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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S

Portability
51 Imaging
81 Features
90 Overall
84
Nikon Z9 front
 
Sony Alpha A7S front
Portability
77 Imaging
60 Features
73 Overall
65

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S Key Specs

Nikon Z9
(Full Review)
  • 46MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Display
  • ISO 64 - 25600 (Raise to 102400)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 7680 x 4320 video
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • 1340g - 149 x 150 x 91mm
  • Released October 2021
Sony A7S
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 409600
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 489g - 127 x 94 x 48mm
  • Announced April 2014
  • Renewed by Sony A7S II
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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S Overview

Lets look more in depth at the Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the Z9 (46MP) and A7S (12MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor size (Full frame).

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The Z9 was released 7 years after the A7S which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the Z9 matches up vs the A7S in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Z9 over the Sony A7S

		

		

			
 Z9 A7S 
AnnouncedOctober 2021April 2014Newer by 93 months
Screen dimensions3.2"3"Bigger screen (+0.2")
Screen resolution2089k1230kCrisper screen (+859k dot)
Touch friendly screen  Quickly navigate
		

	

	
	

		

		
Reasons to pick Sony A7S over the Nikon Z9

		

		

			
 A7S Z9 
		

	

	
	

		

		
Common features in the Nikon Z9 and Sony A7S

		

		

			
 Z9 A7S 
Focus manually  More exact focusing
Screen typeTiltingTiltingTilting screen
Selfie screen  Missing selfie screen
		

	

	

	
	
	
	

	

		

		
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S Physical Comparison

		

		

			
In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Nikon Z9 has got physical dimensions of 149mm x 150mm x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") and a weight of 1340 grams (2.95 lbs) while the Sony A7S has dimensions of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") accompanied by a weight of 489 grams (1.08 lbs).
Look at the Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses
Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the Z9 and the A7S.
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S size comparison
Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Z9 and A7S is 51 and 77 respectively.
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S top view buttons comparison		

	

	
	

		

		
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S Sensor Comparison

		

		

			
Normally, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions merely by looking through specs. The image below will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the Z9 and A7S.
As you can plainly see, both the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Nikon Z9 to provide you with extra detail as a result of its extra 34 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The younger Z9 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.
	
			Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S sensor size comparison			
		

	

	
	

		

		
Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S Screen and ViewFinder

		

		

					

		Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S Screen and Viewfinder comparison	

	
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Photography Type Scores

		

	

	
Portrait Comparison
Nikon Z9 Portrait photography info
Sony A7S Portrait photography info
88
 you can focus manually
 amazing megapixels (46MP)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 includes face detection focusing
 exports RAW formats
68
 focusing manually
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 supports face detection autofocus
 supports RAW files
 megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
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Street Comparison
Nikon Z9 Street photography features
Sony A7S Street photography features
70
 screen tilts
 has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 exports RAW formats
 includes focus via touch
 environment proof
 good ISO range (25,600)
 more heavy than competition in class (1,340 grams)
76
 has a tilting screen
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 supports RAW files
 environment proofing
 lighter than competitors in class (489g)
 above average high ISO (409,600)
 lack of image stabilization
Photography Glossary
Sports Comparison
Nikon Z9 Sports photography information
Sony A7S Sports photography information
90
 silent shutter (1/32,000 seconds)
 high max fps (30.0 frames per second)
 has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 amazing megapixels (46MP)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 includes tracking autofocus
 environment proof
 good battery power (740 CIPA)
 has phase detect AF
52
 high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 supports tracking autofocus
 environment proofing
 continuous shooting slow (5.0 frames/s)
 lack of image stabilization
 megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
 terrible battery pack (360 shots)
 doesn't have phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison
Travel photography with Nikon Z9
Travel photography with Sony A7S
65
 good battery power (740 per charge)
 environment proof
 connects via bluetooth
 includes focus via touch
 amazing megapixels (46MP)
 more heavy than competition in class (1,340g)
 doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
58
 lighter than competitors in class (489 grams)
 environment proofing
 terrible battery pack (360 shots)
 megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
 display isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison
Nikon Z9 Landscape photography information
Sony A7S Landscape photography information
87
 you can focus manually
 change lenses (Nikon Z mount)
 pretty good screen size (3.2 inches)
 has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 amazing megapixels (46MP)
 sensor size is large (Full frame)
 good ISO range (25,600)
 exports RAW formats
 environment proof
 good battery power (740 per charge)
 has dual storage slots
66
 focusing manually
 interchangeable lenses (Sony E mount)
 good sized screen (3 inches)
 sensor size is big (Full frame)
 above average high ISO (409,600)
 supports RAW files
 environment proofing
 lack of image stabilization
 megapixel count low (12MP)
 terrible battery pack (360 CIPA)
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Vlogging Comparison
Nikon Z9 Vlogging details
Sony A7S Vlogging details
32
 screen is touchscreen
 has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
 includes face detection focusing
 video resolution high (7680 x 4320 pxls)
 has external microphone jack
 doesn't feature selfie friendly screen
 more heavy than competition in class (1,340 grams)
34
 supports face detection autofocus
 high video quality (3840 x 2160 resolution)
 includes external mic socket
 lighter than competitors in class (489 grams)
 display isn't selfie friendly
 lack of image stabilization
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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S Specifications

		

		

					

		
		

			Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Z9 and Sony A7S
 Nikon Z9Sony Alpha A7S
General Information
Brand Nikon Sony
Model Nikon Z9 Sony Alpha A7S
Type Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Released 2021-10-28 2014-04-06
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Powered by - Bionz X
Sensor type Stacked CMOS CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor dimensions 35.9 x 23.9mm 35.8 x 23.9mm
Sensor surface area 858.0mm² 855.6mm²
Sensor resolution 46 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter    
Aspect ratio 1:1, 3:2 and  16:9 3:2 and  16:9
Peak resolution 8256 x 5504 4240 x 2832
Highest native ISO 25600 409600
Highest enhanced ISO 102400 -
Minimum native ISO 64 100
RAW data    
Minimum enhanced ISO 32 -
Autofocusing
Focus manually    
AF touch    
Continuous AF    
AF single    
AF tracking    
AF selectice    
Center weighted AF    
AF multi area    
Live view AF    
Face detect focusing    
Contract detect focusing    
Phase detect focusing    
Number of focus points 493 25
Lens
Lens mounting type Nikon Z Sony E
Number of lenses 29 121
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Type of display Tilting Tilting
Display size 3.2 inch 3 inch
Display resolution 2,089 thousand dots 1,230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly    
Liveview    
Touch function    
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 3,686 thousand dots 2,359 thousand dots
Viewfinder coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.8x 0.71x
Features
Min shutter speed 900s 30s
Max shutter speed - 1/8000s
Max quiet shutter speed 1/32000s -
Continuous shutter rate 30.0fps 5.0fps
Shutter priority    
Aperture priority    
Manual mode    
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Custom WB    
Image stabilization    
Integrated flash    
Flash range no built-in flash no built-in flash
Flash options 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    
Max flash synchronize 1/200s -
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, XAVC S 1080 60p(50Mbps), 30p (50Mbps), 24p (50Mbps). 720 120p (50Mbps). AVCHD 60p (28Mbps), 60i (24Mbps/17Mbps), 24p (24Mbps/17Mbps)
Highest video resolution 7680x4320 3840x2160
Video data format H.264, H.265 MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC
Mic port    
Headphone port    
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 sealing    
Water proof    
Dust proof    
Shock proof    
Crush proof    
Freeze proof    
Weight 1340g (2.95 lb) 489g (1.08 lb)
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 score not tested 87
DXO Color Depth score not tested 23.9
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 13.2
DXO Low light score not tested 3702
Other
Battery life 740 images 360 images
Form of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model EN-EL18d NP-FW50
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures))
Time lapse shooting   With downloadable app
Storage type Dual CFexpress Type B slots SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo
Card slots Dual 1
Retail cost $5,500 $1,998