Nikon Z9 vs Sony Alpha a7S II
Nikon Z9 Black 2021
Sony Alpha a7S II Black 2015
What Buyers Say
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
Sony Alpha a7S II Black 2015
The Sony A7S II is praised for its exceptional low-light performance and full-frame sensor, making it a favorite among videographers. Users appreciate its reliability over two years of use, though some note the lack of 4K 60fps and minor issues like battery life and LCD screen. A few concerns about reliability and settings memory loss exist, but overall sentiment is positive.
Pros
- Exceptional low-light performance
- Full-frame sensor
- Reliable over years
- Great for video
- Good image quality
Cons
- No 4K 60fps
- Battery life
- LCD screen quality
- Settings memory loss
- E-mount lenses expensive
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z9 | Sony Alpha a7S II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | Exmor CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 12.199999809265137 MP |
| ISO Range | 64★ | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | BIONZ X |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 493 | Contrast Detection: 169 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓★ | — |
| Subject Detection | ✓★ | — |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps★ | 5 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 30 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 100 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 | XAVC S |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓★ | — |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | 2.4M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.16 kg | 0.19 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 700 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓★ | — |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | — |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
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
Sony Alpha a7S II Black 2015
- Strong stabilization (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong evf (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong af (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong social proof (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average sensor (10th percentile)10th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average affordability (30th percentile)
- Below average burst (34th percentile)
Verdict
Scores 98 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 15 of 33 specs.