Sony FX2 versus the Nikon Z6 Mark III camera, let’s explore the differences between the two point by point
The Nikon Z6 Mark III camera is slightly larger, with a photography-friendly body and controls. The Sony FX2 does have a deep hand grip, but it has a somewhat boxy design. The thing that makes a big difference between the two, specifically in the design part, is that Sony is made for cinematography purposes and carries a lot of tripod threads all over the body to mount it perfectly in cinema rigs. The other advantage we have with the Sony FX2 camera is the moving viewfinder.
Nikon Z6 III and the Sony FX2 — both of them support dual card slots, one dedicated for CFexpress and one SD card slot. The Nikon Z6 Mark III monitor is slightly larger and of higher resolution, so users may experience better LCD quality with the Z6 Mark III camera. At the very same time, the electronic viewfinder is also a 5.76 million-dot unit compared to a 3.6 million-dot electronic viewfinder in Sony, but yeah, we are getting better display units in the Nikon Z6 Mark III.
The wireless functionality of the two is almost the same, but Nikon does have GPS support via smartphone to enable geotagging functionality for travel purposes, documentary work, or maybe for photojournalism purposes. The FX Mark 2 camera misses out. Although the humidity tolerance and the weatherproof criteria of both cameras match each other, so we literally do have almost the same build quality in both cameras.
Design Comparison
Feature | Sony FX2 | Nikon Z6 III |
Lens Mount | Sony E | Nikon Z |
Material of Construction | Magnesium Alloy | Magnesium Alloy |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.1 x 4.1 x 3.1″ / 129.7 x 103.7 x 77.8 mm | 5.5 x 4 x 2.9″ / 138.5 x 101.5 x 74 mm |
Weight | 1.3 lb / 594 g (Body Only), 1.5 lb / 679 g (With Battery, Recording Media) | 23.6 oz / 670 g (Body Only) |
Shoe Mount | 1x Intelligent Hot Shoe | 1x Hot Shoe |
Tripod Mounting Thread | 2x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom) | 1x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom) |
Accessory Mounting Thread | 3x 1/4″-20 on Camera Body | Not specified |
Operating Conditions | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C up to 85% Humidity |
Media/Memory Card Slot |
Slot 1: CFexpress Type A / SD (UHS-II) Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
Slot 1: CFexpress Type B / XQD Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
Wireless | 2.4 GHz Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) | 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.0 |
Mobile App Compatible | Yes: Android & iOS (Sony | Creators’ App |
Global Positioning | No | GPS (via Connected Smartphone) |
Monitor | 3″ Tilting Touchscreen LCD, 1,036,800 Dot | 3.2″ Articulating Touchscreen LCD, 2,100,000 Dot |
Viewfinder | Electronic (OLED), 3,686,400 Dot / Titling EVF | Electronic, 5,760,000 Dot, 0.5″ |
Best Camera for Photographers
Sony FX2 camera offers higher resolution at 33 megapixels, but at the very same time, the Nikon Z6 Mark 3 camera offers 24.5 megapixel resolution, which is of course limited. But if you talk about sensor architecture, then the Nikon Z6 Mark 3 camera is using a partially stacked CMOS sensor.
Video Recording: Nikon Z6 III Excels
Of course, the Sony FX2 camera is able to create highly detailed 4K 30fps footage from a 7K oversampled file. At the very same time, when you are recording videos at 4K 60 frames per second or 4K 120 frames per second with the Nikon Z6 Mark 3 camera—and of course, to be noted—4K 120 FPS is not possible with the Sony FX2 despite being in a higher price range. Other than that, even when you are trying to record 4K @ 60 frames per second, at that time you have to face a 1.5x crop in the Sony FX2. So with the FX2, we have limitations attached in the higher frame rate, and 4K 120 is not possible.
Continuous Shooting Speed Comparison
The same advantage we also get in the continuous shooting speed of the camera, where we are able to get up to 20 FPS RAW, and up to 60 frames per second in full resolution, and up to 120 frames per second in the DX crop mode. Thankfully, the Sony FX2 camera is using a mechanical shutter, but despite that, the continuous shooting speed of the camera remains limited to 11 frames per second.
Autofocus: Sony FX2’s Precision
When you dive into autofocus performance, each system really brings something different to the table. Sony’s FX2 boasts a whopping 759 phase-detection points (compared with Nikon’s 299 “hybrid” points), which means it can lock onto—and keep track of—moving subjects across with Sony’s famous AI AF. That’s a huge advantage when you’re shooting fast-paced street scenes or busy event coverage.
Nikon Z6 III’s Low-Light Autofocus
On the other hand, Nikon’s autofocus shines in low-light situations. With a sensitivity down to –10 EV (versus Sony’s 4 EV), the Z6 III can find and focus on subjects in near-darkness—perfect for late-night cityscapes, dimly lit weddings, or cozy indoor gatherings.
Autofocus Tracking: Nikon Closing the Gap
Recent reviews peg the Z6 III’s subject recognition and tracking as nearly on par with Sony’s vaunted system, so you’re not really “giving up” much by choosing Nikon—especially if you need that extra push in challenging light. Still, many pros continue to call Sony the gold standard for sheer reliability, so it really comes down to what kind of shooting you do most often.
Image Stabilization: Nikon’s Edge
Sensor-shift image stabilization of the Nikon Z6 Mark 3 is more helpful, since you can link your autofocus point with the VR system of the camera, and you will be getting a true 7.5 stops of stabilization all the time, even if you are focusing in the corner of the frame. Sony’s Active Image Stabilization is highly effective in video mode, but when you are talking about stills, it’s the traditional-style IBIS system we are getting.
Why Choose Nikon Z6 III for Pros
Nikon Z6 Mark III camera, due to its partially stacked CMOS sensor and Expeed 7 image processor, the autofocus calculation is being done at the rate of 120 frames per second in-camera. So the autofocus and the auto exposure refresh rate is actually 120 FPS. And due to the introduction of a new artificially intelligent autofocus algorithm inside the camera, the overall photographic experience is now elevated to the next level.
So if you are a professional photographer, then the Nikon Z6 Mark 3 will be a perfect choice for your requirements.
Photographic Features Compared
Feature | Sony FX2 | Nikon Z6 III |
Sensor Resolution | Actual: 34.1 MP, Effective: 33 MP | Actual: 26.79 MP, Effective: 24.5 MP (6048 x 4032) |
Image Sensor | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) Partially Stacked CMOS |
Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis, Active IS | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis, AF points can be linked to VR |
ISO Sensitivity | Native 100-51,200 (50-204,800 Extended) | Photo: Native 100-64,000 (50-204,800 Extended) |
Shutter Type | Mechanical Focal Plane and Electronic Rolling Shutter | Mechanical Focal Plane and Electronic Rolling Shutter |
Shutter Speed | 1/8000 to 30 Seconds (Photo) | 1/8000 to 15 Minutes (Mechanical), 1/16000 to 15 Minutes (Electronic) |
Continuous Shooting | Not specified in the provided data (10 fps per web sources) | Up to 20 fps at Maximum Resolution |
Autofocus Points | Photo: Phase Detection: 759 | Photo, Video: Contrast Detection, Phase Detection: 299 |
Autofocus Sensitivity | 4 to +20 EV | -10 to +18 EV |
White Balance | 2500 to 9900K | 2500 to 10,000K, Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Shade |
Image File Format | Not specified (JPEG, Raw per web sources) | HEIF, JPEG, Raw |
Bit Depth | Not specified (14-bit per web sources) | 14-Bit |
Best Camera for Video
When it comes to video, the Z6 III feels like a powerhouse that’s ready to stretch your creativity. Imagine being able to capture in gorgeous ProRes RAW—right inside the camera—at up to 6K/60p. With the help of the stacked CMOS sensor, the camera can record 6K 60fps videos. Despite being a consumer hybrid mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z6 Mark III is able to deliver 6K resolution, that is really a big surprise.
That means you’ve got room to push and pull your colors, tweak contrast, and hold onto every bit of shadow and highlight detail without worrying about external recorders or cables.
Nikon Z6 Mark III Slow-Motion Capabilities
And if you need silky-smooth slow-mo or a little extra resolution, you can jump into uncropped 4K/120p or even 1080p/240p modes. While shooting 4K 120 frames per second, you have to face a 1.5x DX crop, and when you are shooting 4K @ 60 frames per second, there is a negligible amount of crop, which remains unnoticeable.
Sony FX2 Video Features
Sony’s FX2 isn’t slouching, though. It delivers clean, 10-bit H.264/H.265 internally and will give you oversampled 4K/30p for sharp, detailed footage. If you really need that ProRes RAW goodness, you can use an external recorder via HDMI—but that means more gear hanging off your rig. And when you want to push the frame rate higher in 4K—meaning if you want to record your 4K videos at 60 frames per second—you have to face a 1.5x crop, and there is no 120 frames per second option available in the Sony FX2 while recording 4K videos.
Sony FX2 Live-Streaming Advantages
Where Sony shines is in its live-streaming chops: built-in RTMP/RTMPS and SRT support make it a dream camera for one-person streaming setups, whereas the Z6 III leaves you hunting for a separate encoder. Both cameras give you flexible picture profiles—N-Log on Nikon holds up beautifully alongside Sony’s S-Log 3 and S-Cinetone—but in professional circles, S-Log and Cinetone have built a bit more of a buzz.
Audio and Rolling Shutter Comparison
Don’t forget audio: both record in 24-bit LPCM, but Sony’s extra channels give you more mics or ambient tracks to play with. And if rolling shutter is a worry, Nikon’s stacked sensor really pulls ahead—its readout is faster, so you’ll see far less “jello” when you whip the camera side-to-side at 4K/60p or 120p.
Nikon Z6 III vs. Sony FX2: Which to Choose?
In short, if you’re a solo shooter who loves to color-grade, chase cinematic slow-mo, and keep your rig light, the Z6 III’s internal RAW and high-speed modes deliver. If you’re streaming live, mixing multiple audio sources, or don’t mind an external recorder for 16-bit RAW, the FX2’s built-in streaming and flexible codecs have you covered.
Video Comparison
Feature | Sony FX2 | Nikon Z6 III |
RAW | 16 BIT via HDMI | 12 Bit internally |
MAX RES. | 4K 60p | 6K 60p N-RAW, 6K 30p ProRes RAW |
Internal Recording Modes |
H.264/H.265 8/10-Bit: UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) at 23.98/24/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
|
ProRes RAW/ProRes RAW HQ/Raw: 6048 x 3404 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps 4032 x 2268 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps 3984 x 2240 at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100/120 fps
|
Format and codes | 16 Bit RAW, 10-Bit 4:2:2 XAVC S-I | 12 Bit RAW, |
4k 60 FPS | Yes, 1.5X Crop | Yes, 1.17x Crop |
4K 120 FPS | No | Yes, 1.5X Crop |
External Recording Modes |
4:2:2 8/10-Bit via HDMI: DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) HD (1920 x 1080) Raw 16-Bit: 4672 x 2628 |
HDMI: UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) |
Dual Native ISO |
Dual Base 800/4000 | Dual Native ISO 800 |
Built-in Fan | Yes | No |
Video IS | Very effective / Active IS + Gyro | Mechanical IBIS + EVR |
Fast-/Slow-Motion Support | Yes | Slow-Motion Only |
Gamma Curve | HDR-HLG, Rec709, S Cinetone, Sony S-Log 3, Standard | HDR-HLG, Nikon N-Log |
Anomorphic Lenses support | Yes | No |
Audio Recording |
2/4-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM 2-Channel 16-Bit 48 kHz LPCM |
16-Bit 48 kHz AAC Audio 2-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio |
IP Streaming | RTMP, RTMPS, SRT: 1280 x 720 to 3840 x 2160 at 25p, 29.97p, 50p, 59.94p | No |
Buy Nikon Z6 Mark III from Amazon.com | B&H Camera store
Buy Sony FX2 From B&H Store
also see
Which one is the Best Camera for Recording Video – Panasonic Lumix S1 II vs. Nikon Z6 III?