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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III

Portability
51
Imaging
82
Features
90
Overall
85
Nikon Z9 front
 
Sony Alpha A7 III front
Portability
63
Imaging
74
Features
92
Overall
81

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Key Specs

Nikon Z9
(Full Review)
  • 46MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Display
  • ISO 64 - 25600 (Bump 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 III
(Full Review)
  • 24MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Raise to 204800)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Maximum Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 650g - 127 x 96 x 74mm
  • Revealed February 2018
  • Old Model is Sony A7 II
  • Successor is Sony A7 IV
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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Overview

Let's take a closer look at the Nikon Z9 and Sony A7 III, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by companies Nikon and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the Z9 (46MP) and A7 III (24MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor size (Full frame).

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The Z9 was announced 3 years after the A7 III which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short highlight of how the Z9 scores vs the A7 III in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Z9 over the Sony A7 III

 Z9 A7 III 
RevealedOctober 2021February 2018More modern by 45 months
Screen dimensions3.2"3"Bigger screen (+0.2")
Screen resolution2089k922kClearer screen (+1167k dot)

Reasons to pick Sony A7 III over the Nikon Z9

 A7 III Z9 

Common features in the Nikon Z9 and Sony A7 III

 Z9 A7 III 
Manually focus Dial accurate focus
Screen typeTiltingTiltingTilting screen
Selfie screen No selfie screen
Touch screen Quickly navigate

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Physical Comparison

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Nikon Z9 has physical measurements 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 III has specifications of 127mm x 96mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Analyze the Nikon Z9 and Sony A7 III in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the Z9 compared to the A7 III.

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III size comparison

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the Z9 and A7 III is 51 and 63 respectively.

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III top view buttons comparison

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Sensor Comparison

Often, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes purely by checking out specifications. The image underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the Z9 and A7 III.

Plainly, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Nikon Z9 to show extra detail with its extra 22MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The newer Z9 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III sensor size comparison

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon Z9 Portrait photography factors
Sony A7 III Portrait photography factors
89
has manual focus
fantastic sensor resolution (46 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports face detection focusing
supports RAW files
84
manual focus
resolution is good (24 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
includes face detect focus
delivers RAW files
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Street Comparison

Nikon Z9 Street photography factors
Sony A7 III Street photography factors
70
has a tilting screen
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports RAW files
provides touch focus
environment proof
good ISO range (25,600)
heavier than competitors (1,340 grams)
78
screen tilts
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
delivers RAW files
comes with focus via touch
weather proof
great high ISO (51,200)
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Sports Comparison

Nikon Z9 Sports photography highlights
Sony A7 III Sports photography highlights
91
silent shutter (1/32,000 seconds)
max fps high (30.0 fps)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
fantastic sensor resolution (46 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
supports tracking autofocus
environment proof
good battery pack (740 CIPA)
comes with phase detect AF
87
max shutter speed is good (1/8,000 seconds)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
resolution is good (24MP)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
includes tracking focus
weather proof
better than average battery life (610 per charge)
comes with phase detect auto focus
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Travel Comparison

Nikon Z9 Travel photography factors
Sony A7 III Travel photography factors
65
good battery pack (740 CIPA)
environment proof
has bluetooth
provides touch focus
fantastic sensor resolution (46 megapixels)
heavier than competitors (1,340 grams)
screen isn't selfie friendly
73
better than average battery life (610 CIPA)
weather proof
connects via bluetooth
comes with focus via touch
resolution is good (24MP)
does not offer selfie friendly display
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Landscape Comparison

Nikon Z9 Landscape photography information
Sony A7 III Landscape photography information
87
has manual focus
change lenses (Nikon Z mount)
screen is a decent size (3.2")
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
fantastic sensor resolution (46 megapixels)
sensor size is large (Full frame)
good ISO range (25,600)
supports RAW files
environment proof
good battery pack (740 per charge)
has dual storage slots
85
manual focus
switch lenses (Sony E mount)
screen size is good (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
resolution is good (24 megapixels)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
great high ISO (51,200)
delivers RAW files
weather proof
better than average battery life (610 per charge)
2 card slots
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Vlogging Comparison

Nikon Z9 Vlogging advice
Sony A7 III Vlogging advice
32
has touchscreen
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
supports face detection focusing
high res video (7680 x 4320 resolution)
does have external mic jack
screen isn't selfie friendly
heavier than competitors (1,340g)
36
touch screen
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
includes face detect focus
high res video (3840 x 2160 resolution)
does have mic support
does not offer selfie friendly display
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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Z9 and Sony A7 III
 Nikon Z9Sony Alpha A7 III
General Information
Brand Name Nikon Sony
Model Nikon Z9 Sony Alpha A7 III
Class Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Announced 2021-10-28 2018-02-27
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor Chip - Bionz X
Sensor type Stacked CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor dimensions 35.9 x 23.9mm 35.8 x 23.8mm
Sensor surface area 858.0mm² 852.0mm²
Sensor resolution 46 megapixels 24 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 8256 x 5504 6000 x 4000
Maximum native ISO 25600 51200
Maximum enhanced ISO 102400 204800
Minimum native ISO 64 100
RAW photos
Minimum enhanced ISO 32 50
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Continuous AF
Single AF
Tracking AF
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points 493 693
Lens
Lens mount Nikon Z Sony E
Total lenses 29 121
Crop factor 1 1
Screen
Type of display Tilting Tilting
Display sizing 3.2 inches 3 inches
Resolution of display 2,089k dots 922k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 3,686k dots 2,359k dots
Viewfinder coverage 100 percent 100 percent
Viewfinder magnification 0.8x 0.78x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 900 seconds 30 seconds
Fastest shutter speed - 1/8000 seconds
Fastest quiet shutter speed 1/32000 seconds -
Continuous shutter rate 30.0 frames/s 10.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 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
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/200 seconds -
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported 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 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p) 1920 x 1080 (120p, 60p, 60i, 24p), 1440 x 1080 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Maximum video resolution 7680x4320 3840x2160
Video file format H.264, H.265 MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S, H.264
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) USB 3.1 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS Built-in None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 1340 gr (2.95 lbs) 650 gr (1.43 lbs)
Physical dimensions 149 x 150 x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") 127 x 96 x 74mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 96
DXO Color Depth score not tested 25.0
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 14.7
DXO Low light score not tested 3730
Other
Battery life 740 shots 610 shots
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL18d NP-FZ100
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures))
Time lapse recording
Storage type Dual CFexpress Type B slots SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Card slots Dual Dual
Price at release $5,500 $1,998