Nikon Z8
95/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $3,999
Third-party reference ↗Nikon Z8 vs Sony α9 III
The overall editorial ratings are effectively tied. Your priorities and current prices can change the better choice.
Sony α9 III
94/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $5,999
Third-party reference ↗Start with the tradeoffs
Consider Nikon Z8 for
- Z9 sensor in compact body
- 8K 60p RAW internal
- Class-leading EVF
Tradeoff: No vertical grip integrated
Consider Sony α9 III for
- First full-frame global-shutter camera
- 120 fps at full resolution (14-bit RAW)
- Sync flash to any shutter speed up to 1/80000 s
Tradeoff: 24.6 MP feels conservative for the price
Scores and judgments are editorial. Specdex does not run an in-house benchmark lab. Manufacturer claims and independent measurements may use different test conditions.
Editorial fit by scenario
Autofocus
Sony α9 III
leads on af (100 vs 96)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Sensor
Nikon Z8
leads on sensor (96 vs 92)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Video
Nikon Z8
leads on video (96 vs 92)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Specifications side by side
Arrows indicate a higher capacity, higher power rating, or lower weight/time for comparable simple quantities. They do not establish overall product quality. Unknown values remain unavailable.
| Specification | Nikon Z8 | Sony α9 III |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 45.4 MP stacked CMOS (8256×5504) | 24.6 MP global-shutter CMOS |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E |
| Burst | 20 fps RAW / 30 fps JPEG / 120 fps reduced-res | Up to 120 fps full-res JPG / 14-bit RAW |
| Video | 8.3K 60p 12-bit N-RAW · 4K 120p | Up to 4K (3840×2160) at 120 fps |
| AF | 3D-Tracking + 9 subject types | 759 phase-detect points (still) / 627 (video) |
| Storage | CFexpress B + SD UHS-II | Not documented |
| Weight | 910 g | 702 g (with battery + card) |
| Max shutter | Not documented | 1/80000 s electronic |
| ISO | Not documented | ISO 250–25600 native (125–51200 extended) |
Inspect the shared editorial ratings
Missing criteria are excluded from pairwise scenarios. A difference below two points is treated as a tie. These are not raw benchmarks.
- sensor
- 96 / 92
- af
- 96 / 100
- video
- 96 / 92
- build
- 92 / 92
- ergonomics
- 92 / 92
Nikon Z8
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $3,999. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.
Sony α9 III
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $5,999. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.