Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera

The Nikon Z9 is a professional-grade camera that excels in speed, image quality, and connectivity. It features a newly developed sensor, advanced autofocus performance, and the capability to record high-resolution 8K video. As Nikon's inaugural mirrorless flagship model, the Z9 distinguishes itself as an appealing choice for photographers and filmmakers engaged in diverse applications.

45.7MP Stacked BSI CMOS Sensor

The Z9 features a newly engineered FX-format 45.7MP BSI stacked CMOS sensor at its core. This innovative stacked architecture facilitates rapid readout speeds and mitigates rolling shutter effects, while the BSI configuration enhances clarity and minimizes noise, particularly at elevated sensitivities. With a resolution of 45.7MP, this sensor is well-suited for landscape, portrait, and other detail-centric photography, in addition to supporting video recording at resolutions reaching up to 8K. The full-frame BSI design is renowned for its exceptional color accuracy and detail reproduction, and this sensor provides a native ISO range of 64-25600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102400.

EXPEED 7 Image Processor

Accompanying the sensor is the sophisticated EXPEED 7 processing engine, which delivers speeds nearly ten times greater than those of the Z 7II. This engine collaborates with the stacked sensor architecture to achieve remarkably rapid autofocus speeds, high burst shooting capabilities, substantial buffer capacity, seamless video performance, and swift overall handling.

The camera offers remarkable continuous shooting capabilities, achieving speeds of 20 frames per second (fps) in raw format, 30 fps in JPEG, and an exceptional 120 fps for 11MP still images, all while maintaining full autofocus and auto-exposure performance. It can buffer over 1,000 raw images in a single burst, allowing for approximately 50 seconds of continuous raw image capture. Additionally, during playback, users can quickly navigate to the first image of a burst sequence, facilitating a more efficient review process. The Pre-Release Capture feature enhances the likelihood of capturing decisive moments by recording frames in a burst for up to one second before the shutter is fully pressed. When activated, burst shooting begins with a half-press of the shutter, and the buffer retains up to one second's worth of frames prior to the complete shutter release.

The electronic shutter provides an impressive maximum shutter speed of 1/32,000 seconds, enabling effective operation in extremely bright environments while utilizing wider apertures. The implementation of a stacked sensor design minimizes rolling shutter distortion, ensuring that rapidly moving subjects, such as a golf club, tennis racket, or baseball bat, maintain their integrity even at shutter speeds reaching 1/32,000 seconds. Autofocus calculations are performed at a rate of 120 frames per second, allowing for seamless tracking during high-speed continuous shooting.

The newly introduced High Efficiency RAW file format preserves image quality comparable to that of uncompressed raw files, while achieving file sizes that are roughly 30% smaller, facilitating quicker reading and writing to the memory card. The Motion Blend Retouch feature allows for the creation of an in-camera composite that captures a sequence of subject movements within a single frame. With the addition of Firmware 2.0, the Long Exposure display has been improved to include a live exposure timer on the rear LCD, as well as the capability to dim the viewfinder, thereby enhancing the preservation of night-adjusted vision.

Electronic Shutter-Only Design

The Z9 leverages the rapid performance and innovative stacked architecture of its sensor, eliminating the need for a mechanical shutter and relying solely on an electronic shutter across all capture modes. This sensor's speed allows for exposure times as brief as 1/32,000 of a second, while its stacked design minimizes motion distortion, ensuring precise representation of swiftly moving subjects such as golf clubs, baseball bats, and vehicles. Furthermore, even in the absence of a mechanical shutter, the camera supports flash synchronization up to 1/200 of a second, along with high-speed sync capabilities.

By omitting the mechanical shutter, the Z9 achieves completely silent operation, alleviating concerns regarding mechanical wear or failure. Additionally, a shutter release sound can be incorporated to provide feedback during photography, with adjustable volume settings to accommodate various working environments.

493-Point Phase-Detection AF

The Z9 employs a comprehensive 493-point phase-detection autofocus system that spans the entire sensor area, ensuring rapid and precise focusing capabilities. This system is enhanced by the high-speed communication facilitated by the Z interface, in conjunction with the sensor's ability to perform autofocus readings at rates of up to 120 frames per second. Additionally, this autofocus mechanism is designed to function effectively in low-light environments, featuring a Starlight mode that allows for focusing in conditions as dim as -8.5 EV, making it particularly advantageous for astrophotography, concerts, and various nighttime shooting scenarios.

Subject Detection with Deep Learning Technology

By employing an innovative algorithm alongside advanced deep learning techniques, the automatic Subject Detection feature is now capable of identifying nine different subject categories, including humans, animals, airplanes, and bicycles. In Auto-Area AF mode, these subjects are automatically detected, focused on, and tracked, ensuring that they remain sharply in focus even as they move across the frame. Additionally, Eye-Detection AF has been optimized for enhanced precision and improved recognition of eyes within the scene, regardless of their size in the image frame.

The Z9 marks the introduction of the 3D Tracking mode in Nikon's line of mirrorless cameras. This widely utilized focusing mode, previously found in Nikon's DSLRs, is designed to work in conjunction with subject detection, enabling the camera to effectively track fast-moving subjects that may move both parallel and perpendicular to its position. Furthermore, the camera offers three Dynamic-Area AF modes, each with varying focus area sizes, allowing for the capture of a diverse array of moving subjects.

The release of Firmware 2.0 has also brought forth 20 distinct custom Wide-Area AF selection patterns, with 12 of these patterns available for use during video recording. This enhancement facilitates more accurate autofocus and subject detection within specific regions of the frame.

Up to 8K Recording Supported

In addition to its exceptional photographic capabilities, the Z9 stands out as Nikon's most advanced video camera, offering a range of resolutions and frame rates that extend to 8K. With full pixel readout, it is possible to record UHD 8K video at 30 frames per second, allowing for continuous shooting for approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes.

The camera also supports full-frame 4K recording, reaching up to 120 frames per second for slow-motion effects. By utilizing an 8K area, it enables oversampled UHD 4K recording at up to 60 frames per second, enhancing sharpness and detail. Furthermore, high-resolution frame grabs can be captured directly from 8K and 4K videos, yielding still images of 33MP and 11MP, respectively.

Internal N-RAW and ProRes RAW Video

With the introduction of Firmware 2.0, the Z9 now supports internal 12-bit raw recording at resolutions reaching 8.3K at 60 frames per second in the N-RAW format, alongside compatibility for ProRes RAW recording. This raw recording capability enhances tonal and color range, thereby improving dynamic range, which is advantageous for color grading and post-production processes. N-RAW, Nikon's proprietary raw recording format, is notable for its remarkably compact file sizes in comparison to other raw formats, and it also allows for the creation of MP4 proxies, facilitating more efficient previewing and transferring. N-RAW recording is available at resolutions of up to 8.3K at both 60p and 24p; 4.1K at up to 120p; 5.3K at 60p with a 1.5x crop; and 3.8K at 120p with a 2.3x crop. Additionally, ProRes RAW recording can be achieved at resolutions of up to 4.1K and 60p.

ProRes and H.265 10-Bit Internal Recording

 The ProRes 422 HQ and H.265 codecs enable internal recording with 10-bit color and 4:2:2 sampling. Depending on the requirements of the workflow, H.264 and 4:2:0 color options are also available. To provide greater flexibility during post-production color grading, a 10-bit N-Log setting and a Flat color profile are offered. Furthermore, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) can be utilized for producing HDR-ready content directly from the camera.

Firmware 2.0 Video Upgrades

The release of Firmware 2.0 enhanced the cinematic functionalities of the Z9 by incorporating a range of updates pertinent to production.

• Red REC frame indicator on EVF and LCD during recording to easily recognize when recording is being captured.
  
  
• Waveform monitor for realtime exposure analysis.
  
  
• Dedicated video info display indicates various recording settings, such as frame size, frame rate, audio settings, codec, bit depth, and HDMI output settings. Some of these settings will also be visible on the camera's top control panel.
  
  
• Fine ISO control in Manual mode for adjusting exposure in 1/6-stop increments.
  
  
• Fast AF-ON function can be assigned to Fn buttons; it is now possible to assign two different AF speeds to different buttons.
  
  
• Slow shutter speed video is supported, slower than 1/frame rate, for working in extreme low-light conditions or for creating intentionally blurred effects.
  
  

Real-Live Viewfinder

The Real-Live Viewfinder represents a sophisticated electronic viewfinder (EVF) that features a 3.69 million-dot OLED display, capable of adjustable brightness levels reaching up to 3000 cd/m², ensuring excellent visibility even in well-lit environments. This EVF is designed to operate with dual-stream technology, allowing for uninterrupted viewing during continuous shooting. The introduction of firmware version 2.0 has enhanced the performance of the viewfinder, incorporating a high frames per second (fps) capability that increases the refresh rate to 120 fps, resulting in an exceptionally smooth and realistic viewing experience.

Four-Axis Tilting LCD

In a groundbreaking development for Nikon, the Z9 features a 3.2-inch, 2.1 million-dot four-axis tilting touchscreen LCD, which enhances usability when capturing images from both elevated and lowered perspectives, whether in horizontal or vertical formats. The innovative four-way tilting mechanism of this display facilitates improved visibility from multiple angles, and the user interface will automatically adjust its orientation based on the camera's position.

Tough, Durable Construction

• Dual CFexpress Type B memory card slots allow for flexible file saving and promote high-speed reading and writing to keep up with the fast continuous shooting and high-resolution 8K video recording. Both slots are also compatible with XQD memory cards.
  
  
• Optimized for a professional workflow, the Z9 is characterized by its ergonomic form factor and inclusion of a vertical grip for easy switching between horizontal and vertical shooting orientations.
  
  
• Built to the same dust and moisture resistance standards as the D6, the Z9 has a highly durable and rigid magnesium alloy chassis that manages to be 20% smaller than the former flagship DSLR body.
  
  
• Included EN-EL18d battery offers approximately 700 frames per charge. The Z9 is also compatible with other EN-EL18-series batteries.
  
  
• In-body Vibration Reduction now supports Synchro VR to achieve up to 6 stops of camera shake compensation when used with select Z lenses.
  
  
• VR safety lock secures the sensor and VR mechanism in place to prevent damage caused by movement while traveling.
  
  
• Helping to cut down on dust reaching the sensor, the Z9 incorporates a sensor shield that protects the sensor surface when changing lenses. For additional dust prevention, there is also a dual electro-conductive and fluorine coating on the optical filter covering the sensor.
  
  
• Kensington security slot helps protect against theft when the camera is left unattended.
  
  
• Backlit buttons offer easier navigation and button recognition when working in low-light conditions.
  
  
• Voice memo function for recording short spoken notes while shooting.
  
  

Versatile Connectivity

• Full-size HDMI port for outputting video to an external recorder or monitor
  
  
• USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port supports tethering, data transfer, and in-camera battery charging
  
  
• Ethernet port supports 1000BASE-T wired LAN connection for transferring files over FTP
  
  
• 10-pin port offers wide accessories and remote connectivity
  
  
• PC sync port for flash sync
  
  
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) permit wireless transferring of files, remote camera control via a mobile device, and works in conjunction with the NX Mobile Air app for file management
  
  
• GNSS for in-camera geotagging and recording of location info while shooting