Nikon Z9

Nikon Z9

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; 3 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	Single-servo AF (AF-S) Continuous-servo AF (AF-C) Full-time AF (AF-F; only available in video mode) Predictive focus tracking Manual focus
Focus modes	Pinpoint AF Single-point AFs Dynamic-area AF (S, M, L)s Wide-area AF (S, L, C1, C2)s 3D-Trackings [2] Auto-area AFs s supports Subject Detection
Focus areas	493 points (single-point AF) with 90% coverage
Exposure/metering
Exposure	TTL metering using camera image sensor
Exposure modes	Programmed Auto [P] with flexible program; Shutter-Priority Auto [S]; Aperture Priority Auto [A]; Manual [M]
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	Auto (3 variants) natural light auto direct sunlight cloudy shade incandescent fluorescent (3 variants) flash manual white point (2500‑10000 K) preset manual (6 variants)
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	5.30 / 16 December 2025;3 days ago (16 December 2025) [3]
Made in	Thailand

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.

When launched, Nikon used the marketing slogan: “Unstoppable.” ^[4]

Image sensor and processor

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. ^{[5] [6]}

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 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. ^[7]

Lenses

The Z9 uses the Nikon Z-mount, developed by Nikon for its mirrorless digital cameras. ^[8]

Nikon F-mount lenses can be used, with various degrees of compatibility, via the Nikon FTZ (F-to-Z) and FTZ II mount adapters. ^[9]

Features

• "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. ^[10] .
• 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. ^[11]
• "Dual-Stream Technology" providing separate paths for capturing images and updating the viewfinder, which eliminates viewfinder blackout and reduces viewfinder lag.

Z9 generation

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. ^[12]

Use in outer space

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. ^{[13] [14]} 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. ^{[15] [16]}

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. ^[17]

Gallery

• 
  Z9 + Nikkor Z 24-70 mm f/2.8 S
• 
  Sensor, with sensor shield not engaged
• 
  Top controls and top screen
  
• 
• 
  Main display in a tilted orientation

Awards

The Z9 has won numerous awards:

• Camera Grand Prix 2022 Camera of the Year ^[18]
• Camera Grand Prix 2022 Readers Award. ^[18]
• Best of the Best: 2022 Red Dot Product Design Award ^[19]
• Camera of the Year: EISA Awards 2022-2023 ^[20]
• DPReview Awards 2021 Product of the Year ^[21]
• DPReview Gold Award & Highest Ever Score ^[22]
• 2022 TIPA World Awards: Best Full-Frame Professional Camera ^[23]
• RedDot Product Design Awards 2022: Best of the Best ^[24]
• iF Design Award 2022 ^[25]

Update history

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	Initial firmware version
1.10	2022-01-04 [26]	Increased burst length when saving images as both RAW and JPEG Fixed wireless high-speed sync issue with SB-5000 flash
2.0	2022-04-20 [27]	Addition of internal Nikon N-RAW (up to 12-bit 8.3K 60p in full frame mode via intoPIX TicoRAW. [28] .) and 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ (up to 4.1K 60p) video recording 4K 60p footage can now be oversampled from 8K footage Red "REC" frame indicator on both monitor and viewfinder Waveform monitor "Pre-Release Capture" feature, which captures images up to one second before the shutter is fully pressed 20 types of Custom Wide-Area AF selection patterns Improved autofocus in low-light situations Improved white-balance and auto-exposure in some situations 120 Hz refresh rate mode for the electronic viewfinder
2.10	2022-07-06 [29]	Improved autofocus performance in various situations Improved image stabilization when panning while in a vertical orientation High-frequency flicker reduction added to customizable controls Bug fixes
2.11	2022-08-30 [30]	Fixed an issue that in very rare circumstances would cause the camera to stop responding
3.0	2022-10-25 [31]	Added high-frequency flicker reduction for video shooting Added "Hi-Res Zoom" function, a smooth 2x digital zoom option when shooting 4K video Added "C60", a 60 fps 19 megapixel continuous release photo mode Improved playback for high-speed continuous bursts Improved customizable controls Improved low-light autofocus performance Improved 3D tracking Added support for TLS encrypted connections to FTP servers Added support for the MC-N10 remote grip
3.01	2022-12-19 [32]	Added support for synchronized release of multiple cameras connected with the 10-pin cable using the MC-N10 grip Improved focus tracking in wide area AF-C Autofocus bug fixes FTP bug fixes
3.10	2023-02-27 [33]	Added support for Nikkor Z 85 mm f/1.2 S Improved AF accuracy for low-contrast subjects Increased fps when using hotshoe flashes Bug fixes
4.00	2023-06-13 [34] [35]	Added "Auto Capture" function with automatic triggering by motion, distance and subject detection Added Exposure delay mode (d6) Added new shutter sounds (for a total of 5 selectable variants) Lower ISO when shooting N-Log (200 and 400 native ISO is now selectable, instead of 800) Focus distance indicator on-screen More functions are now assignable to more on-camera buttons Improved "Pre-Release Capture" feature to have up to 300 seconds of pre-release buffer Improved 3D tracking autofocus Improved "hi-res zoom" for finer speed control Improved progress bar during internal playback of videos
4.01	2023-08-23 [36]	Bug fixes
4.10	2023-10-04 [37]	Added autofocus for birds and airplanes
5.00	2024-03-13 [38] [39]	Added "C15", a 15 fps continuous release photo mode Added "Rich Tone Portrait" Picture Control profile with functions for Portrait Impression Balance and Skin Softening Added adjustable focus point border weight Improved "High-frequency flicker" with customizable frequency presets for common LED lighting and signboards Improved "Auto Capture" with support for date/time- and duration-based automatic triggering, DX image area mode and airplane subject detection mode Image review: "Prefer focus point (face priority)" when playback zoom is enabled Extended menu banks are now separate for photo and video modes More functions for custom buttons, more customizable buttons Wi-Fi station mode for SnapBridge connection Upload pictures in HEIF format to FTP servers
5.10	2024-12-17 [40]	Video Recording - added Hi-Res Zoom, shutter mode, zebra pattern color, customizing the brightness information display Controls - added Save/Load power zoom position, zoom ring control (PZ lens) Miscellaneous bug fixes
5.20	2025-04-15 [41]	Added support for NX Field Fixed various issues
5.30	2025-12-16 [42]	For still photography added subject detection to more AF areas increased possible sizes for C1 and C2 AF-areas added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls, and added 2 picture controls To Auto Capture, added [Reset focus after shooting] added a Subject Detection Option of "face" For video recording Single-point AF now includes Subject Detect increased possible sizes for C1 and C2 AF-areas added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls, and added 2 picture controls To Auto Capture, added [Reset focus after shooting] displays a focus point on the detected subject when Hi-Res Zoom is ON For playback In Filtered playback criteria, added Date In i-Menu, added Loop playback added Auto-rotate during playback For controls in a10 & g6, added a new Active subject detection option moved and renamed A14 in A17, added Focus limiter setting in F2 & G2, 2 new items possible on controls Recall shooting functions and Recall shooting functions (hold) now support separate settings a higher magnification option (400%) added to Zoom on/off. in f3, added Jump to the source image in f11, added Cycle image area using built-in TC For network in Connect to FTP server, a name can be added to a profile in Connect to FTP server options, Sync date and time with NTP server was added in Connect to other cameras, Overwrite copyright info was added allows master camera on the same network to detect and connect to other cameras added USB streaming (UVC/UAC) Other for still photography, improvements made to autofocus and its reliability including subject acquisition. white balance can now be done via separate apps external mikes can now be used for Voice memo recording on output to HDMI, modified uninterrupted video output allows headphone volume to be modified in the i-Menu Auto-rotate pictures no longer rotates videos on playback Added 2 Picture Control options to RAW processing added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls focus point selection speed no longer slows down when changing direction when g14 View assist is On, tonal characteristics have been changed fixed typos in monitor display related to Shooting menu bank

References

1. Sony IMX609AQJ Full Frame 45.7 MP Stacked Back-Illuminated CMOS Image Sensor from Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Device Essentials Folder
2. 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.
3. "Z 9 Firmware 5.30" . Retrieved 16 December 2025.
4. "Zi. Unstoppable". Nikonusa. Retrieved 13 November 2025.
5. "The Nikon Z9: Unstoppable Performance, Revolutionary Innovation". Nikon. 2021-10-28. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
6. "Nikon Imaging Products Z 9". Nikon. 2021-10-28. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
7. 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.
8. Hogan, Thom. "Nikon Z9 Camera Review" . Retrieved 14 September 2025.
9. Hogan, Thom. "FTZ Adapter Compatibility". ZSystemUser. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
10. "TicoRAW technology added with High Efficiency RAW recording of Nikon Z 9 flagship mirrorless camera". IntoPIX Blog. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
11. "NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Firmware". Nikon. 2021-11-10. Retrieved 2021-11-10.
12. Hogan, Thom. "Nikon Z50II Camera Review". ZSystemUser. Retrieved 25 September 2025.
13. "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.
14. Schneider, Jaron (2024-02-07). "NASA Goes Mirrorless: The Nikon Z9 is on the International Space Station". PetaPixel. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
15. NASA Communications (2024-02-29). "NASA Signs Agreement with Nikon to Develop Lunar Artemis Camera". NASA.gov. Retrieved 2024-03-14.
16. 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.
17. Zhang, Michael (2009-12-21). "NASA Showing Some Serious Nikon Love". PetaPixel. Retrieved 2024-02-07.
18. Camera Grand Prix 2022
19. "Nikon Z 9 wins major 'Best of the Best' product design award" . Retrieved 7 September 2025.
20. "Photography" . Retrieved 7 September 2025.
21. "Nikon Z9 - The Best Product of the Year - 2021" . Retrieved 7 September 2025.
22. "Nikon Z9 review: a DSLR-like stills/video monster" . Retrieved 7 September 2025.
23. "TIPA Words Awards 2022" . Retrieved 7 September 2025.
24. "Z9" . Retrieved 7 September 2025.
25. "Nikon products receive the iF DESIGN AWARD 2022" . Retrieved 7 September 2025.
26. "Z 9 Firmware 1.10". Nikon. 2022-01-04. Retrieved 2022-01-07.
27. "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.
28. "TicoRAW technology added with High Efficiency RAW recording of Nikon Z 9 flagship mirrorless camera". IntoPIX Blog. Retrieved 2025-11-17.
29. "Nikon Z 9 Firmware 2.10". Nikon. 2022-07-06.
30. "Nikon Z 9 Firmware 2.11". Nikon. 2022-08-30.
31. "Nikon Z 9 Firmware 3.0". Nikon. 2022-10-25.
32. "Z 9 Firmware 3.01". Nikon. 2022-12-19. Archived from the original on 2023-01-02.
33. "Z 9 Firmware 3.10". Nikon. 2023-02-27.
34. "Z 9 Firmware 4.00". Nikon. 2023-06-13. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
35. "Nikon Releases the Third Major Firmware Upgrade for the Nikon Z9 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera". Nikon. 2023-06-13. Retrieved 2023-06-13.
36. "Z 9 Firmware 4.01". Nikon. 2023-08-23. Archived from the original on 2023-08-22.
37. "Z 9 Firmware 4.10". Nikon. 2023-10-04.
38. "Z 9 Firmware 5.00". Nikon. 2024-03-13. Retrieved 2024-04-25.
39. "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.
40. "Z 9 Firmware 5.10". Nikon. 2024-12-17.
41. "Z 9 Firmware 5.20". Nikon. 2025-04-15.
42. "Z 9 Firmware 5.30". Nikon. 2025-12-16. Retrieved 2025-12-16.

External links

• Official website - Nikon USA