The Nikon Z9 sees Nikon's mirrorless cameras take an impressive jump forward to match flagship rivals from Canon and Sony. The Z9 feels like an indestructible DSLR, but inside are innovative features like advanced AF tracking, 20fps raw burst shooting, 8K video and an electronic-only shutter. We also like its new two-way tilting screen. It's a shame some video features won't be available until a firmware update in 2022 and we need to give the Z9 some real-world testing, but it has the potential to be a modern-day Nikon classic.

Stacked 45.7MP sensor; Powerful AF tracking; Shoots lengthy 8K video clips; Rugged build quality; Dual-axis tilt-screen;

Some features need firmware update; A bit bulky for non-pros

45.7MP Stacked CMOS sensor; 30 fps JPEG shooting; 20 fps Raw shooting (for over 1000 compressed Raws); 120 fps JPEG shooting at 11MP resolution; 8K/30p capture and 4K-from-8K, with ProRes 422 HQ option; 8K/60p, 12-bit 8K N-Raw and 4K ProRes RAW to be added with f/w; Internal 10-bit N-Log and HLG capture; 3.69M dot OLED EVF with reduced lag and greater brightness; XM dot rear LCD with multi-directional tilt; Twin CFexpress Type B card slots; Full-time electronic shutter camera; Sensor shield to protect sensor;

45.7MP Stacked CMOS sensor; 30 fps JPEG shooting; 20 fps Raw shooting (for over 1000 compressed Raws); 120 fps JPEG shooting at 11MP resolution; 8K/30p capture and 4K-from-8K, with ProRes 422 HQ option; 8K/60p, 12-bit 8K N-Raw and 4K ProRes RAW to be added with f/w; Internal 10-bit N-Log and HLG capture; 3.69M dot OLED EVF with reduced lag and greater brightness; XM dot rear LCD with multi-directional tilt; Twin CFexpress Type B card slots; Full-time electronic shutter camera; Sensor shield to protect sensor;

The Nikon Z9 sees Nikon's mirrorless cameras take an impressive jump forward to match flagship rivals from Canon and Sony. The Z9 feels like an indestructible DSLR, but inside are innovative features like advanced AF tracking, 20fps raw burst shooting, 8K video and an electronic-only shutter. We also like its new two-way tilting screen. It's a shame some video features won't be available until a firmware update in 2022, but the Z9's video prowess impresses already and we're looking at a modern-day Nikon classic.

Powerful Stacked 45.7MP sensor; Reliable tracking AF; Shoots lengthy 8K video clips; Rugged build quality; Dual-axis tilt screen; Excellent battery life; Dual-axis tilt-screen;

Some features need firmware update; Bulkier and heavier than rivals; Flash sync only 1/200s

The Nikon Z9 is perhaps the most complete camera we've ever tested. It shoots excellent 45MP images at up to 30fps (20 with Raw), it captures 8K video in everything from 8-bit MP4s to 12-bit N-Raw. Its autofocus system is both powerful and easy to use and works well for both stills and video. It's larger and heavier than some of its rivals, which make it less well suited to some applications, but overall it combines the best of a DSLR and a video camera in a single body.

Sports, photojournalism, wedding and events, video;

Travel photography where size and weight are critical.;

Introduction; Sample photos; Design and handling; Battery; Media; Flash photography; Displays; Sensor; More sample photos!; Raw compression; Buffer; 3D Tracking; Flicker control; Battery life; Autofocus performance; Final impressions;

Introduction; Sample photos; Design and handling; Battery; Media; Flash photography; Displays; Sensor; More sample photos!; Raw compression; Buffer; 3D Tracking; Flicker control; Battery life; Autofocus performance; Final impressions;

Robust and versatile design ; 120fps shooting; 8K video recording ;

Expensive; Large and heavy body; Additional cost of CFexpress or XQD card ;