Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Sony |
| Model | Z6 II | a7R IVA |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2020 | 2021 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
14/10/2020 | 07/04/2021 |
| Camera type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 134 x 101 x 70 mm | 129 x 96 x 78 mm |
| Camera weight | 705 g | 665 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
24.5 MP050 | 61 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
6048 x 4024 | 9504 x 6336 |
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 | 35.7 x 23.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Full Frame |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
14 fps045 | 10 fps045 |
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 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘ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. |
512003003280000 | 320003003280000 |
Min 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. |
5030200 | 5030200 |
Max 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. |
2048003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max 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. |
800080032000 | 800080032000 |
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. |
2730300 | 5670300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘ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 dots | 369000009900000 | 576000009900000 |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
4K | 4K |
Max video format ⓘ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 | 3840 x 2160 |
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 fps | 120 fps |
Timelapse 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 | MPEG-4, MOV, H.264 |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
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 | TFT 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 dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
21000001150001500000 | 23600001150001500000 |
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 ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✓ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD, CFexpress Type B / XQD (UHS-II compatible) | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) |
| 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 shots1505000 | 670 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✓ | ✓ |
The Sony a7R IVA emerges as the winner with a score of 85/100, compared to the Nikon Z6 II‘s 83/100. Both cameras are mirrorless and share similar size and weight, with the Sony a7R IVA being slightly smaller and lighter. The Nikon Z6 II was announced in October 2020, while the Sony a7R IVA was introduced in July 2021.
The Sony a7R IVA excels with its higher score and more recent release, but it comes at a higher launch price of $3500 compared to the Nikon Z6 II’s $1995. Despite the price difference, the Sony a7R IVA’s advantages make it a strong competitor.
The Nikon Z6 II, however, offers a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much in terms of quality. Its slightly lower score does not hinder its overall performance, making it a solid choice for those looking for a more affordable mirrorless camera.
Considering these points, both cameras provide excellent options for photographers, with the Sony a7R IVA offering a higher-end experience and the Nikon Z6 II catering to those seeking a more cost-effective solution.
The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Nikon Z6 II in optics, scoring 85/100 compared to the Nikon’s 83/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. They also have different lens mounts, with the Nikon Z6 II using the Nikon Z mount and the Sony a7R IVA featuring the Sony FE mount.
The Sony a7R IVA excels in megapixels, boasting a remarkable 61 compared to the Nikon Z6 II’s 24.5. This significant difference results in the Sony camera capturing more detail and allowing for larger prints. Additionally, the a7R IVA has a higher DXOMARK score for its sensor at 99, compared to the Nikon’s 94. This score implies that the Sony camera can produce better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions.
On the other hand, the Nikon Z6 II has a faster shooting speed of 14 frames per second (fps) compared to the Sony a7R IVA’s 10 fps. This advantage makes the Nikon camera more suitable for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as sports and wildlife photography. The Nikon Z6 II also benefits from a dual Expeed 6 processor, which contributes to better overall performance and faster image processing.
While the Sony a7R IVA leads in image quality and detail due to its higher megapixels and DXOMARK score, the Nikon Z6 II holds an edge in shooting speed and processing power. The choice between these two cameras ultimately depends on the photographer’s priorities and the type of photography they plan to do.
The Nikon Z6 II and Sony a7R IVA both have a video score of 91/100, indicating a tie in their video capabilities. They share several common specifications, such as a max video resolution of 4K, max video dimensions of 3840 x 2160, and a max video frame rate of 120fps. Additionally, both cameras have built-in time-lapse functionality.
The Nikon Z6 II excels in its user-friendly design and ergonomic handling, making it an excellent choice for videographers who prioritize comfort and ease of use during long shooting sessions. It also features a robust build, ensuring durability and reliability for various shooting conditions.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R IVA offers superior autofocus performance, which is crucial for capturing sharp and precise video footage. Its advanced tracking capabilities ensure that subjects remain in focus, even during fast-paced action scenes. Furthermore, the a7R IVA is known for its exceptional image quality, making it a strong contender for those seeking high-resolution video output.
Considering these factors, the Nikon Z6 II is an ideal choice for videographers who value ergonomic design and durability, while the Sony a7R IVA is a better fit for those who prioritize autofocus performance and image quality. Ultimately, the choice between these two cameras depends on the individual’s preferences and specific video requirements.
The Nikon Z6 II edges out the Sony a7R IVA with a feature score of 87/100 compared to Sony’s 85/100. Both cameras share several common features, including touchscreen capabilities, WIFI, Bluetooth, and the absence of GPS. However, there are key differences that make the Nikon Z6 II a better camera in terms of features.
The Nikon Z6 II has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches, compared to the Sony a7R IVA’s 3 inches. This larger screen provides a better viewing experience for photographers when composing and reviewing images. Additionally, the Nikon Z6 II’s screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots is slightly lower than the Sony a7R IVA’s 2,360,000 dots, but this difference is hardly noticeable, and both deliver sharp and clear image previews.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R IVA has a flip screen, which the Nikon Z6 II lacks. This feature makes the Sony a7R IVA more versatile for shooting at different angles and for vlogging purposes. However, this advantage does not make up for the overall better feature set of the Nikon Z6 II.
The Nikon Z6 II’s higher feature score of 87/100 demonstrates its superiority over the Sony a7R IVA, which scores 85/100. The larger screen size and comparable screen resolution make the Nikon Z6 II the better choice for photographers looking for a camera with excellent features. Although the Sony a7R IVA has a flip screen, this single advantage fails to outweigh the benefits offered by the Nikon Z6 II.
The Sony a7R IVA outperforms the Nikon Z6 II in storage and battery, scoring 79/100 compared to the Nikon’s 71/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and support USB charging. However, there are key differences that give the Sony a7R IVA an edge.
The Sony a7R IVA accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards (UHS-II compatible), while the Nikon Z6 II takes SD and CFexpress Type B/XQD cards (UHS-II compatible). The Sony camera has a longer battery life, offering 670 shots per charge, compared to the Nikon’s 410 shots. The Sony a7R IVA uses the NP-FZ100 battery, while the Nikon Z6 II uses the EN-EL15c battery.
The Nikon Z6 II does not surpass the Sony a7R IVA in any aspect of storage and battery. The Sony a7R IVA is the clear winner in this category, with a more extensive range of memory card compatibility and a significantly longer battery life.

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 a7R IVA: