Sony A7iv Vs Nikon Z9. Surprising Results! Bird photography, Landscape, and Macro! 

Josh, something I realized a number of years ago is never go head to head with a female who knows very little about photography. I have two grown daughters who have very little interest in photography but when they do pickup a camera you can bet they'll get some of the best images possible. I think the reason being, they don't understand what their cameras are capable of or not capable of so they just photograph what looks pretty to them and it in turn looks pretty to others. Sometimes we get to hung up on what we think the camera is doing instead of what we can do with the camera. I hope that makes sense. Please pass on to Katie to never let you forget how lucky of a man you are. Beautiful photos from both of you.

Great Video, a lot of logic in your narration. I’m with Katie here, one camera and one lens. Challenge yourself to see what you can produce with this set up. 100 to 400 is a great range, no matter who makes them. Above all it’s your own enjoyment that counts. Keep well & stay safe 👍🇬🇧

I’m glad you got the Z9. I think, and you seem to affirm this, that the Z9 is much better than the previous mirrorless offerings from Nikon. All the gear are tools. We all want good tools to work with. I am a Sony shooter. I am mainly because I got back into photography (read buying equipment again) at the time the mirrorless world was happening. My previous newest camera was a Canon A2E (early 90s). I own the 200-600G but that 100-400 will probably be my next purchase. Close focusing, very sharp. Katy’s shots show what the lens is capable of. Well done both of you! Love the shots of the owls. Carry on!

I used to travel Idaho 30 years ago, and what a treasure trove of photography locations. Now I am in Colorado and have similar situations here. I, like you folks don't always go for that "huge" panoramic image. There are a few million images within 50' of where you are standing. You folks are a great team and watching you both together is a pleasure, and I think I have the ability to know as a photographer of nearly 58 years and the gear that has come and gone since.

I was having a creative block and I did not touch my camera for a while. After watching this video I realised how fortunate I am to own a camera. This video has given me the best motivation that I couldn't ask for anything more. Thank you so much ❤️

A friend put it well to me a few years ago: you have fast photography and slow photography. Wildlife is fast photography as subject matter is typically erratic and unpredictable and you’re reacting accordingly to try and get the shot. Quite frankly, it’s fun because in no small part it can be very challenging but when you get that image that looks and feels just right, it’s immensely satisfying. Conversely, shooting landscapes is slow photography. Turning a beautiful view into a compelling image requires adept composition, patience and cooperation with the given elements and light. For me, I tend to think that these are elements on opposing sides of the same spectrum. I think there is ample space in both your pursuit of compelling wildlife shots and landscape images that are well more than snapshots. Similarly, I think there is ample space for Sony and Nikon to peacefully coexist in your truck when you and Katie are out. Nice video.

Katie really had some excellent images! Definitely a natural !

That was like three intertwined love letters: one for the passion of photography, two for the incredible gear choices we have today at any price and thirdly your love for your wife! 👏🏾👍🏾🙏🏾

Great video Josh. As an A7IV user I’m happy to see the side by side comparison As a former Nikon shooter I was happy with the images they capture and I have no complaints with the Sony. It’s a great camera for the money. And I’m glad to see an honest opinion!

Josh the 500 PF bokeh is sweet for sure and Katie is a great addition to the channel!!

Josh I think it's pretty clear who won that challenge. We did. Amazing images and a great story. Thank you. And thanks Katie.

I have a top of the line Sony A1 and an A7iv as second body. Really the A7iv can take just as good photos, with just some limitations, such as frame rate. For lenses, although primes take wonderful images, no doubt a zoom is a lot more flexible, and the high quality of those coming out now means little or no discernible reduction in quality

It is a hard rule I have for myself that if I took the time to put it in the bag...I need to take at least 20 shots with it. I've got plenty that hasn't left the cabinet in a long time but still...If I'm expending the energy to carry it on my back...I'm using it. I guess playing it forward and figuring out what you'll regret not bringing once you get back is key. Nature usually taunts me...If I go out with the 14-24mm for example...sure enough I'll spot some bald eagles or other exciting birds the second I step foot out of the car or a beautiful landscape and sky if I have the 600mm with me. Good stuff as always sir.

Looking forward to taking my 1977 Olympus OM1 out this weekend.

Oh the Z9 with the prime does it for me. That silky smooth background that enhances the subject is a winner. With that said, the 100-400 does produces very nice pictures. Sometimes it's comparable to the prime when the subject is closer to the camera. Happy that you two can enjoy the photography together. Nice to see.

Oh, you got me with that intro. Mine has been sitting in my bag for ages :(

I’m definitely Katie in this video always getting distracted and shooting wildlife when I told myself to photograph a landscape 😂 good stuff and great points to wrap up the video at the end 👌 loved those Canyon Wren shots

I've got 9 Z lenses, but they are for different purposes; landscape, travel and macro. For example, I have both the 14-24 and the 14-30, which seems like a duplication. I use the 14-24 for landscape work and the 14-30 when I'm travelling.

That's because modern digital photography gear has gotten so good in the past few years that it eclipses the talent and capabilities of most of their owners. I still am able to create stunning images from 24Mp....both in APS-C and full-frame. A photographer with a great eye for composition can produce breathtaking and moving images regardless of his/her gear choice.

2 Things 1- I really love the new intro 2- The 105 is one of the best lenses of all time. Macro, landscape and portraits

What a wonderful video. I love your narration, too. G’day from Australia! 👍🇦🇺🦘

Josh and Katie, you two are so good together. Great inspiration to all couples. Do things; together. And yes, both sets of equipment are great.

Katie did kick your butt in the challenge. Regarding gear, each of you is using a state of the art body, with top prosumer lenses. Honestly, I wouldn't expect the image quality to differ much at all if the compositions and exposures match up. Am I correct in saying that the extra cost of the Z9 is in its sporting chops? I have to imagine the latest generation A7 iv has pretty fantastic autofocus for a mirrorless platform in that price point. The big hub bub is that Nikon has finally created a mirrorless that can focus on par with Canon or Sony. As a Nikon shooter, I'm very excited about the trickling down of the better auto focus technology into Z bodies with more friendly price points. That said, I plan to have a Z9. It appears to be alot of camera for the cost of admission.

I'm loving the addition of Katie's images. Keep on shooting!

Another great video, Great to see You and Katie getting out there and using the tools of your passion. I agree with your gear advise. It's the thing that is less than a foot behind the camera that needs to use first. The more we use that the better our photos will become. The gear helps us to get those photos because without good AF you will never get the photos your eye and mind see. All this coming from a guy waiting for the next camera. You two have a Great week and I'll see you on friday.

Have to say Katie is a mighty fine photographer 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 well done Katie 👍🏼

Josh, you've put into words what I could not regarding landscape photography - a genre I love, but struggle with. Excellent vid.

In my experience the more extreme the focal lengths in any direction, wide or telephoto, the more incremental the differences except in price. It's like the cars most of us drive. Just about every modern car made can reach 100mph but if you want to go faster than that it's going to cost you big time in performance gear and training. I think training, or in the case of birding, practice and persistence, can often close the gap between more and less expensive gear and that's not even taking into account a person's natural ability to "see" a photo. Fun video and congrats to you both on some nice images.

Great video different to my normal you tube watching . Thanks again 😊

Katie‘s comment in the opening actually showcases the incredible versatility of the new crop of 100-400 lenses. The GM excels for all 3 use cases and with its very close MFD, you can get near macro results. As much as I used and loved the GM, I’m loving the Z version of this lens even more, and with a 1.4x TC no longer want or need a macro lens. The only other Z lens I have is a 24-120 (which is phenomenal) so I tend to “use my whole bag” quite a lot! Keeping it simple is key! Gorgeous photos from both of you as usual! Happy weekend.

Enjoy all your inspirations and stories.

I had a good time watching your video is a great one, I just got my Nikon Z6ii and 85 mm 1.8 S, And I think that’s the only one I need for my portrait, maybe in the future I’ll add the 70-200 s.

Nice video you both. Incredibly fun hobby which can get expensive for sure.

Katie is a fast learner. And I agree with Katie. I always head out on a hike with a 100-400 and now a 100-500, nothing more. I find with the 100-500, I seldom say, dang I wish I had my macro for that. But if I had my smaller lens on, I seem to always say, wow, look at that. I sure wish I had my big lens. Big lenses always seem to be needed most out in the big areas. Sure, macro is perfect if you are shooting a rose garden, but which do you do most? Gardens or Rocky Mountains lol A prized shot is a bird or wildlife...big lens baby!

You go Katie... great job. It is great to see both of you. The way you narrate, Josh it makes you feel that you were there. I really enjoy starting my Friday living the experience with both of you.

Damn that little birdie at 9:47 really knocked my socks off!!!

This is indeed a superb video. What impressed me most is the voice, really heart-touching, one of the best voices of the world.

Great video Josh and it’s great to see the birds across the other side of the pond

I just love you guys.. my fav on UTube

OMG that Canyon Wren is so darn cute! I'm a Sony Girl too, Go Katie!

Great video:) What I'm a little confused about.. That is why don't you have a million followers.. Your videos are just amazing! Thanks for all the hard work you put in to these. Hope to see many more videos in the future to come. Best regards form a hobby nature photographer from Norway. :)

What a great video! I just bought a Sony A7IV, which was recommended to me by another wildlife photographer rocking the Nikon Z9. I wanted to upgrade to mirrorless from my Nikon D750 and Sony simply offered the most for my budget with the A7IV. Paired it up with the Sony 200-600 and can't wait to try it out on some white-tailed eagles this February!

Interesting video. I’m an Olympus shooter, but also very fond of Nikon. Now the new 800mm PF is a superb lens, a “killer” option for the price/weight/size ratio. However, it has big downside: Minimum Focus Distance is 5m. For my Olympus I use the 150-400 F4.5 TC1.25 Pro Zoom Lens. Yes I definitively loose on the Sensor game with my OM1… that is the pill i have to swallow, but this lens is a Wildlife Game Changer (usability). In 35mm Terms its is a 300-800 F4.5 (DOF F9) or with the TC 1.25 a 375-1000mm F5.6 (DOF F11) Lens at just 2kg and about 33cm. An on Top it has a minimum focus Distance of just 1.35m. You may think on the first glance this isn’t such Biggy, but I with this one lens I go not just for the Normal Wildlife, but Frogs, snake, Butterflys Dragonfly, tiny mouses… And this goes back to your initial question about gear usage and what you can do. Of course its horses for courses but, again maybe something in IQ does the job at 95% of the time that is maybe not what you would have normally on the list but gives you something far more versatile. I have in principle three lenses in the bag : 8mm 1.8 (16mm, DOF 3.6) Fish, 8-25 F4 (16-50mm,DOF F8) and 40-150 F2.8 ( 80-300mm, DOF 5.6) which do all my Landscape and general purpose and the 150-400 which is glued to my OM1 for about 85%.

loved the honest video. both setups are great. what's behind the camera is the most important. the gear just gives you the confidence to attempt the shot you are seeing in your mind. my setup as i leave the house these days is the A1, 100-400gm and the 2x tc. from shooting eagles @100 yards to owls in barns, the same setup works.

Very nice as always. Good idea to use the entire bag!!

Thanks for labeling the pics!!!

Beutiful images from both cameras.

Lovely video. I have too much gear... but what I will say is that I like to have options. I like waking up and deciding "what am I going to shoot with today". Limiting your gear inspires creativity. Limit your gear and enjoy the constraints... because you are going to miss shots regardless of what gear you bring.

As I said when Katie got that 100-400, it really is a heck of a lens and at a good price too. It's sharper than the Sony 200-600, not much but noticable. Bottom line though, just enjoy being outdoors and loving the environment, it's far more relaxing than being in any built up area. Keep 'em coming Josh. Regards, Mark.

I love everything you put out but this made it into my top 3 🙂

Thanks Josh ! was super nice video ! Good weekend both of you

oooh come on just get her a sony a1 :) ... all kiding a side a A1 with no shutter and 50mp/21mp crop mode would give her even more reach. Add a small tc1.4 to make it complete. In many ways i prefer the 100400GM over the 200600g since it also is very good for close up almost acting like a macro too. Yes and geeking out on gear is fun and part of the experience i am smiling each time i use my A1 (as i am sure when you use the Z9) and knowing i can do 30fps and no shutter wear .....

Great video! Glad I got to see y’all today.

Great video, love both your enthusiasm and chemistry. Keep up the good work

Thanks for the nice video and thoughts. I couldn't agree more. I often have to remind myself that I had not one bit less fun out there when I just started and had equipment that I'd deem almost unshootable today. The best moments are the ones that let you forget all the equipment and stuff and just shoot and have fun. I'm an illustrator and see the same thing happening with art supplies. The other day, I was drawing with friends and didn't have all my fancy pens with me... Ended up using a crappy ballpoint pen a friend could spare. The drawings came out nice and I had a wonderful time. Lesson learned again... XD

Sometimes the need to justify spending the money on those high tech features overshadows the art. Together you have the best setup. Throw a 24-70 or 24-120 on your Z6ii and all bases are covered.

Katie has a great eye for landscape photography. Another very enjoyable video, just get out and shoot with whatever you have and try to live your best life possible

The banter at the beginning was hilarious - challenge done! Looks like a great day for you both and I enjoyed seeing that part of the world through yours and Katie's lens. Almost time for a High Island adventure! Like you keep saying through your videos, the gear is just a tool. Get out there with the gear you can and take in the experiences that come your way. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to your next installment.

Fun to watch. After watching this video, I am hoping that Nikon introduces more affordable cameras with better AF. Sony seems to have the formula in producing great AF thru-out their camera line.

Great video, thanks Josh...

Hi Josh, I never touch my gear, don't want it getting broken or dirty. I own every nikon Z lens and camera and like you I pre-ordered the Nikon 400m 2.8 S, have an excellent job and am starting a youtube channel like you...... 👍

Great work (?) from both of you. I'm amazed at how good Katie has gotten. I'm also surprised Josh doesn't do more landscape - you're great at it. - loved the video. TY for sharing.

Super shots both of you.

Oh Josh, This video is stunning!!!! I just see it and find you for the very first time. I like your voice and the content of what you experienced!

Great advice here Josh! Photography is a fun, interesting hobby indeed. 👌🏾

This is so great. Love your vids!!

Josh, your video got me thinking. I need to get out there and use a couple of my new Z lenses. I’m with you on landscapes, though. I need something to focus on so landscape photography is very difficult for me. I guess I need to challenge myself to try to do that more. Great video!

Thanks for this video and putting things into the right perspective.

That's some nice scenery, Josh. Regarding gear, I think you hit the spot. Just go out and enjoy the outdoors.

Excellent video you guys and looking forward to the next, stay safe...

First, really nice video. While I agree with you in general about the Sony delivering, while being far less expensive, I think there are some real ways the Nikon Z9 pulls away from the A7IV in terms of image quality. The colour science and tonal separation, if these are in fact real terms, is stronger, in my opinion, on the Nikon. The Sony groups the oranges and yellows and also struggles with the range of greens. Yes, you can edit these and pull them apart in post, but there is nothing like getting those colours separated in camera. I also like the way the Nikon delivers landscape images. Just to let you know, I am a Sony shooter saying all this.

Thanks you so much for your words and photos. Regards from Spain mate.

Nice video and awesome pictures taken with both cameras and lenses.

Hello Josh (and Katie), thank you for the great video and thoughts. I have a mix of F-Mount and Z-Mount lenses, but I have two favorite lenses: Z 24-70mm f/4 and the Af-s 70-300mm P, all used on a Z6II. Why? It always depends on motive. Going to Munich the 24-70 helps me a lot to frame the picture. Going to the Zoo or in a park, the 70-300mm is really lightweight and produces a great picture quality. It really matters on the subject what you like to use. Have a great Sunday, greetings from Bavaria.

The z9 has the edgy here, the images stand out with crisp clarity that I've noticed on other sites. There's something about the colours and cleanness of those z9 files over the great sony one's

Great owl shots at 6:24!!

This is why the A7IV is the backup camera to my A1 for almost two weeks now. It's an amazing camera for this price, and the 33MP is just the perfect sweet spot. If you need more than that all the time, you should learn about correct framing and composition in camera - that's what I always say to people. The 50MP of the A1 is fantastic, but most of the time I do not benefit from that. But that A7IV is crazy good, the AF is good (not even close to the A1's but still ahead of Z6ii or Z7ii), colors are great and the max. 10FPS is more than enough for most situations. What do you want more? Of course that's just my personal opinion ;-) Great job Katie !

It is all about use case. The Z9 is all about fast action and high frame rates as well as 8K production. I didn't see a single frame devoted to this use. You are correct about 97% of the performance at 1/2 the price. That 3% difference comes at a high cost but is well worth it if you want to play in the fast lane with the big boys/girls. Otherwise chill and still capture some wonderful images.

I keep the 100 to 400 on my R5, the 70 to 200 on my R6, and the 24 to 105 L on my RP. All 3 carried all the time. Spare lenses in my bag for Astro, macro, etc. I do struggle with handling all the gear.

I think you'd be able to take the same photos of perched birds with Z6II + 500 PF (or the new 100-400 for that matter). Z9 really shines for action / BIFs.

Another highly enjoyable video. Thanks.

The last 10% are always the most copmplex, wether price, time or skills. By the way, your videos with Katie, as photographer, even more interesting. I didn`t think that was possible.

some amazing sceneries 👌👌

Josh I guess the ladies in our lives help us to see things we might otherwise overlook. That Sony a7 IV with the 100-400 GM produces outstanding images ! Her sensitivity also creates for real new and different perspectives. I hear you bro. Thanks 😊 Also many thanks for this comparison. This is great option for more modest budgets !

I totally get you about landscape photo. Although I appreciate looking at landscape photos when it comes time for me to shoot I don’t get it it’s exactly like you said I need something to aim at…

Such a nicely put together content. Keep it up Josh, I love your videos.....

Have Katie add the 1.4tc and her macro photography with the 100-400 will be even more amazing. It’s not quite 1:1 but it’s close.

Awesome Photos from both of you! So lucky that both of you have that great gear! Maybe one day 😂

Been looking forward to this one! :)

Nice video Josh,, I really love and admire the fact that you and Katie are doing this together. Thanks for motivating us to get out and create. I’m not sure I’m ready to get the macro out during spring migration though. Lol.

Thank you for this great video 🙏🏼🙏🏼

That telephoto lens will never give you a macro shot that the 105mm macro can.

still shots most camera does well, dslr too. BIF, action are why you get the z9. Getting out there and shooting with a good eye like you two have will get you the shots.

Nice eye Katie. My first love is wildlife, but that generally takes us into areas of wonderful landscapes. I have been trying to capture some, but it is not as easy as it appears. I can get the technicals down, but there is an art factor that mostly escapes me. My daughter has the eye, I don't. Thank you for video. PS: 100-400 is an excellent all around focal range.

Imagine Katie had an a1 mounted to the 100-400 GM 😅. Lossless compressed ARW off the a1 are about the same size uncompressed off the a7m4. The exact competitor to the 100-400 GM is btw the Z 100-400, which is so sharp, you might add a Z TC 2.0, which is also mind blowing good (faaaaaaaaar better as the f-mount one) and don’t lose image quality… Greetings to Katie!

"Honey will you just take the family shot. Uncle Joey's getting antsy." "You know I'm using the 500 so I have to step back just a little further. Over."

First, thank you for the video. Fun and relaxing to watch. Too bad you didn’t have the Z 100-400 Vr S to shoot head to head with Kaiie’s Sony FE 100-400 GM. Would have liked to see that. I’m shooting Sony but did just pick up a Z9 and I’m comparing the Z9 to the Alpha 1 head to head but can’t get a lens longer than 200 mm for the Z mount yet.

Hey Josh, I am one of the lucky ones who has a Z9, although its in for repair to the sensor curtain, it started to stick. I also Purchased a second hand Z7. It's frankly excellent for landscape and static or slow moving subjects and it was half the price of the Z72. However for fast moving subjects, eg surfers, the Z9 it in a different class. The speed and no blackout viewfinder are a joy to use.

What a great video! ❤️

Whoooo