Nikon Z6 III vs Sony A7 IV

Two flagship hybrid cameras at the same $2,499 price. We compare video capabilities, autofocus, sensor technology, and long-term value.

Updated: February 2026

Nikon Z6 III vs Sony A7 IV side-by-side comparison

Quick Verdict

πŸŽ₯ Best for Video

Nikon Z6 III

Choose if: You prioritize cutting-edge video features. 6K N-RAW, partially stacked sensor, and excellent low-light make it a video production powerhouse.

Sensor 24.5MP FF (partial stacked)
Video 6K N-RAW, 4K120
IBIS 8 stops
Burst 20fps
πŸ“Έ Best for Stills

Sony A7 IV

Choose if: You need higher resolution and a mature ecosystem. 33MP sensor, extensive lens selection, and proven reliability for professional work.

Sensor 33MP FF BSI
Video 4K60 (1.5x), 4K30 FF
IBIS 5.5 stops
Burst 10fps

Full Specs Comparison

Specification Nikon Z6 III Sony A7 IV
Sensor24.5MP FF Partial Stacked CMOS33MP FF BSI CMOS
ProcessorEXPEED 7BIONZ XR
Video (Max)6K60 N-RAW internal, 4K1204K60 (1.5x crop), 4K30 FF (7K)
Video CodecsN-RAW, ProRes RAW (external)XAVC HS/S-I, ProRes RAW
Autofocus299-point 3D Tracking AF759-point Real-time Tracking
IBIS5-axis, 8-stop5-axis, 5.5-stop
Burst Speed20fps (mech), 120fps (JPEG)10fps
Card Slots2x CFexpress Type B / SD1x CFexpress A + 1x SD
Viewfinder5.76M-dot, 0.8x, 60fps refresh3.69M-dot, 0.78x
Screen3.2" vari-angle, 2.1M-dot3.0" vari-angle, 1.03M-dot
Battery Life~360 shots (CIPA)~580 shots (CIPA)
Weight760g (body only)658g (body only)
Price (Body)~$2,499 / €2,799~$2,499 / €2,699

Same Price, Different Strengths

Both cameras are priced at $2,499, but their designs reflect different priorities:

  • Sensor technology: The Z6 III's partial stacked sensor eliminates rolling shutter; the A7 IV's BSI sensor offers higher resolution (33MP vs 24.5MP)
  • Video capabilities: Z6 III wins with 6K N-RAW internal and 4K120; A7 IV is limited to 4K60 with crop
  • Stabilization: Z6 III offers 8-stop IBIS vs A7 IV's 5.5-stopβ€”significant for handheld video
  • Lens ecosystem: Sony has more native lenses; Nikon's Z-mount is growing but smaller
  • Battery life: A7 IV lasts nearly twice as long (580 vs 360 shots)

Bottom line: Video-first creators should choose the Z6 III. Resolution-focused photographers benefit from the A7 IV.

Video Comparison

Nikon Z6 III

  • βœ… 6K60 N-RAW internal (cinema quality)
  • βœ… 4K120 for slow motion
  • βœ… Minimal rolling shutter (partial stacked)
  • βœ… 8-stop IBIS for handheld work
  • ⚠️ Larger file sizes with N-RAW

Sony A7 IV

  • βœ… 4K30 oversampled from 7K
  • βœ… S-Cinetone color science
  • ⚠️ 4K60 has 1.5x crop
  • ⚠️ Noticeable rolling shutter
  • ⚠️ 5.5-stop IBIS (good, not great)

Winner: Nikon Z6 III. 6K internal recording and superior IBIS make it the clear choice for serious video work.

Autofocus Comparison

Nikon Z6 III

  • βœ… 3D Tracking AF system
  • βœ… Human/animal/vehicle detection
  • βœ… Works well to -10 EV
  • ⚠️ Occasionally loses subject in busy scenes

Sony A7 IV

  • βœ… 759 phase-detection points
  • βœ… Real-time Eye AF (human/animal/bird)
  • βœ… 94% frame coverage
  • βœ… More refined tracking algorithms

Winner: Sony A7 IV. More mature AF system with better subject recognition and tracking consistency.

Who Should Buy What?

πŸŽ₯ Choose Nikon Z6 III if you...

  • Shoot video professionally (documentaries, cinema)
  • Need 6K or 4K120 internal recording
  • Value minimal rolling shutter
  • Prefer Nikon ergonomics and color science
  • Need flagship-level IBIS (8 stops)

πŸ“Έ Choose Sony A7 IV if you...

  • Prioritize stills resolution (33MP)
  • Need all-day battery life
  • Want the largest lens ecosystem
  • Trust Sony's mature autofocus system
  • Value lighter weight (658g vs 760g)

Bottom Line

For video creators: The Nikon Z6 III is the better choice with 6K N-RAW, 4K120, and industry-leading 8-stop IBIS.

For hybrid shooters prioritizing stills: The Sony A7 IV offers higher resolution, better battery life, and a more mature ecosystem.

Both are excellent cameras at the same price. Your choice depends on whether video or stills is your primary focus.

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