Upgrade Guide

Nikon Z7→Nikon Nikon Z9

Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.

You own

Nikon

£1099

2018

→

Upgrade to

Nikon

Nikon Z9

£5499 (+£4,400)

2021

✅

Worthwhile

Clear improvements over the Z7. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.

What's new in the Nikon Z9

Unchanged or similar

Suitability by genre

Full spec comparison

Spec	Z7	Nikon Z9
Price	£1,099	£5,499
Released	2018	2021	↑
Sensor	Full-frame BSI CMOS 35mm	45.7MP full-frame BSI stacked CMOS
Resolution	46MP	46MP
Video	4K 30fps, 1080p 120fps	8K/30p RAW, 4K/120p, ProRes RAW
Autofocus	493-point phase-detect hybrid AF	Subject detection AF, 493-point phase-detect
Stabilisation	5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops	6-stop IBIS
Burst Rate	9fps	20fps RAW / 120fps JPEG	↑
Battery Life	330 shots (CIPA)	740 shots (CIPA)	↑
Weight	585g (body only)	1340g body only	↓
Weather Sealed	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	EVF 0.80× 3.69M-dot	0.5" Quad-VGA OLED EVF, 3.69M dots, 120fps
Screen	3.2" tilting touchscreen, 2.1M-dot	3.2" tilting touchscreen
Mount	Nikon Z-Mount	Nikon Z-mount
Memory Cards	Single XQD / CFexpress Type B	Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD

Compare side-by-side

See Z7 and Nikon Z9 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.

Get a personalised upgrade score

Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the Nikon Z9 against your specific genres — not just specs.

Other upgrades from the Z7

Related buying guides

Camera family history