Nikon’s professional-grade flagship, the Nikon Z9, has just received a notable 10% discount, bringing its price down by $500 to $5,000. This is a rare markdown on a camera that has consistently been praised for its groundbreaking technology, professional video capabilities, and flagship-level performance. With this sudden price drop, one can’t help but ask: Is Nikon clearing the path for the Z9 Mark II? Let’s unpack what this discount means, explore the Z9’s incredible features, speculate on what’s next, and provide guidance for those considering taking the leap now.

A Flagship with No Compromises

When the Nikon Z9 launched in late 2021, it was hailed as a bold move by Nikon to reclaim its position at the top of the professional camera market. Unlike its competitors, the Z9 offered internal 8K60p ProRes RAW and N-RAW recording, no mechanical shutter, and an AI-powered autofocus system in a rugged, DSLR-style mirrorless body. You can revisit Nikon’s original groundbreaking announcement of the Z9’s 8K60p and internal RAW recording in this article by Y.M.Cinema. The camera later became the first mirrorless to record compressed RAW internally, a move that paved the way for highly efficient 8K workflows. Y.M.Cinema’s deep dive into this feature highlights its importance to filmmakers and content creators. The Z9 was also showcased through Nikon’s own cinematic content. One of the best examples is their short film shot entirely in 8K N-RAW, demonstrating the camera’s ability to handle complex production scenarios. That footage was analyzed in this article, and it emphasized just how cinematic this hybrid stills/video tool could be.

Key Features of the Nikon Z9

Here’s a refresher on why the Z9 still stands tall in the high-end mirrorless game:

• 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor

• EXPEED 7 Image Processor

• Internal 8.3K60p N-RAW and 4.1K60p ProRes RAW video

• 10-bit 8K30p and 4K120p video recording

• Blackout-free Real Live Viewfinder

• 3.2″ Four-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD

• AI-powered 493-point autofocus with subject recognition

• 20 fps RAW and 30 fps JPEG burst rates

All of this in a durable, weather-sealed body—ready for documentary filmmakers, wildlife photographers, sports shooters, and commercial creators.

Z9 in the Field: The Moon Camera and More

Earlier this year at CES 2025, Nikon revealed a modified Z9 for astrophotography, nicknamed the “Moon Camera.” Y.M.Cinema covered the announcement, showcasing the adaptability of the Z9 platform in scientific and niche photographic applications. This versatility underscores how much headroom the Z9 design still has. In terms of competition, the Z9 has proven formidable even against the Sony Alpha 1, with Y.M.Cinema offering a detailed rolling shutter comparison between the two flagships here. Spoiler: Nikon did surprisingly well.

Why the Discount Now?

The sudden $500 price drop—and even more enticing bundle deals on B&H that include a memory card, reader, and bag (link to bundle)—may be more than just a seasonal promotion. As discussed in this recent piece, Nikon has been steadily positioning both the Z8 and Z9 as must-haves for professionals, and price shifts may indicate clearing of inventory for what’s next.

Is the Z9 Mark II Coming?

Let’s talk speculation. If the Z9 is due for an update, what might we expect in a Z9 Mark II? Here are some educated guesses based on Nikon’s trends and the current pace of imaging innovation:

• Same 45MP full-frame sensor, possibly improved with stacked CMOS enhancements

• New Expeed 8 image processor, enabling more advanced AF, higher burst rates, and better thermal management

• Improved 8K performance, potentially pushing frame rates beyond 60p or introducing 12-bit internal RAW recording

• Deeper integration with RED’s video technology, following Nikon’s acquisition of RED

• Advanced AI autofocus capabilities, especially for video workflows

• Built-in Content Credentials, supporting image authenticity and metadata preservation

While none of this is confirmed, the industry buzz is growing louder, especially with Nikon’s aggressive push into hybrid cinema tools and the video space. The Z9 Mark II may arrive as early as late 2025 or early 2026, possibly alongside enhancements to Nikon’s video editing pipeline.

Should You Buy the Z9 Now?

If you’re a working professional, the Z9 is still one of the most powerful tools on the market. The current $5,000 price point, especially with bundles, is the lowest entry barrier we’ve seen for a flagship Nikon body in years. With 8K N-RAW, blackout-free shooting, and top-tier autofocus, it’s still more camera than most people need. But if you’re the kind of user who always wants the latest tech, and you suspect the Z9 Mark II is near, it might be worth waiting. That said, the original Z9 is so robust that many professionals will find it viable for another 3–5 years of service.

Final Thoughts: A Flagship at a Crossroads

The Nikon Z9 continues to be a landmark camera, balancing resolution, speed, and cinematic capability. The recent price drop might just be the best opportunity for photographers and filmmakers to get their hands on a world-class machine without breaking the bank. But it also raises questions about the Z9 Mark II, Nikon’s next move in an increasingly competitive professional space. Either way, Nikon users have plenty to look forward to in 2025.

Here are the featured products and where you can buy them:

Nikon Z9 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

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