Even though the Nikon Z6 and Sony a9 II are both 24 megapixel full-frame cameras, they are actually rather different under the surface. The Nikon Z6 is a general-purpose camera, that is capable in most types of photography, whereas the Sony a9 II shines in the toughest of action situations with a high-end autofocus system. Maybe you’re wondering if those fast-paced features are worth the extra $2000+ of the Sony a9 II. So, let’s put these cameras against each other below.
Nikon Z6 vs Sony a9 II Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z6 | Sony a9 II |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | August 2018 | October 2019 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 6 | BIONZ (front-end LSI) |
| Resolution | 24.5 MP | 24.2 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 6000×4000 | 6000×4000 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 36 x 24 mm (Full Frame) | 35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.94µ | 5.93µ |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | Yes |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 51,200 | ISO 51,200 |
| Extended ISOs | 50-204,800 | 50-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | No |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/32000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 30 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 12 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 12 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | None | Compressed raw only at 20 FPS (uncompressed raw is available at 12 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 43 (12 FPS) | 239 (20 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Autofocus Points | 273 | 693 |
| Low-Light AF Sensitivity (f/2, ISO 100) | -6 EV | -3 EV |
| Voice Memo | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/250 |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 8 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 10 (12 with paid upgrade) | 8 bits |
| Raw Video | No (Yes, externally, with paid upgrade) | No |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 30 FPS | 30 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 100 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External) | 4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External) |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 780 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 1 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B or XQD | SD (UHS-II) |
| Slot 2 Type | N/A | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.1 million | 1.44 million |
| Articulating LCD | Single Axis | Single Axis |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x | 0.78x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million | 3.69 million |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.1 | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15b | NP-FZ100 |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 390 frames | 500 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 410 frames | 690 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 675 g (1.49 lbs.) | 678 g (1.49 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 134 x 101 x 83 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 3.2″)1 | 129 x 96 x 78 mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 3.1″) |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $2000 (Check Current Price) | $4498 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Nikon Z6 Used Prices | Sony a9 II Used Prices |
| 1 The Nikon Z6’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the standards of other manufacturers, 15mm were added to the Z6’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
Both cameras have a similar resolution and form factor, and the specs above are actually more similar than you’d expect. But the specs are hiding the biggest thing that sets Sony a9 II apart: its autofocus system. The a9 II has one of the most capable autofocus systems on the market, more than enough for high-end wildlife and professional sports photography. Combine that with the a9 II’s 20 FPS shooting, and it’s clear why it costs more than double the Nikon Z6. If you are doing fast action, sports, or wildlife, the Sony a9 II is the obvious choice between the two, despite the higher price.
Then again, if that doesn’t apply to you, the Z6 is a much less expensive camera that could be plenty for your needs. There are many used models out there for under $1000 now – a great price for a full-frame camera like the Z6. Image quality is extremely similar between these two cameras, so if that’s your main concern, you can easily go with the Z6. It would also likely be my choice between these two cameras for videography, thanks to the option to send the Z6 for a $200 upgrade to gain Raw video output over HDMI.
The choice between these two cameras is fairly easy: If you need high FPS shooting and rock-solid autofocus for any situation, the Sony a9 II is the right choice. On the other hand, if you don’t need to photograph professional sports or birds in flight, the Nikon Z6 is a very capable camera. I personally use the Nikon Z6, and while it can’t compete in the AF department with the Sony a9 II, its autofocus is solid and still enough for everyday subjects.
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