Nikon Z Z8
Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z Z8
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
Sony a7S a7S III Black 2020
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
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z Z8 | Sony a7S a7S III | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 12.100000381469727 MP |
| ISO Range | 32★ | 80 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | BIONZ XR |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Photo, VideoPhase Detection: 493 | Phase Detection: 759Contrast Detection: 425 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 120 fps★ | 10 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | 10 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 120 fps | 240 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | ProRes RAW, N-RAW, ProRes 422 HQ | XAVC S (AVC), XAVC HS (HEVC), XAVC S-I (All-I) |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots | 9.4M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.82 kg | 0.61 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 340 shots | 510 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C 3.0 / 3.1/3.2 Gen 1 |
| HDMI | full-size HDMI | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z Z8
- Strong burst (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average social proof (23rd percentile)
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 (6th percentile)6th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (30th percentile)
Pricing
Verdict
Scores 86 overall, wins 5 of 10 usage categories and 6 of 33 specs.
