CJ Glynn

After almost three years of use, the Nikon Z9 has proven to be a game-changing mirrorless camera, setting new standards for professional photography. Boasting a 45.7-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and the EXPEED 7 image processor, the Z9 delivers exceptional image quality with outstanding detail and dynamic range. This high-resolution sensor, combined with Nikon’s advanced image processing, allows for stunningly sharp and vibrant images, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The Z9 has a remarkable autofocus system with 493 phase-detection AF points covering almost 90 percent of the frame. This advanced AF system, coupled with subject detection algorithms for humans, animals and vehicles, ensures precise focus tracking in almost any shooting scenario. The Z9 also excels in low-light conditions, with an ISO range of 64 to 25,600, expandable to 32 to 102,400, allowing photographers to capture clear and noise-free images in dim environments.

The Z9 offers continuous shooting at up to 20 frames per second with full AF/AE, and an astonishing 120 fps in a lower resolution mode, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects such as wildlife and sports. The camera’s electronic viewfinder features a blackout-free design with a 3.69-million-dot resolution, providing a clear and uninterrupted view during continuous shooting.

The Z9 supports 8K UHD video recording at 30p, and 4K UHD at up to 120p. This capability, combined with 10-bit internal recording and various professional video features, positions the Z9 as a versatile tool for high-end video production.

With a robust magnesium alloy body that is both dust and weather-sealed, the Z9 is built to withstand the rigors of professional use. Additionally, the Z9 is equipped with dual CFexpress Type B card slots, offering fast and reliable storage options for large files.

In conclusion, the Nikon Z9 is an exceptional mirrorless camera that delivers unparalleled performance, making it a top choice for professional photographers and videographers alike.

Goodbye, Sony. You were the first. You were the best. You had the best sensors. You had the best lenses. You had the best overall system. But now I bid you adieu. The giant has woken. Nikon is all in with its Z cameras and you are like stale bread.

The Nikon Z system and the Z mount is poised for the future, while your Sony IBIS system is limited because the mount is too small to accommodate optimal sensor movement. Nikon has depth in legacy glass and is adept at making new glass for the Z mounts at a record pace.

Yes, Nikon’s financials are a bit troubling, but my bet is that Nikon will not “go away.” Nikon will be around in some form for ages.

While not always the first, fastest or coolest, Nikon eventually gets it right.

New Z9. And an entire Nikkor kit. Woo-hoo. Bye-bye Sony, although your Professioal Services was great and Nikon ProServe is hard to get into. I will miss you as I use my new Z9 to auto-focus on stars, do 3D-tracking of fast moving wildlife and (pre-) capture special shots that I could not get with your system.

Sony, it’s like leaving a faded lover for another. Sigh. I’m sorry. It’s you, not me.

The Sony A1 is Sony at its finest.  Sony has spent years perfecting everything from the bright viewfinder to the natural ergonomics, now the sensor in the A1 produces some of the best images I’ve ever been captured. The amount of detail and resolution that this camera captures is only matched by its ability to do so at 30 frames per second. Featuring a 50MP sensor with a pair of new Bionz XR processors, the A1 also has an amazing autofocus system, which comes with updated machine learning derived algorithms for detecting human faces and eyes, as well as the eyes of animals and birds

Some other notable features include:

• In-body image stabilization to 5.5 stops
• 15 stop dynamic range
• A bright viewfinder with 0.9x magnification and a resolution of 9.44 million ‘dots,’ which translates to a resolution of about 2048×1526
• An AF system covering 92 percent of the sensor

The controls and customizability of the A1 are unmatched. This is a flagship not only for loyal Sony users, but for the camera world in general. Yes, it’s expensive, but you get what you pay for.

The Sony a7R IV is Sony’s fourth generation, high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera with a 60.2MP BSI-CMOS sensor. With more robust build quality, refined controls and better autofocus, it rocks.

Despite its high resolution, it can shoot at up to 10 frames per second with full autofocus and boasts:

• Great dynamic range and noise performance
• Excellent autofocus and tracking
• Updated weather-sealing
• Dual UHS-II card slots
• Great battery life
• Awesome customization options

For landscape shooters, the Sony a7R IV is the best camera on the market right now.

Sony has finally introduced the Sony A7R III, the long awaited upgrade to the vaunted Sony A7R II. This is the camera that made me, a long-time, dyed in the wool Cannon shooter, finally jump ship to Sony.

Here’s why. The Sony A7R III has:

• 35mm full-frame 42.4 MP back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor with Evolved Image Processing
• Continuous Shooting at up to 10 fps and full auto-focus/auto-exposure tracking
• 399 phase-detection AF points covering 68 percent of the image area and 425 contrast AF points
• 5-axis optical in-body image stabilization with a 5.5EV shutter speed advantage
• Upgraded auto-focus, dual SD card slots, extended battery life and USB 3.1 Gen 1 Type-C connectivity all housed in a compact, lightweight 23 ounce body

If, like me, you are a serious photographer, the Sony a7R III is the camera for you. With its improved AF system, higher frame rate, larger buffer, multi-selector joystick, anti-flicker mode and dual memory card slots, it provides a platform that is capable of capturing high-quality images.

The Sony a7R III delivers excellent image quality, including low noise and extended dynamic range, in a relatively small package. Its EVF is among the best available, and the expanded Sony lens selection means you have lots of choices for native EF-mount lenses.

The investment in changing shooting platforms is not insignificant: the camera body, FE 2.8 16-35mm GM lens, FE 2.8 24-70mm GM lens and FE 2.8 70-200mm GM OSS lens will set you back a pretty penny. However, to me, once you see the awesome images you capture, the expense will be worth it.