Sony a1 vs Nikon Z9

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony a1 and Nikon Z9. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Sony a1

Nikon Z9

Manufacturing

Sony a1 is manufacturered by Sony but Nikon Z9 is from Nikon. Both Sony and Nikon are well known brands though.

These two camera models were both released 2021.

Camera	Released
Sony a1	2021
Nikon Z9	2021

Type of camera

Both these cameras are Mirrorless cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Even though the camera sensors might be called differently they are both considered Full frame which means that the focal length of the lenses is not affected. There is no crop factor on any of these cameras and sensors.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Sony a1	50 mm Full-frame sensor No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon Z9	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 (Sony)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Sony a1 has a 50 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Z9 has 46 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Sony a1	50 MP 49766400 pixels 8640 x 5760
Nikon Z9	46 MP 45441024 pixels 8256 x 5504

Sony a1 has a 10 % larger resolution than Nikon Z9. 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 a1. Nikon Z9 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Sony a1 has 100 to 32000.

Camera	ISO Range
Sony a1	100-32000
Nikon Z9	32-102400

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 Sony a1
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z9

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony a1 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds and Nikon Z9 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Sony a1	30
Nikon Z9	30

Ability to record movies

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

In this case, both Sony a1 and Nikon Z9 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 82% heavier than Sony a1 and its 737 gr (or 1.62 lb).

Camera	Weight
Sony a1	737 gr 1.62 lb
Nikon Z9	1340 gr 2.95 lb