Nikon Z Z9
Panasonic LUMIX S S1II Black 2025
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z Z9
The Nikon Z9 is widely praised as a flagship mirrorless camera that delivers outstanding image quality, blazing-fast autofocus, and robust build quality. Enthusiasts and professionals alike appreciate its continuous firmware updates, which have added valuable features and refined performance. While some users note its substantial weight and learning curve, the overwhelming consensus is that it is one of the best cameras available, offering exceptional versatility and reliability.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus speed and accuracy
- Superb image quality and color
- Robust build and weather sealing
- Long battery life
- Continuous firmware updates
Cons
- Heavy and bulky body
- Steep learning curve
- High price point
- Requires new Z-mount lenses for full benefit
Panasonic LUMIX S S1II Black 2025
The Panasonic Lumix S1ii is widely praised for its exceptional image quality, versatile video modes including internal raw codecs, and outstanding IBIS. Users highlight the significant upgrade from previous models, though some note a complex menu system and a tendency to overheat when using CF Express Type B cards. The rolling shutter with DR boost and slight differences in color science compared to the S5ii are minor drawbacks, but overall it is considered a top hybrid camera for 2025.
Pros
- Exceptional image quality
- Versatile video modes with internal raw
- Outstanding IBIS
- Significant upgrade from S5ii
- 4-way flip screen
Cons
- Complex menu system
- Overheating with CF Express Type B
- Rolling shutter with DR boost
- S5ii cages do not fit
- Color science slightly less appealing than S5ii
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z Z9 | Panasonic LUMIX S S1II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 24.100000381469727 MP |
| ISO Range | 64★ | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | — |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 493 | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 70 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | 70 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/2000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 6K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 100 fps | 240 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | N-RAW | MOV, MP4, HEVC, RAW, MPEG-4 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots | 5.8M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.31 kg | 0.72 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 700 shots | 1150 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C | USB-C★ |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z Z9
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
Panasonic LUMIX S S1II Black 2025
- Strong battery (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong stabilization (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong video (97th percentile)97th %ile
Verdict
Both products are closely matched - Nikon Z Z9 wins 5 specs while Panasonic LUMIX S S1II wins 7.