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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III

Portability
51 Imaging
81 Features
90 Overall
84
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.

Photography Glossary 
	
	

		

		
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
88
 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
90
 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