New Horizons: How the Nikon Z9 is Reinventing Photography.

When Nikon released the flagship camera, the meticulously crafted Z9, it pushed beyond the standards. In this Nikon review, we explore the highs and downs, and actionable tips. 

The Nikon Z9 at a glance.

With the retail price of around £5,000, the Nikon Z9 is a serious investment. And the features you get justify its price. It has a 45.7 MP sensor and 8K video capabilities, and an impressive autofocus system. Let’s break it down to see what is truly revolutionary about it.

The sensor and the image quality

Nikon Z9 45.7 MP stacked CMOS sensor and Expeed 7 processor provide a stunning amount of detail. It is powerful enough to shoot 20 fps at full resolution. If you are willing to reduce the resolution, it is capable of more than 20 fps.

We love the exceptional colour reproduction and the dynamic range. 

Colours feel natural, vibrant, and nuanced. This is hard to achieve, and the Nikon Z9 did it well. In post production you can recover highlights and shadows without worrying about noise. 

What should be upgraded?

The large RAW files, up to 55 MB (lossless compression), can slow you down if you are using an old computer. Of course, it is recommended to use high end storage, but not everyone can afford it. 

If you are worried about storage, you should consider CFExpress memory cards. They are fast and take advantage of the camera’s full potential.

The high precision autofocus.

This is one of the parts where the Nikon Z9 stands out from its predecessors. Its 493 point phase detection autofocus system makes it reliable for fast-moving subjects. It can recognise eyes, faces, and animals. Also, with the Z9, Nikon introduces their first electronic shutter.

In low light environments, when the subject lacks contrast, the Z9 struggles. This is an old issue for Nikon cameras, which is not completely resolved. To avoid any issues, switch to manual focus in low light conditions.

8K video capabilities.

The quality of 8K 60fps video opens a new world of possibilities. The Z9 is an absolute powerhouse; it can record in 8K at 30fps or 4K at 120fps for more than two hours. But the video file size is limited to 125 minutes and 32GB.

The downside of recording at 8K is the significant heat generated. Nikon improved this aspect, but you still need to be careful about it during long shots.

If you do not need 8K, consider using 4K; it will ease the storage and editing demands. Also, pack some extra batteries, as 8K recording is highly demanding on battery life.

The Nikon Z9 is built like a tank.

The Z9 feels solid, and it can withstand harsh weather conditions. The controls are customisable, allowing you to set it up in a way that suits you better.

Its weight of 1.34 kg does not make the Nikon Z9 light at all; it is not a deal breaker, but you should consider it if you are shooting outdoors all day long.

Consider pairing it with a high quality strap designed for heavy cameras and lightweight lenses.

Is the Nikon Z9 worth the price?

As with all cameras, the Nikon Z9 is not flawless, but it has exceeded expectations and is worth every penny. It reflects premium capabilities for serious photographers and videographers. The Z9 might be the best partner that helps you take your photography to a new level.

If you want to compare the Nikon Z9 with the other brands, please check our other article about the  Best Mirrorless cameras.
For more specifications from Nikon, you can visit its official Nikon website.