• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 20.8 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400

Buy From

Differences

Sony A7S advantages over Nikon D6

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.40 vs 6.45 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Thinner
    48 mm vs 92 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    507g vs 1270g
    Lighter weight
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Nikon D6 advantages over Sony A7S

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • Newer
    4 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Higher-res screen
    590k vs 307k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • More pixels
    20.8 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Longer exposure
    900 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • 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
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony A7S
Sony a7S
All A7S Deals

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon D6

Review Excerpt

  • Outstanding high ISO performance; excellent dynamic range; 4K video recording (via uncompressed HDMI); XAVC S option for HD video; Slightly improved battery life over A7/A7R; Built-in Wi-Fi & NFC connectivity.

  • 4K video requires expensive external recorder; Sluggish startup time; Loud shutter; Silent Shooting mode hurts image quality; Lacks a built-in, pop-up flash; Limited selection of native Sony FE lenses.

  • Read our Sony A7S Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Sony A7S
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • More pixels

Compare Sony A7S vs Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Nikon D6
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon D6 vs Leica M-E (Typ 220)

Compared to Sony A7S II

Sony A7S
Sony A7S II
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A7S vs Sony A7S II

Nikon D6
Sony A7S II
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Touchscreen
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon D6 vs Sony A7S II

Compared to Leica M (Typ 262)

Sony A7S
Leica M (Typ 262)
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Sony A7S vs Leica M (Typ 262)

Nikon D6
Leica M (Typ 262)
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • Lighter weight

Compare Nikon D6 vs Leica M (Typ 262)

Compared to Nikon D5

Sony A7S
Nikon D5
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A7S vs Nikon D5

Nikon D6
Nikon D5
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Built-in GPS
  • $4911
  • 35mm
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Nikon D6 vs Nikon D5

Compared to Canon 1DX Mark III

Sony A7S
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A7S vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Nikon D6
Canon 1DX Mark III
  • $6500
  • 35mm
  • Longer exposure
  • $6499
  • 35mm
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compare Nikon D6 vs Canon 1DX Mark III

Compare Other Cameras?