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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A9 III

4 · 0 TIE · 4

The Z9 wins 4 of 8 scored specs (resolution, max video, battery (cipa)); the A9 III wins 4 (burst, stabilization, weight). The Z9 is $2,001 cheaper.

4 WINSBuy it if you want: resolution, max video, battery (cipa).
4 WINSBuy it if you want: burst, stabilization, weight.
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Size, to scale

OPEN IN SIZE COMPARE →
FRONT (WIDTH × HEIGHT)
TOP (WIDTH × DEPTH), LENS FACING DOWN

Outer sizes are exact, from the makers' dimensions. Shapes are drawn by us to show each body style; the dashed circle is the lens mount at its real diameter.

  • Nikon Z9149 × 149.5 × 90.5 mm · 1340 g
  • Sony A9 III136.1 × 96.9 × 82.9 mm · 702 g

Where they differ

ADD A THIRD CAMERA →
Z9A9 III
PRICE & SCORE
Price$4,797BEST$6,798
CameraFits score9.39.4BEST
PHOTO
Resolution45.7 MPBEST24.6 MP
BurstThe fastest frames per second the maker quotes. Top speeds often use the electronic shutter and may limit autofocus. Higher helps for sports, wildlife and kids.30 fps120 fpsBEST
StabilizationIn-body stabilisation. Each stop lets you shoot at half the shutter speed without blur, so 8 stops means very steady handheld shots.6 stops8 stopsBEST
ShutterFastest mechanical and electronic shutter speeds. The silent electronic shutter can freeze faster motion, but may bend fast subjects on slower sensors.Electronic only, 1/32000Electronic only, 1/80000
AutofocusWhat the camera recognises and tracks automatically, and how dark it can get before focus struggles (lower EV is better in low light).People, animals, birds, vehicles, aircraft, trains · down to −9 EVPeople, animals, birds, insects, vehicles, aircraft, trains · down to −5 EV
VIDEO
Max videoThe highest video resolution it records internally.8KBEST4K
Rolling shutterHow fast the sensor reads out, measured in lab tests. Slower readout bends fast-moving subjects and quick pans in video and electronic-shutter photos; under 10 ms is very good.14.5 ms · 8K full width, CineD—
Log profileA flat picture profile that keeps highlight and shadow detail for colour grading later.N-LogS-Log3
Raw videoRaw keeps the most image data for editing, at much larger file sizes. Some cameras only record it to an external recorder.Internal N-RAW + ProRes RAW16-bit RAW via HDMI
BODY & HANDLING
Battery (CIPA)Shots per charge on the CIPA standard test, using the rear screen. Real-world numbers are often higher.740 shotsBEST530 shots
WeightBody with battery and card, without a lens.1340 g702 gBEST
ViewfinderElectronic viewfinder resolution and magnification. More dots and a bigger magnification give a sharper, larger view.3.69M-dot, 0.8×9.44M-dot, 0.9×
Card slotsTwo slots let you record a backup copy at the same time, which matters for paid work like weddings.2x CFexpress B2x CFexpress A/SD UHS-II
SYSTEM
MountWhich lenses fit natively. Other lenses may work through an adapter.Nikon ZSony E
Native lenses50+200+

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