nikon z7 versus sony a7 iii

Gear Review: Nikon Z7 Versus Sony A7 III

Nikon Z7 and Sony A7 III are designed for photography buffs and professionals on the lookout for a reliable beginner’s camera. Which one gives you greater value for your investment? You are about to find out in this Nikon Z7 vs Sony A7 III review.

Nikon Z7 and Sony A7 III are both mirrorless full-frame cameras that are available at an affordable price point. You can buy either for less than 4,000 USD without any attached lenses. Both also show promising versatility and high-quality image rendering, but they also have marked differences that will affect your overall experience.

Image Quality

Nikon Z7

Both cameras are supported by BSI CMOS image sensors and pixel chips. Sony’s A7 III does extremely well with 24.2 megapixels, but Z7’s 45.7 megapixels is impressive for a budget full-frame camera. It’s not all about the MPs though. You’ll definitely get more shots with the 10 frames per second from Sony A7 III vs Nikon Z7’s less snappy 9 fps. A7III is also armed with an ISO range of 50 to 204,800, which makes it a top performer for night scenes and low-light shots.

Build

Nikon Z7 weighs 41.4 ounces including its batteries and kit lens. Sony, on the other hand, weighs much lighter at 33.3 ounces when batteries and kit lens are attached. Both cameras have stable 5-axle support and boast dust and moisture resistant bodies. While both feel solid and sleek, Nikon’s more substantial size gives it a more comfortable grip than the lithe A7III.  

User Interface

The Z7 uses the same touchscreen menu system from Nikon’s DSLRs which makes it very easy to operate. In contrast, A7III has a more complex interface that could be quite confusing to navigate. Sony makes up for it with deep customization so you could access all your favorite features with an easy flick on the menu.

sony a7 III
Sony A7 III

Battery Life

For a smaller full-frame camera, Sony A7III has a pretty large battery capacity. Sony’s new NP-FZ100 has a CIPA rating of 650 shots and performs even better in actual use. In contrast, the Z7 only lives for around 250 shots and the USB charging hardly makes up for the shorter battery life.

Nikon Z7 Vs Sony A7 III

Nikon Z7 Pros

  • More comfortable grip
  • USB-chargeable batteries
  • Easy to navigate touchscreen panel
  • Higher megapixels for detailed close-ups

Sony A7III Pros

  • Faster continuous shooting
  • Better low-light  capacity
  • Longer battery life
  • Easier to carry

Both the Z7 and the A7III are built for high image quality and flexible use. Sony approaches this goal with a light build, strong built-in battery pack, and excellent range for both outdoor and low-light settings. On the other hand, Nikon packs ultra-high resolution into a solidly-built camera with painless navigation options. This Nikon Z7 vs Sony A7 III comparison ultimately boils down to Nikon’s stress-free handling versus Sony’s all-around photography.