Nikon Z9

Manufacturer: Nikon
Type: Mirrorless camera
Year introduced: 2021
Launch price: $5,499.95 (body only)
Sensor: 45.7 megapixel FX (full-frame) stacked BSI CMOS (Nikon-developed)
Mount: Nikon Z (16mm flange distance, 52mm throat diameter)
ISO range: 64-25,600 (expandable to 32-102,400)
Continuous shooting: 20 fps RAW (1,000+ image buffer), 30 fps full-resolution JPEG, 120 fps at 11MP
Video: 8K UHD 30p (8K 60p via firmware 2.0), 4K up to 120 fps
Shutter: Electronic only (no mechanical shutter); flash sync 1/200s; max 1/32,000s
Processor: EXPEED 7 (approximately 10x faster than Z 7II)
Cards: Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD
AF system: 493-point hybrid, deep learning subject detection (9 subject types), 3D tracking
IBIS: 5-axis, up to 6 stops with Synchro VR compatible lenses
Body: Integrated vertical grip, magnesium alloy, weather sealed; 20% smaller than D6
Battery: EN-EL18d (higher capacity for mirrorless power demands)

Overview

The Nikon Z9 is Nikon’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, announced on October 28, 2021, and positioned as the professional successor to the Nikon D6 DSLR. It was the first major mirrorless camera to eliminate the mechanical shutter entirely, relying on its stacked BSI CMOS sensor for a rolling shutter distortion that Nikon claimed equals that of a mechanical shutter — described as “the world’s fastest image scan rate” and “world’s smallest rolling shutter distortion” (^[1]). The camera shipped by the end of 2021, priced at $5,499.95.

The Z9 represented a pivotal moment in the mirrorless revolution. Its EXPEED 7 processor provided approximately 10x faster processing than the Z 7II, enabling AF calculations at up to 120 cycles per second even between frames during continuous shooting. The deep learning-based subject detection system could identify nine subject types — humans, pets, birds, airplanes, trains, cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and “other” — though notably none were underwater-specific (^[2]). Nikon also debuted 3D-tracking in a mirrorless camera for the first time, porting the system from their DSLR line and coupling it with subject detection (^[3]).

For underwater photographers, the Z9 generated both excitement and caution. The 45.7-megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus, 8K video capabilities, and truly blackout-free viewfinder via Dual-Stream technology were compelling. However, the limited native Z-mount lens lineup (particularly the absence of a fisheye option), questions about autofocus performance compared to the proven Nikon D850, and the camera’s large physical size gave professionals pause (^[4]).

Adam Hanlon’s Hands-On Assessment

Wetpixel editor Adam Hanlon attended a Nikon Professional Services event in Manchester, UK in early 2022, providing the underwater photography community with one of the first hands-on assessments focused on underwater relevance (^[5]).

Z Mount Advantages

Hanlon reported that the Z mount’s 16mm flange-to-sensor distance (versus 46.5mm for F mount) provides a shorter light path to the sensor edges, translating to improved edge sharpness. The 52mm throat diameter allows for larger-diameter lens elements, enabling faster lens designs. However, these advantages are negated when using legacy F-mount lenses via the FTZ adapter (^[6]). Rob McNeish of Nikon Professional Services stated at the event that “new SLR models are unlikely,” signaling Nikon’s full commitment to mirrorless (^[7]).

Autofocus Testing

Hanlon tested the Z9 with both the new NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S macro lens and his own AF-S 105mm f/2.8G, comparing against his D850:

• The Z9 + Z 105mm was as accurate as the D850 + 105mm for macro AF
• However, the Z9 exhibited “somewhat annoying behavior of racking all the way out and then moving in to achieve focus,” making it slower than the D850’s direct AF acquisition
• Using the F-mount 105mm via FTZ II adapter on the Z9 was “less accurate and slower” than either native combination
• The Z9 with the 8-15mm fisheye via FTZ II performed identically to the D850 for wide-angle AF (^[8])

Community member LarryHallas confirmed the Z 105mm macro’s hunting behavior on his Z6 II, noting “it will rack all the way out then back in and then finally grab focus” and attributing it to lens firmware rather than body AF, suggesting AF-C with dynamic area AF produced the best results (^[9]).

Verdict

In the comments on his Wetpixel Live episode covering the Z9, Hanlon stated his position directly: “The short answer is not yet… it is a great camera, but the combination of limited lens choices, along with AF that is not as good as D850, means that it has little appeal for me underwater.” He also revealed that he had tried the Z7 previously and “was actually quite shocked at how bad the AF was in comparison with the D850/D500” (^[10], ^[11]).

Video Capabilities and Underwater White Balance Issues

The Z9 firmware 2.0 update in April 2022 was widely described as “epochal” — PetaPixel called it “so big it could have been a whole new camera.” It enabled internal 8K 60p recording in the new N-RAW format, a new 4K mode oversampled from the 8K sensor, and claimed improved white balance performance (^[12]).

White Balance Limitations

Despite its impressive video specifications, the Z9 suffered from significant underwater white balance limitations that dampened enthusiasm among video shooters:

• Backscatter’s review found the Z9 could not execute manual white balance deeper than approximately 40 feet, producing an “uncorrectable purple hue” below that depth. They recommended Sony or Canon instead for serious underwater video (^[13]).
• Firmware 2.0 did not resolve the issue. Post-update testing at The Digital Shootout in Bonaire 2022 found the maximum custom white balance depth improved only marginally to about 42 feet. The reviewer concluded: “while this is a greatly spec’d video camera for topside use, with the white balance and lack of meter, I wouldn’t recommend this for a serious video shooter” (^[14]).
• No exposure meter in video mode was cited as a significant omission for underwater video work (^[15]).
• Community member phxazcraig discovered a workaround: white balance preset values set in stills mode could be transferred to video mode, allowing slightly deeper WB settings than the camera permitted when set directly in video mode. He found the camera adjusts tint when setting WB in photo mode but not in video mode, which may explain the depth limitation (^[16]).

Forum member dreifish, who conducted an extensive three-way comparison of the Z9, Canon R5 C, and Sony A1, contextualized the WB issue: reliable manual white balance generally works down to about 12 meters on most cameras, with Canon tending to desaturate problematic colors at depth rather than producing obviously wrong hues (^[17]).

Video Codec Comparison

In dreifish’s three-camera comparison, the Z9’s video codec performance ranked as follows against the Canon R5 C and Sony A1:

• 8K60p N-RAW: 5,780 Mbps (High Quality) or 3,740 Mbps (Normal) — larger files than Canon RAW LT at 2,570 Mbps
• 8K30p H.265: 400 Mbps, equal to Canon and Sony’s comparable codecs
• 4K60p: Z9 oversamples from full 8K sensor (like Canon R5 C), unlike the Sony A1 which uses line-skipping; however, file sizes were larger than Canon’s options (^[18])

Community Underwater Experience

Stills Performance

Community member phxazcraig provided extensive field reports from diving with the Z9 in a Nauticam housing:

• Roatan (2022): Used the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 and Z 105mm macro. Found 3D tracking worked well, with some attempts at subject detection in wide area to detect fish or eels — “It didn’t.” In-camera autofocus for video was “a huge advantage” over the D850. In post-processing, images were “essentially D850 images — stunning at ISO 64, but easy to blow white highlights at ISO 500” (^[19]).
• Truk (2023): Shot 16 dives of wide-angle with the 14-30mm, Sea & Sea IRC correction lens, and 230mm dome port. Used 3D tracking exclusively at mostly f/8 and ISO 500. AF was “quite reliable when I did my job,” though occasionally missed when the shutter was tripped before AF finished. Edge-to-edge sharpness was sometimes excellent, sometimes smeared in corners — focus placement was critical. The firmware 3.01 allowed remapping the ISO button to Fn4 for easier underwater adjustment (^[20]).

DPReview / Nicolas Remy Assessment

Underwater photographer Nicolas Remy described the Z9 as “a paradigm shift” in a DPReview interview, citing the electronic viewfinder as the biggest advantage: “With a DSLR, reviewing your photos means taking your eye away from the viewfinder and tilting the camera down, which risks bumping against a rock, kicking up sand, or scaring the subject.” Community member interceptor121 noted this was actually a feature of any mirrorless camera, not unique to the Z9 (^[21]).

Housing Availability

Nauticam NA-Z9

Nauticam began shipping the NA-Z9 in February 2022, priced at $7,223. The housing uses the N120 port system and supports both Z-mount and F-mount lenses (via FTZ adapter inside the housing). Features include M24 bulkhead for HDMI 2.0, dedicated Fn1/Fn2/Fn3 controls, and dual lens release buttons for Z and F mount. Dimensions: 361mm x 235mm x 165mm, weight 3.76kg, depth rated to 100m (^[22]).

The housing listed compatibility with various strobes via fiber optic triggering, including the Sea & Sea YS-D3, Inon Z-330, and Retra Flash models, with optional Nauticam TTL converters for supported strobes (^[23]).

Seacam

Seacam announced their Z9 housing in December 2022, priced from EUR 5,650. Standard Seacam port system, S6 or Nikonos electrical strobe connections, three accessory ports for HDMI or vacuum. Dimensions: 260 x 210 x 140mm (without port/viewfinder/handles), weight 2,950g, depth rated to 80m (^[24]).

Physical Characteristics

The Z9 is a large camera — its weight and dimensions exceed even the D850, though its integrated vertical grip makes it 20% smaller than the D6. When combined with the FTZ II adapter, it retains the proportions of a large-body DSLR. Hanlon noted that it “feels really good in the hand” but the relocated playback button (now on the lower right) would “create challenges for housing manufacturers” (^[25]).

The EN-EL18d battery is deliberately large to address the higher power consumption of mirrorless cameras, providing roughly half the battery life of the D6 — sufficient for most underwater shooting sessions without requiring battery changes, which are difficult when the camera is housed (^[26]).

Firmware Evolution

The Z9 received numerous significant firmware updates that progressively expanded its capabilities:

• Version 2.0 (April 2022): Internal 8K 60p in N-RAW format, 12-bit ProRes RAW, new 4K oversampled mode, claimed improved white balance (^[27])
• Version 2.1 (July 2022): Improved eye AF performance and customizable focusing area rectangles ported from D6 (^[28])
• Version 3.01: Allowed remapping of ISO button to Fn4, improving underwater ergonomics in the Nauticam housing (^[29])

Comparison with Competitors

In the context of the underwater full-frame mirrorless market circa 2022, the Z9 competed primarily with the Canon EOS R5 / R5 C and Sony A1:

• Size: Significantly larger than both competitors, requiring larger housings (Sony A1 had unique access to the compact Nauticam WWL-1 wet lens system) (^[30])
• Video: Matched Canon R5 C for 8K60 internal RAW; better battery life (up to 2 hours of 8K60); IBIS advantage over R5 C; but significantly larger file sizes and underwater WB problems (^[31])
• Macro AF: Z 105mm macro lens hunting was a notable weakness vs. Canon and Sony macro lenses (^[32])
• Price: At $5,500, approximately $1,000 more than the Canon R5 C and comparable to the Sony A1 (^[33])

Timeline

• 2021-10-28: Nikon announces the Z9 flagship mirrorless camera at $5,499.95, shipping by end of 2021 (^[34])
• 2022-02: Nauticam begins shipping NA-Z9 housing at $7,223 (^[35])
• 2022-02: Wetpixel Live episode discusses the Z9 in the context of new camera options for underwater photographers (^[36])
• 2022-03: Adam Hanlon gets hands-on with Z9 at Nikon NPS event in Manchester; finds macro AF “not as good as D850” (^[37])
• 2022-04: Nikon releases firmware 2.0 with 8K 60p N-RAW and improved AF; community calls it “epochal” (^[38])
• 2022-04: Wetpixel Live episode dedicated to Z9 for underwater image makers; Hanlon concludes it is “not yet” a compelling underwater upgrade over the D850 (^[39])
• 2022-06: Backscatter publishes underwater review; recommends Sony or Canon for video due to white balance limitations (^[40])
• 2022-07: Community member dreifish begins extensive three-way comparison of Z9 vs. Canon R5 C vs. Sony A1 (^[41])
• 2022-07: Firmware 2.1 released with improved eye AF (^[42])
• 2022-09: phxazcraig reports on Z9 video white balance workaround using stills-mode WB presets (^[43])
• 2022-12: Seacam announces Z9 housing from EUR 5,650 (^[44])
• 2023-03: phxazcraig reports positive results from 16 dives in Truk using the Z 14-30mm f/4 with 3D tracking at f/8 (^[45])

References

Wetpixel Live