Who's jumping first to the Z9II?

I think there's at least some indication that the lack of firmware support for the Z9 flagship MIGHT be all about the Z9II, which is likely already being tested.

Following the release of the Z9II, the Z9 will likely gain some of the new firmware bumps, but Nikon wants to maximize Z9II initial sales, so they are making the Z9 seem "dated" by holding back on firmware for it.

Personally, I think it's a poor business move, IF that's the actual story. Maybe Nikon will kill my theory with a big update before the Z9II is announced.

For me, the Z9 does what I need and more, so I'll be in no hurry to grab a Z9II for the first year. After a bit I'll sell one of my Z9's and likely make the jump. But I wonder how many folks here will get on that Z9II preorder list???

Robert

I'm not sure what improvements would make me want to trade up. Certainly not any video improvements. Frame rate is fast enough and focus acquisition and tracking normally works well. No doubt it would use the faster type 4 CFe card but that wouldn't be a huge deal for me.

I like having two identical bodies so I'd possibly have to upgrade both bodies.

MrHollywood said:

I think there's at least some indication that the lack of firmware support for the Z9 flagship MIGHT be all about the Z9II, which is likely already being tested.

Following the release of the Z9II, the Z9 will likely gain some of the new firmware bumps, but Nikon wants to maximize Z9II initial sales, so they are making the Z9 seem "dated" by holding back on firmware for it.

Personally, I think it's a poor business move, IF that's the actual story. Maybe Nikon will kill my theory with a big update before the Z9II is announced.

For me, the Z9 does what I need and more, so I'll be in no hurry to grab a Z9II for the first year. After a bit I'll sell one of my Z9's and likely make the jump. But I wonder how many folks here will get on that Z9II preorder list???

Robert

Click to expand...

The only reason I have a Z9 today is that it came out before the Z8. I sincerely doubt there is anything that Nikon will EVER put into a new Z9 that would induce me to upgrade.

I don't really take advantage of the portrait orientation grip much. I never use the networking capabilities. The only thing I do like in the Z9 over the Z8 is the built in GPS. That's it.

Even something like a global shutter wouldn't induce me. I don't do a lot of flash photography anymore so it would be meaningless.

Of course, we'll have to see what Nikon does on the next Z8. But if they continue making the Z8 a baby brother to the Z9, the Z8 is all I need.

MrHollywood said:

I think there's at least some indication that the lack of firmware support for the Z9 flagship MIGHT be all about the Z9II, which is likely already being tested.

Following the release of the Z9II, the Z9 will likely gain some of the new firmware bumps, but Nikon wants to maximize Z9II initial sales, so they are making the Z9 seem "dated" by holding back on firmware for it.

Personally, I think it's a poor business move, IF that's the actual story. Maybe Nikon will kill my theory with a big update before the Z9II is announced.

For me, the Z9 does what I need and more, so I'll be in no hurry to grab a Z9II for the first year. After a bit I'll sell one of my Z9's and likely make the jump. But I wonder how many folks here will get on that Z9II preorder list???

Robert

Click to expand...

Why would you get the II if the I does everything you need and more?

n/t

Without knowing the features, hard to answer. RAW pre-capture would potentially get me to upgrade, and presumably this would mean a higher fps for both stills and video. So definitely a maybe if not likely, especially if before my next trip, mid-January.

I like it when the new flagship comes out, because then used copies of the previous version become cheap(er) and plenty. And since I'm so far away from really using the full capabilities of even the previous model, it's just a way to get top flight shooting experience on the cheap.

Although the Z9 is so big, I think I'll someday end up with a Z8 and attach the grip if I need it. Like on my X-H1, the vertical grip is really handy at times, yet the camera is smaller and lighter the rest of the time.

No one but Nikon knows what the Z9 II will be or when it will launch.

I’m not convinced that an announcement or launch is imminent. There are not a lot of features that Nikon could add to make it more than a minor evolutionary update (like the A1 II, or even Nikon’s own D6) without doing something drastic, such as global shutter, much higher MP, and/or EXPEED 8 with greatly expanded capabilities. Even if a Z9 II turns out to be nothing more than an evolutionary step, it WILL be a better camera — it just remains to be seen if it will be better enough to be worth the upgrade cost for most Z9 owners.

For myself, pre-capture RAW, CF Express 4, higher rez EVF, and features added to the Z8 would not be enough to convince me to upgrade. All of those things would be nice, but definitely not worth the cost. I am not currently limited by the Z9’s capabilities, so a more feature-rich model isn’t going to make any difference in my work. Even if a Z9 II is a huge improvement, I probably won’t upgrade (at least not very quickly… unless I win the lottery!).

Like many others, I think we will see a major Z9 firmware update well before we see a Z9 II. There’s a lot of opportunity for growth with existing hardware, at least bringing the Z9 to parity with the Z8 and other EXPEED 7 bodies.

MrHollywood said:

I think there's at least some indication that the lack of firmware support for the Z9 flagship MIGHT be all about the Z9II, which is likely already being tested.

Following the release of the Z9II, the Z9 will likely gain some of the new firmware bumps, but Nikon wants to maximize Z9II initial sales, so they are making the Z9 seem "dated" by holding back on firmware for it.

Personally, I think it's a poor business move, IF that's the actual story. Maybe Nikon will kill my theory with a big update before the Z9II is announced.

For me, the Z9 does what I need and more, so I'll be in no hurry to grab a Z9II for the first year. After a bit I'll sell one of my Z9's and likely make the jump. But I wonder how many folks here will get on that Z9II preorder list???

Robert

Click to expand...

I wouldn't jump on a Z9II due to its' size & weight, but here's what would be exciting to see if it meant a Z8II would also inherit the features:

1.) Higher dynamic range and better high ISO performance.

2.) Maybe slightly higher resolution (although storage needs are already ridiculous for 45 megapixel RAW files). I'm happy with 45 megapixels if it means improved DR and high ISO noise.

3.) RAW pre-capture.

4.) Lighter body (not necessarily smaller).

5.) Even faster AF, even better subject recognition and even better AF in low light.

6.) Better battery life/more efficient.

7.) Even better in-body stabilization.

8.) People complain about strobes and lights during shows causing banding, so whatever they have to do to fix that.

MrHollywood said:

I think there's at least some indication that the lack of firmware support for the Z9 flagship MIGHT be all about the Z9II, which is likely already being tested.

Following the release of the Z9II, the Z9 will likely gain some of the new firmware bumps, but Nikon wants to maximize Z9II initial sales, so they are making the Z9 seem "dated" by holding back on firmware for it.

Personally, I think it's a poor business move, IF that's the actual story. Maybe Nikon will kill my theory with a big update before the Z9II is announced.

For me, the Z9 does what I need and more, so I'll be in no hurry to grab a Z9II for the first year. After a bit I'll sell one of my Z9's and likely make the jump. But I wonder how many folks here will get on that Z9II preorder list???

Robert

Click to expand...

I think that's actually a sound business move. You want people to move on from the 4 year old product. Us existing Z9 users may not necessarily have to buy the immediate successor, but Nikon also needs to give people who don't already have the Z9 a good reason to buy the new product over the old one.

Remember, we are not owed any updates outside of bugfixes which they are obliged to fix. You paid for the product at the point of purchase. Any updates that we get is a gesture of goodwill. When we keep going "I want more gestures of goodwill, I deserve and demand it", the companies will be like "this is not worth the backlash, I'll just do the bare minimum".

See Fujifilm and what people thought of it's Kaizen philosophy and where that is now.

BillyBobSenna said:

MrHollywood said:

I think there's at least some indication that the lack of firmware support for the Z9 flagship MIGHT be all about the Z9II, which is likely already being tested.

Following the release of the Z9II, the Z9 will likely gain some of the new firmware bumps, but Nikon wants to maximize Z9II initial sales, so they are making the Z9 seem "dated" by holding back on firmware for it.

Personally, I think it's a poor business move, IF that's the actual story. Maybe Nikon will kill my theory with a big update before the Z9II is announced.

For me, the Z9 does what I need and more, so I'll be in no hurry to grab a Z9II for the first year. After a bit I'll sell one of my Z9's and likely make the jump. But I wonder how many folks here will get on that Z9II preorder list???

Robert

Click to expand...

Why would you get the II if the I does everything you need and more?

Click to expand...

Mainly because I enjoy using the latest gear and tech, even if specific features don't always enhance what I'm doing.

When I bought the first Z9, I didn't think I'd ever use it to make a short film for festival (I have access to cinema cameras), but I did.

But being 100% honest, there's a "toy factor" at play. I like messing with the new stuff.

I have a feeling the Z9II is closer than many might think and the Z9 firmware will be held back. I guess we'll know soon enough....or not so soon! ;-)

Robert

I have no idea when, or even if a Z9II will be released, but I am looking forward to it anyway, but not for any new feature, but who knows? Maybe then next release will have some must have feature for me, but the real reason I would love to see the second gen released is so that I might get a better price on a second Z9 to replace my Z8.

Droster said:

MrHollywood said:

I think there's at least some indication that the lack of firmware support for the Z9 flagship MIGHT be all about the Z9II, which is likely already being tested.

Following the release of the Z9II, the Z9 will likely gain some of the new firmware bumps, but Nikon wants to maximize Z9II initial sales, so they are making the Z9 seem "dated" by holding back on firmware for it.

Personally, I think it's a poor business move, IF that's the actual story. Maybe Nikon will kill my theory with a big update before the Z9II is announced.

For me, the Z9 does what I need and more, so I'll be in no hurry to grab a Z9II for the first year. After a bit I'll sell one of my Z9's and likely make the jump. But I wonder how many folks here will get on that Z9II preorder list???

Robert

Click to expand...

I think that's actually a sound business move. You want people to move on from the 4 year old product. Us existing Z9 users may not necessarily have to buy the immediate successor, but Nikon also needs to give people who don't already have the Z9 a good reason to buy the new product over the old one.

Remember, we are not owed any updates outside of bugfixes which they are obliged to fix. You paid for the product at the point of purchase. Any updates that we get is a gesture of goodwill. When we keep going "I want more gestures of goodwill, I deserve and demand it", the companies will be like "this is not worth the backlash, I'll just do the bare minimum".

Click to expand...

Exactly. They fix what is wrong. Any feature upgrade is s big bonus to everyone. To demand something that was not in the original product is like being entitled. Nikon and other camera manufacturers "can charge" future update via fw but they choose not.

I am still hoping, praying and waiting for Nikon to make a Z version of the D500.

Droster said:

See Fujifilm and what people thought of it's Kaizen philosophy and where that is now.

Click to expand...

rgs_45 said:

Droster said:

MrHollywood said:

I think there's at least some indication that the lack of firmware support for the Z9 flagship MIGHT be all about the Z9II, which is likely already being tested.

Following the release of the Z9II, the Z9 will likely gain some of the new firmware bumps, but Nikon wants to maximize Z9II initial sales, so they are making the Z9 seem "dated" by holding back on firmware for it.

Personally, I think it's a poor business move, IF that's the actual story. Maybe Nikon will kill my theory with a big update before the Z9II is announced.

For me, the Z9 does what I need and more, so I'll be in no hurry to grab a Z9II for the first year. After a bit I'll sell one of my Z9's and likely make the jump. But I wonder how many folks here will get on that Z9II preorder list???

Robert

Click to expand...

I think that's actually a sound business move. You want people to move on from the 4 year old product. Us existing Z9 users may not necessarily have to buy the immediate successor, but Nikon also needs to give people who don't already have the Z9 a good reason to buy the new product over the old one.

Remember, we are not owed any updates outside of bugfixes which they are obliged to fix. You paid for the product at the point of purchase. Any updates that we get is a gesture of goodwill. When we keep going "I want more gestures of goodwill, I deserve and demand it", the companies will be like "this is not worth the backlash, I'll just do the bare minimum".

Click to expand...

Exactly. They fix what is wrong. Any feature upgrade is s big bonus to everyone. To demand something that was not in the original product is like being entitled. Nikon and other camera manufacturers "can charge" future update via fw but they choose not.

I am still hoping, praying and waiting for Nikon to make a Z version of the D500.

rgs_45 said:

See Fujifilm and what people thought of it's Kaizen philosophy and where that is now.

Click to expand...

Click to expand...

It's hardly entitled.

Nikon has been making firmware updates and improvements part of their regular business model for MANY years.

While the updates are not included in their warrantee text, it's an established expectation, which also exists with ALL other brands.

Robert

As a Z8 owner, no. I use a fraction of what that camera is capable of doing. This thing will last me decades.

When I got into Nikon mirrorless, the Z8 was the most affordable camera with really good AF at the time. As a non-pro shooter, I probably wasn't the target market for the Z8. Just happened to be the best choice for my needs. Had the Z6III existed at the time, I probably wouldn’t be a Z8 owner right now. The 45 MP is nice, but I don’t find the camera to be a good everyday walk around camera because of the weight.

Also with the tariff situation in the U.S., I’m largely done buying new gear. The value just isn’t there like it was a couple years ago. At the end of the day, it’s all just a hobby to me and I need to keep costs in check.

Without knowing a Z9 II price point and it's new features it is impossible to decide its photographic value to me.

If Nikon follow previous launch practice, there will first be a development announcement, implying no new Z9 II going on sale this year.

I have numerous photographic opportunities planned for the remainder of this year :-D

I'll probably sell my Zf, get the Z9 II, and keep the Z8 as a 2nd body.

What I'm looking forward to is mostly RAW Pre-Capture, faster burst rates, and autofocus improvements.

I’m more of an every other generation camera buyer. But the Z9 was more a luxury treat for me.
I look forward to the Z9ii more for what it will bring to the cameras down the line. I would be more likely to replace the Z7 I still use along side the Z9. But I would likely replace the Z7 with a Z8 if I were to make the jump for a new camera.

Leonard Shepherd said:

Without knowing a Z9 II price point and it's new features it is impossible to decide its photographic value to me.

If Nikon follow previous launch practice, there will first be a development announcement, implying no new Z9 II going on sale this year.

Click to expand...

There is just about every speculation about what the Z9ii might be, how much it might cost and when it will arrive. No point asking at this time what anyone's interest is in it. Rather like asking about the Z7iii OR the entirely fictional Z version of the D500 (which is either the Z50ii or the Z8 - both can provide ~20MP in DX crop and one (Z8) is simply one of the most awesome cameras EVER (to date)).

Leonard Shepherd said:

I have numerous photographic opportunities planned for the remainder of this year :-D

Click to expand...

Agree - some folk would do far better spending time outside with their cameras

There isn’t much I’m looking for in a successor. My Z9 already delivers more resolution than I’ll ever need, the days of printing A1 or larger are behind me. So, I don’t need a 120MP+ resolution.

I’m also a cinematographer, but even in that field the image quality I get now surpasses what Hollywood productions achieved just a few years ago. The real leap was moving from the F-mount to the Z-mount; everything since has been incremental, and will be for some time. Maybe I’ll consider the Nikon Z9V, but only if it brings a truly meaningful upgrade.

Manufactures are always great feeding your FOMO.

If you’re looking to burn some cash, better buy premium lenses, upgrade your lights, or … get yourself an assistant.