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Nikon Z9

Release date: 2021

Reviewed by

Key features

Sensor Size: Full Frame (35.9 x 23.9mm)
Megapixels: 46
Lens Mount: Nikon Z
LCD Size (inches):3.2
ISO Range:64 - 25600
Frames Per Second:20
Auto Focus Points:493
Video Resolution:7680x4320 (30p/?25p/?24p)
Battery Life:740 shots
Weight:1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
Size:149 x 150 x 91 mm (5.87 x 5.91 x 3.58)
Price:$$$

Great for:

Body Type: Mirrorless Camera

https://www.nikonusa.com/

Based on some of the key specifications of the Nikon Z9 and our review, we found that this camera is best for the following uses: Landscapes, Sports & Action, Portraits, Video, Vlogging

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Jump to
Sensor Speed
Image Body & Battery
Display Specs Table
Connections & Storage FAQ
Video

Spec Summary

Memory Card Slot Two memory card slots allow you to backup your files or record different formats on each XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC / CFexpress
Built-in Flash Helpful for basic low light situations, but do not expect nice results due to harsh front light
Frames per Second You can take more pictures per second (great for wildlife and sports) 20
GPS Store the exact location of your shot
Auto Focus Points The more auto focus points, the more specific you can be with framing your subject across the viewfinder 493
Bluetooth Connect the camera with your phone to transfer files
Environmentally Sealed More protection against water, dust and other elements
Microphone Jack Allows you to add an external, higher quality microphone

How the Nikon Z9 Compares

Sensor Size Comparison

The Nikon Z9 has a Full Frame sensor. The color, contrast, noise, and clarity of your images are dependent on the sensor and pixel quality. So we address these specs in more detail.

Be sure to review the Crop Factor since that is important for the lenses you select.

Nikon Z9 Sensor: Full Frame (35.9x23.9mm)

Resolution and Image Print Size

Here's the best resolution you can expect from the Nikon Z9. Image resolution is a reference of the amount of image detail your pictures will hold, here measured as pixel dimensions. Higher resolution images will contain more pixels. As you can see in the comparison image below, to be considered as High Definition (HD) you'd need at least 1920x1080 pixels, or 2.1 megapixels. For images with 4K you'd need at least 4096x2160 pixels, which would be at least 8.3 megapixels.

Best Digital Resolution for Nikon Z9

(8256 x 5504) 5504 px 8256 px

Largest Recommended Print Size for Nikon Z9

Maximum High Resolution Print Size (300 dpi)

When it comes to printing out your images for clients or family and friends the best printing quality is at least 300 DPI. You can think of DPI, or "dots per inch", as how many ink droplets are contained within a square inch of your print.

Based on the resolution of the Nikon Z9 the image below shows the largest recommended print size, in order to preserve the best image quality of your photo. When determining the maximum print size we assume you are starting with an image at the full resolution of the camera. Many factors go into print quality, including whether you've cropped your image, which also reduces the print size based on how much you crop the image.

18.3” 27.5”

Nikon Z9 Pixel Size

After sensor size, pixel size is an important characteristic related to image quality. For a given sensor size larger size pixels on a camera sensor are generally better at sensing light and contrast.

This generally translates into less noise in your image. It is also a related aspect to a camera’s low light or indoor performance. The Nikon Z9 has a calculated pixel size of 4.35 microns.

Pixel Size 4.35 Nikon Z9
*Pixel size is a relationship between sensor size and megapixels. The above numbers are averages from a selection of camera types and would vary from camera to camera.

Nikon Z9 Size Comparison

The Nikon Z9 measures out to 149 x 150 x 91 mm (5.87 x 5.91 x 3.58). Remember to account for any lenses or other accessories you might pair with your camera to figure out an overall size.

5.91" high 5.87" wide 3.58" deep
7.69” high 7.27” wide 3.2” deep

Nikon Z9 Weight Comparison

This is how the Nikon Z9 measures up to other common portable electronics. For portability also take a look at the size in the section above.

0.5 lbs
2.95 lbs
4 lbs

Nikon Z9 Battery Life Estimates

If you’re wondering how long your camera battery will last, the CIPA rating for the Nikon Z9 is 740 shots.

In order to put this into context we’ve provided an hour estimate based on common uses. This is meant to be a general guideline and will fluctuate based on the camera features you’re using, such as video or continuous focus.

Type of Battery EN-EL18d

How long before next charge?

Everyday Shooting



How long before next charge?

24.67 hours

* This rating is based on an estimate of 30 photos an hour.

Photoshoot or Studio Shooting



How long before next charge?

2.96 hours

* This rating is based on an estimate of 250 photos an hour. Many photographers will take less but this will cover even those that are trigger happy.

Nikon Z9 Specs

Sensor

Megapixels More megapixels does not mean image quality is better, but you can print larger or crop much more 46
Sensor Type Stacked CMOS
Sensor Size Larger sensor usually results in better low light performance Full Frame
Crop factor 1
AA Filter With no Anti-Aliasing filter on the sensor, you might get slightly sharper images None
Body Stabilization The camera can help stabilize your shot if you are not completely stable. It also works in video mode Sensor-shift
Processor
Lens Mount Nikon Z

Image

ISO Range The higher the number, the better your chances of photographing in dark environments 64 - 25600
Expanded ISO Range Even higher than normal ISO range, but shows more noise. Useful for extreme situations 32 - 102400
Minimum Shutter Speed Take long exposure shots for more seconds (night sky, star trails) 900 sec
Maximum Shutter Speed Normally 1/4000 is more than enough for 99% scenarios, but in extremely bright situations, going higher is useful 1/32000 sec
Bulb Mode Hold the shutter button for as many seconds/minutes/hours as you wish Yes
Built-in Flash Helpful for basic low light situations, but do not expect nice results due to harsh front light No
Flash Sync Speed Shoot with a flash at a higher maximum shutter speed 1/200

Display

LCD Size (inches) Bigger screens allow you to see better and navigate more easily 3.2
LCD Resolution See more details when looking at your rear LCD screen 2088960
Touch Screen Use your fingers to navigate or select focus points on the screen Yes
Viewfinder Type Pentaprism design results in better viewfinder quality Electronic
Viewfinder Magnification Your subject appears bigger in the viewfinder 0.8×
Viewfinder Coverage This number tells you how much of the world you see when looking through the viewfinder. If 100%, it means you see exactly what you get on the shot 1
Articulating LCD Helpful when shooting a subject below or above you, as well as selfies Yes
Top LCD Screen Preview and change your settings quicker without constantly having to look at the rear LCD Yes
Focus Peaking The camera highlights what's in focus. This can be very useful for video recording Yes

Connections & Storage

Memory Card Slot Two memory card slots allow you to backup your files or record different formats on each XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC / CFexpress
UHS Support Faster transferring of your photographs and videos UHS-II
Wi-Fi Easily share your files Yes
NFC Connect the camera with your phone to transfer files No
GPS Store the exact location of your shot Yes
Bluetooth Connect the camera with your phone to transfer files Yes
Microphone Jack Allows you to add an external, higher quality microphone Yes
HDMI HDMI output is useful for advanced video work Yes
USB Type Much faster file transferring speeds USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)

Video

Video Resolution Higher resolution means more detail, especially when viewed on bigger monitors 7680x4320 (30p/?25p/?24p)
Video Format H.264, H.265

Speed

Frames per Second You can take more pictures per second (great for wildlife and sports) 20
Auto Focus Points The more auto focus points, the more specific you can be with framing your subject across the viewfinder 493
Time Lapse Useful function for letting the camera take pictures at a specific interval No
JPEG Buffer You can take more JPEG shots before having to wait for the buffer to empty 1000
RAW Buffer You can take more RAW shots before having to wait for the buffer to empty

Body & Battery

Battery EN-EL18d
Battery Life Spend more time taking photographs and recording videos without having to charge the battery 740 shots
Environmentally Sealed More protection against water, dust and other elements Yes
Weight Easier to carry around 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
Size 149 x 150 x 91 mm (5.87 x 5.91 x 3.58)
Price

Have any Questions?

If you're considering whether to purchase the Nikon Z9 and have any questions we're happy to help. We also provide buying advice for Nikon Z9 lenses and accessories, so feel free to reach out and ask us if your not quite sure what to get.

Nikon Z9 Specifications Table

Megapixels46
Sensor TypeStacked CMOS
Sensor SizeFull Frame
Crop factor1
AA FilterNone
Body StabilizationSensor-shift
Processor
Lens MountNikon Z
ISO Range64 - 25600
Expanded ISO Range32 - 102400
Minimum Shutter Speed900 sec
Maximum Shutter Speed1/32000 sec
Bulb ModeYes
Built-in FlashNo
Flash Sync Speed1/200
LCD Size (inches)3.2
LCD Resolution2088960
Touch ScreenYes
Viewfinder TypeElectronic
Viewfinder Magnification0.8×
Viewfinder Coverage1
Articulating LCDYes
Top LCD ScreenYes
Focus PeakingYes
Memory Card SlotXQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC / CFexpress
UHS SupportUHS-II
Wi-FiYes
NFCNo
GPSYes
BluetoothYes
Microphone JackYes
HDMIYes
USB TypeUSB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
Video Resolution7680x4320 (30p/?25p/?24p)
Video FormatH.264, H.265
Frames per Second20
Auto Focus Points493
Time LapseNo
JPEG Buffer1000
RAW Buffer
BatteryEN-EL18d
Battery Life740 shots
Environmentally SealedYes
Weight1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz)
Size149 x 150 x 91 mm (5.87 x 5.91 x 3.58)
Price$$$

Frequently Asked Questions for the Nikon Z9

  • Does the Nikon Z9 have in-body Image Stabilization?

    The Nikon Z9 includes: Sensor-shift Image Stabilization.

  • Does the Nikon Z9 have Environmental Weather Sealing?

    This model does have Weather Sealing.

  • Does the Nikon Z9 have built-in GPS?

    GPS for the location of your shot is included.

  • What is the Max ISO of the Nikon Z9?

    The Max ISO is 64 - 25600. The expanded ISO range will give you 32 - 102400.

  • What is the Sensor Size of Nikon Z9?

    The Nikon Z9 features a Full Frame sensor.

  • Does the Nikon Z9 have a Touch Screen?

    This camera model does have a touch screen.

  • How many frames per second (fps) can the Nikon Z9 shoot?

    This camera is rated for 20 fps.

  • What is the Weight of Nikon Z9?

    This camera weighs 1340 g (2.95 lb / 47.27 oz);

  • What are the Dimensions of Nikon Z9?

    This camera's dimensions are 149 x 150 x 91 mm (5.87 x 5.91 x 3.58);

  • What kind of memory card slots are on the Nikon Z9?

    The Nikon Z9 works with XQD / SD / SDHC / SDXC / CFexpress memory cards.

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