Z6 IIIvs A7S
GearScore™ Verdict — 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.
Astrophotography & Low-Light — A7S (2014): The original A7S pioneered the concept of a camera optimised entirely for low light. Its 12.2MP sensor has enormous photosites — extraordinary high-ISO performance that still holds up. Lacking IBIS and limited to 1080p internally (4K requires external recorder), it is a specialist tool. For astrophotography, event videography, or any scenario where light is genuinely scarce, it remains outstanding.
Who should buy what
Z6 III (2024)
- Hybrid photographers who want partially-stacked sensor speed with full-frame quality
- Z6 II owners ready for a major AF and video upgrade
- Sports and action shooters who want 6K RAW video and fast burst
- Professionals who want a versatile full-frame Z body for any situation
A7S (2014)
- Astrophotographers
- Low-light event videographers
- Filmmakers needing clean high-ISO footage
Quick take: The z6 iii has the highest resolution at 24mp; the a7s is the most affordable. Scroll down for the full spec breakdown.
Full specifications
| Specification | Z6 III (2024) | A7S (2014) |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,199 | £600 |
| Sensor | 24.5MP Full-frame Partial-stacked CMOS | 12.2MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS |
| Resolution | 24.5MP | 12.2MP |
| Video | 6K/60p RAW, 4K/120p, 4K/60p oversampled, N-Log, 10-bit | 1080p/60p internal, 4K via HDMI (external recorder) |
| Autofocus | Phase-detect, 273 points, subject detection (human/animal/vehicle/aircraft) | Phase-detect / contrast-detect hybrid AF |
| Stabilisation | 5-axis IBIS, 6.0 stops | None |
| Burst Rate | 20fps mechanical, 60fps electronic | 5fps |
| Battery Life | ~380 shots (CIPA) | ~370 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight | 760g body only | 474g (with battery and card) |
| Dimensions | 138.5 × 101.5 × 74.0mm | 126.9 × 94.4 × 48.2mm |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF, 5.76M dots, 0.90× magnification | Electronic, 2.36M dots, 0.71× magnification |
| Screen | 3.2" fully articulating touchscreen | 3.0" tilting LCD, 1.23M dots |
| Mount | Nikon Z-mount (full-frame) | Sony FE (full-frame E-mount) |
| Memory Cards | Dual slots: CFexpress Type B + SD UHS-II | Single SD / MemoryStick PRO Duo slot |
| Connectivity | USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi | Multi/Micro USB, Wi-Fi, NFC |
Suitability by genre
| Genre | Z6 III | A7S |
|---|---|---|
| Vlogging & Video | ||
| Portrait | ||
| Sports & Action | ||
| Wedding & Events | — | |
| Landscape | ||
| Wildlife | — | |
| Astrophotography | — | |
| Street | — | |
| Travel | — |
GearScore™ suitability scores are based on aggregated purchaser reviews weighted by photography genre. See how scores are calculated →
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Camera family history