Nikon Z 9: Professional DSLM with 8K video and 45.7 megapixel sensor is coming

The new Nikon Z 9 mirrorless system camera should convince both professional photographers and videographers. It shoots 8K movies at 60 fps. It also offers internal 10-bit ProRes HQ recording, while photos turn out razor-sharp thanks to a 45.7 megapixel sensor.

Nikon Z9 with impressive specs

The new mirrorless system camera (DSLM) comes up with extremely impressive specs, but the manufacturer also charges a lot for them. In this context, Nikon is primarily promoting the camera’s video recording function, which can record 8K videos (7680 x 4320 pixels) at 60 frames per second.

At least after a software update, because only 8K with 30 FPS stabilized is possible at the beginning. In 4K, the Nikon Z 9 even manages up to 120 frames per second. The camera records in H.264, H.265 or ProRes 422 HQ. AF including eye AF and exposure metering are fully supported during filming.

The camera comes with a 45.7 megapixel FX-format sensor (35.9 x 23.9 mm) and uses Nikon’s Z bayonet, offering a wide range of lenses. Combined with the ultra-fast EXPEED 7 processor, it should be able to achieve impressive image quality.

With blazing speeds of up to 120 frames per second at full AF/AE, the Z 9 is in a class of its own. Even shooting bursts of up to 1000 frames in a row at full resolution and 20 shutter releases per second are possible.

Impressive scan rate

Nikon talks about achieving the fastest scan rate of any mirrorless system camera in the world with the Z 9. Rolling shutter distortion is said to be a thing of the past. The shutter works so quickly and efficiently that there is no need for a mechanical shutter at all.

The stabilization is also impressive. The movable sensor is even able to align itself in the event of a shock when it is switched off. Image stabilization with an effectiveness of up to 6 f-stops in up to five directions (tilt, pan and roll, as well as horizontal and vertical shift) is achieved.

Exposure times are possible at 1/32,000-second, and the ISO range is from ISO 64 to ISO 25,600. Photos and videos can be stored on two CF Express or XXQD cards. In addition, the Nikon Z 9 has an Ethernet port (RJ-45) with data rates of up to 1,000 Mbps.

Tilting display and powerful OLED viewfinder

In addition, the camera features a vertically and horizontally tiltable display including touch function, which enables quick and intuitive operation. The info display rotates automatically when switching between portrait and landscape mode. The display is 3.2 inches and displays 100 percent of the viewfinder image.

In addition, the top and rear LCDs, as well as important buttons, are illuminated when the on/off switch is pressed, allowing the camera to be controlled in the dark.

According to the manufacturer, the Z 9 has the world’s brightest electronic viewfinder display (3000 cd/m²) – without any lag. The electronic OLED viewfinder has a diagonal of 0.5 inches and, thanks to an eye sensor, switches automatically when someone looks in. The resolution is 3.69 million pixels.

Price and Availability

The Nikon Z 9 camera is available for pre-order now at an MSRP of €5,999 (for the body only) from the manufacturer, as well as online. Delivery is scheduled for December 2021.