Nikon Z9 - the DSLR is Dead!

A hands-on and detailed review of the Nikon Z9 camera, demonstrating how its capabilities remove any advantage of DSLR cameras.
This is part one of two.

RELATED VIDEOS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Sample Images
01:17 - Design and Controls
02:06 - Settings
02:35 - Shutterless?
03:00 - Viewfinder
03:15 - DSLR is DEAD
04:25 - LCD
05:18 - CF Express Type B
05:50 - Flagship Weather Sealing
06:16 - Image Configuration
06:54 - Exposure Settings
08:57 - ISO with samples
10:11 - Metering and Histogram
11:04 - Zebra
11:32 - Dynamic Range & HDR
12:26 - Elephant (Electronic Shutter)
12:53 - Focus
15:03 - Manual Focus
16:59 - Focus speed demo
17:48 - White Balanca
19:02 - Colour Profiles (Picture Controls)
19:59 - Custom memory bank

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AFFILIATE LINKS
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Nikon Canada has requested I not provide non-Canadian links.

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FLICKR
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The images used in the video, (including EXIF) are available on flickr

ABOUT ME
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DISCLOSURE
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The Nikon Z9 and lens were on loan from Nikon Canada, and returned after the review.

I am not sponsored or compensated by any manufacturer, I have not accepted payment to review this or any product. Nikon Canada did not review the script or video prior to posting.

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[CrucibleMediaLabs]

I've already used my Z9 for two full days of shooting on jobs and I can say with absolute confidence that there is no reason for me to ever want a D6 or any other Nikon DSLR in the future. There's not a single thing about it that isn't absolutely stellar in form and function, far surpassing any camera I've ever used before. It's a paradigm shift.

[heritageimaging]

Even just reading the preamble still leads me to believe you're still the most honest camera reviewer on the internet. Not a camera for me though.

[clarknj]

Just found your channel and really enjoy it. Have. A lot to learn on my new Z9 and will be rewatching a few times as well as part 2.

Keep up nice work!!

[TexasPelican]

Not a Nikon shooter but I was blown away by the Z9 when it was introduced. I think it's going to be a real game-changer, like the Canon 5D or the first Leica or the Nikon F. I've heard there is a waiting list of a year to obtain one, and I'm not surprised. It's that revolutionary. Not evolutionary, but REvolutionary. However, as for me, well...I'm toddling off to shoot with my Sony A9...we're creaking along just fine, thank you very much. :)

[jeffselfphotography]

I’m loving mine. It’s a game changer for indoor sports. I can’t wait to learn the ins and outs of this camera.

[maze]

Nobody does it better than you Maarten! I particularly loved the opening, "this camera has features far beyond my needs or expertness"

[ianmackenzie]

Thank you for all the effort that went into making this video. It is appreciated.

[mattsmith]

Fantastic and thoughtful review as I ponder how far back I am in the waiting list for the Z9. Not sure how I hadn’t stumbled across your channel before, but I’m a subscriber now! Appreciate the detail you put into this.

[michealhall]

I've had one since late December and a second since late January. I've sold my D850 and have had no reason to pick up my D5s.

It's quite an incredible camera.

Some rough edges that I expect to be smoothed out in firmware, but overall extremely impressive!

And the Z series lenses are great!

[CallMeChato]

People have a very hard time separating reality from the needs of a YouTuber to engage in a touch of hyperbole. Exciting camera. Hope it’s a success for Nikon. Would hate to lose them.

[tomaszstramel]

The only advantage of an OVF over the EVF remains the same: the ability to look through it without having to power on the camera and getting the sensor to work. While not an issue in a majority of cases, when you're waiting for birds or other wildlife in a hide for long hours, scanning the area, not having to deplete the battery (which is the case when looking through the EVF) is definitely a plus. True, you could use a pair of binoculars for that but that's another piece of gear that has to be factored in then. Also, it's early days but my hunch is that having a screen beaming right into your pupil from an inch away for an extended time can't be beneficial for your eyesight.

[IanAtkinsCinema]

Excellent review and very excited for Part 2 and I shoot 75% film with my Z9. I've had and used mine for two weeks now and am very impressed. I really hope Nikon adds backup/relay card ability for video mode in a firmware update. I would also like to see the shooting banks retain their custom settings after an on/off cycle rather than keeping whatever modifications I may have made during a particular shoot. One reason I liked your "copy" idea in the interim. I would also like to see the AF button work in manual focus mode. All relatively small quibbles, all things considered.

[alnoormeralli]

Great review of the capabilities of the Z9, Maarten. I received mine a couple of weeks ago. I've always preferred the integrated vertical grip as a fashion and beauty photographer. For studio work, I plan on keeping my D850 for the optical viewfinder since what you see is not what you get anyway, that while using the Z9 for video. For events, the silent shutter is fantastic. For lifestyle, the focus system for moving subjects will be invaluable.

[professorarmando]

it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood! Nice review, ludic and informative!

[EdwardKilner]

More detailed look at the menu items than is available elsewhere. Quite interesting. Likely my only view of the menu of this fine camera.

[ABPhotography]

Just checked my D850 an my D780....both are alive and well!

[johnspijkers]

I got mine a week ago. It is so much better then the Z6 or Z7. I now own a Z9 with a couple of Z lenses and a Fuji GFX 100s and a couple of GF lenses. I've got everything covered from high resolution studio work to fast moving action. Couldn't be happier.

[dillcarver]

That's a hell of a tool! Great to see camera capabilities features and specifications being pushed forward again. A Pro camera and no mistake. I'm a bit worried about the death of the mechanical shutter. A bit like going from a mechanical watch movement to a quartz battery unit. With shutterless high frame rate and image quality it seems a bit like a video camera where you could just take everything in a reel and pick the 'still' of your fancy from the frame that you like. No need to capture the moment, film the session and extract the moment.
I hefted a D5 and big heavy lenses around... then last year I picked up a Fujifilm E-X4 with a pocket full of tiny primes, and I've been liberated. happier as a photographer than I have been since I ditched my Olympus OM1n SLR for a Canon 1D DSLR in 2003. Getting out and about with the small and light gear of a necklace camera so much more than lugging a camera that needs wheels and a 'two man lift' case of lenses. Just me and my needs. Well done Nikon for an awesome, amazing pro camera. I'm looking forward to never using it.

[jtes]

Nice overview of the Z9. I like how quick the image appears after the shot. It's quite impressive how fast it is.

[dominiclester]

NB: “focus rotation range” f9 let’s you choose a focus throw up to 720 decrees if you want a fixed (linear) focus adjustment ring!