(Redirected from NIKON Z 9)
| 👁 Image Nikon Z9 + Nikkor Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 S | |
| Overview | |
|---|---|
| Maker | Nikon |
| Type | Full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera |
| Released | 24 December 2021; 4 years ago (2021-12-24) |
| Intro price | JPY 700,000 (body only) USD 5,500 |
| Lens | |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z-mount |
| Sensor/medium | |
| Sensor type | Stacked back-illuminated CMOS sensor |
| Sensor size | Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) Nikon FX format |
| Sensor maker | Sony[1] |
| Maximum resolution | 8,256 x 5,504 (45.7 effective megapixels) |
| Film speed | Native range of ISO 64-25,600 (expandable to 32-102,400) |
| Recording medium | 2 × CFexpress Type B / XQD |
| Focusing | |
| Focus |
|
| Focus modes |
|
| Focus areas | 493 points (single-point AF) with 90% coverage |
| Exposure/metering | |
| Exposure | TTL metering using camera image sensor |
| Exposure modes |
|
| Exposure metering | TTL metering using camera image sensor Highlight-weighted metering: -3 to +17 EV (ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, 20 °C/68 °F) |
| Metering modes | Matrix metering Center-weighted metering Spot metering Highlight-weighted metering |
| Flash | |
| Flash | Built-in: No Hot shoe |
| Flash synchronization | 1/200s (up to 1/8000s using high-speed sync) |
| Shutter | |
| Frame rate | Up to 120 fps in 11 MP continuous (C120), up to 60 fps in 19MP continuous (C60), up to 30 fps at full-resolution with JPEG output (C30), up to 20 fps with RAW output |
| Shutter | Electronic shutter |
| Shutter speeds | 900s – 1/32000s |
| Continuous shooting | 20 fps / 30 fps / 120 fps (expand) |
| Viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder | Quad-VGA (1280x960) EVF (3690000 dots), 0.8x magnification with 50 mm lens, 3000 nits brightness, 120 Hz refresh rate |
| Image processing | |
| Image processor | Expeed 7 |
| White balance |
|
| General | |
| Video recording | 8.3K up to 60 fps in 12-bit N-RAW, 8K up to 30 fps with N-log, 4.1K up to 60 fps in 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ, 4K up to 120 fps, 1080p up to 120 fps |
| LCD screen | 3.2-inch vertically and horizontally tilting TFT LCD with 2.1 million dots with touchscreen |
| Battery | EN-EL18d USB-C PD rechargeable (EN-EL18/a/b/c useable with lower battery life) |
| Optional accessories | MC-N10 remote grip (fw. 3.00+) |
| AV port(s) | USB Type-C, HDMI Type-A, 3.5 mm microphone jack, 3.5 mm headphone jack circular 10-pin accessory port |
| Data port(s) | IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac/Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, Gigabit Ethernet |
| Body features | In-Body Image Stabilization, GPS receiver |
| Dimensions | 149×149.5×90.5 mm (5.87×5.89×3.56 in) |
| Weight | 1,340 g (47 oz) (with battery, memory card) 1160g (body only) |
| Latest firmware | 5.32 / 31 March 2026; 4 days ago (31 March 2026)[3] |
| Made in | Thailand |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Nikon D6 |
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The Nikon Z9 is a flagship full-frame mirrorless camera produced by Nikon. The camera was announced on October 28, 2021. It is the eighth Z-mount camera body and the sixth full-frame Z-mount body.
Image sensor and processor
[edit]The Z9 has the same 45.7 MP resolution as the Z7 and Z7II cameras, but uses a much faster stacked CMOS sensor which improves autofocus and continuous shooting performance.[4][5]
The Z9 introduced the EXPEED 7 image processor, which provides an improvement of 10 times over the image processing speed of the EXPEED 6 predecessor, which was used in the previous Nikon full-frame Z6II and Z7II cameras. The continuous shooting capabilities of the Z9 significantly exceed those of Nikon's previous flagship camera, the Nikon D6, while providing more than double the resolution. The Z9 is the first Nikon Z camera to support 8K video, which can be recorded internally at 60 fps in 12-bit N-RAW.
The Z9 is the first flagship full-frame camera without a mechanical shutter.[6]
Lenses
[edit]The Z9 uses the Nikon Z-mount, developed by Nikon for its mirrorless digital cameras.[7]
Nikon F-mount lenses can be used, with various degrees of compatibility, via the Nikon FTZ (F-to-Z) and FTZ II mount adapters.[8]
Features
[edit]- "Synchro VR" where both in-body and in-lens image stabilization can stabilize the same axes.
- Advanced autofocus, with subject detection of people, faces, animals, birds, vehicles, and airplanes.
- Burst lengths of over 1000 shots (previous Nikon cameras were limited to at most 200 shots per burst).
- Internal 10-bit video recording in H.264, H.265 and ProRes 422 HQ (also supports HLG and Nikon N-Log).
- Internal 12-bit raw video recording using ProRes RAW HQ (up to 4.1K at 60 fps) and Nikon N-RAW (up to 8.3K at 60 fps) using intoPIX TicoRAW.[9] .
- Video recording length limit extended from 30 minutes to 2 hours and 5 minutes.
- Dedicated "sensor shield" to protect the sensor from dust and dirt when the camera is off or the lens is taken off.
- VR lock to reduce sensor shock during standby.
- 10-pin remote and flash sync connectors.
- Built-in GPS, GLONASS and QZSS receiver for geotagging.
- Allows switching between linear and non-linear focus throw in manual focus with some lenses.[10]
- "Dual-Stream Technology" providing separate paths for capturing images and updating the viewfinder, which eliminates viewfinder blackout and reduces viewfinder lag.
- Supports pre-release capture.
Z9 generation
[edit]The Z9 was the first of the so-called "Z9 generation" of Nikon cameras, including the Z8, Zf, Z6III, Z50II, and Z5II. They all use the Expeed 7 image processor, autofocusing system, a revamped menu structure, button customization options, and video-related features.[11]
Use in outer space
[edit]In January of 2024, Nikon revealed that NASA launched 13 unmodified Nikon Z9 cameras to the International Space Station (ISS) via the 20th Northrop Grumman commercial resupply services mission.[12][13] The new Nikon Z9 replaced the aging high-end Nikon D5 and D6 DSLRs on board the ISS.
On February 29, 2024, NASA revealed a signed agreement between them and Nikon to develop the Handheld Universal Lunar Camera (HULC) as the first handheld camera to be used on the Moon, for use beginning with the Artemis III mission. The resulting design consists of a modified Z9 camera with thermal shielding, custom grip with modified buttons, and modified electrical components to minimize issues caused by solar radiation.[14][15]
Nikon Corporation and NASA share a long history together with Nikon being the camera brand that continuously supplies the agency with modified cameras since the 1970s.[16]
Gallery
[edit]-
Sensor, with sensor shield not engaged
-
Top controls and top screen
-
Main display in a tilted orientation
Awards
[edit]The Z9 has won numerous awards:
- Camera Grand Prix 2022 Camera of the Year[17]
- Camera Grand Prix 2022 Readers Award.[17]
- Best of the Best: 2022 Red Dot Product Design Award[18]
- Camera of the Year: EISA Awards 2022-2023[19]
- DPReview Awards 2021 Product of the Year[20]
- DPReview Gold Award & Highest Ever Score[21]
- 2022 TIPA World Awards: Best Full-Frame Professional Camera[22]
- RedDot Product Design Awards 2022: Best of the Best[23]
- iF Design Award 2022[24]
Update history
[edit]The Z9 received several major firmware updates since the initial release. Notable features added by firmware updates include: Firmware 2.0 adding internal N-RAW video recording, "pre-release capture" and 120 Hz operation of the electronic viewfinder. Firmware 3.0 added video flicker reduction and digital zoom for 4K video, as well as a 19 MP 60 fps continuous release photo mode and general autofocus improvements. Firmware 4.0 added "auto capture", which can automatically trigger shutter release upon motion, subject or distance detection, and improved autofocus as well as video functions. Firmware 5.0 added several functions to the "auto capture" feature for more automated workflows as well as improvements to flicker reduction, several minor features and usability improvements.
| Version | Release date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.00 | 2021-12-24 |
|
| 1.10 | 2022-01-04[25] |
|
| 2.0 | 2022-04-20[26] |
|
| 2.10 | 2022-07-06[28] |
|
| 2.11 | 2022-08-30[29] |
|
| 3.0 | 2022-10-25[30] |
|
| 3.01 | 2022-12-19[31] |
|
| 3.10 | 2023-02-27[32] |
|
| 4.00 | 2023-06-13[33][34] |
|
| 4.01 | 2023-08-23[35] |
|
| 4.10 | 2023-10-04[36] |
|
| 5.00 | 2024-03-13[37][38] |
|
| 5.10 | 2024-12-17[39] |
|
| 5.20 | 2025-04-15[40] |
|
| 5.30 | 2025-12-16[41] |
|
| 5.31 | 2026-01-27[42] |
|
| 5.32 | 2026-03-31[43] |
|
Marketing slogans
[edit]When launched, Nikon used the marketing slogan: “Unstoppable.”[44]
References
[edit]- ^ Sony IMX609AQJ Full Frame 45.7 MP Stacked Back-Illuminated CMOS Image Sensor from Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Device Essentials Folder
- ^ 3D Tracking is an advanced autofocus mode. When selected, it locks onto a subject by analyzing its shape, contrast, and color. Once locked, this allows the camera to follow it across the frame as either the subject moves or your framing changes.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 5.32". Retrieved 31 March 2026.
- ^ "The Nikon Z9: Unstoppable Performance, Revolutionary Innovation". Nikon. 2021-10-28. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
- ^ "Nikon Imaging Products Z 9". Nikon. 2021-10-28. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
- ^ Butler, Richard (2021-10-28). "Nikon Z9 initial review: We take a detailed look at Nikon's new pro mirrorless camera". Retrieved 2021-10-29.
- ^ Hogan, Thom. "Nikon Z9 Camera Review". Retrieved 14 September 2025.
- ^ Hogan, Thom. "FTZ Adapter Compatibility". ZSystemUser. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
- ^ "TicoRAW technology added with High Efficiency RAW recording of Nikon Z 9 flagship mirrorless camera". IntoPIX Blog. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ "NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Firmware". Nikon. 2021-11-10. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
- ^ Hogan, Thom. "Nikon Z50II Camera Review". ZSystemUser. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
- ^ "Nikon Z9 Goes to Space: Space Station Astronauts Receive Nikon's Flagship Full-frame Mirrorless Camera | News | Nikon About Us". www.nikon.com. 2024-02-07. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ Schneider, Jaron (2024-02-07). "NASA Goes Mirrorless: The Nikon Z9 is on the International Space Station". PetaPixel. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
- ^ NASA Communications (2024-02-29). "NASA Signs Agreement with Nikon to Develop Lunar Artemis Camera". NASA.gov. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ Gray, Jeremy (2024-02-29). "The Nikon Z9 Is the Camera of Choice for Humanity's Return to the Moon". PetaPixel. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
- ^ Zhang, Michael (2009-12-21). "NASA Showing Some Serious Nikon Love". PetaPixel. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
- ^ a b Camera Grand Prix 2022
- ^ "Nikon Z 9 wins major 'Best of the Best' product design award". Retrieved 7 September 2025.
- ^ "Photography". Retrieved 7 September 2025.
- ^ "Nikon Z9 - The Best Product of the Year - 2021". Retrieved 7 September 2025.
- ^ "Nikon Z9 review: a DSLR-like stills/video monster". Retrieved 7 September 2025.
- ^ "TIPA Words Awards 2022". Retrieved 7 September 2025.
- ^ "Z9". Retrieved 7 September 2025.
- ^ "Nikon products receive the iF DESIGN AWARD 2022". Retrieved 7 September 2025.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 1.10". Nikon. 2022-01-04. Archived from the original on 2022-01-13. Retrieved 2022-01-07.
- ^ "Major Upgrade Adds New Pro Cinema & Video Production Capabilities to Nikon Z9, Plus Features for Fast-Action Photography and More". Nikon. 2022-04-14. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
- ^ "TicoRAW technology added with High Efficiency RAW recording of Nikon Z 9 flagship mirrorless camera". IntoPIX Blog. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
- ^ "Nikon Z 9 Firmware 2.10". Nikon. 2022-07-06. Archived from the original on 2022-08-14. Retrieved 2022-07-13.
- ^ "Nikon Z 9 Firmware 2.11". Nikon. 2022-08-30. Archived from the original on 2022-08-30. Retrieved 2022-08-31.
- ^ "Nikon Z 9 Firmware 3.0". Nikon. 2022-10-25. Archived from the original on 2022-11-02. Retrieved 2022-10-26.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 3.01". Nikon. 2022-12-19. Archived from the original on 2023-01-02.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 3.10". Nikon. 2023-02-27. Archived from the original on 2023-04-13. Retrieved 2023-03-13.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 4.00". Nikon. 2023-06-13. Archived from the original on 2023-06-13. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "Nikon Releases the Third Major Firmware Upgrade for the Nikon Z9 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera". Nikon. 2023-06-13. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 4.01". Nikon. 2023-08-23. Archived from the original on 2023-08-22.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 4.10". Nikon. 2023-10-04. Archived from the original on 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2024-03-13.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 5.00". Nikon. 2024-03-13. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ "Nikon releases the upgraded firmware version 5.00 for the Nikon Z 9 full-frame mirrorless camera". Nikon. Tokyo, Japan. 2024-03-13. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 5.10". Nikon. 2024-12-17.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 5.20". Nikon. 2025-04-15.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 5.30". Nikon. 2025-12-16. Retrieved 2025-12-16.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 5.31". downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com. Nikon Corporation. 2026-01-27. Retrieved 2026-01-27.
- ^ "Z 9 Firmware 5.32". downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com. Nikon Corporation. 2026-03-31. Retrieved 2026-03-31.
- ^ "Zi. Unstoppable". Nikonusa. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nikon Z 9 and Taken with Nikon Z 9.
- Official website - Nikon USA
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Nikon_Z9&oldid=1346880836"