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

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Differences

Sony A9 advantages over Nikon Z6

  • NFC
    Yes vs No
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Longer video battery life
    105 vs 85 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 650 vs 380 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    20.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    364 vs 47 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster RAW shooting
    20.0 fps vs 12.0 fps
    Faster RAW shooting in burst mode
  • Bigger RAW buffer
    240 vs 35 shots
    Larger buffer for RAW shots (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/32000 vs 1/8000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Nikon Z6 advantages over Sony A9

  • Less expensive
    $1899 vs $2995*
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More dots on screen
    2100k vs 1440k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen

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
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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

User reviews

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Buy the Sony A9
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Buy the Nikon Z6
Body Only
  • Body Only
  • Kit with 24-70mm f/4 S lens
  • Kit with 24-70mm lens and FTZ adapter
All Z6 Deals

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.

  • Read our Sony A9 Review

  • Great image quality; Terrific high ISO performance; Fast AF speeds; Eye AF; Swift 12fps burst shooting; In-body image stabilization; High-quality 4K video; Robust build quality; Familiar Nikon design.

  • Single XQD card slot; Default high ISO NR a bit strong; No 4K 60p; 1/200s x-sync speed; Limited native lens selection (at this time).

  • Read our Nikon Z6 Review

The Competition

Compared to Leica SL (Typ 601)

Sony A9
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Built-in GPS
  • Top deck display

Compare Sony A9 vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Nikon Z6
Leica SL (Typ 601)
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $3802
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Built-in GPS

Compare Nikon Z6 vs Leica SL (Typ 601)

Compared to Sony A7R III

Sony A9
Sony A7R III
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $2151
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • High resolution composite

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A7R III

Nikon Z6
Sony A7R III
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Top deck display
  • $2151
  • 35mm
  • High resolution composite
  • NFC

Compare Nikon Z6 vs Sony A7R III

Compared to Sony A7 III

Sony A9
Sony A7 III
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Fast startup
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $1531
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • More dynamic range

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A7 III

Nikon Z6
Sony A7 III
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen
  • $1531
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • NFC

Compare Nikon Z6 vs Sony A7 III

Compared to Canon EOS R

Sony A9
Canon EOS R
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen

Compare Sony A9 vs Canon EOS R

Nikon Z6
Canon EOS R
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1499
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Nikon Z6 vs Canon EOS R

Compared to Sony A9 II

Sony A9
Sony A9 II
  • $2997
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • Newer

Compare Sony A9 vs Sony A9 II

Nikon Z6
Sony A9 II
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Top deck display
  • $4498
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • Longer video battery life

Compare Nikon Z6 vs Sony A9 II

Compare Other Cameras?