The Nikon Z9 Is a Video Beast

Finally, a mirroless camera with internal ProRes 422 and RAW.  And it’s cheaper than Canon and Sony’s competing models.  This is now a serious contender for the best hybrid photo and video camera on the market.

The Nikon Z9’s features includes:

  • 45MP FF stacked sensor
  • New EXPEED main LSI with 8K processing
  • 8K 24p and 30p video
  • 4k at 120/60/30p
  • Significantly improved AF and 3D tracking
  • Multi leaf blade protective shutter that auto covers sensor when switched off
  • Excellent dynamic range
  • Improved UI
  • Improved articulated screen that even works in portrait mode
  • Third joystick/selector
  • 16bit RAW
  • 5.8Mp (or 9Mp) OLED EVF (Blackout-free)
  • Dual CF-Express (B type) card slots
  • USB-C, WiFi, GPS
  • Uses Nikon D6 battery and optional EN-EL18x battery
  • $5500
  • OLPF
  • And more!

Unfortunately some of the video features for 8K will be released in early 2022 via a firmware update.

Nikon was falling behind its competition with its mirrorless cameras.  Let’s hope this a sign of things to come from this company and that some of the Z9 features will trickle down into subsequent models.

Initial impressions: