Insta360
X3
5.7K 360 camera with dual 1/2-inch 48MP sensors, 72MP photos, 4K single-lens mode, and IPX8 10m waterproofing.
$449
Launch priceReleased Sep 2022
Nikon
Z9
Flagship stacked mirrorless with 45MP, 8K video, and no mechanical shutter.
$5,499
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
X3 is 10 months newer.
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Wins
X3
Wins
Z9
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ9 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 0)
- AX3 has higher Burst (mechanical) (6 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ9 has higher RAW buffer depth (1000 frames vs 60 frames)
- BZ9 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 15 fps)
- AX3 has lower Weight (180 g vs 1160 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
X3
46 × 114 × 33 mm
180 g (0.40 lb / 6.35 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Z9
149 × 150 × 91 mm
1160 g (2.56 lb / 40.92 oz)
X3 is 103mm narrower, 36mm shorter, and 57mm thinner than Z9.
X3 is 980 g lighter than Z9.
Depth (front-to-back): 33mm X3 · 91mm Z9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
X3
46 × 114 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z9
149 × 150 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
X3
46 × 33 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z9
149 × 91 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z9
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
X3: mount data unavailable
Z9
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
X3
Burst (mechanical)
6 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.264, H.265
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, 360° Horizon Lock, Active HDR
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 114, 33.1
Card types
Adds microSD
Weight
180 g vs 1160 g — lower is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 45.7 MP — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Z9
AF points / zones
493 vs 0 — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 149, 149.5, 90.5
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, CFexpress Type B / XQD
RAW buffer depth
1000 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 6,400 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
- ✓IBIS effectiveness — Both 6 stops
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
X3
Pros
- ✓72MP 360 photos
- ✓5.7K60 360 video
- ✓Great value used
- ✓10m waterproof
Cons
- –No 8K vs X4
- –Single-lens capped at 4K30
- –Older AI editing
Z9
Pros
- ✓45MP stacked
- ✓8K 60p internal
- ✓120fps stills
- ✓Pro build
Cons
- –Heavy body
- –Expensive
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the X3 and Z9 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, X3 or Z9?
Z9 scores 8.5/10 versus 3.0/10 for X3 — 45.7MP — excellent for large prints and crops.
What's the resolution difference between the X3 and Z9?
X3 is 72 MP and Z9 is 45.7 MP, so the X3 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the X3 and Z9 have in-body image stabilization?
X3 uses FlowState + 360° Horizon Lock (electronic), while Z9 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the X3 or the Z9?
X3 reaches 15 fps electronic. Z9 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the X3 and Z9?
X3 weighs 180 g and Z9 weighs 1160 g, so the X3 is 980 g lighter.
Do the X3 and Z9 record 4K video?
X3: 4K up to 30p. Z9: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the X3 and Z9 weather sealed?
X3: Yes. Z9: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the X3 and 740 shots for the Z9, giving the Z9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
X3 launched at $449 and Z9 at $5,499. The X3 is $5,050 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way X3 vs Z9 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 and Nikon press materials.