• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A9 advantages over Nikon Z5

  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer video battery life
    105 vs 85 minutes
    Capture more video
  • More dots on screen
    1440k vs 1040k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon Z5 advantages over Sony A9

  • Less expensive
    $1297 vs $2999*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Newer
    4 years vs 7 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Both provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Both provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon Z5

Review Excerpt

  • New sensor offers incredible performance; Excellent image quality at low & high ISOs; Very good dynamic range; Phenomenal 20fps burst speed & deep buffer; Very good battery life for a mirrorless; 4K video; Dual card slots.

  • Slow buffer clearing; Only one card slot is UHS-II compatible; Touchscreen underutilized; No lossless RAW compression option; No 4K/60p option.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R II

Sony A9
Sony A7R II
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
  • $2898
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More pixels
Nikon Z5
Sony A7R II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2898
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC

Compared to Leica SL (Typ 601)

Sony A9
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display
Nikon Z5
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display

Compared to Sony A9 II

Sony A9
Sony A9 II
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Newer
Nikon Z5
Sony A9 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Longer video battery life

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Sony A9
Nikon Z6 II
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Longer video battery life
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Top deck display
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1797
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Sony A9
Panasonic S5 II
  • $3147
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
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