Sony Alpha a7S III Black 2020
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2024
What Buyers Say
Sony Alpha a7S III Black 2020
The Sony A7S III is overwhelmingly praised for its exceptional video quality, industry-leading autofocus, and outstanding low-light performance. Users highlight the improved ergonomics, build quality, and heat management, making it a reliable choice for professional video work. While the 12MP stills are considered secondary and some note expensive memory cards and mediocre bundled software, the overall sentiment is that this camera is a top-tier hybrid that justifies its cost for serious creators.
Pros
- Exceptional video quality
- Industry-leading autofocus
- Outstanding low-light performance
- Improved ergonomics and build quality
- Excellent heat management
Cons
- Expensive memory cards required
- Mediocre bundled software
- 12MP stills are secondary to video
- No internal raw recording
- Video format may need conversion
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2024
The Nikon Z8 is widely praised as a powerful, versatile mirrorless camera that excels in autofocus, image quality, and build. Users upgrading from DSLRs like the D850 or D500 find the transition smooth, and many highlight its exceptional performance for wildlife, sports, and video. However, a minority report issues with battery life, occasional autofocus misses, and a steep learning curve, while a few experienced defects or poor customer service from certain retailers. Overall, the Z8 is seen as a top-tier camera that delivers on its promise, though not without minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus performance
- High image quality and sharpness
- Great for wildlife and sports photography
- Smooth transition from DSLR
- Solid build and ergonomics
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Occasional autofocus misses
- Steep learning curve for some
- No included reference guide
- Some units had defects or recalls
Scores
Specifications
| Sony Alpha a7S III | Nikon Z Z8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 12.100000381469727 MP | 45.70000076293945 MP★ |
| ISO Range | 80 | 64★ |
| Processor | BIONZ XR | EXPEED 7 |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | AF-A (Automatic AF), AF-S (Single-shot AF), AF-C (Continuous AF) | Photo, VideoPhase Detection: 493 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 10 fps | 30 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/8000 | 1/32000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 4K | 8K★ |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 59 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.264, H.265 | N-RAW, ProRes RAW |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3.2"★ |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 9.4M dots★ | 3.7M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.61 kg★ | 0.82 kg |
| Battery Life | 1000 shots★ | 340 shots |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB-C |
| HDMI | full-size HDMI | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Sony Alpha a7S III Black 2020
- Strong battery (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong evf (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong build (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Below average sensor (7th percentile)7th %ile
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2024
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong burst (96th percentile)96th %ile
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 8 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.