Fujifilm X-T4 vs Nikon Z9
Comparison
Fujifilm X-T4
Nikon Z9
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Brand | Fujifilm | Nikon | |
Model | X-T4 | Z9 | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2021 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | February 26, 2020 | October 28, 2021 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
Nikon Z9 vs Fujifilm X-T4 Overview
If you only compare these mirrorless cameras’ technical specifications, the full frame Nikon Z9 is the clear winner. As you can see below, it has better resolution, frame rates, and autofocus tracking.
However, Nikon Z9 vs Fujifilm X-T4 isn’t really a fair comparison.
The Fujifilm X-T4 has a smaller APS-C sensor, not a full-frame sensor. So it occupies a different niche among mirrorless cameras. This means there still are a few reasons why you might prefer it:
- It’s much smaller.
- It’s 733 g lighter.
- It has a wider range of available lenses.
- It has a selfie screen.
- It has a flash sync port.
- It’s available in silver.
- It’s less than half the Nikon Z9 price!
If none of these things means much to you, then feel free to go ahead and buy the Nikon Z9. Otherwise, you might want to read this article first.
Body and Handling
Fujifilm designs its cameras to be a joy to use. This is the key selling point of the Fujifilm X-T4.
It’s an APS-C camera and doesn’t have an integrated battery grip like the Nikon Z9. So it’s much smaller and lighter.
That goes for the lenses, too. This might be important if you’re a street photographer or don’t want to lug around a bag of heavy camera equipment.
Nikon Z9 vs Fujifilm X-T4 Optics
Few APS-C cameras will provide higher image quality than a full-frame Nikon. But, again, it depends on what you’re looking for.
The Nikon Z9 is one of the best mirrorless models on the market. It’s comparable to other cameras such as the Canon EOS R5 or the Sony a1.
Not only does it have a high-resolution sensor, but the individual pixels are 33% bigger. This gives the Z9 an advantage in low light.
But the Fujifilm X-T4 is designed for portrait photography, not landscape photography or wildlife photography. The colors and soft contrast levels work better with skin tones.
Besides the physical size and weight, the Nikon Z9’s specs are much more impressive than the Fujifilm X-T4’s.
It offers a larger sensor with larger pixels, eye tracking, a wider ISO range, and more focus points. It also boasts a faster frame rate (with both the mechanical shutter and the electronic shutter) and a focus stacking feature.
But both the Z9 and X-T4 have face and eye detection, sensor-shift image stabilization, AE and focus bracketing, and anti-flicker. And both support RAW files but lack anti-alias filters.
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Optics
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Fujifilm X-T4
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Nikon Z9
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 26 MP | 46 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6240 x 4160 px | 8256 x 5504 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.5 x 15.6 mm | 23.9 x 35.9 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |  Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 20 fps | 30 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Fujifilm X | Nikon Z | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | X-Processor 4 | Expeed 7 | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 160 | 64 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 12,800 | 25,600 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 80 | 32 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 51200 | 102400 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 900 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 32000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 425 | 493 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3,690,000 dots | 3,686,400 dots |
Nikon Z9 vs Fujifilm X-T4 Video Specs
Again, the Nikon Z9 appears to beat the Fujifilm X-T4 hands-down regarding its video capability. There’s no recording time limit.
The larger Z9 sensor size lets it shoot 8K / 30p Ultra HD video, with a resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels. This compares to the DCI / Ultra HD 4K / 60p 4096 x 2160 maximum resolution of the X-T4.
However, the Fujifilm X-T4’s high-speed video frame rate of 240 fps beats the Nikon Z9’s 120 fps. And the selfie screen is very handy if you do a lot of vlogging.
Fujifilm models are also popular for their Film Simulation modes. The X-T4 offers 20 different filters for both stills and video.
The selections include vivid Velvia, the softer Astia, classic Sepia, and various black and white options. It’s something the Nikon Z9 doesn’t compete with. But both cameras do offer time-lapse recording.
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Video
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Nikon Z9
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |  8K | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 4096 x 2160 px | 7680 x 4320 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 120 p | 120 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  | | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4,MOV | MOV |
Nikon Z9 vs Fujifilm X-T4 Features and Benefits
The Z9 has better or more features:
- A higher viewfinder magnification
- blackout-free shooting
- A larger, higher-resolution LCD screen
- A full-size HDMI port
- Illuminated buttons.
But The Z9 and the X-T4 have many other things in common. They both have wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, an external flash shoe, and a touch screen LCD.
Both also offer microphone and headphone ports, smartphone remote control, and webcam functionality.
Technological development in modern cameras means that Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and face recognition are spreading through all camera brands. This means any advantage is usually a matter of degree and doesn’t last very long!
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Features
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Fujifilm X-T4
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Nikon Z9
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |   | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | TFT LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3" |  3.2" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,620,000 dots | 2,088,960 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Storage and Battery Comparison
The Nikon Z9 relies on speed for a lot of its functionality. So you need to use CFexpress Type B or XQD cards with phenomenal read/write speeds.
The Fujifilm X-T4 supports UHS-I and UHS-II SD cards. But the UHS-I cards won’t be fast enough to shoot high-bitrate video. You can get either V60 or V90 versions of the UHS-II SD cards.
There are no restrictions on shooting video with either. The V60 cards are cheaper per gigabyte of storage, but the V90 cards are faster.
According to CIPA, the Nikon Z9 officially gets 740 shots from a single charge, compared to 500 using the Fujifilm X-T4. However, these figures will probably rise if you shoot in burst mode rather than a single shot.
The good news about the Z9 is that you get a built-in battery grip that houses two batteries (or enough for at least 1,480 shots). This means you shouldn’t worry about packing spare batteries for a shoot or a game drive.
The Fujifilm X-T4 is also easier to use if you’re a vlogger. Its LCD can be turned 180 degrees and used as a selfie screen.
Finally, from an aesthetic point of view, you might prefer the retro vibe of the silver X-T4. It’s made of metal and has an old-fashioned layout. It has individual dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation.
It’s a throwback to the days of old film cameras like the Nikon F. The discreet shutter click sounds just like a Leica!
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Storage and Battery
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | CFexpress, XQD | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | NP-W235 | EN-EL18d | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 500 shots | 740 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Fujifilm X-T4
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Nikon Z9
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | N/A | ||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | N/A | 26.3 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | N/A | 14.4 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | N/A | 2451 |
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Scores
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Fujifilm X-T4
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Nikon Z9
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Nikon Z9 vs Fujifilm X-T4 - Our Verdict
Choosing the best camera between the Nikon Z9 vs Fujifilm X-T4 depends on the kind of photos you take.
For sports, wildlife, or landscape photographers looking for the camera with the best specs, the Z9 is probably the wiser choice. (That’s if you don’t fancy upgrading to a Fujifilm GFX medium format camera!)
The Nikon Z9 boasts excellent color depth and dynamic range. And its overall DxO Sensor Score is an impressive 98 out of 100!
However, if you want something for street photography or taking candid shots at a wedding, you might be better off with the X-T4. Or you might like the retro styling of a Fujifilm camera, or you might prefer a small, light camera body with matching lenses.
So comparing these two cameras is not quite as simple as you might think!
Nikon Z9 vs Fujifilm X-T4 Alternatives
Check out our other popular camera comparisons for inspiration:
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User Scores
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Fujifilm X-T4
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Nikon Z9
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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