Nikon
Zf
Retro-styled 24.5MP full-frame mirrorless with classic dials, EXPEED 7 AF, 8-stop IBIS, and 4K 60p video.
$2,049
Launch priceReleased Sep 2023
Panasonic
Lumix S9
Compact full-frame L-mount for creators with LUT and social-first features.
$1,499
Launch priceReleased May 2024
Lumix S9 is 8 months newer.
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Wins
Zf
Wins
Lumix S9
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AZf has higher Burst (mechanical) (14 fps vs 0 fps)
- BLumix S9 has higher AF points / zones (779 vs 273)
- AZf has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 29.97 fps)
- AZf has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- AZf has higher IBIS effectiveness (8 stops vs 5 stops)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
Zf
144 × 103 × 49 mm
710 g (1.57 lb / 25.04 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Lumix S9
126 × 74 × 47 mm
486 g (1.07 lb / 17.14 oz)
Zf is 18mm wider, 29mm taller, and 2mm thicker than Lumix S9.
Zf is 224 g heavier than Lumix S9.
Depth (front-to-back): 49mm Zf · 47mm Lumix S9
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Zf
144 × 103 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.
Zf
144 × 49 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Lumix S9
126 × 47 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Zf
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
Zf
✓ 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
Zf
AF low-light limit
-10 EV vs -6 EV — lower is better
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC 8-bit, H.265/HEVC 10-bit, H.264/AVC 8-bit
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 103, 49
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II, MicroSD UHS-I
4K max frame rate
60 fps vs 29.97 fps — higher is better
AA filter
Only Zf supports it
Reasons to choose
Lumix S9
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Face, Eye…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 126, 73.9, 46.7
Card types
Adds SD, SDHC, SDXC
AF points / zones
779 vs 273 — higher is better
Weight
486 g vs 710 g — lower is better
Battery life (CIPA)
470 shots vs 380 shots — higher 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.
Zf
Pros
- ✓Beautiful retro design
- ✓273-point hybrid AF
- ✓8-stop IBIS
- ✓Fully articulated touchscreen
Cons
- –No grip extension standard
- –Mixed SD + MicroSD card slots
- –24.5MP 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 Zf and Lumix S9 at major authorized retailers.
Panasonic Lumix S9
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, Zf or Lumix S9?
Zf scores 6.0/10 versus 2.5/10 for Lumix S9 — 4K recording.
What's the resolution difference between the Zf and Lumix S9?
Zf is 24.5 MP and Lumix S9 is 24.2 MP, so the Zf captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Zf and Lumix S9 have in-body image stabilization?
Zf has 8-stop in-body image stabilization, while Lumix S9 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Zf or the Lumix S9?
Zf reaches 30 fps electronic. Lumix S9 reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Zf and Lumix S9?
Zf weighs 710 g and Lumix S9 weighs 486 g, so the Lumix S9 is 224 g lighter.
Do the Zf and Lumix S9 record 4K video?
Zf: 4K up to 60p. Lumix S9: 4K up to 29.97p.
Are the Zf and Lumix S9 weather sealed?
Zf: Yes. Lumix S9: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 380 shots (CIPA) for the Zf and 470 shots for the Lumix S9, giving the Lumix S9 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Zf launched at $2,049 and Lumix S9 at $1,499. The Lumix S9 is $550 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Zf vs Lumix S9 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed August 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Panasonic press materials.