Is the Nikon Z9 too expensive? Here are 7 cheaper cameras for wildlife photography
In this blog post, I will review the Nikon Z9’s specifications and provide you with 7 cheaper yet effective DSLR and mirrorless alternatives to the Nikon Z9 for wildlife photography.
If you don’t have an unlimited budget for wildlife photography, are looking for a new camera, or are a beginner wildlife photographer, this article will help you make a more informed decision on your next purchase.
This blog post is divided into 3 parts that you can scroll to:
Nikon Z9 review
Why you shouldn’t spend most of your money on the Nikon Z9
Cheaper alternatives to the Nikon Z9
Also, if you want to know whether I’ll be buying the Nikon Z9 or not, make sure to read until the end.
1) Nikon Z9 Review
Nikon Z9 specs
The highlights
The highlight specifications of the Nikon Z9 are without a doubt its 45.7 MP sensor, an increased max continuous shooting speed (120 FPS at 11 megapixels in JPEG; 30 FPS in JPEG at full resolution; 20 FPS at full resolution in RAW), and a 493 point autofocus system with 9-subject classification and deep learning algorithms.
The supporting cast
Apart from these ground-breaking features, the Nikon Z9 has other incredible features that wildlife photographers should love.
The Nikon Z9 can focus from -5 to 21.5 EV and even lower to -7 EV when Low-Light AF is enabled! Having a capable autofocus system with excellent tracking that can focus in very low light can be vital for photographing fast-moving wildlife and animals that are only active at dawn and dusk.
Apart from that, Nikon has completely done away with the mechanical shutter. Yup, that’s right. It only has an electronic shutter.
Like most mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z9 has in-body image stabilization (IBIS), 100% electronic viewfinder coverage, and a buffer capacity of over 1000 frames. It also has a native ISO sensitivity between ISO 64-25,600 and its battery life is reported to last 700 shots.
The body itself is 149 × 149.5 × 90.5 mm (5.87 × 5.89 × 3.56 inches) and weighs 1340g (2.95 lbs) with a battery and card. In other words, it’s 110 g (0.25 lbs) lighter than the Nikon D6.
It has a rear LCD: 3.2″ touchscreen with dual axis tilt, and space for two CF Express B card slots with XQD backwards compatibility.
Nikon Z9 for video
If you’re a videographer, check out these amazing specifications that will help take your video game to the next level:
Maximum Resolution: 8K at 30p
Slow Motion Video: 4K at 120p (eventually 8K at 60p with firmware update)
Who is the Nikon Z9 for?
To find the simple answer, look no further than the price tag.
At $5,499 USD / $6,999 CAD / £5,299, the Nikon Z9 made for professional wildlife photographers or people who can comfortably afford paying this amount.
If you are a beginner wildlife photographer or are on a tight budget, I would recommend looking for alternatives, such as the ones I list down below.
Is the Nikon Z9 the best camera for wildlife photography?
On paper, the Nikon Z9 appears to be the best camera for wildlife photography ever made. What’s especially attractive is that it’s much cheaper than its primary competitor, the Sony A1 (it’s still substantially more expensive than the Canon R5).
However, experience has taught me to be very wary of brand new cameras that have not been thoroughly tested by wildlife photographers.
As of November 2021, there are already a few reviews of the Nikon Z9 out for wildlife photography. But it’s essential to remember that testing a camera cannot be accomplished overnight. In my opinion, it takes months to make an effective review, similar to Steve Perry’s incredible work.
Most importantly, the autofocus was a huge flaw of the Nikon mirrorless cameras for wildlife photography.
If this has been fixed, then I might feel more comfortable calling the Nikon Z9 the best camera for wildlife photography (and not just on paper).
2) Why you shouldn’t spend most of your money on the Nikon Z9
If you’re like me and don’t have endless pockets, money will always be a concern when deciding to invest in new photography gear.
The Nikon Z9 may very well be one of the top 3 wildlife photography cameras ever made. But history has taught us that cameras that were once game changers can easily become outdated due to technological advances. For example, take the Nikon D700, which I own, use, and love, which was a revelation when it first launched, but is not used by many wildlife photographers anymore.
For this reason, investing most of your wildlife photography budget in a camera might not make the most sense. This is especially true if you don’t already have excellent lenses for it.
I would argue that it is almost always better to spend more money on a lens than a camera. A lens will hold its resale value for much longer and, if you take care of it properly, you will be able to use it for years. In fact, I have a Nikon 70-210mm f/4 that my father gave me from the 1980s that still works.
Now, I’m not telling you not to buy the Nikon Z9. But please consider whether your money could get you more bang for your buck with other gear or life uses.
Note: Remember that sometimes the best thing to do with your wildlife photography budget is to not spend it at all! Buying nothing is much better than buying something that you cannot afford or you will regret.
3) Cheaper Nikon alternatives to the Nikon Z9
I have used several Nikon cameras since I began my wildlife photography career. All of them are cheaper than the Nikon Z9. You might benefit from them if the Z9 is out of your budget. Below you’ll find a mini-review of each along with photos I’ve taken with them.
Nikon Z6
Specs
Megapixels: 24.5 MP
Autofocus: Hybrid autofocus system w/273 phase-detect points
Speed: Up to 12 fps burst shooting
Sensor: Full frame
Launch year: 2018
Real world review
If you’re really after a mirrorless camera that has fantastic low light capabilities at a cheaper price than the Nikon Z9 (and even the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II), the Nikon Z6 is a pretty good bet. What impressed me about this camera was that it was faster (12 FPS) and much better at high ISOs than any DSLR I had ever used... including the Nikon D850.
While it’s a pretty good camera if you’re shooting static or slow-moving wildlife, I had a bad experience with this autofocus system. It was far worse than any Nikon DSLR in this area. Hopefully this has been fixed in the Nikon Z9!
Where to buy
If you’re interested in getting the Nikon Z6, you can buy it here.
Snowshoe hare | Nikon D850 + 200-500 mm f/5.6 | ISO 4500, 1/125, f/5.6
Nikon D850
Specs
Megapixels: 45.7 MP
Autofocus: 153-point AF system
Speed: 7 fps (9 fps with battery grip and EN-EL18b battery)
Sensor: Full frame
Launch year: 2017
Why you should get it
In my opinion, this is the best all-around DSLR ever made. I especially think this is true for wildlife photography. Despite being slower than the D500 at 7 fps, the Nikon D850’s autofocus is nearly as powerful. However, where this camera shines is in its 45.7 MP resolution and low light capabilities.
With this many megapixels, you can crop more easily while still having enough resolution. The powerful BSI CMOS sensor also allows for cleaner, less noisy images at high ISOs, which allows you to shoot for longer!
Where to buy
If you’re interested in getting the Nikon D850, you can buy it here.
Little grebe | Nikon D7500 + 300 PF + 1.4x TC | ISO 400, 1/250, f/5.6 @ 420mm
Nikon D7500
Specs
Megapixels: 20.9 MP
Autofocus: 51-point phase detect AF
Speed: 8 fps
Sensor: APS-C/crop sensor
Sensor: Full frame
Launch year: 2017
Real world review
The Nikon D7500 is often compared to the D500… and for good reason! Since it is cheaper by about $600 / £500, it does not have the newer autofocus system or speed of its older sibling.
However, with Nikon’s 51-point phase detect autofocus system (that first appeared on the flagship Nikon D4) and the ability to shoot at 8 FPS, this is a very capable camera for wildlife photography. What’s more, it’s a bit lighter than the D500 (720 g vs 860 g), making it easier to carry around and travel with.
Where to buy
If you’re interested in getting the Nikon D7500, you can buy it here.
Black-crowned night heron | Nikon D500 + 200-500 f/5.6 | ISO 1100, 1/500, f/5.6 @ 500mm
Nikon D500
Specs for wildlife photography
Megapixels: 20.7 MP
Autofocus: 153 point AF with 99 cross-type points
Speed: 10 fps
Sensor: APS-C/crop sensor
Launch year: 2016
Why you should get it
If you’re someone who wants one of Nikon’s best wildlife photography cameras with an excellent autofocus system, incredible speed, and the added benefit of a 1.5x crop, then the Nikon D500 is for you. In fact, it’s autofocus system is world class, being very similar to Nikon’s flagship D5 and slightly better than the Nikon D850, which will help you capture those fast-moving birds.
This is my main body and it really doesn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for a pro wildlife camera in a DX body, then this is your go-to.
Where to buy
If you’re interested in getting the Nikon D500, you can buy it here.
North American beaver | Nikon D7100 + 300mm f/4 AF-S | ISO 6400, 1/200, f/4
Nikon D7100
Specs
Megapixels: 24.1 MP
Autofocus: 51 point AF System with 15 cross-type sensors
Speed: 6 FPS (up to 7 FPS in 1.3x crop mode)
Sensor: APS-C/crop sensor
Launch year: 2013
Real world review
I’d be lying if I said this camera didn’t hold a soft spot in my heart. The Nikon D7100 was the first camera I started to photograph wildlife with. The predecessor to the Nikon D7200 and Nikon D7500, it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of its competitors above.
It’s not a dedicated camera for wildlife photography, but it does have good resolution (24 MP) and average speed (6 FPS) and autofocus. Despite not being as good as the others on this list, it is significantly cheaper and you can still get great photos.
As I always say (and have heard many others say, too), 90% of a photograph happens behind the camera. In other words, your skill as a photographer matters more than your gear!
Where to buy
If you’re interested in getting the Nikon D7100, you can buy it here.
Canada geese | Nikon D4 + 300 mm f/2.8 VR II + 1.4x TC | ISO 450, 1/200, f/4 @ 420mm
Nikon D4
Specs
Megapixels: 16.2 MP
Autofocus: Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX with 51 focus points and 15 cross-type sensors
Speed: 10 FPS (11 FPS with AE/AF locked)
Sensor: Full frame
Launch year: 2012
Real world review
Although it launched in 2012, the Nikon D4 is still a very good wildlife camera by today’s standards. In fact, it meets three of a wildlife photographer’s needs: speed (10-11 FPS), great low light capabilities, and a competent autofocus system.
It doesn’t have as many megapixels (16.2 MP) as more modern cameras (although it’s not very different from the Nikon D500 and D7500). However, this isn’t an issue if you don’t need to crop very much or if you can get close enough to your subject.
In my experience, when it comes to cameras, it’s best to work with their limitations than blame them (which I learned the hard way).
Where to buy
If you’re interested in getting the Nikon D4, you can buy it here.
Great at blue heron | Nikon D700 + 300 mm f/2.8 VR II + 1.4x TC | ISO 2000, 1/500, f/4 @ 420mm
Nikon D700
Specs
Megapixels: 12.1 MP
Autofocus: 51-point AF with 3D Focus Tracking
Speed: 5 FPS (up to 8 FPS with the MB-D10 Battery Pack)
Sensor: Full frame
Launch year: 2008
Real world review
Similar to the Nikon D7100, this is also one of the first cameras I started using for wildlife and landscape photography. It is the oldest camera on this list, having launched in 2008.
At only 12 MP, cropping is more difficult than on the Nikon D4, but if you’re only posting on social media, then you can totally make it work. The autofocus is similar to the Nikon D7100, but this DSLR shines in low light because of its full frame sensor and low pixel density.
It’s not blazing fast at 5 FPS, but it’s perfectly serviceable. Like I said, the photographer influences a photo more than the camera or lens.
Where to buy
If you’re interested in getting the Nikon D700, you can buy it here.
Check out this table for a general comparison of the Nikon cameras we have reviewed.
Note: You might be wondering why the Nikon Z6’s 273 autofocus points are highlighted in red. As I said before, the Nikon Z6 and rest of the Z line have a subpar autofocus system compared to Nikon’s DSLRs. The difference is even greater with Sony and Canon’s mirrorless competitors. I used the Nikon Z6 for a year and was consistently disappointed, especially when it came to tracking moving subjects, which it didn’t even come close to doing as well as Nikon’s best wildlife photography DSLRs.
Conclusion
Before you make the decision to buy the Nikon Z9, it’s important to inform yourself as much as possible. That’s why I wait to read real world reviews from the field before making any significant purchase for wildlife photography. In fact, that’s exactly what I did before I bought my Nikon D500.
It’s also crucial for you to ask yourself questions like:
Can I afford it?
Is it worth spending my money on?
Should I invest in a lens instead?
What cheaper cameras can I get instead?
Do I need to spend this money right now?
Waiting for reviews and asking yourself these questions will give you a better sense of whether you’re making an informed, rational decision or an impulse buy based on hype and emotion. If you apply these lessons before making any purchase, you’ll feel much better when you actually buy your next piece of wildlife photography gear, be it the Nikon Z9 or something else.
For these reasons, I will not be purchasing the Nikon Z9. But if I feel like it’s a significant upgrade over my current gear and it makes sense financially, I will consider buying it in the future.
Where to buy
If you are interested in purchasing any of the gear I used to shoot these photos, check out the links below:
If you live in Canada, Kijiji is a great place to get even cheaper gear if you are willing to buy cameras and lenses without an intermediary service, such as Amazon or eBay.