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Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III

Portability
62
Imaging
76
Features
86
Overall
80
Nikon Z5 front
 
Sony Alpha A7R III front
Portability
63
Imaging
78
Features
93
Overall
84

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III Key Specs

Nikon Z5
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Boost to 102400)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • 675g - 134 x 101 x 70mm
  • Released July 2020
Sony A7R III
(Full Review)
  • 42MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 32000 (Increase to 102400)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • No Anti-Alias Filter
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 657g - 127 x 96 x 74mm
  • Introduced October 2017
  • Superseded the Sony A7R II
  • Updated by Sony A7R IV
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Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III Overview

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Nikon Z5 and Sony A7R III, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Nikon and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the Z5 (24MP) and A7R III (42MP) but they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (Full frame).

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The Z5 was manufactured 2 years later than the A7R III and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the Z5 grades versus the A7R III in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Z5 over the Sony A7R III

 Z5 A7R III 
IntroducedJuly 2020October 2017Fresher by 34 months
Screen sizing3.2"3"Bigger screen (+0.2")

Reasons to pick Sony A7R III over the Nikon Z5

 A7R III Z5 
Screen resolution1440k1040kCrisper screen (+400k dot)

Common features in the Nikon Z5 and Sony A7R III

 Z5 A7R III 
Manual focus More accurate focusing
Screen typeTiltingTiltingTilting screen
Selfie screen Neither comes with selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Quickly navigate

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III Physical Comparison

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor in its weight and size. The Nikon Z5 comes with physical measurements of 134mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") along with a weight of 675 grams (1.49 lbs) whilst the Sony A7R III has specifications of 127mm x 96mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.9") having a weight of 657 grams (1.45 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon Z5 and Sony A7R III in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the Z5 compared to the A7R III.

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III size comparison

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the Z5 and A7R III is 62 and 63 respectively.

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III top view buttons comparison

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III Sensor Comparison

In many cases, it's difficult to envision the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading through specs. The visual underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the Z5 and A7R III.

All in all, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You can expect the Sony A7R III to give extra detail due to its extra 18MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The younger Z5 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III sensor size comparison

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon Z5 as a Portrait photography camera
Sony A7R III as a Portrait photography camera
85
focusing manually
decent sensor resolution (24 megapixels)
great sensor size (Full frame)
has face detection focus
exports RAW files
86
has manual focus
megapixel count amazing (42MP)
big sensor size (Full frame)
includes face detection autofocus
exports RAW formats
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Nikon Z5
Street photography with Sony A7R III
74
screen tilts up and down
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
great sensor size (Full frame)
exports RAW files
supports touch to focus
environment sealing
good high ISO (51,200)
more heavy than competition in class (675g)
79
screen tilts up and down
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
big sensor size (Full frame)
exports RAW formats
features touch to focus
environment proofing
great ISO range (32,000)
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Sports Comparison

Nikon Z5 Sports photography advice
Sony A7R III Sports photography advice
82
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000 seconds)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
decent sensor resolution (24 megapixels)
great sensor size (Full frame)
has tracking autofocus
environment sealing
good battery power (470 shots)
supports phase detect auto focus
very slow continuous shooting (4.5 fps)
89
maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
megapixel count amazing (42 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
includes tracking autofocus
environment proofing
great battery power (650 CIPA)
supports phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon Z5 as a Travel photography camera
Sony A7R III as a Travel photography camera
68
good battery power (470 CIPA)
environment sealing
supports bluetooth
supports touch to focus
decent sensor resolution (24MP)
more heavy than competition in class (675 grams)
screen isn't selfie friendly
74
great battery power (650 CIPA)
environment proofing
has bluetooth
features touch to focus
megapixel count amazing (42 megapixels)
doesn't offer selfie friendly screen
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon Z5 Landscape photography information
Sony A7R III Landscape photography information
86
focusing manually
change lenses (Nikon Z mount)
screen size is decent (3.2 inch)
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
decent sensor resolution (24 megapixels)
great sensor size (Full frame)
good high ISO (51,200)
exports RAW files
environment sealing
good battery power (470 per charge)
has dual storage slots
87
has manual focus
change lenses (Sony E mount)
nice screen size (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
megapixel count amazing (42MP)
big sensor size (Full frame)
no anti aliasing filter
great ISO range (32,000)
exports RAW formats
environment proofing
great battery power (650 per charge)
2 card slots
Photography Glossary

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon Z5 as a Vlogging camera
Sony A7R III as a Vlogging camera
34
screen is touchscreen
image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
has face detection focus
high quality video (3840 x 2160 pixels)
comes with external microphone jack
screen isn't selfie friendly
more heavy than competition in class (675 grams)
37
touchscreen enabled
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
includes face detection autofocus
video res high (3840 x 2160 resolution)
comes with external microphone support
doesn't offer selfie friendly screen
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Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7R III Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Z5 and Sony A7R III
 Nikon Z5Sony Alpha A7R III
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Sony
Model type Nikon Z5 Sony Alpha A7R III
Type Advanced Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Released 2020-07-20 2017-10-25
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Chip Expeed 6 Bionz X
Sensor type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor measurements 35.9 x 23.9mm 35.9 x 24mm
Sensor surface area 858.0mm² 861.6mm²
Sensor resolution 24 megapixels 42 megapixels
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution 6016 x 4016 7952 x 5304
Highest native ISO 51200 32000
Highest boosted ISO 102400 102400
Minimum native ISO 100 100
RAW format
Minimum boosted ISO 50 50
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch to focus
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points 273 425
Lens
Lens mount type Nikon Z Sony E
Amount of lenses 15 121
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Screen type Tilting Tilting
Screen sizing 3.2 inch 3 inch
Screen resolution 1,040k dots 1,440k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch screen
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 3,690k dots 3,686k dots
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.8x 0.78x
Features
Lowest shutter speed 30 secs 30 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/8000 secs 1/8000 secs
Continuous shooting rate 4.5 frames per sec 10.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash settings Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, slow rear-curtain sync, off Off, Auto, Fill-flash, Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Red-eye reduction, Wireless, Hi-speed sync
External flash
AEB
White balance bracketing
Highest flash synchronize 1/200 secs -
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM1920 x 1080 @ 24p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 (30p, 25p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Highest video resolution 3840x2160 3840x2160
Video format MPEG-4, H.264 MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB Yes USB 3.1 Gen 1(5 GBit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 675 gr (1.49 lbs) 657 gr (1.45 lbs)
Dimensions 134 x 101 x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") 127 x 96 x 74mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.9")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested 100
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 26.0
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 14.7
DXO Low light rating not tested 3523
Other
Battery life 470 images 650 images
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL15c NP-FZ100
Self timer Yes (2, 5, 10 or 20 secs) Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures))
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II compatible) Two SD/SDHC/SDXC slots (UHS-II support on one)
Card slots Dual Dual
Launch pricing $1,399 $2,800