Nikon Z9 vs Sony a1 / Canon R5: Landscapes & Travel Camera Review

The canon R5, Sony a1, and Nikon Z9 are all great cameras, but which one has the best features and usability for landscape and travel photography?
Chelsea and Tony Northrup take the three cameras on the road and travel to Maine’s Acadia national park to test each camera's features, usability, portability, useful features, and more.

KEH has the R5 and A1 for less!

[TLTPhotography]

Waited patiently for the past couple covid years to see what each company would come out with. Was totally set on the R5 until Nikon just blew the doors off with the Z9. I’ve got a D850 and some glass so happy I will be staying with Nikon (8k/60fps and rival autofocus = worth the weight … and wait :)

[MichaelRockfez]

You two really need to do a full-on review of camera connectivity apps for all brands.

[AykutArgun]

As a landscape/astro photographer I think it is best to use f4 lenses. So for me a Nikon z6 shooter that is 14-30 f4 and 24-120 f4. I personally don't ever need higher reach. Then another 2 primes for astro 20mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.8. The setup is always light and super useful.

[rudyviereckl]

Great real world review. What I appreciate about the R5 is the fact that it’s well laid out, feels good in my hands, and I know I can count on it to just not get in my way when I’m trying something new. Keep up the good work.

[duncanwallace]

For just landscape and travel, I think the original Z7 would be good (for the Nikon option), because its WAY lighter than the Z9 and you could probably get one from KEH for a fraction of the cost now that the Z72 is out. Its also the same resolution so no image quality loss.

[lbiggs]

I appreciate you all taking the time out to do this. That’s why I subscribe. And we were able to see the park. Keep up the good work.

[jimtipton]

They are all great cameras. Pick one. Be happy!

[iandavidbrown]

I have used all 3 and as you say, none are bad cameras and all get the job done. For me versatility is vital so I bought the a1, as I am a Bird and Wildlife shooter so the 30fps and stacked sensor is essential but also the lens options are huge. So it fits any budget from a £100 lens to a 12k g master. Thanks for a great genuine review. Ian (UK)

[RobertsonDMcI]

Really fine production -- great results for all the effort you guys put into it.🎬

[ffstopP]

Great review. Thanks. I'm looking forward to your further reviews.

[ytr]

Good to see your still using camera gear, while Tony’s switching to his smartphone.

[monstrok]

Thanks for the comparison coverage! Sticking with the R5 here for the usability (menu, buttons), image quality and the super versatile flip screen.

[chcomes]

Personally I use a mix of Sony and MFT. It would have been interesting to see with putting into the comparison the current (gh6-om1) crop of HHHR options.
The Sony with the Tamrons is so much lighter and cheaper- especially for landscape i would not go to the a1, a73r is fine.

[rebeccamoore]

For my run and gun travel kit (sometimes on a motorcycle where space is at a premium) I have the Sony a6600 paired with the Tamron 17-70 & Sony 70-350. Additionally it fits nicely in a Tenba 9 slim backpack insert. Really compact but with fabulous options for pictures.

[davidmccammon]

This is helpful, I’ve been trying to figure out what mirrorless system to buy into

[marcsilver]

Really enjoyed this comparison—concise, informative and engaging.

[CKramburglar]

Sony would also have the benefit of lenses like the Tamron 35-150. Pair it with the new PZ 16-35 and you can get away with 2 lenses instead of 3 for landscape. Saves a lot of room, weight, and money

[fotoinstruct]

There are several other things that sold me on the Canon. Most importantly, they still do all of their repairs in house, and quickly. I also loved the idea that I can buy older L EF mount lenses that work seamlessly on the R bodies. That lens library is massive. I have found the same issues when trying to connect via Wi-Fi. I have found that if I get away from other devices, the connecting seems to work with fewer tries.

[rickpinelli]

You will have to go back to Arcadia after you upgrade the Z9 firmware. The Nikon color space looked better to me than the other two brands. As far as weight, the Z9 has a large battery that will give you an entire day of use, which also gives you the extended grip. Z9 for me!

[caedgewo]

I have the A1. Shoot sports, but I agree I would choose the Canon. Like the body / controls on the Canon's better. I have had the 1DX and 1DXmkII before. Cheaper, all around great camera. Enjoy.