Sony Alpha A7R III vs Nikon Z7
Sony Alpha A7R III has the edge on paper, but the right choice depends on what you shoot. The Alpha A7R III is the better pick for portraits.
Choose the Alpha A7R III for
- faster bursts (10fps vs 9fps)
- a lighter body (657g vs 675g)
- a lower price (from £674)
- more lenses in our database (105 vs 54)
Choose the Z7 for
- more resolution (45.7MP vs 42MP)
- a newer design (2018)
Specs side by side
| Spec | Alpha A7R III | Z7 |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | Full frame, 42MP | Full frame, 45.7MP |
| Mount | Sony FE (full frame) | Nikon Z |
| Released | 2017 | 2018 |
| Burst | 10 fps | 9 fps |
| Readout | — | — |
| Max ISO | 32,000 | 25,600 |
| Stabilisation | In-body | In-body |
| Video | 4K 30p | 4K 30p |
| Weather sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | Electronic | Electronic |
| Weight | 657 g | 675 g |
| Battery | Sony NP-FZ100 | Nikon EN-EL15c |
| Card slots | 2× SD (UHS-II) | XQD/CFexpress B (single) |
| New price | No longer sold new | No longer sold new |
| Used at MPB | £674–849 | £699–739 |
| Native lenses in our database | 105 (82 third-party) | 54 (31 third-party) |
Which is better for…
| Use | Better choice |
|---|---|
| Beginner-friendly | About equal |
| Everyday & travel | About equal |
| Portraits | Alpha A7R III |
| Landscape | About equal |
| Wildlife & animals | About equal |
| Sports & action | About equal |
| Astrophotography | About equal |
| Vlogging & video | About equal |
| Vintage / film look | About equal |
Based on the specs that matter most for each type of photography: burst and readout for action, resolution for landscapes, sensor size and low light for portraits and astro, video and weight for vlogging.
Lenses and running costs
The Alpha A7R III uses Sony E / FE (105 lenses in our database, 82 third-party) and the Z7 uses Nikon Z (54 lenses, 31 third-party). Batteries: Sony NP-FZ100 (about £65) vs Nikon EN-EL15c (about £51).
Alpha A7R III compatible lenses → · Z7 compatible lenses → ·
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sony Alpha A7R III better than the Nikon Z7?
It depends on your priorities. The Alpha A7R III offers faster bursts (10fps vs 9fps), a lighter body (657g vs 675g), a lower price (from £674); the Z7 offers more resolution (45.7MP vs 42MP), a newer design (2018).
Which is better for video, the Alpha A7R III or the Z7?
They are closely matched for video (4K 30p vs 4K 30p); stabilisation and lens choice will decide it.
Which is cheaper, the Alpha A7R III or the Z7?
The Alpha A7R III costs No longer sold new new and from £674 used at MPB; the Z7 costs No longer sold new new and from £699 used (checked 5 November 2026).
Can I use Sony Alpha A7R III lenses on the Z7?
Not directly. The Alpha A7R III uses Sony E / FE and the Z7 uses Nikon Z; switching usually means new lenses or an adapter where one exists.