Sony Alpha a1 Black 2021
Nikon Z Z 7II Black 2020
What Buyers Say
Sony Alpha a1 Black 2021
The Sony Alpha 1 is overwhelmingly praised as a revolutionary hybrid camera, with users highlighting its exceptional autofocus, high-resolution stills, and impressive 8K video capabilities. Many reviewers call it the best camera they've ever owned, particularly for wildlife and sports photography. However, a few significant issues are noted, including firmware updates that break Wi-Fi/Bluetooth and reject third-party batteries, plus a rare but serious EVF failure in direct sunlight. Despite the high price, most feel it delivers exceptional value for professionals.
Pros
- Exceptional autofocus
- High-resolution 50MP sensor
- Impressive 8K video quality
- Fast 30fps burst shooting
- Excellent for wildlife and sports
Cons
- Firmware updates break Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
- Non-Sony batteries rejected after update
- EVF fails in direct sunlight
- High price
- Back screen quality mediocre
Nikon Z Z 7II Black 2020
The Nikon Z7 II is widely praised for its exceptional image quality, high resolution, and lightweight design, making it a popular upgrade from DSLRs like the D850. Users appreciate the sharpness, dynamic range, and the ability to use existing F-mount lenses via the FTZ adapter. However, several reviewers note that the autofocus, while improved, still lags behind competitors, and some find the ergonomics, battery life, and lack of GPS to be drawbacks. Overall, it's seen as a great value for landscape and portrait photography, though not ideal for fast action.
Pros
- Exceptional image quality
- High resolution 45.7MP sensor
- Lightweight and compact body
- Excellent dynamic range
- Sharp and detailed images
Cons
- Autofocus lags behind competitors
- Battery life drains quickly
- Ergonomic issues with dials and cable release
- No built-in GPS
- CFexpress card costs more
Scores
Specifications
| Sony Alpha a1 | Nikon Z Z 7II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 50.099998474121094 MP★ | 45.70000076293945 MP |
| ISO Range | 100 | 64★ |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | EXPEED 6 |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Phase Detection: 759Contrast Detection: 425 | Phase Detection: 493 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps★ | 10 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 30 fps | 120 fps★ |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 240 fps★ | 100 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.265/XAVC HS, H.264/XAVC S-I, H.264/XAVC S | H.264 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3.2"★ |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 9.4M dots★ | 3.6M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.65 kg | 0.61 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 430 shots★ | 400 shots |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 |
| HDMI | HDMI | Mini HDMI★ |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Sony Alpha a1 Black 2021
- Strong evf (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
Nikon Z Z 7II Black 2020
- Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong build (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong burst (94th percentile)94th %ile
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 8 of 33 specs.