Nikon Z9 - Notes After 1 Year
Image Credit: Nikon / Background Photos: Andrew Jennings
Last year I upgraded my camera equipment from the Canon EF system to the newer, mirrorless Nikon Z system, specifically the Z9. Change is hard, and moving from something that I knew well to a different sensor, different controls/ergonomics, and different lenses has been an interesting learning curve. Read more to see what has stood out in the 12 months since making that switch.
Before continuing, please be sure to read my post on why I made this change: Switching to Nikon
While I do have a lot to say about the lenses, this post will focus on the Nikon Z9 camera body. Externally, things are fairly similar between the Nikon Z9 and my previous Canon 1DX. Both are full frame, full-size bodies with integrated battery grips. In the hand, the Canon feels a little bit better - the grip for the right side is contoured in a way that fits my hand more nicely than the Nikon. However, the Canon is also about 200 grams heavier, and this is a noticeable difference depending on the lens that is attached.
Now, what about the elephant in the room? Of course I mean the EVF, or electronic viewfinder. Moving to a mirrorless system means that there is no longer a pentaprism to reflect the image the camera sees, but instead a digital screen in the eyepiece. This is something that I still don’t love about the Nikon Z9 even after a full year of use. I definitely miss the feeling of seeing the clarity of the world directly through the viewfinder. However, this is a small tradeoff, given that it comes with few major benefits.
Lake Toya, Hokkaido, Japan
The first are the autofocus points. With the Nikon Z9 the shooter is not limited to a diamond shaped pattern across the frame. I can freely move the autofocus point to anywhere that I choose within the composition, and this has been a whole new breath of freedom. So often I would shoot with the 1DX, wishing that I could get just a little bit farther into the corner with the autofocus point. Now the only limitation is how fast I can actually adjust the focus point across the frame. With so many options for the choice of point, it takes a lot longer to move from the top right to the bottom left.
The second advantage of the EVF is the lack of a blackout. This also took some getting used to. I would click the shutter and… nothing happened. Did it actually take a picture? Without the flip-flip of the viewfinder going black, and then reopening again, my brain didn’t register that something had occurred within the camera. Soon though you do notice that there are blinking lines along the sides of the viewfinder, which flash whenever a photo is taken, giving a new visual cue in lieu of the blackout. Now, shooting with the Z9, I no longer have to keep my left eye open to follow a scene as my right eye is looking through the camera. I can simply point and shoot, tracking my subject all the way as I get the desired images. I can only imagine how awesome this will be for future motorsports activities.
Third in this theme is the silent shooting. Without a mirror to slap up and down, or even a mechanical shutter inside the camera, the Z9 is completely and totally silent. This was one of my top reasons for switching from the Canon. My style has always been to act as a fly on the wall, capturing photos without disrupting what is going on around me. Having a camera that is stealth like this, even one as big as a Z9, is incredible to ensure that my subjects are not alerted to my shots, and I do not interrupt those around me. This came in very handy at many of the historic temples around Tokyo throughout last summer, to photograph without being a nuisance in public. Get in, get the shots I wanted, and get out.
Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul, South Korea
The photograph above was taken on a historic street in Seoul, South Korea. Attendants stood at each corner of the street with signs, indicating that visitors must not be loud in the area or disturb residents. For a mirrorless camera that is absolutely silent, not a problem!
Moving on, let’s talk about the LCD display on the back. Unlike most other cameras, Nikon chose to use a series of double hinges to angle the screen. You don’t have to angle the screen out to the side, and then flip it all the way around to actually use it. Just grab a corner and tug it up or down to engage. I don’t shoot from the hip much, but I am a big fan of shooting from up high looking down to get over a crowd. With my Canon and its non-adjustable screen, this was a trial and error activity of lifting, aiming, checking, and trying all over again. Now, with the Z9, I can flip out the screen and maintain a perfect composition while holding my camera up steadily.
Torigoe Matsuri, Tokyo, Japan
This image from the Torigoe Matsuri in Tokyo last Summer is a prime example. The crowd was completely jam packed, even on the sidewalks lining the streets for the parade. Without the Z9’s articulating screen, this shot would have been totally impossible.
The other aspect of that image is the level of detail, even at night. The Nikon Z9 seems to retain a lot more detail when shooting in low light than the Canon 1DX did. This is natural, as cameras are constantly evolving to have sensors that resolve light better. The interesting part is that, when I look very closely at the Z9’s images, I would say they have more noise or grain to them. Meaning, although there is more detail, there’s also more texture when changing the ISO. Something to be mindful of.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
While these aspects of the camera have been different and striking, there are smaller things that I appreciate as well. The battery still lasts for an incredibly long time, since it is a full-size body with an integrated grip. The memory cards hold a lot more files, giving me even less to worry about when out shooting. I’ve barely touched the supplied charging brick, since the Z9 is capable of being charged by USB-C, same as an iPhone. All great aspects that add to the ownership experience.
In short, my Z9 purchase was definitely the right one. The Canon system served me well for over a decade, and I am excited to bring the Z9 on all of the adventures that life will bring for the next decade to come. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for more commentary like this in the future to talk about the new Nikon lenses.
Posted on March 3, 2025 - Gear, Canon, Nikon