Nikon Z Z8 Black 2024
Panasonic Lumix S S9 Black 2025
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2024
The Nikon Z8 is widely praised as a powerful, versatile mirrorless camera that excels in autofocus, image quality, and build. Users upgrading from DSLRs like the D850 or D500 find the transition smooth, and many highlight its exceptional performance for wildlife, sports, and video. However, a minority report issues with battery life, occasional autofocus misses, and a steep learning curve, while a few experienced defects or poor customer service from certain retailers. Overall, the Z8 is seen as a top-tier camera that delivers on its promise, though not without minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus performance
- High image quality and sharpness
- Great for wildlife and sports photography
- Smooth transition from DSLR
- Solid build and ergonomics
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Occasional autofocus misses
- Steep learning curve for some
- No included reference guide
- Some units had defects or recalls
Panasonic Lumix S S9 Black 2025
The Panasonic Lumix S9 is a compact full-frame camera that delivers exceptional image quality and value. Users praise its lightweight design, real-time LUTs, and open gate recording, making it ideal for both professional content creation and casual use. While some miss a hot shoe and viewfinder, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it a pocket-sized powerhouse.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Exceptional image quality
- Real-time LUTs for creative control
- Open gate recording for versatile aspect ratios
- Great value for the price
Cons
- No hot shoe for external accessories
- No built-in viewfinder
- Lack of flash
- Limited native small full-frame lenses
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z Z8 | Panasonic Lumix S S9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 24.200000762939453 MP |
| ISO Range | 64★ | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | Venus Engine |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Photo, VideoPhase Detection: 493 | Contrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | 30 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 6K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | N-RAW, ProRes RAW | H.264, H.265 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | 3.7M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.82 kg | 0.40 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 340 shots | 470 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | Micro-HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2024
- Strong video (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong burst (96th percentile)96th %ile
Panasonic Lumix S S9 Black 2025
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong video (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong battery (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong evf (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 6 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.