Nikon Z 9 (no lens included)

Recording Features
Connections
Play, Print and Edit Features
Battery Information
Computer Requirements

Recording Features

Overview: Nikon's new mirrorless flagship, the Z9 (#1669), can produce stunning 45.7-megapixel still images and Ultra-High Definition 8K video. The camera has the Nikon Z mount, and is compatible with Z-mount NIKKOR lenses. With the optional Mount Adapter FTZ II, you can use F-mount NIKKOR lenses. No lenses are included in this "body only " kit.

Image Sensor/Processor: The Z9 is equipped with an FX-format, 35.9 x 23.9mm CMOS stacked image sensor with 45.7 million effective pixels (and 52.37 million total pixels). The stacked sensor outputs two separate data streams, one for writing to the memory card and one for viewing. The Nikon FX format, with its native 3:2 aspect ratio, enables photographers to take advantage of the familiar perspective characteristics of 35mm film photography. The Z9 is equipped with the EXPEED 7 processing engine that handles complex autoexposure and autofocus calculations at 120 cycles per second. It is capable of producing 11-megapixel still images at 120 fps and stunning 8K video, plus a lag-free view with no blackout.

Magnesium Alloy Body: The Z9 has a rugged, durable, and lightweight magnesium alloy shell that is resistant to corrosion, and can dissipate heat and cold down to 14°F. Built-in weather sealing helps protect the camera's internal components from dust, moisture, and dirt. When you remove a lens, a sensor shield automatically closes to protect the image sensor from accidental touches and dust. It also features an integrated vertical grip for easier control when shooting in portrait orientation.

Still Image Size/Quality: The Z9 records still images in JPEG and NEF* (RAW) formats. It can also record in both NEF (RAW) + JPEG formats simultaneously. JPEG images can set to fine (1:4 compression), normal (1:8), or basic (1:16) image quality. Depending upon the selected format (image area), you can choose from the following image sizes:

* RAW data from the image sensor is saved directly to the memory card in Nikon Electronic Format (NEF). You can process RAW images to JPEG files in the camera, or on your computer using the downloadable NX Studio software.

NEF (RAW): There are several options to choose from when recording Nikon Electronic Format (NEF) photos. NEF images (14-bit) are recorded in your choice of Lossless, High Efficiency★, and High Efficiency. The file sizes for each option is as follows:

• NEF (RAW) Lossless: Approx. 55.1 MB
• NEF (RAW) High Efficiency★: Approx. 33.0 MB
• NEF (RAW) High Efficiency: Approx. 22.0 MB

Movies: The Nikon Z9 can record movies in MOV or MP4 formats with Apple ProRes 422 HQ (10-bit), H.265/HEVC (8-bit/10-bit), or H.264/AVC (8-bit) video compression. Audio is recorded in Linear PCM or AAC using the built-in stereo or external microphone. The available movie options include:

Video Selection	Frame Size	Frame Rate (progressive)
8K UHD	7680 x 4320	30p, 25p, 24p
4K UHD	3840 x 2160	120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
Full HD	1920 x 1080	120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p

Recording Media Options: The Z9 has dual memory card slots that are optimized for CFexpress Type B memory cards. The camera can also use XQD memory cards. Memory cards with a maximum data transfer rate of at least 250MB/s are recommended for high-speed frame capture, and for recording and playback of videos with high frame size or rate. CFexpress (Type B) or XQD cards with a maximum data transfer rate of at least 45MB/s (300x) are recommended for video recording and playback. No memory cards are supplied with the camera.

Dual Media Slot Options: The memory card slots are named Slot 1 (primary) and Slot 2 (secondary). The function of Slot 2 can be configured as follows:

• Overflow: The card in Slot 2 is used only when the card in Slot 1 is full.
• Backup: The card in Slot 2 serves as an instant backup. Each picture is recorded twice, once to the card in Slot 1, and again to the card in Slot 2.
• RAW Slot 1-JPEG Slot 2: When shooting NEF (RAW) + JPEG images, the NEF (RAW) images are recorded to the card in Slot 1, while the JPEG images are recorded to the card in Slot 2.
• JPEG Slot 1-JPED Slot 2: Two JPEG copies are recorded, one to each memory card. The copy saved to the card in Slot 1 is recorded at the image quality and size selected in the photo shooting menu. The image saved to the card in Slot 2 is saved at JPEG Basic and a size of Medium or Small.

Touch-sensitive LCD Monitor: The Nikon Z9 features 3.2-inch, 2,100,000-dot tilting TFT LCD monitor with a 170° wide viewing angle and 100% frame coverage. The monitor has an 11-level adjustable brightness control. The monitor has a 4-axis horizontal and vertical tilting touchscreen, and when you switch from landscape (horizontal) to portrait (vertical) shooting, the user interface also switches, allowing you to see the on-screen settings in the proper orientation. The Z9 features a Live View that lets you use the monitor in place of the camera's viewfinder to confirm your subject and composition while shooting. The touch screen can be used to position the focus point during live view, measure a value for preset manual white balance, and for typing. During playback you can swipe to view images, zoom in or out of images, view thumbnails, and view movies.

OLED Viewfinder: In addition to the LCD monitor, the Z9 has a 0.5", OLED viewfinder with approximately 3,690,000 dots (Quad VGA), and 100% vertical and horizontal frame coverage. You can manually adjust the brightness of the viewfinder to any of 16 levels. It has a diopter adjustment knob so you can set the viewfinder to your personal eyesight (with or without eyeglasses). The bright and sharp viewfinder makes focusing in low-light situations possible. The viewfinder offers approximately 0.8x magnification. An eye sensor near the viewfinder automatically switches between the monitor and viewfinder as you raise or lower the camera to your eye.

Wi-Fi/Ethernet: The Z9 lets you connect to a computer or FTP server via a wired or wireless network. The camera has built-in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ac, 2.4 and 5 GHz) for over-the-air transfers. You can also connect to a 1000BASE-T LAN for lightning fast wired transfers or for controlling the camera remotely.

Bluetooth: The camera has Bluetooth (version 5.0) for wirelessly connecting to a smartphone or tablet. With the SnapBridge app on your device, you can upload pictures automatically as they are taken. You can also remotely control the camera for taking or viewing photos.

Vibration Reduction: The Nikon Z9 features built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) in the camera. This 5-axis image sensor shift can be applied while shooting still images or movies. In the menu, you can select Normal VR (for static subjects) or Sport VR (for rapidly moving subjects), or Off. In addition, the in-body VR works together with the 2-axis lens-shift VR is available with certain VR lenses, to give you an effective equivalent shutter speed up to 6.0 stops faster.

493-Point Autofocus System: The Z9 is equipped with a hybrid phase-detection/contrast Autofocus system with AF assist. With 493 focus points, you can select from the following AF-area modes: Pinpoint AF, Single-point AF, Dynamic-area AF (S, L), Wide-area AF (S, M, L), 3D-tracking, and Subject-tracking AF. You can choose from Single or Continuous Auto Focusing, or Manual Focusing.

Focus Lock: Focus Lock can be used to change the composition after focusing, making it possible to focus on a subject that will not be in a focus area in the final composition.

Release Modes: The release mode determines how the camera takes photographs. You can choose from the following modes:

• Single Frame: camera takes one photograph each time the shutter-release button is pressed
• Continuous L: while shutter-release button is held down, the camera records 1 to 10 frames per second, as selected in the menu.
• Continuous H: while the shutter-release button is held down, the camera records continuously at rates from 10 to 20 frames per second.
• Self-Timer: use self-timer for self-portraits or to reduce blurring caused by camera shake; you can set the self-timer to 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds
• Quick-release Mode Selection: for high-speed burst photography; you can capture large JPEG (normal) images at 30 fps or small images at 120 fps.

Interval Timer Photography: The Z9 is equipped to take photographs automatically at preset intervals. Shooting will begin about 3 seconds after the interval is set or you can set a start time. You can select the number of intervals, and the number of shots taken per interval. The interval length can be set in hours, minutes, and seconds. You can also set up the camera to take a silent time-lapse movie, with the frame size, frame rate, and image area currently selected in the movie shooting menu.

Exposure Modes: The Exposure Modes determine how the camera sets shutter speed and aperture when adjusting exposure. You can choose from the following Exposure Modes using the top-mounted Mode button and the main command dial:

• Programmed Auto (P): The camera sets shutter speed and aperture for optimal exposure according to a built-in program; recommended for snapshots and other situations in which there is little time to adjust camera settings.
• Shutter-Priority Auto (S): The user chooses the shutter speed while camera sets aperture for best results; use to freeze or blur motion. The shutter speed can be set from 30 to 1/32000 seconds.
• Aperture-Priority Auto (A): The user chooses the aperture while camera sets shutter speed for best results; use to blur background for portraits or bring both foreground and background into focus for landscape shots.
• Manual (M): The user controls both shutter the speed and aperture for complete control over exposure. You can also set the shutter speed for long exposures, such as "Bulb" or "Time."

Long Time-Exposures: When the M (manual) exposure mode is selected, you can choose between two Long Time-Exposure modes: Bulb and Time. During Bulb shooting, the shutter will remain open while the shutter-release button is held down. Bulb shooting is used for long time-exposure photographs of moving lights, the stars, night scenery, or fireworks (an optional tripod and optional remote cord are recommended to prevent blur). Time exposures start when the shutter-release button is pressed on the camera or an optional remote control. The shutter remains open until the button is pressed a second time. There is even a setting for extended shutter speeds of up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) for tracking the paths of stars.

Exposure Compensation: You can alter the exposure from the value suggested by the camera, making pictures brighter or darker. You can adjust the exposure from -5.0 to +5.0 EV in still photo mode, and -3.0 to +3.0 EV in movie mode in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV. Exposure compensation is available in P, S, A, and M modes.

Metering: The Z9 utilizes through-the-lens (TTL) metering using the camera's image sensor. You can choose one of the following metering methods:

• Matrix Metering: The camera meters a wide area of the frame and sets exposure according to tone distribution, color, distance, and composition for natural results.
• Center-weighted: The camera meters the entire frame but assigns greatest weight (75%) to the 12mm or 8mm area in the center of the frame. The weighting can also be based on the average of the entire frame.
• Spot: The camera meters inside a 4mm diameter circle (approximately 1.5% of frame). The circle is centered on the selected focus area, centered on selected focus points.
• Highlight-weighted: The camera assigns the greatest weight to highlights to reduce loss of detail in highlights.

Multiple Exposure: This feature records a series of two to ten NEF (RAW) exposures in a single photograph. Multiple exposures can be recorded at any image quality setting, and produce results with colors noticeably better than photographs combined in an imaging application because they make use of RAW data from the camera image sensor.

White Balance: White balance is used to preserve natural colors under different types of lighting. You can choose one of the following white balance options: Auto (plus 3 options to eliminate, partially preserve, or fully preserve the warm color cast by incandescent light), Natural Light Auto, Direct Sunlight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent (3 options), or Flash. You can also choose a color temperature from a list of values (2500K-10000K), or manually set the white balance using the subject, light source, or existing photograph in the memory card as reference. The White Balance Fine Tuning feature allows you to compensate for variations in the color of the light source or to introduce a deliberate color cast into an image by adjusting the amber, blue, green and magenta color settings.

Bracketing: Bracketing automatically varies exposure, flash level, Active D-Lighting (ADL), or white balance slightly with each shot, "bracketing" the current value. You can set the increment to 0.3, 0.7, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0EV, and the number of shots to 2, 3, 5, 7, or 9. In exposure, flash level, and ADL bracketing, multiple shots are required to complete the "bracket" as the camera will vary the settings with each shot. With white balance bracketing, the camera creates multiple copies of each photograph, each with a different white balance. Bracketing can be combined with continuous shooting or the self timer modes.

ISO Sensitivity: ISO Sensitivity is the digital equivalent of film speed. You can set the ISO Sensitivity to Auto or Manual. You can manually select settings of ISO 64 to ISO 25600 in steps of 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV. For special occasions, expanded settings of Lo 0.3, 0.7, or 1 EV (equivalent to ISO 32) below ISO 64, or to approximately 0.3, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (equivalent to ISO 102400) above ISO 25600.

Picture Controls: The camera offers seven preset Nikon Picture Controls. You can choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene:

• Auto: The camera automatically adjusts hues and tones based on the Standard (photo) or Neutral (video) Picture Control. Complexions of portrait subjects are softer, and foliage and sky colors are more vivid than Standard.
• Standard: Standard processing for balanced results; recommended for most situations.
• Neutral: Minimal processing for natural results; recommended for photographs that will later be extensively processed or retouched.
• Vivid: Pictures are enhanced for a vivid, photo-print effect; recommended for photos that emphasize primary colors.
• Monochrome: Takes monochrome photographs.
• Portrait: Process portraits for skin with natural texture and a rounded feel.
• Landscape: Produces vibrant landscapes and cityscapes.
• Flat: Details are preserved over a wide tone range; good for photos that will be retouched or processed later.
• Creative Picture Controls: You can choose from the following: Dream, Morning, Pop, Sunday, Somber, Dramatic, Silence, Bleached, Melancholic, Pure, Denim, Toy, Sepia, Blue, Red, Pink, Charcoal, Graphite, Binary, and Carbon.

Color Space: The color space determines the gamut of colors available for color reproduction. You can select either sRGB for photos that will be printed or used "as is" with no further modification, or Adobe RGB for images that will be extensively processed or retouched after leaving the camera.

Active D-Lighting: Active D-Lighting preserves details in highlights and shadows, creating photographs with natural contrast. Active D-Lighting offers the following application strength levels: Auto, Extra High, High, Normal, Low, and Off.

Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS): The Z9 does not have a built-in flash. Optional flash units can be attached to the camera's accessory shoe. The camera supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used with CLS-compatible flash units, such as the SB-R200, SB-300, SB-400, SB-500, SB-600, SB-700, SB-800, SB-900, SB-910, and the flagship flash SB-5000. The following flash modes are supported: Fill flash, Red-eye reduction, Slow sync, Slow sync with red-eye reduction, Rear-curtain sync, and Off.

Flash Control: The camera supports the following Flash Control modes: TTL, Auto external flash, Distance-priority manual, Manual, and Repeating Flash.

Flash Compensation: Flash compensation is used to alter flash output from -3 EV to +1EV in increments of 1/3 EV or 1/2 EV to change the brightness of the main subject relative to the background. Flash output can be increased to make the main subject appear brighter or reduced to prevent unwanted highlights or reflections.

FV Lock: This feature is used to lock the flash output, allowing photographs to be recomposed without changing the flash level and ensuring that the flash output is appropriate to the subject even when the subject is not positioned in the center of the frame. The Flash output is adjusted automatically for any changes in ISO sensitivity and aperture.

Location Data: The Nikon Z9 has a built-in receiver to acquire and log location data from overhead satellites. It supports the US-based GPS, GLONASS (Russia), and QZSS from Japan. This data includes Latitude, Longitude, and Altitude, as well as UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) for setting the camera's internal clock. When outside in view of the satellites, the camera logs the data at a set interval (15 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min, or 5 min) for six, 12, or 24 hours. Location data is embedded in your photos and videos, allowing you to view your images on a map with supported software.

Security Lock Slot: To help prevent theft, the Z9 features a security slot for attaching a third-party Kensington security cable lock.

Connections

HDMI: The camera features a full-size HDMI (Type A) output for connecting the camera to an HDTV or other high-definition video device via an optional HDMI cable. The HDMI output resolution can be set in the menu to Auto, 4320p, 2160p, 1080p, or 720p.

SuperSpeed USB: The Z9 has a SuperSpeed USB Type-C connector. This high-speed USB port can be used for downloading photos to your computer or connecting the camera to a printer. With the included Charging AC Adapter, you can charge the battery in the camera through the USB port. A 24" USB-C cable is included.

Audio Input/Microphone: The camera has a 3.5mm input for an external microphone, such as the Nikon ME-1 Stereo Microphone. The sensitivity of a connected external microphone can be set in the menu.

Audio Output/Headphone: The camera has a 3.5mm stereo output to allow you to monitor audio through headphones or an external (powered) speaker during movie recording. The output volume is adjustable in the menu.

Ethernet Connector: The camera's RJ-45 port lets you connect to a computer using an Ethernet cable (not supplied).

Remote Terminal: The Z9 has a 10-pin remote terminal for connecting an optional remote control (WR-A10, WR-R11a), or remote cord (MC-36a or MC-30a).

Play, Print and Edit Features

Auto Picture Rotation: Photographs taken while Auto Picture Rotation is set to "On" contain information on camera orientation, and allow the images to be rotated automatically during playback, or when viewed using compatible Nikon imaging software.

Playback Menu: The playback menu contains the following options:

• Delete: allows you to delete the current image, selected images, images taken on selected dates, or all the images in the selected folder(s) or memory cards in one or both slots.
• Playback Folder: allows you to play back the images in the current or selected folder, or all folders.
• Display Options: choose from either a detailed display of information or a basic display of information
• Dual-Format Recording PB Slot: You can choose the slot from which dual-format pictures recorded with RAW primary-JPEG secondary selected for the Secondary Slot Function are played back.
• Picture Review: You can choose whether pictures are automatically displayed immediately after shooting. Images can be viewed on the monitor only, or on the monitor and viewfinder simultaneously, as selected.
• After Delete: choose the picture displayed after an image is deleted (next, previous, continue)
• After Burst, Show: Choose whether the camera displays the most recent shots (burst), or the first or last photo in the burst after photos are taken using continuous release mode.
• Rotate Tall: portrait photos are displayed in tall orientation during playback
• Copy Images: Pictures can be copied from one memory card to another when two cards are inserted. You can choose the card from which the pictures will be copied, which pictures to be copied, and the destination folder on the remaining card.
• Slide Show: allows you to play back images one after the other in a slide-show fashion. You can select the type of images to display, and how long each photo will be displayed, and if audio will be played.

Full-Frame Playback: During Full-Frame playback, you can view all the pictures stored on the memory card one at a time.

Thumbnail Playback: This feature allows you to view four (2x2), nine (3x3), or 72 (9 x 8) images at once on the LCD monitor so that you can search for an image quickly.

Playback Zoom: During single-image and thumbnail playback, you can zoom in on the selected image. FX (36x24) photos can be zoomed in to a maximum of approximately 32x (Large), 24x (Medium), or 16x (Small). Once the image is enlarged, you can move it around on the LCD monitor using the multi selector, and crop the picture to the area currently visible in the monitor.

Retouch Menu: The Retouch Menu allows you to create trimmed, resized or retouched copies of the photographs you have taken on the memory card. The Retouch Menu gives you the following editing options: NEF (RAW) processing (current or multiple pictures), Trim, Resize (current or multiple pictures), D-Lighting, Straighten, Distortion control, Perspective Control, Monochrome, Image Overlay, Lighten, or Darken.

Voice Memos: Voice memos of up to 60 seconds can be added to your photographs. Only one voice memo can be recorded per picture.

Image Comment: The camera allows you to input up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text and save it to a recorded image. The comment can be viewed in NX Studio software info tab.

Battery Information

Battery: The Z9 is powered by the included EN-EL18d Lithium-ion battery (10.8V, 3300 mAh, 36 Wh). The battery charges in approximately 4 hours using the supplied MH-33 battery charger. The battery can also be charged in the camera, using the supplied EH-7P Charging AC Adapter, in about 3 hours 40 minutes. The estimated battery life for the EN-EL18d is as follows:

Modes		Battery Life
		Viewfinder only	Monitor only
Photo Mode	Energy Saving On	740 shots	770 shots
	Energy Saving Off	700 shots	740 shots
	Burst Photography	5310 shots	---
Movie Mode		170 minutes	170 minutes

Note: The Z9 can also use the EN-EL18c, EN-EL18b, EN-EL18a, EN-EL18 batteries, but with fewer possible shots per charge.

USB Power Delivery: The camera is compatible with USB Power Delivery, which allows you to power the camera (when the camera is turned on) with a USB power source, such as the EH-7P Charging AC adapter, computer, or a third-party USB power adapter. The optional Nikon UC-E25 USB cable (sold separately) is required to connect the camera to the computer.

Computer Requirements

Camera Software: No software is included with the Z9. Nikon offers the following recommended computer software in its Nikon Download Center:

• Camera Control Pro 2 (available for purchase): This software remotely controls most functions of the camera from a computer connected via USB, or through wired or wireless LAN. It supports LiveView, Picture Controls, and the Viewer, which allows you to preview and select images prior to transfer to a computer. It works with Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Enterprise), and Windows 8.1 (including Pro and Enterprise), plus macOS version 11 (Big Sur), version 10.15 (Catalina), and version 10.14 (Mojave).
• NX Studio: With NX Studio, you can view and edit photos and videos shot with Nikon digital cameras. NEF (RAW) images can be converted to JPEG or TIFF using the software. It is compatible with Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Enterprise), and Windows 8.1 (including Pro and Enterprise), and macOS version 12 (Monterey), version 11 (Big Sur), version 10.15 (Catalina), and version 10.14 (Mojave).
• NX Tether: NX Tether is designed for tethered photography with Nikon cameras connected to your computer. You can adjust camera settings from the computer, as well as download images to the computer. It is compatible with Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Enterprise), and Windows 8.1 (including Pro and Enterprise), and macOS version 11 (Big Sur), version 10.15 (Catalina), and version 10.14 (Mojave).
• Wireless Transmitter Utility: This software lets you connect the camera to networks via wired or wireless LANs. It is compatible with Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Enterprise), and Windows 8.1 (including Pro and Enterprise), as well as macOS versions 11 (Big Sur), 10.15 (Catalina), and 10.14 (Mojave)
• Webcam Utility: Webcam Utility lets you use the Nikon Z9 as a webcam when connected to a computer via USB. The software is only available for Windows 10 (Home, Pro, Enterprise), and macOS versions 11 (Big Sur), 10.15 (Catalina), and 10.14 (Mojave).
• SnapBridge: This mobile application for iOS and Android devices is the fastest and easiest way to get the photos on your cameras onto your smartphone or tablet for sharing with others and uploading to social media sites. You can send photos from the camera to your smartphone automatically or manually, control the camera remotely using your smart device, and save photos to free cloud storage. SnapBridge is available from the Apple App Store for devices running iOS 13.0 or later, and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablets running Android 5.0 and up.
• NX MobileAir: The Nikon NX MobileAir app lets you import photos from the camera connected to your 4G or 5G smart device via USB and upload them wirelessly to an FTP server. The app is compatible with iPhone and iPod touch (requires iOS 14.0 or later), iPad (requires iPadOS 14.0 or later), and a Lightning-to-USB-C cable (sold separately). It also works with Android devices with Android version 9 and up, with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable.