Nikon Z9 Black 2021
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Black
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
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Black
Reviewers overwhelmingly praise the OM-D E-M1 as an exceptionally versatile and compact camera that excels in a wide range of shooting scenarios, from wildlife to street photography. Users love its robust build, ergonomic design, and the incredible 5-axis stabilization, though some note a learning curve with the complex menu system. A couple of long-term users remain highly satisfied after years of use, highlighting the camera's ability to produce beautiful prints up to 18x24 inches. The most common criticisms center on the challenging menu, a reported white balance issue causing a yellow tint in certain conditions, and the continuous autofocus needing refinement.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight body
- Excellent 5-axis image stabilization
- Versatile for multiple shooting scenarios
- Comfortable ergonomics and handling
- Customizable controls
Cons
- Complex menu system
- White balance issues causing yellow tint
- Continuous autofocus needs improvement
- Learning curve for new users
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z9 | Olympus OM-D E-M1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | Live MOS |
| Size | full-frame | micro-four-thirds |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 16.299999237060547 MP |
| ISO Range | 64★ | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | TruePic VII |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 493 | Contrast Detection: 81Phase Detection: 37 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓★ | — |
| Subject Detection | ✓★ | — |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps★ | 10 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | — |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 1080p |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | — |
| 1080p FPS | 100 fps★ | 30 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓★ | — |
| Log Profile | ✓★ | — |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 | H.264, Motion JPEG |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | 2.4M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.16 kg | 0.44 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 700 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C★ | — |
| HDMI | 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
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Black
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong evf (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong display (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Below average sensor (16th percentile)16th %ile
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 16 of 33 specs.