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Nikon Z9

 
Nikon Z9 front
 
  • 46MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Display
  • 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
  • Announced October 2021
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Lenses
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
51
Imaging
82
Features
90
Overall
85

Nikon Z9 overview

Nikon Z9 is Nikon's Pro Mirrorless camera first introduced on October of 2021. The camera features a 46MP, Stacked CMOS Full frame sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 8256 x 5504.

The Z9 comes in at #6 out of 70 in Pro Mirrorless cameras & all-around #6 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. You can check our Smart camera search to find camera listings based on your personalized requirements.

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The following is a diagram of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Nikon Z9 family

The Nikon Z9 has a history of related cameras. Down below, you can find all earlier and most recent models along with important specs.

ModelVisualizeResolutionSensor SizeMax fpsReleased
Nikon-Z8 front thumbnailNikon Z8
Z9 vs Z8
46MPFull frame30.0 fps2023
Nikon-Z9 front thumbnailNikon Z946MPFull frame30.0 fps2021
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Nikon-Z6-Mark-II front thumbnailNikon Z6 II
Z9 vs Z6 II
25MPFull frame14.0 fps2020
Nikon-Z7-Mark-II front thumbnailNikon Z7 II
Z9 vs Z7 II
46MPFull frame10.0 fps2020
Nikon-Z5 front thumbnailNikon Z5
Z9 vs Z5
24MPFull frame4.5 fps2020
Nikon-Z7 front thumbnailNikon Z7
Z9 vs Z7
46MPFull frame9.0 fps2018
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Nikon-Z6 front thumbnailNikon Z6
Z9 vs Z6
25MPFull frame12.0 fps2018

Nikon Z9 Pros and Cons

Below is a checklist of good and bad points of the Nikon Z9 based on criterias which are often seen as useful in a camera.

above average high ISO (25,600)
above average min ISO (64)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
comes with face detection autofocus
comes with tracking autofocus
connects via bluetooth
environment proofing
exports RAW files
focusing manually
good battery power (740 CIPA)
good sized screen (3.2 inches)
has a tilting screen
has external mic socket
has HDMI socket
has headphone socket
has phase detect autofocus
has Top display
has touch focus
high max fps (30.0 fps)
interchangeable lenses (Nikon Z mount)
megapixel count great (46MP)
quiet shutter (1/32,000s)
screen has good resolution (2,089 k dots)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
touchscreen enabled
two card slots
video res high (7680 x 4320 resolution)
doesn't offer selfie friendly display
heavier than others (1,340 grams)
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Nikon Z9 Sensor specifications

The sensor measurement on the Nikon Z9 is 35.9mm x 23.9mm (Full frame). The 858 mm² sensor can resolve 8256 x 5504 pixels and aspect ratios of 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera features Image Stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis). Optical stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter can cause cropping.

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The Stacked CMOS sensor has 46MP and includes a native ISO range of 64 to 25600. This ISO can be extended electronically to 32 to 102400. RAW files are supported therefore you have wider margin for error.

The picture underneath illustrates the Z9's sensor dimensions compared to other common sizes. The Z9 sensor has a crop factor of 1 and is displayed in green.

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To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you can refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Nikon Z9 dimensions

Nikon Z9 weighs about 2.95 lb (1,340g or 47.27 oz) & has external proportions of 149mm x 150mm x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6"). The weight of general Pro Mirrorless camera is 722g and the Nikon Z9 is heavier in comparison with various competitors.

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Down below is a shot of the Nikon Z9 alongside a softdrink to help you to get a feel for its scale.

Nikon Z9 dimensions scale

The top view just below will highlight the button arrangement on the Z9.

Nikon Z9 topview buttons dials

Nikon Z9 Lens specifications

The Z9 uses the Nikon Z mount and has 31 lenses to select from. Below is a small number of the lenses we have in our database which will work with the Z9.

ModelVisualizeFocal LengthApertureStabilizedWeight
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-70-200-F2.8-VR-S lensNikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S70-200mmf/2.8 1440g
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-50mm-F1.8-S lensNikon Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S50mmf/1.8415g
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Nikon-Nikkor-Z-24mm-F1.8-S lensNikon Nikkor Z 24mm F1.8 S24mmf/1.8 450g
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-MC-50mm-F2.8 lensNikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm F2.850mmf/2.8 260g
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-14-30mm-F4-S lensNikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S14-30mmf/4485g
Nikon-Nikkor-Z-MC-105mm-F2.8-VR-S lensNikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm F2.8 VR S105mmf/2.8 630g
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Venus-Laowa-Argus-33mm-F0.95-CF-APO-Z-Mount lensVenus Laowa Argus 33mm F0.95 CF APO33mmf/1590g
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Nikon Z9 Connectivity

The Z9 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • Bluetooth Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Cameras that include NFC or Bluetooth support can be controlled wirelessly by smartphones. You are able to transfer pictures and oftentimes change settings with no need to connect physically to the camera.

Some applications even allow a Liveview and press the shutter when you aren't close to the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI port, it can be connected to an external screen. Most cameras enable you to charge the battery with the USB socket.

OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus

Nikon Z9 Video specifications

The highest video quality on the Nikon Z9 is 7680 x 4320 and you can shoot in H.264 and H.265 format. 4320p gives a great quality for video recording. You can crop to Full HD to get clearer results. Be wary of the substantial file sizes and make sure you have got decent SD cards that have fast write speed. The camera does include both headphone and mic socket making it very useful while recording audio.

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Nikon Z9 Weather Sealing

Nikon Z9 has environment sealing which makes it a good candidate for use in rough environments. This can be especially handy when you are uncertain about the conditions you might encounter in outdoor photography.

Nikon Z9 Display and Viewfinder

The Nikon Z9 features a 3.2" tilting display supporting a resolution of 2,089k dots.

Moreover the display is touch friendly which means you can set focus points plus adjust settings with your finger. The Z9 also has a builtin Top display so its possible to quickly checkout the camera's settings.

Nikon Z9 screen and viewfinder Photographer Triumphs in Lawsuit Over Creative Commons Image Rights

The ViewFinder specs for Nikon Z9 are the following:

  • ViewFinder Electronic
  • Resolution 3,686k dots
  • Coverage 100 percent
  • Magnification 0.8x

Viewfinders are rather handy in sunny outdoor conditions which might make the camera display washed out and difficult to see.

Nikon Z9 Shutter specifications

Nikon Z9 can shoot continuously at 30.0 fps. The camera also provides silent electronic shutter of 1/32000 seconds. Keep in mind that the electronic shutter can result in "rolling shutter" in certain situations.

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Nikon Z9 Flash and Hot shoe specifications

Nikon Z9 features external flash ability but is without inbuilt flash. The max flash sync is 1/200 seconds.

Nikon Z9 Autofocusing specifications

Nikon Z9 features both Phase Detect Auto Focus as well as Contrast Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier and exact in comparison with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera features Face detect which can be helpful for taking photos of people.

It features 493 focus points to select from. Nikon Z9 has tap to focus. You are able to use your fingers to adjust focus. It also has Tracking Auto Focus for moving things. Nikon Z9 has the ability to use manual focus if required in low light conditions or you need more precise focus control.

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Nikon Z9 Battery life

The battery power (EN-EL18d) in the Nikon Z9 is fashioned to last for 740 photographs as per the CIPA standards making it higher than standard in comparison to its class. The typical Pro Mirrorless camera battery life is 460. Olympus E-M1X has the highest (870) battery life in this class of cameras.

Following is a listing of Pro Mirrorless cameras which have the highest battery life:

ModelVisualizeBattery LifeRAWNFCBluetooth
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Canon-EOS-R3 front thumbnailCanon R3
Z9 vs R3
760 yesnoyes
Nikon-Z9 front thumbnailNikon Z9740 yesnoyes
Leica-M11 front thumbnailLeica M11
Z9 vs M11
700 yesnono

Nikon Z9 for varying kinds of photography

The following illustration gives a summation of the Nikon Z9 for varying kinds of photography. To look at more, scroll to the specific paragraph underneath.

Nikon Z9 as a Portrait photography camera

The Nikon Z9 gets a score of 89 which is very high, and means the camera is a superb pick for portrait images. Taking portrait images favors greatly towards sensor resolution, support for RAW files along with the flexibility to work with off-camera flash.

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manual focus
great sensor resolution (46MP)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
features face detection focusing
delivers RAW files

Nikon Z9 Street photography highlights

Having a very good points total of 70, the Nikon Z9 is a very decent choice to use in street photography. A good street photography camera has a good balance of image quality plus portability.

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screen tilts
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
big sensor size (Full frame)
delivers RAW files
has focus via touch
weather sealing
above average ISO range (25,600)
more heavy than others (1,340g)

Nikon Z9 Sports photography features

A tremendous sports photography points tally of 91 means the Nikon Z9 is a brilliant fit for taking photos of sports. A camera needs excellent autofocus and continuous shooting for sports photography.

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quiet mode (1/32,000s)
fast continuous shooting (30.0 frames per second)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
excellent MP (46 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
provides tracking autofocus
weather proof
better than average battery pack (740 CIPA)
sensor has phase detect AF

Nikon Z9 Travel photography highlights

Weight is extremely critical in getting a camera for travel. All things considered, the Nikon Z9 gets a above average 65 for a travel camera which makes it a respectable pick to take on your travels.

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better than average battery (740 CIPA)
environment proof
connects via bluetooth
boasts focus by touch
sensor resolution is high (46MP)
heavier than competition (1,340g)
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen

Nikon Z9 Landscape photography factors

If you find yourself planning to choose a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most critical factor will be image quality. The Nikon Z9 with it's tremendous grade of 87 as a landscape camera is a wonderful choice in the current marketplace.

OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus
manual focus
swap lenses (Nikon Z mount)
screen size is decent (3.2 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor resolution is great (46 megapixels)
sensor size is great (Full frame)
above average ISO range (25,600)
saves RAW formats
weather proofing
great battery (740 per charge)
two card slots

Vlogging with Nikon Z9

A camera for vlogging should come with a moving screen, microphone port and if possible IBIS. Considering all things, the Nikon Z9 is just not suitable as a vlog camera as it comes to a awful rating of 32.

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touchscreen functionality
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
provides face detect autofocus
high quality video (7680 x 4320 pxls)
has mic jack
screen is not selfie friendly
heavier than average in class (1,340g)

Nikon Z9 Alternatives

If you are shopping for replacements to the Z9, here is a list of the highest placed cameras that fall under the family of Pro Mirrorless.

The line graph listed below offers you a summary of the Z9 vs it's top scoring rivals listed above.

Here are a handful of other cameras you may have a look at as alternative options. To check out a detailed comparison, click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Nikon
Model
Nikon Z9
Type
Pro Mirrorless
Announced
2021-10-28
Physical type
SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Sensor type
Stacked CMOS
Sensor size
Full frame
Sensor dimensions
35.9 x 23.9mm
Sensor area
858.0mm²
Sensor resolution
46 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution
8256 x 5504
RAW files
Max native ISO
25600
Max boosted ISO
102400
Minimum native ISO
64
Minimum boosted ISO
32
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
AF center weighted
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points
493
Lens
Lens mounting type
Nikon Z
Number of lenses
29
Focal length multiplier
1
Screen
Display type
Tilting
Display diagonal
3.2 inches
Resolution of display
2,089k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
Electronic
Viewfinder resolution
3,686k dots
Viewfinder coverage
100 percent
Viewfinder magnification
0.8x
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
900 seconds
Highest quiet shutter speed
1/32000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate
30.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash range
no built-in flash
Flash settings
Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync Off
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Highest flash synchronize
1/200 seconds
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
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
Max video resolution
7680x4320
Video format
H.264, H.265
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS
Built-in
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
1340g (2.95 lbs)
Dimensions
149 x 150 x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6")
Other
Battery life
740 images
Battery type
Battery Pack
Battery model
EN-EL18d
Self timer
Yes
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage
Dual CFexpress Type B slots
Card slots
2
Cost at launch
$5,500