Nikon Z9

The Z9 is a mirrorless camera built around a full-frame sensor and the Nikon Z mount. That combination suits photographers who want a native lens system alongside large, detailed files.

It is also a big one. At 149 x 150 x 91mm and 1340g, it is a professional-sized body rather than a compact option, so factor the weight into travel plans and long handheld sessions.

Released in 2021, it pairs high resolution with bursts up to 30fps and 8K video, making it a strong fit for wildlife, sports and hybrid stills-and-video work.

The Optics score of 88 is exceptional, placing the Z9 in the top 2% of cameras in our database for Optics. At the heart of that result sits a 46MP full-frame CMOS sensor. Files at that resolution stand up to heavy cropping and large prints.

Speed is the other half. The Expeed 7 processor supports a maximum burst rate of 30fps, plenty for peak action, though a maximum rate is not a promise of sustained speed. A shutter speed of 1/32000 lets you shoot wide apertures in bright light, and the autofocus system offers 493 points.

The ISO range runs from 64 to 25600. A low base ISO suits bright scenes and wide apertures, while the 25600 ceiling is the main constraint in this score. Plan lighting support for dim venues rather than expecting to push the sensitivity further.

In-body stabilisation reduces camera shake, so handheld work at slower shutter speeds becomes more practical, though it cannot stop subject movement. The electronic viewfinder offers 3.69 million dots, giving a detailed preview of exposure and focus before you commit.

The video capabilities earn a full score, and the assessment is exceptional. Recording tops out at 8K, which gives footage generous room to crop, reframe or deliver at lower resolutions while keeping detail.

The fastest frame rate available is 120fps, enough for slow-motion sequences without software tricks. Treat 8K and 120fps as separate peaks of the spec sheet rather than one combined mode.

Recording uses the MOV format, and built-in timelapse support means you can create interval projects without an external intervalometer.

Together, the maximum resolution, frame rate and timelapse specifications account for the perfect rating. The score reflects recorded capability rather than tested recording duration, heat behaviour or codec quality.

Handling centres on a 3.2-inch LCD with just over two million dots, touch control and a flipping movement. Together those help when checking focus closely and framing from high, low or awkward angles.

The body is weather sealed, which helps in dust and rain, though sealing is not the same as waterproofing. There is no built-in flash, but a hot shoe accepts external units when you need added light.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in for wireless connectivity, and GPS records shooting locations for later reference, useful for cataloguing travel and wildlife work. These features sit alongside a Features score of 87, which is very good.

Storage and Battery scores 79, which is good. Dual card slots take CFexpress or XQD media. Two slots let you organise files across cards or keep separate media for different jobs, handy on longer assignments.

The EN-EL18d battery is rated at 740 shots, and that rating is where the section drops most of its points. Without a stated test standard, treat the figure as a guide rather than a guarantee, and expect heavier burst or video work to draw more power.

USB charging lets you top the battery up during a break or overnight, which is convenient, though it is no substitute for carrying a spare on location.