CameraReview

Nikon Z7 II vs Sony a7 III — Which Is Better?

Nikon Z7 II versus Sony a7 III
Side by side47 specifications
Nikon · Mirrorless · 45.75 MP · Full Frame · 4K video Nikon Z7 II
85
WINNER
Sony · Mirrorless · 24.2 MP · Full Frame · 4K video Sony a7 III
81
SCORE
Nikon Z7 II
Sony a7 III
General
Released
ⓘ
Refers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale.
20202018
Announcement date
ⓘ
Refers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera.
October 14, 2020February 27, 2018
Camera type MirrorlessMirrorless
Camera size 134 x 101 x 70 mm127 x 96 x 74 mm
Camera weight 705 g650 g
Optics86/10081/100
Read the Optics Comparison

Nikon Z7 II vs Sony a7 III Overview and Optics

The Nikon Z7 II outperforms the Sony a7 III in terms of optics, scoring 86/100 compared to 81/100. Both cameras share several common specifications, such as a 10 fps shooting speed, CMOS sensor type, full-frame sensor size, and image stabilization. They also have different lens mounts, with the Nikon Z7 II using the Nikon Z mount and the Sony a7 III using the Sony FE mount.

The Nikon Z7 II has a clear advantage in the megapixel department, with 45.75 compared to the Sony a7 III’s 24.2, allowing for higher resolution images. Additionally, the Nikon Z7 II features a dual Expeed 6 processor, which contributes to faster image processing and improved performance. Its DXOMARK sensor score of 100 further emphasizes the Nikon Z7 II’s superiority in image quality.

Although the Sony a7 III falls short in some aspects, it still has a respectable DXOMARK sensor score of 96, ensuring good image quality. The Bionz X processor in the Sony a7 III also contributes to efficient image processing. However, it is essential to note that it has fewer megapixels and a lower sensor score compared to the Nikon Z7 II.

Taking these factors into consideration, the Nikon Z7 II proves to be the superior choice in terms of optics with its higher megapixel count, dual Expeed 6 processor, and better DXOMARK sensor score. While the Sony a7 III remains a strong contender, it does not surpass the Nikon Z7 II in this specific aspect.

Megapixels
ⓘ
The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture.
45.75 MP05024.2 MP050
Image resolution
ⓘ
Image resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution.
8256 x 55046000 x 4000
Sensor type
ⓘ
The camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality.
CMOSCMOS
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 35.923.8 x 35.6
Sensor format
ⓘ
Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes.
Full FrameFull 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.
10 fps04510 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 ZSony 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 6Bionz 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.
3:23:2
Min ISO
ⓘ
Refers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image.
643020010030200
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.
256003003280000512003003280000
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.
32302005030200
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.
10240030032800002048003003280000
Minimum shutter speed
ⓘ
The minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory.
30440803044080
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.
800080032000800080032000
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.
43903006930300
In-body stabilisation
ⓘ
In-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake.
YesYes
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.
ElectronicElectronic
Viewfinder dots 369000009900000235929609900000
Video91/10056/100
Read the Video Comparison

Nikon Z7 II vs Sony a7 III Video Performance

The Nikon Z7 II outperforms the Sony a7 III in video capabilities with a score of 91/100 compared to the Sony’s 70. Both cameras share the same max video resolution of 4K and max video dimensions of 3840 x 2160. However, the differences in their video performance become clear when examining other specifications.

The Nikon Z7 II boasts a higher max video frame rate of 120fps, which is significantly superior to the Sony a7 III’s 30fps. This means that the Nikon Z7 II can capture smoother and more detailed slow-motion footage, giving videographers greater flexibility in their projects.

While the Sony a7 III falls short in some areas, it is still a capable camera for video production. Its 4K resolution and max video dimensions are on par with the Nikon Z7 II, ensuring high-quality video output.

Video
ⓘ
Indicates if this camera is capable of recording video.
YesYes
Max video resolution
ⓘ
The best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video.
4K4K
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 21603840 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 fps30 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.
YesNo
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, MP4XAVC S, AVCHD
Features87/10081/100
Read the Features Comparison

Nikon Z7 II vs Sony a7 III Features and Benefits

The Nikon Z7 II outperforms the Sony a7 III in features with a score of 87/100, compared to the Sony’s 81/100. Both cameras share some similar specifications, including a touchscreen, flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, neither camera has GPS functionality.

The Nikon Z7 II has a larger screen size of 3.2 inches compared to the Sony a7 III’s 3-inch screen. Additionally, the Nikon Z7 II boasts a higher screen resolution, with 2,100,000 dots, while the Sony a7 III has a screen resolution of 921,600 dots. These differences contribute to the Nikon Z7 II’s superior display and user experience.

Though the Sony a7 III falls short in some areas, it still offers a solid set of features. It matches the Nikon Z7 II in terms of touchscreen, flip screen, WiFi, and Bluetooth capabilities. However, the Sony a7 III does not surpass the Nikon Z7 II in any specific feature.

Considering the feature scores and specifications, the Nikon Z7 II is the better camera in terms of features. The larger screen size and higher screen resolution provide a more enjoyable user experience. Although the Sony a7 III is a competent camera with a decent set of features, it does not outshine the Nikon Z7 II in any particular aspect. Buyers seeking a camera with superior features should opt for the Nikon Z7 II, while those satisfied with a solid, reliable camera can consider the Sony a7 III.

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.
YesYes
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.
YesYes
Screen type TFT LCDLCD
Touch screen
ⓘ
Touchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons.
YesYes
Screen size 3.2"3"
Screen dots
ⓘ
Screen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel.
210000011500015000009216001150001500000
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.
YesYes
Live view
ⓘ
Live View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens.
YesYes
Wi-Fi
ⓘ
Built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly.
YesYes
Bluetooth
ⓘ
Bluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices.
YesYes
Storage & battery71/10081/100
Read the Storage & battery Comparison

Nikon Z7 II vs Sony a7 III Storage and Battery

The Nikon Z7 II and the Sony a7 III both have two memory card slots, but the Nikon Z7 II accepts SD, CFexpress Type B / XQD (UHS-II compatible) cards, whereas the Sony a7 III uses SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo cards.

The Sony a7 III surpasses the Nikon Z7 II in battery life, offering 750 shots compared to the Nikon’s 420 shots. This longer battery life makes the Sony a7 III more suitable for extended use without needing frequent battery replacements or recharging. The choice between these two cameras ultimately depends on individual preferences for USB charging and battery life.

Memory card SD, CFexpress Type B / XQD (UHS-II compatible)SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo
Dual memory card slots YesYes
Battery type EN-EL15cNP-FZ100
Battery life
ⓘ
Approximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take.
420 shots1505000750 shots1505000
USB charging YesYes

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