The era of mechanical cameras: Nikon Z9 and Z8 breakthrough

The release of the flagship mirrorless camera **Nikon Z9** (2021) and the reportage studio monster **Nikon Z8** (2023) shook photo industry. For the first time in the class of professional cameras, the manufacturer **completely abandoned mechanical shutter**.

The Z9 and Z8 lack the physical curtain unit, springs, and curtain drive. The matrix is read thanks to ultra-high-speed multilayer BSI CMOS structure with a readout speed of 1/270,000 seconds.

What does this mean for the concept of "Shutter Travel"?

Since the Z9 and Z8 do not physically have mechanical shutters, the concept of “mechanical shutter wear” applies to these cameras **not applicable in principle**. The camera can take 5,000,000 shots without any mechanical wear on the shutter!

However, in the **EXIF (.NEF/JPEG)** metadata, the `ShutterCount` tag continues to correctly increase the value by +1 when each time you press the shutter button. This is necessary to account for the number of frames taken.

How to evaluate the wear and tear of Nikon Z9/Z8 on the secondary market?

Since the mechanical shutter cannot break, when buying a used Z9 or Z8, the diagnostic focus shifts to other components:

1. Matrix operating time (hot pixels):Continuous shooting at 20 fps or 120 fps (JPEG) heats the matrix. Check the sensor for dead pixels.
2. Condition of the matrix and protective curtain (Sensor Shield):In Z9 and Z8 it goes down when turned off a special protective curtain to protect the matrix from dust when changing lenses. Check it for bends.
3. Wear of release buttons and control wheels:Physical ergonomics of the carcass during intensive reporting work.

Comparison table Nikon Z9 and Z8

Parameter	Nikon Z9	Nikon Z8
Mechanical shutter	None (0% wear)	None (0% wear)
Matrix protective screen	Yes (mechanical shield)	Yes (mechanical shield)
Burst speed	20 fps RAW, 120 fps JPEG	20 fps RAW, 120 fps JPEG
Accounting for triggers in EXIF	ShutterCount tag keeps count	ShutterCount tag keeps count