I went from the D850 to R5 and R7. I then switched to A7Rv because 3rd party lenses. But I quickly sold Sony to go back to Nikon with the Z8. So happy to be back with Nikon and will probably keep it for many many years. So happy with it. The Z8 AF is not AS good with busy backgrounds and small birds, but I suspect the new FW will help.
I’d love to see how you and Chelsea set up your Nikons for wildlife/birds in flight! I just got a Z8 and I’m loving it! Thanks for your outstanding reports on everything related to photography!!
I jumped from Pentax to Nikon 3 years back and am very happy with a Z7. The new firmware projected adds to a picture of a camera company so hard at work to give its owners the very best has really impressed me. The wonderful range of long tele lenses has enabled Nikon to carve out a successful niche for wildlife establishes the company as the lead brand in this niche. Hope to upgrade from the Z7 before too long.
I upgraded from the original Z7 to the Z9 a bit over a year ago, and it's been amazing. The focus on the Z9 is next level, but I'm into wildlife photography. If I wasn't then the Z7 would have been better because it's so light.
Agreed >> I have just upgraded to the last Camera I will ever need >> from Z7 >> Sold . Just arrived a Z8 .. Learning curve deluxe but thank you Steve Perry >> I will be buying your Wild Life Set up guide for my Camera of the year 2023 Nikon Z8
I'm very happy with the new firmware v4.10 and the eye tracking is awesome and fast,I get atlest 95% keepers and now using different focus modes. Can't wait to add the next firmware for the Z9 and Z8..
I'm a Pentax shooter too with over 30 lenses. I love Pentax but (sigh) know the day will come when I need to move to mirrorless for my long lens options. I am considering Sony and now more seriously Nikon. How did the transition go for you? I'm thinking menu's, focusing etc.
I found the change to be most positive. The CAF of Nikon is so much better than that of Pentax. In spite of many complaints, Pentax never seemed able to get up to speed in that area. The range of big tele lenses to choose from was a real bonus, and going mirrorless has great advantages in terms of size and weight. The Z7 was a little disappointing being Nikon's first venter (along with the Z6) and the Z6/7 were much improved in the mark II versions two card slots and better hardware around the AF. I also bought the superb D850. When Nikon produced that camera was when I really lusted after a camera like that. I doubt that Pentax will ever produce a full frame equivalent of the D850 because due to low market share, they simply don't have the research and development budget to be innovative. For example, they are reduced to putting out HD versions of lenses such as the trio of LTDs from the 1990s. The new HDs still have noisy screw drive. That tells you a lot about Pentax's inability to even properly update. The expense of switching was something to seriously consider. I tried to replace my Pentax lenses with Nikon equivalents - macro lenses, a range of walkabout zooms, some f2.8 versions of the 24-70 and the 70-200 for music photography was accomplished by buying Tamron versions. That is a weakness of Pentax: what other independent lens maker is still producing lenses in Pentax mount? Nikon glass is wonderful, as was Pentax glass in earlier decades when they made cameras such as the MX and LX. I really enjoy the little Z7 as a walkabout camera, compared to the D850 which was still a better camera than the first iteration of Nikon mirrorless. For serious big tele lens photography, I still pack that lens for my wildlife outings. The Z7 goes along in case I want to get some video clips. @@douglasstemke2444
Always interesting, as a hobbyist it is the investment in lenses that keeps me from jumping ships. I’m not on the Nikon ship, but; it is great to see them testing new waters, keep pushing and delivering.
As a Z9 owner, I'm looking forward to the update. More and improved features are always welcome. Some on here are saying, "I don’t need 30fps" or whatever, and that's fine... you don’t have to use it. But others may want it. Not all features have to be used. As a tool, I like my camera to be able to do lots of things in lots of shooting situations. The more it can do, the better of a tool it is. For sports and wildlife, the extra frames are quite welcome.
At firmware version 4.0, I found that Nikon is on par with Sony. At the end of the day, after shooting with both, I achieved the same hit rate with the focus. Additionally, Nikon has autocapture, a feature that nobody else has yet. Even the Sony A9iii doesn't have a shutterless camera available at the moment. It will be at least 6 months before photographers at the top of the list get it, and for the rest of us, it may take at least a year. Nikon is the first with a shutterless system, 120 fps, and auto capture. I have never encountered an issue with rolling shutter while shooting a lot of sports. I feel that until the price of a global shutter comes down, I can invest in some very powerful flash heads to freeze action and overpower the sun outside.
I wonder how the Z9 handles banding in artificial lighting given the lack of shutter. I primarily shoot my A1 w/ electronic shutter, but for concert photography I use the mechanical shutter to avoid banding.
I had banding above 1/800th with some leds, but once I stayed below that I didn't run into an issue. And I never ran into any banding shooting hockey. I'm not sure why you need to shoot over that in a concert. Several dance competions I was able to avoid banding and still stop the action at 800. @@taylorhickman84
@@taylorhickman84 Banding in images can be caused by various factors, including the interaction of lighting conditions and the camera's shutter speed. When using artificial lighting, such as fluorescent lights or LED sources, there may be variations in light intensity over time, which can result in banding issues. This is because the global shutter captures the entire frame at once, and any fluctuations in lighting during that short exposure time can be captured in the image.
@@alphajam1 I don't get your response. I understand what causes it, my question was how does the Z9 fair in those situations? Neither of the cameras I mentioned have a global shutter.
Nikon is making great cameras, lenses and firmware updates. It's sad that they don't sell well, the Z8 and Z9 are probably the best overall hybrid cameras now.
Nikon owns about 10% market share within mirrorless system cameras. That's like Pentax' share in the DSLR heydays. Reasons? Just like Pentax in the past, now Nikon seems to suffer from too many strategical mistakes having been accumulated in the past years? In Nikon's case: - Too little, too late #1: half- hearted entry into the mirrorless market, starting as an underdog there. - Not too little, but too late #2: the Z9>Z8 being something serious came too late, many had moved to Canon R or Sony by then, also given item #1. - Too little, too late #3: There's no trickling down of Z8 improvements into the middle class, which doesn't get improved. Even not until today. Further strategical mistakes: - lens development efforts: almost only invested in the expensive "S line" upper class. - 3rd party lens brands suppressed too much, only accepted as rare and sparse exceptions. - autofocus, esp. the smarter AI driven AF, has been 2nd class only, and this for too many years. And still is today for the important middle class. This firmed a bad brand image. Let's not forget what Pentax' AF being 2nd class in the DSLR era did to the Pentax brand image. - APS-C is neglected, not exploited as an important entry point to generate new customers. - migration bridge from APS-C to fullframe destroyed; APS-C: OIS in lenses but no IBIS in cameras; fullframe: incompatibly the other way round. Consequences: - too many had left Nikon by now? - unfavorable brand image, might take years to become repaired again - market share is declining consequentially. Vicious circle: a low market share is a brand image problem in its own right. - Nikon loses the middle class from misguided investment focus. Nikon seems to invest -- either in toys for the elderly (those retro cameras), or -- in some expensive prestige stuff priced for only very few customers (yes the "more money than talent" enthusiasts are valuable = profitable customers, but there are too few of them to really rescue the market share).
Who said they don’t sell well?! The reason they’re not in the high percentages is because they’re $4000 and $5500. Nikon doesn’t have their super cheap dslrs they used to sell a ton of at Best Buys.
@@hautehussey OK, I agree, maybe instead of half-hearted one should say half-developed or half-skilled. I'm sure Nikon wanted to be as good as they could, back then. I remember though that the very first two Z bodies were widely perceived as almost a laughing stock. Certainly much below expectations. The autofocus was completely unacceptable, for example.
Yes, the Z6 and Z7 were so bad, that the suspicion that they were crippled deliberately (to protect their old DSLR sales), seems well founded. This together with an undeveloped mirrorless competence led to the Z6 and Z7 to be what they were.
Tony well done on explaining the gridline update. Yes, this is a school photography feature requested by trade groups. Consumers do not need this capability as they don't.. you know.. shoot for yearbooks. The viewfinder masks school photographers used on their dslrs were $200 a pop anyways. This is a more flexible, cheaper way. You can turn it off and on, make new ones, switch between them.. it's all around better. Again, typical consumers do not need this. Just frame your photos like you always have. There is no scenario in which you'll need consistent headshot placement across thousands of photos. And if you do, you're well beyond caring about $150 anyways.
My 8 year old Nikon D750 has gridlines on the viewfinder, which I find incredibly useful as an architectural photographer for making sure things are lined up straight. I can't fathom why Sony hasn't included this before and why it's charging for it now...unless I'm misunderstanding what is meant by "gridlines"?
@@mdhazeldine You are indeed misunderstanding the feature. Sony has gridlines. What sony is essentially offering are viewfinder masks, which are custom lines for (generally) school portrait work. They look nothing like the common 3x3, 5x5 etc. gridlines available.
Goodness I nearly fell off my chair . Tony switching to Nikon ! I hope you do Tony , I just love my Z9 . I have tried Sony and Canon systems but Nikon just works for me , glad I stayed with them as now if I can’t get the shot it is my problem , not the camera
I sold all my fuji gear , and I had a chance to choose any of the Big 3 , Canon , Nikon , Sony. I went with Nikon, and I am glad I have, they may not be top dogs at everything , but they do things so right when they do.. the Z9 is a beast! This firmware when it lands is going to be insane!! The main reason I chose Nikon is because it does it all well , while the R3 was great - but 24 MP , the R5 was great , but it had overheating issues (when I placed the order in 2022) + rolling shutter as it's not a stakced sensor. The Sony I hated the ergonomics on both the A7 IV and the A1 , Plus the A1 was much more expensive , and the 30 FPS Raw are compressd Raw and only with specific native lenses. I wonder what would the 2nd generation flagships (A1 II , Z9 II / h , R1 ) would bering if this is the level we are getting now from all of them. Just one request from all of them : For the love of god, give us proper apps to connect to our smartphones , they are all junk!! That's the one thing they all have in common , apps from 2003..
They probably don’t have apps because they don’t wanna be responsible for security. Imagine a malevolent actor plants a worm that destroys a generation of the Z9. They’d be bankrupt.
Great info. Thanks for this rundown. As a new Z8 owner, I'm hoping the next firmware update includes pre-shooting in RAW, even if they hold back on other features that will only be in the Z9.
I'd be remiss if I didn't comment and say that I'm pleasantly surprised by your fair coverage in this video. I know we had a back and forth previously, but thank you for hearing me, and thank you for the informative video.
Every upgrade and release is good because it pushes the envelope of expectations for what a professional or enthusiast camera should include by default. Really looking forward to A1 mark 2 release (someday) so I can decide which camera makes sense.
Instagram and Meta has 4:5 aspect ratio for no crop photo/thumbnail. Hoping that 4:5 aspect ratio will be available on future update so I don't need to crop all of my photos manually in post.
Would love to see a video Sony 600f4 vs Nikon 600f4TC vs canon 600 f4. Sharpness tests with and without TCs, how they all compare for wildlife. Im currently shooting A1+600f4 but I'm seriously considering the switch to Nikon. Please make a video on this.
Tony, thanks for all these updates! I really got thrilled to know about the Z9/Z8's improved AF performance after the 4.1 update! But please do not mention "free updates" word in your videos. 😄I know that you are appreciating their effort by saying so, but i am afraid it shall not boomerang on us and Do not force the camera manufacturers to think about charging us for it! Cheers from Kochi, Kerala, India! 🖖
I certainly concur with your observation that even low end cameras are now quite fantastic. The logical extension is to start charging for meaningful firmware updates. I know the term "meaningful" is full of potential pitfalls.
This might be an unpopular opinion, but if paying for firmware updates or other features is the only way to add to an existing camera line without buying a whole new body, I'm all for it. As a videographer first, I would love a "video firmware" package with added elements specific to that. If there's a feature I do not need (like this gridline update), I can just avoid investing all together. It's almost an a la carte approach.
Yessssss! RAW in precapture is the main thing I've wanted! (However, if they don't bring it to the Z8, I'll be pretty pissed, cause I'm already a bit bitter about the firmware update features they said the Z8 would get that it hasn't.)
?? the firmware is coming and confirmed by nikon. so you expected new constant firmware releases right after 3 months from release? In january we are already getting the Birds dedicated af, who knows what else they will add. chill, nikon does not act like sony regarding firmware updates
With s/w coding accessible these days…. Nikon should also include built-in shutter count viewer like a car mileage, so that prior to buying a resale camera body, we have visibility that the camera has not been abused. Everything has a shelf-life.
Maybe with the customization that will be unlocked by optional, paid firmware updates, we can convince all the car mod people to get into cameras so we can all get a little bit of peace and quiet. Seems like a win win to me.
I wonder if Nikon can upgrade something in the z30 with firmware. Maybe some bird eye AF? It is a surprisingly handy camera given its compactness. I loved it as a travel camera!
And all I want for my z8 is better shutter sound, oh and bird detection, oh and Manual focus aid of zf. Still shooting the DF though something still wonderful about it.
There is an obvious trend with people increasingly reverting back to the use of Nikon cameras. The release of the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S-Line Lens may cause those who previously gave up on Nikon due to hasty decisions and a lack of patience may very likely have feelings of regret.
Nikon's 64 base ISO is something for those of us that enjoy shooting landscape and cityscape wish that Canon would match. Glad to see Nikon doing some good stuff!
Tony - thanks for the video as always! I don't know if you have any Nikon contact(s), but if you do could you lobby for exposure peaking during live view? For example, show red for highlight clipping & blue for shadow clipping, and with options to change the color and threshold for both. In my opinion, it's inexcusable that Nikon hasn't offered this.
Very interesting. Good news for me as a Nikon Z9 owner. Thank you. Greetings from Italy - Crete Senesi Unesco heritage site. 👍👍👍Like 1406 well deserved.
The 150$ fw update for the A7 IV would be good if it contained other enhencements. I think Sony have been lazy with the 10fps on multiple cameras for years. I' m pretty sure the A7IV shutter could do more fps if it was boosted in a update.
Tony ...how about a way to use Ai to generate a video from a selected folder of stills ...say a trip. Lightroom does a pretty good job of panning and zooming if your pc is set up right and all the necessary permissions are in place ...otherwise it is jerky and flickering. It would be nice to say to AI "make a video, in chronological order using the images in this folder (on the user's system) and in making the video, pan and zoom appropriately on each image and add free to use music in the back ground. When will we get to that?
Re: the last point. I'd really like to see camera companies shifting into software. The biggest problem with older/cheaper gear is always the artificial limits they chose to impose to protect the more expensive option. When they reach the hardware plateau, there's really no need to keep selling more physical goods. At which point they can go over the back catalogue and fix old menu systems, upgrade frame rates, make more buttons/dials customisable, etc. and sell those upgrades instead of a new camera just like every other bit of software these days that is subscription based.
I’m coming home with around 7000 photos for high school (jv & varsity) or college (womens & mens) basketball games. That’s shooting an a1 at 15fps. It takes 4-5 hours to sort through, process & post maybe 150 of those photos. Now maybe if I was one of the handful of outfits that has a staff to do the sorting and processing I’d want 30fps+. But as it stands now I’ll wait till you can capture a quality still from video before I’d use a faster fps. Every fall season when I break out the Z9s to use with a 120-300mm f2.8 & 400mm f2.8e I curse at the Z9’s performance & that cursing is louder and more often come spring where fresh off of using the a1 with 70-200 for winter’s indoor sports I’m back to the Z9’s focusing. From listening to you, all I can think is that Nikon must have some secret sauce for birds. But it still is a real PETA behind Sony for people. That amazingly good and useful 120-300 is the only reason I still shoot the big heavy Nikons.
The Z9 has two CFExpress cards. Do you think it would be possible to create a write mode that toggles between the two cards when the buffer fills on one to increase the effective buffer on the camera?
Hi Tony, I’m shooting with Fujifilm gfx100s but it’s not good for all types of photography which I like (Portrait, Landscape, Still-life). It’s heavy and bulky with gf lenses to carry around, and slow for sports and wildlife if sometimes I like to experience it! But it seems Z8 is all in one camera. The only matter important to me is if I switch to Z8, with 14bit and 45mp, could I achieve the same high images quality (detailing, colour rendering, and deep dynamic range) by gfx100s with 16bit and 102mp? Your opinion is important to me. Thank you.
I recently changed my Canon gear to Nikon, I still miss the autofocus on the R6 mk2, which I think as today is still better than my Z8, but the Z8 has some other nice features... What I do not like from all those companies (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji...) is the fact they say their camera bodies are great, weather proof, bla blal bla.. but every 2-3 years we photographers have to spent lot of thousands dollars to upgrade the body. Why? Why those companies cannot just replace the internal components of the camera? I do often with my computer if I need an upgrade. Especially now there there is tons of e-waste in the world, we have all those bodies we have to resell. Why those companies don't just develop a new "motherboard", a new sensor and just replace what is inside the same body? I would rather spend maybe a thousand dollar for a new "motherboard" inside my camera, but still keep the same body. It's a win win, for us photographers, for companies that do not have to produce many parts and can send fast to the market and for the environment
Are you going to pull your camera apart and change the components? or maybe you are expecting camera manufacturers to have thousands of technicians available to do it for you? The thing about upgrading well made cameras is you can always sell it and get a significant amount of the purchase price back.
@@simsurfvideo I doubt there are thousands of technicians just for me... and what happened when a sensor has a problem? Entire Canon / Nikon or Sony company just work for me? come on... Well made cameras have good "shell", why not reuse it? and about reselling, I have no idea what is a significant amount for purchase back, I tried to evaluate my Canon R6 mk2 (excellent / like new condition since it was my backup body) and after 6 months they want to offer me $1000 less than what I paid ... you probably navigate in the gold, I don't
@@michelebelotti2022 cameras requiring service or repair do not happen in huge numbers. Everyone wanting to 'upgrade' a body by changing the components every time a new camera is released would be insane. You would be waiting years for it to be done. Secondly, anyone can sell a camera on ebay and get a decent price while also letting someone else get use out of it.
Generative AI. I’m in the industry, making chips and software for AI. But I have questions. How will you distinguish truth from deception? Reality from manufactured? I’m worried less about messed up hair on set as I am about these amazing technologies used in manipulative, nay nefarious, ways. Can you imagine how politicians will use these things?? Propaganda on a whole new level. Does this make me paranoid?
Under dog is fighting back nicely and is attractive for buyers who are willing and able to afford to invest into a brand new camera, lenses & accessories system which is in limited number. It will be interesting to see what the new A1 firmware includes when released and tested soon.
Hyperbole! Squared! I mean, LET’s be REAL. I was happy with an Olympus OM-1. I love love Sony a7r4, and it is NUTS to say any of these programs “destroy” anything.
But all I wanted is to set the interval between the brakets to 0s and setting the order to + 0 -. Two lines of code that would be. Instead we get these frankly amazing features I do not need. Happy for all the wildlifers out there though.
I was sure that at the end of the video you would reveal that it was not you in the video, but AI-Tony. The problem I have with paid software is that it probably might require some DRM. Otherwise it will be pirated very quickly. And DRM like in commercial software for you PC is an inconvenience though. I do not want to resister somewhere just to get that feature.
Would you / could you consider testing some LiDAR Follow Focus systems, like PD Movie Live Air 3 Smart, DJI etc..?! It would be interesting to get your professional, and objective, input. Such systems would make cameras like from BlackMagic slightly more user friendly. Just an idea. Best wishes
I love how Nikon fanboys simply make things up to try and outdo the competition. $150 for frame lines. 😂😅😂 You can do better than that can’t you? Try $4,500 for a shutter button 😂🤣😂
@@hitthestreetsphoto1253 Hi honey.. Are you saying my 10 year old Nikon has no grid lines option ? Or maybe your not old enough to know much about cameras.
Upside: we are at the stage where Pablo Picasso & his contemporaries stood at the muster line facing photography as painters. TIME TO REWATCH THAT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY GENIUS Season 2.
How in the name of all that is holy this is the only video on RUclips on which I can use split screen on my iPhone 😂 How Tony? What do I need to do to have it on other videos as well?
In your summary of operational items you show that the Z9 can shoot at 45 MP in Raw, I have the latest firmware (5.0) and I can only get JPEGs at 30 fps?
@@TonyAndChelsea I know that you requested that another firmware update could include RAW pre-capture and maybe at 30 fps but not in lossless but in HEFF or HEFF*.Do you think that may be in the rumored update that is pending?
Damn, I should have gotten a Z9 rather than my Zf. I got a Zf because I thought my many vintage lenses would feel wrong on the Z9, but the Z9 is getting so good, and the Z9 is (relatively) super cheap where I live (Switzerland). I don't get it, the Z8 here is $500 more expensive than anywhere else, and the Z9 is $500 cheaper, so they are almost the same price. And that's not a temporary glitch, it seems permanent.
Have shot Nikon for the past 35 years. Two weeks ago I dropped $5k switching to an R6 MkII because of the Nikon eye capture not being that good. NOW! you tell me the Z8 eye focus will follow a moving subject as good as Canon? If that is so, do not expect a christmas card :)
I hope they can offer a 6.2k opengate readout. That way a 16:9 centre crop will remain 4k DCI. Would be a nice to offer an option to clients who need both vertical and horizontal video. While the 45mp version is welcome, the files are going to be massive.
I think we're actually beyond the peak of inflated expectations and into the slope of enlightenment. I think the technology trigger was the initial release of things like AI digital assistants from years ago. They basically all still suck, which led to the trough of disillusionment and skepticism around AI in general. Now AI is actually starting to do things that are actually useful, bit by bit.
I would be willing to pay for a software update for Nikon or Sony where you can customize the metering. Specifically different options for background, foreground, highlights (Nikon already has one for this that works well), midtones, and shadows. I imagine a number system where you can adjust the value given to certain parts similar to Exposure compensation but more refined. Something I've noticed is Mirrorless on average meters better than DSLR but the ability to further tweak the metering would be useful in certain situations.
Tony, you getting at least a 85% keeper rate on BIF as far as the focus is concerned with your Z8/9 cameras with the 4.10 software? It is important for someone like me who can't afford to keep switching brands. I shoot Nikon DSLR & would need to keep most of my lenses & would probably only get one long Nikon prime for the first couple of years.
"This sounds bad for Sony users" Well, no. If you're a happySony user you can still use your Sony gear happily. I happen to be a dissatisfied Sony user (A7iv AF for moving subjects...) and I regret not grabbing the 4000 EUR black Friday deal for the Z8...
You can still get it for 3999 at Foto Erhard in Germany. The trade in discount is deducted straight away. No need to send in an old camera. I asked them via email a few weeks ago for a trade in Sony deal
Also disappointed with Sony. A7iv could surely take an update and no long light lenses. I would pay for a fm update if meaningful. BTW, I had my camera and 100-400GM checked before end of warranty. Camera was fine but there was a fault in the lens impacting on AF. Made worse by using x1.4 TC. Sony Australia did all the camera service and repair to the lens for free. 👏🏻👏🏻 As a bird photographer I just need reach and better fps. I’ll be trading my camera and lens in tomorrow or Thursday for the OM-1 and 100-400. Lighter, more reach, higher fps and a bunch of other pluses. 800mm on the Sony a7iv is at f8 or f11 if using tc’s and cropped with the x1.4 TC. I’m an enthusiast and photos are for me, family and friends.
It took you way too long to notice that Nikon is not dead! ;-) ...they made some very wise technical disicions with the Z-Mount and need only 2 and 1/2 generations of mirrolwless cameras to catch up (technical) with Sony again (in my opinion beat them already in many ways). The Z9 was never a bad camera at all! With the next generation most Nikon Users will do the switch (after a very long period of waiting) to mirrowless and a lot will come back from Sony again and will love it to be back!. Remember my words!
Why does everyone keep forgetting that Sony A1 30fps is compressed raw only. Uncompressed is the same as Nikon at 20 fps.
Because it’s Sony and not Nikon.
I went from the D850 to R5 and R7. I then switched to A7Rv because 3rd party lenses. But I quickly sold Sony to go back to Nikon with the Z8. So happy to be back with Nikon and will probably keep it for many many years. So happy with it. The Z8 AF is not AS good with busy backgrounds and small birds, but I suspect the new FW will help.
Charging for firmware updates will be a terrible idea
Because software-engineers should be expected to work for free?
I’m not upset about Sony charging for updates, but charging the same amount I pay for Lightroom and Photoshop for a year is a bit much in my opinion.
What will be next, subscription for firmware? Camera as a service? I don't like this model at all.
I’d love to see how you and Chelsea set up your Nikons for wildlife/birds in flight! I just got a Z8 and I’m loving it! Thanks for your outstanding reports on everything related to photography!!
I jumped from Pentax to Nikon 3 years back and am very happy with a Z7. The new firmware projected adds to a picture of a camera company so hard at work to give its owners the very best has really impressed me. The wonderful range of long tele lenses has enabled Nikon to carve out a successful niche for wildlife establishes the company as the lead brand in this niche. Hope to upgrade from the Z7 before too long.
I upgraded from the original Z7 to the Z9 a bit over a year ago, and it's been amazing. The focus on the Z9 is next level, but I'm into wildlife photography. If I wasn't then the Z7 would have been better because it's so light.
Agreed >> I have just upgraded to the last Camera I will ever need >> from Z7 >> Sold . Just arrived a Z8 .. Learning curve deluxe but thank you Steve Perry >> I will be buying your Wild Life Set up guide for my Camera of the year 2023 Nikon Z8
I'm very happy with the new firmware v4.10 and the eye tracking is awesome and fast,I get atlest 95% keepers and now using different focus modes. Can't wait to add the next firmware for the Z9 and Z8..
I'm a Pentax shooter too with over 30 lenses. I love Pentax but (sigh) know the day will come when I need to move to mirrorless for my long lens options. I am considering Sony and now more seriously Nikon. How did the transition go for you? I'm thinking menu's, focusing etc.
I found the change to be most positive. The CAF of Nikon is so much better than that of Pentax. In spite of many complaints, Pentax never seemed able to get up to speed in that area. The range of big tele lenses to choose from was a real bonus, and going mirrorless has great advantages in terms of size and weight. The Z7 was a little disappointing being Nikon's first venter (along with the Z6) and the Z6/7 were much improved in the mark II versions two card slots and better hardware around the AF. I also bought the superb D850. When Nikon produced that camera was when I really lusted after a camera like that. I doubt that Pentax will ever produce a full frame equivalent of the D850 because due to low market share, they simply don't have the research and development budget to be innovative. For example, they are reduced to putting out HD versions of lenses such as the trio of LTDs from the 1990s. The new HDs still have noisy screw drive. That tells you a lot about Pentax's inability to even properly update. The expense of switching was something to seriously consider. I tried to replace my Pentax lenses with Nikon equivalents - macro lenses, a range of walkabout zooms, some f2.8 versions of the 24-70 and the 70-200 for music photography was accomplished by buying Tamron versions. That is a weakness of Pentax: what other independent lens maker is still producing lenses in Pentax mount? Nikon glass is wonderful, as was Pentax glass in earlier decades when they made cameras such as the MX and LX. I really enjoy the little Z7 as a walkabout camera, compared to the D850 which was still a better camera than the first iteration of Nikon mirrorless. For serious big tele lens photography, I still pack that lens for my wildlife outings. The Z7 goes along in case I want to get some video clips.
@@douglasstemke2444
Always interesting, as a hobbyist it is the investment in lenses that keeps me from jumping ships. I’m not on the Nikon ship, but; it is great to see them testing new waters, keep pushing and delivering.
You can adapt most lenses to Nikon Z including some other mirrorless lenses. Any Sony lens can be used with Nikon Z
As a Z9 owner, I'm looking forward to the update. More and improved features are always welcome. Some on here are saying, "I don’t need 30fps" or whatever, and that's fine... you don’t have to use it. But others may want it. Not all features have to be used. As a tool, I like my camera to be able to do lots of things in lots of shooting situations. The more it can do, the better of a tool it is. For sports and wildlife, the extra frames are quite welcome.
At firmware version 4.0, I found that Nikon is on par with Sony. At the end of the day, after shooting with both, I achieved the same hit rate with the focus. Additionally, Nikon has autocapture, a feature that nobody else has yet. Even the Sony A9iii doesn't have a shutterless camera available at the moment. It will be at least 6 months before photographers at the top of the list get it, and for the rest of us, it may take at least a year. Nikon is the first with a shutterless system, 120 fps, and auto capture. I have never encountered an issue with rolling shutter while shooting a lot of sports. I feel that until the price of a global shutter comes down, I can invest in some very powerful flash heads to freeze action and overpower the sun outside.
I wonder how the Z9 handles banding in artificial lighting given the lack of shutter. I primarily shoot my A1 w/ electronic shutter, but for concert photography I use the mechanical shutter to avoid banding.
I had banding above 1/800th with some leds, but once I stayed below that I didn't run into an issue. And I never ran into any banding shooting hockey. I'm not sure why you need to shoot over that in a concert. Several dance competions I was able to avoid banding and still stop the action at 800. @@taylorhickman84
I also have seen banding in mechanical shutters.@@taylorhickman84
@@taylorhickman84 Banding in images can be caused by various factors, including the interaction of lighting conditions and the camera's shutter speed. When using artificial lighting, such as fluorescent lights or LED sources, there may be variations in light intensity over time, which can result in banding issues. This is because the global shutter captures the entire frame at once, and any fluctuations in lighting during that short exposure time can be captured in the image.
@@alphajam1 I don't get your response. I understand what causes it, my question was how does the Z9 fair in those situations? Neither of the cameras I mentioned have a global shutter.
Nikon is making great cameras, lenses and firmware updates. It's sad that they don't sell well, the Z8 and Z9 are probably the best overall hybrid cameras now.
Nikon owns about 10% market share within mirrorless system cameras. That's like Pentax' share in the DSLR heydays.
Reasons? Just like Pentax in the past, now Nikon seems to suffer from too many strategical mistakes having been accumulated in the past years?
In Nikon's case:
- Too little, too late #1: half- hearted entry into the mirrorless market, starting as an underdog there.
- Not too little, but too late #2: the Z9>Z8 being something serious came too late, many had moved to Canon R or Sony by then, also given item #1.
- Too little, too late #3: There's no trickling down of Z8 improvements into the middle class, which doesn't get improved. Even not until today.
Further strategical mistakes:
- lens development efforts: almost only invested in the expensive "S line" upper class.
- 3rd party lens brands suppressed too much, only accepted as rare and sparse exceptions.
- autofocus, esp. the smarter AI driven AF, has been 2nd class only, and this for too many years. And still is today for the important middle class. This firmed a bad brand image. Let's not forget what Pentax' AF being 2nd class in the DSLR era did to the Pentax brand image.
- APS-C is neglected, not exploited as an important entry point to generate new customers.
- migration bridge from APS-C to fullframe destroyed; APS-C: OIS in lenses but no IBIS in cameras; fullframe: incompatibly the other way round.
Consequences:
- too many had left Nikon by now?
- unfavorable brand image, might take years to become repaired again
- market share is declining consequentially. Vicious circle: a low market share is a brand image problem in its own right.
- Nikon loses the middle class from misguided investment focus. Nikon seems to invest
-- either in toys for the elderly (those retro cameras), or
-- in some expensive prestige stuff priced for only very few customers (yes the "more money than talent" enthusiasts are valuable = profitable customers, but there are too few of them to really rescue the market share).
Who said they don’t sell well?! The reason they’re not in the high percentages is because they’re $4000 and $5500. Nikon doesn’t have their super cheap dslrs they used to sell a ton of at Best Buys.
@@tubularificationednone of that is really accurate. They were late, but not half hearted.
@@hautehussey OK, I agree, maybe instead of half-hearted one should say half-developed or half-skilled. I'm sure Nikon wanted to be as good as they could, back then. I remember though that the very first two Z bodies were widely perceived as almost a laughing stock. Certainly much below expectations. The autofocus was completely unacceptable, for example.
Yes, the Z6 and Z7 were so bad, that the suspicion that they were crippled deliberately (to protect their old DSLR sales), seems well founded. This together with an undeveloped mirrorless competence led to the Z6 and Z7 to be what they were.
Tony well done on explaining the gridline update. Yes, this is a school photography feature requested by trade groups. Consumers do not need this capability as they don't.. you know.. shoot for yearbooks. The viewfinder masks school photographers used on their dslrs were $200 a pop anyways. This is a more flexible, cheaper way. You can turn it off and on, make new ones, switch between them.. it's all around better. Again, typical consumers do not need this. Just frame your photos like you always have. There is no scenario in which you'll need consistent headshot placement across thousands of photos. And if you do, you're well beyond caring about $150 anyways.
My 8 year old Nikon D750 has gridlines on the viewfinder, which I find incredibly useful as an architectural photographer for making sure things are lined up straight. I can't fathom why Sony hasn't included this before and why it's charging for it now...unless I'm misunderstanding what is meant by "gridlines"?
@@mdhazeldine You are indeed misunderstanding the feature. Sony has gridlines. What sony is essentially offering are viewfinder masks, which are custom lines for (generally) school portrait work. They look nothing like the common 3x3, 5x5 etc. gridlines available.
@@natalieauroraphoto Ahhh ok.
Goodness I nearly fell off my chair . Tony switching to Nikon ! I hope you do Tony , I just love my Z9 . I have tried Sony and Canon systems but Nikon just works for me , glad I stayed with them as now if I can’t get the shot it is my problem , not the camera
I sold all my fuji gear , and I had a chance to choose any of the Big 3 , Canon , Nikon , Sony.
I went with Nikon, and I am glad I have, they may not be top dogs at everything , but they do things so right when they do.. the Z9 is a beast!
This firmware when it lands is going to be insane!!
The main reason I chose Nikon is because it does it all well , while the R3 was great - but 24 MP , the R5 was great , but it had overheating issues (when I placed the order in 2022) + rolling shutter as it's not a stakced sensor.
The Sony I hated the ergonomics on both the A7 IV and the A1 , Plus the A1 was much more expensive , and the 30 FPS Raw are compressd Raw and only with specific native lenses.
I wonder what would the 2nd generation flagships (A1 II , Z9 II / h , R1 ) would bering if this is the level we are getting now from all of them.
Just one request from all of them :
For the love of god, give us proper apps to connect to our smartphones , they are all junk!!
That's the one thing they all have in common , apps from 2003..
They probably don’t have apps because they don’t wanna be responsible for security. Imagine a malevolent actor plants a worm that destroys a generation of the Z9. They’d be bankrupt.
Great info. Thanks for this rundown. As a new Z8 owner, I'm hoping the next firmware update includes pre-shooting in RAW, even if they hold back on other features that will only be in the Z9.
I'd be remiss if I didn't comment and say that I'm pleasantly surprised by your fair coverage in this video. I know we had a back and forth previously, but thank you for hearing me, and thank you for the informative video.
Every upgrade and release is good because it pushes the envelope of expectations for what a professional or enthusiast camera should include by default. Really looking forward to A1 mark 2 release (someday) so I can decide which camera makes sense.
Go Nikon >> I did in 1971 and never looked back photographically >> I love my Canon Printer and Sony TV ..awesome products
Nikon Z9 is like The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim game, looks nice and bad at the launch date but through patches and updates is now great.
The Z9 was never a bad camera!!!😅 Only tony wanted it to be bad, because of his dumb predictions of the last 5 year's that Nikon is dead 😂
Cool video, very insightful 👍
The video updates are a game changer
Nice video Tony, reminds me of the old days, just facts
Instagram and Meta has 4:5 aspect ratio for no crop photo/thumbnail. Hoping that 4:5 aspect ratio will be available on future update so I don't need to crop all of my photos manually in post.
great video ! For the Z8 if I have the NIKON CF Express 660 GB what is the storage and timing I need for the snd SD Card storage and speed specs.
Can't help but wonder, how many photogs (percentage) care about the FPS race ?
Would love to see a video Sony 600f4 vs Nikon 600f4TC vs canon 600 f4. Sharpness tests with and without TCs, how they all compare for wildlife. Im currently shooting A1+600f4 but I'm seriously considering the switch to Nikon. Please make a video on this.
Coming soon!
Yeahhhh !
I can tell you what that would be right now: “you’ll be hard pressed to see a difference, especially in sharpness.”
I predict the built-in TC shots will be crisper than non-built-in TC shots.
Tony, thanks for all these updates! I really got thrilled to know about the Z9/Z8's improved AF performance after the 4.1 update!
But please do not mention "free updates" word in your videos. 😄I know that you are appreciating their effort by saying so, but i am afraid it shall not boomerang on us and Do not force the camera manufacturers to think about charging us for it! Cheers from Kochi, Kerala, India! 🖖
I certainly concur with your observation that even low end cameras are now quite fantastic. The logical extension is to start charging for meaningful firmware updates. I know the term "meaningful" is full of potential pitfalls.
I totally disagree with this concept. All it does is offer even more incentives to release half-baked, buggy cameras.
This might be an unpopular opinion, but if paying for firmware updates or other features is the only way to add to an existing camera line without buying a whole new body, I'm all for it. As a videographer first, I would love a "video firmware" package with added elements specific to that. If there's a feature I do not need (like this gridline update), I can just avoid investing all together. It's almost an a la carte approach.
Wow focus improvement for the Z9 is a shocker.. now Im keen to buy it
informative on z8 / 9 firmware updates.
Yessssss! RAW in precapture is the main thing I've wanted!
(However, if they don't bring it to the Z8, I'll be pretty pissed, cause I'm already a bit bitter about the firmware update features they said the Z8 would get that it hasn't.)
?? the firmware is coming and confirmed by nikon. so you expected new constant firmware releases right after 3 months from release? In january we are already getting the Birds dedicated af, who knows what else they will add. chill, nikon does not act like sony regarding firmware updates
With s/w coding accessible these days…. Nikon should also include built-in shutter count viewer like a car mileage, so that prior to buying a resale camera body, we have visibility that the camera has not been abused. Everything has a shelf-life.
Makes no difference on z8 or z9, no mechanical shutter, electronic shutter has infinite life
Maybe with the customization that will be unlocked by optional, paid firmware updates, we can convince all the car mod people to get into cameras so we can all get a little bit of peace and quiet. Seems like a win win to me.
I wonder if Nikon can upgrade something in the z30 with firmware. Maybe some bird eye AF? It is a surprisingly handy camera given its compactness. I loved it as a travel camera!
If Nikon thinks its worthwhile >> they will upgrade the Z30
Is Sony going to have a firmware update of pre capture for the A1? Is it possible at all?
I never use any more than 12fps
And all I want for my z8 is better shutter sound, oh and bird detection, oh and
Manual focus aid of zf. Still shooting the DF though something still wonderful about it.
Do you know roughly when the new firmware for the Z9 will be out
Any lead on when Sony will release FW update for a7IV?
not sure if you did any video on this already, how is Z9 working with DSLR lens? like the 400E 600E lens?
There is an obvious trend with people increasingly reverting back to the use of Nikon cameras. The release of the Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S-Line Lens may cause those who previously gave up on Nikon due to hasty decisions and a lack of patience may very likely have feelings of regret.
Nikon's 64 base ISO is something for those of us that enjoy shooting landscape and cityscape wish that Canon would match. Glad to see Nikon doing some good stuff!
Canon can go for ISO 50 though
@@zegzbrutal Yes but it's not the true base ISO.
I absolutely love shooting at iso 64. Had it with my d850, my Z7ii and now my z9
Tony - thanks for the video as always! I don't know if you have any Nikon contact(s), but if you do could you lobby for exposure peaking during live view? For example, show red for highlight clipping & blue for shadow clipping, and with options to change the color and threshold for both. In my opinion, it's inexcusable that Nikon hasn't offered this.
I think he lost all contacts, because he predicts since years Nikon is dead 😂😂😂🎉
My wallet needs an update
“Switching to Nikon” Subscribed :) thank you. 🎉
Sony RAW Is Compressed at 30 F.P.S. Nikon is uncompressed RAW at 20 FPS
Very interesting. Good news for me as a Nikon Z9 owner. Thank you. Greetings from Italy - Crete Senesi Unesco heritage site. 👍👍👍Like 1406 well deserved.
The 150$ fw update for the A7 IV would be good if it contained other enhencements. I think Sony have been lazy with the 10fps on multiple cameras for years. I' m pretty sure the A7IV shutter could do more fps if it was boosted in a update.
And record video without the crop
Tony ...how about a way to use Ai to generate a video from a selected folder of stills ...say a trip. Lightroom does a pretty good job of panning and zooming if your pc is set up right and all the necessary permissions are in place ...otherwise it is jerky and flickering. It would be nice to say to AI "make a video, in chronological order using the images in this folder (on the user's system) and in making the video, pan and zoom appropriately on each image and add free to use music in the back ground.
When will we get to that?
Re: the last point.
I'd really like to see camera companies shifting into software. The biggest problem with older/cheaper gear is always the artificial limits they chose to impose to protect the more expensive option. When they reach the hardware plateau, there's really no need to keep selling more physical goods. At which point they can go over the back catalogue and fix old menu systems, upgrade frame rates, make more buttons/dials customisable, etc. and sell those upgrades instead of a new camera just like every other bit of software these days that is subscription based.
I’m coming home with around 7000 photos for high school (jv & varsity) or college (womens & mens) basketball games. That’s shooting an a1 at 15fps. It takes 4-5 hours to sort through, process & post maybe 150 of those photos. Now maybe if I was one of the handful of outfits that has a staff to do the sorting and processing I’d want 30fps+. But as it stands now I’ll wait till you can capture a quality still from video before I’d use a faster fps.
Every fall season when I break out the Z9s to use with a 120-300mm f2.8 & 400mm f2.8e I curse at the Z9’s performance & that cursing is louder and more often come spring where fresh off of using the a1 with 70-200 for winter’s indoor sports I’m back to the Z9’s focusing. From listening to you, all I can think is that Nikon must have some secret sauce for birds. But it still is a real PETA behind Sony for people. That amazingly good and useful 120-300 is the only reason I still shoot the big heavy Nikons.
The Z9 has two CFExpress cards. Do you think it would be possible to create a write mode that toggles between the two cards when the buffer fills on one to increase the effective buffer on the camera?
I think the buffer is shared. Don't think there are two buffers.
This would make sense if continuous write speed slows down on the cards after a few seconds. If not then it wouldn't really help.
Hi Tony, I’m shooting with Fujifilm gfx100s but it’s not good for all types of photography which I like (Portrait, Landscape, Still-life). It’s heavy and bulky with gf lenses to carry around, and slow for sports and wildlife if sometimes I like to experience it! But it seems Z8 is all in one camera. The only matter important to me is if I switch to Z8, with 14bit and 45mp, could I achieve the same high images quality (detailing, colour rendering, and deep dynamic range) by gfx100s with 16bit and 102mp? Your opinion is important to me. Thank you.
I recently changed my Canon gear to Nikon, I still miss the autofocus on the R6 mk2, which I think as today is still better than my Z8, but the Z8 has some other nice features... What I do not like from all those companies (Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji...) is the fact they say their camera bodies are great, weather proof, bla blal bla.. but every 2-3 years we photographers have to spent lot of thousands dollars to upgrade the body. Why? Why those companies cannot just replace the internal components of the camera? I do often with my computer if I need an upgrade. Especially now there there is tons of e-waste in the world, we have all those bodies we have to resell. Why those companies don't just develop a new "motherboard", a new sensor and just replace what is inside the same body? I would rather spend maybe a thousand dollar for a new "motherboard" inside my camera, but still keep the same body. It's a win win, for us photographers, for companies that do not have to produce many parts and can send fast to the market and for the environment
Are you going to pull your camera apart and change the components? or maybe you are expecting camera manufacturers to have thousands of technicians available to do it for you? The thing about upgrading well made cameras is you can always sell it and get a significant amount of the purchase price back.
@@simsurfvideo I doubt there are thousands of technicians just for me... and what happened when a sensor has a problem? Entire Canon / Nikon or Sony company just work for me? come on... Well made cameras have good "shell", why not reuse it? and about reselling, I have no idea what is a significant amount for purchase back, I tried to evaluate my Canon R6 mk2 (excellent / like new condition since it was my backup body) and after 6 months they want to offer me $1000 less than what I paid ... you probably navigate in the gold, I don't
@@michelebelotti2022 cameras requiring service or repair do not happen in huge numbers. Everyone wanting to 'upgrade' a body by changing the components every time a new camera is released would be insane. You would be waiting years for it to be done. Secondly, anyone can sell a camera on ebay and get a decent price while also letting someone else get use out of it.
Let’s say I wanted the golden ratio or another compositional grid line … could I do that 😅 sorry if it’s a dumb question
Like for the glasses pull.
11:38 Great for street crossing!!!
Generative AI. I’m in the industry, making chips and software for AI. But I have questions. How will you distinguish truth from deception? Reality from manufactured? I’m worried less about messed up hair on set as I am about these amazing technologies used in manipulative, nay nefarious, ways. Can you imagine how politicians will use these things?? Propaganda on a whole new level.
Does this make me paranoid?
So glad Nikon is doing this upgrade, now we will get a1 FW updates we all have been asking for! (Maybe a newer version)
I shot a golf tournament at 120fps on the Z9. Just dialed in the exposure and Bamm!
No editing needed at all just had to cull and deliver.
Nobody in the real world can dump a brand and buy into another unless you get the kit for peanuts of its retail value.
Under dog is fighting back nicely and is attractive for buyers who are willing and able to afford to invest into a brand new camera, lenses & accessories system which is in limited number. It will be interesting to see what the new A1 firmware includes when released and tested soon.
Hyperbole! Squared! I mean, LET’s be REAL. I was happy with an Olympus OM-1. I love love Sony a7r4, and it is NUTS to say any of these programs “destroy” anything.
The s in s cinetone stands for stubborn
cheers much 😊❤
Heck, as a Canon R5 user it’s pretty cold out here in firmware world.
(14:13) a very fast stacked shutter --> image sensor.
But all I wanted is to set the interval between the brakets to 0s and setting the order to + 0 -. Two lines of code that would be. Instead we get these frankly amazing features I do not need. Happy for all the wildlifers out there though.
I was sure that at the end of the video you would reveal that it was not you in the video, but AI-Tony.
The problem I have with paid software is that it probably might require some DRM. Otherwise it will be pirated very quickly. And DRM like in commercial software for you PC is an inconvenience though. I do not want to resister somewhere just to get that feature.
Need to change the fps on A7rv
Great news that Nikon is getting the same “quality” AF as Sony and Canon. Fantastic.
Would you / could you consider testing some LiDAR Follow Focus systems, like PD Movie Live Air 3 Smart, DJI etc..?!
It would be interesting to get your professional, and objective, input.
Such systems would make cameras like from BlackMagic slightly more user friendly.
Just an idea.
Best wishes
Sony should learn some lessons from Nikon software department..
You must be joking Sony? 150 dollars for grid lines? My 10 year old Nikon has this.
I love how Nikon fanboys simply make things up to try and outdo the competition. $150 for frame lines. 😂😅😂 You can do better than that can’t you? Try $4,500 for a shutter button 😂🤣😂
@@hitthestreetsphoto1253 Hi honey.. Are you saying my 10 year old Nikon has no grid lines option ? Or maybe your not old enough to know much about cameras.
Upside: we are at the stage where Pablo Picasso & his contemporaries stood at the muster line facing photography as painters. TIME TO REWATCH THAT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY GENIUS Season 2.
How in the name of all that is holy this is the only video on RUclips on which I can use split screen on my iPhone 😂 How Tony? What do I need to do to have it on other videos as well?
In your summary of operational items you show that the Z9 can shoot at 45 MP in Raw, I have the latest firmware (5.0) and I can only get JPEGs at 30 fps?
Yeah you have to drop to 20 FPS to get raw.
@@TonyAndChelsea I know that you requested that another firmware update could include RAW pre-capture and maybe at 30 fps but not in lossless but in HEFF or HEFF*.Do you think that may be in the rumored update that is pending?
Damn, I should have gotten a Z9 rather than my Zf. I got a Zf because I thought my many vintage lenses would feel wrong on the Z9, but the Z9 is getting so good, and the Z9 is (relatively) super cheap where I live (Switzerland). I don't get it, the Z8 here is $500 more expensive than anywhere else, and the Z9 is $500 cheaper, so they are almost the same price. And that's not a temporary glitch, it seems permanent.
When you switch to Nikon, come to Kenya to test it.
Glad to see that my mantra of "never trust sony" still holds true.
Have shot Nikon for the past 35 years. Two weeks ago I dropped $5k switching to an R6 MkII because of the Nikon eye capture not being that good. NOW! you tell me the Z8 eye focus will follow a moving subject as good as Canon? If that is so, do not expect a christmas card :)
I’m a big Z9 fan and I like the idea of 30fps raw, but I’d like more customisation options, even with 3 function buttons 😂
Happy for you for switching to Nikon, awesome company. You will not be disappointed
That firmware for sale is a presidence
would you buy a new camera for gridlines? Not me.
How can you keep switching brands, isn't it too expensive and cumbersome, but of course rich people have that option, but is it really wise?
What happened with these FIRMWARE updates in December 2023? Is this still coming Tony?
Is the Z8 getting all the same firmware updates that the Z9 is getting?
Eventually
I hope they can offer a 6.2k opengate readout. That way a 16:9 centre crop will remain 4k DCI. Would be a nice to offer an option to clients who need both vertical and horizontal video. While the 45mp version is welcome, the files are going to be massive.
Tony, yes, come back to Nikon!!!
Tony, talk Nikon about video redundancy (Z6mk2, z7mk2, ZF)! I can't switch to Nikon completely because I don't have a dual card....
The Z8 Firmware upgrade came in February 2024. It's very good
I think we're actually beyond the peak of inflated expectations and into the slope of enlightenment. I think the technology trigger was the initial release of things like AI digital assistants from years ago. They basically all still suck, which led to the trough of disillusionment and skepticism around AI in general. Now AI is actually starting to do things that are actually useful, bit by bit.
I would be willing to pay for a software update for Nikon or Sony where you can customize the metering.
Specifically different options for background, foreground, highlights (Nikon already has one for this that works well), midtones, and shadows. I imagine a number system where you can adjust the value given to certain parts similar to Exposure compensation but more refined.
Something I've noticed is Mirrorless on average meters better than DSLR but the ability to further tweak the metering would be useful in certain situations.
Gartner once said Windows Phone will be dominating ....
Tony, you getting at least a 85% keeper rate on BIF as far as the focus is concerned with your Z8/9 cameras with the 4.10 software? It is important for someone like me who can't afford to keep switching brands. I shoot Nikon DSLR & would need to keep most of my lenses & would probably only get one long Nikon prime for the first couple of years.
No quema cuhhh
"This sounds bad for Sony users" Well, no. If you're a happySony user you can still use your Sony gear happily. I happen to be a dissatisfied Sony user (A7iv AF for moving subjects...) and I regret not grabbing the 4000 EUR black Friday deal for the Z8...
You can still get it for 3999 at Foto Erhard in Germany. The trade in discount is deducted straight away. No need to send in an old camera. I asked them via email a few weeks ago for a trade in Sony deal
Also disappointed with Sony. A7iv could surely take an update and no long light lenses. I would pay for a fm update if meaningful. BTW, I had my camera and 100-400GM checked before end of warranty. Camera was fine but there was a fault in the lens impacting on AF. Made worse by using x1.4 TC. Sony Australia did all the camera service and repair to the lens for free. 👏🏻👏🏻
As a bird photographer I just need reach and better fps. I’ll be trading my camera and lens in tomorrow or Thursday for the OM-1 and 100-400. Lighter, more reach, higher fps and a bunch of other pluses. 800mm on the Sony a7iv is at f8 or f11 if using tc’s and cropped with the x1.4 TC. I’m an enthusiast and photos are for me, family and friends.
You really should switch. The less whiners about silly gear stuff the better.
That would be an easy way to increase camera sales if they could.
Lol Sony, $150 for grid lines? Meanwhile, 8 minutes of this vid is covering just 2 of Nikon's free / huge fw updates.
It took you way too long to notice that Nikon is not dead! ;-) ...they made some very wise technical disicions with the Z-Mount and need only 2 and 1/2 generations of mirrolwless cameras to catch up (technical) with Sony again (in my opinion beat them already in many ways). The Z9 was never a bad camera at all! With the next generation most Nikon Users will do the switch (after a very long period of waiting) to mirrowless and a lot will come back from Sony again and will love it to be back!. Remember my words!
TONY! Why don't you have at least a battery bank and USB plugged into your camera? Or just plug it into the wall via usb?
We're using the R3 now and it won't run from USB... which is why it failed; I had it plugged in and wrongly assumed that would work.