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Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3

Portability
51 Imaging
81 Features
90 Overall
84
Nikon Z9 front
 
Sony FX3 front
Portability
62 Imaging
65 Features
92 Overall
75

Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 Key Specs

Nikon Z9
(Full Review)
  • 46MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 64 - 25600 (Raise to 102400)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 7680 x 4320 video
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • 1340g - 149 x 150 x 91mm
  • Released October 2021
Sony FX3
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.00" Fully Articulated Display
  • ISO 80 - 102400 (Raise to 409600)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 716g - 130 x 78 x 85mm
  • Announced February 2021
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Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 Overview

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the Z9 (46MP) and FX3 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor dimensions (Full frame).

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The Z9 was unveiled 9 months after the FX3 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Nikon Z9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony FX3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a in depth comparison, here is a short view of how the Z9 matches up versus the FX3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Z9 over the Sony FX3

		

		

			
 Z9 FX3 
AnnouncedOctober 2021February 2021Newer by 9 months
Display dimensions3.2"3.00"Larger display (+0.2")
Display resolution2089k1440kClearer display (+649k dot)
		

	

	
	

		

		
Reasons to pick Sony FX3 over the Nikon Z9

		

		

			
 FX3 Z9 
Display typeFully articulatedTiltingFully Articulating display
Selfie screen  Take selfies
		

	

	
	

		

		
Common features in the Nikon Z9 and Sony FX3

		

		

			
 Z9 FX3 
Focus manually  More accurate focus
Touch display  Easily navigate
		

	

	

	
	
	
	

	

		

		
Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 Physical Comparison

		

		

			
For anybody who is going to travel with your camera, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon Z9 features outer measurements of 149mm x 150mm x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") along with a weight of 1340 grams (2.95 lbs) whilst the Sony FX3 has measurements of 130mm x 78mm x 85mm (5.1" x 3.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 716 grams (1.58 lbs).
Take a look at the Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the Z9 and the FX3.
Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 size comparison
Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Z9 and FX3 is 51 and 62 respectively.
Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 top view buttons comparison		

	

	
	

		

		
Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 Sensor Comparison

		

		

			
Normally, it is very hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions purely by going through specifications. The image underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the Z9 and FX3.
To sum up, the 2 cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You should anticipate the Nikon Z9 to provide extra detail having an extra 34MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer Z9 should have an edge in sensor tech.
	
			Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 sensor size comparison			
		

	

	
	

		

		
Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 Screen and ViewFinder

		

		

					

		Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 Screen and Viewfinder comparison	

	
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Photography Type Scores

		

	

	
Portrait Comparison
Nikon Z9 Portrait photography details
Sony FX3 Portrait photography details
88
 has manual focus
 MP count excellent (46MP)
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 includes face detection focus
 delivers RAW files
71
 manual focus
 great sensor size (Full frame)
 has face detect autofocus
 exports RAW files
 megapixel count low (12MP)
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Street Comparison
Street photography with Nikon Z9
Street photography with Sony FX3
70
 screen tilts up and down
 image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 delivers RAW files
 has touch to focus
 weather proof
 good high ISO (25,600)
 more heavy than others (1,340g)
76
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 great sensor size (Full frame)
 exports RAW files
 boasts touch focus
 environment sealing
 very good high ISO (102,400)
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Sports Comparison
Nikon Z9 Sports photography factors
Sony FX3 Sports photography factors
90
 silent shutter (1/32,000 seconds)
 fast shooting (30.0 frames per second)
 image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 MP count excellent (46MP)
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 includes tracking autofocus
 weather proof
 better than average battery life (740 shots)
 has phase detect auto focus
76
 high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 great sensor size (Full frame)
 has tracking focus
 environment sealing
 better than average battery power (600 CIPA)
 sensor has phase detect autofocus
 megapixel count low (12MP)
Photography Glossary
Travel Comparison
Nikon Z9 Travel photography highlights
Sony FX3 Travel photography highlights
65
 better than average battery life (740 shots)
 weather proof
 has bluetooth
 has touch to focus
 MP count excellent (46 megapixels)
 more heavy than others (1,340 grams)
 does not contain selfie friendly screen
71
 better than average battery power (600 per charge)
 environment sealing
 connects via bluetooth
 boasts touch focus
 screen is selfie friendly
 megapixel count low (12MP)
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Landscape Comparison
 Nikon Z9 as a Landscape photography camera
 Sony FX3 as a Landscape photography camera
87
 has manual focus
 swap lenses (Nikon Z mount)
 screen is a decent size (3.2 inch)
 image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 MP count excellent (46 megapixels)
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 good high ISO (25,600)
 delivers RAW files
 weather proof
 better than average battery life (740 CIPA)
 has dual storage slots
77
 manual focus
 change lenses (Sony E mount)
 pretty good screen size (3.00")
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 great sensor size (Full frame)
 very good high ISO (102,400)
 exports RAW files
 environment sealing
 better than average battery power (600 shots)
 has double storage slots
 megapixel count low (12MP)
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Vlogging Comparison
Nikon Z9 Vlogging features
Sony FX3 Vlogging features
32
 screen is touchscreen
 image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 includes face detection focus
 video res high (7680 x 4320 resolution)
 has external microphone jack
 does not contain selfie friendly screen
 more heavy than others (1,340 grams)
77
 screen is selfie friendly
 touch screen
 built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 has face detect autofocus
 high res video (3840 x 2160 pixels)
 includes microphone port
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Nikon Z9 vs Sony FX3 Specifications

		

		

					

		
		

			Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Z9 and Sony FX3
 Nikon Z9Sony FX3
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Sony
Model Nikon Z9 Sony FX3
Type Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Released 2021-10-28 2021-02-23
Body design SLR-style mirrorless Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type Stacked CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor measurements 35.9 x 23.9mm 35.6 x 23.8mm
Sensor surface area 858.0mm² 847.3mm²
Sensor resolution 46 megapixels 12 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter    
Aspect ratio 1:1, 3:2 and  16:9 3:2 and  16:9
Full resolution 8256 x 5504 4240 x 2832
Max native ISO 25600 102400
Max boosted ISO 102400 409600
Min native ISO 64 80
RAW pictures    
Min boosted ISO 32 50
Autofocusing
Focus manually    
AF touch    
AF continuous    
Single AF    
AF tracking    
AF selectice    
Center weighted AF    
Multi area AF    
Live view AF    
Face detection focusing    
Contract detection focusing    
Phase detection focusing    
Number of focus points 493 759
Lens
Lens mounting type Nikon Z Sony E
Total lenses 29 187
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Range of screen Tilting Fully articulated
Screen diagonal 3.2 inches 3.00 inches
Screen resolution 2,089k dot 1,440k dot
Selfie friendly    
Liveview    
Touch operation    
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic None
Viewfinder resolution 3,686k dot -
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent -
Viewfinder magnification 0.8x -
Features
Lowest shutter speed 900s 30s
Highest shutter speed - 1/8000s
Highest silent shutter speed 1/32000s -
Continuous shooting speed 30.0 frames per sec 10.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority    
Aperture priority    
Expose Manually    
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB    
Image stabilization    
Inbuilt flash    
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash options Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync Off no built-in flash
Hot shoe    
AEB    
WB bracketing    
Highest flash sync 1/200s -
Exposure
Multisegment metering    
Average metering    
Spot metering    
Partial metering    
AF area metering    
Center weighted metering    
Video features
Supported video resolutions 7680 x 4320 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, L 3840 x 2160 @ 120p / 280 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 100p / 280 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 140 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 140 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Max video resolution 7680x4320 3840x2160
Video file format H.264, H.265 MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-1, H.264, H.265
Microphone jack    
Headphone jack    
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth    
NFC    
HDMI    
USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS Built-in None
Physical
Environmental seal    
Water proof    
Dust proof    
Shock proof    
Crush proof    
Freeze proof    
Weight 1340 grams (2.95 lbs) 716 grams (1.58 lbs)
Physical dimensions 149 x 150 x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") 130 x 78 x 85mm (5.1" x 3.1" x 3.3")
DXO scores
DXO All around score not tested 85
DXO Color Depth score not tested 24.2
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 13.4
DXO Low light score not tested 3900
Other
Battery life 740 pictures 600 pictures
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL18d NP-FZ100
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures))
Time lapse feature   With downloadable app
Storage media Dual CFexpress Type B slots Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots
Storage slots 2 2
Launch cost $5,500 $3,900