Nikon
D7100
24MP APS-C DSLR with no AA filter, 51-point AF, and dual SD slots — a DX classic.
$1,199
Launch priceReleased Feb 2013
Nikon
Z9
Flagship stacked mirrorless with 45MP, 8K video, and no mechanical shutter.
$5,499
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
Z9 is 8.7 years newer.
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Wins
D7100
Wins
Z9
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AD7100 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)
- BZ9 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BZ9 has higher Resolution (45.7 MP vs 24.1 MP)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD7100
136 × 106 × 76 mm
765 g (1.69 lb / 26.98 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Z9
149 × 150 × 91 mm
1160 g (2.56 lb / 40.92 oz)
D7100 is 14mm narrower, 44mm shorter, and 15mm thinner than Z9.
D7100 is 395 g lighter than Z9.
Depth (front-to-back): 76mm D7100 · 91mm Z9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
D7100
136 × 106 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.
D7100
136 × 76 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z9
149 × 91 mm
Sensor size, to scale
D7100
23.5 × 15.6 mm · APS-C
367 mm² area
Z9
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
2.3× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D7100
✓ more lensesNikon F
270+
native lenses available
Z9
Nikon 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
D7100
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Burst (mechanical)
6 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 135.5, 106, 76
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
Weight
765 g vs 1160 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Z9
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
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only Z9 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 493
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D7100
Pros
- ✓No AA filter
- ✓51-point AF
- ✓Dual SD slots
- ✓Pro build for DX
Cons
- –Very dated
- –No 4K
- –DSLR declining
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 D7100 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 landscape, D7100 or Z9?
Z9 scores 9.5/10 versus 5.0/10 for D7100 — 45.7MP — excellent for prints up to 24×36".
What's the resolution difference between the D7100 and Z9?
D7100 is 24.1 MP and Z9 is 45.7 MP, so the Z9 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D7100 and Z9 have in-body image stabilization?
D7100 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z9 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D7100 or the Z9?
D7100 reaches 15 fps electronic. Z9 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D7100 and Z9?
D7100 weighs 765 g and Z9 weighs 1160 g, so the D7100 is 395 g lighter.
Do the D7100 and Z9 record 4K video?
D7100: 4K up to 60p. Z9: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the D7100 and Z9 weather sealed?
D7100: Yes. Z9: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D7100 and 740 shots for the Z9, giving the Z9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D7100 launched at $1,199 and Z9 at $5,499. The D7100 is $4,300 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D7100 vs Z9 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.