Camera Reviews / Nikon Cameras / Nikon Z i Preview

45.70 Megapixels	Nikon Z	35mm size sensor

Nikon Z9 Preview - First Impressions

by Jeremy Gray | Posted 10/28/2021

After first announcing the development of the Nikon Z9 back in March, Nikon has now fully unveiled its new flagship full-frame mirrorless camera. Since then, we have known that the Z9 would include a newly designed stacked image sensor, a next-generation processor, and record 8K video. But now we know all the details, including the Z9's megapixel count, autofocus system, video specs and much more.

Nikon states that the Z9 is 'Revolutionary,' and its features and specs certainly promise to live up to the hype. We haven't yet gone hands-on with the camera, so we can't speak to how it performs, but Nikon is making some very lofty promises, and the Z9 looks impressive. Let's dive right into it.

The Nikon Z9 blends the style and designs of the Nikon D6 DSLR and the Nikon Z6/Z7 series mirrorless cameras.

Nikon Z9 key features and specs

• Full-frame mirrorless camera with dual-grip design
• Nikon Z mount
• Newly-designed 45.7-megapixel stacked backside-illuminated full-frame CMOS image sensor
• New EXPEED 7 image processor
• 20 frames per second continuous shooting RAW
• 1000+ RAW buffer with Nikon's new compressed RAW format
• 30 fps continuous shooting, full-res JPEG
• 120 fps continuous shooting, 11-megapixel JPEG
• Electronic shutter only
• Fast scan rate image sensor to minimize rolling shutter
• Blackout-free EVF
• 4-axis tilt touchscreen display
• Eye-AF for people and animals
• Vehicle detection AF
• 8K/30p and 4K/120p at launch, 8K/60p via firmware update in 2022
• Dual Type-B CFexpress slots (XQD supported)
• Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi (plus 1000Base-T Ethernet)
• $5,500 body only

Nikon Z9 camera body and design: Pro-oriented camera with rugged build quality

The Nikon Z9 has a pro-oriented design. Much like the Nikon D6, the Z9 has a vertical grip built-in. However, the Z9 is quite a bit smaller than the D6 DSLR. The Z9 is approximately 20% smaller than the D6 in volume.

This isn't a pixel-perfect comparison, but it's illustrative of the Z9's 20% less volume compared to the D6.

The Z9's dimensions (width x height x depth) are 149 x 149.5 x 90.5 mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 inches). The camera weighs 1,340 grams (2lb., 15.3 oz.) with battery and memory card inserted. The body only weighs 1,160g (2lb., 9 oz.). For comparison, the Nikon D6 is 160 x 163 x 92 mm (6.3 x 6.42 x 3.62") and weighs 1,270g (body only). The Nikon Z7 II is 134 x 100.5 x 69.5 mm (5.3 x 4 x 2.7") and weighs 615g without its optional vertical battery grip, which adds a significant amount of height to the camera.

Looking closer at the Z9, the front of the camera includes three function buttons, Fn1, Fn2 and Fn3. Fn2 is in the middle of the vertical arrangement and is concave, unlike the other two buttons, so you can tell the buttons apart by feel. At the top of the grip is a front command dial.

The Z9 has a dedicated movie record button on the top. The rear of the camera lets you quickly switch between stills and video.

Moving to the top of the Z9, let's start with the shutter release. A power switch surrounds it. Near the shutter release are video record, ISO and exposure compensation buttons. There's also a display on the top, like on the Z6 II and Z7 II, showing key shooting settings. To the left of the viewfinder prism, which has a hot shoe on top of it, there are four buttons (drive mode, mode, bracket and flash mode) on top of a rotating mode dial, which includes drive modes, like single shot, low speed continuous, high speed continuous, and self-timer.

The Z9 includes a pro-oriented control layout, including dedicated AF sub-selector joysticks for both landscape and portrait orientation shooting.

Looking at the back of the camera, there are a lot of buttons. To the left of the viewfinder are Fn4 (lock) and delete buttons. To the immediate right of the viewfinder is a DISP button surrounded by a switch from going between stills and video. Further to the right is a dedicated AF-ON button and the rear command dial. Moving down along the right side of the display is an AF sub-selector joystick, an 'i' button, an eight-way directional pad with a central OK button, zoom in and zoom out buttons, the Menu button, and the playback button. Directly beneath the display on the vertical grip are mic, quality and white balance buttons. Plus, there's an 'i' button, AF joystick, AF-ON button and rear command dial for use in vertical orientation. The vertical grip has dual command dials, a shutter release, and two buttons, including an ISO control button. All important buttons are also illuminated, which is a nice touch.

The rear display is a 3.2" LCD with approximately 2.1M dots. The monitor itself isn't different than the Z7 II, but it tilts in an all-new way. You can tilt the display along four axes, so you can tilt it up and down and to either side, making it work well for landscape and portrait orientations. Unlike a tilt/swivel display, you can tilt the Z9's display without flipping it out to the side. It looks excellent in action, and we're looking forward to trying it out.

The for the electronic viewfinder, Nikon is calling it the 'Real-Live viewfinder,' as it offers true blackout-free shooting. The Z9's EVF features the world's brightest Quad-VGA panel, which can be adjusted to 3,000 nits, which is brighter than many HDR television panels. The OLED EVF has 3,690K dots and has an approximately 0.8x magnification factor.

The Z9's EVF promises to be a sharp, bright viewfinder with a truly blackout-free shooting experience.

The Z9 is built using a rugged and lightweight magnesium alloy chassis. The body has sealing and gaskets throughout to ensure the same level of weather resistance as the Nikon D6. Since the camera doesn't include a mechanical shutter, Nikon has engineered a sensor shield to protect the sensor when the camera isn't in use. Further, the optical filter includes an electro-conductive coating to repel dust in front of the sensor, which Nikon says is the world's first. The camera also includes a VR safety lock, too, to protect the sensor. This locks the in-camera image stabilization (VR) system in place, so it's not jostling around during bumpy travel.

Without a mechanical shutter, the Z9's sensor is protected by a sensor shield. This, plus the special electro-conductive coating, should help keep dust off the sensor when the camera isn't in use or when changing lenses.

Image quality and performance: Newly designed stacked 45.7MP sensor combined with EXPEED 7 processor promises pro-level performance

The Nikon Z9 has a newly designed full-frame (FX-format) image sensor. It is Nikon designed and developed. While it has the same 45.7-megapixel count as the image sensor in the Nikon Z7 and Z7 II cameras, the Z9's sensor is described by Nikon as 'very different.' We don't yet know how different the sensors are regarding image quality, having not gone hands-on with the Z9. But we do know that the Z9's sensor utilizes a stacked design, unlike the sensor in the Z7/Z7 II. The stacked design has significant implications concerning sensor readout speed, which Nikon refers to as scanning speed. Nikon says that the Z9 has the world's fastest scanning speed, promising minimized rolling shutter.

Scanning speed is critical for the Z9, as the camera has no mechanical shutter at all. It's 100% electronic shutter. While cameras like the Sony A1 lock their fastest shooting speeds behind the electronic shutter, they still include mechanical shutters. Nikon must be very confident in the rolling shutter performance of the Z9 to eschew the mechanical shutter altogether. We're excited to test the camera out in the field. The electronic shutter tops out at 1/32,000s and the flash sync is 1/200s.

Getting back to the image sensor itself, it has a native ISO range of 64-25,600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102,400. The camera has auto ISO sensitivity available as well. Considering exposure metering, the Z9 uses a TTL metering system that uses the image sensor itself. The camera has matrix, center-weighted, spot (tied to the selected focus point) and highlight-weighted metering modes. The metering range is -3 to 17 EV.

The Z9 records RAW files in 14-bit with lossless, high-efficiency or high-efficiency compression. JPEGs are recordable in a variety of quality modes. The new high-efficiency compression mode results in file sizes about 1/3 smaller with what Nikon describes as 'the same image quality.' For JPEG files, Nikon's various Picture Control modes are available, including Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, Flat and Creative Picture Controls (many different special effects filters are available).

The image sensor itself makes up only part of the overall imaging pipeline. The processor matters too. The Nikon Z9 pairs its new sensor with a new processor, the EXPEED 7. With the EXPEED 7 processor, Nikon says the Z9 is 10x faster than the Nikon Z7 II. The Nikon Z9 promises to be Nikon's most powerful camera ever, and it's not even close thanks to the new processor.

The EXPEED 7's newfound processing power has many benefits to image quality and performance alike. Concerning image quality, Nikon says that the new processor enhances red, orange, yellow and yellowish green colors. We're curious to see the real-world impact of this in our lab test scene.

The EXPEED 7 also means that the Z9 has fast startup time and should be snappy in use. The processor is part of why the Z9 has a blackout-free viewfinder and why the camera can shoot full-size RAW images at up to 20 frames per second with a buffer depth of more than 1000 frames. The Z9 has dual CFexpress Type B (XQD) card slots so that the camera can achieve optimal speed and performance.

The Z9 also records full-size JPEG files at up to 30fps and shoots 11-megapixel JPEG images at up to 120 fps. All these shooting modes feature full-time AF/AE. The Z9 performs autofocus calculations at 120 frames per second. It should be noted that the sophisticated Z mount likely plays a role here, as well, given how Z lenses can quickly transmit electronic information back and forth between the camera and lens. It remains to be seen if adapted F-mount lenses using the FTZ adapter take full advantage of the Z9's impressive speed and AF calculations.

It's important to talk more about the blackout-free EVF because it results from numerous technologies in the Z9 and is a key part of the Z9's feature set. Relying exclusively on an electronic shutter is part of it. The new image sensor's stacked design with fast scanning speeds matters too. Further, Nikon is using what they call Dual-Stream technology. This technology simultaneously feeds sensor data to the Real-Live viewfinder/LCD and the memory card. One feed is recorded as you shoot, and the other is what you see in the EVF or on the LCD.

Autofocus: Faster autofocus with new subject detection modes and improved tracking and low-light performance

The Nikon Z9 has a new autofocus system, which Nikon says is its most sophisticated to date. The Z9 has Nikon's fastest autofocus tracking ever, too, beating out the Nikon D6.

The AF system has 493 total autofocus points, and 405 of them are available in auto-area AF, which is 5x the amount usable in that autofocus area mode on the Z7 II. The autofocus points cover nearly the entire image area.

The Z9 includes subject detection and subject tracking autofocus for a variety of subjects, including people, animals (dogs, cats and birds are listed, but it should work for additional types of animals), vehicles (cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains and planes). When in auto-area AF, you don't need to switch between subject-detection modes, as the Z9 can detect them all automatically. For example, if you're photographing motorsports, you don't need to switch between different vehicle types. Or, if you're photographing wildlife, you don't need to change modes for the camera to track a mammal rather than a bird.

When using subject detection and tracking, the Z9 reintroduces 3D tracking from Nikon's pro-grade DSLR cameras, like the Nikon D6. The Nikon Z9 is the first mirrorless camera to include Nikon's 3D tracking technology. This works only for still images, by the way. The advantage of the Z mount is present in subject tracking autofocus, as the Z mount and Z lenses communicate depth information faster than the F mount and F mount lenses.

Regarding eye-detect autofocus and eye AF tracking, Nikon says that the autofocus system can detect very small eyes in the frame. It's unclear how improved this is over previous Nikon cameras, but the demo we saw was impressive. We're excited to go hands-on with the Z9 as soon as possible to test out the new autofocus modes, features and performance. The Z9 lets users change the color of the eye AF tracking box to green when focus is acquired, which should help users know when their subject is in focus.

As for low light autofocus, there are improvements here as well. Nikon is rebranding Low-Light AF as Starlight View. Along with the new name comes new performance. The Z9 can focus down to -8.5 EV. Without Starlight View, the AF detection range is still a very impressive -6.5 EV. For comparison, the Z7 II focuses down to -4 EV in its Low-Light AF mode.

The Z9 includes the autofocus modes users have come to expect. However, in addition to the new subject detection features, the Z9 also includes three Dynamic-area AF modes with a new range of focus-area sizes (small, medium and large) to focus on a wider variety of moving subjects throughout the frame.

Video: 8K/30p and 4K/120p at launch, 8K/60p next year

The Nikon Z9 is on track to be Nikon's most capable video camera. The company had already made significant strides with the Nikon Z6 and Z7 series, and the Z9 takes things further. At launch, the Z9 records 8K/30p video with the full width of the image sensor in camera. Nikon says that the camera can record for more than two hours under normal temperatures, and there's no 29'59" clip length limit in effect.

8K is heavy-duty resolution and beyond many people's needs, so the Z9 also records 4K video, of course. The camera records 4K video at up to 120 frames per second. 4K video uses the full width of the sensor, with 60p and 120p utilizing pixel binning and line skipping, while 4K at 30p and 24p are 8K oversampled.

The Z9 has a four-way tilting LCD, which should be very useful for both stills and video and when shooting in different orientations.

The Z9 has different modes for color grading, including an internal Flat profile, N-Log and HLG tone modes. The camera also includes Movie Active D-Lighting if you want to have a visibly expanded dynamic range in camera without the need for processing. The available ISO range when recording video is 64-25,600.

The Z9's video compression includes Apple ProRes 422 HQ (10 bit), H.265/HEVC (8 bit/10 bit), H.264/AVC (8 bit). The camera records in .MOV and .MP4 file formats. The camera has a built-in stereo mic and records 24-bit PCM linear audio. The camera is compatible with external mics, of course. The Z9 has a full-size HDMI Type A port for external recording and output. The camera also has 3.5mm stereo mini-pin jacks for audio input and output.

Additional videographer-friendly features include electronic VR, focus peaking, zebra display and time-lapse video modes. Users can also creative 8MP and 33MP stills from 4K and 8K videos, respectively.

Even more video features are coming in 2022 via a free firmware update. Nikon will add 8K/60p capture in the new 12-bit N-RAW high-efficiency video format, 12-bit ProRes RAW and other pro-level video features.

Ports, power and connectivity

We've touched on some of the Z9's various ports, including the dual CFexpress Type B (XQD) card slots, HDMI Type A and dual audio jacks. The Z9 also includes a 1000BASE-T RJ-45 Ethernet port, 10-pin accessory port (for remotes), and a USB Type C connector.

The Nikon Z9 uses a single EN-EL18d battery, which is the same lithium-ion battery as the Nikon D6. It's also compatible with the EN-EL18c, EN-EL18b and EN-EL18 batteries, however battery life will be reduced compared to the EN-EL18d. Stated battery life ranges from 700 to 770 shots depending on how you use the EVF or LCD and if power save mode is enabled. However, if you are shooting in burst mode, the battery life is rated for up to 5,310 shots. The battery should offer about 170 minutes of video recording.

In terms of wireless technology, the Z9 has built-in Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n/a/ac), Bluetooth (5.0) and GNS (GPS/GLONASS/QZSS). The camera is fully compatible with Nikon Snapbridge and new Nikon software, including NX Mobile Air for managing and transferring images in the field and NX Tether, free tethering software.

Compared against the competition (on paper)

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A1

While not a complete comparison of all features, we wanted to quickly compare some of the key aspects of the new Nikon Z9 against the Sony A1.

The most obvious difference comes by way of camera design. The Nikon Z9 has a dual-gripped design, whereas the Sony A1 doesn't. This means the A1 is more compact and weighs less, but the Z9 should deliver better ergonomics across a wider variety of situations. The A1 has an optional grip, but this adds cost to the kit. The Z9 also has a four-way tilting display, whereas the A1's display only tilts up and down, limiting its usefulness when shooting in vertical orientation.

The Sony A1 opts for a single-grip, more traditional design.

When it comes to the EVF, it's an interesting head-to-head. The A1 has a larger, higher resolution EVF with better magnification. However, the Z9 has a brighter EVF, and it is truly blackout-free. The A1 is almost blackout-free, but not quite.

Considering image quality, we'll need to test the Z9 in the lap to compare it against the A1. However, the A1 has more megapixels (50.1 versus 45.7), which results in slightly larger images. It's not a big difference in megapixels, but it may be noticeable in certain situations. The Sony A1 shoots RAW images faster than the Z9, offering up to 30fps versus the Z9's top RAW capture speed of 20fps. The Z9 can match the A1's speed by using JPEG images and outpace the camera with its 11-megapixel 120fps mode. The Z9 also promises a significantly larger buffer of 1,000+ RAW images versus between 100-250 frames, depending on RAW settings with the A1.

Both cameras promise a wide array of autofocus modes and features, including real-time tracking technology and eye-detect autofocus. The Z9's new subject detection features and promising, but the Sony A1 also offers different animal tracking features and Real-time tracking technology.

The Nikon Z9 has a magnesium alloy body with extensive weather sealing. The Sony A1 is weather-sealed too, and it'll be interesting to see if either camera feels more robust in use.

The Nikon Z9 and Sony A1 shoot 4K/120p video, although the Z9 has the A1 beat in 8K video by offering 8K/60p versus 8K/30p.

The two cameras offer similar workflow-oriented features, like a full-size HDMI port and 1000BASE-T Ethernet. The A1 has a mechanical shutter, which allows for faster flash sync. The A1 also includes sophisticated anti-flicker shooting modes. It's not clear if the Z9 has a similar mode built-in or not, but it hasn't been mentioned to us yet.

The Nikon Z9 and Sony A1 are going head-to-head. The two companies have slightly different approaches to camera design but are otherwise targeting the same audience. The Z9 seems to have the A1 beat in some ways, and the A1 wins out in others. We're very excited to go hands-on with the Nikon Z9 and see how it compares in real-world situations to the excellent Sony A1. It also helps Nikon's case that the Z9 is $5,500, whereas the A1 is $6,500.

Nikon Z9 vs Canon EOS R3

While the Nikon Z9 goes head-to-head with the Sony A1, it's not as close of a comparison against the Canon EOS R3. While both the Z9 and R3 have dual-gripped, pro-oriented build quality and design, the R3 has a much lower megapixel image sensor. The 24.1MP sensor is just not at the same level as the Z9's 45.7MP sensor when it comes to resolving power. However, the R3's sensor is also stacked and should offer similarly excellent scanning speeds and likely better low ISO performance.

The R3's lower megapixel sensor has benefits when it comes to shooting speed (30 versus 20 frames per second) but doesn't have the same positive impact on buffer depth compared to the Z9. The R3's RAW buffer is stated to be 150 frames, far below the 1000+ promised buffer of the Z9. It's worth pointing out that the Canon's fastest shutter speed, like is the case with the A1, requires the use of its electronic shutter. The mechanical shutter in the R3 can only shoot at up to 12 fps.

The 24.1MP sensor also means that the R3 cannot record 8K video. The R3 tops out at 6K/60p video. Both the Z9 and R3 record 4K/120p video. The R3 has a video-friendly fully-articulating monitor, whereas the Z9 opts for a four-way tilting LCD, which should still be useful in the field.

The EOS R3 has a similar overall shape to the Nikon Z9, albeit with smoother edges, as is typical of Canon's styling.

Both the Z9 and R3 have sophisticated subject tracking autofocus features, including tracking modes for different animals and vehicles. The Canon R3 has Eye Control AF, letting users move the focus point using their eye in the EVF. The Z9 doesn't have a feature like this. Both cameras promise good low-light AF, although the Nikon Z9 is rated slightly better (-8.5 EV vs. -7.5 EV).

The Z9, like the A1, also opts for dual card slots that are equally fast. The R3 has a single CFexpress slot and then a UHS-II SD card slot. Both the Z9 and R3 have built-in wired LAN.

It's worth noting that the Canon R3 is not positioned as the mirrorless equivalent of the 1DX series. Nikon, on the other hand, is treating the Z9 like a D6-type mirrorless camera. The R3 costs $6,000, which is well into professional territory, however. Still, it's not clear if the R3 is truly Canon's flagship mirrorless camera or if it's just the most expensive mirrorless camera in Canon's lineup. The R3 is aimed at pros, but it remains to be seen if there's a true mirrorless 1DX-type camera (think EOS R1) in the pipeline.

Both the EOS R3 and Z9 (Z9 pictured here) have magnesium alloy construction. Both cameras are built to withstand rigorous professional use in harsh environments.

The Canon R3 and Nikon Z9 share some features and promise similar speed, but the difference in megapixels means that the two cameras aren't exactly going head-to-head. However, until Canon has a fast camera with more megapixels, the R3 is probably the closest competitor to the Nikon Z9. The Z9 does come in at $500 cheaper, which makes the comparison between the Z9 and R3 all the more interesting.

Summing up the Nikon Z9 (for now)

The Nikon Z9 is a very impressive full-frame mirrorless camera on paper. However, for now, it's just on paper. The Z9 promises a lot of performance for $5,500. It will be interesting to see how the Z9's autofocus compares to the Z7 II's and how the image quality compares. We are also curious to see how the electronic shutter performs in challenging situations. That said, there's no question that the Nikon Z9 is Nikon's flagship mirrorless camera, and we are very excited to try it out soon.

Pricing and availability

The Nikon Z9 will be available within this year for $5,499.95 body-only retail price .