Mark7S

OK I know it is early but do the Z9 specs indicate I should ditch my trusty D500 for a Z9 for wildlife photography. Yes the Z9 is heavy but with big glass does it make that big a difference? Are the Z9 advantages worth the switch - not talking about the economic impact just the performance. Interested in your views. thanks

Walkabout08

Why don’t you rent one for a week once they are available, then you test and compare for yourself!

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Blazingly faster, higher resolution, far superior AF (D500 does not even come close) and many other capabilities sorely lacking on the D500.
The real question is: The dollar figure. The Z9 price is amazing for what you get and is $1,300 less than the Sony equivalent when set up the same.
If I were choosing and had the $$$ it would be a no brainer if I were seriously into wildlife or any action shooting.
Finally the Z9 has actual functional video that the D500 does not. The D500 video is a very primitive system good for stills (Why have video if it cannot keep up?)
The D500 was good for it's day but is very primitive by today's standards and the Z9 has really set the bar high for Nikon.
Go for it.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

Based on current reviews the short answer is yes. I want to see Steve Perry’s review - I don’t know if he has one yet.

uhaas2009

The z9 sounds so incredible. I believe there are some benefits vs a DSLR. But I didn’t not checked it out more.
If I look Nikon in the past they was always on the slower side but than they came back with Big Bang. The z9 maybe is one of the best. Let’s see

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If you don't take this advice, then you're ignoring the best advice you'll ever receive from a stranger who has no vested interest in your success as a photographer.

Mark7S

Yes, will probably rent first - probably 3-4 months off until available.
Steve has a blog going on the Z9 and did review on the A1
https://backcountrygallery.com/sony-a1-review-for-wildlife-photographers/

Agree specs look terrific vs D500 - may have to keep my Z6 for walk around because so much smaller/lighter

therwol Loc: USA

All of Nikon's other cameras are primitive next to the Z9. I think that the differences between their best DSLRs and previous mirrorless offerings are ho hum. Look Mom, it weighs less. They hit it out of the park with this one. But renting before buying makes sense. There will be a massive difference in size and weight compared with the D500, especially with long FX lenses.

BebuLamar

I wouldn't rent one to try. Too much money.

ScottWardwell Loc: Maine

What is the point of this premise? Is your D500 not up to the task of wildlife? I don't know many times the argument has been made that DX bodies are superior to their FX counterparts because of something that has never been quantified - "Reach". So now that the Z9 has come on the scene, people are suddenly suffering from an amp-ed up case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
If mirrorless is the path to the future, why are you not clamoring for a DX pro-grade mirrorless body that will cost you half that of the Z9. The math of the ratio between an FX and DX sensors remains the same. Any DX body will still be in the 20 mpx range - exactly what your D500 is as it relates to the D850 which is the same as the Z9.
The other consideration is how much are you prepared to spend to jump on the Z9 bandwagon?
From my own experience, the cost to ditch my D7100, D700 and D850 and my dozen F-mount lenses for a Z9 and S-glass would set me back a cool $20+K.
I will be first admit that the Z9 is a monster accomplishment from Nikon. But I do not need one and at 67, it would narcissistic on my part. If I had the money I would invest it in Nikon stock which is between $11 and $12 a share and collect the dividends instead of shooting useless 8k at a million FPS.
This forum spends a lot of ink on what is pro-grade equipment and the Z9 is definitely that; but would most of us on this site actually would not benefit from owning one but the ego-strokes would be orgasmic.
Ask yourself the question - short of being an actual pro-photographer, how many of us ever bought a flagship model when it was released but settled instead for a more modest model?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Failure is when you talk yourself out of buying a mirrorless camera.

ScottWardwell Loc: Maine

Really? Failure? D700 this past spring. Mirrorless has been around how many years? I don't think I missed much.

(Download)

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

The very low resolution D500 Vs the very high resolution Z9?
Crop the Z9 and still get superior photos to the D500.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The naysayers see failure in every opportunity. The successful buy the newest professional model.

ScottWardwell Loc: Maine

The D500 sensor has the same pixel density as the D850 and what the Z9 will have. You can't ignore the math. The only variables are the glass and the processor. But if you are content on spending $5500 on another FX body and amassing a new stable of glass, carry the debt load and ignore the R.O.I.; knock yourself out.