Nikon Z9 vs Nikon Z5

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z5. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon Z9

Nikon Z5

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon Z9 were released 2021 and Nikon Z5 was released 2020. That is a 1 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera	Released
Nikon Z9	2021
Nikon Z5	2020

Type of camera

Both these cameras are Mirrorless cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon Z9	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon Z5	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon Z9 has a 46 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Z5 has 24 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Nikon Z9	46 MP 45441024 pixels 8256 x 5504
Nikon Z5	24 MP 24160256 pixels 6016 x 4016

Nikon Z9 has a 88 % larger resolution than Nikon Z5. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon Z9 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon Z5. Nikon Z9 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Nikon Z5 has 100 to 51200.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon Z9	32-102400
Nikon Z5	100-51200

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z9
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z5

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z9 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds and Nikon Z5 can shoot up to 4,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Z9	30
Nikon Z5	4,5

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z5 can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon Z9 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 99% heavier than Nikon Z5 and its 675 gr (or 1.49 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon Z9	1340 gr 2.95 lb
Nikon Z5	675 gr 1.49 lb