Nikon Z8
Stacked 45 MP · 8K 60p · Pro hybrid
Sony α1 II
Stacked 50MP · 30fps · Pre-capture
Sony α1 II takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon Z8 lands at 95 and Sony α1 II at 96. That puts Sony α1 II ahead by 1 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nikon Z8 if…
- ✓Z9 sensor in compact body
- ✓8K 60p RAW internal
- ✓Class-leading EVF
Pick Sony α1 II if…
- ✓50MP at 30fps with pre-capture
- ✓AI processing unit improves AF
- ✓Best EVF in class
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testSensor
TieCompared on the sensor sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Autofocus
TieCompared on the autofocus sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Video
TieCompared on the video sub-score
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Value for money
Nikon Z8Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
Nikon Z8 more score per dollar ($3,999 vs $6,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon Z8 | Sony α1 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 45.4 MP stacked CMOS (8256×5504) | 50.1 MP stacked CMOS |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E |
| Burst | 20 fps RAW / 30 fps JPEG / 120 fps reduced-res | 30 fps with AF/AE |
| Video | 8.3K 60p 12-bit N-RAW · 4K 120p | 8K 30p · 4K 120p |
| AF | 3D-Tracking + 9 subject types | Subject Recognition + AI processing unit |
| Storage | CFexpress B + SD UHS-II | Dual CFexpress A / SD UHS-II |
| Weight | 910 g | ▲ 743 g |
Nikon Z8
- +Z9 sensor in compact body
- +8K 60p RAW internal
- +Class-leading EVF
- −No vertical grip integrated
- −Only 1 CFexpress + 1 SD slot
- −Heavy at 910g
Sony α1 II
- +50MP at 30fps with pre-capture
- +AI processing unit improves AF
- +Best EVF in class
- −Bigger battery solves only modestly
- −Menu system still complex
- −Dual CFexpress A required
FAQ: Nikon Z8 vs Sony α1 II
Which is better, Nikon Z8 or Sony α1 II? +
Sony α1 II scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon Z8 worth the price? +
At $3,999, Nikon Z8 delivers a Specdex score of 95 — strongest in sensor.
Is Sony α1 II worth the price? +
At $6,499, Sony α1 II delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in sensor.
Does Nikon Z8 or Sony α1 II last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is the better value, Nikon Z8 or Sony α1 II? +
Nikon Z8 — more score per dollar ($3,999 vs $6,499). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.