After spending a year within the confines of a camera bag, it’s appropriate to reflect on the inaugural year with a camera that has exceeded all expectations. Cameras can be likened to romantic relationships, where one may encounter numerous potential matches over a lifetime. The fortunate ones find a partner who truly understands them and enhances their life simply by being present. More commonly, though, one might find individuals who tick most of the boxes but fall short in two or three crucial aspects, preventing them from being “the one.” Compromises are often made in the pursuit of companionship, as holding out for perfection may lead to solitude. Yet, the goal is to find someone whose positives significantly outweigh the negatives, making life more enjoyable. Sometimes, luck strikes and a perfect match is found.
While it’s important not to overstate the value of technology, recognizing it as a mere tool, the Z9 camera has been a significant find. As an artist before and beyond the lifespan of the Z9, the search for the right artistic “partner” has been long and arduous. However, the past year with the Z9 has felt like a homecoming.
This write-up is less of a review and more of an examination of how the somewhat impulsive decision to purchase the Z9 has been beneficial professionally as a photographer and filmmaker. Detailed camera specifications are readily available online, but the focus here is on the practical day-to-day experience with the camera, rather than its technical capabilities.
The intent is not to persuade others to buy a Z9, as it’s acknowledged that everyone has unique requirements and what suits one may not suit another.
The Z9 has been a perfect fit for the author’s workflow for several reasons:
Streamlining Equipment Needs
As a dedicated Nikon user since the Nikon D200, the author has always had a Nikon camera for still photography. Despite having used various brands for different job requirements, such as medium format cameras for large-scale campaigns, the Z9 has allowed for a significant reduction in the need to rent additional gear or look outside the Nikon ecosystem.
With two Z9s, the author still occasionally rents different camera systems for certain jobs that demand larger cinema cameras. However, the Z9’s versatility means it can handle nearly all photography work, with its autofocus and video capabilities reducing the need for additional personnel on tight budgets.
Although not a dedicated cinema camera, the Z9 competes well with cinema cameras in its price range. It has often been the preferred tool on jobs due to its efficiency, even when larger systems are available.
Proving Its Worth Time and Again
The author made a commitment at the start of the year not to let financial constraints hinder artistic creation. Despite previous challenges with budget limitations, the Z9 has been used for a variety of projects, including commercial campaigns and narrative films.
The camera has held its own when screened alongside films shot with industry-leading cameras from Arri, RED, and Sony, without any negative feedback on image quality. This reaffirms the notion that the artist’s skill is more critical than the equipment used.
Continuous Improvement
The Z9 has seen substantial enhancements through firmware updates since its release. The updates have added features like Nikon raw video format, waveforms, power zoom functions, and improved timecode synchronization, making an already impressive camera even better.
Cost Savings
Despite its initial cost, the Z9 has saved money in the long run. The author compares it to the Canon R5, which was less expensive but had overheating issues. The Z9 does not overheat, has excellent battery life, and records multiple internal formats, eliminating the need for additional accessories.
The camera’s capabilities have allowed the author to sell other cameras, reducing the need to own and maintain multiple systems.
Excellence in Stills
For those more interested in still photography, the discussion is brief: the Z9 excels as a Nikon camera should. The author, a long-time Nikon user, has shot more award-winning still images in the past year, attributing this to the comfort and creative freedom provided by the Z9.
The camera’s ergonomics, autofocus speed, and overall efficiency make it a dependable choice for still photography, allowing the artist to focus on creativity.
Potential for Further Improvement
The Z9 can still improve, and the author anticipates further surprises from Nikon. Suggestions for enhancement include a big body cinema camera and a smaller low-light version within the Nikon ecosystem. The author would also like to see the addition of false color for video exposure and expanded timecode options via Bluetooth.
A year after the purchase, the author is extremely satisfied with the Z9, finding it to be a reliable workhorse expected to serve well for many years. The camera has fulfilled the need for a tool that aids in doing the job better, which is the most valuable outcome.
