For the Same 1.1w Budget: Z52 vs A7C2 – Which Camera to Choose?

Finally, Kangzi has a capable entry-level camera! The Nikon Z52 essentially mirrors the core specs of the ZF—it’s practically a “re-skinned” version of the ZF. Isn’t this what Nikon fans have been calling the true Z63 all along?
The Nikon Z52 is priced at $10,999, while the Sony A7C II, with national subsidies, comes in around $11,000.

Summary: These two cameras share similar core video and burst photography parameters.
The Z52 shines with dual card slots, an EVF, superior build quality, and ergonomic handling. On the other hand, the A7C II boasts a higher pixel count, better portability, and advanced autofocus capabilities.

Here’s a detailed parameter comparison:

1. **Sensor and Image Quality**
– **Nikon Z5 II**: Full-frame, approximately 24.5 million pixels, back-illuminated CMOS sensor paired with the EXPEED 7 image processor.
– **Sony A7C II**: Full-frame, approximately 33 million pixels, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor powered by the BIONZ XR processor.
– **ISO Range**:
– Z5 II: 100–64,000 (expandable)
– A7C II: 100–51,200 (expandable to 50–204,800)

2. **Stabilization and Autofocus**
– **Stabilization**:
– Z5 II: 5-axis in-body stabilization offering up to 7.5 stops of compensation.
– A7C II: 5-axis in-body stabilization providing up to 7 stops of compensation.
– **Autofocus System**:
– Z5 II: Features 9 types of object recognition, including birds and aircraft.
– A7C II: Equipped with a 759-point phase-detection system and AI-powered real-time tracking for people, animals, vehicles, and insects.

3. **Burst Shooting and High-Speed Capture**
– **Burst Shooting Speed**:
– Z5 II: 11fps (RAW) / 15fps (JPG), with support for pre-shooting C30 mode.
– A7C II: 10fps (RAW/JPG).

4. **Video Performance**
– **Z5 II**:
– Oversampled 6K 4K 30p (full-frame).
– DX crop 4K 60p.
– Internal 10-bit H.265 N-Log recording, supports N-RAW (4K 30p).
– **A7C II**:
– Oversampled 7K 4K 30p (full-frame).
– S35 crop (APS-C) 4K 60p.
– 10-bit S-Log3/S-Cinetone profiles.

5. **Viewfinder and Screen**
– **Viewfinder**:
– Z5 II: 3.69 million dot OLED viewfinder with 3000cd/m² high brightness.
– A7C II: 2.36 million dot OLED viewfinder.
– **Screen**:
– Z5 II: 3.2-inch 2.1 million dot tilting touchscreen.
– A7C II: 3.0-inch 1.03 million dot side-flip touchscreen.

6. **Body Design and Storage**
– **Material and Weight**:
– Z5 II: Magnesium alloy body (front/rear/top), weighing about 700g (with battery).
– A7C II: Magnesium alloy + composite material, weighing about 514g (with battery).
– **Storage Card Slots**:
– Z5 II: Dual UHS-II SD card slots with dual card backup support.
– A7C II: Single UHS-II SD card slot (no CFexpress support).

7. **Battery and Interfaces**
– **Battery Life**:
– Z5 II: EN-EL15c (approximately 420 shots).
– A7C II: NP-FZ100 (approximately 540 shots).
– **Interfaces**:
– Z5 II: USB-C 10Gbps (supports UVC/UAC).
– A7C II: USB-C 5Gbps (supports UVC).

8. **Special Features**
– **Z5 II**:
– Pre-shooting C30 high-speed capture mode.
– Nikon cloud creation service and independent optimization calibration button.
– **A7C II**:
– AI-powered auto composition.
– Creative look modes and cinematic color presets.