Z9 is setting a high mark and, along with the brands, redefining «  camera ». The « camera » is a computer dedicated to high-quality image-processing with, most importantly, a range of lenses and sensors. Concurrently the smartphone has coopted the « snapshot » market (aka point and shoot.

Problem: the market for « cameras » is becoming increasingly niche and unprofitable. Brands have to rely on expensive products and the upgrade treadmill. Smartphones and, soon, camera brands need to make customers to crave the next « release ». Just like cellphones, camera brands will continue to die. Think film. Nikon may drop cameras, stick to accessories. They have enough other imaging products.

¿How many features are enough or actually used [feature bloat]? ¿How much resolution is enough? ¿How « smart » does a phone have to be? ¿What will happen with legacy image formats [think floppy disk]?

¿Why are the z9 and all the other camera] so clunky/ugly? ¿Where’s an Apple aesthetic?

Thanks for taking the time to respond. Aside from the weight advantage of mirrorless I kinda wondered if it’s worth it to get a full frame as second camera. The FTZ and having to buy more lenses is definitely a negative. I’ve been leaning towards the z7ii for the higher pixels for landscape etc. So many options and so difficult for a beginner hobbyists like me to work through

Interesting. Thanks. I have V1 and like it but don’t use it much.

My D500 is my primary sports camera. If I wanted another body, I would get a D750. Maybe a D780. Are they mirrorless? No, but they do support every single one of my lenses. For me, the FTZ is pretty limiting and the lens support for the Z platform is absolutely not there. Until the likes of Sigma and Tamron get in the game, I am simply not interested. The D500 does every single thing that I need it to do and does it shockingly well. This is the hurdle with the newer Nikons. Their lens back catalog is massive and the price of entry for a limited amount of native lenses is quite high. There are advantages to mirrorless to be sure. Are they worth the extra cost? Usually not.

I have a V1. Its ok, small and heavy but no good for legacy lenses. I have a chipped adaptor which allows auto exposure and focus confirm but the camera is limited. So I only use it with my microscope now. Its fold out screen is perfect.

Over all though my experience with the Nikon V1 and N1 is pretty negative.