Nikon Z Z9 Black 2021
Panasonic LUMIX S S1II Black 2025
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z Z9 Black 2021
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 camera is praised as a powerful hybrid workhorse with excellent autofocus, stabilization, and color science, especially for stills and open gate video. However, video-focused users complain about limited internal RAW recording (only cropped modes) and a confusing menu system. Some also note poor photo performance in certain conditions and a small included bag.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus
- Great stabilization
- Superb color science
- Open gate video
- Versatile hybrid features
Cons
- Limited internal RAW recording
- Confusing menu system
- Small included bag
- Poor photo performance in some conditions
- No full-frame internal RAW
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z Z9 | Panasonic LUMIX S S1II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked 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 | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 | 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 | 1.16 kg | 0.72 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 700 shots | 1150 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z Z9 Black 2021
- 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
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Pricing
Nikon Z Z9 Black 2021
Panasonic LUMIX S S1II Black 2025
No current pricing available
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 6 of 10 usage categories and 5 of 33 specs.
