Photography Life

PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels

  • Lens Reviews
  • Camera Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • Compare Cameras
  • Forum
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • About
  • Search
Home → Comparison

Nikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V

By Jason Polak 21 Comments
Last Updated On September 27, 2024

When I think of the closest Sony camera to the Nikon Z8, I think of the Sony a1 in terms of speed and resolution. However, if you take price into account, the closest Sony camera to the Z8 is probably the Sony a7R V. Both are high-resolution, advanced full-frame mirrorless cameras around $4000 – so, how do they compare?

Nikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V Specifications Comparison

Camera FeatureNikon Z8Sony a7R V
AnnouncedMay 2023October 2022
Camera TypeMirrorlessMirrorless
Sensor TypeStacked CMOSBSI CMOS
Image ProcessorEXPEED 7BIONZ XR with AI processing unit
Resolution45.7 MP61.0 MP
Pixel Dimensions8256×55049504×6336
Sensor Dimensions35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame)35.7 x 23.8 mm (Full Frame)
Sensor Pixel Size4.35µ3.76µ
Low Pass FilterNoNo
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)YesYes
Base ISOISO 64ISO 100
Max Native ISOISO 25,600ISO 32,000
Extended ISOsISO 32-102,400ISO 50-102,400
High-Resolution Sensor ShiftYesYes
Focus Stack BracketingYesYes
Pre-Shoot Burst ModeYes (JPEG only)No
Fastest Shutter Speed1/320001/8000
Longest Shutter Speed900 seconds30 seconds
Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter)No mechanical shutter10 FPS
Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter)20 FPS10 FPS
Notes for High FPS Shooting20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS)Compressed raw at 10 FPS (uncompressed and lossless compressed raw at 7 FPS)
Buffer Size (Raw)Over 1000 frames (20 FPS)583 frames (10 FPS)
Autofocus SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition
Autofocus Points493693
Low-Light AF Sensitivity (f/2 Lens, ISO 100)-7.5 EV-4 EV
Standard Flash Sync Speed1/2001/250
Video Features
Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal)12 bits10 bits
Maximum Video Bit Depth (External)12 bits16 bits
Raw VideoYesYes, externally
8K Maximum Framerate60 FPS25 FPS
4K Maximum Framerate120 FPS60 FPS
1080P Maximum Framerate120 FPS120 FPS
Additional Video Crop FactorNo1.24x crop at 8K and 4K 60p (otherwise no additional crop)
Chroma Subsampling4:2:24:2:2
Video Recording Limit90 minNo limit (4K); 30 minutes (8K)
Physical and Other Features
Card Slots22
Slot 1 TypeCFExpress Type BCFExpress Type A, or SD (UHS-II)
Slot 2 TypeSD (UHS-II)CFExpress Type A, or SD (UHS-II)
Rear LCD Size (Diagonal)3.2 in3.2 in
Rear LCD Resolution2.1 million dots2.1 million dots
Articulating LCDDual AxisFully Articulating
TouchscreenYesYes
ViewfinderEVFEVF
Viewfinder Magnification0.80x0.90x
Viewfinder Resolution3.69 million dots9.44 million dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%
Voice MemoYesNo
Built-in FlashNoNo
GPSNoNo
BluetoothYesYes
WiFiYesYes
USB TypeType C 3.2 Gen 2Type C 3.2 Gen 2
Battery TypeEN-EL15cNP-FZ100
Battery Life (Viewfinder)330 frames440 frames
Battery Life (Rear LCD)340 frames530 frames
Battery Life (Eco Mode)370 framesN/A
Weather SealedYesYes
Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card)910 g (2.01 lbs.)723 g (1.59 lbs.)
Dimensions (LxHxD)144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)1131 x 97 x 82 mm (5.2 x 3.8 x 3.2″)
Price Comparison
MSRP, Body Only$4000 (Check Current Price)$3900 (Check Current Price)
Used PricesNikon Z8 Used PricesSony a7R V Used Prices
1The Nikon Z8’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 5mm were added to the Z8’s depth measurements in this table.
Photography Life is part of the KEH and B&H affiliate programs. When you make a purchase through the affiliate links in this article, we can be compensated with a percentage of each sale. If you found this comparison useful, buying anything through these links allows you to support Photography Life at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our efforts!

Summary and Recommendations

Thinking about these two cameras, at first glance you might say that the Z8 is tuned for action and the Sony a7R V is a general-purpose camera. However, the comparison is much closer than say, between the Nikon Z7II and the Nikon Z8, because the Sony a7R V has an excellent autofocus system that borrows heavily from the Sony a1 (and even improves upon it in some ways).

In terms of image quality, the Sony a7R V leads in detail thanks to the 63 megapixel sensor. The Nikon Z8 has slightly less dynamic range as well. So although both cameras are good for landscape photography, the Sony a7R V leads in this area.

Sonya7RV--2
ILCE-7RM5 + FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II @ 37mm, ISO 1000, 4 seconds, f/4.0 © Alex Coleman

In terms of action photography, the Nikon Z8 unquestionably has the speed advantage. Its 20 FPS over 10 FPS will make a difference in some cases, and the same goes for the pre-release burst mode (even though it’s JPEG-only). If you’re primarily a bird-in-flight shooter, I believe the Z8 makes more sense between the two cameras.

As for video, the Z8 has higher frame rates in 8K and 4K video modes, as well as internal raw video. That said, the Sony can shoot 16-bit raw video externally, which could make a difference in some specialized applications. The a7R V also has no video recording limit when shooting 4K. Thus, even though the Z8 has better videography features overall, the better one for your needs may vary.

So, what do I recommend? The Nikon Z8 probably squeaks ahead in this comparison, but it’s close, and it really depends on what you shoot. My general recommendation is to stick with the brand you’re familiar with rather than spending a lot of money to switch. And if you’re not tied to any brand yet (maybe you’re picking one of these cameras for the first time), the Nikon Z8 and Sony a7R V are close enough that I’d base my decision upon lenses rather than the camera itself. I think you can’t go wrong with either camera.

Looking for even more exclusive content?

On Photography Life, you already get world-class articles with no advertising every day for free. As a Member, you'll get even more:

Silver ($5/mo)
  • Exclusive articles
  • Monthly Q&A chat
  • Early lens test results
  • "Creative Landscape Photography" eBook
Gold ($12/mo)
  • All that, PLUS:
  • Online workshops
  • Monthly photo critiques
  • Vote on our next lens reviews
 
Click Here to Join Today
 
Disclosures, Terms and Conditions and Support Options
Tagged With: Choosing a Camera, Nikon, Nikon Mirrorless, Nikon Z, Nikon Z8, Sony, Sony A7R V, Sony Mirrorless

About Jason Polak

Jason Polak is a bird and wildlife photographer from Ottawa, Canada. He has been interested in photography ever since he received a disposable film camera as a small child. His career as a mathematician led him to move to Australia in 2016, where he started seeing colorful parrots. A few casual shots with a lens completely unsuitable for birds got him hooked, and now wildlife photography is his biggest passion. Jason loves to show the beauty of animals to the world through photography, and one of his lifelong goals is to photograph five thousand species of birds. You can see more of Jason's work on his website or on his YouTube channel.

guest

guest

21 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Peter
Peter
August 2, 2024 3:47 am

Jason, the Nikon has lower dynamic range, even at iso 64, vs the Sony at 100, because the stacked sensor of the Nikon increases noise.
www.photonstophotos.net/Chart…0ILCE-7RM5

0
Reply
Jason Polak
Jason Polak
Author
Reply to  Peter
August 2, 2024 5:29 am

Thanks, Peter! Writing so many of these, it’s difficult to keep track of all those details. But it’s a great point and I forgot about that. Corrected!

0
Reply
Petcz
Petcz
July 26, 2023 1:45 am

Hi there, i think that both cameras are amazing. It depends on which manufacturer a person prefers. For me Nikon looks much more like a workhorse for pro users and Sony hybrid for everybody. Great for traveling with smaller and lighter lenses …

1
Reply
Jason Polak
Jason Polak
Author
Reply to  Petcz
August 2, 2024 5:30 am

Yes, absolutely!

0
Reply
Okwy Ugonweze
Okwy Ugonweze
June 25, 2023 4:13 am

Having shot the A7RV long enough I can say that Nikon Z8 is the better camera . Sony viewfinder and rearscreen is inferior to Nikon,numbers don’t tell the story rather shoot both cameras side by side ,moreover Sony viewfinder drops significantly while tracking .
Sony has better details but Nikon renders a more naturally pleasing looks .

2
Reply
Max
Max
Reply to  Okwy Ugonweze
November 29, 2023 6:55 am

I guess you don’t fully know the functions of A7rV. If you turn off Anti flickering in the options, the image quality in the viewfinder is the same both before and during focusing.

1
Reply
Jonathan
Jonathan
May 13, 2023 5:57 pm

Z8 screen tilts up in vertical position a7rv doesnt. The one LCD motion i really needed the Sony to do and it cant.

0
Reply
Bill101
Bill101
Reply to  Jonathan
May 18, 2023 3:11 pm

While the a7rv screen does not fold up, it does fold out to the side and rotate to face forward.

0
Reply
Wile E
Wile E
May 11, 2023 1:59 pm

What about AI AF and image stabilization? both are very strong proven by Sony, can Nikon compare to it?

0
Reply
Pieter Kers
Pieter Kers
May 11, 2023 12:54 am

An other big difference is that the Sony has a low readout sensor of about 1/15s and the Nikon has a fast one of about 1/270s ( as the sony A1 has) and can therefore be without a mechanical shutter.
Among others this means less (no) distortion on the Nikon side in silent mode with moving objects and in video less rolling shutter.

6
Reply
Jason Polak
Jason Polak
Author
Reply to  Pieter Kers
May 11, 2023 8:02 am

Very good point! I forgot about that one.

1
Reply
Pieter Kers
Pieter Kers
Reply to  Jason Polak
May 12, 2023 4:40 am

and … you can put Sony E-lenses on nikon’s Z-camera’s but not the other way around.
I have noticed a different approach towards lens design by Sony and Nikon… Nikon seems to more look at the actual image rendering, rather than just being technically better and smaller. Typical is the Sony 50mm f/1.2 lens that is in specs the better lens, but in rendering style I prefer the Nikon. ( have used them both) Also the smaller lenses of Sony have huge vignetting because of their smaller size. So this F/1.2 is only in the center of the lens the corners are more f/2.8.

1
Reply
Bill101
Bill101
Reply to  Pieter Kers
May 18, 2023 11:38 am

It’s notable that the Sony view finder has nearly there times the resolution of the Nikon. Also, relevant for hand held zealots, like me, the Z8 is 25% heavier.

2
Reply
Okwy Ugonweze
Okwy Ugonweze
Reply to  Bill101
June 25, 2023 4:15 am

The numbers is deceptive,shoot both cameras side by side like me and you realize that Nikon viewfinder and rear screen is way better .

0
Reply
Alex Coleman
Alex Coleman
May 10, 2023 7:02 pm

As a quick correction, the a7R V does support focus stacking, and it does it quite well :)

0
Reply
Rajagopal
Rajagopal
Reply to  Alex Coleman
May 11, 2023 12:06 am

I think he refers to in camera focus stacking. By what I read z8 has in camera composting vs need to transfer files to PC and use software to composite in case of Sony a7r5

2
Reply
Alex Coleman
Alex Coleman
Reply to  Rajagopal
May 11, 2023 12:47 am

Interesting – I didn’t catch that they have it in-camera on the Z8.

0
Reply
Norma
Norma
Reply to  Alex Coleman
May 14, 2023 11:44 am

Even the z6ii/z7ii have focus stacking in body

1
Reply
GlennCK
GlennCK
Reply to  Norma
May 15, 2023 8:27 pm

Neither the Z6 II, Z7 II nor Sony a7R V stack images in camera. Search the Nikon Z6/Z7 II manual for “focus stack” and you will get no hits. Nikon calls it “focus shift shooting” for a reason… no stacking is performed. To quote the manual: “Focus shift automatically varies focus over a series of shots. Use it to take photos that will later be combined using focus stacking to create a single image with increased depth of field.” The word “later” is not an error!

0
Reply
Dmitry
Dmitry
Reply to  GlennCK
May 15, 2023 10:15 pm

Similarly, Sony a7r5 does not generate a final file after the shooting is completed, but simply takes a series of pictures. My budget Z5 released in 2020 is also able to do this))

-1
Reply
Bill101
Bill101
Reply to  Dmitry
May 18, 2023 9:42 am

For me focus stacking outside the camera is fine, even preferable. Automatic focus stacking is imperfect and requires manual correction. External apps provide this function.

1
Reply

Learn

  • Beginner Photography
  • Landscape Photography
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Portraiture
  • Post-Processing
  • Advanced Tutorials
Photography Life on Patreon

Reviews

  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews
  • Best Cameras and Lenses

Photography Tutorials

Photography Basics
Landscape Photography
Wildlife Photography
Macro Photography
Composition & Creativity
Black & White Photography
Night Sky Photography
Portrait Photography
Street Photography
Photography Videos

Unique Gift Ideas

Best Gifts for Photographers

Subscribe via Email

If you like our content, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly email updates using the link below:

Subscribe to our newsletter

Site Menu

  • About Us
  • Beginner Photography
  • Lens Database
  • Lens Index
  • Photo Spots
  • Search
  • Forum

Reviews

  • Reviews Archive
  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews

More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Workshops
  • Support Us
  • Submit Content

Copyright © 2025 · Photography Life

You are going to send email to

Move Comment