Sony a7R III vs Nikon Z8: What Should You Get?

Sony a7R III vs Nikon Z8 Specifications Comparison

Camera FeatureSony a7R IIINikon Z8
AnnouncedOctober 2017May 2023
Camera TypeMirrorlessMirrorless
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSStacked CMOS
Image ProcessorBIONZ XEXPEED 7
Resolution42.4 MP45.7 MP
Pixel Dimensions7952×53048256×5504
Sensor Dimensions35.9 x 24.0 mm (Full Frame)35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame)
Sensor Pixel Size4.51µ4.35µ
Low Pass FilterNoNo
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)YesYes
Base ISOISO 100ISO 64
Max Native ISOISO 32,000ISO 25,600
Extended ISOsISO 50-102,400ISO 32-102,400
High-Resolution Sensor ShiftYesNo
Focus Stack BracketingNoYes
Pre-Shoot Burst ModeNoYes (JPEG only)
Fastest Shutter Speed1/80001/32000
Longest Shutter Speed30 seconds900 seconds
Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter)10 FPSNo mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter)10 FPS20 FPS
Notes for High FPS ShootingCompressed 12-bit raw at 10 FPS (uncompressed 14-bit raw is available at 6 FPS)20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS)
Buffer Size (Raw)76 frames (10 FPS)Over 1000 frames (20 FPS)
Autofocus SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF
Autofocus Points399 493
Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100)-3 EV-7.5 EV
Standard Flash Sync Speed1/2501/200
Curtain to Protect Sensor at ShutdownNoYes
Video Features
Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal)8 bits12 bits
Maximum Video Bit Depth (External)8 bits12 bits
Raw VideoNoYes
8K Maximum FramerateN/A60 FPS
4K Maximum Framerate30 FPS120 FPS
1080P Maximum Framerate120 FPS120 FPS
Additional Video Crop FactorNoNo
Chroma Subsampling4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External)4:2:2
Video Recording Limit30 min90 min
Physical and Other Features
Card Slots2 2
Slot 1 TypeSD (UHS-II)CFExpress Type B
Slot 2 TypeSD (UHS-I)SD (UHS-II)
Rear LCD Size (Diagonal)3.0 in3.2 in
Rear LCD Resolution1.44 million dots2.1 million dots
Articulating LCDSingle AxisDual Axis
TouchscreenYesYes
ViewfinderEVFEVF
Viewfinder Magnification0.78x0.8x
Viewfinder Resolution3.69 million dots3.69 million dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%
Voice MemoNoYes
Headphone JackYesYes
Microphone JackYesYes
Built-in FlashNoNo
GPSNoNo
BluetoothYesYes
WiFiYesYes
USB TypeType C 3.1Two Type C 3.2 Gen 2 ports
Battery TypeNP-FZ100EN-EL15c
Battery Life (Viewfinder)530 frames330 frames
Battery Life (Rear LCD)650 frames340 frames
Battery Life (Eco Mode)N/A370 frames
Weather SealedYesYes
Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card)657 g (1.45 lbs.)910 g (2.01 lbs.)
Dimensions (LxHxD)127 x 96 x 74 mm (5.0 x 3.8 x 2.9″)144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)1
Price Comparison
MSRP, Body Only$2200 (Check Current Price)$4000 (Check Current Price)
Used PricesSony a7R III Used PricesNikon Z8 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 measurement in this table.


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