Z6 IIIvs A7S III
Which should you buy?
Hybrid Video & Action — Z6 III (2024): Partial-stacked FF sensor for near-zero blackout, 6K RAW video, and 60fps burst — Nikon's most capable hybrid.
Professional Video & Low-Light Filmmaking — A7S III (2020): If video is your primary discipline, the A7S III is the camera. 4K/120p at 10-bit in a weather-sealed body with a 9.44M dot EVF is an extraordinary package. The 12MP sensor isn't limiting for video — and it's usable at ISO 409,600 in a pinch.
Who should buy what
Z6 III (2024)
- You need the best all-round full-frame camera in Nikon's Z system
- You shoot in challenging or low light and need exceptional high-ISO performance
- You want a hybrid body that genuinely excels at both professional stills and video
A7S III (2020)
- Filmmakers and videographers who need 4K/120p at 10-bit
- Event videographers who shoot in dark venues regularly
- Documentary filmmakers who need reliable AF and weather sealing
- Hybrid shooters where video is primary and stills are secondary
Quick take: The z6 iii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the z6 iii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z6 III (2024) | A7S III (2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,199 | £2,999 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame Partial-stacked CMOS | 12.1MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS (12-bit, back-illuminated) |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 6K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, 4K/60p oversampled, N-Log, 10-bit | 4K/120p 10-bit, 4K/60p 10-bit S-Cinetone/S-Log3, 1080p/240p |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle/aircraft) | Phase-detect, 759 points, real-time Eye AF (human & animal), subject recognition |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 6.0 stops | 5.5-stop IBIS |
| Burst Rate | 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic | 10fps mechanical |
| Battery Life | ~380 shots (CIPA) | ~600 shots (CIPA) / ~70min continuous 4K recording |
| Weight | 760g body only | 699g (body, battery, card) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 101.5 × 74.0mm | 128.9 × 96.9 × 80.8mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.90× magnification | OLED EVF, 9.44M dots, 0.90× magnification — best EVF Sony has made |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 1.44M dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Sony E-mount |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress Type A / SD UHS-II (both slots) |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB-C (USB 3.2 Gen 2), full-size HDMI, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth |
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