Nikon Z Z8 Black 2023
Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 Black/Silver 2025
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2023
The Nikon Z8 is widely praised as a powerful, versatile mirrorless camera that excels in autofocus, image quality, and build. Users upgrading from DSLRs like the D850 or D500 find the transition smooth, and many highlight its exceptional performance for wildlife, sports, and video. However, a minority report issues with battery life, occasional autofocus misses, and a steep learning curve, while a few experienced defects or poor customer service from certain retailers. Overall, the Z8 is seen as a top-tier camera that delivers on its promise, though not without minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus performance
- High image quality and sharpness
- Great for wildlife and sports photography
- Smooth transition from DSLR
- Solid build and ergonomics
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Occasional autofocus misses
- Steep learning curve for some
- No included reference guide
- Some units had defects or recalls
Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 Black/Silver 2025
The Panasonic Lumix S9 is a compact full-frame camera that impresses users with its image quality and portability, especially for travel and family photography. Many reviewers love the fun factor, real-time LUT support, and 6K video capabilities, but the lack of an electronic viewfinder, mechanical shutter, and dual card slots are common complaints. The 18-40mm kit lens receives mixed feedback, with some finding it unsharp. Overall, it is seen as a powerful companion camera for hybrid shooters who prioritize size.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Excellent image quality
- Powerful 6K open gate video
- Real-time LUT support
- Ideal for travel and everyday carry
Cons
- No electronic viewfinder
- No mechanical shutter
- Single card slot only
- 18-40mm kit lens lacks sharpness
- Atypical camera position
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z Z8 | 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 | Venus Engine |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Photo, VideoPhase Detection: 493 | Contrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | 30 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 6K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | N-RAW, ProRes RAW | H.264, H.265 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | 3.7M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.82 kg | 0.40 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 340 shots | 470 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | Micro-HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2023
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong burst (96th percentile)96th %ile
Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 Black/Silver 2025
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong battery (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong video (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong evf (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 7 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.
