Yes, what he said!!

I used a D850 for almost five years, and my Z9 for a year.
I started with a D100, when it was released.
I have never had nor needed a sensor cleaned.
I switch lenses often, but I am careful about where and when.
No “crud” in my cameras!!!
Ymmv
IMHO
📸 Regards, Randy 📸

Having a full frame 45.6mp Z8, you would be better served by shooting it on full frame, instead of crop mode. That way you get a larger overall image and you also have the flexibility to crop the image many different ways.
That is a real advantage.
And yes, a simple one button push can toggle the camera between aps-c and full frame mode.
Assuming the menus options are the same, with my Z9.
Ymmv
Imho
📸 Regards, Randy 📸

[quote=Longshadow]Technically, yes it does. Just like the ignition switch on your car, wall switches, ... .
More that 1,000() and you'll probably replace the camera before the on-off switch goes bad.
When was the last time you had an on-off switch go bad on anything?



Pro Z9 user here.
First off, I started digital, a long , long time ago, with the D100, and I have never needed a sensor cleaning, which is testament to my careful handling of my expensive equipment

I do have a bad habit of shutting the camera off, a few dozen times during a shoot.
Early digital bodies ate batteries for breakfast.
Because of that, I developed the habit of switching it off.

I have never needed to have a digital Nikon body serviced for any reason, which is an absolutely amazing fact.

I shoot hundreds of thousands of shots a year.
Since I am shooting live music, events and weddings, etc, I am not usually in a hostile environment, no sand, no salt, etc.

I do appreciate both the sensor cover and the feature in my last few Nikon bodies, that does an ultrasonic cleaning to the sensor, on startup and shutdown, to remove dirt.

I do have the Z9 power off sensor cover, set to activate when I turn the camera off or to change lenses.
Which I do, with the lens opening facing down.

Ymmv
IMHO
📸 Regards, Randy 📸

First off, congratulations on sharing your hobby and love of photography, with your spouse. And congratulations to her, on her new interest in photography.
Having someone with similar interests and goals, to go shoot with, is great.

I am a Z9 user.
A working pro, I shoot weddings, events and mostly live music.
From using the dslr’s, D850, D810, etc, I have an extensive collection of f mount glass. Which all work great on the ftz2 adapter.
I have the f2.8 trinity, with the 14-24, (I also have 17-35, which I use more than the 14-24), the 24-70 VR, and the 70-200 fl-e (an incredibly sharp lens).
Amongst many others.

So far I only have two
native Z mount lenses:

The first native lens I bought was the 24-120 f4 S. As an event ‘tog, this is my most used focal range. I used the f version, but wanted to get the native version when I bought the 9. I am very glad that I did. It does everything better than the f mount f4 24-120. I only wish that it was an f2.8 max aperture lens, because focusing in dark venues is a challenge.

The second z mount lens, which I only bought two weeks ago,
is quite the anomaly for me.

The Tamron 35-150 z mount f2-f2.8 lens.

It has a great range when I am shooting music from a pit. And it is faster to capture focus due to its max f stop.
Compared to the 24-120 f4, the faster f stop and the additional range at the long end, are its super hero features.
My only complaint with this lens, is that I use the 24mm-34mm range, provided by the 24-70 or 24-120 or my 17-35 f2.8 lenses, a lot at events.
Especially, when the guests gang up on me, into a large group, which they do often. It starts with just a couple, and then as others notice, they keep ganging up on me, if I can’t move back far enough, which is usually the case, I have to swap the 35-150 out for the 17-35mm f2.8.

Regarding the Tamron lens.
This is the first time I have bought a third party lens, since film camera days, many decades ago.
And, this is easily the single most expensive 3rd party lens I’ve ever purchased. $2,000 usd.
It is big and heavy, and so far, I really like it for purpose. It does focus fast, provides sharp images and handles very well.
I have only taken a few thousand shots with this lens, but it is a keeper for me.
I also just ordered the Haoge arca compatible tripod mount ring, which will become handy when I am using a mono or tri pod. I will have it tomorrow (thanks Amazon Prime) and will update this, regarding the functionality and quality of the $45.00 part. (Very reasonable price, as far as I am concerned)

Note, to lens manufacturers:
Please make a super sharp, 17-200 f2, Z mount lens with all the best features, and make it small enough to actually carry!!!
Hey, one can dream!
I suspect that it will happen one day!!!
Ymmv, imho, 📸 Regards, Randy 📸

Don’t feel badly, I have seen a few fellow ‘togs have the same experience.
Yes, for some reason, when the Nikon camera is set to silent mode, it doesn’t fire the flash.
It did this on my D850 and still does it with my Z9.
Although,
since the Z8 and Z9 both have no shutter, instead of silent mode, you can just turn the simulated shutter sound off, and “bob’s your uncle”
Why this works fine, with flash sync and all flash features, with the sound off, but in silent mode, nada, nothing, complete failure, makes no sense to me.

I am sure that one of the really intelligent uhh members, will enlighten us, with the difference between the modes, and why this works (actually doesn’t work) in this manner.

I do look forward to learning (everything) the answer to this.

Ymmv, imho, 📸 Regards, Randy 📸

Hi, I have three Epson ecotank 8850 printers, which all output a similar looking print.
What I have always done, is to calibrate my monitor to match what the printer spits out.
That way, I have a closed loop “calibrated” system.
WYSIWYG, I can color balance on my monitor, and I know when I send it to the printer, it’s going to look exactly as I want it to. I have printed more than 7,000 color photos on each of the three printers, and nothing smaller than 8.25x11”. Most are 11x14 and up.
In answer to a question in another post, I do my editing in my computer room, usually at night, and with the lights off.
I do have ott lights (daylight corrected) at the printers and one next to the monitor.
I use those to double check whether I am satisfied with the prints. Otherwise, they are off.
I do have a tv on, because, I always have a tv on, but it is above my monitor, and doesn’t seem to influence the way I color edit.
Ymmv
IMHO
📸 Regards, Randy 📸

For the record, I totally agree with this advice. I too use the uv filters for protection to the front element. But haven’t used or needed a polarizer I. More than a decade.
Polarizer only darken light perpendicular to the particular the surface and really only beneficial for sun light.
And using it indoors will just cost you a few stops of light loss

I have no problem trusting Adorama. I have dealt with them many times over many years.
They are a reputable company, one of the best.
They also sell Godox products under their trademark name of flashpoint.
The advantage of buying these items from them, is that they service what they sell. Godox repairs without buying from adorama, have been a problem for many users.
Although, I have more than a dozen bigger units from both Godox and adorama’s flashpoint and never experienced a need for service.
I am a working pro, and I use them hard and often.
Ymmv imho 📸 Regards, Randy 📸

I went from a D850 to a Z9, and I share your joy in using these flagship cameras. Unlike you, I gave my D850 to my son in law, since I knew I would never use it again.
I kept my d810 for backup, and I am an nps member, so I can always get a loaner if needed.
I have never worried about battery power on the Z9. My record is over 15 thousand shots on one battery. The Z9 does use the larger en-el18d battery.
But you do have two options if you are concerned about running out of power during a time lapse shooting session.
The first option would be to buy the grip, which gives you the ability to have two en-el15 batteries.
Or…
And this would be my suggestion, use an external pd usb-c power source.
Either, one that plugs into an outlet, (if one is available). I believe the power supply and cable, that came with the Z8 will work fine for this, although I have never tried it.
Or, get a large pd usb-c battery pack. Depending on the capacity of the device, you can easily power the body for double or triple the previous time, and get even more minutes as needed.
Of course you can do both, the two batteries and the external pack, and you should be golden.
Enjoy your Z8, it is a monster.
It has definitely changed the way I work, and the quality of my work product.
Ymmv
Imho
📸 Regards, Randy 📸

These numbers are amazing. For the 15,371 shoot, I was ringside at a wba title fight. And I still had 12% of the battery left!!!
I believe that according to CIPA, the battery is rated for 750 shots per charge. I did a little more than that!

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Definitely agree!!

I don’t post my photos, because I respect the privacy rights of my clients. I am a professional photographer, and the musicians that I shoot, prefer to control their online image, as best as possible.
I would never presume to post a photo that was not implicitly approved by them.
I believe that you would be very impressed by my clientele.
So, yes, I only share photos of equipment and advice, on this board.
Therefore, you have no reason to question what I choose to share.
I didn’t realize that this board was meant to put people down, which you do, quite often. Really not helpful, for those who come here for sage advice.
I try to share helpful information, if I believe it will help.
I don’t need to put anyone down, or question their abilities.

Apparently, we have moved on from whether the ftz and ftz2 have a motor, inbuilt, to control the diaphragm actuator.
Thank goodness.
That was an easy one, it’s a fact that the motor exists.
I am not an electrical engineer, so I won’t touch any of those statements.

FTR: I get better quality images from my trinity f mount glass, as an example, when used on my Z9, than on my D850.
It is a better sensor, and… it adds IBIS, to the mix.
If there is a slow down, caused by the adapter, I have never encountered it.
I shot 10fps last week with the 70-200 FL-E f2.8 lens, using the ftz2, mounted on the Z9. And I could not have been any happier with the images.

So, while you guys keep arguing,
I have two events to shoot tonight.
Which is all that matters!!

Adding ibis, is a great benefit.

I don’t “do” charts, but I can clearly state from my experience, that the 24-120 f4 Z mount lens on the Z9 is far superior to the f mount 24-120 f4, whether on a D850 or with an ftz2 on the Z9. To me, it is a drastic upgrade

Wow,
you tell everybody what to do.
Are you the uhh police??

What is wrong with the poster doing as he/she chooses, without someone, like you, slapping their hand