Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Z9

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Type of camera

Both these cameras are Mirrorless cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Nikon Z8 has a 46 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Z9 has 46 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

ISO range

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 32 to 102400.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z8
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z9

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z8 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds and Nikon Z9 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon Z9 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 47% heavier than Nikon Z8 and its 910 gr (or 2.01 lb).

Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Z9 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Name	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Manufacturer	Nikon	Nikon
Release Date and Price	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Release Year	2023	2021
Release Date	2023-05-10	2021-10-28
MSRP	3999 USD	5500 USD
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Camera Type	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Camera Type	Mirrorless	Mirrorless
Sensor	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Sensor Size	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"	Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm) Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type	Stacked CMOS	Full Stacked CMOS
Resolution	8256 x 5504 pixels	8256 x 5504 pixels
Megapixels	46 MP	46 MP
Image Processor		EXPEED 7
Image	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
ISO Range	32 - 102400	32 - 102400
White Balance Presets	9	9
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	Yes (Sensor-shift (Synchro VR with select lenses))	Yes (Sensor Shift (Synchro VR with selected lenses))
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	6 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView
Focus Points	493	493
Lens Mount	Nikon Z See Compatible Lenses	Nikon Z See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm	FX (Full frame) No multiplier Example: 24 mm remains 24 mm 50 mm remains 50 mm 100 mm remains 100 mm 200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Articulated LCD	Tilting	Tilting
Screen size	3.2”	3.2”
Screen dots	2088960	2088960
Touch screen	Yes	Yes
Screen type	N/A	TFT LCD
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	Electronic	Electronic
Viewfinder Coverage	100%	100%
Viewfinder Magnification	0.8×	0.8x
Viewfinder Resolution	3686400	3686400
Photography features	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Frames per second	30 fps	30 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	900 seconds	900 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/32000 seconds	1/32000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	No
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	N/A
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	Yes	Yes
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)	+/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)
Videography features	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Video recording	Yes	Yes
Video format	H.264 H.265	H.264 H.265
Video resolution	1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 7680 x 4320	1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 7680 x 4320
Built-in Microphone	Yes	Yes
Built-in Speakers	Yes	Yes
Storage	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Memory Card		Compact Flash Express XQD
Connectivity	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
HDMI Output	No	Yes
Microphone Port	Yes	Yes
Headphone Port	Yes	Yes
Wireless	Yes Built-In	Yes Built-in (IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac/Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy)
Remote Control	Yes (via app)	Yes (Via app)
GPS	No	Yes Built-in (GPS, GLONASS, QZSS)
Body & Dimensions	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z9
Enviromentally sealed	Yes	Yes
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	EN-EL15c	EN-EL18d (backwards compatible with EN-EL18/a/b/c batteries)
Battery Life (CIPA)	340 shots	740 shots
Width	144 mm	149 mm
Height	119 mm	150 mm
Depth	83 mm	91 mm
Weight	910 gram	1340 gram