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Nikon Z9 vs Olympus E-M1 II

The Nikon Z9 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in October 2021 and September 2016. Both the Z9 and the E-M1 II are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (Z9) and a Four Thirds (E-M1 II) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 45.4 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 20.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon Z9
versus
Olympus E-M1 II
Nikon Z9   Olympus E-M1 II
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Nikon Z mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor 20.2 MP – Four Thirds sensor
8K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400) ISO 200-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2089k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen Swivel touchscreen
30 shutter flaps per second 18 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
740 shots per battery charge440 shots per battery charge
149 x 150 x 91 mm, 1340 g 134 x 91 x 67 mm, 574 g
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Check Z9 price at
amazon.com
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Check E-M1 II offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Z9 and the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon Z9 and the Olympus E-M1 II is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon Z9 vs Olympus E-M1 II
Compare Z9 versus E-M1 II top
Comparison Z9 or E-M1 II rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus E-M1 II is considerably smaller (45 percent) than the Nikon Z9. Moreover, the E-M1 II is substantially lighter (57 percent) than the Z9. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the Z9 gets 740 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18d battery, while the E-M1 II can take 440 images on a single charge of its Olympus BLH-1 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the Z9 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the E-M1 II, Olympus provides the HLD-9 vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay). The power pack in the Z9 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z9 149 mm 150 mm 91 mm 1340 g 740 Y Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R5 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 738 g 320 Y Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z5 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 470 Y Jul 2020 1,399 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 III 134 mm 91 mm 69 mm 580 g 420 Y Feb 2020 1,799ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic G85 128 mm 89 mm 74 mm 505 g 330 Y Sep 2016 899ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 139 mm 98 mm 87 mm 725 g 410 Y Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The E-M1 II was launched at a markedly lower price (by 64 percent) than the Z9, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon Z9 features a full frame sensor and the Olympus E-M1 II a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the E-M1 II is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 2.0. The sensor in the Z9 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the E-M1 II offers a 4:3 aspect.

Nikon Z9 and Olympus E-M1 II sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the Z9 offers a higher resolution than the E-M1 II (20.2MP), but the Z9 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 3.34μm for the E-M1 II) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z9 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 1 month) than the E-M1 II, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z9 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z9 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus E-M1 II are 25.9 x 19.4 inches or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inches or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inches or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the Z9, the E-M1 II has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (50MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Nikon Z9 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II are ISO 200 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 64-25600.

In terms of underlying technology, the Z9 is build around a Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor, while the E-M1 II uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Z9 versus E-M1 II MP

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under review, the Z9 provides substantially higher image quality than the E-M1 II, with an overall score that is 18 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.6 bits higher color depth, 1.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon Z9 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.4245198
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
4.
 
Canon R5 Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648K/30p25.314.6304295
5.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
6.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
7.
 
Nikon Z5 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40164K/30p25.314.3292995
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
9.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
11.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
12.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 III Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.313.1135676
14.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
15.
 
Panasonic G85 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34484K/30p22.812.565671
16.
 
Panasonic GH5 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/60p23.913.080777
17.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Z9 provides a higher video resolution than the E-M1 II. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the Z9 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the E-M1 II (3690k vs 2360k dots). The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon Z9 and Olympus E-M1 II along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon Z93690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon R55760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
6.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon Z53690 n3.2 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 4.5/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
9.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
12.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 III2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
14.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Panasonic G852360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 9.0/s Y Y
16.
 
Panasonic GH53680 n3.2 / 1620 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the Z9, but is missing on the E-M1 II is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The E-M1 II has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the Z9 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Z9 and the Olympus E-M1 II both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The Z9 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type B) or XQD cards, while the E-M1 II uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon Z9 and Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon Z9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Canon R5Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon Z5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
14.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Panasonic G85Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
16.
 
Panasonic GH5Ystereo / monoYYfull3.1Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Z9 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The Z9 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the E-M1 II has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the E-M1 II was succeeded by the Olympus E-M1 III. Further information on the features and operation of the Z9 and E-M1 II can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Z9 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus E-M1 II Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Nikon Z9 better than the Olympus E-M1 II or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon Z9:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (45.4 vs 20.2MP) with a 53% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (18 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.6 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.6 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.9 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 4K/30p).
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3690k vs 2360k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.74x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2089k vs 1037k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/8000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 18 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (740 versus 440) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years and 1 month of technical progress since the E-M1 II launch.

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Advantages of the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II:

  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (134x91mm vs 149x150mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 766g or 57 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (64 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2016).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z9 is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 6 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Z9 20:06 E-M1 II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z9 and the Olympus E-M1 II place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the Z9 or the E-M1 II perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z95/5..4.5/594/1005/55/5 Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R54.5/5+4/591/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z54/5..4/589/1004.5/54/5 Jul 2020 1,399 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-M1 III5/5..5/583/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2020 1,799ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic G85..+ +..84/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 899ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH54.5/5+ +..85/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2017 1,999ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check Z9 price at
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Check E-M1 II offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Nikon Z9 vs Olympus E-M1 II

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon Z9 Olympus E-M1 II
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon Z mount lenses Micro Four Thirds lenses
    Launch Date October 2021 September 2016
    Launch Price USD 5,499 USD 1,999
    Sensor Specs Nikon Z9 Olympus E-M1 II
    Sensor Technology Stacked BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor Four Thirds Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 17.3 x 13.0 mm
    Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 224.9 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 21.6 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 2.0x
    Sensor Resolution 45.4 Megapixels 20.2 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8256 x 5504 pixels 5184 x 3888 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.35 μm 3.34 μm
    Pixel Density 5.30 MP/cm2 8.96 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 8K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 64 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 32 - 102,400 ISO 64 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 7 TruePic VIII
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 98 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.3 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.4 12.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2451 1312
    Screen Specs Nikon Z9 Olympus E-M1 II
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x 0.74x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2089k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon Z9 Olympus E-M1 II
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/32000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 30 shutter flaps/s 18 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sup to 1/32000s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CFexB or XQD cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    Connectivity Specs Nikon Z9 Olympus E-M1 II
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Nikon Z9 Olympus E-M1 II
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18d Olympus BLH-1
    Battery Life (CIPA)740 shots per charge440 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging no USB charging
    Body Dimensions 149 x 150 x 91 mm
    (5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 in)
    134 x 91 x 67 mm
    (5.3 x 3.6 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 1340 g (47.3 oz) 574 g (20.2 oz)
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