The disappointing dynamic range on the Z9 was a big let down for us. We were hoping this camera would be Nikon giving its all video wise. The dynamic range is still usable, and RAW and/or firmware updates may address the dynamic range yet, so we’ll wait to see.
Nikon
1.5 Stops Less Dynamic Range for Nikon Z9 Versus Competitors?
We were waiting for the first tests to come in, and we’re surprised and disappointed by the lab test done by CineD. Their conclusion of 1.5 stops less dynamic range than the competition (Sony, Panasonic) is a let down for those of us waiting to see if the Z9 would be the king of the hybrid cameras. They do give us some hope in mentioning that this lack of dynamic range may fundamentally be an issue with N-Log in its current form that could possibly be fixed via firmware.
Nikon Z9 Video Footage
Lots of video footage in this Nikon Z9 review:
The Nikon Z9 Is a Video Beast
Finally, a mirroless camera with internal ProRes 422 and RAW. And it’s cheaper than Canon and Sony’s competing models. This is now a serious contender for the best hybrid photo and video camera on the market.
The Nikon Z9’s features includes:
- 45MP FF stacked sensor
- New EXPEED main LSI with 8K processing
- 8K 24p and 30p video
- 4k at 120/60/30p
- Significantly improved AF and 3D tracking
- Multi leaf blade protective shutter that auto covers sensor when switched off
- Excellent dynamic range
- Improved UI
- Improved articulated screen that even works in portrait mode
- Third joystick/selector
- 16bit RAW
- 5.8Mp (or 9Mp) OLED EVF (Blackout-free)
- Dual CF-Express (B type) card slots
- USB-C, WiFi, GPS
- Uses Nikon D6 battery and optional EN-EL18x battery
- $5500
- OLPF
- And more!
Unfortunately some of the video features for 8K will be released in early 2022 via a firmware update.
Nikon was falling behind its competition with its mirrorless cameras. Let’s hope this a sign of things to come from this company and that some of the Z9 features will trickle down into subsequent models.
Initial impressions:
Mirrorless Cameras Just Got More Interesting: Nikon Z9
Well, things have certainly gotten more enticing with Nikon Z9 given the leak of the following details:
- 8K60P
- Double coated optical low pass filter
- 120-FPS continuous shooting
- 20FPS RAW with continuous shooting
First Nikon Z9 Footage Emerges
People don’t hold their breathe when it comes to Nikon and video, but the Z9 may break that trend. The teaser video that Nikon uploaded was shot in 8K DCI but delivered in 1080P. Regardless, we can see a very nice image with lots of detail. We will post more footage when we have it.