Nikon Z Z5 II

Nikon Z Z5 II

Nikon
78 Overall Score
vs
Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020

Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020

Sony
82 Overall Score

What Buyers Say

Nikon Z Z5 II

92 out of 100 high confidence 123 reviews

The Nikon Z5 II is overwhelmingly praised as a fantastic entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera that punches well above its price point. Users consistently highlight its excellent autofocus, impressive low-light performance, and comfortable ergonomics, making it a great upgrade from older DSLRs and the original Z5. While a few note minor drawbacks like the lack of a top LCD and a plastic build, the vast majority consider it an incredible value and a joy to use.

Pros
  • Excellent autofocus performance
  • Great low-light and high ISO capability
  • Comfortable ergonomics and grip
  • Excellent value for money
  • Lightweight and compact body
Cons
  • No top LCD screen
  • Plastic build quality
  • Limited video capabilities with crop
  • No external battery charger included
  • Slower buffer clearing with SD cards
👍 Autofocus performance 25
👍 Low light performance 12
👍 Value for money 18
👍 Ergonomics and grip 15
🤔 Build quality 8
🤔 Video capabilities 6

Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020

78 out of 100 high confidence 68 reviews

The Sony A7S III earns high marks from most users for its exceptional low-light performance, reliable autofocus, and excellent 4K video quality at up to 120fps. Many videographers and hybrid shooters praise its ergonomics, improved menu system, and heat management for typical use. However, a minority report serious overheating during extended recording, especially in warm environments, and some criticize the steep price, the lack of RAW video recording, and the need for costly high-speed memory cards. The 12MP sensor is loved for low-light stills but limits cropping ability for photography-centric users.

Pros
  • Exceptional low-light video and photo quality
  • Reliable and fast autofocus with eye tracking
  • Smooth 4K video up to 120fps
  • Improved menu system and customizability
  • Excellent build quality and ergonomics
Cons
  • Serious overheating during extended recordings
  • High price, especially with memory card costs
  • No internal RAW video recording
  • 12MP sensor limits cropping for photos
  • Expensive high-speed memory cards required
👍 Low light performance 12
👍 Video quality 14
👍 Autofocus 6
👎 Overheating 5
👍 Build quality 7
🤔 Value for money 8

Scores

Beginner
Nikon
70
Sony
90
Sports Wildlife
Nikon
63
Sony
86
Video
Nikon
67
Sony
85
Wedding Events
Nikon
70
Sony
81
Streaming
Nikon
64
Sony
79
Youtube
Nikon
66
Sony
79
Vlogging
Nikon
57
Sony
74
Photography
Nikon
61
Sony
72
Travel
Nikon
63
Sony
70
Product Photography
Nikon
70
Sony
65

Specifications

Nikon Z Z5 IISony a7S a7S III
Sensor
TypeCMOSCMOS
Sizefull-framefull-frame
Megapixels24.5 MP★12.100000381469727 MP
ISO Range10080★
ProcessorEXPEED 7BIONZ XR
Autofocus
AF Points
9
759
AF TypeContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 273Phase Detection: 759Contrast Detection: 425
Eye AF✓✓
Animal AF✓✓
Subject Detection✓✓
Shooting
Burst (Mechanical)30 fps★10 fps
Burst (Electronic)30 fps★10 fps
Max Shutter1/80001/8000
Electronic Shutter✓✓
Video
Max Resolution4K4K
4K FPS60 fps120 fps★
1080p FPS120 fps240 fps★
10-bit✓✓
Log Profile✓✓
RAW Video✓✓
Codec12-bit N-RAW, 10-bit N-LogXAVC S (AVC), XAVC HS (HEVC), XAVC S-I (All-I)
Display & EVF
Screen Size3.2"★3"
Touchscreen✓✓
Articulating✓✓
EVF Resolution2.1M dots9.4M dots★
Build
Weather Sealed✓✓
Weight0.62 kg0.61 kg★
Battery Life380 shots510 shots★
Connectivity
Wi-Fi✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
USBUSB-CUSB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1
HDMIMicro-HDMIHDMI Output
Hot Shoe✓✓

Pros & Cons

Nikon Z Z5 II

  • Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong user sentiment (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Strong battery (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
  • Below average af (2nd percentile)2nd %ile

Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020

  • Strong evf (99th percentile)99th %ile
  • Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
  • Strong af (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Strong build (96th percentile)96th %ile
  • Below average sensor (7th percentile)7th %ile
  • Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)

Pricing

Nikon Z Z5 II

Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020

No current pricing available

Verdict

★ Winner: Sony a7S a7S III

Scores 82 overall, wins 9 of 10 usage categories and 7 of 33 specs.

Nikon Z Z5 II Better at:

Product Photography

Sony a7S a7S III Better at:

VideoTravelYoutubeBeginnerVloggingStreamingPhotographyWedding EventsSports Wildlife

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