Nikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V — Which Is Better?
Side by side50 specifications |
Nikon · Mirrorless · 45.7 MP · Full Frame · 8K video
Nikon Z8
86
WINNER
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Sony · Mirrorless · 61 MP · Full Frame · 8K video
Sony a7R V
85
SCORE
|
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| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2023 | 2022 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
May 10, 2023 | October 26, 2022 |
| Camera type | ||
| Camera size | 144 x 119 x 83 mm | 131 x 97 x 82 mm |
| Camera weight | 910 g | 723 g |
| Body design | Compact professional mirrorless body; vertical grip is an optional MB-N12 accessory, not integrated | — |
| Optics | 88/100 | 85/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonNikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V Overview and OpticsThe Nikon Z8 outperforms the Sony a7R V in optics with a score of 88/100 compared to Sony’s 85/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a CMOS sensor, full frame sensor size, and image stabilization. They also have their respective lens mounts, with the Nikon Z8 sporting a Nikon Z mount and the Sony a7R V using a Sony FE mount. The Nikon Z8’s advantage lies in its faster shooting speed of 30 frames per second, compared to the Sony a7R V’s 10 frames per second. This makes the Nikon Z8 better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the Nikon Z8 features a superior Expeed 7 processor and a higher DXOMARK score of 98 for its sensor, ensuring better image quality and performance. On the other hand, the Sony a7R V boasts a higher megapixel count of 61, which allows for more detailed images when compared to the Nikon Z8’s 46 megapixels. However, this advantage may not be significant for most users, as the difference in image quality may only be noticeable when printing large-format photos or heavily cropping images. While the Nikon Z8 edges out the Sony a7R V in optics, the latter still offers impressive specifications and image quality. The choice between the two cameras largely depends on the specific needs and preferences of the photographer. The Nikon Z8 is better suited for capturing fast action, while the Sony a7R V may be more appropriate for photographers seeking higher resolution images. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
45.7 MP050 | 61 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
8256 x 5504 | 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. |
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Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
30 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. |
Expeed 7 | 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. |
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Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
6430200 | 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. |
256003003280000 | 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. |
3230200 | 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. |
1024003003280000 | 1024003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
90044080 | 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. |
3200080032000 | 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. |
4930300 | 6930300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
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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 | 368640009900000 | 944000009900000 |
| Video | 100/100 | 100/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonNikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V Video PerformanceThe Nikon Z8 and Sony a7R V both earn a perfect video score of 100/100, showcasing their exceptional capabilities in this area. These cameras share several common video specifications, making them strong contenders in the market for video enthusiasts. Both cameras offer a maximum video resolution of 8K and video dimensions of 7680 x 4320, providing users with stunningly detailed and crystal-clear footage. Additionally, the cameras have a maximum video frame rate of 120fps, ensuring smooth video capture, especially for fast-moving subjects or slow-motion footage. Furthermore, both the Nikon Z8 and Sony a7R V come with built-in time-lapse functionality, allowing users to create captivating time-lapse videos with ease. The Nikon Z8 outperforms the Sony a7R V in certain aspects. However, the Sony a7R V also has its own advantages over the Nikon Z8. It is essential to consider the specific features and preferences that are most important to the user when selecting a camera. Taking into account the shared video specifications and individual advantages, both the Nikon Z8 and Sony a7R V are top-tier choices for those seeking high-quality video capabilities. The perfect video scores of 100/100 for both cameras reflect their exceptional performance and ensure users that either camera will deliver outstanding results. The choice between these two cameras ultimately depends on the user’s personal preferences and specific needs. | ||
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. |
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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. |
7680 x 4320 | 7680 x 4320 |
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. |
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| Verified modes | 8K recording and 4K at up to 120p | — |
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. |
— | MPEG-4, MOV, H.264, H.265, XAVC S, XAVC HS, XAVC S-I |
| Features | 87/100 | 87/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonNikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V Features and BenefitsThe Sony a7R V outperforms the Nikon Z8 in features, with a score of 87/100 compared to the Nikon Z8’s 61/100. Both cameras share some common specifications, such as a 3.2-inch screen size, touchscreen capabilities, and the absence of GPS. Additionally, both cameras offer WIFI connectivity for easy photo sharing and remote control. The Sony a7R V excels with its higher screen resolution of 2,100,000 dots, compared to the Nikon Z8’s 2,088,960 dots. This difference allows for a sharper and more detailed display on the Sony a7R V. The Sony camera also has a flip screen, making it more versatile for shooting at various angles and useful for vlogging or self-portraits. Furthermore, the Sony a7R V features Bluetooth connectivity, which the Nikon Z8 lacks. This enables seamless and efficient pairing with compatible devices for file transfers and remote control. On the other hand, the Nikon Z8 does not have any distinct advantages over the Sony a7R V in terms of features. Both cameras are fairly equal in their shared specifications, with the Sony a7R V having the edge in certain areas. Taking all of these points into consideration, the Sony a7R V is the superior camera when comparing features. Its higher screen resolution, flip screen, and Bluetooth connectivity make it a more versatile and user-friendly option than the Nikon Z8. While the Nikon Z8 is still a reliable camera, potential buyers should consider the added benefits of the Sony a7R V’s features before making a decision. | ||
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. |
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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. |
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| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
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| Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
20889601150001500000 | 21000001150001500000 |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
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Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
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Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
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| Tilting screen | Four-axis horizontal and vertical tilting touchscreen | — |
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. |
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| Storage & battery | 68/100 | 73/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonNikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V Storage and BatteryThe Sony a7R V wins the storage and battery comparison with a score of 73/100, while the Nikon Z8 scores 68/100. Both cameras have two memory card slots and support USB charging. They accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with the Nikon Z8 also compatible with UHS-II, CFexpress, and XQD cards, and the Sony a7R V supporting CFexpress Type A cards. The Sony a7R V outperforms the Nikon Z8 in battery life, offering 530 shots per charge compared to 340 shots for the Nikon Z8. This difference makes the Sony a7R V more suitable for extended shooting sessions. The Nikon Z8, however, benefits from a wider range of memory card compatibility, providing users with more storage options. Considering these factors, the Sony a7R V’s longer battery life gives it an advantage for photographers who need longer shooting times. The Nikon Z8, on the other hand, offers greater flexibility in memory card choices, which may be important to some users. Ultimately, the choice between the two cameras depends on the individual photographer’s preferences and needs. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC (UHS-II compatible), CFexpress, XQD | SD / SDHC / SDXC, CFexpress Type A |
| 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. |
340 shots1505000 | 530 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ||

