Nikon Z7 vs Sony Alpha A9
Sony Alpha A9 has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Z7 is the better pick for landscapes; the Alpha A9 is better for wildlife, sports, astrophotography.
Choose the Z7 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 24.2MP)
- a newer design (2018)
Choose the Alpha A9 for
- faster bursts (20fps vs 9fps)
- better low-light performance
- a lighter body (673g vs 675g)
- a lower price (from £654)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 54)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Z7 | Alpha A9 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 45.7MP | Full frame, 24.2MP |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony FE (full frame) |
| Released | 2018 | 2017 |
| Burst | 9 fps | 20 fps |
| Readout | — | ≈6 ms |
| Max ISO | 25,600 | 51,200 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 675 g | 673 g |
| Battery | Nikon EN-EL15c | Sony NP-FZ100 |
| Card slots | XQD/CFexpress B (single) | 2× SD (UHS-II) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £699–739 | £654–759 |
| Native lenses in our database | 54 (31 third-party) | 105 (82 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | About equal |
| Landscape | Z7 |
| Wildlife & animals | Alpha A9 |
| Sports & action | Alpha A9 |
| Astrophotography | Alpha A9 |
| 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 Z7 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses in our database, 31 third-party) and the Alpha A9 uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses, 82 third-party). Batteries: Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51) vs Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65).
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z7 better than the Sony Alpha A9?
It depends on your priorities. The Z7 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 24.2MP), a newer design (2018); the Alpha A9 offers faster bursts (20fps vs 9fps), better low-light performance, a lighter body (673g vs 675g).
Which is better for video, the Z7 or the Alpha A9?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 30p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Z7 or the Alpha A9?
The Z7 costs No longer sold new new and from £699 used at MPB; the Alpha A9 costs No longer sold new new and from £654 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Nikon Z7 lenses on the Alpha A9?
Not directly. The Z7 uses Nikon Z and the Alpha A9 uses Sony E / FE; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.