Nikon Z9 vs Olympus OM-D E-M5
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Black
What Buyers Say
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
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Black
The Olympus OMD EM5 delivers excellent image quality and build quality, especially when paired with fast lenses like the 12-40mm f2.8. Users praise the 5-axis image stabilization and compact size, but many find the menu system unintuitive and the control layout awkward. A significant learning curve is required to unlock its full potential.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Superb 5-axis image stabilization
- Great build quality
- Good low-light performance
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Unintuitive menu system
- Awkward button layout
- Small cramped controls
- Steep learning curve
- On/off switch in awkward spot
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z9 | Olympus OM-D E-M5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | Live MOS |
| Size | full-frame | micro-four-thirds |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 16.100000381469727 MP |
| ISO Range | 64★ | 200 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | TruePic VI |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 493 | 35 |
| Eye AF | ✓★ | — |
| Animal AF | ✓★ | — |
| Subject Detection | ✓★ | — |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps★ | 9 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | — |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 1080p |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | — |
| 1080p FPS | 100 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓★ | — |
| Log Profile | ✓★ | — |
| RAW Video | ✓★ | — |
| Codec | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 | H.264 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | 1.4M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.16 kg | 0.45 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 700 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓★ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓★ | — |
| USB | USB-C★ | — |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | — |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
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
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Black
- Strong stabilization (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong display (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong evf (82nd percentile)82nd %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average af (4th percentile)4th %ile
- Below average sensor (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 20 of 33 specs.