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Nikon Z9 vs Sony A6500

The Nikon Z9 and the Sony Alpha A6500 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2021 and October 2016. Both the Z9 and the A6500 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a full frame (Z9) and an APS-C (A6500) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 45.4 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Nikon Z9
versus
Sony A6500
Nikon Z9   Sony A6500
Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
Nikon Z mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
45.4 MP – Full Frame sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
8K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
ISO 64-25,600 (32 - 102,400) ISO 100-25,600 (100 - 51,200)
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots) Electronic viewfinder (2359k dots)
3.2" LCD – 2089k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen Tilting touchscreen
30 shutter flaps per second 11 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
740 shots per battery charge350 shots per battery charge
149 x 150 x 91 mm, 1340 g 120 x 67 x 53 mm, 453 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Z9 and the Sony Alpha A6500? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon Z9 and the Sony A6500 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Nikon Z9 vs Sony A6500
Compare Z9 versus A6500 top
Comparison Z9 or A6500 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A6500 is considerably smaller (64 percent) than the Nikon Z9. Moreover, the A6500 is substantially lighter (66 percent) than the Z9. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the Z9 gets 740 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18d battery, while the A6500 can take 350 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the Z9 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the A6500, there are third party battery grips available as optional accessories (see here on ebay). The battery packs of both cameras can be charged via USB, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z9 149 mm 150 mm 91 mm 1340 g 740 Y Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony A6500 120 mm 67 mm 53 mm 453 g 350 Y Oct 2016 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R5 138 mm 98 mm 88 mm 738 g 320 Y Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL2-S 146 mm 107 mm 83 mm 931 g 510 Y Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z5 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 470 Y Jul 2020 1,399 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 410 Y Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z7 134 mm 101 mm 67 mm 675 g 330 Y Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II 134 mm 101 mm 70 mm 705 g 420 Y Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon Z8 144 mm 119 mm 83 mm 910 g 340 Y May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic GX8 133 mm 78 mm 63 mm 487 g 330 Y Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 Y Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A6300 120 mm 67 mm 49 mm 404 g 400 Y Feb 2016 999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A6600 120 mm 67 mm 69 mm 503 g 810 Y Aug 2019 1,399 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A6700 122 mm 69 mm 64 mm 493 g 570 Y Jul 2023 1,399 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The A6500 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 75 percent) than the Z9, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon Z9 features a full frame sensor and the Sony A6500 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the A6500 is 57 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon Z9 and Sony A6500 sensor measures

With 45.4MP, the Z9 offers a higher resolution than the A6500 (24MP), but the Z9 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.35μm versus 3.91μm for the A6500) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the Z9 is a much more recent model (by 5 years) than the A6500, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the Z9 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon Z9 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the Z9 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 27.5 inches or 104.9 x 69.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 22 inches or 83.9 x 55.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 18.3 inches or 69.9 x 46.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A6500 are 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon Z9 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 32-102400. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A6500 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200.

In terms of underlying technology, the Z9 is build around a Stacked BSI-CMOS sensor, while the A6500 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Z9 versus A6500 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. Of the two cameras under review, the Z9 provides substantially higher image quality than the A6500, with an overall score that is 13 points higher. This advantage is based on 1.8 bits higher color depth, 0.7 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.8 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon Z9 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.4245198
2.
 
Sony A6500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.513.7140585
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
4.
 
Canon R5 Full Frame 44.8 8192 54648K/30p25.314.6304295
5.
 
Leica SL2-S Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/60p25.214.1350495
6.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
7.
 
Nikon Z5 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40164K/30p25.314.3292995
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II Full Frame 24.3 6048 40244K/60p25.014.4330394
9.
 
Nikon Z7 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.314.6266899
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/60p26.314.72841100
11.
 
Nikon Z8 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55048K/30p26.314.2254898
12.
 
Panasonic GX8 Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.512.680675
13.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
14.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
15.
 
Sony A6300 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p24.413.7143785
16.
 
Sony A6600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40004K/30p23.813.4149782
17.
 
Sony A6700 APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/120p24.314.0232986
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the Z9 provides a higher video resolution than the A6500. It can shoot video footage at 8K/30p, while the Sony is limited to 4K/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The two cameras under consideration are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the Z9 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the A6500 (3690k vs 2359k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon Z9 and Sony A6500 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Nikon Z93690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
2.
 
Sony A65002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon R55760 Y3.2 / 2100 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
5.
 
Leica SL2-S5760 Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n Y
6.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
7.
 
Nikon Z53690 n3.2 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 4.5/s n Y
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n Y
9.
 
Nikon Z73690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n Y
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II3690 Y3.2 / 2100 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
11.
 
Nikon Z83690 Y3.2 / 2089 full-flex Y 1/32000s 30.0/s n Y
12.
 
Panasonic GX82360 n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
13.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A772359 Y3.0 / 921 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Sony A63002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
16.
 
Sony A66002359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A67002360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the Z9, but is missing on the A6500 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, both cameras under consideration feature an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Nikon Z9 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The Z9 writes its imaging data to CFexpress (type B) or XQD cards, while the A6500 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The Z9 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A6500 only has one slot.

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Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon Z9 and Sony Alpha A6500 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon Z9Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
2.
 
Sony A6500Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
4.
 
Canon R5Ymono / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
5.
 
Leica SL2-SYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon Z5Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Nikon Z6 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
9.
 
Nikon Z7Ystereo / monoYYmicro3.1Y-Y
10.
 
Nikon Z7 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
11.
 
Nikon Z8Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
12.
 
Panasonic GX8Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
13.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
15.
 
Sony A6300Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
16.
 
Sony A6600Ystereo / monoYYYES2.0YYY
17.
 
Sony A6700Ystereo / monoYYYES3.2YYY

It is notable that the Z9 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the A6500 This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon Z9 (unlike the A6500) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the Z9 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The Z9 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the A6500 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the A6500 was succeeded by the Sony A6600. Further information on the features and operation of the Z9 and A6500 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon Z9 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A6500 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Nikon Z9 better than the Sony A6500 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon Z9:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (45.4 vs 24MP) with a 38% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (13 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.8 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (0.7 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.8 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (8K/30p vs 4K/30p).
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3690k vs 2359k dots).
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.80x vs 0.70x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2089k vs 922k dots).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/32000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (30 vs 11 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (740 versus 350) on a single battery charge.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.2 vs 2.0).
  • More solid recording: Has a full-sized HDMI port for a sturdy connection to an external recorder.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 5 years of technical progress since the A6500 launch.

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha A6500:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More compact: Is smaller (120x67mm vs 149x150mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 887g or 66 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (75 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in October 2016).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the Z9 is the clear winner of the match-up (26 : 7 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

Z9 26:07 A6500

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon Z9 and the Sony A6500 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the Z9 and the A6500 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon Z95/5..4.5/594/1005/55/5 Oct 2021 5,499 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony A65005/5+ +3.5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2016 1,399ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 6,499 amazon.com
4.
 
Canon R54.5/5+4/591/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2020 3,899 amazon.com
5.
 
Leica SL2-S4/5..4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Dec 2020 4,895 amazon.com
6.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
7.
 
Nikon Z54/5..4/589/1004.5/54/5 Jul 2020 1,399 amazon.com
8.
 
Nikon Z6 II4.5/5..4/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 1,999 amazon.com
9.
 
Nikon Z75/5+4.8/589/1004.5/55/5 Aug 2018 3,399ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon Z7 II4.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2020 2,999 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon Z85/5..5/594/1005/54.5/5 May 2023 3,999 amazon.com
12.
 
Panasonic GX85/5+..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2015 1,199ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
15.
 
Sony A63004.5/5+..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2016 999ebay.com
16.
 
Sony A66004/5+4/583/1004.5/54/5 Aug 2019 1,399 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A67004.5/5+4.5/588/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2023 1,399 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Check Z9 price at
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Check A6500 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon Z9 vs Sony A6500

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon Z9 Sony A6500
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon Z mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date October 2021 October 2016
    Launch Price USD 5,499 USD 1,399
    Sensor Specs Nikon Z9 Sony A6500
    Sensor Technology Stacked BSI-CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 35.9 x 23.9 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 858.01 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.1 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 45.4 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8256 x 5504 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.35 μm 3.91 μm
    Pixel Density 5.30 MP/cm2 6.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 8K/30p Video 4K/30p Video
    ISO Setting 64 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    ISO Boost 32 - 102,400 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    Image Processor EXPEED 7 BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 98 85
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.3 24.5
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.4 13.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 2451 1405
    Screen Specs Nikon Z9 Sony A6500
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.80x 0.70x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3690k dots 2359k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2089k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Fully flexible screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon Z9 Sony A6500
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/32000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 30 shutter flaps/s 11 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/32000sYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CFexB or XQD cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon Z9 Sony A6500
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.2 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port full HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Nikon Z9 Sony A6500
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18d Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)740 shots per charge350 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 149 x 150 x 91 mm
    (5.9 x 5.9 x 3.6 in)
    120 x 67 x 53 mm
    (4.7 x 2.6 x 2.1 in)
    Camera Weight 1340 g (47.3 oz) 453 g (16.0 oz)
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