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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7

Portability
51 Imaging
81 Features
90 Overall
84
Nikon Z9 front
 
Sony Alpha A7 front
Portability
78 Imaging
70 Features
80 Overall
74

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 Key Specs

Nikon Z9
(Full Review)
  • 46MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Display
  • ISO 64 - 25600 (Increase to 102400)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 7680 x 4320 video
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • 1340g - 149 x 150 x 91mm
  • Announced October 2021
Sony A7
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 50 - 25600
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 474g - 127 x 94 x 48mm
  • Revealed January 2014
  • Renewed by Sony A7 II
Photography Glossary

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 Overview

On this page, we are matching up the Nikon Z9 versus Sony A7, both Pro Mirrorless digital cameras by rivals Nikon and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the Z9 (46MP) and A7 (24MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizing (Full frame).

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The Z9 was introduced 7 years after the A7 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the Z9 grades vs the A7 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Z9 over the Sony A7

		

		

			
 Z9 A7 
RevealedOctober 2021January 2014Newer by 95 months
Display dimensions3.2"3"Larger display (+0.2")
Display resolution2089k1230kClearer display (+859k dot)
Touch friendly display  Easily navigate
		

	

	
	

		

		
Reasons to pick Sony A7 over the Nikon Z9

		

		

			
 A7 Z9 
		

	

	
	

		

		
Common features in the Nikon Z9 and Sony A7

		

		

			
 Z9 A7 
Focus manually  Dial precise focus
Display typeTiltingTiltingTilting display
Selfie screen  Lack of selfie screen
		

	

	

	
	
	
	

	

		

		
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 Physical Comparison

		

		

			
If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon Z9 enjoys outer dimensions of 149mm x 150mm x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") having a weight of 1340 grams (2.95 lbs) and the Sony A7 has dimensions of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") along with a weight of 474 grams (1.04 lbs).
Examine the Nikon Z9 versus Sony A7 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses
Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the Z9 against the A7.
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 size comparison
Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Z9 and A7 is 51 and 78 respectively.
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 top view buttons comparison		

	

	
	

		

		
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 Sensor Comparison

		

		

			
Quite often, it is tough to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by going over specs. The picture underneath may give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the Z9 and A7.
All in all, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Nikon Z9 to offer you more detail using its extra 22 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos more aggressively. The fresher Z9 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.
	
			Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 sensor size comparison			
		

	

	
	

		

		
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 Screen and ViewFinder

		

		

					

		Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 Screen and Viewfinder comparison	

	
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Photography Type Scores

		

	

	
Portrait Comparison
Nikon Z9 Portrait photography info
Sony A7 Portrait photography info
88
 has manual focus
 great megapixels (46 megapixels)
 large sensor size (Full frame)
 features face detection autofocus
 supports RAW formats
82
 manual focus
 resolution is good (24 megapixels)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 includes face detect focus
 delivers RAW formats
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Street Comparison
Nikon Z9 Street photography highlights
Sony A7 Street photography highlights
70
 has a tilting screen
 has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 large sensor size (Full frame)
 supports RAW formats
 features touch focus
 weather proofing
 very good ISO range (25,600)
 heavier than average (1,340 grams)
79
 tilting screen
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 delivers RAW formats
 environment sealing
 lighter than competition (474g)
 very good ISO range (25,600)
 does not have image stabilization
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Sports Comparison
Nikon Z9 Sports photography highlights
Sony A7 Sports photography highlights
90
 quiet mode (1/32,000 seconds)
 fast continuous shooting (30.0 frames/s)
 has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 great megapixels (46 megapixels)
 large sensor size (Full frame)
 features tracking autofocus
 weather proofing
 better than average battery pack (740 CIPA)
 supports phase detect autofocus
66
 maximum shutter speed is high (1/8,000s)
 resolution is good (24 megapixels)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 environment sealing
 has phase detect auto focus
 continuous shooting slow (5.0 frames/s)
 does not have image stabilization
 not so great battery life (340 per charge)
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Travel Comparison
Nikon Z9 Travel photography details
Sony A7 Travel photography details
65
 better than average battery pack (740 CIPA)
 weather proofing
 has bluetooth
 features touch focus
 great megapixels (46 megapixels)
 heavier than average (1,340 grams)
 display is not selfie friendly
69
 lighter than competition (474g)
 environment sealing
 resolution is good (24 megapixels)
 not so great battery life (340 shots)
 display is not selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison
Nikon Z9 Landscape photography features
Sony A7 Landscape photography features
87
 has manual focus
 interchangeable lenses (Nikon Z mount)
 screen is a good size (3.2")
 has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 great megapixels (46MP)
 large sensor size (Full frame)
 very good ISO range (25,600)
 supports RAW formats
 weather proofing
 better than average battery pack (740 per charge)
 has double storage slots
75
 manual focus
 interchangeable lenses (Sony E mount)
 screen size is good (3")
 resolution is good (24 megapixels)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 very good ISO range (25,600)
 delivers RAW formats
 environment sealing
 does not have image stabilization
 not so great battery life (340 per charge)
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Vlogging Comparison
Nikon Z9 Vlogging highlights
Sony A7 Vlogging highlights
32
 touchscreen
 has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 features face detection autofocus
 video res high (7680 x 4320 resolution)
 comes with external mic port
 display is not selfie friendly
 heavier than average (1,340 grams)
35
 includes face detect focus
 video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
 has microphone port
 lighter than competition (474g)
 display is not selfie friendly
 does not have image stabilization
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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 Specifications

		

		

					

		
		

			Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Z9 and Sony A7
 Nikon Z9Sony Alpha A7
General Information
Brand Nikon Sony
Model type Nikon Z9 Sony Alpha A7
Type Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Announced 2021-10-28 2014-01-22
Body design SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor Chip - Bionz X
Sensor type Stacked CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor measurements 35.9 x 23.9mm 35.8 x 23.9mm
Sensor surface area 858.0mm² 855.6mm²
Sensor resolution 46MP 24MP
Anti alias filter    
Aspect ratio 1:1, 3:2 and  16:9 3:2 and  16:9
Peak resolution 8256 x 5504 6000 x 4000
Highest native ISO 25600 25600
Highest enhanced ISO 102400 -
Min native ISO 64 50
RAW images    
Min enhanced ISO 32 -
Autofocusing
Focus manually    
AF touch    
AF continuous    
Single AF    
AF tracking    
AF selectice    
AF center weighted    
Multi area AF    
Live view AF    
Face detect focusing    
Contract detect focusing    
Phase detect focusing    
Total focus points 493 117
Cross type focus points - 25
Lens
Lens mount type Nikon Z Sony E
Total lenses 29 121
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Display type Tilting Tilting
Display sizing 3.2 inch 3 inch
Resolution of display 2,089 thousand dot 1,230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly    
Liveview    
Touch friendly    
Display tech - Xtra Fine LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 3,686 thousand dot 2,359 thousand dot
Viewfinder coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.8x 0.71x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 900s 30s
Fastest shutter speed - 1/8000s
Fastest quiet shutter speed 1/32000s -
Continuous shutter speed 30.0 frames per second 5.0 frames per second
Shutter priority    
Aperture priority    
Expose Manually    
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB    
Image stabilization    
Built-in flash    
Flash distance no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash settings Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync Off no built-in flash
External flash    
Auto exposure bracketing    
WB bracketing    
Fastest flash sync 1/200s 1/250s
Exposure
Multisegment metering    
Average metering    
Spot metering    
Partial metering    
AF area metering    
Center weighted metering    
Video features
Video resolutions 7680 x 4320 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM7680 x 4320 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, L 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Highest video resolution 7680x4320 1920x1080
Video format H.264, H.265 MPEG-4, AVCHD
Microphone jack    
Headphone jack    
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth    
NFC    
HDMI    
USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS Built-in None
Physical
Environmental seal    
Water proofing    
Dust proofing    
Shock proofing    
Crush proofing    
Freeze proofing    
Weight 1340 grams (2.95 pounds) 474 grams (1.04 pounds)
Physical dimensions 149 x 150 x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") 127 x 94 x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 90
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 24.8
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 14.2
DXO Low light rating not tested 2248
Other
Battery life 740 photos 340 photos
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL18d NP-FW50
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures))
Time lapse feature   With downloadable app
Type of storage Dual CFexpress Type B slots SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Storage slots 2 Single
Retail cost $5,500 $798