You get a slight resolution advantage with the Sony 33mp resolution sensor. Those who are pixel peepers may notice a slight difference when zoomed into 100% scale in the images of Nikon ZF and Sony A7 4 cameras since the ZF camera is limited to 24-megapixel resolution.
WHY NIKON ZF CAMERA IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
The Nikon ZF is a camera that features extensive manual control over the body and a tank-like, rock-solid body. It feels quite heavy and the extensive manual controls allow you to alter any settings with the help of the dials and controls you have all over the camera body while shooting in manual mode.
| Feature |
Sony A7 4 |
Nikon ZF |
| Resolution |
33mp |
24mp |
| Body |
Standard |
Tank-like, rock-solid |
| ISO Range |
Up to 51,200 |
Up to 64,000 |
| Image Stabilization |
Sensor-shift, weaker in photography mode, stronger in videography |
Advanced 5 stops of sensor-shift with AI algorithm |
| Continuous Shooting |
Up to 10 frames per second |
Up to 15 frames per second |
| High-Resolution Mode |
33 megapixels |
Up to 96 megapixels |
| Low Light Sensitivity |
-4 EV |
-10 EV |
| Lens Mount |
E-Mount | Open Mount |
Nikon Z mount | Open Mount |
| Video Recording |
4K at 60 fps with APS-C crop |
4K at 60 fps with APS-C crop |
| Bit Rates |
600 megabits per second |
340 Mbps for H.265 10-bit video, and 300 Mbps for H.265 8-bit video |
| Image Stabilization in Video |
Desirable, gyro-based |
Standard |
Apart from this, the sensor inside the Nikon ZF camera is ultra-low light-sensitive. The 24-megapixel full-frame sensor features a standard ISO range up to 64,000 whereas the Sony A7 4 camera’s standard ISO range is limited to 51,200. So without a doubt, we will get an extra one-stop advantage in low-light performance from the Nikon ZF camera.
Must see – Best Lenses for Nikon Zf | Sony A7 IV Best lenses
One of the biggest factors that affect the low light performance of the camera is the type of sensor-shift image stabilization system used inside the body. The Nikon ZF camera uses advanced 8 stops of sensor-shift image stabilization technology as well as an artificially intelligent algorithm that moves the autofocus points along with the sensor-shift IBIS technology. So the image stabilization is not always focused at the center of the frame; the center always changes along with the autofocus point in the photography mode. The Sony A7 IV camera IBIS is limited to 5 Stops and traditional IS technology.
Another advantage that we have is the continuous shooting mode of the camera. With the Nikon ZF, you can shoot up to 15 frames per second whereas with the Sony A7 4, you remain limited to 10 frames a second.
|
Sony A74 |
Nikon Zf |
| Autofocus System |
Hybrid PDAF |
Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points |
759 |
273 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) |
-4 EV |
-8.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed |
1/250 |
1/200 |
Another big advantage that we have found in the Nikon ZF camera is the low light sensitivity. The ZF camera can shoot up to -10 EV which is in extremely low light conditions whereas the Sony A7 4 camera’s low light capability remains limited to -4 EV.
| High-Resolution Mode |
33 megapixels ONLY – NO HR MODE |
Up to 96 megapixels (requires tripod or studio setup for best results) |
The Sony A7 4 camera’s 33-megapixel advantage is being overshadowed by the Nikon ZF’s multi-shift high-resolution mode which is capable of shooting up to 96 megapixels of resolution. But yes, it is not possible to shoot handheld; you will need a tripod or best to practice the high-resolution mode in a studio setup.
Sony A7 4 versus Nikon ZF, which camera should you buy? VERDICT
So if we combine all the capabilities like the hybrid sensor-shift stabilization system, the high-resolution mode, the better standard ISO range, the capability to shoot higher frame rates, and also advanced or better low light sensitivity, overall the Nikon ZF camera is more recommended to photographers compared to the Sony A7 4.
The lens mount Nikon Z mount is now open and has a variety of options available from third-party lens makers like Sigma and Tamron. So if you are invested in Z mount, you won’t feel that much scarcity of being limited to a specific mount without having any option for third-party lens makers.
Let’s talk about the video comparison of both cameras.
Both cameras are able to shoot videos up to 4K at 60 frames per second, and both of them do have APS-C crop while filming 4K 60p and no crop while recording 4K up to 30 fps.
BIT RATES COMPARED
Let’s compare the bit rates of both the cameras and if you compare the bit rates then it is very clearly evident that Nikon ZF camera lower bit rates (MAX Nikon Zf has a maximum bit rate of approximately 340 Mbps for H.265 10-bit video, and 300 Mbps for H.265 8-bit video. The bit rate depends on the video file type), Sony A7 IV MAX bitrates goes upto 600MPBS. Having slightly higher res sensor can be one of the resons of having such difference since both of them do oversampled 4K videos.
Both cameras record 4:2:2 10-bit internally and in both of them, we have log profiles available for having maximum dynamic range possible.
GYRO-BASED IMAGE STABILIZATION
Now the biggest advantage we have with Sony is its GYRO BASED image stabilization system. Its sensor-shift image stabilization is weak compared to the Nikon ZF camera in photography mode but when we talk about videography, and cinematography then gyro-based image stabilization is way more effective than having a sensor-shift image stabilization system.
LENS BREATHING CORRECTION
Now the most impressive thing that I have seen in the Sony A7 4 camera is lens breathing correction in video. The camera exhibits excellent lens breathing correction while using third-party lenses.
Now we also have an anti-dust shake mechanism inside the Sony A7 4 camera and Nikon should also learn it. The way they have copied this style from Canon, Nikon should also copy this particular style of rotating the sensor either from Sony or Canon because they have to do it otherwise our sensors are not always protected when the lens is unprotected.
Now a full-size HDMI port is available in the Sony A7 4 camera and that’s an amazing thing. Believe me, I really hate having a micro or mini HDMI port in a camera.
OVERHEATING
I have personally used both the camera, Nikon ZF camera handles overheating very well and while using a Sony A7 IV camera you have to use the CF express type A Card or at least V90 to avoid potential early overheating.
BEST CAMERA FOR VIDEO
Sony A7 IV camera is more recommended for video, since if we look at the overall features we get a lot of stuff required for video workflow, but again if you living near the equator, better to invest in Nikon Zf.
Get a Sony A7 IV Camera from Amazon.com | B&H Store
Get a Nikon Zf camera from Amazon.com | B&H Store
