Nikon Z9 being a true flagship Part 2

[@JRodPhotoArt]

KZbin has brought so many Photographers together! We share, discuss, argue, review and show our art and passion. Well done V ! Rock and Roll. I like the B/W look. Your lens reviews are right on target, keep them coming! I also enjoy your tutorials.

[@Vahagraphy]

thanks brother. Appreciate you.

[@LOLA6ifyable]

I have a quote from a documentry about warships - "at the center is the captial ship , a ship that represents the maximum strike power the fleet can deliver" The Z9 is in that sense a Captial /Flagship , but it could use a re-fresh , tech moves very fast thse days , and it's not slowing down. Hope to see a Z9 II / Z9s or whatever it's called by the end of 2025.

[@Vahagraphy]

@@LOLA6ifyable good take. more on flagships in a video i got coming out tonight .

[@gd70]

This is insanity. Wanting more and more features/pixels/FPS, focus speed, etc.... every few years. It's an insane run to nowhere. All professional cameras (meaning specially built construction, toughness and also, but also features) from around 20 to 15 years are all fantastic and can produce amazing professional quality work. We gotta focus on the photographs, image making, not the later freaking computer with a lens attached.

[@Vahagraphy]

Agreed. Can I like this comment 10X lol

[@castieldiallo2945]

@@gd70 you raised good points. i kept my d810 for 6 years. then i tried the z7 mark 1. it produced great images, but the focus system in the field often would miss. i had to resort to sp focus. needless to say, i soon returned it. i went back to the d610 and d810 in 2023. then i purchased the z8. it does everthing i need it to do. bottom line - it IS the right camera for my use case and it feels very similar to the d810 / d850 cameras for handling.

[@MRSANDPAYHQ]

Awesome words. Can’t wait to get my Z9 and if a Z9II or Z1 is on the way even better.We love you. Keep doing what you do.

[@Vahagraphy]

Will do rock n roll .

[@sidvicious3129]

Vags, I'm glad you updated this, and I agree that the Nikon Z9 is Nikons flagship as well as the Canon R1 and Sony A1 mkii are theirs. Manufacturers know what their goals are when they brand a model as a flagship. KZbinrs, some are trying to get clicks and views, and as you noticed with the Sony A1 mkii as the first five reviews came out saying it wasn't a flagship, everyone else followed with nothing being original. This was done to Nikon as well when it came to autofocus and other things as well as Canon. Most people don't necessarily need 45mp or the ability to shoot between 30fps and 120fps. They might want it, but many don't need it. I always ask the questions about what photographers were doing with 12mp cameras like the Nikon d700, D3s, Nikon D4-16mp, and Nikon D5-20 mp? They were turning out great images, and they still are. The Nikon D700 is still incredible and put it in a studio environment, you cannot tell it has 12mp. I have put a Nikon 105 macro on it and shot flowers and insects, and I was amazed. I shot a wedding that's right for a wedding and an event on a Sony A7siii, which is you guessed it is a 12mp camera and the client was impressed, not to mention the video. The big reason that this happened is because I have many bodies and thought I had the A7RV and A7IV instead of tge two A7SIII bodies that I grabbed being in a hurry and putting them in the wrong labeled case holders. People were doing wildlife and landscape on the Nikon d4 and D5. Sony answered its critics and put everything that was wrong with the A1 into the A1mkii, and they put technology from all of their cameras, including the FX line, into the A1mkii. You have to understand that some people will never be satisfied and will continue to talk about Nikon, Sony, and Canon, who are now compairable brands. Nikon and especially Canon have caught up to Sony's autofocus, and yes, Nikon needs just a little more push, and they will be right there. The cameras aren't necessarily the problem. it's getting your skill level and gas under control. There you go Vags expand your horizons, and use different bodies. This gives you an understanding of what's really going on.

[@Vahagraphy]

SId. thank you. Very important words here you write. hehe yh that a7Siii is a mighty camera. probably Sony's most selling for video. D4 D5 for wildlife all the way. Stick a 500Pf on there and you are good.

[@brookegrinstead]

Love the B&W look of this video! Very sharp. What camera and lens? I did not see in the video “how this was made” area? THX Keep it up, love it! Perhaps add some Nikon Z9 and Z8 shots from your professional work. Not trying to steal secrets, just wanting to see the work we know you do. THX again!

[@PhotoGuy623]

I like this a video thank you for all you do my man.

[@Vahagraphy]

Anytime. thank you for watching.

[@Photojouralist123]

I consider it a flagship. I don't care about the other cameras, I love my Z9 tock solid

[@Vahagraphy]

YES . Most important if it works for your needs. all that matters.

[@Saber_Nico]

Sony's Xperia phone's flagship is the Xperia 1 series, which is the most powerful phone that they have on the market. If Nikon's most powerful camera on the market is the Z9 (and possibly have a Z9iii down the line) then yes, it is a flagship in terms of finding success, I've just started doing photography seriously since Sept of this year and I've noticed that I've improved alot in that short amount of time (thanks to alot of tutorials on youtube and me practicing taking photos almost every day lol). just keep doing what you love and you'll eventually get to where you want in life.

[@johnhjic2]

Hello Vahagraphy, I have been using the Z9 now from within 3 months of it been launched, I was one of the photographers who hand the camera in their hands very quickly. For what I need the camera for that eventing (Horse trials) and wildlife. I have found the Nikon Z9 one amazing tool to use. It has had a number of firmware updates, that seem to just add to the cameras usability. For the next version of this camera Pre/Post capture in RAW, is the only thing it is laking a better EVF will just use more power. and faster FPS well I have slowed my Z9 down to 10 FPS, as it just take so long going though 20fps or 30 fps(in jpg) and yes I have use the 120 fps(in JPG) and it has worked. So Yes they need to update the Z9 but how I would not like to say.

[@darkreigncometh]

Let's be real, what did people do before all this advanced AF? I just purchased a Z8 to upgrade my Z6II and the AF is ridiculously fast. I love how the box now turns green to let me now I am in focus while using AF-C. I can't fill the buffer at all, the files are crisp, and I love the colors. My only complaint about the Z8 is the battery could be better, but I knew that when I bought it. I was able to play with a Z9 and decided that it was waaayyyy more than I needed. It's a beast and has a battery that can shoot forever!

[@Vahagraphy]

problem is youtube thinks of cameras as computers rather than image making tools. 99.9 percent of anyone buying these flagships or any camera will not use the camera to its fullest potential

[@dunnymonster]

A flagship is the accumulation of all a brands current best tech placed into a single product. I'd say the Z9 is beyond flagship, let's not forget it's coming up to it's 3rd year so it's development cycle is likely considerably more than that. It still competes with both Sony and Canons latest offerings. We won't see replacements for Sony/Canons flagships for another 3 to 4 years, no doubt we'll see the Z9II announced in probably mid to late 2025. Just imagine what they might bring to the table then ( I hope ). With their RED acquisition adding to their tech portfolio this could be the opportunity to lead the market with a flagship that eclipse's all others 😊

[@nickb126]

Studio strobe photographers need a higher flash sync

[@Vahagraphy]

Very true.

[@jeffrey3498]

I think the flagship is the most capable, usually most expensive camera, for pro photography work. For Nikon, the Z9 or Z9II.

[@Vahagraphy]

@@jeffrey3498 yes . thanks for your thoughts on this

[@visionz_n_media]

The Z9 is definitely a flagship. I’d say it is more so than the R3, and that’s why Canon quickly removed the claim of its intended flagship status. I would love to see Nikon go with two flagships from here on out. A high megapixel fully loaded and a lower resolution higher speed version

[@dunnymonster]

If Nikon implement Gen 4 CF Express in the Z9 II you won't have to concern yourself over speed compromising resolution. You'll be able to have both in one camera! Add a global shutter to the mix and you have near limitless performance 😉

[@visionz_n_media]

@ you are absolutely correct. I have a couple gen 4 cards that no camera currently supports and the transfer speeds are ridiculously fast. I just wonder if they have a high megapixel global shutter sensor?

[@JET-Photo]

I don't care how much better Sony or Canon AF is, I'll stick with Nikon. I've gotten good college basketball shots with the Z6II, and it was much easier with the Z8. Whether Canon's "follow the ball" AF in the R1 and R5II is the best or not, I have no desire to overpay for cameras and lenses. I would like Nikon to release a lower megapixel low light beast of a Z9, but they chose to go the other way. The Z6III is 90% of what I wish I had in my hands. I imagine a global shutter Z9 is coming soon, or at least the Xpeed 8 processor with the same fast sensor. I sold my Z8 but I picked up a Z6III to pair up with my Zf, mostly due to low light performance and I was just tired of editing and storing those large files. I can print comfortably up to 24x36 using the 24mp images. I may get a z7II for higher mp work in the future, or maybe wait to see if they do give us that Z500 body.

[@Vahagraphy]

Johnny I noticed you haven't published videos in a while. Are you just doing shorts now? Z6III is a camera I want in my hands soon.

[@JET-Photo]

@ I’m getting ready to fire the channel back up. Just getting everything together again. The Z6III is a great camera. It’s impressive for the price. I miss the Z8 sometimes but I’ve gravitated toward lighter gear.

[@Vahagraphy]

@@JET-Photo good luck in your future plans for the channel. i know i needed a break and i took one. best think i’ve done.

[@camerasutra247]

I know you don’t read my comments, but make sure you use my links when you buy all this new gear and don’t forget to use KEH to sell your old one lol lol😊

[@Vahagraphy]

I read all comments. ALL!!! :)

[@camerasutra247]

@ liar liar

[@DieHardEddieEdwards]

It's crazy how photographers arbitrarily decided that DSLR flagships were the height of flagships and now a Z9 can't be. What makes the DSLR flagship what a flagship is? That was just the limitation of the technology back then. The peak of what they could do was a 24 MP spots camera. Why should they be limited to that?

[@Vahagraphy]

and i like the fact that your going against the norm. thinking outside the box. i do that and i’m doing that in this video posing the flagship question.

[@DieHardEddieEdwards]

@ It isn’t outside the box, it’s just 2016. It’s just like…what makes 2016 the right way? You could say you want a 24 MP unibody camera, but that wouldn’t make it a “flagship.” I’m at an event shooting the R3 right now (on a break), but this was explicitly said to not be the Flagship, but then the R1 is just an updated version of the camera I’m holding right now.

[@shadyninja1]

Z1 would have a global shutter that would rival the A9ii

[@castieldiallo2945]

Of course it is a flagship. As for the mark 2, it is most likely to be bumped up to 32mp as its the minimum for 8K video. Expect it to be slightly lighter than the mark 1. Release date - March 2025.

[@sithbk0075]

Me personally my Z9 is a flagship camera from Nikon. It’s the best Nikon camera line up ever and I have been using it since it was launch. Now I’m waiting for a new camera/flagship pro body that integrated with RED sensor. The future looks bright for Nikon and there will be a bigger hole in my wallet. HAPPY HOLIDAYS peeps. 🎄🎄🎄

[@lour7753]

I love my Z9. I think the Z9 is fast enough. How much faster do we need to go? I rarely go above 60 FPS, and that’s really only for baseball and softball at bats. The rest of the time I’m 15-20 FPS for sports. For family and senior portraits I’m usually shooting 5-6 FPS. As it is, I am already culling through upwards of 2000 pictures for a sports event. I can’t even imagine if I had any more than that. I’ve had my Z9 two years and my shutter count is 140K.

[@Vahagraphy]

yup, for most of us its over kill. I hate going through thousands of photos. lol

[@pathfindercod4638]

It was their flagship 2-3 years ago. New flags will come. They are due for a new flagship. The d2,d3,d3s,d4,4s,5 were all flagships.

[@gradysanders2713]

You are entitled to your opinion. You didn’t state it as fact, you made an opinion public, and in my opinion a reasonable opinion. The Z9 is currently Nikons top tier camera. That does not mean there won’t be a flagship coming and it may be the Z1 and be more advanced.

[@Vahagraphy]

i think some people misunderstood my question on if the z9 is nikons true flagship. i was only asking a question what the audience thinks if Nikon is doing what sony did and viewers thoughts. ofcourse Currently the z9 is the flagship. only a butthead would think otherwise. but my question was thinking deeper in that remember when the a9 was the flagship and sony came out with the a1 . that’s my whole point and question i was trying to ask. it wasn’t fact , it wasn’t what i defiantly thought. it was purely a question.

[@HowTechnologyWorks3D]

Hi !! Long time Your B&W adds more intensity to your already engaging videos. AF in Sony & Canon is obviously easier to use. It's still not up there with Sony / Canon. I may not need 0-100 in 4 secs but I d still want a BMW that can do it. Otherwise an Acura does the job better . But perceptions matter even in getting business . Logic is not the best approach to crowd sensibilities . Of course Z9 with RED 🔴 code RAW works. But as much as I love the Nikon I can somehow never bring myself to investing top dollars on Nikon : the Sony A1 Or Canon R-5 ii seem more battle ready . Battle ready And Perceptions are a battle.

[@HowTechnologyWorks3D]

@mozzman You only want Hymns in praise of Nikon then probably you are AI. Nikon can't face Canon or Sony although they are trying. But really long way to go. I tried all three brands in my office and believe me Nikon lost focus enough times on 85mm 1.2 to make us doubt. The Nikon s official demo team was here mind you. So it's not that easy.

[@realnikonlover6207]

Beyond lame. I bet this chump has never shot with a Nikon Z9. As you said Moz, he needs to put his photos where his yap is at.

[@HowTechnologyWorks3D]

@@mozzman It's not any damn Nikon &Canon. We own Z9 + 85/1.2 , Alpha 1 + 50 1.2 & R-5 Mk 2 + 28-70 f/2. Thats the point Sony works without bothering about settings . So does the Canon. Nikon works with settings Which is what said : Ease of use is just not Nikon.

[@lovetravelphoto]

The question is not whether the Z9 is a flagship or not; the question is if the Nikon D3, D3s, D3x, D4s, and even D5 cameras were flagships; can the Nikon Z9 go down in history like these cameras; and will people be looking for a clean slate after years of buying it; the question is; will there be a name for the Nikon Z9 as a true flagship in the next 10 or 15 years?

[@Vahagraphy]

I say those D cameras are still flagships for the time periods. Low MP or not. Sure, there are limitations but the awesomeness of those cameras. build, speed, durable, battery, outweigh the 16 or 20mp limits

[@lovetravelphoto]

​@@VahagraphyI completely agree, I have a Nikon D700, Nikon D3s, D3x, D4s, D850, and D800e. I can think of it this way: Nikon's previous cameras, which have Nikon's own sensors, focus on color science and color rendering, and focus on image noise reduction and image aesthetics. And Nikon's new cameras, which are almost all Sony sensors, focus on sharpness and high dynamic range, for advertising, macro, landscape, and studio work. Overall, Nikon's golden generation cameras are very durable and solidly built, and are cameras for a lifetime, of course, provided the battery is healthy. I would really like to know in 15 years, whether the Z9 or Z8 can take the place of the current D4s, D3x, D3s, or D5.

[@Vahagraphy]

@ battery health with Nikon batteries are amazing. i have 12 year old batteries still half life left.

[@lovetravelphoto]

​@@VahagraphyExactly, the only Nikon D3 battery after 15 years, although it was still working, it was a bit weak, I replaced it with an equivalent one, the battery of all my cameras is between 50 and 60%, and I am really surprised about the common EL4a battery between D3x and D3s and Surprised by the common El18a battery between D4 and D4s, they were really ahead of their time, and it seems as if they were made on another planet with their camera bodies . Nikon z9 a very good camera , but no camera is perfect.

[@lovetravelphoto]

​@@VahagraphyExactly, the only Nikon D3 battery after 15 years, although it was still working, it was a bit weak, I replaced it with an equivalent one, the battery of all my cameras is between 50 and 60%, and I am really surprised about the common EL4a battery between D3x and D3s and Surprised by the common El18a battery between D4 and D4s, they were really ahead of their time, and it seems as if they were made on another planet with their camera bodies . Nikon z9 a very good camera , but no camera is perfect.

[@garygreen1438]

A flag ship should stand out on its own. The Z9 doesn't stand out with solo features. The Z8 has identical shooting functions. Are you going to call the Z8 a flag ship also?

[@Vahagraphy]

battery. overheating comes to mind. Not so much the features. I feel the Z9 has a better build quality.

[@garygreen1438]

@Vahagraphy thank you for the replay. I have both Z8 and Z9. I bought the Z9 first. I have never had the Z8 overheat. Then again, I don't do much video. There are more hobbiest photographers than professionals. Would overheating the Z8 be enough to make the Z9 a flag ship? I look at the shooting features. For me, the Z9 isn't worth the $2500 CDN more than a camera with the same shooting features and sensors. I am disappointed in the nikon because the Z9 was to stand above the Z line. I have no issues carrying extra batteries for the Z8. The extra batteries are cheaper than the price gap. Thank you very much for your reply and insight.

[@300ShadesofGreen]

It took you two videos to decide that Nikon’s highest specced, most expensive camera is their flagship? I would suggest that Canon and Nikon are very clear what their flagship cameras are, they just name them differently. Sony, I would suggest, don’t care about titles. Nikon’s Z9 successor will blow our socks off, but the Z9 is still better than 99% of your modern digital “photographer”. How can we compare a three year old camera to other cameras just released? This is just a process and all this talking about which AF is better is just the talk of spec freaks. The Z9 was the camera that saved Nikon, the Z8 and Z6iii confirmed the future is bright.

[@Vahagraphy]

great comments. thank you. I compare the Z9 with others because this is what we have now. Future does look bright. Let's see what Nikon does next.

[@davewalker5706]

They need to banish once and for all, these claims that Nikon AF is behind Canon and Sony

[@airtyme]

No it's not because the z8 and z9 are to close in performace. Flagship should be a complete stand out.

[@DanStauffer-e3e]

What is up with this guy, seems to have lost his direction. Where is the content on shooting, instead of this babbling wishy washy caving to pressure from commenters.

[@Vahagraphy]

@@DanStauffer-e3e This guy ???? pressure ??? good one . nope hahahaha Try again. lol