Nikon Z9: 6 Month Review 

Spot on summary! Nikon needed a winner, and they really delivered with the Z 9.

You've mentioned issues that others have failed to mention period .

Interesting set of issues, Robert. Let me see if I can help (perhaps just a little bit) before I comment. BANKS: Yes, agreed that Shooting bank and Customs Bank are not bound. I can not fix that for you, but I did set up 4 custom banks (yes, PITA) that differ as little as I could (so it doesn't mess with you while shooting). I then placed "Shooting Bank" next to "Custom Bank" on the far right of the i-menu. I always check that first to make sure I have both the shooting bank and custom bank I want together. Not ideal, but fast. The i-menu set up for me also stayed pretty true for the 4 banks I shoot with perhaps 3 function that could vary. I agree that tracking with lock-on is very helpful - so I've placed that in my Wildlife/sports/action i-menu (and My Menu) instead of a function more useful in landscape, portrait or astro. That feature square might be replaced by "Warm Colors Display" in astro - since it is almost impossible to play with the menu when it is light out and the display is red. I really think if you add this (Tracking and banks settings) to the i-menu it will solve the problem. HIGHLIGHTS: I've complained about this since the beginning. Adding zebras/blinkies in stills would help, - it's already in video - would be nice - but I think if Nikon could have done it, it would have already with 5+ firmware updates. PRECAPTURE: No argument. I do use it. I believe if they do bring RAW to PRECAPTURE, they might have to restrict the frame rate at which you can use it. EYE"LASH" FOCUS - Well stated. As you mention, the size of the AF-point and using Wide Area anything (large, small, custom 1x1) can be an issue just for the reasons you mention. When I take portraits, and have time, it is for this reason I work with pinpoint. Enjoyed your personal take on use in your world. Just as an aside: I had to set all the menu listings (photo, video, custom, controls, etc.) to an Excel spreadsheet - both to know what options were already addressed and to keep the setup as close as possible between the banks (so my head is not spinning in the field). It REALLY helped learn the menu system and what I wanted where. Also, BTW: I use the record button in stills as a program button (cycle AF-Area modes) and the DISP button (Recall function shooting hold) to turn off / on subject detection quickly since both are prime real-estate. Mapped the change DISP (something I don't do a lot) to the QUAL button and Metering to MIC button. Thanks for sharing your work and your thoughts as well. Happy Shooting. One other pet peeve: The rubberized eye ring that comes off if you blow on it.

Use a concave mirror to reflect back the back screen for video monitoring feed. The one's which are used in bathroom for makeup. Works like charm.

This was such a thorough and well put together reveiw that I wish you could do one for all the cameras that exist, so that any time I have to think about buying a new camera body, I would know exactly where to look for a review.

I had preordered a Z8 but canceled and got the Z9 instead. The infinite battery life, no overheating, built in gps, and flagship build have been totally worth it.

Best review ever seen! 🤝

100% agree regards using highlight weighted metering mode, I use it myself on my Z9 just as I did with my D850. The sensor has plenty of dynamic range to recover shadows.

On a whim, I picked up a silicone rubber eyecup for a little over 20GBP from Amazon. I think the brand was JJC or something similar and, apart from a pair of tempered glass screen protectors, it is the cheapest photographic equipment purchase I've made since acquiring my Z9 and yet the one I repeatedly find most satisfying, It took all of five seconds to fit, has a cut-out for the Z9's proximity sensor, is very comfortable in use and, unlike some I've seen reviewed, swivels into portrait mode easily but with sufficient resistance to stop it happening on its own. Your review was top notch. I found it refreshingly free from hyperbole and superlatives and addressed important points. I fundamentally disagree about the screen articulation, which I believe is the way it is because professionals, particularly those at whom the Z9 is targeted, value longevity and reliability over a facility to capture their own image. But nobody's ever wrong in matters of opinion.

The best review of the Z9, you've reviewed it like someone that's actually used the camera. How nobody else has brought up the menu/custom bank is beyond me lol. I actually prefer the dedicated custom mode like on the Z6II and Panasonic S5II as well. Anyway, thanks for this.

Great Video Rob >> Got my Z8 last week finally for Budget reasons only instead of the Z9

RAW pre-capture has been around for a while, but the earlier versions(starting, to the best of my knowledge) with the G9 and E-M1 mk ii, didn't maintain auto-focus during pre-burst, so you needed to make sure you had the subject in focus first, and then you could wait for the action to happen. I'm using a G9 still, but will certainly pick up the mark 2 at some point for the better AF and some extra pixels.

Nikon really does not compromise its pro-level cameras with inherently weak links - a reversible 'flappy' monitor is inherently a weak link. Anyone buying a Z9 for 'selfie' work is buying the incorrect camera! Additional monitors should be getting used for pro work. I get the occasional user-case when you are out and about, but compromising a pro-level camera for this sort of work is simply an unwise thing to do... leave this to the lesser brands of the world or simply buy a different camera for selfies! I really have to agree with you re the customer setting bit though... quite unfathomable indeed! Great review and lots of very good points made.

I love the robin shot, even if it’s not as in focus as you want 😊

I used to have the Z9 but sold it last year and purchased the R3 (actually I don't know why lol) But now I bought the Z8 and Z 600 f6.3 and I love it I am actually thinking of selling the R3 to purchase the Z9 as I don't know about the new RF 200-800 but I actually think Nikon is where it's at now especially improving the AF so much with firmware updates;)

I think this is a great review with really good, constructive criticism. Thanks a lot for your insight! Regarding the bird mode: The biggest diference it makes is with the actual subject detection and eye detection. You can now be further away from the bird and still catch it's body/eye, even on longer distances, when the bird is already super small. I'ts really great for that!

Loved the review, thank you for making and sharing it! I’m also very much looking to see if the pre-capture feature will be upgraded to raw. I tested it, enjoyed it, but as you said, I’m not really using it because it’s Jpeg only. It’s a very reliable machine, and it delivers every time I put it to work ❤️

Thanks for sharing ur main thoughts. I bought a z9 a month ago and its a huge upgrade from prev d6 n d750. But have noticed exactly the same issue with out of focus eye on birds. Just thought I did something wrong with my 400/2.8 or still had back/front-focus issues like with dslr’s. I love to shoot it wide open to get those great out of focus backgrounds. Cuz thats what I spent all that money for 😅

Does turning Active D-Lighting on make any difference in blowing out the highlights?

Is it possible to have Zebra in picture shooting mode ( not video) ? it could help with the metering mode...

Was the custom shooting modes along with custom shooting settings issue fixed with firmware 5.0? (as in they are now linked)???

Hi Robert, when are you coming out with a new video?.. I hope soon.. regards Ron😀👍

custome setting bank can be added to the I menu

do you prefer Nikon or fuji hs2..???

Not remotely affordable for me, but very interesting nonetheless.

My Z9 is my go to camera - still love it after 2 years ... 🦘