Sony a7S III
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
What Buyers Say
Sony a7S III
The Sony A7S III is overwhelmingly praised as a top-tier hybrid camera, especially for video, with exceptional low-light performance, 4K 120p, and 10-bit color. Users highlight its autofocus, image quality, and value for the price, though some note overheating issues, a plastic feel, and the lack of a charger. A few mention the 12MP sensor as a limitation for stills, but most find it sufficient for their needs.
Pros
- Exceptional low-light performance
- 4K 120p video recording
- 10-bit 4:2:2 color depth
- Fast and reliable autofocus
- Compact and lightweight body
Cons
- Overheating during long recordings
- Plastic build feel
- No charger included
- 12MP sensor limits stills resolution
- No per-channel audio controls
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
The Nikon Z9 is widely praised as a flagship mirrorless camera that delivers outstanding image quality, blazing-fast autofocus, and robust build quality. Enthusiasts and professionals alike appreciate its continuous firmware updates, which have added valuable features and refined performance. While some users note its substantial weight and learning curve, the overwhelming consensus is that it is one of the best cameras available, offering exceptional versatility and reliability.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus speed and accuracy
- Superb image quality and color
- Robust build and weather sealing
- Long battery life
- Continuous firmware updates
Cons
- Heavy and bulky body
- Steep learning curve
- High price point
- Requires new Z-mount lenses for full benefit
Scores
Specifications
| Sony a7S III | Nikon Z9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | BSI CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 12.100000381469727 MP | 45.70000076293945 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 80 | 64★ |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | EXPEED 7 |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 759Contrast Detection: 425 | Phase Detection: 493 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 10 fps | 30 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 10 fps | 120 fps★ |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/32000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 8K★ |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps★ | 100 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.264, H.265 | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3.2"★ |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 9.4M dots★ | 3.7M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.61 kg★ | 1.16 kg |
| Battery Life | 510 shots | 700 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Sony a7S III
- Strong evf (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong display (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average sensor (9th percentile)9th %ile
- Below average affordability (12th percentile)12th %ile
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Below average affordability (9th percentile)9th %ile
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 8 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.