Sony Alpha a7S III Black 2020
Nikon Z Z9 Black 2021
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 Z9 Black 2021
The Nikon Z9 is widely praised as a flagship mirrorless camera that delivers outstanding image quality, blazing-fast autofocus, and robust build quality. Enthusiasts and professionals alike appreciate its continuous firmware updates, which have added valuable features and refined performance. While some users note its substantial weight and learning curve, the overwhelming consensus is that it is one of the best cameras available, offering exceptional versatility and reliability.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus speed and accuracy
- Superb image quality and color
- Robust build and weather sealing
- Long battery life
- Continuous firmware updates
Cons
- Heavy and bulky body
- Steep learning curve
- High price point
- Requires new Z-mount lenses for full benefit
Scores
Specifications
| Sony Alpha a7S III | Nikon Z Z9 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Phase 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 | 100 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | H.264, H.265 | ProRes 422 HQ, H.265 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3" | 3.2"★ |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 9.4M dots★ | 3.7M dots |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.61 kg★ | 1.16 kg |
| Battery Life | 1000 shots★ | 700 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 Z9 Black 2021
- Strong build (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong battery (98th percentile)98th %ile
Verdict
Scores 99 overall, wins 8 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.