Sony Alpha A7 IV VS Nikon Z6 III
Full-frame hybrid shooters for photography and video — 2024’s best mirrorless cameras
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Our Pick: Nikon Z6 III — Partially stacked sensor enables 6K RAW video and 120fps full-frame — a true hybrid milestone
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec | Sony Alpha A7 IV | Nikon Z6 III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 33 MP full-frame BSI CMOS | 24.5 MP partially stacked CMOS |
| ISO Range | 100–51,200 (exp. 50–204,800) | 64–64,000 (exp. 51,200–204,800) |
| Autofocus | 759 phase-detect points, AI tracking | 273 phase-detect points, subject tracking |
| Burst Rate | 10 fps (mech) / 10 fps (e-shutter) | 14 fps (mech) / 20 fps (e-shutter) |
| Video Max | 4K 60fps (full-frame), 4K 120fps (crop) | 6K 60fps RAW, 4K 120fps full-frame (!) |
| Video Codecs | XAVC S, XAVC HS, H.265 | 6K RAW, ProRes RAW, N-Log |
| IBIS | 5.5-stop (5-axis) | 8-stop (5-axis) |
| Viewfinder | 3.68M-dot OLED EVF | 5.76M-dot OLED EVF (better!) |
| Rear Screen | 3″ vari-angle touchscreen | 3.2″ vari-angle touchscreen |
| Battery Life | 520 shots (CIPA) | 380 shots (CIPA) |
| Weight (body) | 659 g | 760 g |
| Price (body) | ~$2,498 | ~$1,996 |
Sony Alpha A7 IV
- ✓ Higher 33 MP resolution for detailed stills
- ✓ Better battery life (520 vs 380 shots)
- ✓ Lighter body
- ✓ Sony’s massive native lens ecosystem
- ✓ More affordable full-frame lens options
- ✗ 4K 120fps requires crop (not full-frame)
- ✗ No 6K RAW — video maxes at 4K
- ✗ Lower-res EVF
- ✗ No ProRes RAW
Nikon Z6 III
- ✓ 6K RAW video — professional cinematic output
- ✓ 4K 120fps full-frame (Sony can’t match this)
- ✓ Best EVF on any mirrorless (5.76M dot)
- ✓ 8-stop IBIS (vs 5.5 on Sony)
- ✓ $500 cheaper!
- ✗ Lower 24.5 MP (less headroom for cropping stills)
- ✗ Shorter battery life
- ✗ Heavier at 760g
- ✗ Nikon Z lens ecosystem smaller than Sony E
Final Verdict
This is a video-vs-stills question at heart. The Sony A7 IV is the better camera for photographers — 33 MP provides more detail and cropping flexibility, battery lasts 35% longer, and Sony’s E-mount has the world’s best mirrorless lens selection. The Nikon Z6 III is the better hybrid filmmaker’s camera — 6K RAW and 4K 120fps full-frame are capabilities the Sony simply can’t match, and it’s $500 cheaper. If you shoot stills: Sony. If you shoot video: Nikon Z6 III, easily.