Big test
ON THE MENU Custom controls enable plenty of individual fine-tuning – and that includes the shooting menu bank
IN SYNC Shot with an SB-900 speedlight with the Z 9 in auto FP mode, flash sync up to 1/8000sec with the Z 9’s electronic shutter is possible
I spent a day shooting a family event, keeping the Z 9 on, and in my right hand, ready to shoot. With the Nikon 24-120mm f/4 on the front and a SB-900 speedlight on top, at the end of day my wrist ached and there was a blister on my middle finger. I enjoyed using the Z 9 so much, I didn’t notice any fatigue or pain at the time. In the fortnight I had the Z 9, I got many impressive pictures. Especially with nature shots, I don’t think I achieved the perfect set-up because there are so many options, and I’d need more experience. Nevertheless, the Z 9 performed wonderfully. WC
person to focus on. In one example, my subject was looking into the camera lens, but the AF point latched onto someone just behind. Push the button to bring up the options to adjust AF settings while your eye is up to the EVF, so you can quickly change modes. I thought the Z 9 did very well with birds in flight once the camera locked on, but getting it to that stage was not always straightforward. On a couple of occasions, I had a bird in the middle of the frame and the AF system went for the distant trees. Perhaps a white, sunlit gull was not enough for the AF to latch on to.
GOOD ON THE EYE Face and eye detect AF skills rate highly in accuracy, responsiveness and tenacity
Final word
Verdict The Nikon Z 9 is an awesome camera in so many ways, and it has brought the brand up to the levels of its rivals, notably in the areas of autofocusing, continuous shooting and video. It’s great value, too. 24 /25 FEATURES Few would quibble with the Z 9’s feature set in respect to its target user 24 /25 HANDLING It’s big and heavy, but build quality, control layout and ergonomics are first rate 24 /25 PERFORMANCE The Z 9 delivers excellent high ISO images, impressive AF and rapid continuous shooting
24 /25 VALUE FOR MONEY
It’s a £5K-plus camera, but is outstanding value for its amazing skill set
96 /100 OVERALL
PIERWATCH Consistent exposure and white-balance performance are notable characteristics of the Z 9
Its size (and cost!) mean the Z 9 is not a camera for the people, but it is a flagship that competes strongly with rivals – and it’s Nikon’s best mirrorless to date
THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO MAKE GOOD USE
PROS Image quality, AF, continuous shooting skills, great handling, consistent exposure, ISO performance, build, battery life, good EVF, shutter shield, dual card slots and flash sync CONS Big, no trick features such as high-res shot and focus stacking
Where will your kit go next? Inspire others, earn some extra cash and make a difference. Sell your used kit and let someone else love it as much as you have. Make good use of your used gear. Sell yours today at mpb.com/sell
30 Photography News | Issue 97
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