spec sheet and shot for 5 minutes.

[@reggiehil]

This camera is for pros and most pros aren't vlogging 😀

[@ElderStatesman]

The lack of an articulating screen can make filmmaking a bit difficult. Sometimes you want to be able to see your shot by using the screen. Especially if you have to be in front of the camera. Truly helps with framing. I'll keep my 70D for awhile longer. Not like I can afford a new camera anyways.

[@uxo2255]

@@ElderStatesman Most serious videographers would use an external monitor for what you're complaining about. Not too mention you sound what you're calling a vlogger a film maker.

[@cpanbalagan]

Exactly that was my point as well, he is definitely not a pro.... Taking worst pictures of crows and calling it birding (facepalm)

[@dance2jam]

Most pros don't take photos of pigeons flying with blown out highlights or fronts of cafes without a subject (oh wait, this camera isn't really meant for street photography either), or morning doves behind branches, or shooting down at roosters on the ground. This fella just needs to stay in his lane.

[@dominiquebantasan6200]

This guy is not qualified to do this review, what a shame, even jared polin, and the northrops appreciate this camera

[@dance2jam]

I'm afraid to draw correlation here. If you appreciate T/C Northrop and JP enough to watch them, what does that say about the comment itself? Sorry, JP actually can be entertaining and has some limited useful content.

[@dominiquebantasan6200]

@@dance2jam this guy is soo bias

[@dance2jam]

@@dominiquebantasan6200 No argument. I'm glad to see the large number of comments echoing similar erroneous content. May keep someone considering the camera from basing their opinion on just this review.

[@reneefariasphoto40]

This is not a vlogger camera, battery delivers over 3k images in Lossless Compressed RAW, the CF Expressed are welcomed. In lossless compress raw I capture over 900 images before my buffer slows down, so I have no idea what you are talking about. You must be using a cruddy card. Menu issues? Really, hey if you have never used a Nikon I can see that issue but us who have been with Nikon for 25 years are very familiar with the Nikon menu system and it's perfect. The EVF leaves nothing to be desired. To get the same performance from Canon and Sony you have to reduce numerous things and lower the resolution on the EVF. You have no idea what you are doing with this camera. Skin tones are perfect every time, now I can see if you are shooting raw, then I can understand your warm tone issues. Not using a fully articulating screen is on purpose because of intended usage. Funny how you did not mention that the Sony A1 does not have a fully articulating screen and it's $1000 more. You are lost bro... totally lost. Not a total Nikon Fanboy, but do expect accurate information.

[@cryhavoc38]

He compares it to the A1 which is $6500 but calls the Z9 expensive when it's priced at $5500. Some Canadians are strange ;)

[@ForrestWest]

Every time I watch a video review of one of the flagship cameras it reminds me what a great value I have and how happy I am with the R6 and the rf100-400mm lens, and my A7iv with the 200-600mm. Both share some of the best features of the flagships at lower cost and weight and are a much better fit for me. Everyone has different needs. It's a great time to be a photographer!

[@livejames9374]

Great combos you have there

[@xavierparedes12]

What glasses does this gentleman use? I like them.

[@deadpool6072]

Why is the 4K/8K video samples very noisy?

[@uxo2255]

Because he was doing them with high ISO I guess.

[@reggiehil]

Because this dude doesn't know what he is doing.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Poor ISO performance. I’ve seen the same noisy results in many other footage samples. So that precludes user error.

[@kreigerbailey3550]

Portland, JAMAICA in The Building !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@SHIVASphotovideo]

This is not a Vlogging camera 😜

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@esmpmedia8586]

Been using the camera for two weeks now. Love the ergonomic and how it feels in hands. AF, although it is improved, I found it not as consistent especially in video. N-log still new in KZbin video world in term of fine tuning. Last but not least, is the weight. Although it feels good while holding, after an hour of shooting or walking around with it, you start to feel the weight. Keep telling myself, it’s alright it’s manageable. But then the longer I keep holding the Z9, the harder I have to convince myself, and getting less enjoyment from a long session of shooting. It makes me question my decision to pickup this camera to begin with.

[@uxo2255]

I've done long shots with mine and don't have that big of a problem with the weight, don't get me wrong I wish it was a bit lighter, but it's not something that I'm constantly thinking about during a shoot if it's getting tiresome, just sit it down between sets. I never hold my camera non stop during a session.

[@LavricSorin]

Dislike for this guy! Really disappointed review 🤦‍♂️

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Half of this is just reading a spec sheet and saying X is more than Y. Half of this is not even a review. Not even real world usage. A videographer using a Z9 is going to use a monitor, not the back LCD. Its cheaper than the other flagships. Engaged, come on.

[@Stop_Elitists_Wars]

Photography is so very expensive nowadays. Unless buying used gear.

[@alwinbenjamin]

👏🏻👏🏻

[@Man_Cave]

If you don't like it, you can send it to me.

[@Dip..0110]

lol if u don't like his review, just go away y'all nickon fans

[@cpanbalagan]

Stupidity, using a flagship for vlogging(facepalm) and complaints about being heavy... Taking pictures of crows and sparrow :p Just reading out the specification, that we all know by now... He's certainly not a pro!!!

[@dance2jam]

Let the quality of his images speak for themselves. You can't tell me you didn't enjoy the clipped highlights of the pigeon wings or the morning doves being sliced by obstructing branches. Maybe it was the impressionistic art outside the restaurant without a subject? If the cabinet behind the child in the HI chair is any indication, well, never mind.

[@ElderStatesman]

For those wondering... 1,340g = 2.95 lb (Nikon Z9) 1,015g = 2.24 lb (Canon EOS R3) 737g = 1.62 lb (Sony A1) Almost 3 pounds for a mirrorless camera... 😧

[@WarriorsPhoto]

It is a Nikon Body. They are known to be dense.

[@ElderStatesman]

@@WarriorsPhoto I own a Canon 70D. It's got some heft to it, but I'd expect a mirrorless camera to be a bit lighter than their DSLR counterparts. Three pounds for the body itself isn't too bad if you have it on a tripod or if run-and-gun filming isn't a priority. I'm not throwing shade on the Z9, though. The lack of an articulating screen would be my dealbreaker as I need to be able to frame my shots even when I'm looking at the lens.

[@airjaff]

@@ElderStatesman not many people would use a pro camera like this to film themselves. Comparing a 70d to the weight of this camera. The 70d isn't even a tenth of what this camera is.

[@WarriorsPhoto]

@@ElderStatesman “looking at the lens.” Help me understand this technique. I am learning video production with a DSLR. Thank you.

[@dance2jam]

@@ElderStatesman I'm a Nikon shooter and I agree with you. That said, no camera is everything to everyone. Yes, people who what to shoot themselves in the scene, vlog, etc want that fully articulating screen. We know that isn't the target audience for this camera, but I'm not saying it wouldn't be nice to have. It is heavy in hand, but my D850 with grip + D5 battery is approximately 1400 grams and so is the Z9. The difference is the Z9 is more handholdable and compact. I shoot sports/action/wildlife. Would I like it lighter? Of course, but it's nice being able to shoot >7,000 shots on one charge or 8K 2 hour video without overheating. Bigger body, bigger battery. It's the trade off in today's cameras that come with the territory. What 5 fps 100 megapixel images for the same price GFX is your camera. There is nothing wrong with DSLRs and I tell people you can get the same images (for the most part) that I do with your DSLRs. The mirrorless flagships make getting the job done faster, easier, and in some ways more fun. Even the 120 fps can be used in creative ways (i.e bullet fired from a gun, hair flip, ball on tennis racket) that make shooting today creative in different ways than in the past.

[@danteliang6894]

that very cool

[@dance2jam]

What's very cool? Thanks for adding to the algorithm.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Imo the Canon Eos R3 is a better option. Much better design. The R3 is light weight while maintaining all the control and ergonomics of old school “Pro bodies. The Canon Eos R3 has best in class ISO performance, dynamic range that is on par with the C70 and the digital hot shoe allowed for a good cable free audio solution. A quick look at any of the video footage from the Z9 quickly reveals it’s opportunity noise performance. Also the Canon can shoot 12 bit internal RAW straight out of the box. The Z9 cannot . And while Nikon promises an update, so did other manufacturers, only to later announce that the update would not be released. This is because Red hold the patent for all internal compressed RAW… regardless of algorithm employed. As Canon and Red share IP, Canon is allowed to have internal compressed RAW. I wouldn’t buy any camera based upon yet to be implemented features. That’s recipe for disappointment imo

[@gokulakrishnanm3005]

😂😂

[@stevenliu8611]

Well this comment aged like fine.. milk

[@VIDEOVISTAVIEW2020]

Now this is totally wrong

[@elysiumcore]

Sold both my D500 + D7200 with a ton of lenses , bought a new Sony A7IV ...wish i went Sony sooner. Sorry Nikon, as long suporter, I had enough

[@marcusaparham]

So what…oh sorry, you thought we cared

[@dance2jam]

Funny you should say this, because I was shooting this weekend with someone who did exactly the same thing, and was looking at my Z9 moaning. She bought the Z7IV 3 months before the release of the Z9. She cried all the way to the store and bought an a1.

[@ropro9817]

Wow, this looks like a camera from 2005...

[@battinibattini9790]

I don't like this camera

[@dance2jam]

No one asked you.

[@depro9]

My phone can do the same. 🤷‍♂️😜

[@TECHLOVER_91]

No Smartphone has the Zoom or Picture Quality of a DSLR they are still superior in every way over a Smartphone Camera there is a reason they cost so much 🤳📸📷

[@uxo2255]

So your phone can shoot 20fps and output 45.7MP raw files huh? Especially after you connect your 400mm f2. 8 lens to it 😂

[@dance2jam]

If you are talking about taking photos of birds with blown out feathers, behind branches, or photos of street photography without subject matter or composition, my phone can do better.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

I’ve gotta get that phone🤔

[@uxo2255]

@@dance2jam haha