Nikon
Z5 IIC
Screen-first, viewfinder-free full-frame Z mount body: 24.5MP BSI sensor, EXPEED 7 AF with fish detection, 7.5-stop IBIS, 15 Scene Modes, and N-RAW video.
$1,399
Launch priceReleased Oct 2026
Panasonic
Lumix S9
Compact full-frame L-mount for creators with LUT and social-first features.
$1,499
Launch priceReleased May 2024
Z5 IIC is 2.4 years newer.
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Wins
Z5 IIC
Wins
Lumix S9
5 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BLumix S9 has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 273)
- AZ5 IIC has higher Max video bit rate (420 Mbps vs 200 Mbps)
- AZ5 IIC has higher 4K max frame rate (59.94 fps vs 29.97 fps)
- AZ5 IIC has higher IBIS effectiveness (7.5 stops vs 5 stops)
- BLumix S9 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (470 shots vs 350 shots)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Z5 IIC
134 × 81 × 72 mm
620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Lumix S9
126 × 74 × 47 mm
486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
Z5 IIC is 8mm wider, 7mm taller, and 25mm thicker than Lumix S9.
Z5 IIC is 134 g heavier than Lumix S9.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm Z5 IIC · 47mm Lumix S9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z5 IIC
134 × 81 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix S9
126 × 74 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z5 IIC
134 × 72 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix S9
126 × 47 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z5 IIC
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lumix S9
35.6 × 23.8 mm · Full Frame
847 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z5 IIC
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Lumix S9: mount data unavailable
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
Z5 IIC
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -6 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 80.7, 72
Max video bit rate
420 Mbps vs 200 Mbps — higher is better
AA filter
Only Z5 IIC supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Z5 IIC supports it
4K max frame rate
59.94 fps vs 29.97 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only Z5 IIC supports it
Reasons to choose
Lumix S9
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Face, Eye…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126, 73.9, 46.7
AF points / zones
779 vs 273 — higher is better
Battery life (CIPA)
470 shots vs 350 shots — higher is better
Weight
486 g vs 620 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 30 fps
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 120 fps
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z5 IIC
Pros
- ✓Lightest full-frame Z body (620g)
- ✓15 Scene Modes — first on a Nikon FX mirrorless
- ✓EXPEED 7 AF, 10 subject types incl. fish
- ✓7.5-stop IBIS + Focus Point VR
- ✓N-RAW internal recording, UVC/UAC webcam
Cons
- –No built-in EVF — rear screen only
- –Single SD UHS-II slot
- –No mechanical shutter
- –4K 60p is DX (APS-C) crop only
Lumix S9
Pros
- ✓Ultra compact FF
- ✓Creator LUT features
- ✓Open gate
Cons
- –No EVF
- –Single slot
- –Limited pro controls
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z5 IIC and Lumix S9 at major authorized retailers.
Nikon Z5 IIC
Panasonic Lumix S9
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Z5 IIC or Lumix S9?
Z5 IIC scores 6.5/10 versus 2.5/10 for Lumix S9 — 4K recording.
What's the resolution difference between the Z5 IIC and Lumix S9?
Z5 IIC is 24.5 MP and Lumix S9 is 24.2 MP, so the Z5 IIC captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z5 IIC and Lumix S9 have in-body image stabilization?
Z5 IIC has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Lumix S9 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z5 IIC or the Lumix S9?
Z5 IIC reaches 30 fps electronic. Lumix S9 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z5 IIC and Lumix S9?
Z5 IIC weighs 620 g and Lumix S9 weighs 486 g, so the Lumix S9 is 134 g lighter.
Do the Z5 IIC and Lumix S9 record 4K video?
Z5 IIC: 4K up to 59.94p. Lumix S9: 4K up to 29.97p.
Are the Z5 IIC and Lumix S9 weather sealed?
Z5 IIC: Yes. Lumix S9: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 350 shots (CIPA) for the Z5 IIC and 470 shots for the Lumix S9, giving the Lumix S9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z5 IIC launched at $1,399 and Lumix S9 at $1,499. The Z5 IIC is $100 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z5 IIC vs Lumix S9 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed September 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Panasonic press materials.