Nikon Z5 vs Sony a7 II Comparison
Nikon Z5
Sony a7 II
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Brand | Nikon | Sony | |
Model | Z5 | a7 II | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2014 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | July 21, 2020 | November 20, 2014 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Nikon Z5 outperforms the Sony a7 II with a score of 78/100 compared to 69/100. Both cameras share similarities as mirrorless cameras, launched at prices of $1400 for the Nikon Z5 and $1600 for the Sony a7 II. They have comparable sizes, with the Nikon Z5 measuring 134 x 100.5 x 69.5mm and the Sony a7 II at 127 x 96 x 60mm.
The Nikon Z5 excels with its more recent release in 2020, providing updated features and technology compared to the Sony a7 II’s 2014 release. However, the Sony a7 II has a slight advantage in weight, being lighter at 599g compared to the Nikon Z5’s 675g.
Considering the higher score and more recent release, the Nikon Z5 emerges as the superior option. Despite the Sony a7 II’s lighter weight, the Nikon Z5 provides better performance and up-to-date technology for photography enthusiasts.
Nikon Z5 vs Sony a7 II Overview and Optics
The Nikon Z5 takes the lead in optics with a score of 81/100, while the Sony a7 II follows closely with a score of 78/100. Both cameras share similar specifications, boasting 24 megapixels, CMOS sensor type, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. Additionally, both cameras feature their respective lens mounts, with the Nikon Z5 using the Nikon Z lens mount and the Sony a7 II using the Sony E lens mount.
The Nikon Z5 surpasses the Sony a7 II in terms of the DXOMARK sensor score, achieving a 97 compared to the Sony a7 II’s 90. This difference indicates that the Nikon Z5’s image quality is superior. Furthermore, the Nikon Z5 is powered by the Expeed 6 processor, which contributes to its overall performance and efficiency.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a slight advantage in shooting speed, capturing images at 5 frames per second compared to the Nikon Z5’s 4.5. This faster shooting speed may be beneficial for photographers who require quick image capture, such as those shooting sports or wildlife.
In terms of optics, the Nikon Z5 proves to be the stronger contender with its higher DXOMARK sensor score and advanced Expeed 6 processor. However, the Sony a7 II’s faster shooting speed should not be overlooked, as it may be a deciding factor for specific photography needs. Both cameras are solid choices for photographers seeking full-frame, image-stabilized cameras with their respective lens mounts.
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Optics
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Nikon Z5
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Sony a7 II
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP | 24.3 MP | |
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Image Resolution Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 6016 x 4016 px | 6000 x 4000 px | |
Sensor Type The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS | CMOS | |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.9 x 35.9 mm | 23.9 x 35.8 mm | |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame | Full Frame | |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 4.5 fps | 5 fps | |
Lens Mount The lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Nikon Z | Sony E | |
Image Processor The image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Expeed 6 | Bionz X | |
Aspect Ratio The aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  3:2 | 3:2 | |
Minimum ISO (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Native) Refers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 51,200 | 51,200 | |
Minimum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 100 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO (Expanded) Expanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 102400 | 51200 | |
Minimum Shutter Speed The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 30 s | 30 s | |
Maximum Shutter Speed The maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 1/ 8000 s | 1/ 8000 s | |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 273 | 117 | |
In-body Stabilization In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |   | | |
Viewfinder Type The viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Electronic | Electronic | |
Viewfinder Resolution | 3,686,400 dots | 2,359,000 dots |
Nikon Z5 vs Sony a7 II Video Performance
The Nikon Z5 outperforms the Sony a7 II in video capabilities, with a score of 83/100 compared to Sony’s 56/100. Both cameras share some common specs, such as a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. However, the Nikon Z5 surpasses the Sony a7 II in several aspects, contributing to its higher score.
The Nikon Z5 offers a maximum video resolution of 4K (3840 x 2160), while the Sony a7 II only supports Full HD (1920 x 1080). This difference in resolution means the Nikon Z5 can capture more detail and produce higher quality video footage. Additionally, the Z5 has time-lapse functionality built-in, which is not available in the Sony a7 II. This feature enables users to create stunning time-lapse videos without requiring additional accessories or software.
The Sony a7 II does not have any notable advantages over the Nikon Z5 in terms of video capabilities. Therefore, it is clear that the Nikon Z5 is the superior choice for videographers and content creators.
Considering these points, the Nikon Z5 is the better option for those seeking advanced video features and higher resolution footage. Its 4K resolution and built-in time-lapse functionality make it a versatile and powerful tool for capturing high-quality video content. On the other hand, the Sony a7 II falls short in these areas, making it less attractive for users focused on video capabilities.
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Video
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Nikon Z5
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Sony a7 II
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Video Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  | | |
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Max Video Resolution The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  4K |  Full HD | |
Max Video Dimensions Video resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 3840 x 2160 px | 1920 x 1080 px | |
Max Video Frame Rate How many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 p | 60 p | |
Time-Lapse Built In A built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  |  | |
Video File Format Different cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MPEG-4, MOV | XAVC S |
Nikon Z5 vs Sony a7 II Features and Benefits
The Nikon Z5 outperforms the Sony a7 II with a feature score of 72/100 compared to the Sony’s 57/100. Both cameras share some common features, such as the absence of GPS, the presence of Wi-Fi, and flip screens. However, the Nikon Z5 surpasses the Sony a7 II in several aspects, while the Sony a7 II has few advantages.
The Nikon Z5 has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the Sony a7 II’s 3 inches. Additionally, the Nikon Z5 boasts a touchscreen, which the Sony a7 II lacks. This feature makes the Nikon Z5 more user-friendly and convenient for photographers to navigate through settings and review images. The Nikon Z5 also has Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for seamless sharing and remote control, whereas the Sony a7 II does not offer this option.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 II has a higher screen resolution of 1,230,000 dots compared to the Nikon Z5’s 1,040,000 dots. This advantage provides a clearer and more detailed image preview on the camera’s screen. Despite this higher resolution, the lack of a touchscreen and Bluetooth connectivity make the Sony a7 II less versatile and user-friendly than the Nikon Z5.
In comparing the features of these two cameras, the Nikon Z5 proves to be the superior choice due to its larger touchscreen and added Bluetooth connectivity. The Sony a7 II’s higher screen resolution does not compensate for its shortcomings in other areas. Therefore, the Nikon Z5 is the better camera for photographers seeking a versatile and user-friendly experience.
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Features
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Nikon Z5
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Sony a7 II
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Built-in Flash A built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |  | | |
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External Flash External flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  | | |
GPS GPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |  | | |
Weather Sealing Weather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  | | |
Screen Type | LCD | LCD | |
Touch Screen Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |  | | |
Screen Size |  3.2" |  3" | |
Screen Resolution Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 1,040,000 dots | 1,230,000 dots | |
Flip Screen A flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  | | |
Live View Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  | | |
Wi-Fi |  | | |
Bluetooth Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |  | | |
Nikon Z5 vs Sony a7 II Storage and Battery
The Nikon Z5 outperforms the Sony a7 II in storage and battery with a score of 73/100, while the Sony a7 II scores 35/100. Both cameras accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards, but the Nikon Z5 has two memory card slots and is UHS-II compatible, while the Sony a7 II has only one slot and also accepts Memory Stick Duo, Pro Duo, and Pro-HG Duo cards.
The Nikon Z5 offers a longer battery life of 470 shots with its EN-EL15c battery, compared to the Sony a7 II’s 350 shots using the NP-FW50 battery.
Although the Sony a7 II has a lower score in this comparison, its compatibility with Memory Stick cards provides additional storage options for users who own these cards. However, the Nikon Z5’s longer battery life, USB charging capability, and dual memory card slots make it a superior choice for storage and battery performance.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon Z5
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Sony a7 II
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Memory Card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | EN-EL15c | NP-FW50 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 470 shots | 350 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon Z5
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Sony a7 II
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Overall Score DXOMARK overall sensor score. | |||
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Portrait (Color Depth) As described by DXOMARK 'The Portrait score in our camera sensor reviews defines color depth performance and its unit is a number of bits. A color depth of 22 bits is excellent; differences below 1 bit are barely noticeable.' | N/A | 24.9 bits | |
Landscape (Dynamic Range) As described by DXOMARK 'The Landscape score in our camera sensor tests defines the maximum dynamic range of the camera sensor and its unit is an exposure value (EV). A value of 12 EV is excellent with differences below 0.5 EV usually not noticeable.' | N/A | 13.6 EVs | |
Sports (Low-Light ISO) Described by DXOMARK as 'The maximal value of ISO sensitivity needed to reach a given value of Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR). The greater the value, the better' | N/A | 2449 |
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Scores
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Nikon Z5
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Sony a7 II
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Main Features | N/A | ||
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Extra Features | N/A | ||
Construction and Durability | N/A | ||
Handling and Ergonomics | N/A | ||
Value for Money | N/A | ||
Total Score | N/A |
Nikon Z5 vs Sony a7 II – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon Z5 or the Sony a7 II:
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User Scores
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Nikon Z5
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Sony a7 II
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B&H photo video |
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