Nikon Z9 Black 2021
Sony FX30 Gray 2022
What Buyers Say
Nikon 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
Sony FX30 Gray 2022
The Sony FX30 is overwhelmingly praised as a top-tier cinema camera for its price, delivering superb image quality, excellent autofocus, and robust features like dual base ISO and XLR audio. Users highlight its value as a beginner-friendly yet professional-grade tool, with many noting it rivals more expensive models like the FX3. Minor criticisms include the lack of a viewfinder, a complicated menu system, and some software quirks, but these are largely overshadowed by its performance and versatility.
Pros
- Superb image quality
- Excellent autofocus
- Great value for price
- Dual base ISO
- XLR audio handle
Cons
- No viewfinder
- Complicated menu system
- Rolling shutter could be better
- No shutter angle option
- No open gate mode
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z9 | Sony FX30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | aps-c |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 26 MP |
| ISO Range | 64★ | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | BIONZ XR |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 493 | VideoPhase Detection: 495 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 120 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 100 fps | 240 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 | XAVC HS 4:2:2 10-Bit, XAVC S, XAVC S-I 4:2:2 10-Bit, XAVC Proxy, ProResRAW 16-Bit |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | 2.4M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Weight | 1.16 kg | 0.56 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 700 shots★ | 570 shots |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C (USB 3.2 / 3.1 Gen 2) |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon 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
- Below average affordability (9th percentile)9th %ile
Sony FX30 Gray 2022
- Strong social proof (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong burst (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong battery (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average affordability (17th percentile)17th %ile
Pricing
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
No current pricing available
Sony FX30 Gray 2022
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 3 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.
