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Head-to-head

Nikon - Z 8 vs Sony - α9 III

Last updated · How Mars Score works
Z 8NIKONRENDER
Probe A
Nikon
Z 8
61.1/ 100C
Sensor61· 35%
Video· 25%
Autofocus· 20%
Body & Controls· 20%
α9 IIISONYRENDER
Probe B
Sony
α9 III
46.0/ 100D
Sensor46· 35%
Video· 25%
Autofocus· 20%
Body & Controls· 20%
Quick verdict

Between the Z 8 and α9 III, the Z 8 comes out ahead in megapixels and max video, while the α9 III wins on weight and af points. Overall, the Z 8 scores 61.1 and the α9 III scores 46 on our Mars Score.

Buying advice

Which should you buy?

The Z 8 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 15.1 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.

Pick the Z 8 if you care most about megapixels and max video. The biggest gaps in its favor are megapixels, max video.

Pick the α9 III if you carry the device everywhere and weight or thickness has been the deciding factor before. Its strongest claims are weight, af points.

Both ship with comparable sensor size, in-body stabilization, log profile, so those specs don't separate the two — focus on the differences below.

Bottom line: the Z 8 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.

Why Nikon - Z 8 wins

  • Megapixels — 87.50% more. 45 MP vs 24 MP.
  • Max video: 8K (vs 4K120).

Why Sony - α9 III wins

  • Weight — 207.00 g less. 703 vs 910.
  • AF points — 53.96% more. 759 vs 493.
Full readout

Spec comparison

Sensor

SpecNikon - Z 8Sony - α9 III
Sensor sizeFull FrameFull Frame
Megapixels45 MPlead24 MP
Max ISO102400lead51200

Video

SpecNikon - Z 8Sony - α9 III
Max video8Klead4K120
RAW videotruetrue
Log profiletruetrue

Autofocus

SpecNikon - Z 8Sony - α9 III
AF points493759lead
Eye AFtruetrue
In-body stabilizationtruetrue

Body & Controls

SpecNikon - Z 8Sony - α9 III
Weight910 g703 glead
Weather sealedtruetrue
Dual card slotstruetrue
Drill down

Spec-level deep dives

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