Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7C Comparison
Nikon Z6 II
Sony a7C
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Brand | Nikon | Sony | |
Model | Z6 II | a7C | |
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 | November 01, 2020 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
Camera Size | |||
Camera Weight |
The Nikon Z6 II takes the lead with a score of 83/100, while the Sony a7C trails at 78/100. Both cameras are mirrorless, released in 2020, with the Nikon Z6 II announced on October 14th and the Sony a7C on November 1st. They share similar launch prices: $1995 for the Nikon Z6 II and $1799 for the Sony a7C.
Nikon Z6 II outperforms the Sony a7C with its larger size (134 x 101 x 70mm) and heavier weight (705g), providing better stability and grip for photographers. On the other hand, the Sony a7C is more compact (124 x 71 x 60mm) and lighter (509g), making it a more portable option for those who prioritize mobility.
Choosing between the two cameras depends on individual preferences. The Nikon Z6 II offers a more robust build and superior performance, while the Sony a7C is a lightweight alternative for photographers on the go.
Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7C Overview and Optics
The Nikon Z6 II triumphs over the Sony a7C in the optics department with a score of 83/100 as opposed to the a7C’s 80/100. Both cameras share several specifications, such as having a CMOS sensor, Full Frame sensor size, and image stabilisation. Additionally, both cameras are equipped with their respective lens mounts – Nikon Z for the Z6 II and Sony FE for the a7C.
The Nikon Z6 II surpasses the Sony a7C with its 24.5 megapixels compared to the a7C’s 24.2 megapixels. This difference allows the Z6 II to capture slightly more detail in images. Furthermore, the Z6 II’s shooting speed of 14 frames per second is superior to the a7C’s 10 frames per second, enabling the Z6 II to capture fast-moving subjects with greater ease. The Dual Expeed 6 processor in the Z6 II also provides faster processing capabilities than the a7C’s Bionz X processor.
On the other hand, the Sony a7C holds a slight advantage in its DXOMARK sensor score, with 95 points compared to the Z6 II’s 94 points. This higher score reflects marginally better image quality and performance in the a7C’s sensor.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon Z6 II emerges as the superior choice for those seeking better optics, with its higher megapixel count, faster shooting speed, and more powerful processor. However, the Sony a7C remains a strong contender, offering slightly better image quality through its higher DXOMARK sensor score. Ultimately, both cameras are excellent options, but the Nikon Z6 II takes the lead in the optics category.
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Optics
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7C
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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/ 4000 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 | 2,360,000 dots |
Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7C Video Performance
The Nikon Z6 II outperforms the Sony a7C in video capabilities, scoring 91 points compared to the Sony’s 70 points. Both cameras feature 4K video resolution and 3840 x 2160 video dimensions, ensuring high-quality video output. Additionally, both cameras have built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing for creative video possibilities.
The Nikon Z6 II excels with its maximum video frame rate of 120fps, providing smoother motion and the ability to create stunning slow-motion footage. This higher frame rate is a significant advantage for videographers and filmmakers who require fluid motion in their videos. The Sony a7C, on the other hand, has a maximum video frame rate of 30fps, which is sufficient for standard video recording but lacks the flexibility and creative options offered by the Nikon Z6 II.
While the Sony a7C falls short in frame rate, it does not have any specific advantages over the Nikon Z6 II in terms of video capabilities. The lower score of 70 points for the Sony a7C indicates that it is not on par with the Nikon Z6 II in this aspect.
Considering the video capabilities of both cameras, the Nikon Z6 II emerges as the clear winner with its higher video score and superior frame rate. Its 120fps frame rate offers more creative possibilities and smoother motion in videos, making it a better choice for videographers and filmmakers. While the Sony a7C shares some common features with the Nikon Z6 II, such as 4K resolution and time-lapse functionality, its lower frame rate and video score make it a less desirable option for those prioritizing video capabilities.
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Video
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7C
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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 |
Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7C Features and Benefits
The Nikon Z6 II wins the features comparison with a score of 87/100, while the Sony a7C scores 81/100. Both cameras share common specifications, including touchscreen capabilities, WIFI, and Bluetooth connectivity. Neither camera has GPS.
The Nikon Z6 II boasts a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, compared to the Sony a7C’s 3-inch screen. Additionally, the Z6 II has a higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots, providing a clearer and crisper display than the a7C’s 921,600 dots. This difference in screen size and resolution makes the Nikon Z6 II a better choice for photographers who value image clarity and detail on their camera’s display.
On the other hand, the Sony a7C has a flip screen, giving it an advantage in terms of versatility and ease of use for different shooting angles. The Nikon Z6 II lacks this feature, which could be a downside for some users. Despite this advantage, the a7C’s overall feature score is still lower than the Z6 II.
Taking these points into consideration, the Nikon Z6 II outperforms the Sony a7C in terms of features, primarily due to its larger screen size and higher resolution. This makes it a better choice for photographers who prioritize display quality. However, the Sony a7C’s flip screen offers more flexibility for various shooting situations, which could be a deciding factor for some users. It is essential to weigh these factors when choosing between the two cameras, as individual preferences and needs will determine the best option.
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Features
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7C
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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 a7C Storage and Battery
The Nikon Z6 II takes the lead in storage and battery with a score of 71/100, while the Sony a7C trails behind at 45/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as being compatible with UHS-II memory cards and offering USB charging.
The Nikon Z6 II outperforms the Sony a7C with its dual memory card slots, accepting both SD and CFexpress Type B / XQD cards. This provides greater flexibility and backup options for photographers. However, the Z6 II falls short in battery life, offering 410 shots per charge with its EN-EL15c battery.
On the other hand, the Sony a7C boasts an impressive 740 shots per charge using its NP-FZ100 battery, but has only one memory card slot, accepting SD / SDHC / SDXC cards. This limits storage options and backup capabilities compared to the Nikon Z6 II.
Considering the above points, the Nikon Z6 II’s superior storage options make it a better choice for photographers requiring more flexibility and backup options. However, the Sony a7C’s longer battery life may appeal to those prioritizing extended shooting sessions.
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Storage and Battery
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7C
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Memory Card | SD, CFexpress Type B / XQD (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | |
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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 | 740 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7C
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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 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 | 3407 |
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Scores
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7C
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Nikon Z6 II vs Sony a7C – 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 a7C:
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User Scores
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Nikon Z6 II
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Sony a7C
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B&H photo video |
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