CameraReview
CompareCamerasLensesAction CamerasGuides
Nikon Z9
87
SCORE
Nikon · Mirrorless · 46 MP · Full Frame · 8K video

Nikon Z9

General 87Optics 88Video Performance 100Features and Benefits 87Storage and Battery 79
From $5,296.95 — 2 offers
KEY FACTS
BrandNikon
ModelZ9
Released2021
Announcement date28/10/2021
Camera typeMirrorless
What We Like
+Ultra-fast image processor
+High, 120 fps compressed frame rate
+No visible rolling shutter
+Excellent battery life
+8K/60p Ultra HD video
+Unlimited low-resolution recording
Worth Knowing
−Only 11 MP files at the highest frame
−You can only shoot RAW files at 20 fps
−Tracking can fail with erratic movement
−IBIS not as good as Canon R3
−Autofocus isn't as good for video
−The screen doesn't fully articulate

General 87

Brand
Nikon
Model
Z9
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
2021
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
28/10/2021
Camera type
Mirrorless
Camera size
149 x 150 x 91 mm
Camera weight
1340 g

Optics 88

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
46 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
8256 x 5504
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
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.
23.9 x 35.9
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full Frame
Continuous shooting
ⓘ
The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode.
30 fps045
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.
Nikon Z
Image processor
ⓘ
The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card.
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
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
6430200
Max ISO
ⓘ
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.
256003003280000
Min 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.
3230200
Max 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.
1024003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
90044080
Max 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.
3200080032000
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.
4930300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
Yes
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
Viewfinder dots
368640009900000
Read our notes on optics

The Nikon Z9 scores an impressive 87/100, reflecting its high-quality features. This mirrorless camera, announced on 10/28/2021, was released in 2021 with a launch price of $5500. The camera measures 149 x 150 x 91mm and weighs 1340g (2.95lbs), making it a robust and reliable option in the market. Given its specifications, the Nikon Z9 holds a strong position among competitors, offering users excellent value and performance.

Nikon Z9 Overview and Optics

The Nikon Z9 receives an outstanding optics score of 88/100. With 46 megapixels, a shooting speed of 30, and a full-frame CMOS sensor, the camera delivers high-quality images. The Expeed 7 processor ensures fast and efficient performance, while the Nikon Z lens mount offers compatibility with a wide range of lenses.

The DXOMARK sensor score of 98 highlights the camera’s excellent performance in various conditions. Image stabilization and a 3:2 aspect ratio contribute to the camera’s ability to capture sharp and well-composed shots.

The Nikon Z9 stands strong in today’s competitive market, offering remarkable optics and performance. Its specifications cater to the needs of professional photographers, making it a top choice in the industry.

Nikon Z9 Video Performance 100

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
Yes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
8K
Max video format
ⓘ
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.
7680 x 4320
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 fps
Timelapse 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.
Yes
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.
MOV
Read our notes on nikon z9 video performance

The Nikon Z9 boasts a perfect video score of 100/100, showcasing its impressive capabilities in this domain. This camera offers a maximum video resolution of 8K, with dimensions reaching 7680 x 4320 pixels. These specifications place the Nikon Z9 at the forefront of the market, as few cameras offer such high-resolution video recording.

Additionally, the Z9 supports a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, enabling users to capture smooth slow-motion footage in exceptional detail. This feature further elevates the camera’s standing in the market. With built-in time-lapse functionality, the Nikon Z9 provides users with a comprehensive set of video tools, making it a top choice for videographers and content creators alike.

The Nikon Z9’s video capabilities set it apart from competitors, thanks to its high-resolution recording, fast frame rate, and convenient time-lapse feature. This camera stands as a strong option for those seeking advanced video performance in their photography equipment.

Nikon Z9 Features and Benefits 87

Builtin flash
ⓘ
A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it.
No
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.
Yes
GPS
ⓘ
GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs.
Yes
Weather sealing
ⓘ
Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions.
Yes
Screen type
LCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
Yes
Screen size
3.2"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
20889601150001500000
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.
Yes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
Yes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
Yes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
Yes
Read our notes on nikon z9 features and benefits

The Nikon Z9 boasts a feature score of 87/100, showcasing its impressive capabilities. The camera’s 3.2-inch screen provides ample space for users to view their shots, while the 2,088,960-dot resolution ensures sharp and clear images. The touchscreen and flip screen functionalities enhance user experience and adaptability in various shooting scenarios.

Equipped with GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth, the Nikon Z9 excels in connectivity, allowing photographers to easily share and transfer their work. These specifications make the camera highly competitive in today’s market, as they cater to the needs of both professional and amateur photographers.

The Nikon Z9 is a powerful camera with a wide range of features, making it a strong contender in the world of photography. Its high feature score reflects its superior capabilities, ensuring it remains a popular choice among photographers.

Nikon Z9 Storage and Battery 79

Memory card
CFexpress, XQD
Dual memory card slots
Yes
Battery type
EN-EL18d
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
740 shots1505000
USB charging
Yes
Read our notes on nikon z9 storage and battery

The Nikon Z9’s storage and battery performance receives a score of 79/100. This camera offers two memory card slots, accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress, and XQD cards, providing versatility and ample storage options. In today’s market, this variety of card compatibility is advantageous.

The Z9’s battery life lasts for 740 shots, powered by an EN-EL18d battery. This capacity is competitive in the current market. Additionally, the camera supports USB charging, which is a convenient feature for users on-the-go. The Nikon Z9’s storage and battery specifications are solid, making it a reliable option for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike.