Nikon Z7 vs Sony a7R III Comparison
Nikon Z7
Sony a7R III
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Brand | Nikon | Sony | |
Model | Z7 | a7R III | |
Released Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2018 | 2017 | |
Announcement Date Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | August 23, 2018 | October 25, 2017 | |
Camera Type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless | |
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Camera Weight |
The Sony a7R III edges out the Nikon Z7 by just one point, with scores of 83/100 and 82/100, respectively. Both cameras are mirrorless and were released within a year of each other. They share similar dimensions, with the Sony a7R III being slightly smaller and lighter at 127 x 96 x 74mm and 657g, compared to the Nikon Z7’s 134 x 101 x 68mm and 675g.
The Sony a7R III holds an advantage with its lower launch price of $3200, while the Nikon Z7 was introduced at $3400. However, the Nikon Z7 is a newer model, having been announced in August 2018, compared to the Sony a7R III’s October 2017 release.
Despite their close scores, the Sony a7R III offers better value with a lower price and slightly smaller size. The Nikon Z7, on the other hand, provides newer technology, but at a higher cost.
Nikon Z7 vs Sony a7R III Overview and Optics
The Nikon Z7 emerges as the winner in optics, scoring 86/100, while the Sony a7R III trails closely with a score of 84/100. Both cameras share several specifications, including a CMOS sensor, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. They also have their respective lens mounts – Nikon Z for the Z7 and Sony FE for the a7R III.
The Nikon Z7 holds an advantage with its higher megapixel count of 45.7 compared to the Sony a7R III’s 42.4 megapixels. This difference allows the Z7 to capture more detail and produce higher resolution images. Additionally, the Z7’s Expeed 6 processor outperforms the a7R III’s Bionz X processor, contributing to faster processing speeds and better overall performance.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R III has a slightly faster shooting speed of 10 frames per second (fps) compared to the Nikon Z7’s 9 fps. This difference may be beneficial for photographers who require faster continuous shooting for action or sports photography. Furthermore, the a7R III has a marginally higher DXOMARK score of 100 for its sensor, as opposed to the Z7’s score of 99, indicating a slightly better sensor performance.
Taking these factors into consideration, the Nikon Z7 stands out as the better camera in terms of optics due to its higher megapixel count and superior processor. However, the Sony a7R III remains a strong competitor, offering faster shooting speeds and a marginally higher sensor score. 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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Sony a7R III
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Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 45.7 MP | 42.4 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. | 8256 x 5504 px | 7952 x 5304 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 | 24 x 35.9 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. | 9 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 (Native) Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 64 | 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. | 25,600 | 32,000 | |
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. | 32 | 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. | 102400 | 102400 | |
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. | 493 | 425 | |
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 | 3,686,400 dots |
Nikon Z7 vs Sony a7R III Video Performance
The Nikon Z7 outperforms the Sony a7R III in video capabilities, scoring 83 out of 100 compared to the Sony a7R III’s score of 56. Both cameras offer 4K video resolution with maximum dimensions of 3840 x 2160, ensuring high-quality video output. However, the Nikon Z7 excels in other aspects of video performance.
The Nikon Z7 has a maximum video frame rate of 60fps, double the Sony a7R III’s 30fps. This higher frame rate enables smoother motion capture and more flexibility in post-production editing, such as creating slow-motion effects. Additionally, the Nikon Z7 includes built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing for easy creation of time-lapse videos without the need for external accessories or software.
While the Sony a7R III has a lower video score, it still delivers 4K video resolution with the same maximum dimensions as the Nikon Z7. This means that the Sony a7R III is still capable of producing high-quality video content, despite its lower frame rate and lack of built-in time-lapse functionality.
Comparing the video capabilities of these two cameras, the Nikon Z7 proves to be the superior choice due to its higher frame rate and built-in time-lapse feature. The Sony a7R III, although not as advanced in video performance, remains a viable option for those prioritizing 4K video resolution. Ultimately, the Nikon Z7’s enhanced video features make it the better choice for videographers seeking more versatile and creative options.
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Video
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Nikon Z7
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Sony a7R 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 Ver. 2.0, MP4 |
Nikon Z7 vs Sony a7R III Features and Benefits
The Nikon Z7 outperforms the Sony a7R III in features with a score of 87/100, compared to the Sony’s 83/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, including a touchscreen, flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. Neither camera offers GPS functionality.
The Nikon Z7 excels with a larger 3.2-inch screen, compared to the Sony a7R III’s 3-inch screen. Additionally, the Z7 boasts a higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots, while the a7R III has a 1,440,000-dot resolution. This difference in screen size and resolution provides the Z7 users with a clearer and more detailed display for composing and reviewing images.
On the other hand, the Sony a7R III does not have any notable advantages over the Nikon Z7 in terms of features. Both cameras are on par with each other in their shared specifications. The slightly lower feature score of the a7R III is mainly due to its smaller screen size and lower screen resolution.
Taking these factors into account, the Nikon Z7 stands out as the better option for photographers who prioritize a larger and higher-resolution screen. The Sony a7R III, while still a strong contender, does not offer any unique advantages in features over the Nikon Z7. Considering their shared specifications and the Z7’s superior screen, potential buyers may find the Nikon Z7 to be the more appealing choice.
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Features
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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 Z7 vs Sony a7R III Storage and Battery
The Sony a7R III outperforms the Nikon Z7 in storage and battery with a score of 65/100 compared to the Z7’s 35/100. Both cameras share the feature of USB charging, but the similarities end there.
The a7R III has two memory card slots, accepting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with UHS-II compatibility, offering more storage options and flexibility. Additionally, its battery life of 650 shots is nearly double that of the Z7, which only provides 330 shots per charge. The a7R III uses an NP-FZ100 battery, contributing to its longer battery life.
On the other hand, the Nikon Z7 has a single memory card slot, supporting only XQD cards. Its battery, the EN-EL15b, provides a shorter battery life compared to the a7R III. However, the Z7 does have the advantage of USB charging, which the a7R III lacks.
Considering these points, the Sony a7R III is the clear winner in storage and battery capabilities, offering greater convenience and flexibility for users. The Nikon Z7 falls short in this category, but its USB charging capability is a small consolation.
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Storage and Battery
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Sony a7R III
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Memory Card | XQD | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible) | |
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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. | 330 shots | 650 shots | |
USB Charging |  | |
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DXOMARK Scores
Sensor scores tested by DXOMARK |
Nikon Z7
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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.' | 26.3 bits | 26 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.' | 14.6 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' | 2668 | 3523 |
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Scores
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Nikon Z7
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Sony a7R III
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Nikon Z7 vs Sony a7R III Alternatives
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User Scores
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Nikon Z7
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Sony a7R III
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B&H photo video |
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