Pro Moviemaker May 2022 - Web

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NIKONZ 9

“What Nikon has here is a superfast, incredibly capable imagingmachine for all levels”

denoising, and it isn’t great for pulling up shadow details. Perhaps best of all for some filmers is that the camera records internally in 10-bit ProRes HQ, and a promised firmware upgrade will unlock 8K/60p 12-bit ProRes Raw and 12-bit Nikon Raw. ProRes HQ is an industry-standard codec, but file sizes are pretty large. You’ll have to invest in media cards and hard drives, but get an edit-ready, detailed codec packed with colours. For faster, smaller to ingest files, there are plenty of other options. Maybe it’s because Nikon doesn’t have any high-end camcorders or cinema cameras to potentially cannibalise in terms of sales, but the company has no issues with cramming so much high-end codec inside a mirrorless camera. What Nikon has here is a superfast, incredibly capable imaging machine for all levels – fromprofessional photographers to filmmakers, and anyone in-between.

A DAB HAND The large form factor and grip of the Nikon Z 9 make it ideal for handheld shooting

THE VERDICT This is by far the greatest Nikon camera. It’s not only the finest stills camera the company has made, but the best for shooting video. It’s a tool that really does it all – as long as you don’t mind the larger body-style. Nikon has a fast-growing arsenal of native Z mount glass at a range of prices and styles – from exotic and expensive, to everyday and affordable – and it was the quality of these optics that helped the firm become huge in photography. If you own lots of F mount lenses, they can be used on the Z series with an adapter, retaining all autofocus. However, if you want a set of cine lenses, Nikon mounts are hard to find – if not impossible in some cases. Its lack of investment in video tech has seen the company fall off the radar of most filmmakers. But the Z 9 should be the camera to put Nikon back on the map.

HOW IT RATES Features: 9

The kitchen sink and more; amazing video and stills spec Performance: 9 Fast, high-res images, quick frame rates, great AF Handling: 9 If you like a pro DSLR-style body, you will love it Value for money: 9 Pricey, but you get so much; cheaper than a Sony A1 OVERALL RATING: 9/10 If you want a mirrorless body for fast, high-res stills and 8K video, it’s a stunner Pros: Amazing video and stills options, build quality Cons: No 240fps slowmotion, no front tally light

ACTION STATIONS A chunky dial to alter drive settings is great for making changes under pressure

More information

nikon.co.uk

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