Nikon Z6 vs Sony a7 III
Comparison
Nikon Z6
Sony a7 III
Price | from $1,596.95Shop 2 Offers 
| from $1,998Shop 2 Offers
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Brand | Nikon | Sony | |
Model | Z6 | a7 III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2018 | 2018 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 23, 2018 | February 27, 2018 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
Nikon Z6 vs Sony a7 III Overview
Today’s comparison is the Nikon Z6 vs Sony a7 III. On specs alone, this is an extremely close match! They’re two mid-range mirrorless cameras. They were both released in 2018. And they remain popular cameras with photographers and video makers to this day.
At the time of writing, both camera models are also extremely close in price. For many, the choice may come down to which brand you are most comfortable with. However, new photographers and those looking for a change might also have to weigh up the pros and cons!
We recently named the Sony a7 III as our top camera for artists. Due to its high-performing processor and large sensor, it’s great for picking up details in the artwork. This applies to other photography niches which require detailed images.
The Nikon Z6 was the flagship camera in the Nikon Z series until the Nikon Z6 II was released two years later. It’s still a great model to consider.
Body and Handling
Starting with body and handling, both cameras are very close. The Z6 is slightly bigger in size measuring 134 x 101 x 68mm in comparison to the a7 III at 127 x 96 x 74mm. The Nikon model is also heavier by about 25g. These differences exist, but they are so minute that it’s unlikely to sway most people hunting for the best camera choice.
Nikon Z6 vs Sony a7 III Optics
There’s very little to separate the Nikon Z6 and Sony a7 III when it comes to optics specs. They both perform very well. They both have a Full Frame sensor. The sensor size is almost identical, but the Z6 has a couple of millimetres on the a7 III.
The Nikon Z6 is a bit ahead on points due to the very slight increase in resolution. It also can shoot 12 fps in burst mode compared to the Sony at 10 fps. Both cameras have a similar and highly adequate ISO and shutter speed range. Both have a minimum ISO setting of 50, which gives you wonderful detail and quality. If you often shoot in low light, you won’t be disappointed.
Both models have a built-in image stabilization system which is highly desirable for many types of photography.
The Sony model offers more autofocus points. This can be desirable for those who shoot action photos as it can help you keep focus.
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Optics
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Nikon Z6
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Sony a7 III
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.5 MP | 24.2 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. | 6048 x 4024 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 | 23.8 x 35.6 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. | 12 fps | 10 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 FE | |
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 Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 50 | 50 | |
Maximum ISO Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 204,800 | 204,800 | |
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 | 693 | |
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 | 3,690,000 dots | 2,359,296 dots |
Nikon Z6 vs Sony a7 III Video Specs
If video is an important factor in choosing a camera, the Nikon Z6 has the advantage here. Not only does it shoot at a higher frame rate, but it also offers a built in time-lapse function. However, for most people, the video capabilities of both cameras are more than adequate.
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Video
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Nikon Z6
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Sony a7 III
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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 | 4K | |
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 | 3840 x 2160 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 | 30 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. | MOV, MP4 | XAVC S, AVCHD |
Features and Benefits
Again it’s a very close call between the Nikon Z6 and the Sony a7 III. The Z6 comes out on top when we look at the features and specs in the table below.
Although both cameras have great features, the Nikon has a bigger screen size at 3.2″ compared to the Sony 3″ screen. Not only is it larger in diameter, but it also has a significantly higher resolution at 2,100,000 dots. This may not be a deciding factor for many photographers, but that extra detail on the screen is definitely a nice touch!
Both cameras are weather sealed which means extra protection for those who like to shoot in less than favourable conditions.
Both cameras have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, which is great for transferring images and sharing online.
Both the Nikon Z6 and Sony a7 III have adequate storage and battery features for most kinds of photographers. However, the Sony model comes out on top here. It’s dual memory card slots are a big plus. It also has over half the battery life of the Nikon model according to the official CIPA ratings.
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Features
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Nikon Z6
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Sony a7 III
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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 | TFT 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. | 2,100,000 dots | 921,600 dots | |
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. |  | |
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon Z6
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Sony a7 III
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Memory Card | XQD | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo | |
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Dual Memory Card Slots |  | | |
Battery Type | EN-EL15b | NP-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 310 shots | 750 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
Nikon Z6 vs Sony a7 III - Which to Buy?
So, which camera should you choose? The answer is irritatingly simple – it depends on your needs! By comparing similar models and their specs, you can more easily identify which camera is best for your needs. We hope this comparison of Nikon Z6 vs Sony a7 III specs and features has helped make your decision easier.
We recommend you check out these trending comparisons too:
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DXO Mark Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon Z6
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Sony a7 III
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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.' | 25.3 bits | 25.1 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.' | 14.3 EVs | 14.7 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' | 3299 | 3722 |
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Scores
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Nikon Z6
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Sony a7 III
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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 |
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User Scores
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Nikon Z6
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Sony a7 III
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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