Nikon
Z9
Flagship stacked mirrorless with 45MP, 8K video, and no mechanical shutter.
$5,499
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
OM System
Tough TG-7
Rugged waterproof compact for adventure and macro.
$549
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Tough TG-7 is 1.9 years newer.
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Wins
Z9
Wins
Tough TG-7
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AZ9 has higher RAW buffer depth (1000 frames vs 14 frames)
- AZ9 has higher AF points / zones (493 vs 25)
- AZ9 has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 1,600)
- AZ9 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 20 fps)
- BTough TG-7 has lower Weight (249 g vs 1160 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Z9
149 × 150 × 91 mm
1160 g (2.56 lb / 40.92 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Tough TG-7
114 × 66 × 33 mm
249 g (0.55 lb / 8.78 oz)
Z9 is 35mm wider, 84mm taller, and 58mm thicker than Tough TG-7.
Z9 is 911 g heavier than Tough TG-7.
Depth (front-to-back): 91mm Z9 · 33mm Tough TG-7
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z9
149 × 150 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Tough TG-7
114 × 66 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z9
149 × 91 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Tough TG-7
114 × 33 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z9
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z9
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Tough TG-7: 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
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 14 frames — higher is better
AF points / zones
493 vs 25 — higher is better
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 1,600 — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 20 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Tough TG-7
Codecs
Adds MOV
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 113.9, 65.8, 32.7
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
Weight
249 g vs 1160 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z9
Pros
- ✓45MP stacked
- ✓8K 60p internal
- ✓120fps stills
- ✓Pro build
Cons
- –Heavy body
- –Expensive
- –Large files
Tough TG-7
Pros
- ✓Waterproof
- ✓Shockproof
- ✓Macro modes
Cons
- –Small sensor
- –Fixed lens
- –Limited low light
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z9 and Tough TG-7 at major authorized retailers.
OM System Tough TG-7
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Z9 or Tough TG-7?
Z9 scores 9.5/10 versus 2.0/10 for Tough TG-7 — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the Z9 and Tough TG-7?
Z9 is 45.7 MP and Tough TG-7 is 12 MP, so the Z9 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z9 and Tough TG-7 have in-body image stabilization?
Z9 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while Tough TG-7 has in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z9 or the Tough TG-7?
Z9 reaches 120 fps electronic. Tough TG-7 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z9 and Tough TG-7?
Z9 weighs 1160 g and Tough TG-7 weighs 249 g, so the Tough TG-7 is 911 g lighter.
Do the Z9 and Tough TG-7 record 4K video?
Z9: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p. Tough TG-7: 4K up to 29.97p.
Are the Z9 and Tough TG-7 weather sealed?
Z9: Yes. Tough TG-7: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 740 shots (CIPA) for the Z9 and 340 shots for the Tough TG-7, giving the Z9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z9 launched at $5,499 and Tough TG-7 at $549. The Tough TG-7 is $4,950 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z9 vs Tough TG-7 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and OM System press materials.