Nikon Z9 vs Sony a7 IV

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z9 and Sony a7 IV. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Nikon Z9

Sony a7 IV

Manufacturing

Nikon Z9 is manufacturered by Nikon but Sony a7 IV is from Sony. Both Nikon and Sony are well known brands though.

These two camera models were both released 2021.

Camera	Released
Nikon Z9	2021
Sony a7 IV	2021

Type of camera

Both these cameras are Mirrorless cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

These cameras have different sensors. Nikon Z9 has a "Nikon FX"-sensor while Sony a7 IV has a "Sony Full Frame"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon Z9	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Sony a7 IV	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)

Resolution

Nikon Z9 has a 46 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a7 IV has 33 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Nikon Z9	46 MP 45441024 pixels 8256 x 5504
Sony a7 IV	33 MP 32741376 pixels 7008 x 4672

Nikon Z9 has a 39 % larger resolution than Sony a7 IV. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon Z9 has a larger ISO-range than Sony a7 IV. Nikon Z9 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Sony a7 IV has 100 to 51200.

Camera	ISO Range
Nikon Z9	32-102400
Sony a7 IV	100-51200

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z9
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a7 IV

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z9 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds and Sony a7 IV can shoot up to 10 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Z9	30
Sony a7 IV	10

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

In this case, both Nikon Z9 and Sony a7 IV can shoot movies.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon Z9 weighs 1340 gr (equal to 2.95 lb) which is 103% heavier than Sony a7 IV and its 659 gr (or 1.45 lb).

Camera	Weight
Nikon Z9	1340 gr 2.95 lb
Sony a7 IV	659 gr 1.45 lb