Sony Alpha A7R V vs Nikon Z8
Sony Alpha A7R V has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Alpha A7R V is the better pick for portraits; the Z8 is better for wildlife, sports.
Choose the Alpha A7R V for
- more resolution (61MP vs 45.7MP)
- a lighter body (723g vs 910g)
- a lower price (from £1,859)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 54)
Choose the Z8 for
- faster bursts (20fps vs 10fps)
- a newer design (2023)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A7R V | Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 61MP | Full frame, 45.7MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2022 | 2023 |
| Burst | 10 fps | 20 fps |
| Readout | — | ≈4 ms |
| Max ISO | 32,000 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 8K 24p | 8K 60p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 723 g | 910 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | 2×CFexpress A/SD | CFexpress B + SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | £2,999 | £2,999 |
| Used at MPB | £1,859–2,149 | £2,229–2,489 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Alpha A7R V |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | Z8 |
| Sports & action | Z8 |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Alpha A7R V uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses in our database, 82 third-party) and the Z8 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses, 31 third-party). Batteries: Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65) vs Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A7R V better than the Nikon Z8?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A7R V offers more resolution (61MP vs 45.7MP), a lighter body (723g vs 910g), a lower price (from £1,859); the Z8 offers faster bursts (20fps vs 10fps), a newer design (2023).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A7R V or the Z8?
They are closely matched for video (8K 24p vs 8K 60p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A7R V or the Z8?
The Alpha A7R V costs £2,999 new and from £1,859 used at MPB; the Z8 costs £2,999 new and from £2,229 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A7R V lenses on the Z8?
Not directly. The Alpha A7R V uses Sony E / FE and the Z8 uses Nikon Z; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.