I'm a Nikon shooter that was on the verge of switching to either Sony or Canon when the Z9 development announcement came out. I held off. Then the specs started leaking and it looked really competitive, so I started saving my money, and by the time the camera was announced and available, I had more than enough to pay for it and throw down another kilobuck for CF express cards. I'm duly impressed with the camera. I was shooting a D500 for wildlife before, and having grown up shooting film, 10 fps with good autofocus was pretty magical. The Z9 experience is like being on a acid trip compared to that. If I can't get a good shot with this camera, I'd better take up bowling. Like you said, it won't make me a better photographer, but it sure makes things a lot easier. Now I just need to start saving again so I can score the 800 pf when that comes out. I love shooting ospreys, and I'm fortunate enough to live very close to a nesting platform, so I get to see them raising their young and fishing in the local waters, but I may have to make it down for one of your workshops because witnessing the feeding frenzies like you have down there looks like an awe inspiring experience. Thanks for all you do, Mark, and I look forward to seeing/hearing more from you about the Z9.

Mine arrived last week - an addition to my D850 - After just a few days I can surmise that the Z9 is a keeper. It's incredible.

I like your diplomatic answer, saying no you’re not buying it. I’m a Sony user, never switch.. Thanks

Thank you Mark for your honest thoughts on this big question for so many folks. I am a Nikon amateur bird/ nature photographer and I have an order in for a Z9. I own the 500pf lens and I look forward to the day when I can try this combination out myself. Looking forward to your video and as always, thank you for your beautiful photography.

Got my Z9 last month. It works great with all my F mount glass (FTZII). Autofocus seems to be a lot better than my D850 was. To be fair, I haven’t tried anything fast moving yet. I’m having fun.

I'm very fortunate that I got to be there during that feeding frenzy and feel the excitement for myself. I'm also happy to hear you think there is room for Nikon in the mirrorless discussion!

I applaud that you said " these expensive mirrorless camera will not make you a better photographer but will make something easier for you"

Thank you for sharing this video. I appreciate your heartfelt take on an awkward question that most everybody else would run away from.

The 500 PF is a game changer for me. I shoot hand held. Most prime super teles are way too heavy and break my back! If Canon or Sony had a PF quality/weight lens, I would consider changing brands. What say you about the Z9 and the 500mm PF?

Thank you for your honest opinion Mark!

Thanks for the short 😜. Looking forward to your video featuring the Z9.

Hi Mark, I look forward to the full video! I think once Nikon release the 800mm PF Z series lens - that lens with the Z9 will hopefully be a wonderful combo for bird photographers - I currently mainly use the Canon R5 & 600 F4 II - but would be really tempted by the lighter Nikon combo as it can be a real pain (in every sense) to try and hike with the Canon big glass. The RF800mm and RF100-500 are just not quite good enough to make me give up the F4. You are a very lucky man to have so much wonderful wildlife right on your doorstep!

Looking to see the vid. Especially what one can do versus the other. Thanks.

All I really want is a mirrorless just for exposire prevew in the view finder. Btw, great lighting in this video.

Can't wait to come to one of your workshops

Excellent Review Mark. Thank You.

I am what the industry calls an advanced hobbyist. I think that means I have cash to spend on cameras that are better than my abilities. I look forward to your comments. I am not going to switch from Nikon because I have to much invested in the system and do not want to learn a new camera. I have fun when I go out. That is enough. The Z9 has allowed me to take pictures I could not get before. If I had the time and effort and cash to switch systems I might have captured those pictures with a Sony or Cannon. But I might have got just frustrated and quit the hobby too. I do believe we are in a magic time for good cameras and folks should just stay with the system that works for them. I look forward to your comments about the Z9 Mark. As always I learn a lot from your videos and really enjoy the story telling. Stay well and be Happy! John

One of the best answer to this question!!

I recently purchase the Sony A1 and even used your video on how to set the camera up. I like that other camera manufacturers are stepping up their game with mirrorless cameras as it benefits everyone. I don't think anyone can go wrong with the Sony, Nikon and Canon flagship cameras though I think Canon is still holding back on their true flagship camera. That's just my opinion on Canon, but a person still can't go wrong with Canon. Really enjoy videos and I plan in the future to do one of your workshops.

No reason to switch but I sure am looking forward to the OG osprey video! 🍻

I agree with Mark.❤👍

When I have seen the development of the 800mm pf I decided to stay with Nikon I know they have been behind but they have the most appealing and interesting lenses from all of them

Very curious to hear what the Nikon can't do. Seen the video from Tony and he made a love letter to Nikon about the things Nikon has done right. Very nice to see that. I guess all systems have their pros and cons.

Just a great to the point video. I loved the comment "they won't make you a better photographer", spoken for the truth. I'm a Sony shooter and while I can afford the A1, it feels gluttonous to me because for my photography I'm still getting great images from my A7R3. Good stuff Mark, thanks!

Looking forward to your full review. Very interested in how it stacks up against the A1

Thanks for the input

Can't wait for your review, thanks in advance

I got my Z9 last week and have shot a few sporting events (did I mention that I'm a sports photographer?). I was using a D5 (and still am) but the Z9 brings some dimensions that help, but it's not without a bit of a learning curve. After shooting a couple of NCAA basketball games I've pretty will adapted to the feel and action of the camera. The 20 FPS comes in handy at times (although after shooting sports for many years I often shoot certain sports in single frame mode). Also, the focus tracking is really good! One thing I'm not crazy about are the Z9 timeouts. When a timeout executes the camera goes to sleep and it takes about 2 seconds to wake up - that 2 seconds is an eternity in sports. I have my Standby Timer set to 10 minutes (was 1 minute and that was a problem), and my Picture Review set for 10 seconds. The Picture review can be a problem if you let it timeout because the camera goes to sleep and the next time I pull the camera up to start shooting you have to wait 2 seconds - bummer. So I've started to condition myself not to let the Picture Review timeout. You can set these timeouts to NO LIMIT but then the camera eats the battery that much faster. Having groused about the timeouts, I have to say once you are used to their behavior it's not a big problem and other features like 20/30/120 FPS and the tracking focus (people, animals, cars) work really well. I was surprised at how well the focus tracking is and if you shoot motion, you'll quickly fall in love with it. Should you buy one? If you have a spare $5500 lying around - sure! If you shoot motion - definitely! Otherwise you can probably do without it.

After having read reviews on the Z9 which have stated that the Z9 only has a electronic shutter which is barely audible, I will continue using my Nikon F2 film SLR which was launched way back in 1971; I love it for it’s very loud sound of the mechanical shutter curtains opening and closing, and the unmistakable clunking sound of the mirror, these sounds confirm when a exposure is made

cant wait for your comparisson video on the sony a1 and nikon Z9.

The 400mm 2.8 with 1.4 TC, the 500mm pf, the upcoming 800mm pf, the 120-300mm 2.8, all paired with the awesome Z9 - Nikon is returning to being kings of wildlife photography.

Question for the upcoming video. I had 2x Nikon D500s each with over 1.3M shutter clicks on them both started to develop issues so I moved to the Z9. Have you shot in the DX mode on the Z9 and if so your opinions of it for zoo/wildlife? or do you only use it in FF mode. I have been using the DX mode and fined it amazing myself. What I most love about rhe DX mode is what you see in the full frame is what it saves unlike a D850 where you have a box around the center of the frame and what is in that box is saved. So I can concentrate more on composition and behaviors of the animals vs making sure my image is in the center of the frame and won;t be cut off. Nikon really got the Z9 right in DX mode.

Thanks for doing all the testing for us. One major issue with the Z9 is related to artificial light (which I don't think you care too much about since you're doing wildlife), but I often shoot under LED lighting and so I need a mechanical shutter or at least a way to address the banding issue (Canon and Sony have a hi-frequency-flicker mode), and ideally both. The Z9 is lacking both.

Hi Mark, I am hobbyist photographer and retired. I can't justify the price for these flagship cameras. So I am waiting to see if Nikon (I am Nikon user) will introduce a mid-range camera with better AF. Hopefully they will trickle down some of the Z9 technologies into an more affordable camera. Looking forward to your next video.

Hi Mark! I have a very specific question. I feel like the sony 200-600 lens is the best purchase right now for my needs. Now I am looking for a body to go with it. I could go with a a6400 or a6600 but I am attracted to the full frame options. However I would prefer higher Megapixel body so I can shoot in cropped mode too. A7r2,r3,r4 are some of the options I am looking at. looking at some of your thought about this

Hi Mark. I have a quick question: does dust on a mirrorless camera’s sensor affect an image’s sharpness? I ask this because unlike DSLRs, mirrorless cameras focus with their primary sensors, not a sensor dedicated to autofocus. Thank you so much! Take care.

Would you do another video using Z9 + 500pf +1.4 extender to evaluate the performance of the 1.4 extender please?

Please discuss on a future vid the differences in image quality & AF you noticing when you use zoom lens on the various mirrorless bodies. Thank you.

Everyone should remember that Mark did not use native Z glass for the comparison. On my Z9 it makes quite a difference. I understand that right at the moment there is not a 500mm native lens to use but there is the 100-400 which is sharp as a tack and fast focusing. Not sure it would change his mind and I would never try to but maybe it could explain some speed differences. I am sure he would prefer the A1 due to weight if nothing else the Z9 is very heavy. Looking forward to more review info.

I'd be interested in what you think are the head-to-head strength and weakness of the Sony Alpha 1 and the Nikon Z9. Have an A1 but also I'm able to test out an Z9. The Canon R3 for me is a few to few megapixels even thought the R5 was a very nice camera. Thanks for sharing your comments.

Very honest opinions and suggestions

Really appreciate what you do and waiting on your Z9 review - Mark I am about to purchase the 500 pf f5.6, what do you think, is it a good lens ?? I have an 80-400mm at present but cant find any comparisons.

Hello Mark, can you use the joystick button as an auto focus selector as used to do with the D500? I use my AF button for group / dynamic and the joystick for single point. I lost that with the Z6.

I’m wanting a Z9 100% but am waiting a bit I believe. I also want a Sony a7iv to use along with my a7siii. The 12mp and 33mp are good for not smashing my hd space . I have a d850 and it can munch some space fast . I also have the d500 and d810 . The 500 is nice for saving space but the d850 files are so nice . I am really digging that images and video you put up with the Z9. The colors and detail was amazing. I am also liking the Sony also so the two formats are going to be working for me hand in hand . Love what your do and appreciate all your hard work. Thanks man

This is amazing camera i have already

Hi Mark, I haven't made the jump to mirrorless yet, I currently use Nikon D850/D500 with my 500mm F4 being my best lens and heaviest!!! I would like to know your thoughts on using the FTZ adaptor with the 500mm PF lens, especially your thoughts on AF speed as due to costing I could be tempted to keep most of my Nikon glass rather than switch to Sony. I would like to reduce the overall weight of my Nikon kit, hence the 500mm PF question. I was really impressed when I held a Sony A1 and Sony 600mm F4 lens by the weight (not cost) compared to my current Nikon D850/500mm F4.

Sounds like I made a good choice with A1

Spoken like a true friend offering balanced, wide-ranging experience. I am not in the market for such a pricey beast. But i do hope the Z9 gives us a sense for what a future Z6iii might be able to do. And maybe will get a firmware perk in the meantime.

When did BIF become the only photography genre! Have we all gone mad. I love FUJI ha ha!

Wonderful work, Mark. I was wondering what post-processing program(s) do you use, most frequently? BTW, I was fortunate to have bought the Z9, a month ago. Cheers!

Absolutely bang on IF you are a Nikon user. I was using a Z6 and loved it but I knew it’s limitations. I mainly used my D5 and D850 for all my images and wanted a mirrorless version of the best parts of both of those cameras and almost switched to Canon but luckily the Z9 was announced and I placed an order on the day of release which meant I could keep all my expensive fast aperture telephotos. So far I’m loving the Z9 and cannot wait give it some serious use.

That`s right!

Mark, I'd be interested to know if you ever wanted to move out of the 3D autofocus mode into any other mode and if so, why?

I will look forward to the next video on where the Z9 falls short when compared to the A1. I am still trying to decide where to go next from the R5 as I am not happy with the Canon lens situation. But, I do have a question in the meantime, was the Z9's AF slow or good enough since the 500mm PF is not native on the Z mount?

The best thing about Mark is his honesty....none of this you must buy this because. Also the love for what he does. I would say each camera has its plus and minus and each system is only going to get better.Among my friends we shoot nikon,canon and sony and all of us are a bit jealous of something each system has.The next gen of cameras will all be amazing thanks to Sony and now Canon which has got Nikon moving and i hope theres a place for all three.

How much additional money does it take to get the Z9 up and running? Does it require special memory cards or and special memory card readers? In relation to how something like the D500 has it's own card which requires it's own special 100 dollar card reader. How is the battery life compared to the A1? Does the Z9 require any special programs or downloads to work with the images and or videos? On the not so serious side, I have had other photographers ask me to take photographs of them (in YS) holding their big glass while they pose? Would a photographer look cooler holding the Z9 or the A1?

Unrelated but I like your lighting settings in this video !

I've been a novice photographer now for twenty years I went from film to D700 to a D850 I have invested a small fortune in good f mount glass. I've been eyeballing nikons moves and in order to hedge my bets I purchased a second new D850 and stashed it. I can't see moving to a Z9 as a hobbyist, a professional however would have good reason to make the jump. I dont see nikon selling very many I can guarantee it won't outsell the D850. Unless and until nikon puts a medium format camera in the hundred megapixel department within my financial reach they won't be seeing any more of my money. I have an amazing setup and I'm not shaking things up for just any camera.

hi mark I really appreciate your videos . I been recently in costa rica . finding myself , first time in my life confronted with bird photography . As much as I enjoyed the birds photographing , as much on the other hand I found all things to slow , on my d800 . frame-rate to slow . autofocus to slow . do you think a z9 would radically improve ? thanks in advance .franz.

i'll wait...maybe a Z8 might come along.

Mark, please test the Z9 also with your older 500 F4 G Lens. This would be quite interesting.

So the conclusion I took from this video that the only reason to buy z9 is if you already have the lenses. But if you starting from scratch, then a1 can do what z9 do plus more

Really hoping to replace the Z7ii with this for some nice BiF hand held video slow motion, photo and aviation/racing video. Goodness.

I know you said the r5 autofocus would get confused when photographing birds on the water line. How has the z9 done in that regard? I’m on the fence between the a1 and the z9.

And if you guys already have R6 no need to buy Z9 too. Just want it to throw it out there lol. Good video Mark. I think you’re right about not missing anything if shooting already with r5 and A1 I hope you’re not looking down on the R6.

By Nikon after 30 years and every body made. Switched to Sony 4 years ago, love my a1

The thought process is spot on for decision making. It was agreeable to watch; you have my vote.

What do you think about Nikon z9 auto-focus capabilities compare to Sony A1 ? Thanks for your videos!

Thanks for the info on the Z9. Looking forward to the details. Hope you include your thoughts on the 500pf as well.

Hey Mark......can one use their old nikon lens's with the new Z9?

Really enjoyed this video! 😄

Mark the question I have here is if someone is a Nikon shooter with the digital SLR do they have to switch lenses when they're going to go mirrorless .

Hey Mark! How would the Z9 compare to, say, the A9?

Mark, my recommendation for that what you are doing and the glass you own: keep the a1. - Why? Well: The Z9 is an awesome camera and if it comes to filming, the ProRes which can be recorded directly to the CFexpress cards in body is a dream, no external recorder needed. But the subject detection, specially bird eye AF is by far better on the a1. I did extensive tests myself. Where the a1 sticks immediately to the eye even on small birds sitting in bushes, partially covered by branches, the Z9 does not find the bird. Same problem on water surface, sun (in my back) reflections in the ripples of the waves are completely distracting the subject detection. The 4D technology, part of Sony’s AF technology, also does a better job if subjects moving towards you, e.g. fast running dogs. Me, laying down on the ground for getting eye level images, the dog running straight towards its master (standing behind me), a1 delivers 100% picks, eyes tack sharp with the version 1 of the 70-200 2.8 GM. The Z9 in same situation only 50%, even if the EVF shows that little square sticking exactly to the eye, lens: AF-S 70-200 2.8E FL ED VR on FTZ-2. Both cameras shot 20 fps lossless compressed. You, filming water diving Ospreys, keeping the a1 is kinda mandatory. A1 also offers pixel shift multishot, the Z9 not. Concerning focus stacking, it’s the opposite. - Why I sold all Sony gear and go with the Z9? I’m not specialised like you and do also a lot of other stuff such as photo journalism, often on camera flash bouncing off walls is used and for that shot on ISO 1600 to 6400. Flash at those ISO values using a Sony ends up in the ugliest pictures ever, because of shadows are getting a brown-red tint, emphasising each skin imperfection, making the people looking 20 years older. No such problems using Nikon.

I'm still using Nikon D3s haha I should upgrade

Thanks Mark. Looking forward to the next video with more of your detailed thoughts. I shoot birds in flight with the Nikon D500 and 200-500 lens. It’s been good for me for a couple years now. The Z9 looks like a big step up with eye focus and tracking. And a bit faster frame rate than the D500. Question: If I go for the Z9, what do you think about getting all new Z-mount lenses, vs continuing with my current F-mount lenses and using the adapter II? Maybe the 500pf in the Z-mount? Or another Z-mount zoom?

I'm in the market for this camera, but I'm waiting until I have a good business reason for purchasing it.

Just got the Z9 and am very happy so far. My question is which of the D850 and D500 should I keep and which to sell?

Thanks Mark! Another opinion for using all 3 top mirrorless cameras, flagging that all are great and there’s little to choose between them. Fanboys please note that good competition makes better cameras for all of us...(stop criticising other brands!)

You'd shoot Nikon Z to take advantage of Z lenses. 📷😃👍

Great stuff as always, Mark. Question: Is it possible, as some have suggested, that the autofocus keeper rate (for most situations) is similar with the Z9 and Sony A1, despite the AF box e.g. spending more time on the eye for the Sony? That is, even though the A1 autofocus "appears" better due to box stickiness, the actual autofocus performs similarly?

I feel like as time goes on consumers are putting less and less weight into brand ambassadors. Some of them may be excellent photographers but channels like yours that don't have any affiliation and the fact that you're, well, just a straight up guy who would feel terrible misleading someone adds up to a real win for consumers.

Are you going to test new om-1 camera?

Gee in South Africa we are lucky if we see one Osprey once every 15 years but we have other superb Raptors

The Z9 will only get better, I think it just lacks lenses with motors capable of the fps needed for super accurate focus, yes you can use fmount lenses but will not have the same performance as say the new 400 2.8 Z.

Mark, do you think the Z9 is worth considering for those that are primarily interested in video? Is it that much better than the A1?

From Nikon to Sony and back to Nikon again? Boy it's hard to keep up!

Yes as fast as posble

I’m looking at a d850 in excellent condition for 1500 bucks. Talk me out of it, lol….( have the Holy trinity of Nikon lenses)

If you've got a big disposable income why not, just wait for native glass, so maybe two years waiting.

but du to the shortage... no one could

If you can afford it, yes.

Sony sponsors you. The Z9 can do a lot of things the Sony a1 and canons can’t do.

Staying with tha Alpha One. I love, absolutely love the ergonomics of Nikon cameras and this was a concern when I got my a7r IV & A9 II. I sold those 2 bodies since the menu’s were different than the A1 but once I received the A1 I’ve never looked back. I love the fact that you can keep the Alpha one smaller and add the grip if needed. To me the A1 will exceed all of my photography needs for quite some time. Their lenses are awesome as well. I love all their fast primes like the 24, 35, 50, plus I got the version II OF THE 70-200 mm, 100-400mm and 200-600 and the 1.4 teleconverter. On my wish list is a 24-70mm version II and maybe a 85mm f1.2 prime like my 50mm f1.2. Staying with my Sony gear for life at age 64.

Mark, just curious. If you hadn't switched to Sony, had tested some of their gear but we're still shooting your D850, do you think the Z9 would keep you shooting Nikon?

The best channel

So is there anything that the z9 would be better at than the A1 like what DPreview has presented? Also, I have noticed that your A1 shots do not have the punch in terms of color than the your Nikon and Canon shots?

I bought the Z9, and what I saved from not buying the A1 paid for my 50mm 1.2. I win.

There's more things that one has to consider, like second hand value/ depreciation, then it is ease of use/ friendly menus and fast navigation therein, then it's support, pro services and repairs, then it is "trust ability" or how much can you rely upon the system to perform flawlessly In all weather conditions and by that I don't mean just overheating , I mean failures like shutter box, etc. If you take these considerations into account then it becomes very obvious that the Z9 smokes the A1 hands down, any day of the week!

Please please don't take this the wrong way. I enjoy people's knowledge and experiences. But after only 2 days of shooting an particular camera there is no way that you could have put it through its pieces. Did you shoot it in cold wet rain and snow? Have you shot it in every lighting condition? Now maybe a first impression review yes. This is just my opinion