Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III
51 Imaging
82 Features
90 Overall
85
![Nikon Z9 front Nikon Z9 front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Nikon-Z9/Nikon-Z9-front.jpg)
![Sony Alpha A7 III front Sony Alpha A7 III front](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/cameras/gallery/medium/Sony-Alpha-A7-III/Sony-A7-III-front.jpg)
63 Imaging
74 Features
92 Overall
81
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Key Specs
(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
(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
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/snapchat-218x150.jpg)
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).
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/tiktok-218x150.jpg)
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.
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/samsung-evo-microsd-cards-featur-218x150.jpg)
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Z9 & Sony Alpha A7 III. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon Z9 Gallery & Sony A7 III Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon Z9 over the Sony A7 III
Z9 | A7 III | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | October 2021 | ![]() | February 2018 | More modern by 45 months |
Screen dimensions | 3.2" | ![]() | 3" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Screen resolution | 2089k | ![]() | 922k | Clearer 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 type | Tilting | ![]() | Tilting | Tilting 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 Camera Size Comparison with Lenses](https://pxlmag.com/db/assets/camera-size-comparison-animation.gif)
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 Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Z9-vs-Sony-Alpha-A7-III-size-comparison.jpg)
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 top view buttons comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Z9-vs-Sony-Alpha-A7-III-top-view-buttons-comparison.jpg)
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 sensor size comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/sensor-compare/Nikon-Z9-vs-Sony-Alpha-A7-III-sensor-size-comparison.png)
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Screen and ViewFinder
![Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Screen and Viewfinder comparison Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Screen and Viewfinder comparison](https://pxlmag.com/db/images/camera-compare/Nikon-Z9-vs-Sony-Alpha-A7-III-screen-back-comparison.jpg)
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Approach-to-AI-Generated-Content-218x150.jpg)
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/photography-glossary-218x150.jpg)
Street Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LP3_cut_13f_0212-218x150.jpg)
Sports Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/No-Surprise-Pentax-17-Pre-Orders-218x150.jpg)
Travel Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/iphone-optical-stabilization-218x150.jpg)
Landscape Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/maxresdefault-218x150.jpg)
Vlogging Comparison
![](https://pxlmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/ai-licence-218x150.jpg)
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7 III Specifications
Nikon Z9 | Sony 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 |