Z5 IIvs A7S II
VS
Sony
A7S II (2015)
Starting from £799 new
Best for Low-light video, documentary & available-light filmmaking
View A7S II
GearScore™ Verdict — Which should you buy?
Full-Frame Value — Z5 II (2024): The most accessible full-frame mirrorless — dual card slots, weather sealing, and Nikon colour at a sensible price.
Low-Light Video, Documentary & Available-Light Filmmaking — A7S II (2015): A landmark in mirrorless history — the first Sony with IBIS and internal 4K, its low-light video capability still impresses today at a used-market price.
Who should buy what
Z5 II (2024)
- DSLR photographers making the switch to full-frame mirrorless
- Enthusiasts who want full-frame Z quality at the most accessible price
- Z5 owners wanting significantly improved autofocus and uncropped 4K
- Landscape and portrait photographers stepping up from APS-C
A7S II (2015)
- Filmmakers and videographers who want legendary low-light performance at a used-price discount
- Documentary shooters working in unpredictable available light conditions
- A7S III shooters who want a second Sony FE body for backup or B-camera use
- Budget-conscious video producers who want full-frame 4K with S-Log at an accessible price
Quick take: The z5 ii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s ii is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z5 II (2024) | A7S II (2015) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,299 | £799 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame BSI CMOS | 12.1MP full-frame BSI Exmor CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | 12.1MP |
| Video | 4K/30p oversampled, 1080p/120p, N-Log | 4K/30p internal (full sensor readout), 1080p/120p, S-Log2/S-Log3 |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle) | 169 phase-detect + 25 contrast AF — limited by modern standards |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 5.0 stops | 5-axis IBIS — 4.5 stops (first Sony mirrorless with IBIS) |
| Burst Rate | 14fps mechanical, 30fps electronic | 5fps continuous |
| Battery Life | ~470 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 700g body only | 584g body only |
| Dimensions | 134.0 × 100.5 × 69.9mm | 126.9 × 95.7 × 60.3mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 3.69M dots, 0.80× magnification | EVF, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" tilting touchscreen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Sony FE mount (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual SD UHS-II slots | Dual SD UHS-I slots |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | USB Micro-B, Bluetooth (via app), Wi-Fi, 3.5mm mic jack |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z5 II | A7S II |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | ||
| Landscape | — | |
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Travel | — | |
| Street | ||
| Sports & Action | — | |
| Vlogging & Video | — | |
| Low Light | — | |
| Wedding | — | |
| Sports | — |
More comparisons with Z5 II
Camera family history