The Nikon Z9 is perhaps the most complete camera we’ve ever tested. It shoots excellent 45MP images at up to 30fps (20 with Raw), it captures 8K video in everything from 8-bit MP4s to 12-bit N-Raw. Its autofocus system is both powerful and easy to use and works well for both stills and video. It’s larger and heavier than some of its rivals, which make it less well suited to some applications, but overall it combines the best of a DSLR and a video camera in a single body.
Nikon Z9 Specifications
- Type – Digital camera with support for interchangeable lenses
- Lens Mount – Nikon Z mount (mirrorless system)
- Effective Pixels – 45.7 million
- Sensor Size – 35.9 mm x 23.9 mm
- Image Sensor Format – FX
- Sensor Type – Stacked CMOS sensor
- Image Area (pixels) – FX-format, (L) 8,256 x 5,504, (M) 6,192 x 4,128, (S) 4,128 x 2,752
- Viewfinder – 1.27-cm/0.5-in. approx. 3690k-dot (Quad VGA) OLED electronic viewfinder with color balance and auto and 16- level manual brightness controls
- Shutter Type – Electronic shutter with shutter sound and sensor shield
- Shutter Speed – 1/32000 to 30 sec. (choose from step sizes of 1/3, 1/2 and 1 EV, extendable to 900 sec. in mode M), bulb, time, X200
- Flash Sync Speed – Up to: X=1/200 sec. to 1/250 sec.; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 sec. or slower; Auto FP High-Speed sync supported
- Top Continuous Shooting Speeds – 20 frames per second with RAW at Full Resolution, 30 frames per second with JPEG at Full Resolution, 120 frames per second with JPEG at 11 Megapixel
- Exposure Metering System – TTL metering using camera image sensor
- ISO Sensitivity – ISO 64–25600 in step sizes of 1/3 and 1 EV can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (ISO 32 equivalent) below ISO 64 or to approx. 0.3, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 102400 equivalent) above ISO 25600; auto ISO sensitivity control available
- Autofocus System – Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
- Lens Servo – Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); full-time AF (AF-F; available only in movie mode); predictive focus tracking, Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used
- Focus Point – 493 (single-point AF)
- Video – up to 8K UHD 7,680 × 4,320 / 30p (progressive)
- Monitor Resolution – 2100 k dots
- Monitor Type – Vertically and horizontally tilting TFT touch-sensitive LCD
- Battery / Batteries – EN-EL18d rechargeable Li-ion battery
- Battery Life (shots per charge) – up to Approx. 740 shots (viewfinder only)
- Approx. Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth) 5.9 in. (149 mm) x 5.9 in. (149.5 mm) x 3.6 in. (90.5 mm)
- Approx. Weight – 47.3 oz. (1340 g)
Nikon Z9 Pros
- Very accurate auto focus even in low light
- Excellent subject detection (with Face / Eye AF focusing)
- Addition of 3D Tracking focus option
- Cutting edge video capabilities – doesn’t suffer from overheating as some of its rivals do
- Excellent image quality using a stacked 45.7MP sensor
- Huge buffer and capable of shooting up to 120FPS in 11mp JPEG mode
- Robust and rugged build quality
- Excellent ergonomics
- Price; cheaper than rival cameras
Nikon Z9 Cons
- Short battery life if shooting all day; at least one back-up battery needed.
Bigger and heavier than rival cameras; a harness overcomes any problems if working for long periods or off-tripod.
