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Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5 Comparison

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Sony A7

24 MP | Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) CMOS Sensor

Sony A7
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Nikon Z5

24 MP | Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) CMOS Sensor

Nikon Z5
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Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two Mirrorless cameras from Sony and Nikon. Sony A7 was introduced to market in January 2014 and Nikon Z5 was launched in July 2020. As you can see, A7 is 6 years older than Z5. Let's see if this age difference between two cameras makes a big difference.

Both Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 cameras have 24.0MP Full frame sensors.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Sony A7 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2014-01-22
  • 24MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 50 - 25600
  • Sony E Mount
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • 2359k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 5 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 474g. 127 x 94 x 48 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Nikon Z5 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2020-07-20
  • 24MP - Full frame CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 100 - 51200
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3.2" Tilting Screen
  • 3690k dot Electronic viewfinder
  • 4.5 fps continuous shooting
  • 4K (UHD) - 3840 x 2160 video resolution
  • Built-in Wireless
  • 675g. 134 x 101 x 70 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Sony A7 was replaced by Sony Alpha 7 II. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Sony Alpha 7 II vs Sony Alpha A7
Sony Alpha 7 II vs Nikon Z5

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Sony Alpha A7 over Nikon Z5
LCD Screen Resolution
1.230k dots vs 1.040k dots 18% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting
5.0fps vs 4.5fps 0.5 fps faster
Weight
474 g vs 675 g 201 g lighter
NFC Connection
Yes vs No Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices


Reasons to choose Nikon Z5 over Sony Alpha A7
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Touch Screen
Yes vs No Easy control of camera functions
Viewfinder Magnification
0.8x vs 0.71x Larger Viewfinder
Max ISO
51.200 vs 25.600 100% higher Max ISO
Number of Focus Points
273 vs 117 156 more focus points
LCD Screen Size
3.2" vs 3" 0.2 inches larger display
Battery Life
470 shots vs 340 shots 130 more frames with a single charge
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs With optional app creative shooting
Viewfinder Resolution
3690k dot vs 2359k dot 56% higher resolution
Max Video Resolution
3840 x 2160 vs 1920 x 1080 Higher Resolution Video
Bluetooth
Yes vs No Connect your camera to other devices via Blueetooth
Focus Bracketing
Yes vs No Take multiple photos shifting focus point
Storage Slot
2 vs 1 Extra storage slot
UHS Card Support
UHS-II vs none Read/Write in Ultra High Speeds
Animal Eye AF Tracking
Yes vs No Easily lock and track focus on animals
Webcam Function
Yes vs No Use your camera as a Webcam
Anti Flicker
Yes vs No Reduced uneven color and exposure under flickering light
Eye Tracking Focus
Yes vs No Autofocus system locks on the eye and tracks the subject

Common Strengths of Sony Alpha A7 and Nikon Z5
Wireless Connection
Yes vs Yes Better connectivity
Adjustable LCD Screen
Tilting vs Tilting Flexible shooting positions
External Flash Shoe
Yes vs Yes Better for flash photography
Viewfinder
Yes (Electronic) vs Yes (Electronic) Better framing and control
RAW Support
Yes vs Yes Better image quality
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Max Resolution
24 MP vs 24 MP Bigger prints and more details
LCD Screen Size
3" vs 3.2" Large display
Microphone Port
Yes vs Yes High quality audio recording option
Headphone Port
Yes vs Yes better video control
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs Yes shoot at tough conditions
AE Bracketing
Yes vs Yes Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Smartphone Remote
Yes vs Yes Remote control your camera with a smartphone
Common Weaknesses of Sony Alpha A7 and Nikon Z5
Built-in Flash
No vs No Require external flash
Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Sony A7 has external dimensions of 127 x 94 x 48 mm (5 x 3.7 x 1.89″) and weighs 474 g (1.04 lb / 16.72 oz) (including batteries). Nikon Z5 has external dimensions of 134 x 101 x 70 mm (5.28 x 3.98 x 2.76″) and weighs 675 g (1.49 lb / 23.81 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Sony A7 and Nikon Z5. Sony A7 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 7mm narrower, 7mm shorter and 22mm thinner than Nikon Z5.

Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Sony A7 and Nikon Z5.

Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Sony A7 and Nikon Z5.
Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Sony A7 is significantly lighter (201g ) than the Nikon Z5 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Also keep in mind that body weight is not the only deciding factor when comparing two interchangeable camera bodies, you have to also take into account the lenses that you will be using with these bodies. Since both Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 have the same Full frame sized sensor, their lenses for a similar focal length and aperture will be similar in size and weight.

Weight Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

A7
Z5
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Mirrorless Cameras

A7
Z5
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Both A7 and Z5 have weather sealings in their body, making them resistant to water and dust.

LCD Screen Size and Features

Nikon Z5's 3.2" LCD screen is slightly larger than Sony A7's 3" screen.

Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5: Sensor Comparison

Both Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 have Full frame sized 24.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the A7 and Z5 sensor size comparison.

Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 Cameras


Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 have almost the same sensor size so none of them has any significant advantage over other in providing control over depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5 Comparison of Available Lenses
Which camera has more lenses?

Number of available lenses is a big decision factor while choosing your interchangeable lens camera. When we look at the available lenses for these two cameras, we see that Sony A7 has an advantage over Nikon Z5. There are 142 lenses for Sony A7's Sony E mount, on the other hand there are only 18 lenses for Nikon Z5's Nikon Z lens mount.

Another important factor is the availability of image stabilization. Nikon Z5 has a big advantage in this regard because it has a sensor based image stabilization which means that all the lenses mounted to this body will be stabilized. A7's built-in Image stabilization system is effective to compnesate vibration up to 5.0-stops according to CIPA standards.
32 lenses for Sony E mount with Optical Image Stabilization features.

Lens Type # of Sony A7 Lenses # of Nikon Z5 Lenses
Standard Zoom 13 (10 Full Frame) 4 (3 Full Frame)
Standard Prime 23 (13 Full Frame) 3 (3 Full Frame)
Wideangle Zoom 8 (7 Full Frame) 2 (2 Full Frame)
Wideangle Prime 46 (30 Full Frame) 4 (4 Full Frame)
Telephoto Zoom 10 (8 Full Frame) 2 (1 Full Frame)
Telephoto Prime 19 (15 Full Frame) 2 (2 Full Frame)
SuperZoom 9 (2 Full Frame) 1 (1 Full Frame)
Wideangle Fisheye Prime 2 (0 Full Frame) n/a
Macro Prime 8 (7 Full Frame) n/a
Perspective Control Prime 2 (2 Full Frame) n/a
Telephoto Mirror Prime n/a n/a
TOTAL 142 (94 Full Frame) 18 (16 Full Frame)


Now let's compare some sample lenses from each mount with typical Focal ranges for Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 to see how these lenses compares:

Fast Standard Zoom Lenses
Model FF Equiv. Weight Weight w/ Cam Length Street Price
Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM
24 - 70mm 886gr 1360gr 136mm Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 S Lens Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 S
24 - 70mm 805gr 1480gr 126mm Amazon B&H Photo
Fast Tele Zoom Equivalent Lenses
Model FF Equiv. Weight Weight w/ Cam Length Street Price
Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS Lens Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS
70 - 200mm 1480gr 1954gr 200mm Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S Lens Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200 F2.8 VR S
70 - 200mm 1440gr 2115gr 220mm Amazon B&H Photo
Fast Normal Prime Equivalent Lenses
Model FF Equiv. Weight Weight w/ Cam Length Street Price
Sony FE 50mm F1.4 Lens Sony FE 50mm F1.4
50mm 778gr 1252gr 108mm Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Z 50mm F1.8 S Lens Nikon Z 50mm F1.8 S
50mm 415gr 1090gr 87mm Amazon B&H Photo
Fast Wideangle Zoom Equivalent Lenses
Model FF Equiv. Weight Weight w/ Cam Length Street Price
Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM Lens Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM
16 - 35mm 680gr 1154gr 122mm Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Z 14-30mm F4 S Lens Nikon Z 14-30mm F4 S
14 - 30mm 485gr 1160gr 85mm Amazon B&H Photo
24-105mm f4 Equivalent Lenses
Model FF Equiv. Weight Weight w/ Cam Length Street Price
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS Lens Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS
24 - 105mm 663gr 1137gr 113mm Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR Lens Nikon Z 24-200mm F4-6.3 VR
24 - 200mm 570gr 1245gr 114mm Amazon B&H Photo
Super-Tele Zoom Equivalent Lenses
Model FF Equiv. Weight Weight w/ Cam Length Street Price
Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS Lens Sony FE 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 GM OSS
100 - 400mm 1395gr 1869gr 205mm Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR Lens Nikon Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR
75 - 375mm 405gr 1080gr 110mm Amazon B&H Photo
What types of Photography are Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Sony A7 for Portrait Photography

GOOD

Nikon Z5 for Portrait Photography

GOOD
Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
No Image Stabilization
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Sony A7 for Street Photography

GOOD

Nikon Z5 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Medium sized Body
No Image Stabilization
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Medium sized Body
Read the details

Sony A7 for Sports Photography

GOOD

Nikon Z5 for Sports Photography

GOOD
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
25 Cross Type Focus sensors
117 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
No Image Stabilization
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/8000s
273 Focus Points
Good Low Light ISO
Wireless Connection
Anti Flicker feature
Average Continuous Shooting: 4.5fps
Read the details

Sony A7 for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT

Nikon Z5 for Daily Photography

EXCELLENT
Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Medium size Body
474g
Body Thickness 48mm
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Environmental Sealings
Anti Flicker feature
Medium size Body
675g
Body Thickness 70mm
Read the details

Sony A7 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE

Nikon Z5 for Landscape Photography

AVERAGE
Large Full frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Read the details
Large Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm) sensor
Very High Resolution Sensor: 24.0MP
Environmental Sealings
Live-view
Read the details

Sony A7 vs Nikon Z5: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Sony A7 and Nikon Z5, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Sony A7 and Nikon Z5 scores compare:

Sony A7
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #46 out of 88 in SLR-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #82 out of 1225 in all Cameras
Nikon Z5
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #23 out of 88 in SLR-style mirrorless cameras
Ranked #26 out of 1225 in all Cameras

Nikon Z5 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Sony A7 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Sony A7. Otherwise, Nikon Z5 is the better camera overall.

Sony A7
Sony A7
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Nikon Z5
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Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Sony Alpha A7 Nikon Z5
Brand Sony Nikon
Announced 2014-01-22 2020-07-20
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor
Type CMOS CMOS
Size Full frame Full frame
Dimensions 35.8 x 23.9 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
Area 855.62mm2 858.01mm2
Megapixels 24 megapixels 24 megapixels
Max Resolution 6000 x 4000 6016 x 4016
Max Native Light sensitivity 25,600 ISO 51,200 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity - 102400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 50 ISO 100 ISO
Min Boosted Light Sensitivity - 50 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 117 273
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount Sony E Nikon Z
Number of Available Lenses 142 18
Screen
Type Tilting Tilting
Size 3" 3.2"
Resolution 1,230k dots 1,040k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution 2,359k dots 3,690k dots
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.71x 0.8x
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/8000s 1/8000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization No Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Max Flash Sync 1/250s 1/200s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps 4.5 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160
Video Formats MPEG-4, AVCHD MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Built-In Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 474g 675g
Dimensions 127 x 94 x 48mm 134 x 101 x 70mm
Battery Life 340 shots 470 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording With Downloadable App
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score 90 not tested
DxO Color Depth 24.8 not tested
DxO Dynamic Range 14.2 not tested
DxO Low Light ISO 2248 not tested
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