Nikon Z Z9 Black 2021
Nikon
100 Overall Score
vs
Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 Blue 2025
Panasonic
62 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z Z9 Black 2021
93 out of 100 high confidence 53 reviews
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
Autofocus performance 9
Build quality 7
Image quality 8
Firmware updates 5
Battery life 4
Weight and size 4
Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 Blue 2025
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Beginner
Video
Wedding Events
Sports Wildlife
Photography
Youtube
Product Photography
Travel
Streaming
Vlogging
Specifications
| Nikon Z Z9 | Panasonic LUMIX S9 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 | — |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | No data | |
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 493 | — |
| Eye AF | ✓★ | — |
| Animal AF | ✓★ | — |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | — |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 6K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 100 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓★ | — |
| Codec | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 | 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.16 kg | 0.76 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 700 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | Micro-HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z Z9 Black 2021
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (97th percentile)97th %ile
Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 Blue 2025
- Strong connectivity (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong display (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average social proof (27th percentile)
Verdict
Winner: Nikon Z Z9
Scores 100 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 12 of 33 specs.