• 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 102,400
  • 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 24.3 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Sony A7S advantages over Nikon Z5

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 8.40 vs 5.97 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Thinner
    48 mm vs 69 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    507g vs 675g
    Lighter weight
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    409600 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon Z5 advantages over Sony A7S

  • Less expensive
    $1297 vs $1998*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Newer
    4 years vs 10 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.80x vs 0.71x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    24.3 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility

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

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Buy the Nikon Z5
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  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-200mm f/4-6.3 Lens
  • Kit with 24-50mm f/4-6.3 Lens
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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 Z5
Leica M-E (Typ 220)
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $7999
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Thinner

Compare Nikon Z5 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 Z5
Sony A7S II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $2398
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas

Compare Nikon Z5 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 Z5
Leica M (Typ 262)
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $4995
  • 35mm
  • Thinner
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Leica M (Typ 262)

Compared to Nikon Z6 II

Sony A7S
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Sony A7S vs Nikon Z6 II

Nikon Z5
Nikon Z6 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $1747
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Nikon Z6 II

Compared to Panasonic S5 II

Sony A7S
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion

Compare Sony A7S vs Panasonic S5 II

Nikon Z5
Panasonic S5 II
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite

Compare Nikon Z5 vs Panasonic S5 II

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