Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7S II: An Expert’s Guide to Two Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras

Choosing a camera can feel overwhelming when the specs and marketing blur together like a long exposure shot. Yet, when I sit down to compare cameras like the Nikon Z5 and Sony Alpha A7S II, two full-frame mirrorless bodies from distinct eras and philosophies, patterns emerge. Both aim at serious enthusiasts and pros but take very different paths.

Over 15 years of hands-on testing and pixel-peeping, I’ve developed a workflow to deeply evaluate cameras - covering sensor technology, autofocus, ergonomics, lens ecosystems, and everything in between - to separate meaningful performance gaps from mere specs. So let's dissect these two stalwarts, layer by layer, in a way that will help you find the right fit for your photography, whether it’s portraits, wildlife, video, or travel.

Size matters. The Nikon Z5 and Sony A7S II take different ergonomic approaches, impacting comfort and usability.

Hands-On Design and Ergonomics: Which Fits Your Grip?

The initial interaction with a camera isn’t about megapixels but feel and function. The Nikon Z5, released in 2020, offers a solid, SLR-style mirrorless body that feels more substantial than the Sony A7S II from 2015, which is a bit more compact and lighter (675g vs 627g). The Z5’s grip is notably deeper and more sculpted, which comforted my hand during extended shoots. Sony’s design is slimmer, which appeals if portability is your priority.

Looking at the top view layout helps understand how intuitive each is under the thumb and forefinger.

The Z5 boasts a classic Nikon control dial setup with dedicated buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and metering modes readily accessible - a bonus for photographers juggling settings fast in dynamic environments. The Sony A7S II condenses some controls, relying more on programmable buttons and menus. If you prefer tactile, dedicated controls over menu diving, the Z5 edges out here.

Moreover, the tilting touchscreen of the Nikon Z5 (3.2" at 1.04M dots) is a modern convenience Sony lacks. The A7S II's 3" screen is clear but non-touch and tilts less flexibly.

For live preview and menu navigation, the Z5's touchscreen interface feels more contemporary and responsive - critically speeding up adjustments and focus point selection, especially for those transitioning from smartphones or tablets.

Sensor and Image Quality Clash: Choosing Resolution or Sensitivity?

At the heart of any camera lies its sensor. The Nikon Z5 sports a 24.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor - a sweet spot balancing resolution and sensitivity. The Sony A7S II, meanwhile, embraces a low-resolution but ultra-sensitive 12.2MP sensor designed primarily for high-ISO performance and video.

Both use full-frame sensors (about 36x24mm), but their pixel pitches differ substantially, with Sony’s pixels effectively larger to collect more light per pixel, benefiting low-light scenarios.

From my extensive lab and field tests, the Nikon Z5 delivers crisp, detailed images ideal for large prints and cropping with its native resolution of 6016 x 4016 pixels. Its slight anti-aliasing filter softens moiré but maintains overall sharpness. The Z5 also natively supports ISO from 100 to 51200 (expandable), handling noise reasonably well up to ISO 12800 with its modern Expeed 6 processor.

In contrast, the Sony A7S II has a max native ISO of 102400, expandable to a staggering 409600 - numbers that sound astronomical until you see the images. For astrophotography or dim interiors, this is where the A7S II shines. Its 12MP sensor shoots with less noise in near-pitch-black settings than the Z5 can manage at any ISO, confirmed through my ISO noise charts and starfield shots.

Ultimately, if your priority is dynamic range, resolution, and detail, Nikon’s Z5 wins. For ultra-low-light work and high-ISO video, Sony's A7S II remains king.

Autofocus Systems: How Fast and Accurate Do You Need?

Autofocus (AF) can make or break shooting wild animals, fast sports, or fleeting street moments. The Z5 features a hybrid AF system with 273 focus points employing both phase-detection and contrast detection, including eye and animal eye AF tracking. This advanced system is a major upgrade over traditional contrast-only AF.

On the other hand, the Sony A7S II offers 169 contrast-detection AF points but no phase-detection AF on sensor, which nowadays feels dated. It does provide excellent subject tracking but requires more patience in complex scenarios.

Having tested both in wildlife and sports conditions, I found the Nikon Z5’s AF faster and more reliable in daylight and moderate low light. Eye-detection easily locked onto moving subjects, a boon for portraits and action. The Sony’s system occasionally hunted in low contrast but surprised me with its accuracy once locked, especially for video.

What About Continuous Shooting and Burst Performance?

Though neither camera is a high-speed burst shooter, slight differences matter depending on your genre.

• Nikon Z5: 4.5 fps continuous shooting
• Sony A7S II: 5 fps continuous shooting

While the A7S II is slightly faster, the Nikon’s autofocus keeps better pace during bursts. For most wildlife or sports shooters wanting raw burst power, though, higher-end models are preferable; these two cameras target more deliberate shooters or video enthusiasts who value imaging quality over speed.

Durability, Build Quality, and Weather Resistance

Both cameras have a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, a necessity for outdoor professionals and travel photographers. The Nikon Z5 explicitly advertises environmental sealing; the Sony A7S II also has dust and moisture resistance but feels slightly less robust.

Ruggedness in long-term real-world use is confirmed by my outdoor testing in rain and dust-prone environments - the Z5 handled moisture better with fewer quirks. But neither is a fully weatherproof or freezeproof workhorse like pro DSLRs.

Lens Ecosystems: Where to Invest Your Glass Money?

Lens mount ecosystems are pivotal since lenses shape image quality and versatility.

• Nikon Z5 uses the Nikon Z mount with 15 native lenses currently, with options spanning from wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms. Nikon also offers an FTZ adapter for DSLRs, expanding compatibility substantially.

• Sony A7S II taps into the Sony E mount with over 120 lenses - an extensive lineup. Third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron complement Sony's offerings. Adapter compatibility opens Canon and Leica glass to E-mount as well.

If you want the largest native lens selection and more third-party options, Sony wins. The Z5's smaller but growing system still covers most needs effectively and with impressive Nikon optics.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Practical Day-to-Day Considerations

Battery life is a vital but often overlooked factor for any shooter especially when traveling or shooting professionally. Nikon Z5 pushes ahead with about 470 shots per charge using the EN-EL15c battery - impressive for a mirrorless of its class. The Sony A7S II lags slightly at approximately 370 shots on the NP-FW50 battery.

Dual SD card slots in the Nikon Z5 provide professional peace of mind via backup or overflow. The Sony A7S II includes a single card slot supporting both SD and Memory Stick formats - a limitation for data security and workflow speed.

Video Capabilities: Ready for Hybrid Shooters?

For videographers, the Sony A7S II was revolutionary in its day - and remains a legend. It supports internal 4K UHD recording at 30p and 24p using full pixel readout without pixel binning, resulting in highly detailed footage. Additionally, it offers slow-motion Full HD up to 120p. Audio inputs for microphone and headphone monitoring add to its pro video chops.

Nikon Z5 also delivers 4K video at 30p and 24p with 8-bit H.264 encoding, but without pixel-binning, it crops slightly (1.7x crop), reducing wide-angle utility. Its 1080p options reach 60p, suitable for smoother motion capture. Built-in 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization enhances hand-held footage sharpness.

While the Z5 embraces ease of use with touchscreen menus and external microphone and headphone jacks, the Sony A7S II’s video remains favored by professionals for its low-light prowess and codec quality.

Specialized Photography Scenarios: How Do They Perform?

Let’s look at specific photography disciplines with insights from my field tests.

Portrait Photography

• Nikon Z5: Its 24MP resolution and advanced eye-detection AF deliver beautifully detailed portraits with creamy bokeh, thanks to native Z-mount lenses like the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8. Skin tones are rendered naturally with balanced color profiles. I found focus accuracy and punchy subject separation excellent.

• Sony A7S II: Lower resolution limits cropping but its noise control lets portrait artists shoot in moody low light or candlelit environments. Eye AF is available but less sophisticated. Bokeh quality depends heavily on lenses, though Sony’s varied options provide plenty of character.

Landscape Photography

• Nikon Z5: Winning here with wider DR and 24MP resolution, enabling large print-worthy files capturing subtle detail and tonal gradations. Weather sealing offers reliability in harsher conditions. My landscapes in cloudy, rainy weather showed minimal noise and fine tonal clarity.

• Sony A7S II: 12MP resolution feels limiting unless your aim is social media or web use only. Still performs well when exposure metering and dynamic range are pushed carefully, but some photographers may miss detail in shadow recovery.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is a high-speed processor champion, but here’s how they stack:

• Nikon Z5: Better AF tracking, more focus points, and 4.5 fps frame rate make it preferable for wildlife and casual sports shooters.

• Sony A7S II: Slightly faster burst but contrast-only AF and fewer points limit reliability on fast-moving subjects.

Street Photography

Portability and low-light performance are key:

• Sony A7S II: Smaller size and brilliant low-light ISO performance make it great for discrete shooting in dark urban scenes. No touchscreen may be a barrier to some.

• Nikon Z5: Bulkier but touchscreen and better autofocus ease quick candid shots.

Macro and Close-Up

Neither body has macro-specific features, but:

• Nikon’s better resolution and focus bracketing support provide an edge for macro enthusiasts using macro Z lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

Here the Sony A7S II truly excels with outstanding high ISO capability, critical for star field sharpness and minimal noise.

Nikon Z5 performs well but doesn’t match the extraordinary sensitivity on offer.

Nikon Z5 front Nikon Z5 screen back Sony A7S II front Sony A7S II screen back

Connectivity, Wireless Features, and User Interface

Nikon Z5 includes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for seamless mobile pairing, enabling quick image transfers and remote control with apps - essential for modern workflows.

The Sony A7S II, a generation older, has Wi-Fi and NFC but lacks Bluetooth, which impacts convenience.

Price-to-Performance and Value Judgments

At $1399 (body only), the Nikon Z5 is a serious value proposition for a full-frame capable mirrorless system with modern amenities.

The Sony A7S II, priced around $2767 new, becomes a niche investment for specialized low-light and video shooters. Its 2015 tech still holds for specific disciplines but lags in resolution, autofocus sophistication, and battery life relative to newer models.

My Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Visual Journey?

Choose the Nikon Z5 if:

• You want a versatile, easy-to-use full-frame mirrorless camera for portraits, landscapes, and general photography.
• You value higher resolution for cropping or large prints.
• Touchscreen interface, eye and animal AF, and dual card slots matter.
• You're budget conscious but want Nikon’s expanding native lens ecosystem.

Opt for the Sony A7S II if:

• Ultra-low-light photography or video is your specialty.
• You prioritize video capabilities like 4K internal recording and excellent slow-motion options.
• Portability and discreet street shooting in dark conditions are important.
• You already own or plan to invest heavily in Sony E-mount glass.

In wrapping up, both cameras offer strengths that have kept them relevant years after launch. The Nikon Z5 appeals as a modern, reliable everyday shooter with an impressive feature set for its price point. The Sony A7S II remains unbeatable in pushing the low-light envelope and video performance in a compact package.

Choosing between them comes down to your specific craft needs: resolution and versatility versus specialized, low-light video prowess. As someone who’s tested a wide swath of gear, I encourage you to weigh your shooting style, lens preferences, and budget to pick the camera that will best unlock your creative vision.

Happy shooting!