The Z9 is Nikon’s first mirrorless flagship camera. Released three years later, the Z6 III is a 24MP full-frame camera that incorporates many of the autofocus abilities and other features from the 45 MP Z9. What should you get? Read on to find out!
Nikon Z6 III vs Nikon Z9 Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z6 III | Nikon Z9 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | June 2024 | October 2021 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | Partially Stacked CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 24.5 MP | 45.4 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 6048×4024 | 8256×5504 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.94µ | 4.35µ |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | No |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 64 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 64,000 | ISO 25,600 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 50-204,800 | ISO 32-102,400 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | Yes | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | Yes (JPEG only) | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/16000 | 1/32000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 14 FPS | No mechanical shutter |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 20 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) | 20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 273 | 493 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -8.5 EV | -7 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | Yes |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | Yes | Yes |
| 8K Maximum Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS |
| 6K Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | N/A |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 240 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 125 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | CFExpress Type B |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.1 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Fully Articulating | Dual Axis |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 5.76 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 | Type C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL18d |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 360 frames | 700 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 390 frames | 740 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 410 frames | 770 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 760 g (1.68 lbs.) | 1340 g (2.95 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 139 x 102 x 89 mm (5.5 x 4.0 x 3.5″)1 | 149 x 150 x 106 mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 4.2″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $2500 (Check Current Price) | $5500 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices (eBay affiliate) | Nikon Z6 III Used Prices | Nikon Z9 Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z6 III’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z6 III’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
| 2The Nikon Z9’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z9’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
Because it’s three years newer, it’s not surprising that the Z6 III has some features superior even to the Z9. For example, it focuses down to -8.5 EV versus -7 for the Z9. The Z6 III also has a brand-new wide-gamut viewfinder that’s brighter than on the Z9. And although the Z9 has 8K video due to its higher-resolution sensor, the Z6 III’s 6K video is enough for most any situation, and it even has a slight advantage in slow-motion thanks to 240 FPS 1080p video.
The Nikon Z6 III manages all this in a body that is dramatically smaller and lighter than the Nikon Z9, and thus more portable, which can be a major consideration when traveling internationally or hiking in the backcountry.
What about autofocus? In older times, if you wanted a fast action camera, you’d get the Z8 or Z9, or maybe compromise with the Zf. Now the decision is not so clear with the Z6 III, which is is a significant improvement from the Z6 II and Z7 II cameras. The Z6 III is much closer to the Z8 and Z9 with its new “partially-stacked” sensor, which makes it 20% faster than the autofocus of the Z6 II, according to Nikon. And the speed of the Z6 II was never the problem anyway – the problem was autofocus tracking, where the Nikon Z6 III’s EXPEED 7 processor and subject recognition algorithms put it way ahead of its predecessor.
That being said, the sensor of the Z6 III is still not fully stacked, and it still has a mechanical shutter, unlike the Z9. Like the Z9, the Z6 III can shoot up to 20 FPS with its electronic shutter, but its readout still isn’t nearly as fast as the Z9’s stacked shutter. As such, the Z9 (along with the Z8) are still more suited to action photography.
Finally, there’s no denying that the Z6 III only has 24MP. That’s more than enough for most kinds of photography, but it does not give as much cropping room as the 45MP sensor of the Z9. And of course, the Z9 has the vertical grip, which means extra battery power and much easier vertical shooting. Its control layout in general, and things like connectivity features, show why it’s popular among pros and media organizations.
So, which camera should you get? It’s safe to say that the Nikon Z6 III can handle almost any kind of photography, and won’t stutter as much as its predecessors in the Z6 line. That being said, I’d still go for the Z9 over the Z6 III for more stringent action scenarios and anything where you need the high-end broadcasting features. Not only do you get faster readout speed of the Z9’s stacked sensor, you also get the 45MP, which is so useful for wildlife. Even though the two cameras have some similarities, the Z9 easily earns its flagship moniker for those who need it.
What does the Nikon Z6 III offer over the Nikon Z9?
- Higher resolution electronic viewfinder, with about 1.6x more dots, making shooting more enjoyable
- Lighter weight (580g lighter or about 1.8 times lighter)
- Much lower price, costing $3000 less—you could buy a bunch of cool lenses!
What does the Nikon Z9 offer over the Nikon Z6 III?
- Fully-stacked sensor and electronic-only sensor
- 1.85 times more megapixels (24.5MP vs 45.4MP)
- Better battery life when using the viewfinder, with approximately 340 more shots according to CIPA measurements
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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