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Head-to-head

Nikon - Z 8 vs Nikon - Z 9

Last updated · How Mars Score works
Z 8NIKONRENDER
Probe A
Nikon
Z 8
61.1/ 100C
Sensor61· 35%
Video· 25%
Autofocus· 20%
Body & Controls· 20%
Z 9NIKONRENDER
Probe B
Nikon
Z 9
61.1/ 100C
Sensor61· 35%
Video· 25%
Autofocus· 20%
Body & Controls· 20%
Quick verdict

Between the Z 8 and Z 9, the Z 8 comes out ahead in weight, while the Z 9 wins on several specs. Overall, the Z 8 scores 61.1 and the Z 9 scores 61.1 on our Mars Score.

Buying advice

Which should you buy?

These two are evenly matched on the broad strokes; the decision sits on which individual spec advantages weigh more for your use.

Pick the Z 8 if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. The biggest gaps in its favor are weight.

The Z 9 similarly does not carry a headline advantage on the popular specs — look at the full table for category-specific deltas.

Both ship with comparable sensor size, megapixels, max video, so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.

Bottom line: there is no wrong answer here — match the spec advantages to how you actually use the product. The Mars Score parity says both are well-rounded; the differences are about trade-offs, not quality.

Why Nikon - Z 8 wins

  • Weight — 430.00 g less. 910 vs 1340.

Why Nikon - Z 9 wins

  • No decisive advantages.
Full readout

Spec comparison

Sensor

SpecNikon - Z 8Nikon - Z 9
Sensor sizeFull FrameFull Frame
Megapixels45 MP45 MP
Max ISO102400102400

Video

SpecNikon - Z 8Nikon - Z 9
Max video8K8K
RAW videotruetrue
Log profiletruetrue

Autofocus

SpecNikon - Z 8Nikon - Z 9
AF points493493
Eye AFtruetrue
In-body stabilizationtruetrue

Body & Controls

SpecNikon - Z 8Nikon - Z 9
Weight910 glead1340 g
Weather sealedtruetrue
Dual card slotstruetrue
Drill down

Spec-level deep dives

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