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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III

Portability
51
Imaging
82
Features
90
Overall
85
Nikon Z9 front
 
Sony Alpha A7S III front
Portability
61
Imaging
65
Features
92
Overall
75

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III Key Specs

Nikon Z9
(Full Review)
  • 46MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 64 - 25600 (Expand to 102400)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 7680 x 4320 video
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • 1340g - 149 x 150 x 91mm
  • Launched October 2021
Sony A7S III
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - Full frame Sensor
  • 3" Fully Articulated Screen
  • ISO 80 - 102400 (Raise to 409600)
  • Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization
  • 1/8000s Max Shutter
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 699g - 129 x 97 x 81mm
  • Launched July 2020
  • Previous Model is Sony A7S II
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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III Overview

In this article, we will be analyzing the Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III, both Pro Mirrorless cameras by brands Nikon and Sony. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the Z9 (46MP) and A7S III (12MP) but they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (Full frame).

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The Z9 was revealed 16 months after the A7S III which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (SLR-style mirrorless).

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the Z9 scores versus the A7S III in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Nikon Z9 over the Sony A7S III

 Z9 A7S III 
LaunchedOctober 2021July 2020Newer by 16 months
Screen sizing3.2"3"Bigger screen (+0.2")
Screen resolution2089k1440kCrisper screen (+649k dot)

Reasons to pick Sony A7S III over the Nikon Z9

 A7S III Z9 
Screen typeFully articulatedTiltingFully Articulating screen
Selfie screen Easy selfies

Common features in the Nikon Z9 and Sony A7S III

 Z9 A7S III 
Manually focus Very accurate focus
Touch friendly screen Quickly navigate

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III Physical Comparison

If you're going to travel with your camera, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon Z9 enjoys external 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 III has measurements of 129mm x 97mm x 81mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 699 grams (1.54 lbs).

Check out the Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III 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 change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the Z9 and the A7S III.

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III size comparison

Using size and weight, the portability score of the Z9 and A7S III is 51 and 61 respectively.

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III top view buttons comparison

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III Sensor Comparison

Generally, it's tough to picture the difference in sensor dimensions simply by researching a spec sheet. The picture below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the Z9 and A7S III.

As you can see, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Nikon Z9 to result in more detail because of its extra 34 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent Z9 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III sensor size comparison

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III Screen and ViewFinder

Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Nikon Z9 Portrait photography info
Sony A7S III Portrait photography info
89
focusing manually
high MP (46 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
includes face detection focus
saves RAW files
71
manual focus
sensor size is big (Full frame)
includes face detection autofocus
delivers RAW formats
MP count low (12 megapixels)
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Street Comparison

Street photography with Nikon Z9
Street photography with Sony A7S III
70
has a tilting screen
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
big sensor size (Full frame)
saves RAW files
features touch focus
environment proof
good high ISO (25,600)
heavier than others (1,340g)
76
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
delivers RAW formats
has focus by touch
environment proof
great ISO range (102,400)
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Sports Comparison

Nikon Z9 as a Sports photography camera
Sony A7S III as a Sports photography camera
91
quiet mode (1/32,000s)
high max frames per second (30.0 frames per second)
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
high MP (46MP)
big sensor size (Full frame)
includes tracking autofocus
environment proof
great battery (740 per charge)
supports phase detect auto focus
76
high shutter speed (1/8,000s)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
includes tracking autofocus
environment proof
good battery life (600 shots)
has phase detect autofocus
MP count low (12 megapixels)
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Travel Comparison

Travel photography with Nikon Z9
Travel photography with Sony A7S III
65
great battery (740 per charge)
environment proof
supports bluetooth
features touch focus
high MP (46 megapixels)
heavier than others (1,340g)
display isn't selfie friendly
70
good battery life (600 per charge)
environment proof
has bluetooth
has focus by touch
selfie friendly screen
MP count low (12MP)
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Nikon Z9
Landscape photography with Sony A7S III
87
focusing manually
interchangeable lenses (Nikon Z mount)
pretty good screen size (3.2 inches)
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
high MP (46 megapixels)
big sensor size (Full frame)
good high ISO (25,600)
saves RAW files
environment proof
great battery (740 per charge)
has dual storage slots
77
manual focus
change lenses (Sony E mount)
decent sized screen (3 inch)
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
sensor size is big (Full frame)
great ISO range (102,400)
delivers RAW formats
environment proof
good battery life (600 shots)
2 card slots
MP count low (12MP)
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Vlogging Comparison

Vlogging with Nikon Z9
Vlogging with Sony A7S III
32
touchscreen enabled
has image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
includes face detection focus
video res high (7680 x 4320 resolution)
comes with external mic jack
display isn't selfie friendly
heavier than others (1,340g)
77
selfie friendly screen
touch screen
built in image stabilization (Sensor based 5-axis)
includes face detection autofocus
good video quality (3840 x 2160 pixels)
has external microphone support
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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A7S III Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Z9 and Sony A7S III
 Nikon Z9Sony Alpha A7S III
General Information
Manufacturer Nikon Sony
Model type Nikon Z9 Sony Alpha A7S III
Class Pro Mirrorless Pro Mirrorless
Launched 2021-10-28 2020-07-21
Physical type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Chip - Bionz XR
Sensor type Stacked CMOS BSI-CMOS
Sensor size Full frame Full frame
Sensor measurements 35.9 x 23.9mm 35.6 x 23.8mm
Sensor area 858.0mm² 847.3mm²
Sensor resolution 46 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 8256 x 5504 4240 x 2832
Maximum native ISO 25600 102400
Maximum enhanced ISO 102400 409600
Lowest native ISO 64 80
RAW photos
Lowest enhanced ISO 32 50
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Touch to focus
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Total focus points 493 759
Lens
Lens mount type Nikon Z Sony E
Amount of lenses 29 121
Focal length multiplier 1 1
Screen
Screen type Tilting Fully articulated
Screen size 3.2 inches 3 inches
Resolution of screen 2,089 thousand dots 1,440 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder resolution 3,686 thousand dots 9,440 thousand dots
Viewfinder coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder magnification 0.8x 0.91x
Features
Minimum shutter speed 900 seconds 30 seconds
Fastest shutter speed - 1/8000 seconds
Fastest silent shutter speed 1/32000 seconds -
Continuous shutter rate 30.0fps 10.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 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
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize 1/200 seconds -
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
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 @ 120p / 280 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 100p / 280 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 60p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 50p / 200 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 140 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 25p / 140 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 3840 x 2160 @ 24p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.265, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 120p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 100p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 60p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 50p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 25p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 @ 24p / 50 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
Maximum video resolution 7680x4320 3840x2160
Video format H.264, H.265 MPEG-4, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-1, H.264, H.265
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
GPS Built-in None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 1340 grams (2.95 lb) 699 grams (1.54 lb)
Dimensions 149 x 150 x 91mm (5.9" x 5.9" x 3.6") 129 x 97 x 81mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 3.2")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested 85
DXO Color Depth rating not tested 23.6
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested 13.3
DXO Low light rating not tested 2993
Other
Battery life 740 photographs 600 photographs
Style of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL18d NP-FZ100
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec; continuous (3 or 5 exposures))
Time lapse recording With downloadable app
Storage type Dual CFexpress Type B slots Dual SD/CFexpress Type A slots
Card slots Dual Dual
Launch price $5,500 $3,499