Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7 III Comparison
Nikon Z6 II
Sony a7 III
Price | |||
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Brand | Nikon | Sony | |
Model | Z6 II | a7 III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2018 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 14, 2020 | February 27, 2018 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Nikon Z6 II edges out the Sony a7 III with a score of 83/100 compared to 81. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released in 2020 and 2018, respectively. They share similar launch prices, with the Nikon Z6 II at $1,995 and the Sony a7 III at $2,000.
The Nikon Z6 II has a larger body, measuring 134 x 101 x 70mm, and is slightly heavier at 705g. This extra size and weight may provide a better grip and stability for certain users. On the other hand, the Sony a7 III is more compact, measuring 127 x 96 x 74mm, and lighter at 650g, making it easier to carry and handle for those who prefer a smaller camera.
Considering these factors, the Nikon Z6 II is the winner due to its higher score and larger size, while the Sony a7 III is a strong contender for those who value a smaller and lighter camera.
Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics
The Nikon Z6 II edges out the Sony a7 III in optics, scoring 83/100 compared to the Sony’s 81/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. They also have similar megapixel counts, with the Nikon Z6 II at 24.5 and the Sony a7 III at 24.2.
The Nikon Z6 II’s higher score is due to its faster shooting speed of 14 frames per second, compared to the Sony a7 III’s 10 frames per second. This makes the Nikon Z6 II more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the Nikon Z6 II features a dual Expeed 6 processor, which gives it an advantage in terms of processing speed and overall performance.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 III has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor, at 96 compared to the Nikon Z6 II’s 94. This indicates that the Sony a7 III’s sensor performs slightly better in terms of image quality. The Sony a7 III also uses the Sony FE lens mount, which gives users access to a wide variety of lenses and accessories.
In comparing the optics of these two cameras, the Nikon Z6 II stands out for its faster shooting speed and processing power, making it a better choice for action photography. The Sony a7 III, however, has a slight advantage in sensor performance and lens compatibility. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
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Optics
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Nikon Z6 II
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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. | 35.9 x 23.9 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. | 14 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. | Dual 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 | 100 | |
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. | 50 | 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. | 204800 | 204800 | |
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 II vs Sony a7 III Video Performance
The Nikon Z6 II outperforms the Sony a7 III in video capabilities, with a video score of 91/100 compared to the Sony a7 III’s score of 70. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a maximum video resolution of 4K and video dimensions of 3840 x 2160.
The Nikon Z6 II surpasses the Sony a7 III in several aspects. First, it offers a higher maximum video frame rate of 120fps, which results in smoother slow-motion footage compared to the Sony a7 III’s 30fps. Both models have a built-in time-lapse functionality, which allows for easy creation of time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software.
The Nikon Z6 II earns its higher video score due to its superior video capabilities, such as a higher maximum video frame rate. The Sony a7 III, on the other hand, does not offer any notable advantages in this area. For those prioritizing video performance, the Nikon Z6 II is the clear choice between the two cameras.
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Video
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Nikon Z6 II
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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. | 120 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 |
Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits
The Nikon Z6 II wins the features comparison with a score of 87/100, while the Sony a7 III scores 81/100. Both cameras share some common specs, such as touchscreen capabilities, WIFI, Bluetooth, and the absence of GPS.
The Nikon Z6 II excels with a larger screen size of 3.2 inches and a higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots. These features provide better image clarity and an improved user experience when reviewing photos or navigating menus.
On the other hand, the Sony a7 III has a flip screen, which the Nikon Z6 II lacks. This feature can be advantageous for photographers who need to shoot from challenging angles or take self-portraits. Despite this advantage, the a7 III has a smaller screen size of 3 inches and lower screen resolution of 921,600 dots, which may not offer the same level of image clarity and user experience as the Nikon Z6 II.
Considering the differences in features, the Nikon Z6 II stands as the better choice due to its larger screen size and higher screen resolution, which contribute to an enhanced user experience. The Sony a7 III’s flip screen is a valuable feature, but it may not be enough to outweigh the advantages offered by the Nikon Z6 II. Ultimately, photographers should weigh the importance of these features based on their individual needs and preferences when choosing between these two cameras.
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Features
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Nikon Z6 II
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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 | |
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 Z6 II vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery
The Sony a7 III edges out the Nikon Z6 II in storage and battery with a score of 81, compared to the Nikon’s 71. Both cameras share certain specifications, such as having two memory card slots. The Nikon Z6 II accepts SD, CFexpress Type B/XQD (UHS-II compatible) cards, while the Sony a7 III takes SD/SDHC/SDXC and Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards.
However, the Sony a7 III outperforms the Nikon Z6 II in battery life, offering 750 shots per charge compared to the Nikon’s 410 shots. The Nikon Z6 II uses an EN-EL15c battery, while the Sony a7 III uses an NP-FZ100 battery. Despite these differences, both cameras provide reliable storage and battery performance, catering to various user preferences and needs.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7 III
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Memory Card | SD, CFexpress Type B / XQD (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-FZ100 | |
Battery Life Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 410 shots | 750 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon Z6 II
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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 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.' | 14.4 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' | 3303 | 3722 |
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Scores
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Nikon Z6 II
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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 |
Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7 III Alternatives
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User Scores
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7 III
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B&H photo video | N/A |
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