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 p.18 #6 · New Z9 Specs (NR) Aug 10th, 2021 | |
Eric214 wrote:
Jason, i don't think that is his point. Both versions of the Z6 and Z7 are incredible for everything BUT AF for fast moving subjects like sports, wildlife and BIF.
The point being made here is that the Z9 is supposed to be better than the D500, D5 and D6 for fast action AF. I think what he is saying is the AF needs to be as good as the A1 and R3 out of not VERY compostable for this type of photography.
Correct.
In fact, I really don't have much concern about the AI, AF, and tracking capabilities of the Z9. From what I have heard from some with hands on, Nikon has done a great job with that. Further, I expect that in the near future much of this will be included in the Real Time Tracking update that is coming to the Z6II/Z7II. Then we can basically put that issue behind us. To a large extent it is already mostly just reputational legacy of the AF problems the Z6/Z7 had at release. The latest version are orders of magnitude better as Jason has correctly pointed out. In each category of cameras, from all three of the major companies, parity in AF will exist for the most part. Won't that be great!
I think what Arbitrage, and probably Thom Hogan, are talking about is the workflow design that Nikon implements. Historically it seems to me that Nikon has relied on more work, knowledge, and input from its users. For some like Steve Spencer this is seen as a plus. Thom Hogan seems to be concerned that the new standard that users expect requires less of this. So possibly the market will punish Nikon for this esthetic. It is my hope that Nikon has provided for work flows that embody both approaches. The user can decide. That should be a plus in everyone's book. This will likely take a couple of firmware tweaks once things are learned in broader customer usage after release.
All three manufacturers will have slightly different build, form factor, haptics, ergonomic, and workflow, esthetics. That is a good thing. That gives as all the ability to choose a system that appeals/works best for us.
It will also provide topics for great and entertaining forum discussions. That is also a good thing. 
The Z9 issues regarding performance that I am most concerned about are not related to AF at all. As of the last firmware I have insight to, there were a couple of benchmarks that are objective, not subjective, that were not reached yet. There is great pressure to release at Nikon. The hardware is locked in and capable of supporting these benchmarks. It is thought that they can all be achieved in firmware refinements. Some also with a new ATZ adapter. There was talk of releasing with the plan of addressing some of these in updates early next year. I think for some of these issues that would be OK. But for others it would be a perception disaster. Not so much for the Nikon faithful, but for the press and photographic community at large. As we saw with the Z6/Z7 that is a damaging and hard thing to overcome once established. Rather than defending some soon to be fixed shortcomings, I would prefer to see Nikon users proud and bragging about the Z9 from day 1.
It seems that at this point both firmware and hardware are basically locked in for release. I have much less insight into the current firmware status than the one of a few of weeks ago. It is my hope that the major issues in performance benchmarks have all now been sorted out so they will be there at release. If not, I would prefer for Nikon to delay release.
So Jason as you can see I am very bullish on the Z9, and Nikon mirrorless in general. Including the AF issues. I think you will be very happy with the Z9, proud of Nikon, and pleased with the choice in brand you have made.
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