Nikon: "Z 9" [CP+2022 Exhibition Report] - PRONEWS : Digital Video Production Web Magazine

Full-size mirrorless camera Nikon “Z 9”

We talked to Nikon representatives about CP+2022 online and products that were scheduled to be exhibited at the real exhibition hall.

――Could you tell us about the main product (product/service/solution) of CP+2022? It is the full-frame (Nikon FX format) mirrorless camera "Z 9".

――What are the main features and selling points? The Z9 is a camera that brings together Nikon's cutting-edge technologies and has the best functions and performance in Nikon's history for both still images and movies. High-quality 8K UHD and 4K UHD video that captures unexpected moments, AF and continuous shooting performance that reliably captures decisive moments for various subjects, Real-Live Viewfinder that captures even a split second of movement, practical use It is highly reliable and has a vertical and horizontal 4-axis tilt monitor, while achieving reliability exceeding that of the D6. In the video function, 8K UHD / 30p, 4K UHD / 60p, 4KUHD / 120p that can shoot up to about 125 minutes at room temperature, 4K UHD / 120p without screen cropping, 4K120p with 2.3x crop mode, high definition with oversampling 4KUHD/30p, ProRes422HQ with excellent editing durability, and 10-bit in-camera recording are possible, making it suitable for movie shooting.

In addition, in the 2022 firmware update, we plan to improve the operability and functions of movie shooting by installing the in-camera recording function for 12-bit RAW movies including over 8K60p that exceeds 8K. We hope you will look forward to future firmware upgrades. At the CP+ Nikon Online Event, we will deliver a stage where you can listen to the Z 9's video and still image performance while introducing the works shot by video creators and enriching your photo life, so please take a look. .

――What kind of sites and scenes do you recommend or assume to use? In movie shooting, it is possible to use high-precision AF shooting with natural movement on site, and even if you do not have a monitor for checking focus, you can enlarge a part of the image on the image monitor and check the focus. The camera operator can concentrate on the movement and framing of the subject himself, and it is equipped with functions that can be used when you want to produce high-quality 4K UHD or 8K UHD videos with a minimum number of people. Both still images and movies can be shot in high image quality, and it can be used as a camera that supports the best performance of various photographers. Fashion photographers who need a camera that allows them to fully demonstrate their creativity, and those who have not yet transitioned to a mirrorless camera due to concerns about mirrorless camera viewfinder visibility, AF, operability, and robustness/reliability. It can be used according to a wide range of needs, from sports and news photographers.

――Please tell us about the development concept of the product. It is a Z-series flagship mirrorless camera that captures the best moments without stopping even in the harshest conditions. We have developed the Z 9 as a model that demonstrates the highest performance in both still images and movies among Nikon's full-frame mirrorless cameras, and that even professionals can use with satisfaction. In order to meet the needs of professionals who are active on the front lines of a wide range of genres, Nikon has brought together the know-how and cutting-edge technology that Nikon has cultivated over the years.

--Please tell us about the difficulties and points that you were particular about during planning and development. From the beginning of development, we didn't want to compromise on video performance, and the Z 9 is a camera that can shoot full-fledged video. I made a plan. Until now, Nikon had a strong image of still images, so we developed it by interviewing many users and companies specializing in video to find out what kind of camera would be desired by people who shoot video. bottom. In particular, dealing with heat during long-time shooting in 8K was a big challenge that we had never experienced before.

▶Nikon Online Event