In many ways, the Sony a9 II and the Nikon Z8 are very similar cameras because they are built for the same thing: action. Both have very advanced autofocus systems and would be capable of handling even the most tricky bird-in-flight or action sports situation. However, these two cameras do have significant differences as well. What would I recommend for first-time buyers looking at these advanced cameras? Read on to find out!
Sony a9 II vs Nikon Z8 Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Sony a9 II | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | October 2019 | May 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | Stacked CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | BIONZ X (front-end LSI) | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 24.2 MP | 45.7 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 6000×4000 | 8256×5504 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.6 x 23.8 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.93µ | 4.35µ |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | No |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 64 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 51,200 | ISO 25,600 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 50-204,800 | ISO 32-102,400 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | Yes |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | No | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | No | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/32000 | 1/32000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 10 FPS | No mechanical shutter |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 20 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | Compressed 12-bit raw at 20 FPS (uncompressed 14-bit raw is available at 12 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) | 239 frames (20 FPS) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Autofocus Points | 693 | 493 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -3 EV | -7.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/250 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | Yes | Yes |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 8 bits | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | No | Yes |
| 8K Maximum Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 30 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External) | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 780 min | 90 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | SD (UHS-II) | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.0 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 1.44 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Single Axis | Dual Axis |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.78x | 0.8x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 | Two Type C 3.2 Gen 2 ports |
| Battery Type | NP-FZ100 | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 500 frames | 330 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 690 frames | 340 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | N/A | 370 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 678 g (1.49 lbs.) | 910 g (2.01 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 129 x 96 x 78 mm (5.1 x 3.8 x 3.1″) | 144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)1 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $4500 (Check Current Price) | $4000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Sony a9 II Used Prices | Nikon 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. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
On paper, these cameras have are somewhat similar, even down to the price. Of course, many people will look first at the resolution difference: the Sony a9 II has a 24MP sensor whereas the Nikon Z8 has a 45.7MP sensor. And it makes sense to consider this significant resolution difference, because it will make a difference in cropping.
The Nikon Z8 has other advantages over the Sony as well. It’s a newer camera, has much better video features, and arguably has a better lens selection over the Sony. Because of all these reasons, I would recommend the Z8 to most buyers over the Sony a9 II.
That’s not to say that the a9 II is worse. In fact, Sony’s implementation of autofocus may be preferable to some, and in some cases, it can outperform the Z8. Of course, we’re splitting hairs here with such advanced cameras. In fact, if you can’t get the shot with either of these cameras, chances are, it’s not the camera.
The a9 II is also a bit cheaper on the used market now, and if you’re already in the Sony system, the a9 II might make more sense. Still, it’s hard to argue agaist the Nikon Z8 since it can pretty much do everything the a9 II can do, and it has a lower MSRP to boot.
What does the Sony a9 II offer over the Nikon Z8?
- Better battery life when using the viewfinder, with approximately 170 more shots according to CIPA measurements
- Lighter weight (232g lighter or about 1.3 times lighter)
What does the Nikon Z8 offer over the Sony a9 II?
- 1.89 times more megapixels (24.2MP vs 45.7MP)
- Higher resolution rear display, with about 1.5x more dots, making image review in the field easier
- Lower price, costing $500 less
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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