Nikon Z9 II Rumored Specifications: Possible Hybrid Global Shutter

Nikon Z9, with the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens

With an initial announcement during October of 2021, later in 2025 will mark four years that the Z9 has been in production. And at 4 years is when it’s time to start to speculate what the Z9II might consist of.

I had the Z9 and agree with Nikon’s marketing hype that the Z9 is the fastest and most powerful Nikon ever (and of course, that would put the Z8 in the same league). So, why did I sell the Z9 that I think is still one of the best cameras on the market? Because I wanted maximum resale value to ensure I will be financially prepared to purchase the 2nd version when it’s released. I have to admit that I miss the Z9 terribly. As an event photographer, the silent shutter was a huge benefit during quiet times such as speeches and presentations. I have been limping along with the Z6II and Z7II (if you look at my gear page, you will notice that the Z8 is included once again. I just repurchased the Z8 from B&H using their 24 month interest free option but that’s another story I will comment on in a separate post) for my event assignments since I sold the Z9. While the Z6II and Z7II have surprised me on how well they have performed, they are no Z9 (or Z8 for that matter).

Nikon Z9, with the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens

So, what do I think the Z9II specs will be (at least for stills photography) updated 01/12/2025:

• Sensor: same resolution (and possibly with a hybrid electronic shutter if Sony is willing to sell their global shutter tech to 3rd parties, see more below).

• Minimum 40 FPS full 14 bit RAW files with no qualifiers or compromises. (must be even higher FPS to gain market share).

• 240 FPS full resolution JPEG.

• RAW pre-capture.

• New EXPEED 8 processor

• Even faster sensor scan rate.

• Veri-angle rear monitor

• Higher resolution viewfinder, same one that is in the Z6III but slightly larger in size

• Same form factor with built in vertical grip

• Upgraded battery to provide more power that the EXPEED 8 will require but same size and form factor.

• And of course, improved AF in ways that we can’t even speculate about at this point.

• Built in content authentication

• Pixel Shift as featured in the Z8

As the distance number 3 player in terms of camera sales, Nikon really needs to hit it out of the park with their next flagship Z camera. It needs to offer, at least, equal specs to both Sony and Canon’s current flagships. However, to compete successfully and gain market share, it must have features that offer existing Nikon users a clear incentive to upgrade while also, attract users from the other brands to make the switch and ditch their white lenses, an expensive proposition for most people.

With Z flagship cameras, Nikon has added a feature that no one else has at the time of release. With both the Z8 and Z9, that was the removal of the physical shutter. What feature could this be with the Nikon Z9II? It’s possible that it could be a hybrid electronic sensor capable of either a line by line readout (current method) and then an option in the menu to change it to a global shutter. The advantage of having these 2 readout methods would be if you wanted higher dynamic range and lower base ISO, you would choose the traditional line by line electronic shutter. Then, for less dynamic range and higher base ISO, but zero rolling shutter and higher flash sync speeds, you would choose global electronic shutter in the menu. It would be like having 2 cameras in one: one sensor setting for sports and action (global shutter), and one for studio and landscapes (line by line readout). Let’s take this further and imagine being able to assign a custom function button on the camera body or lens to activate either sensor options.

Look, camera sales are declining overall and at some point, with Nikon in 3rd place, Nikon could hit a point (based on units sold) where it does not make sense to stay in the camera and lens market. When fixed cost starts to consume their variable cost, they run into a very serious profitability problem and a higher break-even point. To stay in the photography game, Nikon needs to come up with something that is very compelling and innovative, like the hybrid sensor as described above.

Let me know in the comments below what you think the Z9II may offer in improvements.

Nikon Z9, with the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens

Nikon Z9, with the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens

Nikon Z9, with the AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens

Nikon Z9, with the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 lens.