• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 42.4 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 25,600
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

Buy From

Differences

Sony A7R II advantages over Nikon Z5

  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • More pixels
    42.4 vs 24.3 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Nikon Z5 advantages over Sony A7R II

  • Less expensive
    $1297 vs $1798*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.97 vs 4.51 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    4 years vs 9 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos

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
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

  • Superb image quality; Very high resolution; Surprisingly good high ISO performance; Fast autofocus; Compact, comfortable body with lots of customization potential; Bright, roomy and clear viewfinder; Tilting LCD display; Five-axis stabilization; Intuitive Wi-Fi / NFC connectivity

  • Movie button is poorly located; No touch screen; Not as fast to start up or shoot photos as a similarly-priced SLR; Rather slow buffer clearing; No built-in flash; Single card slot; Not weather-sealed to the same degree as some rivals

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7R

Sony A7R II
Sony A7R
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $1399
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
Nikon Z5
Sony A7R
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1399
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas

Compared to Sony A9

Sony A7R II
Sony A9
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
Nikon Z5
Sony A9
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Newer
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Longer video battery life

Compared to Sony A7R III

Sony A7R II
Sony A7R III
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2066
  • 35mm
  • Touchscreen
  • High resolution composite
Nikon Z5
Sony A7R III
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
  • $2066
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • NFC

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Sony A7R II
Nikon Z6 II
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Touchscreen
Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Sony A7R II
Panasonic S5 II
  • $2348
  • 35mm
  • In-camera panoramas
  • NFC
  • $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
Compare Other Cameras?