The Nikon Z 9 is rumored to be announced in November-December. Nikon senior executives stated that the camera is one of Nikon’s most ambitious projects. In my opinion, the Z 9 is being developed just to keep up with Sony and Canon, as a part of the race for 8K resolution. When exploring the dry specifications, it’s noticeable that there’s nothing new and exciting about this camera, which strengthening the hypothesis it was developed for the sake of the specs. An opinion.
Nikon Z 9: 8K 30p! So…?
Nikon has announced the Z 9 model a few months ago, titled “The best still and video performance in Nikon’s history”. The Z 9 is aimed to be crowned as Nikon’s flagship that armed with a newly developed FX-format stacked CMOS sensor and new image-processing engine to allow 8K video recording, better autofocus performances, high dynamic range, and so on. However, there’s nothing new here in terms of mirrorless ultra-high resolution capabilities since 8K is already being offered by Canon and Sony, combined with a blasting autofocus precision. If so, what’s the point of the Z 9?
More rumored specifications
NikonRumors has published more rumored specifications regarding the upcoming Nikon Z 9. Here’re the highlights:
- Newly developed 45MP high-resolution stacked FX sensor: Nikon has already announced that the Z 9 will be equipped with a stacked sensor, that allows better utilization of data, which results in higher autofocus performances and speed. The stacked sensor design contributes to the sensor’s efficiency. Moreover, NikonRumors suggests that the megapixel count is 45MP. We’ve reported here about the development of a 1-inch sensor by Nikon, that utilizes a stacked design and is capable of shooting 4K at 1000 FPS. However, this is not the sensor implemented inside the Z 9, and moreover, Sony has a vast knowledge regarding stacked technologies which is a way ahead of Nikon.
- 8k30p, 4k120/60/30p (support for 8K video recording): Again, nothing to be thrilled about.
- 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). What does it mean by “Stunning” AF tracking?
- Advanced real-time tracking: Again, no news under the sun.
- Media: Two XQD/CFX type B memory card slots.
- ISO range: ISO 64 – 25,600, Hi1, Hi2.
- Dynamic Range: Improved noise levels and specifically significantly better dynamic range.
- Price: $6,000 – $7,000.
- Timeline: scheduled to be tested in August.
- Announcement: Rumored to be announced in November/December.
Why focusing on the specs?
It seems that the Z 9 was developed for allowing Nikon to participate in the pursuit of the 8K resolution. Although it can be understandable why a camera manufacturer invests a tremendous amount of resources on its R&D in order to sharpen cameras’ specs, the question remains regarding the effectiveness of this business move. If the goal is to grant users the ability to produce fine art, then the madness for 8K must be neutralized. Thus, camera manufacturers need to focus on other things that are more important to video shooters, especially for those who are interested in flagship products.
Canon EOS R3 as a reference
Take for example the anticipated Canon EOS R3. This model is defined as flagship by Canon. However, It’ll shoot ‘only’ 4K (might be shooting 6K with future firmware update). Nevertheless, the EOS R3 is armed with other important features and components that will allow shooters the privilege of filming fast objects (stills and video) with reduced rolling shutter artifacts. Thus, Canon has decided to concentrate its R&D to solve other issues and serve videographers by adding more relevant features rather than just pixels. By the way, the 8K shooting capability which is offered by the EOS R5 has caused (and still causing) Canon many problems, mainly regarding heat management. However, those issues were solved by Sony Alpha 1. What does Nikon has to offer that others don’t?
Final thoughts
The Nikon Z 9 hasn’t been released yet, and it seems there’s already market fatigue about this model. Nikon should centralize on other characteristics that are actually far more important to video shooters, rather than 8K. Meanwhile, the Z 9 looks like another boring flagship. Don’t you think?
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers:
- Nikon Z 9 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Canon EOS R3 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Canon EOS R5 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Boring review, just assumptions and no substance. Need to get better reviewers.
I’m excited about z9. bro what is wrong with you? it’s like saying, Nike shouldn’t make shoes for basketball players because other bands are making it too. Plus Nikon makes great quality products that people care about. its not about specs. So stop crying ?
You seem to say that the Z9 will be a little bit better at everything a camera does. And then you yawn. Boring…. What’s the point of another slightly better camera? That’s so old hat. That’s been going on for nearly 200 years. Dullsville. We need something new! Maybe you are thinking of a hi-spec camera-cum-toaster! That would really be new. We need a toaster camera. Come on Nikon, listen more closely to the insane….
Very useless and biased article! First if all, it is only based on speculations and not on the real product. Bashing Nikon for announcing a new product sounds childish.
First off no its not for “just specs sake” its a competitive effort and Nikon need this, P.S the nikon 1 inch sensor is new by nikon and No they certainly wouldnt put a 1 inch sensor in a high end flagship!! I love the strides Nikon are making, the market needs them along with the other camera manufacturers for innovation, while this wont be the so called innovator but future models are surely going to try and achieve that goal.
WTF … now they are bashing Nikon even before they know what the camera will be. Completely useless article.
If it s not made in china it s ok for me…