Nikon Z8 · Body only
full-frame · 2023
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only
full-frame · 2024
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon Z8 · Body only lands at 94 and Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only at 96. That puts Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nikon Z8 · Body only if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Pick Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhoto
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body onlyCompared on the photo sub-score
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only leads on photo (96 vs 94).
Autofocus
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body onlyCompared on the autofocus sub-score
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only leads on autofocus (94 vs 92).
Video
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body onlyCompared on the video sub-score
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only leads on video (92 vs 90).
Value for money
Nikon Z8 · Body onlySpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Nikon Z8 · Body only more score per dollar ($3,999 vs $6,498).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon Z8 · Body only | Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Release year | 2023 | 2024 |
Nikon Z8 · Body only
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Nikon Z8 · Body only vs Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only
Which is better, Nikon Z8 · Body only or Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only? +
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon Z8 · Body only worth the price? +
At $3,999, Nikon Z8 · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in photo.
Is Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only worth the price? +
At $6,498, Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in photo.
Does Nikon Z8 · Body only or Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for photo, Nikon Z8 · Body only or Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only? +
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only — leads on photo (96 vs 94). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Nikon Z8 · Body only or Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only? +
Sony Alpha 1 II · Body only — leads on autofocus (94 vs 92). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.