Steve Spencer wrote:
That is something we can't possibly know. Would Sony sell them the same sensor as their flagship? Maybe, maybe not. Would it save them money? Maybe, but maybe Sony won't sell them it at a price that saves money.
Maybe they have a better option. I like the idea of a global shutter which resolves a number of issues except power consumption.
OwlsEyes wrote:
I think that these are worthy of a "Wow!"
They may not be groundbreaking for an A1 user or those looking at the R3, but for those that prefer the build, form factor, and lenses in the Nikon ecosystem, it appears that this body will meet the needs of those who have decided to wait.
I have never made peace with a $6500 camera purchase, but I think that I will be pre-ordering the Z9 as soon as I can. I will likely have to sell my right nut (I'm 56, probably valued at $15) and some cameras, but I would like to be done with the endless search for "the camera."
I think I can shoot a car w/o a special af. If they are going to this sort of stuff maybe they should make it programming specific. Don’t load bloat that is not needed/wanted.
I think this was the reason there was a prototype mule or two at the Olympics. Have to test that stuff somewhere so why not there. Considering that there are images floating around with no EXIF data I'm assuming we might have already seen something from this camera. Also no user complaints or "this thing costed me a shot" stuff has been leaked yet so I'm assuming it performed well. Jemini wrote:
Very funny
Anyhow I'd still be little nervous about AF tracking. Nikon yet to prove that they can match Sony. If they do, I'll be back to Nikon...
Hope (dream) Nikon will announce Z500 (Z version of D500). that costs less than 3k. I will pre-order the minute it's available.
Here's my wish list
Same size body as D500/850 (Not the tiny Sony body).
Same function buttons including one in the front
20-26mp
Fully articulating screen (I should be able to take ground level pics in portrait mode) like R5
Animal/Bird eye AF in same setting like Canon (In A1 you have to switch between them)
Group/Zone AF that uses most of points (not just center 5 points)
Color same as D4 sensor (May be D5, D6 etc. I have used only D4 and DF).
20 fps
Dual cards - same type please - CFExpress A or SD like A1
Don't need 8K
High res VF and better LCD
$2599
arbitrage wrote:
I don't see anything ground breaking in these specs....just keeping up with the Jones....still it is what will make people happy...more so I'd think than 24MPs in an R3
Not sure where the "3rd joystick" is as it wasn't on the leaked Olympic bodies.
Also are people really not able to focus on cars with current tech? R3 mentions this as a new feature also. I shot F1 since back in 2010 and it was about the easiest moving thing I've ever shot.
From Nikon Rumors (link below):
As I already reported, several photographers starter to test the Nikon Z9 and we are starting to get some additional information on the upcoming flagship. The Z9 was at the Olympics and there are plenty of images floating online with erased EXIF data. For now I will not post any of them online since I do want want to spook the photographers using the camera since I am hoping to get more info.
I received some additional details on the upcoming Nikon Z9 mirrorless cameras:
8256 x 5504px resolution that confirms a 45MP stacked sensor (it is interesting to note that Canon decided to go with a 24MP sensor for their R3 camera).
The Z9 will be capable of up to 120 fps in a lower res file size (6Mb I think). Some reports even indicated 160 fps!
Built-in GPS – probably GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).
The Z9 will use the same battery as D6. There will be also a new 18-type battery (EN-EL18x) that can be charged by the camera’s USB-C.
The sensor has multi leaf blade protective shutter that auto covers sensor when switched off/changing lens to stop dust and dirt on naked sensor.
The Z9 will have car autofocus in addition to animal and people AF as well as low light -7 EV.
Improved 3D tracking.
Improved articulated screen that even works in portrait mode – it is a completely new design.
New style locking flap for the two CFExpress memory cards.
Third joystick/selector added to use whilst camera close face and shooting.
Many new menu features to tweak and match your shooting style.
The shutter release sound level can be adjusted from silent to loud… so you can still get that D6 machine gun sound…
The official announcement is expected in the next 2 months, but do not expect many cameras to ship before the end of the year. Because of part shortage, the waiting time for the Z9 is expected to be very long.
Previously rumored Nikon Z9 specs:
Newly developed 45MP high-resolution stacked FX sensor
30 fps
Integrated vertical grip handle
The Z9 is described as a D6 body combined with EOS R5 imaging, α9II AF, and blackout-free EVF
Nikon confirmed that the Z9 will be better than the D6
Multishot-mode
16-bit RAW option
8k30p, 4k120/60/30p (support for 8K video recording)
New EXPEED image-processing engine designed for 8k (newly developed Imaging Pipeline Processor to broaden sensor readout emphasizing speed)
Improved AF (Object detection AF)
“Stunning” AF tracking (better than the D6)
Advanced real-time tracking
Two XQD/CFX type B memory card slots
ISO 64 – 25,600, Hi1, Hi2
Improved noise levels and specifically significantly better dynamic range
High resolution, blackout-free EVF: probably 5.76 MP or maybe even 9k MP viewfinder, 120 Hz refresh rate (the resolution can be reduced to increase the refresh rate)
New user interface (no second LCD screen on the back like the D6)
New battery: Nikon EN-EL18x
Gbit LAN, USB-C, WiFi, GPS, built-in transmitter
Price: $6,000 – $7,000
Scheduled to be tested in August
Rumored to be announced in November/December (no exact shipping date available so far)
With the Z9 Nikon basically combined the D6 and D850 and made it mirrorless…
These specs in this rumor if true make me increasingly optimistic about the potential of the Z9.
What I see in these new leaked specs.
The 120 - 160 fps sounds like maybe still captures of the video. This has always been possible with fast scan sensors (no rolling shutter) in post. But to have an in camera implementation that works well could be a compelling feature that enables even finer resolution of the critical moment. The 6K file size will work well for instant wireless transmission of the file. It is enough for the digital way things are often shared these days. This may be a unique feature that is meaningful to many pro shooters. Or maybe this was just a poorly worded way in the leak of saying the camera can shoot 6K video at 60 or 120 fps?
Built in GPS also a good feature missing in other flagships. Hopefully it won't drain battery too much when used.
Focusing at -7 EV will set a valuable new benchmark for low light situations.
I am very interested to see the new articulating screen design. We should not have to have those swing out screens to flip out screens in portrait mode. maybe this is related to the taped screens we saw in the Olympics.
Greatly expanded menu and button configurations. Once you have this you never want to backwards.
Improved AF. That is important. Hopefully it matches the competition, and possible trickles down to some of the other offerings.
45mp is the perfect resolution in my opinion.
30 fps stills
All and all it looks like the Nikon mirrorless system will have a very competitive flagship camera soon.
its either going to perform or its not. its a tool. will it make one better? no. will it make things easier? some things possibly, but that all depends on the user.
it will be an advancement. for some more then enough for others never enough.
Steve Spencer wrote:
Well we will see what it means. Usually an f/2 lens is the standard for such claims, but low light AF is something that is not often discussed and something that I care about.
Canon uses an f/1.2 lens for their specs which makes them look better on the surface. I wonder if Nikon have done the same with the Z9 in order to not suffer in comparison (and also since they now actually have an autofocusing f/1.2 lens). -7ev is the nominal rating for the R3 as well, so if Nikon is still using f/2 the Z9 would actually be over a full stop ahead. Also relevant is whether that figure is with the low light AF enabled. If it is measured with low light AF using a 1.2 lens, then it’s only marginally ahead of the Z6ii (-6ev with f/2 and low light af).
EdwardDye wrote:
Why make this 45MP sensor? They could just use the A1 sensor and save on cost
Because Sony does not make this sensor.
But curious about car AF, really?
I find just about any standard AF mode on Nikon DSLR tracks car pretty well already. I only shot Super GT race one weekend
in the past, I am not sure how much car AF is really useful. I could see motorcross as a bit more challenging, perhaps.
I think feature set seems fine so far. The only question left is how good is the AF?
Realistically, I am not expecting anything more than 30 fps, I would be perfectly happy with 20 fps.
Video mode, I am a bit indifferent personally.
If noise level is less than Z7 ii, that would be very nice.
I hope we hear something about 600/4S, 100-400 soon. 600/4S hopefully will have the same weight as its competitor or a couple of hundred grams more would still be fine but not 700 grams like the current e FL version.
So far so good I think and hopefully Nikon will stay with plans for press release in October and launch date in November.
suteetat wrote:
If noise level is less than Z7 ii, that would be very nice.
I would be very surprised if any stacked sensor has better DR and lower noise than the Z7ii. If Nikon is able to use ISO 64 in a stacked sensor then it has the potential to have the highest DR and lowest noise of any high resolution stacked sensor available in a mirrorless camera. That would be benchmark setting.
Interesting, any idea who make this sensor? Canon?
suteetat wrote:
Because Sony does not make this sensor.
But curious about car AF, really?
I find just about any standard AF mode on Nikon DSLR tracks car pretty well already. I only shot Super GT race one weekend
in the past, I am not sure how much car AF is really useful. I could see motorcross as a bit more challenging, perhaps.
I think feature set seems fine so far. The only question left is how good is the AF?
Realistically, I am not expecting anything more than 30 fps, I would be perfectly happy with 20 fps.
Video mode, I am a bit indifferent personally.
If noise level is less than Z7 ii, that would be very nice.
I hope we hear something about 600/4S, 100-400 soon. 600/4S hopefully will have the same weight as its competitor or a couple of hundred grams more would still be fine but not 700 grams like the current e FL version.
So far so good I think and hopefully Nikon will stay with plans for press release in October and launch date in November. ...Show more →
So far it seems like a pretty much done deal that Tower is the maker of Z9 sensor. This could be huge if the sensor performs at the same level or out perform A1 sensor. If this is the case, Nikon will have more choices of sensor venders and it might make it easier for Nikon to negotiate with Sony Semiconductor as they are not depending on Sony 100%.
So far Tower made sensors for Z50/Z Fc, D7500. I was told that Z5 sensor is not off the shelf Sony sensor but is actually made by Tower from Nikon's older design. I don't see any contradictory information on the net anywhere. I just assume that it was the same sensor found in D750 as I think the performance was pretty much the same as D750 according to phototophotons site.
Certainly if Z9 sensor turns out to be a hit, over the next few years will be very interesting to see which direction Nikon is heading and Nikon will not have to always play second fiddle to Sony in term of sensor, perhaps.
1bwana1 wrote:
I would be very surprised if any stacked sensor has better DR and lower noise than the Z7ii. If Nikon is able to use ISO 64 in a stacked sensor then it has the potential to have the highest DR and lowest noise of any high resolution stacked sensor available in a mirrorless camera. That would be benchmark setting.
That's why it is a big 'if'
It is hard to beat physics. If Nikon uses Sony sensor, the only advantage Z9 has over A1 would be bigger body with hopefully better heat management. I don't know if Nikon/Tower has any new trick up its sleeve but if it is Sony sensor, the new trick would most likely already be in A1. So far, my brain say no but it is nice to have little hope (that hopefully won't be crush in November ).
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EdwardDye wrote:
Interesting, any idea who make this sensor? Canon?
Tower is partnering with Nikon on a couple of sensors already. The current rumor is that they also manufacture Z9 sensor.
suteetat wrote:
That's why it is a big 'if'
It is hard to beat physics. If Nikon uses Sony sensor, the only advantage Z9 has over A1 would be bigger body with hopefully better heat management. I don't know if Nikon/Tower has any new trick up its sleeve but if it is Sony sensor, the new trick would most likely already be in A1. So far, my brain say no but it is nice to have little hope (that hopefully won't be crush in November ).
Yeah, I think the general consensus is that it will be a Tower manufactured sensor. Canon is able to design and manufacture its own stacked sensor. I see no reason that Nikon and Tower, with the stacked expertise of Experi, working together couldn't come with a perfectly suitable stacked sensor design.
In the end though I don't think people should make a big deal out of where the sensor is fabricated. What matters more is the whole package of the camera system. Sensor, body, economics, haptics, glass, that really is important for the end user. Nikon is building a quality native mirrorless lens line that holds up to the competition really well. From what I have seen, the body design will appeal to those who are inclined to like Nikon DSLR esthetics, handling, and shooting experience. That is very important in getting Nikon's reluctant users to migrate over to mirrorless. I think they will realize the benefits of and advanced, high performance mirrorless system finally once they experience it with their preferred logo on the front. It is important for Nikon that this happens. Currently Nikon's biggest competitor for their existing user base is Nikon's own DSLR line. This base is like a battery of stored consumer energy for Nikon. It can release great financial results when it is released. Canon also has this advantage. Sony doesn't.
Anyway, I am optimistic about the Z9 and Nikon in general right now.
