Nikon Cameras
Nikon Z9 Review
In 2021, Nikon released the Z9, a camera that could finally compete with other mirrorless flagships on the market. It featured a 45 MP stacked sensor along with a new EXPEED 7 processor, delivering exceptional image quality, excellent high-ISO performance and blackout-free continuous shooting at up to 20 fps. Video capabilities are equally impressive, including internal 8K 60 fps and 4K 120 fps recording in high-quality 12-bit N-RAW.
Nikon Z System
The release of the Z6 and Z7 in 2018 introduced the Nikon Z-mount. With a larger mount diameter and shorter flange distance, the Z system allowed Nikon to design faster, sharper lenses with better low-light performance. Compared to older DSLRs the system is smaller and lighter while also improving autofocus speed and overall image quality. After nearly a decade, the Z-mount system now provides a wide selection of lenses. Nikon F-mount lenses (older DSLR lenses) remain fully compatible with Nikon Z series cameras via the FTZ adapter.
Nikon Z9 Price
Nikon Z9 Specifications
General
Nikon Z9 features a 45.7 MP stacked CMOS sensor paired with Nikon’s new EXPEED 7 processor, delivering excellent image quality, fast and reliable autofocus and professional-grade video performance.
The Z9 is the first Nikon camera with a sensor shield. The shield automatically and instantly covers the sensor when you turn the camera off, protecting it from dust and debris. Some cameras from other brands also close the shutter to protect the sensor in a similar way, but the Z9 uses a dedicated mechanical shield rather than the slower shutter mechanism.
In-body 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS) provides up to approximately 6 stops of shake reduction. There are two stabilization modes available in the settings menu, with “Sport” mode producing more stable results when tracking fast-moving subjects, especially in continuous shooting scenarios.
Another notable feature is that the Z9 powers on instantly, whereas some other flagship cameras may take a second or two to become fully operational.
Body and Ergonomics
The Z9 camera body feels very professional – it’s robust, durable and extremely well weather-sealed. It has a built-in vertical grip and it uses the larger EN-EL18 series battery, offering significantly longer battery life than other Nikon camera models.
Controls allow easy switching between horizontal and vertical shooting, with extensive customization options available to tailor the camera to your workflow. Some buttons are also backlit to help when shooting in low-light conditions.
Some reviewers point out that the ergonomics do not suit everyone and certain buttons feel misplaced. This can also depend on your hand size, so each individual should test the camera themselves to see if the button layout and ergonomics suit their shooting style.
The Z9 features dual card slots that accept XQD or CFexpress Type B cards. These cards are extremely fast and durable making them the only viable option for a flagship camera. They are also significantly more expensive than traditional SD cards, which is why cheaper Nikon cameras often use SD cards or a mixed SD and CFexpress configuration.
Some photographers who frequently swap cards during events have noted that the card slot door is not the quickest to open in high-pressure situations. However, this is a very specific concern and will not affect most users.
Professional connectivity includes a full-size HDMI port, an Ethernet port, and standard headphone, microphone and USB-C ports. This is the only Nikon mirrorless camera with a built-in GPS.
The Z9 has a dual axis tilting LCD screen. The EVF is large and bright and allows for completely blackout-free shooting.
Autofocus
Autofocus on the Z9 represents a major step forward compared to previous Z-series models, thanks to the new EXPEED 7 processor and stacked sensor with extremely fast readout speeds. At launch, the Z9 delivered by far the best autofocus performance Nikon had ever achieved.
Autofocus system features 493 phase-detection autofocus points covering approximately 90% of the frame. It includes AI-based subject detection and can recognize nine different subject types, including people, animals (dogs, cats and birds) and various vehicles (cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains and airplanes).
The camera can track human and animal subjects using Eye-Detection AF and maintains focus even in low-light conditions. 3D Tracking and Wide-area AF modes provide flexibility when photographing unpredictable subjects such as wildlife or sports. Wide-area AF mode allows you to define a custom-sized focus area on the screen if you prefer this approach over moving a single focus point with the AF joystick.
In practice, autofocus varies depending on the lens and settings. Some sports photographers report inconsistencies, where the camera sometimes locks onto the background instead of the intended subject, potentially resulting in missed shots that might be captured more reliably with flagship cameras from brands like Canon or Sony, which offer even more advanced autofocus. That said, if you haven’t used flagship cameras from other brands, you absolutely wont notice any shortcomings – the Z9’s autofocus is still extremely capable and more than sufficient for most if not all situations.
| Feature | NIKON Z9 |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 2021 |
| Megapixels | 45.7 MP |
| Image Resolution | 8256 × 5504 |
| Sensor Size | Full Frame |
| Sensor Type | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 |
| IBIS | 5-Axis, 6 stops |
| Weather Sealing | Yes |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Body Type | Mirrorless |
| PHOTO | |
| Native ISO | 64 – 25,600 |
| Expandable ISO | 32 – 102,400 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/32,000 – 900s |
| Burst Rate (Mechanical) | / |
| Burst Rate (Electronic) | 20 fps RAW / up to 120 fps JPEG |
| Buffer | 1000+ RAW |
| Shutter Types | Electronic |
| Silent Shooting | Yes (Electronic Shutter) |
| Exposure Compensation | ±5 EV |
| High-Res (Sensor Shift) | No |
| Pre-Capture Mode | Yes |
| VIDEO | |
| 4K Video | 4K 60fps (oversampled from 8K) |
| Max Frame Rate | 8K 60fps / 4K 120fps / 1080p 120fps |
| Bit Depth | 12-bit |
| Recording Limit | 125 min |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes |
| AUTOFOCUS | |
| AF System | Hybrid AF + AI-based deep-learning engine for enhanced subject recognition and tracking |
| AF Points | 493 |
| AF Coverage | ~ 90% Frame Coverage |
| AF Joystick | Yes |
| DISPLAY / VIEWFINDER | |
| Articulated Screen | Dual Axis Tilting |
| Touch Screen | Yes |
| LCD Size | 3.2" |
| LCD Resolution | 2,100,000 |
| EVF Resolution | 3,690,000 |
| EVF Refresh Rate | 120 fps |
| EVF Coverage | 100% |
| EVF Magnification | 0.8× |
| MORE INFO | |
| Card Slot 1 | XQD / CFexpress Type B |
| Card Slot 2 | XQD / CFexpress Type B |
| Sensor Protection System | Yes |
| USB | Type C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| USB Charging | Yes |
| HDMI | Type A (Full Size HDMI) |
| Microphone Port | 3.5 mm |
| Headphone Port | 3.5 mm |
| Built-in Flash | No |
| Built-in Microphone | Yes |
| Battery | EN-EL18d |
| Battery Life | ~ 800 frames |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / GPS | Yes |
| Dimensions | 149 × 150 × 91 mm |
| Weight | 1340 g |
Photography
As expected from a flagship camera, the Z9 delivers outstanding image quality across a wide range of shooting scenarios. The 45.7 MP stacked sensor produces highly detailed images with natural color rendering and strong dynamic range, along with very good high-ISO performance.
The Z9 does not have a mechanical shutter – all images are captured using the electronic shutter. At release, it offered some of the fastest sensor readout speeds available, thanks to its stacked sensor design and the EXPEED 7 processor. The fast readout significantly reduces rolling shutter distortion, effectively eliminating the need for a mechanical shutter. An additional benefit is that there is no mechanical shutter mechanism to wear out over time.
The Z9 can shoot at up to 20 fps in lossless compressed RAW, at up to 30 fps in full-resolution JPEG and up to 120 fps with a 1.5x crop and at a reduced 11 MP resolution.
Buffer performance is extremely strong. The camera can sustain 20 fps (RAW) for approximately 1,000 frames (50 seconds) without viewfinder blackout.
Images can be saved to either card or to both simultaneously.
Pre-Capture (sometimes referred to as Pre-Shoot Burst Mode) allows the camera to record images for approximately 1 second before the shutter is fully pressed, helping capture unpredictable moments. This feature works at up to 120 fps but only with JPEGs.
Video
Video is a major strength of the Nikon Z9. Keeping the camera’s firmware up to date is important, as recent updates have added key features such as 8K 60 fps recording, oversampled 4K 60 fps recording and improved autofocus performance.
Nikon Z9 can record in 8.3K at up to 60 fps internally, but this mode is limited exclusively to 12-bit N-RAW. N-RAW is Nikon’s extremely high-quality codec, preserving maximum detail, dynamic range and color information. In the past, N-RAW footage could only be edited in DaVinci Resolve. While support has since expanded to some other video editors, compatibility is still not universal, so it’s important to confirm that N-RAW fits into your editing workflow.
N-RAW offers two quality settings: Normal and High Quality. The ‘Normal’ setting produces files that are roughly half the size of High Quality, with little to no noticeable loss of detail.
At 4K and all other recording modes, this limitation is removed, allowing also the use of ProRes RAW, which delivers image quality nearly as high as N-RAW.
The Z9 can also record oversampled 4.1K (4K UHD) at up to 60 fps internally without a crop, delivering very detailed footage and excellent image quality. Originally only the 4K 30 fps mode was oversampled and support for oversampled 4K 60 fps recording was later added with a firmware update (if you want the oversampled mode for 4K 60 fps, you have to manually select that in the menu).
4K 120 fps recording is not oversampled, resulting in slightly reduced sharpness compared to oversampled modes. However, both 4K 120 fps and the non-oversampled 4K 60 fps still maintain natural colors and strong dynamic range.
Full HD (1080p) is available up to 120 fps.
Some rolling shutter distortion is noticeable in 8K and oversampled 4K, but it remains minimal thanks to the fast readout of the stacked sensor. Non-oversampled 4K modes (60 and 120 fps) show very little rolling shutter distortion.
High-ISO performance is strong, with good detail retention and accurate color reproduction. The Z9 performs very well at ISO 4000 and produces usable footage up to ISO 12,800 and occasionally even higher.
The Z9 records video to only one card at a time (just like all other Nikon cameras). Simultaneous internal and external recording is supported. When recording externally via HDMI, both the external recorder and the camera’s LCD remain active and responsive. On-screen displays and menu overlays can also be enabled on the external monitor without blacking out either screen – something competing flagship cameras usually do not allow.
Heat Management and Recording Limit
Overheating is rarely an issue thanks to excellent heat management. The Z9 has a robust dissipation system that keeps the risk of overheating low, even in demanding recording modes. The camera also provides settings that allow you to adjust overheating sensitivity (Standard or High).
The Z9 removes the traditional 30-minute internal recording limit found on many earlier mirrorless cameras, extending the maximum clip length to 125 minutes, however, the presence of any recording limit on a camera of this class feels extremely outdated. Keep in mind that very high-bitrate formats, such as 8K 60 fps N-RAW, generate extremely large files and even a 500 GB CFexpress card can fill up in less than 30 minutes.
Battery life allows for up to approximately two hours of 8K 30 fps recording according to official figures, though real-world recording times can often be even longer depending on conditions and camera settings.
Recording to an external recorder is not limited by the internal 125-minute clip limit.
Nikon Z9 Alternatives
Nikon Z8
Nikon Z6 III
Nikon Z7 II
Nikon Z8 (2023) is essentially the flagship Z9, but in a smaller, lighter body, much more practical for most users. All specifications remain the same as on the Z9. The only exception is that the Z8 uses a mixed dual card slot setup (one SD card and one XQD/CFexpress Type B). The Z8 is currently about $1500 cheaper than the Z9.
Nikon Z6 III (2024) is Nikon’s most advanced 24 MP camera, featuring a partially stacked 24 MP sensor, an EXPEED 7 processor and class-leading autofocus and video capabilities including internal 6K 60 fps recording in 12-bit N-RAW. It can shoot at 14 fps RAW with the mechanical shutter and 20 fps in RAW with the electronic shutter (up to 120 fps in 11 MP JPEG).
Nikon Z7 II (2020) was Nikon’s original high-resolution mirrorless option. It offers a 45 MP BSI sensor (not a stacked sensor) with excellent stills capability, but it’s much less focused on videography or speed than the Z8, Z9 or Z6 III. It costs about $1500 less than the Z8.
Sony A1
Sony A1 II
Sony A1 (2021) is Sony’s high-resolution flagship featuring a 50 MP stacked sensor. At the time of it’s release it offered the best AF system in the industry. It can shoot at up to 10 fps in RAW with the mechanical shutter and up to 30 fps in RAW with the electronic shutter. It offers 8K video recording at 30 fps and 4K at up to 120 fps, but oversampled 4K recording is available only at 30 fps and only with a 1.5x crop. Internal recording is limited to 10-bit with the option for 16-bit external recording via HDMI.
Sony A1 II (2024) keeps the same 50 MP stacked sensor, but it utilizes a new AI processing unit for enhanced subject recognition and tracking. It also upgrades to a new rugged and more ergonomic body and it introduces a new extremely practical high-resolution LCD screen (tilting and fully articulating). Most other specifications remain the same as on the original A1.
Compared to the Nikon Z9, Sony A1 and A1 II offer better autofocus, but cannot quite match the video performance of the Z9. Sony A1 is also about $1000 more expensive than the Nikon Z9 and Sony A1 II is about $2000 more expensive than the Z9.
Canon R5 II
Canon EOS R5 Mark II (2024) is Canon’s direct competitor to the Nikon Z8 and Z9, since it also uses a similar 45 MP stacked sensor (while the original R5 had a slower 45 MP non-stacked sensor). It uses Canon’s newest AF System (‘Dual Pixel Intelligent AF’) which is widely regarded as one of the strongest systems in the industry. It can shoot at 12 fps with the mechanical shutter for 10-20 seconds and 30 fps with the electronic shutter for about 3 seconds. It also offers half of a second of Pre-Capture (15 RAW photos). It can record 8K at up to 60 fps in 12-bit RAW and oversampled 4K at up to 30 fps, but overheating is much more of an issue than with the Z9 or the Z8 so users need to record shorter clips or use a battery grip with a built-in cooling fan.
The R5 II is currently more expensive than the Nikon Z8, but still cheaper than the Nikon Z9 (about $1000 cheaper).
Nikon Z9 Price
Final Verdict
Nikon Z9 is a flagship mirrorless powerhouse that excels in both photography and video. With its cutting-edge video capabilities, stunning still-image quality, fast autofocus and robust build, it meets the demands of any professional. Whether shooting high-resolution 8K, high-speed slow-motion or capturing detailed stills in challenging conditions, the Z9 delivers exceptional results with virtually no compromises.
I firmly believe that most photographers and videographers might prefer the Nikon Z8, as it offers exactly the same image quality and all the same video features, but in a smaller, lighter body and at a much more approachable price.