OM System OM-3 vs Nikon Z9
OM System OM-3 Black 2025
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
What Buyers Say
OM System OM-3 Black 2025
The OM-3 is widely praised as a compact, powerful, and fun camera that excels in still photography, with users loving its retro design, fast autofocus, and computational features. However, a significant recurring complaint is severe video oversharpening that ruins 10-bit and log footage, forcing workarounds. A few users also reported water damage not covered by warranty and inconsistent sharpness with telephoto lenses. Overall, it's a beloved camera for enthusiasts, but video shooters should be cautious.
Pros
- compact and lightweight
- fast and accurate autofocus
- retro design
- excellent computational features
- great image quality
Cons
- severe video oversharpening
- water damage not covered by warranty
- inconsistent sharpness with telephoto lenses
- no hand grip
- limited battery life
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
The Nikon Z9 is widely praised as a flagship mirrorless camera that delivers outstanding image quality, blazing-fast autofocus, and robust build quality. Enthusiasts and professionals alike appreciate its continuous firmware updates, which have added valuable features and refined performance. While some users note its substantial weight and learning curve, the overwhelming consensus is that it is one of the best cameras available, offering exceptional versatility and reliability.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus speed and accuracy
- Superb image quality and color
- Robust build and weather sealing
- Long battery life
- Continuous firmware updates
Cons
- Heavy and bulky body
- Steep learning curve
- High price point
- Requires new Z-mount lenses for full benefit
Scores
Specifications
| OM System OM-3 | Nikon Z9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | BSI CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Size | micro-four-thirds | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 20.399999618530273 MP | 45.70000076293945 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 200 | 64★ |
| Processor | TruePic X | EXPEED 7 |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 1053 | Phase Detection: 493 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 120 fps★ | 30 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/32000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 8K★ |
| 4K FPS | 60 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 1080p FPS | 60 fps | 100 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.264, H.265 | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3.2"★ |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 2.4M dots | 3.7M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.41 kg★ | 1.16 kg |
| Battery Life | — | 700 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | Micro-HDMI | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
OM System OM-3 Black 2025
- Strong burst (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong af (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong stabilization (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong evf (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Below average affordability (25th percentile)
- Below average user sentiment (34th percentile)
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (9th percentile)9th %ile
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 7 of 10 usage categories and 8 of 33 specs.