Sony α9 III
Global shutter · 24.6 MP · 120fps
Nikon Z8
Stacked 45 MP · 8K 60p · Pro hybrid
Nikon Z8 takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Sony α9 III lands at 94 and Nikon Z8 at 95. That puts Nikon Z8 ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Sony α9 III if…
- ✓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
Pick Nikon Z8 if…
- ✓Z9 sensor in compact body
- ✓8K 60p RAW internal
- ✓Class-leading EVF
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testAutofocus
Sony α9 IIICompared on the autofocus sub-score
Sony α9 III leads on af (100 vs 96).
Sensor
Nikon Z8Compared on the sensor sub-score
Nikon Z8 leads on sensor (96 vs 92).
Video
Nikon Z8Compared on the video sub-score
Nikon Z8 leads on video (96 vs 92).
Value for money
Nikon Z8Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Nikon Z8 more score per dollar ($3,999 vs $5,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Sony α9 III | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 24.6 MP global-shutter CMOS | 45.4 MP stacked CMOS (8256×5504) |
| Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Max shutter | 1/80000 s electronic | — |
| Burst | Up to 120 fps full-res JPG / 14-bit RAW | 20 fps RAW / 30 fps JPEG / 120 fps reduced-res |
| Video | Up to 4K (3840×2160) at 120 fps | 8.3K 60p 12-bit N-RAW · 4K 120p |
| AF | 759 phase-detect points (still) / 627 (video) | 3D-Tracking + 9 subject types |
| ISO | ISO 250–25600 native (125–51200 extended) | — |
| Weight | ▲ 702 g (with battery + card) | 910 g |
| Storage | — | CFexpress B + SD UHS-II |
Sony α9 III
- +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
- −24.6 MP feels conservative for the price
- −$5,999 body-only
- −ISO range tops at 25600 native
Nikon Z8
- +Z9 sensor in compact body
- +8K 60p RAW internal
- +Class-leading EVF
- −No vertical grip integrated
- −Only 1 CFexpress + 1 SD slot
- −Heavy at 910g
FAQ: Sony α9 III vs Nikon Z8
Which is better, Sony α9 III or Nikon Z8? +
Nikon Z8 scores 95 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Sony α9 III worth the price? +
At $5,999, Sony α9 III delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in af.
Is Nikon Z8 worth the price? +
At $3,999, Nikon Z8 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sensor.
Does Sony α9 III or Nikon Z8 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 autofocus, Sony α9 III or Nikon Z8? +
Sony α9 III — leads on af (100 vs 96). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.
Which is better for sensor, Sony α9 III or Nikon Z8? +
Nikon Z8 — leads on sensor (96 vs 92). Compared on the sensor sub-score.