Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7S III Comparison
Nikon Z6 II
Sony a7S III
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Brand | Nikon | Sony | |
Model | Z6 II | a7S III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2020 | 2020 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | October 14, 2020 | July 28, 2020 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Nikon Z6 II outperforms the Sony a7S III with a score of 83/100 compared to 74/100. Both cameras are mirrorless, released in 2020, and share similar dimensions. The Nikon Z6 II is slightly larger at 134 x 101 x 70mm, while the Sony a7S III is 129 x 97 x 81mm. Their weights are nearly identical, with the Nikon weighing 705g and the Sony at 699g.
The Nikon Z6 II’s higher score indicates its superiority in certain aspects, while also having a more affordable launch price of $1995 compared to the Sony’s $3499. Despite this, the Sony a7S III may excel in specific features or cater better to certain users’ preferences. Ultimately, both cameras are high-quality options, but the Nikon Z6 II stands out as the winner in this comparison.
Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7S III Overview and Optics
The Nikon Z6 II outperforms the Sony a7S III in optics with a score of 83/100 compared to the Sony’s 69/100. Both cameras have a full frame CMOS sensor, image stabilization, and lens mounts specific to their respective brands (Nikon Z and Sony FE).
The Nikon Z6 II excels with its 24.5-megapixel resolution, resulting in sharper and more detailed images than the Sony a7S III’s 12.1 megapixels. Additionally, the Nikon has a faster shooting speed of 14 frames per second, which enables capturing fast-moving subjects and action shots more effectively than the Sony’s 10 frames per second. The Nikon Z6 II’s Dual Expeed 6 processor contributes to its superior performance, while its sensor has a higher DXOMARK score of 94 compared to the Sony’s 86.
The Sony a7S III, despite its lower score, has some advantages. Its Bionz XR processor provides efficient processing and contributes to its excellent low-light performance. The camera also excels in video recording capabilities, making it a popular choice among videographers.
Considering the optics, the Nikon Z6 II is the better choice for photographers who prioritize image quality and shooting speed. Its higher megapixel count and faster processor allow for capturing detailed images in various situations. On the other hand, the Sony a7S III might be suitable for those who focus on low-light photography and video recording, as its processor is tailored for such performance.
In comparing these two cameras, the Nikon Z6 II takes the lead in optics, making it an ideal choice for photographers who value image quality and speed. The Sony a7S III, while not as strong in this aspect, still holds its ground in low-light performance and video capabilities.
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Optics
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7S III
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.5 MP | 12.1 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 | 4240 x 2832 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 XR | |
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 | 80 | |
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 | 102,400 | |
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 | 40 | |
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 | 409600 | |
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 | 759 | |
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 | 9,440,000 dots |
Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7S III Video Performance
The Nikon Z6 II outperforms the Sony a7S III in video capabilities, scoring 91/100 compared to the Sony’s 77/100. Despite this difference, both cameras share some common video specifications. They both have a maximum video resolution of 4K and dimensions of 3840 x 2160. Additionally, both cameras can record at a maximum frame rate of 120fps.
The Nikon Z6 II’s superior video score can be attributed to its built-in time-lapse functionality. This feature allows users to create stunning time-lapse videos without the need for additional equipment or software. This advantage sets the Nikon Z6 II apart from the Sony a7S III and makes it a more versatile choice for videographers who value this creative tool.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S III does not have built-in time-lapse functionality, which is a drawback for those who enjoy creating time-lapse videos. However, this does not mean that the Sony a7S III is a poor choice for video recording. Its 4K resolution, 3840 x 2160 dimensions, and 120fps frame rate still make it a strong contender in the market.
When comparing the video capabilities of these two cameras, the Nikon Z6 II emerges as the better option due to its built-in time-lapse feature, which adds versatility to its video recording capabilities. The Sony a7S III, while lacking this feature, still offers high-quality video recording, making it a suitable choice for those who do not prioritize time-lapse functionality. Ultimately, the decision between these two cameras will depend on the individual needs and preferences of the videographer.
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Video
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7S 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 | 120 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, XAVC HS |
Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7S III Features and Benefits
The Nikon Z6 II outperforms the Sony a7S III in terms of features, scoring 87/100 compared to the Sony’s 83/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as having a touchscreen, GPS, WIFI, and Bluetooth capabilities. However, the Nikon Z6 II has a larger screen size (3.2 inches) and a higher screen resolution (2,100,000 dots) than the Sony a7S III (3 inches and 1,440,000 dots). This difference in screen size and resolution provides a clearer and more detailed view of the images captured.
The Nikon Z6 II’s advantage lies in its superior screen specifications. The larger screen size and higher resolution contribute to a more enjoyable and accurate image reviewing experience. This is especially beneficial for photographers who need to check their images for sharpness and detail.
On the other hand, the Sony a7S III does have a flip screen, which the Nikon Z6 II lacks. This flip screen can be advantageous for vloggers and photographers who need to shoot from different angles or take self-portraits. Although the flip screen is a valuable feature, it is not enough to outweigh the benefits of the Nikon Z6 II’s larger screen size and higher resolution.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Nikon Z6 II emerges as the better option for those who prioritize screen size and resolution, while the Sony a7S III may appeal to users who value the flexibility of a flip screen. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer.
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Features
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7S 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 | 1,440,000 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 Z6 II vs Sony a7S III Storage and Battery
The Sony a7S III outperforms the Nikon Z6 II in storage and battery, scoring 76/100 compared to the Nikon’s 71/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and support USB charging. The Nikon Z6 II accepts SD, CFexpress Type B / XQD (UHS-II compatible) memory cards, while the Sony a7S III accepts SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) and CFexpress Type A cards.
The Sony a7S III has a longer battery life of 600 shots, compared to the Nikon Z6 II’s 410 shots. This advantage makes the Sony camera more suitable for extended shooting sessions. The Nikon Z6 II uses the EN-EL15c battery type, while the Sony a7S III uses the NP-FZ100 battery type.
Despite the lower score, the Nikon Z6 II offers compatibility with CFexpress Type B / XQD cards, which may be beneficial for some users. However, the Sony a7S III still stands out as the better option in terms of storage and battery performance.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7S III
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Memory Card | SD, CFexpress Type B / XQD (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress Type A | |
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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 | 600 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7S 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 | 23.7 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 | 13.9 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 | 2520 |
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Scores
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7S III
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Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7S III – Our Verdict
Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Nikon Z6 II or the Sony a7S III:
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User Scores
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7S III
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B&H photo video |
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